Best 18 of 2018 | A Year in Reviews

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It's that time of year again, aka the end. It's about time to take a little look back at the year that was, at least from my corner of the beauty world. I didn't blog as much in 2018, but I still managed to get my hands on some great products. I took a dive into my analytics and have determined my top 18 posts, aka the most popular of the year. Ready? Let's go!

OPI Nutcracker & the Four Realms | Holiday Collection 2018

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Merry Christmas Eve! I know, I'm cutting things seriously close with this last holiday post, but the OPI Nutcracker & the Four Realms Collection landed at my door Friday afternoon. I've been busy swatching, and have to say that this is a really solid collection if you're still looking for a something-something for your festive manicure. Let's get to some polish, shall we?

Sweet Talk | Candy Experience Box November 2018

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The big day of the holidays (aka Christmas) is creeping up. I know you know, but it just had to be said, you know? Anyways, all it really means is that you're running out of shopping days (insert panicked music here...) If you're still in need of a last minute gift, may I suggest something that most everyone will love?

Getting Gifty | Quo Holiday 2018

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I didn't expect to be getting gifty again quite so soon, but as it turns out Quo is killing it this year with a sizeable collection of holiday options. If you're not computing what Quo is, you're clearly not from around here (aka Canada.) Shoppers Drug Mart is the OG beauty hub for most Canadian beauty fans, with Quo being the in house brand. They've been known to do some fun seasonal collections and have done it again this year. Want a closer look? You know what to do...

Getting Gifty | Holiday Gifting 2018

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Now that we're officially in December, it feels about right to talk gifts. I know, the beauty world has been talking gifts / holiday since October, but for me, the holidays just don't feel like the holidays until December rolls around. The beauty world does the holidays exceptionally well, but for my take on a gift guide this year, I've got a few more unique bits that stray from your standard gift set from Sephora.

Face First | Mary Kay Chromafusion Blush, Highlighter & Contour

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Blush, highlight, and conotur... Oh, my! The beauty brains at Mary Kay have been incredibly busy, as they've recently revamped their range of powder products. The Chromafusion range includes a huge range of shades in eyeshadows, and as we're going to jump into momentarily, the aforementioned blush, highlighter, and contour.

Vintage Vibes | Avon Iconic Lipstick & Bow Set

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For beauty fans, it just wouldn't be the holidays without a new lipstick (or four...) Red is always a classic option, but what is even more fun than a new lipstick shade is a fancy new tube. Avon knows the drill, and has given us just that.

Coffee Crush | Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss

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Like most everyone, I'm a social media user. I can be found on most of the popular platforms, but I just never got to love Twitter. As a rather wordy person, the character limit never won points with me, and as a result, I rarely use it. Well, that was up until a month of so ago, I decided I needed to get into it a little more and forced myself to get Tweeting. It paid off pretty quickly, I must say, as the amazing people at Bite Beauty saw my Tweet about the Flat White French Press gloss and sent the rest of the collection. Amazing, right?!

Pretty in Punk | NARS Hot Tryst Face Palette

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In skincare, add the word brightening and I'm immediately interested. It seems, when it comes to beauty, just add tryst and I'm yours. Two releases of the year that were immediate 'I want need that!' feature the alluring word. The most recent is the stunning, limited-edition NARS Hot Tryst Face Palette (insert audible sigh) that is just about everything you could dream of. Like, it's distractingly gorgeous.

This, That & Other Stuff vol. 13

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It's been a minute since my last TT&OS post, but my little pile of misfits (aka products that just didn't fit in anywhere else) was calling out for a little love. I know I just called them misfits, but they're actually a really great group and there is even glitter in the mix. Glitter! You know it makes everything better, so let's get to the goods.

Sugar & Spice | Too Faced Gingerbread Spice Eyeshadow Palette

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Halloween has only just barely passed, so  that clearly can only mean one thing... It's holiday collection season. Actually, it's already in swing, but it will officially ramp up and will soon reach its peak, all before December. I know I've already indulged in a few holiday offerings, have a few more in transit, and am waiting patiently for the upcoming VIB sale to order a few others. It's a good year, okay? Too Faced is sure to be on everyone's list with a heap of cute offerings including the extra adorable Gingerbread Spice Eyeshadow Palette.

