Smashbox It's a Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover

Hello dearies!

You may know this already, but I do use makeup almost every time I go out of the house. But once I get home, I make sure I remove all traces of makeup to reduce the risk of breakouts.

I've tried numbers of makeup removers by now and I still want to try out more from other brands. That's one of the reasons why I bought a set of three products from Smashbox that included this...

Smashbox It's a Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover

As mentioned, it was included in the Smashbox On the Rocks Eye Essentials. I bought it mostly because it was on sale. Got it for only PhP 1,017.50 from its original price of PhP 1,850.00. The fact that it has a mascara, which I was planning to buy initially, and a makeup remover pushed me more to get it. The eyeliner was just a bonus. ;)

Here's the product description from the packaging label:

Info from the website:

DESCRIPTION

When we've nailed the shot on day-long shoots in our L.A. photo studio, our legendary photographers yell, "That's a wrap." We created this super effective yet ultra-gentle makeup remover for the moment when it's time to take it all off. It lifts everything off lashes, lids and lips—even long-wearing and waterproof products. Clean up, then get some beauty sleep so you can slay it again tomorrow!

BENEFITS

• Non-irritating formula leaves skin soft, clean and refreshed
• Ophthalmologist & dermatologist tested

USAGE

Shake well and apply with a cotton ball, then gently rinse with warm water.

INGREDIENTS

Formulated without Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Phthalates, Oil, Fragrance & Talc.

INGREDIENTS: WATER\AQUA\EAU , ISOHEXADECANE , DIMETHICONE , CYCLOPENTASILOXANE , TRISILOXANE , SODIUM CHLORIDE , PEG-4 DILAURATE , LAURYL METHYL GLUCETH-10 HYDROXYPROPYLDIMONIUM CHLORIDE , POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE , DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE , HEXYLENE GLYCOL , DIPOTASSIUM EDTA , PHENOXYETHANOL <ILNILN39590>

Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.

This 50ml bottle is a deluxe size. The regular size is 125ml. 

It's a non-greasy liquid that is scentless. It's the ideal remover! I hate it when I use something too oily or too fragrant. What I love most about this is how gentle it is on the eyes. It doesn't sting!! Ideal when you are using waterproof eye products.

Now, how well does it remove makeup? 

Below are photos of how it performs against the waterproof mascara from the same brand.

I smudged my Smashbox Full Exposure on the palm of my hand...

Then I put a few drops of the makeup remover...
As you can see, the mascara immediately melts. I didn't even rub it... it just melted away effortlessly!

I wiped it away just once without rubbing the rest.
I didn't massage the makeup remover nor the tissue I used to wipe it.

Here, I massaged the tissue with the makeup remover. I just wipe it a few times and the mascara is completely gone! 

Removing makeup is so easy with the Smashbox It's a Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover!  It takes care of my waterproof eye and lip products effortlessly without causing irritations. And a few amount goes a long way! I'm very satisfied with this purchase.

And that's a wrap (get it?) for this review! :)


Cheers,
DAWN

Review : Ziaja PhytoAktiv Cleansing Milk

Hi everyone!

I was able to score another good deal at Beauty Bar last September. Check this one out:

Ziaja Phyto Aktiv Cleansing Milk

I was able to bag this item for only PhP 137.25 from its original price of PhP 250.00.
Awesome deal, right? Cleansing our skin is a must so I think that it's smart to get this while it was on sale. :D

The info about this product is provided at the back of the bottle.

You can also check out the website but the content is pretty much the same as what is written on the bottle.

I haven't tried much products from the brand. What I've read from its website is that it's a Polish brand that creates pharmaceutical and cosmetic products using natural ingredients. Ziaja's goal is to provide high-quality products in competitive prices for its consumers and they make products from facial skin care, toothpaste to feminine wash and hair care.
It all sounds so good... who doesn't want good quality AND affordable stuff?

Anyway, let's get on with the review of the cleansing milk.

The packaging is simple. I like the pink with white combination. It gives me the feeling that it's clean and serious but still has a girly vibe. The bottle can be easily squeezed to get the product out. The cap seals well so I don't experience any spills even when I accidentally drop the bottle.

