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Book Review 016: Wuthering Heights

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021by Lea1 Comment

Hey guys! I’m back today with another book review! I usually prefer to book a couple of stand-alone books in one post. But since I’m in the middle of reading a series, it’ll be awhile before I have another book to include. So I just decided to write a review for Wuthering Heights now. So let’s get into it.

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For those of you who don’t know anything about this book, Wuthering Heights is considered a classic gothic romance. First published in 1847 by Emily Bronte, it’s a pretty popular novel. I’ve heard it referenced many times but I never knew what it was about. The story follows two families through two generations in the north of England. The story is narrated by their maid Nelly and the main antagonist is Heathcliff. I don’t want to give too many other details because I don’t want to spoil the story.

The beginning of the novel is quite confusing for the reader because the book starts in the present and then goes to the past. A lot of the characters in the past and present have very similar names and there are some juniors and seniors so it’s hard to remember who is who. I started using Sparknotes to help me understand what was going on. I would read a chapter and then read the Sparknotes summary to make sure I caught everything. I was pretty good at understanding everything, but every once in a while I would miss something important and Sparknotes would point it out to me.

This novel is famous for the poetic language, especially the description of the landscapes. If you enjoy that sort of thing, then you’ll love this book. For me, I found that it more often put me to sleep, especially since I mainly read at night when I’m already tired. This isn’t a thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. If anything sometimes it was tough to get through.

This isn’t a happy book. There is a lot of negativity, with everyone hating someone. There were a lot of sicknesses, death and physical abuse. I would recommend googling the trigger warnings before reading this book because it’s a little dark – I mean there’s a reason why it’s a gothic novel.

I generally preferred the second half of the novel compared to the first half because it was with the second generation. I just found the characters to be more tolerable. I also wasn’t very fond of the narrator, Nelly. She was quite biased and that would affect the reader’s perception of characters. I was pretty good at seeing through it, but just something to keep in mind. Also if you’re hoping for a redemption arc, you’re not going to find that in this novel. The bad characters are bad through and through.

I did enjoy the ending. I felt like order was finally restored and it was satisfying. This was a difficult book to get through, so I felt very proud of myself once I finished it.

I gave this book 3/5 stars. I can see the value in this novel. A lot of the things I disliked about it are personal preferences than actual flaws. So if you normally read popular fiction then you probably will dislike this novel. But if you enjoy reading classics then check this one out. I’m a little hesitant to read more classics since I haven’t loved the two I’ve read so far, but I have a whole collection of them that I should read so except more.

As with all my book posts, let me know in the comments what you’re currently reading and if you have any recommendations for me!

xoxo

Lea

Fitness, Review

I Tried 12-3-30 For A Month: Here Are My Thoughts

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021by Lea1 Comment

Hey guys! If you didn’t know, I enjoy trying out new workouts because I get bored pretty easily. With my beloved yoga studio being closed and the weather being too cold outside to run I needed something new. So when I heard about the 12-3-30 workout I knew I had to try it out for myself. For those who don’t know what the workout is about, it was created by an influencer named Lauren Giraldo who apparently lost 30 lbs while doing this workout. It involves raising a treadmill to the 12th incline and walking at 3 miles/hour for minutes. The simplicity of it was what drew me into this workout. So I decided to try it for a month and see what I thought about it.

Before Thoughts

Before starting it I expected that I probably wouldn’t lose weight even though Giraldo claims she did. I’ve been working out and going on walks pretty consistently for a few months now. I also had no plans to change my diet. So because I was keeping my activity and food intake the same, I knew that this workout wasn’t going to magically make me skinnier.

I also predicted that this was going to be difficult at first but I would eventually adjust and be about to do the workout fully. I read an interview with Giraldo that said she would take breaks every ten minutes at first, so that was my plan of action.

And finally, I was excited at the prospect of being able to watch TV or Youtube while working out. Many influencers including Giraldo say the workout is low impact enough that you can watch something. I’ve fallen behind on my subscriptions and was excited at the idea of also being able to distract myself with entertainment.

Week 1

I had a feeling I wouldn’t be able to do 3 miles/hour and I was correct. I did around 2 to 2.2 miles/hour at the 12th incline. I also did take breaks at the ten and twenty-minute mark. This was also because my water bottle doesn’t fit on my treadmill. So I had to get off to drink my water anyway.

I found that it was higher intensity than I thought. I was sweating and my heart rate was higher than doing strength training such as lifting weights. But it was lower intensity than say running. I was able to watch my Youtube videos as I expected and it was a really good distraction. Instead of focusing on how tired I was I just focused on the video.