(Literally) Fresh Faced | Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence & Rose Floral Toner

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I had a plan for these photos, in my head at least. Things did not go to plan. I mean, there are only so many ways to make skincare look pretty in photos, but I can't help feel a little bit discouraged that you won't see the 'plan'. Oh well, it is what it is. At least we do get to chat up a few skincare goodies from Fresh. Ready?

Too Faced The Sweet Smell of Christmas Mini Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick Set | Holiday 2018

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As you may know, I've been loving lip gloss lately. Shiny, glossy, sheer or opaque, maybe a little shimmery... It's all I've wanted to wear. At least it was all I wanted to wear. When I spied the Too Faced Sweet Smell of Christmas Mini Melted Matte set an inner urge for matte emerged yet again. And for good reason, this is a perfect little set.

Bold is Better | Mary Kay Matte lipstick

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Last week I was so on top of things... Like, a week of posts scheduled and ready to do. This week? Not so much. I did the chance to play around with the new limited edition Mary Kay Matte Lipsticks though, so that's something.

Lasting Hydration | Avon Anew Hydra Fusion Skincare

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The season are changing, although, they really don't know what they're doing. Is it fall? Mostly. Is it winter? Yeah, a little bit of that too. As you may know, Canadian autumns can be a blink and you miss it type of affair. Regardless, my skin is already heading into winter mode with the onset of dryness. Well, it's always prone to dryness, but you know, extra dryness. I'm ready though, as I just happen to have the Avon Anew Hydra Fusion range that is all about lasting hydration.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Mini Macaron Set | Holiday 2018

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Okay, so there may be some issues with my tea party... Mainly, there's no tea (I'll level with you, those are actually espresso cups) and there are no actual macarons. Hey, I live in a small town. If I was able to procure macarons, I'm willing to bet they would not only be exorbitantly overpriced but also not so great. "Well, what does this lame-o non-existent-tea tea party have then?"  Hold the attitude, we have something better than both tea and cookies...

Awesomely Autumnal | Maybelline The Burgundy Bar Eyeshadow Palette

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I've been trying to figure out how to make 'Burgund-yay' work for the title of this, but I just can't make it work. I mean, I could, but it's probably better that I don't. It is fitting though, as I have been incredibly impressed by this little palette. I'll be honest, I wasn't super excited about when it arrived (in like, March...) It just didn't seem like the best time for such a launch, and since we're being honest, you just never know what you're going to get when it comes to a drugstore eyeshadow palette. As it turns out, The Burgundy Bar is kind of amazing!

Gimme Lip | Rodial Dragon's Blood Lip Masks & XXL Lip Liner

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Look, it's not a lip gloss or palette! Although, it does revolve revolve around the lip region... Oh, well, let's not get too particular. We're talking lip masks today, which combine my love of masks and the opportunity to perfect my lips for alllll the gloss I've been hoarding lately.

Coffee Couture | Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss in Flat White

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Something a little different today.... Lip gloss! What?! Don't worry, I've some palettes on the schedule too. I really have been loving gloss and palettes lately, although buying this made me feel a teensy bit ridiculous. I still did it, because, umm gloss, but it wasn't without contemplation.

The Fast Five | Hard Candy Lip Love

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It seems safe to say my recent blog posts are mirroring my recent beauty interests: palettes, skincare, and lip gloss. I've reverted to my twelve-year old self that is allll about gloss. Although, my standards have improved and I've moved past the Bonne Bell display... And onto the Hard Candy one! Jokes, but seriously, I've been incredibly impressed with the glosses Hard Candy has on offer. Read on for a closer look at five worth the space in your collection.

Green Goddess | Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

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For a few months I was checked out of eyeshadow releases. I didn't keep up with them nor was I very interested in info what did find me. I was felling pretty 'meh' about the whole scene. Of course, something snapped and now I've got palette fever again. The ABH Norvina, UD Naked Cherry, TF Gingerbread, Huda Precious Stones Obsessions... So many wants! I am not typically one to buy products on release day, but you can bet I was clicking add to cart the day the Huda palettes were live on the Sephora site.

Pearlesque Box | October 2018 Eir NYC

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It's been a (few) hot minutes since we've chatted Pearlesque Box on the blog, but I've been embroiled in a battle with my now nemesis. That nemesis? Canada Post. For an organization whose main purpose is, oh I don't know, delivering mail, they've been doing a terrible job. But, they came through this month and I got my little turquoise box of skincare goodies on time! The October Pearlesque Box features three products from New York based Eir NYC.