The scent is pretty nice... like baby shampoo. The consistency is thick at first glance but as soon as you massage it, it becomes like a very light lotion.

As mentioned on the label, this also acts as a makeup remover. What I do is I massage this on my face first then wipe it off with a cotton pad. I then do it a second time but wash it all off with warm water afterwards. That should do the trick of removing the makeup I was wearing for the day. 

What about the waterproof eye makeup? Good news, it can completely remove them (some may need a little more effort though)! Bad news? Unfortunately, I experience some stinging sensation when I get some of the product in my eye. :/

I've been using this for more than a month now and it doesn't leave my face dry when I use it. No irritations nor breakouts also.

What about the "strengthening treatment for skin with dilated capillaries part"? Well, I was a bit confused about it at first because I don't think I've encountered products that has that property. So I googled about this. First thing to clarify is what dilated capillaries are and from this website, it says: 

Dilated capillaries is a common skin disorder also known as spider veins, thread veins, vascular blemishes.

I know some people who has this, some near the eyes while there are some on the cheeks. I don't think I have very visible dilated capillaries (I think) so I can't really say if it does any difference or if the product's mild enough not to damage/irritate the capillaries further. So in short, I can't really comment on this part. :P

Anyway, to summarize:

What I LIKE:
- Affordable
- Can remove makeup, even waterproof ones
- Smells pleasant
- Packaging
- Locally available at Beauty Bar
- Didn't cause any irritations nor breakouts
- Doesn't dry the skin

What I DON'T LIKE:
- Stings my eyes when some of the product get in them

Will I repurchase? I think this product is really good, especially when I consider the price, but since it stings my eyes, I'll have to pass. I wear waterproof eye makeup a lot and I hate having to deal with the stinging part when I remove my makeup when I get home. But I still recommend it if you don't use eye makeup or if you will just use it as a cleanser. :)

And that's all for this review! :)


Cheers,
DAWN

Review : Ciracle Absolute Deep Cleansing Oil

Hello dearies!

 As much as I love applying makeup, removing it after a long day is a must. Never... and I mean NEVER sleep with your makeup on. Let your skin breathe and give it a rest as much as you can. If you wear makeup as much as I do every week, then a great makeup remover is a must in your skincare routine.

The one I'm currently using, and absolutely loving is the...

Ciracle Absolute Deep Cleansing Oil

This costs PhP 1,390.00.

This bottle was sent to me for review and I'm so glad that it was because I finally discovered a cleansing oil that is really good and is within my budget. I'll share a more detailed review on why I say these later on this post, but first, let's get to know the product from the descriptions...

Well, I can't understand what's written on the label so I took some info from the website instead:

Ciracle Absolute Deep Cleansing Oil is a light and non-sticky facial oil cleanser that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The Absolute Deep Cleansing Oil formula uses mineral oil, as well as plant and seed oil extracts from Camellia Sinensis, otherwise known as Green Tea. Green Tea provides the skin with essential anti-oxidant and UV-protection. Easy to wash off and non-sticky, your skin should feel moist and healthy after each cleanse.

Properties of Absolute Deep Cleansing Oil

• Washes away light to heavy make-up, including waterproof mascara, eye and lip makeup
• Removes sebum from pores
• Helps to tighten enlarged pores
• Maintains moisture in the skin

Directions

1. Pump deep cleansing oil 2-3 times onto dry hands.

2. Gently pat all over dry face.

3. Put a little water on your fingers and massage your skin gently to remove makeup residues.

4. Wash off with warm water.

Ingredients:

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Mineral Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Fragrance

And now for my review!

First off, the packaging. It's really, really simple. I like that it's in a pump bottle because dispensing the oil is easier and you can control it better. I like that it's also clear and doesn't contain so much designs. It looks classy-minimalist. I don't recommend taking the pump with you when you travel because some minor leaking may occur. Better to transfer some in a small bottle instead.

As for the product itself, the oil is not thick and whenever I massage it on my skin, it doesn't feel suffocating unlike some oils I've used before that are just too thick and sticky that I feel like my skin can't breathe. It has a mild pleasant scent but I can't really point out exactly what it is... but you can barely smell it unless you place it under your nose.