I was afraid that my shins were going to hurt since I’m prone to shin splints. They were fine but actually I started to have knee issues the second time I did the workout. So I decided to lower the incline to help alleviate the pain in my knee. I also got blisters which is weird because there are old shoes – like I ran all summer and had no issues. I think it was because my shoes were loose and the incline made my feet lift out. So I made sure to tie my laces tight from then on.

Week 2

Something I’ve been trying to do is listen to my body. So if I’m tired or in pain, I won’t go as hard. So I started lowering the incline so my feet and knees wouldn’t hurt as much. I was doing either 6th or 8th incline and going around 2 miles/hour.

Otherwise, I noted that I was enjoying placing my iPad that I used to watch videos in front of the timer. This way I just focused on walking instead of the timer.

Week 3

By the third week, I was able to build up my endurance and only take a break halfway through at the 15-minute mark. I do enjoy taking a quick water break because I find that I usually get a second wind after and can push myself more.

I tried experimenting with the incline and speed. I found that I was able to go at the 12th incline and do 2 miles/hour OR 6th incline at 3 miles/hour. I wasn’t able to do the recommended 12th incline at 3 miles/hour because otherwise my knees would start to hurt.

Week 4

I’ve figured out at this point that I prefer doing the 6th incline at 3 miles/hour. Especially because my energy levels have been lower so it’s just easier for me to do. I’m unsure if it’s because I don’t like this workout or just the weather but I’ve been lacking the energy to wake up and work out lately. So going at a lower incline helps me ease my way into it more.

I also want to note that I don’t immediately go at 3 miles/hour. I start at 1.5 and work my way up as I warm up and get into it. It’s safer to warm up than go all out.

Final Thoughts

So I guess I didn’t really do the 12-3-30 challenge but the 6-3-30 challenge. And honestly, I don’t mind that. Everyone’s bodies are different. Being a mid-size person, I weigh more and therefore exert more pressure on my joints. So to prevent injury I go on a lower incline to alleviate some of the pressure.

Besides the fact that I didn’t technically do 12-3-30, did I still enjoy the format? Kind of. liked watching Youtube while I worked out. But by the fourth week, I was dreading having to get up to do it. It’s higher intensity than I anticipated and sometimes I wanted to do something lower intensity.

Will I continue doing it myself? Maybe if I’m in the mood. I’m someone who likes a variety with my workouts. So some days I might like to do this. But other days if I want to do yoga or strength training or pilates I’ll do that.

Would I recommend this workout? I think you should try it once and determine it for yourself. Not everyone has a treadmill at home and I’m pretty lucky that my dad set up an at-home gym in the basement many years ago. So if you don’t have a treadmill don’t worry, you’re not missing out on the best workout ever. Honestly just going on a walk in a hilly area could probably produce similar results.

So those are my thoughts on 12-3-30 guys! Let me know if you’ve tried it or would consider trying it. I’m planning on reviewing the Peloton app next because my friend has been raving about it. So if you have the app please let me know in the comments what some of your favourite classes or instructors are.

xoxo

Lea

Beauty, Drugstore, Makeup, Review

L’Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation Review

February 5, 2021February 5, 2021by LeaLeave a Comment

Hey guys! I love testing out and writing foundation reviews. This year I want to share more affordable makeup with you guys, so it only made sense to make my first foundation review this year to be a drugstore foundation! After watching a bunch of best makeup of 2020 videos and seeing the L’Oreal Infallible 24 H Fresh Wear Foundation be on top, I knew I had to try this one out for myself.

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This L’Oreal foundation claims to last up to 24 hours (I don’t know anyone who wears their makeup for that long, but anyway). The claims continue with it being long-lasting as well as water, sweat and transfer-proof. The coverage is supposed to be medium to full coverage and the finish is natural. The foundation should feel lightweight and breathable on the skin.

On the first application, I realized that I am paler than I expected. I got the shade Vanilla 445, which is their light neutral shade. This shade would probably work for me in the summer when I’m tan but right now it’s a little too deep. Besides the shade mismatch, but I liked it. I would say the claim of medium to full is correct. And the finish is nice if a little matte. It does look like I’m wearing foundation but it’s not cakey looking in any way. And it felt very comfortable on the skin. It didn’t feel heavy or like I was wearing a mask. I did wish it had a little bit more glow to it, but that’s easy to add with primers or highlights.

At five hours I didn’t notice any colour change, it was still the same shade of too-deep-for-me haha – but it didn’t oxidize. The foundation was mostly intact, it had just rubbed out in a few areas that I have the bad habit of touching such as the chin and cheek. But I would say that 80% of the foundation was still there and looking good. I wasn’t looking oily at all, which is often an issue I have with foundations. My bronzer was also still pretty visible which is nice. Overall still loving how it looked.