Three For All | Farmhouse Fresh for Face & Body Perfection

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It's a Farmhouse Fresh kind of day. What kind of day is that exactly... Everyday. Or at least it should be. Farmhouse Fresh is just such a feel good (and just as importantly, smell good) brand with a bevvy of products for just about everyone. Today is all about face and body with three of my current brand go-tos. Ready? You know what to do...

Browfection | Mary Kay Precision Brow Liner & Volumizing Brow Tint

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I know they're not always the most interesting products, but I can't get enough brow products. Seriously, I know I'm not alone on this front, but I am always flying through brow pencils and have no problem product hopping on to the next one. Granted, there have been some I've really loved, I just find I like to try all the brow products. Mary Kay has recently launched a brow range, and it's pretty much browfection (get it?)

Purple, Please | Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Palette

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I like to keep up with what's happening in the beauty world, but sometimes... I just don't care. I was feeling pretty meh about eyshadow palettes for a while. Like, how many warm neutrals does a person need? In my case not many, because I've been very resistant towards the trend. Anyway, I wasn't feeling anything, but then... A vision in purple appeared. You know the one. 

Gloss is Boss | Avon True Colour Lip Glow Lip Gloss

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One of my first beauty loves was lip gloss. I remember the heartbreak I felt when a specific Bonne Bell gloss that I LOVED was discontinued (or just no longer carried at my Shoppers Drug mart, either way, it was devastating.) It was a sheer, pale nude frosty number, aptly named Champagne, but smelled of ginger ale. It was one of the only lip products I ever finished, as I was a major product hopper in in my youth. One of my other gloss loves? Avon, of course. With a huge shade selection and usually available for less than $7 (snag 'em on sale!), what's not to love?

Femme & Floral | Givenchy Live Irresistible Blossom Crush

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The colder days of autumn are approaching (yay!) but just for, I don't know, the next 10 minutes or so, let's stay in spring/summer mode. Okay? I say that, because I think the fragrance we're about chat about is technically meant to be a more spring/summer scent, but like so many 'rules'  they're more fun when broken.

One & Done | Rodial The Icons Collection Face Palette

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I love just about anything in palette form. Actually, no. I like anything powder in palette form. I've never been one to enjoy lip palettes and I did not get on well with that liner palette Smashbox used to do (does anyone else remember that?) Anyway, we're not dealing with creams today, but some rather gorgeous powders in the form of the Rodial The Icons Collection Face Palette. The limited edition collection features a little bit of pretty much everything to take your face from meh to marvelous. Yay for one & done products, right?!

Mix & Mask | Avon Anew Clay Masks

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I LOVE masks. There isn't much needed for an enjoyable mask session, but there are few tidbits that can make the experience extra enjoyable. I like to have a plush headband (with out without animal ears, although with is much more fun) as stray hair or bangs in a mask can be downright disastrous. A tool for applying / spreading masks (like a silicone paddle, or flat style foundation brush) classes up the affair, and keeps fingers out of pots. And, what may just be most important, a little mask-time entertainment. I am blind during mask-time (where my fellow astigmatism gals at?!) so I opt for music. Pro tip: make a playlist the same length as your mask's cure time for easy timing. Timing can be crucial for anything with stronger ingredients or potentially drying formulas, like clay....

Palette Perfection | Viseart Tryst Eyeshadow Palette

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Ooh, we're getting scandalous today! Okay, no. No we're not. Unless my Brendon Urie based daydreams count (he's just so much fun to look at...) we're keeping things makeup related. It's just that my mind wanders when the word tryst comes about. You can't help but conjure up some sort of romantical rendezvous fraught with adventure and maybe just a little danger. I'm realizing tryst is a really great word and that a lot of chosen descriptors are shade names in the palette... Regardless, we're talking palettes today, with the Brendon Urie level gorgeous (an unplanned, but perfect tie in) Viseart Tryst Eyeshadow Palette.

Better with Butter | Physician's Formula Murumuru Butter Blush & Highlighter

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Whoa, check me out, two days in a row! It's a small victory, but I'll take it. Just know, that I've fought with an overly exuberant calico tween (what comes between kitten and cat?) to try and get these photos taken. It was not easy and only fun for one of us. My prize though? Getting to play with the wondrousness that are the Physician's Formula Murumuru Butter Blush & Highlighters.