But how effective is it in removing your makeup?
See how it performs on my waterproof makeup...

From left to right:

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil in Teal Malachite

Too Cool For School Eye Design Box Eye Makeup Multi Kit

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Lorac 3-In-1 Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Holika Holika Jewel-light Waterproof Eyeliner in Brown Ember
Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black

With just one swipe of the oil, look how it easily removed the products... well, the Dolly Wink one stayed better than the rest. ;)

But just massage the oil and wipe with tissue, everything's gone! 

Whenever I remove my makeup, I don't have to rub my skin hard. I just use 1-2 pumps and just massage gently around a minute and wipe everything off. It takes care of everything! And you know what I like best when I use this? It's the fact that it doesn't sting my eyes when I remove my eye makeup! AWESOME! It makes removing waterproof eye makeup so much easier and no stingy and painful experience. I love it!

After I remove my makeup, I wash my face with a cleanser/facial foam. And after that, I use my toner. Whenever I apply the toner, I don't get any makeup residue on the pad anymore so I can easily say that this cleansing oil really did a good job in removing the majority, if not all, of my makeup.

So to sum up my review:

What I LIKE:

- Easily removes makeup (even waterproof ones)

- One-two pump/s will do for me so a 150ml will last long

- Does not sting my eyes

- Mild scent

- Not sticky and not thick

- Price is within my budget

- Packaging

- Locally available

What I DO NOT LIKE:

- Well, the pump bottle is not travel friendly but you can just transfer some in a different bottle when you travel. :)

Would I buy it again? I think I will! I really like it! It can easily become an HG product for me. So yeah, I also definitely recommend that you try it out.

And that is my review of the Ciracle Absolute Deep Cleansing Oil. If you're interested to learn more about Ciracle, you can visit their website and Facebook Page. :)

If you have comments and suggestions/recommendations on good cleansing oils, please do let me know in the comments section. ;)

Cheers,
DAWN

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation benefit and I was only invited to review the product. All opinions written in this review are my honest thoughts on the product. :)

Nature by Canus All Natural Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Milk & Make-up Remover

Hello everyone!

Hope you had a lovely Saturday. I did and now it's time to get some good night rest. But before hopping to bed, I made sure that I've removed all the makeup I applied. I'm currently using this product I bought on a huge discount at Beauty Bar some months ago...

Nature by Canus All Natural Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Milk & Make-up Remover

Phew. That was long. Haha!
Original price was Php 950.00 and I got it for Php 200+.

I'm not familiar with this brand when I bought it. I was just curious what it's all about and since it was discounted, I just bought it. I use makeup removers every time I wear makeup (which is very often) so I'm sure it will be useful to me.

Anyway, here are the product info from the label:

Additional info from drugstore.com:

All Natural Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Milk & Makeup Remover

• with fresh goat's milk
• gently cleanses & revitalizes skin
• hypo-allergenic
• pH balanced
• fragrance free
• clinically proven to hydrate
• for normal to dry skin
• always free of phosphates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, sls, colors & fragrances
• never tested on animals
• dermatologist tested & recommended
• pH balanced

This moisturizing facial cleansing milk removes dirt and make up, while helping to prevent free radicals from damaging the skin and creating wrinkles. Packed with the goodness of certified organic ingredients like Acai, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils, it leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed. A special blend of Shea and Palm Butter protects and aids in cell regeneration, while maintaining skin's natural pH balance.

Made in Canada

The product is in a pump bottle and I really like that because it is easier to use and you can control the product you get. For the design, I'm not really a fan. I find it too crowded. :P

Here's how it looks. It's creamy but it's not really thick... it's like cold cream but kinda runny. It is fragrance-free too.

I bought it mainly because it is a makeup remover and not really because it promises to be moisturizing. I have oily skin so I don't mind it if my makeup remover doesn't give that extra benefit. I use it just like how it was instructed on the label: I wet my face, massage the product, BUT I wipe it off with tissue first then I cleanse it for a second time, then rinse it off. I find that more effective in getting rid of all the makeup I had on. 