After nine hours I finally took my makeup off. By that point, a lot of the foundation had worn off and I was looking greasy. Honestly, this is pretty on par with other foundations, usually around the eight-hour mark is when my foundation is done. The issue with having oily skin is that I find foundation just slides or rubs off the greasier I get. So am I annoyed that I had no foundation left after nine hours? Not really because that’s how most foundations perform.

I wore the foundation a few more times, mixing it with other foundations and serums. I mixed it with a lighter foundation to help better match my current skin tone and it worked just as well. I also tried using a serum to make it glowy and found that the finish stayed about the same. The wear time wasn’t affected by mixing the products with other products.

So overall I like this foundation! I like the finish for days when I want more coverage. It also lasted pretty well. I have some foundations that fall apart at the five-hour mark. Nowadays I don’t need a foundation to last all day because let’s be real I don’t wear makeup for that long. I kind of want to get a lighter shade just to better match my skin how it is currently, but I’ll probably wait until it goes on sale for that. If you’re looking for a foundation at the drugstore, I would recommend this one!

Hope you guys found this review helpful! Let me know in the comments what your favourite drugstore foundation is and maybe I’ll test it out myself. 🙂

xoxo

Lea

Holiday, Home Decor, Life, Tips and Tricks

Easy Ways to get into the Valentine’s Day Spirit

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021by LeaLeave a Comment

Hey guys! So today we’re talking about Valentine’s Day. It’s less than two weeks away! I’m all for the Valentine’s Day spirit this year even though I’m single as a pringle. February can be a depressing time of the year normally, with it being winter and cold outside. Add on top the pandemic and it can be easy to spiral into a deep depression. But instead, I’m celebrating the little moments and getting hyped for this holiday. The colours are bright and cheerful. And the holiday includes chocolate and flowers, things that always brighten my mood. So today I’m sharing some easy and budget-friendly ways to bring some cheer into your lives for Valentine’s Day.

Decorate your space

I love decorating seasonally. If you follow me on Insta or Youtube you might have seen that I decorate my room for fall and Christmas. Well, Valentine’s Day is no exception. It brings a smile to my face every time I see my decorations up. It doesn’t have to be expensive. I just got a couple of things from the dollar store. And you can always use them again and again, so skip the Starbucks for one day and get yourself some decorations.

If your budget is tight then try rearranging the decor you already have. I change my letterboard sign to match the theme. If you have framed photos, you can always switch the photos for something Valentine’s day themed. Pinterest has tons of options.

Change your electronic wallpapers

Speaking of Pinterest, that website is full of free wallpapers for your phones, tablets and computers. It might seem silly, but changing your wallpaper can help improve your mood. Think about how often we are on these devices. That way whenever you open them, you can see a cute image instead!

Add some flowers

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Flowers are a traditional gift given on Valentine’s Day, but who says you have to wait for someone to give them to you? When I was in university, I always bought myself a bouquet on Valentine’s Day. I usually got tulips because it’s around this time of year that they are available again and tulips remind me of spring. But you can get whatever flowers you want. Some florists will do sales to celebrate, so getting what’s on sale can be helpful if you’re on a budget. Plus with everything going on right now it can be a nice way to support your local florists!

Send out Valentine’s Day cards to friends and family

Listen, whoever says Valentine’s Day is just limited to romantic partners is just being selfish. I think this holiday can be about love in general, which can include familiar and platonic relationships as well. With lockdowns and restrictions it might be hard to have the normal Galentine’s Day festivities, so sending a card instead is a great way to still share some love with your friends. Plus there is nothing more special than receiving a card in the mail. And send one to your parents as well, because I’m sure they would love to hear from you.

Indulge into all the sappy songs, books and movies

Nothing sets the mood more than music. So trying putting on a playlist full of love songs. A lot of them are just amazing songs and put me in a good mood.

I also am a sucker for a good romance book or movie. With everything going on, it’s nice to escape into a world where true love saves the day. Let me know, I can always do a follow-up post sharing some of my favourite romance books and move if you are interested.

Make an amazing meal

They say that the way into a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I love a good meal as well. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, why not take the time to make a really good meal, whether for yourself or to share with a loved one. You can make a big brunch, create a charcuterie board or make a big dinner. And don’t forget to eat lots of chocolate, because that’s what I’ll be doing.

And those are a few of my suggestions to do in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Let me know what you guys are planning to do this year. I’ll probably be cuddled up with a good book reading haha.

xoxo

Lea

Beauty, Boxycharm, Makeup, Review, Skincare

January Boxycharm 2021

January 29, 2021January 29, 2021by Lea6 Comments

Hey guys! Just like that, another month is done! Not exactly the most thrilling month, but hey at least we’re another step closer to everything getting better right? Anyway, it’s time for my Boxycharm. If you want to see these products in action then check out my Youtube video.