Fresh & So... | Clean Fresh Linens Eau de Parfum

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Let's see if I still know how to do this. It's been... a while. With that said, I thought I'd get back to the swing of things with an easy one: perfume. I will admit that I haven't really switched up my scent rotation in a while (I've been sticking to my top three) but the Clean Fresh Linens is a perfect summery number to switch things up with.

Sydney Grace Cosmetics Icy Betch No Joke Eyeshadow Bundle

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If you're a devoted beauty fan, you probably know the trend of the beauty-themed April Fool's Day product. Quite a few brands take part each year, but this past April, Tarte caused a bit of a kerfuffle with their 'Icy Betch' palette. As we know, Tarte tends to stay pretty neutral when it comes to their palettes, but Icy Betch was all about gorgeous green and blue hues. It didn't actually exist, but a lot of makeup fans wanted it to. What's a shadow fan to do? Turn to the indies.

Maybelline Python Metallic Lip Kit | 25 Valiant

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When it comes to beauty 'trends' some just aren't practical You know, the flash in the pan, Instagram-fueled, fun to look at type trends. Like lip art. Nobody is rolling up the bank or work with rainbow glitter dripping lips. Fun to view, not so much do, but it does give us a new perspective, which is exactly what Maybelline has done with their newest lip launch...

Radiant Summer | Avon Summer 2018

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Happy Monday, blog fans! I've been such a sporadic blogger, I can't even remember the last time I've had a post go up on a Monday... I'm working on resolving that starting today with some really fun summer products from Avon. If you're looking to add a bit of colour to your routine, now that the sun is finally sticking around, you really can't beat these offerings.

Put on a Fresh Face | Personal Microdermabrasion with PMD Microderm

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When it comes to skincare, my favourite type of products are always evolving and shifting depending on my skin, but one constant is always exfoliation. I am always up to seeing brighter, smoother, more refined skin and there really is no better way to get there than exfoliation. While chemical-based exfoliation can be a great way to get there, there is something to be said of a little physical action (insert your double entendres here...) Lately, it's the PMD Microderm that I've been a little (or a lot) obsessed with, as the device makes professional level midrodermabrasion an easy at home process.

Givenchy Couture Edition Spring 2018 | Limited Edition Le Rouge & Prisme Libre

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Ah, Spring... much like the rich jewel tones we come to expect in autumn, Spring brings us florals. Even though they always make their comeback (insert that movie quote here) you can't help but look forward to a little floral after a dreary winter. The Givenchy Couture Edition for Spring 2018 brings a lush dark floral packaging that is utterly swoon-worthy.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body Care + Giveaway

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Happy Spring! Today was the first day that actually felt spring-ish and I'm pretty pleased about that. The snow is pretty much gone (yes, there are a few little patches still clinging to life) and allergy season has already started to creep in, but winter is gone, so things are looking up. I'm sending my winter coat to be cleaned, my boots are being stashed away, and I'm getting the upper hand on the last bit of winter dryness. My elbows (the left one, if we're being specific) have been super dry, along with just about everything else, but the new Palmer's Coconut Formula range has arrived and changed everything. Like EVERYTHING (hint: it's really good!)

Pearlesque Box | May 2018 Delia Organics

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How is this the end of April? My April was a relatively messy month. It was stressful, unorganized, and in terms of my blog life, less than productive. But, as it likes to be, life is unpredictable. What's not though, is Pearlesque Box (see that perfect segue?) I mean, what's a better way to start the month than with a few new skincare goodies? The May box features a second round of Delia Organics (who made their debut appearance last April) and includes four great products.

The Un-Nudes | Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Colour

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I know, we're smack-dab in the middle of a gloss come-back, but I'm taking us back to mattes for a moment. We all know they're truly here to stay anyway, right? So, as much as I enjoy a little liquid lipstick, I can't say I've taken any time to venture into the world of drugstore options. Matte formulas can be drying enough without adding in a cheaper formula. No thanks, right? Well, Maybelline will have you changing your minds with their SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Colour. The range has been on the scene for a minute, but the Un-Nudes have won my matte loving heart.

This vs That | Avon Anew vs Mary Kay Sheet Mask Edition

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It's a battle of the ages... Avon in one corner, Mary Kay in the other. To non-beauty people (t seems they really do exist) both brands are basically interchangeable: women (for the most part) selling beauty products to women MLM style. True, but beauty people know there is more that makes the brands. Both do lipsticks remarkably well, but when it comes to sheet masks who reins supreme? I know, you could cut the tension with a knife...