The product is very gentle. Even if I get some in my eye, it doesn't sting so it's great for removing eye makeup. It does a great job in removing my waterproof eyeliners, but for waterproof mascaras like those from Majolica Majorca and Heroine Make, I need to do some extra effort because those are just hard to remove with any cleanser/makeup remover. 
Even if I use it twice to remove all the makeup, I don't feel like my skin is drying at all. I never encountered any irritations nor breakouts with it. I really like the product because it is so gentle and yet can remove waterproof makeup. I definitely recommend you check it out and try it. :)


Cheers,
DAWN

Etude House Happy Teatime Milk Tea Cleansing Cream

Hey dearies!

Sleeping with makeup on, even if you only applied a small amount, is bad for your skin so make it a habit to fully remove all makeup and cleanse your face before heading to bed. 

I know that skincare products can be a bit pricey so let me share one of the cleansing creams I've tried that is budget-friendly...

Etude House Happy Teatime Milk Tea Cleansing Cream
Php 198.00

But I bought mine on sale at 20% off!

I was actually looking for something new to try during the sale and saw this. I thought that I use makeup removers and cleansers a lot and this is actually affordable so I bought it. And oh, I also LOVE tea!

Below are some of the labels on the packaging:

I like the packaging. The tub's design is really cute. I'd probably recycle it and use it as a container of something... maybe paperclips. :P I do, however, prefer pumps than having to dip my fingers or cotton pads into the tub.

You just twist the cap and you'll see the cream. It smells very good—like a sweet milk tea (although the tea part is very mild) mixed with baby powder.

I use this every time I wore makeup and had to remove it. I massage the cream on my face and then wipe it off with cotton pads or tissue. I prefer the former since it doesn't tear off easily compared to tissues.

I already got my tub almost half by now (I took the photos while it was still new FYI) and I've not encountered any irritations nor breakouts.

It really does a great job removing even my heavy coverage foundations. It's a really good cleansing cream although it doesn't completely remove some of my waterproof eye makeup, especially mascaras. I had to use a different makeup remover for that because I don't want to rub my eye area too much (I try to avoid wrinkles!). But what's awesome is that it doesn't sting my eyes like some cleansing oils and creams do.

I do recommend you try this out. It's effective and affordable. It is something you can use everyday, especially if you don't really wear thick makeup. :)

Have you tried this product yet?


Cheers,
DAWN

Review : Nature Republic Magic Remover Makeup Gel

Hey dears!

I like wearing makeup every time I go out of the house. I pretty much do a full makeup starting with a makeup base down to a makeup fixer! And I like wearing heavy coverage foundations and waterproof eye makeup because I have oily skin and acne problems, the weather is so hot in the Philippines, and I am lazy to do touch ups every now and then. Haha!

That's why it's important for me to have a good makeup remover so I can clean my face at the end of the day. I've tried many, some are good, some are not so good. But even though I've found some that I can work with, I still wanna try more! So for this post, I'll share this impulse purchase because it's something I've never tried before—a gel type makeup remover!

Nature Republic Magic Remover Makeup Gel

Bought this for Php 295.00 at their SM North The Block Branch.

I like that this product has English labels unlike most of the Korean brands here.

"This make up remover for sensitive skin gently cleanses makeup.

HOW TO USE: Dispense an appropriate amount of del onto a cotton ball, place it over the desired area for about 5 seconds and gently blot out the makeup.

CAUTION: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if signs of irritation or rash appear. Keep out of reach of children. Replace cap after use."

This is how the product looks. It's gel!

It smells really pleasant. A mild floral scent. I like the gel consistency because it makes dispensing easier, you get to control better the amount of product you'll use and it does not easily get into your eyes. Some of the oil based removers I've used stings my eyes even if I'm just applying it on the skin area near it... I wasn't even trying to remove eyeliners or mascaras with them... maybe it's my oily skin? I dunno. I thought it was expired but it was far away from its expiration date. Oh well. So anyway, I haven't encountered any discomfort when I use the Nature Republic Magic Remover Makeup Gel so that's a big plus!