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The first product in the box is the Violet Voss Olive You Forever Eyeshadow Palette. I like this palette! I think it’s unique but still very wearable. Instead of browns and golds, this palette has mauves and greens. I love wearing these tones on my eyes because they bring the green out. I will say that I prefer something a little more brown based if I’m wearing green but I do think the tones of the mattes are unique. The quality of the shadows is amazing. Both the mattes and shimmers are pigmented and easy to apply. A great palette that I’m excited to use more. Price: $34 US

Another moisturizer! I love getting skincare in my box because I haven’t had to purchase a moisturizer in months! The one I got this month is the Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer. This is perfect for all my fellow oily girls. It’s a gel so it sinks into the skin easily and gives the perfect amount of hydration but it doesn’t feel greasy. It also has some fancy ingredients that help reduce shine. So if you prefer matte makeup this is the perfect moisturizer to apply before doing your makeup. I like this moisturizer and will continue to use it. Price: $38 US, $50 CAD

I got a second skincare product in my box this month – the Avant Skincare Bi-Phase Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Micellar Water. I was shocked at how effective this micellar water is. I think it’s because it’s part water part oil, so the combination can break down stubborn makeup. I found it was easy to use, I didn’t have to scrub my face to remove my makeup. My face didn’t feel oily or stripped after. The only thing is that I have to use a decent amount. I’ve already used a fifth of the bottle, but I’ve only used it a handful of times. I think I’ll go through the bottle quickly, which is fine except that this is so expensive. I wouldn’t purchase it myself but I’ll continue to use it since I have it. $90 US

The next product is the Seraphine Botanicals Apple + Baume Glow Lip Mask. This isn’t my favourite lip mask I’ve ever tried. It has a green apple scent but it fades to some weird artificial taste on the lips. It’s also quite thick and oily. Whenever I use my finger to apply the mask my fingers get all greasy and I have to wash them. So I try to apply it straight to my lips but the packaging is just a hole so it’s not very easy to use. The formula isn’t anything special so it’s not worth it. I’ll use it because I own it but I wouldn’t go out of my way to repurchase it. I also think it’s overpriced. Price: $25 US

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The final product is the Qveen Studio Dragon Duo. The set comes with a pencil and liquid liner. The liquid is pretty easy to use once I got adjusted. It has a sharp tip so it’s easy to do a fine line or a thicker one. It lasts well but is also easy to remove. I’ve only used the pencil once but it seems pretty good. It was easy to apply and pigmented. It’s hard to review eyeliners because it’s obvious when they suck but otherwise they’re all sort of the same. I think it’s a good price for the two liners. Price: $28 US

The total price of my box is $215, which is great! Can’t remember the last time I had a box worth over $200. I think this box was really good! The only item I wasn’t in love with this the lip mask but I’m probably still going to use it. Boxycharm started this year pretty strong if you ask me. If you get Boycharm, let me know if we got the same products! And if you’ve tried any of these products let me know if you feel the same way as me.

xoxo

Lea

Book Review, Review

Book Review 015: Shadow and Bone Trilogy

January 26, 2021January 26, 2021by Lea2 Comments

Hey guys! Today we have another book review! I just finished the Shadow and Bone trilogy and wanted to share my thoughts with you guys. So let’s get into it.

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The Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo consist of three books: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. They are set in the fictional country of Ravka, which is loosely based on 19th century Russia. Ravka has been torn apart into two by the Shadow Fold, a large swath of land that is covered in complete darkness. Alina discovers that she can control light and is taken away to be trained at the royal court. Alina becomes a member of the Grisha, a magical elite who is ruled by the Darkling. Alina quickly learns that many secrets are being hidden about the world and herself. This series is YA fantasy.

I found the series started strong. I was hooked because I found the world so interesting. It can be a little confusing at first remembering all the elements to the magic system, but Bardugo does a good job of consistently reminding the reader what everything is so I found I eventually got it. I was a little unsure of where the series was going by the end of the first book, but I was excited to see where the series would go.

I found the first half of Storm and Seige to be quite boring until I got to know the character Sturmhond, who is one of my favourites in the series. I liked the latter half of the second book because it involved quite a bit of political intrigue. I’ve mentioned this in past reviews but I prefer it over war and battles.

The third book was just a series of unfortunate events for the characters. Nothing seemed to be going right and many side characters were killed off. I know there are some mixed opinions on the ending of the series. It’s not a happy ending and there were sacrifices made. I’m pretty indifferent to the ending. I think it wrapped up things nicely but also left the door open for sequel series.

Something that did bug me is Alina’s main love interest, Mal. I thought he was a pretty boring love interest, there was nothing that made me go ‘wow’ about him. I found the emotional connection between the two of them to be lacking. They were childhood friends and it felt like their connection was in the past, there wasn’t much special that happened during the series. I much preferred the antagonist, the Darkling. I found there was more depth to him and wanted more scenes with him in it. Also wanted to note that there was a lack of diversity in the main characters as well.