Love Letters | oNecklace Monogrammed Rose Gold Jewellery

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Happy Monday, blog fans! Okay, it might be Tuesday by the time you're actually reading this, so adjust accordingly... Day aside, hopefully it's at the very least decent. It's about to get a smidgen better, if you like rose gold at least. And really, who doesn't? Speaking of, have you seen the new Smashbox Petal Metal Collection? AMAZING! But let's get back on topic... Rose gold is just straight up gorgeous. I think we can all agree. I'll assume all heads are nodding in solid agreement. oNecklace, makers of an impressive range of custom jewellery, know the allure of rose gold. As such, they offer it as a finish on their sterling silver pieces. I am usually iffy about plating on jewellery, as you just never know how it will stand up, but having a few oNecklace pieces (and loving them) I decided to take a chance on a few rosy gems and am so glad I did.

Naturally Happy Hair | Garnier Fructis Hair Treat 1 Minute Hair Masks

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Remember when I said it was the season of hair products? I'm pretty sure I did... Anyway, we've got more hair care to chat about in the form of the cute little Garnier Fructis Hair Treat 1 Minute Masks. Okay, that's a lot of name for a little product, but these conditioning wonders do make for a nice hair pick-me-up.

Summer Pedi Prep | FarmHouse Fresh Pedi Delight Instant Pedicure Sampler

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So, it seems like Spring is going to be delayed... It started lightly snowing last night. You know, the cute, fluffy stuff that usually melts as soon as it hits the ground? Yeah, except it didn't melt. It accumulated. Ugh. I've been so ready for spring that I am not even going to deny that I'm a bit heartbroken . I was stashing away winter clothes, digging out warmer weather shoes... Is everyone else really tired of heavy winter footwear? As ready as I am to slide into something lighter and brighter, I know my feet are in need of a little extra attention. See where this is going?

The Low (Budget) Glow featuring Avon, Maybelline & Hard Candy

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I LOVE highlighter, radiance boosters, glow serums, liquids, powders, creams... If it gives skin a glowy, radiant je ne sais quoi I want it.  I know I'm not alone, but I've come to the point in my collecting hoarding that I don't really need to spend a ton to get my glow on. Sure, I still do every so often (I'm weak...) but there are some excellent budget-friendly options out there, like these little gems from Avon, Maybelline & Hard Candy

Luxe for Less | Kristin Ess Hair

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As a blogger, I've found I go through seasons where one particular product is the most abundant. This Spring, it seems like everything has gone to hair. I've been testing and trialing so many new products it's almost ridiculous (in the best way, clearly.) There has been a constant stream of new products in and out of my shower, but the ones that have sped their way into my heart? Kristin Ess.

Build a Better Lip Wardrobe with Lise Watier

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Spring is slowly starting to come around... Even if we're still dealing with record breaking cold, it does feel like winter is starting to fade away. I know my urge to spring clean has sprung up already, and this year I'm doing a full on beauty purge. I've done my mascara drawer (proof I probably had too many if they needed their own drawer, right?) concealer and cream shadow drawers too, Lipsticks are next, which is perfect timing because the new lip goodies from Lise Watier are so good. Scratch that. SO. GOOD. that they're going to be in constant rotation.

The Clean Team | Neutrogena Cleansing Wipes

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The humble cleansing wipe (or cloth, towelette... whatever). It never used to be a staple in my routine, but when it comes to getting makeup off post-clean (a la the double cleanse method) they get the job done quickly, and can be essential in your 'I'm too tired for my whole routine' routine, which we all should have. It never hurts to have a backup plan. Neutrogena is proving they're your go-to brand with an impressive selection of options.

Geek N Pretty | The Pretty Deluxe Box

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Who loves Korean beauty & skincare? Given its rise in popularity, I guess I should ask who doesn't, but you get my gist. I've been a fan ever since my fist sheet mask, so it was easy to get excited about the new Geek N Pretty subscription boxes which are all about Korean beauty.

Drugstore Lovin' | Revlon Edition

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I have to admit, it's been a minute since I've actually gone to the drugstore (sorry Shoppers) and it's actually a little sad. I mean, the drugstore can be a glorious place for new beauty and a great way to play around with formulas, colours, and products similar to the bigger (and pricier) brands without feeling too terrible if they end up being duds. Revlon has quite a few new releases hitting shelves, and I have to say, not a dud in sight.