Anyway, let's see how it works!

I used eyeliners (most are waterproof) because these are the hardest to remove besides mascaras.

From left to right: Styli-Style Liquid Liner 24 in Green, San San Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner,  ArtDeco Soft Eye Liner Waterproof 10, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Ransom, Too Cool For School Gel Eyeliner, and Smashbox Be Discovered Jet Set Eyeliner in Intrigue.

One swipe of the remover or cotton pad (take note that the center was the part with most of the product and I swiped with a heavy hand from top to bottom) 

2nd swipe

After a few more swipes

It's really good. It's easy to use, cleans really well, smells nice, and it does not easily get into the eyes even when I remove my eye makeup. I really think that this is a good product. I do recommend you to try it out. :D And remember, always wash your face after this so that your face is completely clean.

I'm now liking gel-based makeup removers so if you guys know some brands that has them, please do tell me so I can try them out. :D


Cheers,

DAWN

Canmake Pocket Rescue Cleansing Stick

Hello dears!

Good news to all eye makeup lovers out there (like me). I just discovered this really neat product from Canmake that will surely fix those makeup mistakes in a jiffy! No need to ruin your gorgeous eyeshadow just because the wings of your eyeliners are uneven or if you get some of your mascara on your lids. All you need is a little stick that fits right in your pocket!

Canmake Pocket Rescue Cleansing Stick

Not sure how much this is in the stores because I got this from a loot bag I received when I attended their Spring and Summer Collection Launch.

It's really small and handy. Perfect for traveling and for people who are on the go.

Here are some info about the product from their website:

Quickly cleans up and repairs your make-up.

An oil-based cleanser in a meltingly-smooth stick format!

Contains 46% plant-derived ingredients. Melts into a rich oil that removes make-up without rubbing!

Perfect to deal with eye make-up shed and waterproof make-up that has run or bled, as well as for changing your make-up!!!

Contains sunflower seed oil (emollient agent) to maintain moisture

An oil-based cleanser in a stick format

● The stick melts and turns into a liquid, quickly melting into even the softest areas of skin and those that are trickiest to reach, allowing you to remove your make-up smoothly.

Cleanses thoroughly

● Plant-derived sunflower seed oil feels gentle on your skin, protecting it against dryness.

● Even removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick.

Handy to carry around

● The slim stick format fits easily in your make-up pouch, so it's handy to carry around.

● Allows you to remove just part of your make-up when you're out and about, without any fuss.

Formulated to moisturize and care for your skin

● Contains 15 beautifying and moisturizing agents.

● Contains 46% plant-derived ingredients. Smooth texture provides long-lasting moisture.

● Paraben-free, synthetic-pigment-free, fragrance-free.

STEP 1 Blend directly in a circular motion into the area where you want to remove the make-up.

Use the edge to get at tricky areas!!! 

STEP 2 Use a tissue or cotton pad to gently wipe it off.

STEP 3 Use a tissue to wipe off any product remaining from the end and keep it free from impurities!

♥For dewy, moist skin without stickiness♥

Here's the entirety of the stick. It may seem short but you wouldn't need to use a lot to deal with those makeup errors. It can handle those long lasting eyeliners and even water-resistant ones! 

Check out how how it works in the photos below:

Eyeliners from top to bottom: MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Bountiful Brown, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Ransom, ArtDeco Soft Eye Liner Waterproof 10, and Styli-Style Liquid Liner 24 in Green

I swiped the cleansing stick a couple of times and wiped it with tissue and got this result. It cleaned the first three liners neatly. Yay!

 I'm not surprised with the last one looking like it's untouched. It is the hardest to remove among all the eyeliners I've had... Even my oil-based makeup removers have a hard time cleaning this up. I rarely use it because of this.

I have LOTS of love for this product! I love eye makeup the most but it can be tricky to apply and is probably the part of makeup application where one can get many errors but with a handy product like this, makeup can be a whole lot more fun!

Any thoughts on Canmake's Pocket Rescue Cleansing Stick?

Cheers,

DAWN