Overall I give this series 4/5 stars and I felt like every book was on the same level. I liked the world and the overarching storyline. Had some pacing issues, there were some boring bits. Wasn’t a fan of the romantic interest as well. But this series had made me excited to read Six of Crows, which everyone says is better anyway.

So have you guys read this book? If you have please let me know your thoughts in the comments down below. And as always let me know if you have any book recommendations for me. 🙂

xoxo

Lea

Beauty, Drugstore, empties, Hair, Makeup, Review, Skincare

Product Empties January 2021

January 22, 2021January 22, 2021by LeaLeave a Comment

Hey guys! I’m back with another product empties! I feel like I go through ebbs and flows when it comes to finishing products. I’ll have so many products and then finish them all at once haha. Today we have thirteen products so let’s get into it.

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The first product is the Tula Super Calm Gentle Milk Cleanser. I got this in my Boxycharm and it was alright. As the name describes, it’s a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. I find that for my acne-prone skin I need something a little stronger than this. I used this as my shower cleanser. I generally use a gentler cleanser in the shower because the hot water can be drying so it’s nice to use something gentler in there. I wouldn’t buy this again because I didn’t think it was anything special. Also I’m not sure if Tula ships to Canada, because at one point I know they didn’t. There are better cleansers on the market.

I finished another bottle of the beautyblender Liquid bleandercleanser. This is what I use to clean all my brushes and sponges. I find the packaging more sanitary compared to their solid cleanser that I used in the past. I just squeeze a drop onto my brush cleaning mat and swirl my brush in it and it’s clean! It does an amazing job at cleaning my brushes and leaves them feeling soft. Because I only use a little bit (and don’t wash my brushes that often oops) so this lasts a long time. I’ve already repurchased!

Moving to body care, I used up a Dove Exfoliating Body Polish. I liked this body scrub! I find a lot of body scrubs can be quite thick, but this one was thinner and therefore easier to use. My skin always felt so smooth and soft after using it. I had the crushed macadamia and rick milk scent and it was sooo delicious. I didn’t repurchase this because I wanted to try body scrubs by other brands but I would highly recommend this one. Especially since it’s available at the drugstore, it’s accessible and affordable.

Another drugstore find is the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. This was my upper body moisturizer. I’ve mentioned this many times but my chest and back are also acne-prone, so I use moisturizer meant for my face on this portion of my body to help with breakouts. This one did the job. It’s a pretty thin and lightweight formula, so it was nicer in the warmer months when I didn’t need as much hydration. Now that it’s colder my skin needs something a little thicker. But overall it kept my skin hydrated and didn’t break me out so I would recommend it.

Moving over to haircare, I finished the Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask. This mask is alright. Something I’ve noticed is that hair masks without silicone tend to not give that soft and silky feeling as much. Which makes sense because the silicone is just coating the hair and not healing it. This mask doesn’t give instant gratification but I did notice over time my hair feeling and looking healthier. I much prefer Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair Honey deep conditioner mask, but unfortunately it was a limited edition product for the holidays so I can’t repurchase it. This mask isn’t bad, but I’m currently testing out other hair masks because I think there are better ones out there.

I got a mini set from Sephora that had the OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub and the OUAI Body Creme. I didn’t use the scrub on my scalp just my body. It had visible, thick chunks that melt into the skin while you scrub. I enjoyed it but I prefer the consistency of the Dove one. It was good but I wouldn’t repurchase. The body creme smells amazing in my opinion. It’s not like other ones because it’s slightly peppery in scent. I enjoyed it but won’t repurchase any time soon because I have so many other body lotions.

I mentioned this in my December products of the month update, but I am getting rid of my Colourpop Jelly Much shadow. I liked it but it’s dried out so there is no point in keeping in.

Another product that has dried out is the Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadows. I have the shades Diamond Dust and Kitten Karma. I’ve had these liquid eyeshadows for a couple of years now so I’m not surprised they have dried out. I do enjoy these because they are just so beautiful. They are packed full of glitter and are easy to apply. I don’t wear them as often anymore since I don’t leave the house much lol. But I did repurchase the shade Diamond Dust since I do like it. I have a shade similar to Kitten Karma so that’s why I didn’t repurchase that one.

A classic empty for me is the Fresh Soy Cleanser. This is a cleanser I always seem to have since I always get the mini from Sephora as points perks. I do like this cleanser. Unlike the Tula one, I find this to be gentle but effective. And I love the cucumber scent. I’m not repurchasing it because I have other cleansers but I do recommend it.

I finished two Farmacy products. I finished a full size of the limited edition Very Cherry Clean and a mini of the Green Clean Cleansing Balm. I do like using these cleansing balms when I have a full face of makeup. It does a great job of getting rid of stubborn liquid lipsticks or tough glitter. But it’s also gentle and leaves my skin feeling soft after. I do prefer the cherry version because I find it irritates my eyes less. I’m currently testing some other balms for fun but I do recommend both of these.

The final product is the Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer. I bought this a couple of years ago and just finally finished it. I went through a dry phase and just found this too mattifying. True to its name, I find that this moisturizer does visibly mattify the skin and evens out my pores. I have found that my skin has calmed down a little bit and it’s not as oily as it once was so I prefer something a little more hydrating. If your someone with really oily skin or prefer a matte look then I would recommend this moisturizer. I won’t be repurchasing because it’s just not what I want anymore.

And that is my length product empties list guys! Let me know what you have finished lately. And if you tried any of these products do you agree with my thoughts? Let me know!

xoxo

Lea

Beauty, Review, Skincare

First Time Trying Inkey List Products

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021by Lea7 Comments

Hey guys! Today I am reviewing a couple of Inkey List products for you guys. I bought a few items back in November and have been testing them ever since. I’ve never tried anything from the brand but I had heard only good things so I was excited to try them out!

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The Inkey List has been around for a while but only recently became available on the Sephora Canada website. The brand is similar to The Ordinary in the sense where the products are in simple packaging and are affordable. But unlike the Ordinary, the brand is very simple to understand and pride itself on being accessible. That was something I appreciated when trying to figure out what I wanted to purchase. Every product had an explanation of what it does, how it can help and how to use the product.

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The first product I picked out and tested was the Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This serum is meant to help hydrate the skin. I picked this because everyone and their mother is talking about hyaluronic acid and I’ve never tried a dedicated serum that only has hyaluronic acid in it. So keep in mind that I have nothing to compare it to.

I didn’t notice a difference??? I don’t know if that’s because of this serum or if my skin doesn’t react much to hyaluronic acid. I apply it to my face and it doesn’t immediately feel hydrated, if anything it feels sticky. So it’s not like a moisturizer where you’ll get instant hydration. I tested this for a month and I didn’t notice any difference. So I stopped for a month and then started again for a month. NO DIFFERENCE. I don’t know guys, I have pretty oily skin but like everyone, I do get a little drier during the winter months. This time of year is probably when my skin is the driest and I noticed no effect.

I’m also not a huge fan of the packaging. It’s just a top that you flip out and squeeze, so it’s pretty easy to squeeze out too much. I also find that it gets clogged as well. I’m going to continue to use it but once I finish it I won’t be repurchasing it because I don’t notice anything.

inkey list, the inkey list, vitamin c, vitamin c serum, skincare

The next product I picked was the 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum. I have tested out other vitamin C serums so I do have something to compare. This is supposed to help brighten dull skin and help with dark spots. I like the packaging of this more than the Hyaluronic Acid because it comes with a pump that dispenses the perfect amount. It has a slight scent but nothing offensive and it leaves the skin feeling slightly tacky.

Unlike the other serum, I found this one did make a difference in my skin. My skin did look brighter and it helped with some of my acne scarring. But it’s not as good as my Biossance serum. There is a dramatic price difference – the Biossance one is $95 whereas the Inkey List is $18.99. But there is also a difference in quality. Because the Inkey List Vitamin C serum is just vitamin C, I need to use other serums to get other benefits. Whereas the Biossance serum also has squalene and rose oil, which helps heal my acne and hydrate my skin. So my thoughts are if you are looking for just a vitamin C serum and already have other serums then sure this one will do the job. But sometimes it’s nice to get a pricier serum that will do everything than get multiple serums to do different jobs. Quality over quantity.

the inkey list, inkey list, apple cider vinegar, apple cider vinegar acid peel, skincare

The final product I purchased was the Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel and this is my favourite product that I tried. This product is perfect for my fellow oily and acne-prone friends. This peel is meant to brighten the skin, reduce redness and refine the look of texture.

The first time I used it I was shocked at how much it reduced the redness of my acne scarring. And even though it’s called a peel, it’s not a mask you have to physically peel off. I just wear it for 10 minutes and wash it off. I will note that it’s meant for scarring so I only use this when I don’t have any active breakouts. The product does tingle a bit while using it, so I would recommend using it once to twice a week as directed. This is a product that I will continue to use.

I’m unsure of my overall thoughts on the brand so far. It has been hit and miss for me, so I would research each product individually instead of saying everything is good. I like that the brand is keeping everything affordable and accessible, but I think that is reflected in the product. The packaging isn’t anything special and the products are pretty basic. They do the one thing they describe. So if you are on a budget or looking to fix one specific need then the Inkey List could be the solution. But if you like luxurious packaging and want to invest in some good products, then this isn’t the brand for you. I see skincare as an investment and I generally do prefer prettier packaging. I also don’t mind paying more for a product if I’m going to get better results. So I’m not saying that I won’t try anything else from the brand, but I just don’t see it becoming my new favourite brand.

Let me know in the comments if you guys have tried out this brand before. And if you have please tell me what your favourite products are. I wanted to try some other things but they were sold out. Okay, that’s it for today’s review!

xoxo

Lea

Book Review

Book Review 014

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021by LeaLeave a Comment

Hey guys! Today I am finally posting the reviews for the books I read in December. I know we’re halfway through January, but I just had other posts I wanted to get up first. If you ever want to be more up to date on what I’m reading then follow my TikTok account (@leaveittolea). I’m better at posting my reviews more promptly there and I do monthly wrap-ups as well. Okay let’s get into it, we have three books today.

If you’ve read my 2020 book list, then you already know that I love “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. This is my top book of 2020. It might have surprised some of you because I loved Throne of Glass, but this book is perfect. The novel follows Starr, a black girl who witnesses her best friend be shot by a police officer and follows the repercussions of this event. This is a young adult contemporary novel.

I purchased this novel in the summer following the Black Lives Matter movement. I wanted to read more books by black authors to help me understand their perspective and educate myself. I think this book allowed me to step into Starr’s shoes and I learned more about the black community. I think everyone should read this book because it does an amazing job of talking about racism and police brutality in a simple and approachable way.

This book has an amazing cast of characters that are all unique, well developed and add something to the story. Starr has a large family and I love the interactions between her and her family. I also liked the relationships Starr had with her white boyfriend Chris and friend Hailey. I think they show how to be a good and bad ally.

I thought the book was well-paced and balanced between intensity and break. The only downside I had was that it’s pretty rooted in 2017 with its references to social media and pop culture. Therefore it could feel dated but at the same time, it’s a good snapshot of what life was like and how people felt at that time. I grew up during this time so I related to it easily.

I give this book 5/5 stars. There isn’t anything I would change. As I said, I would recommend this book to everyone and I’m interested in reading more by Angie Thomas.

The next book I read was “In a Holidaze” by Christina Lauren. Sorry that I’m reviewing a Christmas book after the holidays, but you can always add this to your list for next year. This book is a Groundhog Day meets Hallmark Christmas movie. The novel follows Maelyn who must re-live her Christmas holiday at her family friend’s cabin. Maelyn must figure out her feeling for her two family friends and save the beloved cabin her family stay at. This book is an adult romance novel.

The main character Maelyn (or Mae for short) wasn’t my favourite. I just didn’t like the way she reacted to what was happening. I found her to be controlling and sometimes annoying. But despite my lack of fondness for Mae, I like the romance she has with Andrew. The scenes between the two of them gave me butterflies. 🦋💕 I also liked the rest of the characters. There are four families who all come together so it’s a large and fun cast. Benny was my favourite character. I also liked the discussion of being a big kid but also an adult because I related to that.

I like how the holiday spirit was sprinkled in. It wasn’t as cheesy and holiday packed as a Christmas movie but it satiated my Christmas spirit wishes. But it was better than your cheesy Hallmark movie in the sense that they kissed before the end and the relationship was more developed. I will say that the groundhog day plotline was mediocre, I’ve read it done better before (aka Before I Fall).

I gave this book 3.5/5 stars. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read. I would consider reading more by Christina Lauren though, I’ve heard really good things about some of their other novels.

The final book I read in 2020 was “The Here And Now” by Ann Brashares (the same author who wrote Sister of the Travelling Pants). This was a book that’s been on my shelf for a while. I do try and alternate between newer and older, and I do want to get through my bookshelf more in 2021. Anyway, this book is about Prenna who travels from the future to the present because her time is falling apart due to climate change. Prenna follows all the rules set out by her community until she meets Ethan who helps her change the present and future. This is a young adult science fiction novel.

I thought the concept was interesting. There is a whole group of people who ‘immigrated’ into the past with all these rules. I must say reading about a plague hits a little too close to home during a pandemic. This book is an eco-dystopian, which is where climate change destroys the world. This was my first time reading one and it was interesting but not necessarily my all-time favourite genre.

There was one major twist that I did not see coming, and I’m unsure if that’s because I was oblivious or if the writing wasn’t good. It wasn’t set up well and I was just surprised. The ending wasn’t some huge change as well, it was a relatively small ending. I know a lot of people on Goodreads didn’t like that but I didn’t mind.

*SPOILERS* What I didn’t like was that Prenna and Ethan didn’t end up together in the end. Yes, there was a logical explanation but it didn’t satisfy me. Maybe it’s because I’m a hopeless romantic, but I do prefer it when the couples end up together. Because I didn’t get the satisfying ending the romance felt pointless and therefore I think it could have been excluded. Brashares could have easily made the relationship platonic and still have the same ending. So that kind of pissed me off.

Overall I gave the book 3/5 stars. It was an interesting concept and it was easy to read. If anyone is looking for an eco-dystopian novel then I would recommend this. But the ending annoyed me and therefore it lost some points.

And those are my book reviews! I’m currently the Shadow and Bone trilogy and I’m on book three so expect a review for that series pretty soon! Let me know in the comments what book you’re currently reading and if you have any recommendations. 😊

xoxo

Lea

Beauty, Drugstore, Makeup, Project Pan, Review

Product of the Month Update & Project Pan 2021

January 12, 2021January 12, 2021by Lea2 Comments

Hey guys! So today I am giving an update about my product of the month series and introducing my project pan. I have been doing my product of the month series for just over a year but decided I wanted to do things a little differently this year. My product of the month series was good when I was wearing makeup every day and testing out many different products. But my makeup habits have changed and the series doesn’t make sense to me anymore. So I will share my thoughts on my December products and then introduce my project pan, which will be replacing this series.

makeup, makeup palette, bronzer, bronzer palette, ace beaute, colourpop, colourpop jelly much, beauty

The first product I picked for December was the Ace Beaute Bronzed in Paradise Palette. I enjoyed using this palette. I’m usually not a huge fan of face palettes, but the shades of this one work perfectly that I can use it on my face and my eyes. The powders blend beautifully and are easy to use. I enjoy this palette and will continue using it.

The second product was the Colourpop Jelly Much Shadow in Whistlin’ Pixie. I picked this product because it’s almost dried out and I wanted to get some use out of it. This is such a beautiful shade. This is a beautiful warm brown and it has gold glitter running throughout it. It’s really pretty and I loved it every time I wore it. But it’s dried out so it doesn’t make sense for me to keep it, especially because I have similar shades in my collection.

project pan, makeup, beauty, colourpop, eyeshadow, bareminerals, powder, lipstick, lipgloss, mac, maybelline, wander beauty

Now it’s time to introduce my project pan. For those of you who don’t know what project pan is, it’s a makeup challenge where you try and finish your makeup. The term pan is when you can see the bottom of a powder product. There are many different versions of this challenge, so I’m just going to pick what makes sense for me.

I have picked five products to begin my project pan. These are from categories that I have the most makeup. I am going to try and use these products as much as possible but I won’t restrict myself from using other products if it’s for a certain occasion and/or makeup look. I’m going to give an update every three months. I might decide to switch up a product or continue, depending on my mood. We’ll see how it goes. Today I will be sharing the products I have selected and the goals I have for the next three months.

colourpop, kathleen lights, dream st palette, project pan, eyeshadow, eyeshadow palette

The first product is the Colourpop x Kathleen Lights Dream St palette. This palette has been discontinued so it’s not very fair of me to use it in normal posts since you guys can’t purchase it. But it doesn’t make sense for me to not use it. So I thought it would be perfect for a project pan. I would like to hit pan on Shooting Star and Magical and one other matte shade. I would also like to hit pan on Moony and one other shimmer as well. We’ll see how it goes!

makeup, powder, transclucent power, setting powder, bareminerals

The next product is the bareMinerals Translucent Powder Duo. I just found out while writing this post that this product has also been discontinued, which seems to be a running theme in my selections. I got this powder in 2017 so it’s old (and probably expired). I picked this because it has a translucent side and a glowy side that I can use as a highlight. I’ve made a pretty good dent on the matte side but would love to use up more of the glow side as well.

makeup, beauty, wander beauty, bronzer, blush, face palette

I thoughts about using an individual blush and bronzer, but I rarely use my face palettes so I thought it would be smart to use one of those instead. I decided to pick my Wander Beauty Trip for Two palette. I like both the bronzer and blush so I don’t think I’ll hate using this for three months. The bronzer is well used and would love to hit pan on it. The blush hasn’t been used as much so I would love to just make a sizeable dent.

I decided to pick a lipstick and lip gloss since I have a large collection of both that I don’t often use. The lipstick I picked is one of the older ones in my collection: the Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Daringly Nude. I thought it would be good to use a nude since then I can wear it more often. And for gloss, I picked the MAC Cremesheen Glass lip gloss. The shade I have is discontinued so that’s why I want to use it up. I’ve made a pretty good dent in both of these, so ideally I would love to finish or get close to finishing these in the next three months.

And that is my project pan! Let me know if you’ve ever done a project pan before, and if so please leave me some tips to help me out. I will be posting my update at the beginning of April so stay tuned for that!

xoxo

Lea