REVIEW: Products farewelled in April

April was a big month for beauty product consumption.  I've emptied eight products this month so my yearly product tally is now at 23 empties. Four months into this year, I'm starting to see some trends:

Lets start with the repeat empties, and there were three of those this month:

16) OPI Polish Remover

 (non-oily, moisturizing formula)

Yes, this is my third bottle for the year.  I really wish I could get my hands on larger bottles of this stuff than the standard 120ml/4 fl.oz. I can see myself finishing a lot more bottles this year now that I'm changing my nail polish more frequently.  For my previous review click here.

17) Loreal Gentle Make-up Remover
 for Eyes & Lips

My second bottle for the year.  I'm still happy with this product and consider it good value for money so yes, I'm into my third bottle.  Click here for my full review.

18) YSL Touche Eclat

I've just finished my second tube for the year, which is a little worrying.  At $55AUD per tube this is a bit of a luxury for me.  But the thing that concerns me most is the texture of this product seems to have changed of late.  I don't know whether I've scored a bad batch of product but the formula has certainly become thinner and not as creamy as I've come to expect, to the point of dripping off the end of the brush after dispensing it.  I know in my original review here I wrote that this is my desert island product and a good concealer/highlighter is a must have, but I have a feeling that after many years it may be time to move on from this one...

19) OPI Drip Dry drops

This is the alternative to using a nail polish drying spray.  60 seconds after applying top coat I apply 1 to 2 drops of drip dry to speed up the dry time of my nail polish.  According to OPI nail polish is, "...dry to the touch in 60 seconds; thoroughly dry in 5 minutes or less".  I find it works consistently when used over OPI products and generally when used over other brands of nail polish.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Dropper is supplied for accurate application
• Moisturises cuticles as you drip it on
• Works consistently with OPI nail polish
• No unpleasant smell

Cons:

• Does not always work over other nail polish.  Some polishes just will not dry no matter what!
• Price - this retails at approx $24AUD per 9ml bottle

Would I buy this again?
Yes.

20) Shiseido White Lucent

Brightening Balancing Softener

This balancing softener is the second step of my cleansing routine as I'm currently using Shiseido's White Lucent range in an effort to brighten my middle-aged skin and prevent pigmentation.  It's applied much like the toner step in my skin care routine, as this product is wiped over with cotton pads to brighten and hydrate the skin.  To be honest, as I'm on a budget this was a sample sized bottle as part of a gift with purchase.  I originally purchased the full range but have found it a bit expensive to justify spending large dollars so I skipped this step for a while.  Now that I've finished this bottle I'm skipping it again.

Pros:

• Ingredients in this softener (m-Tranexamic Acid) help to brighten skin and promote even complexion
• Hydrates and soothes the skin prior to applying moisturiser
• Pleasant fragrance
• Gorgeous packaging

Cons:

• Price - the entire range costs a few hundred dollars

Would I buy this again?
No. I'm now looking for a more budget-friendly alternative.

21) MAC Lustreglass

(Little Vi)

For a swatch please click here.  This shimmery violet lipgloss was one of my favourites over the summer. Unfortunately it was a limited edition!  My review will apply to MAC lustreglass generally:

Pros:

• Multidimensional colours
• Look great on their own or layered
• Great range of colours
• Pleasant vanilla fragrance
• High shine
• Doesn't feel tacky on the lips

Cons:

• Medium wear in terms of longevity
• Price - Retails at $35AUD

Would I buy this again?
Yes, as the range of colours is extensive and my empty containers qualify for the "Back 2 MAC" program.

22) Prada Infusion D'Iris

I bought this as part of a travel size set from a duty-free store last year.  I love Prada fragrances generally and this was no exception for me.  It's a gorgeously sophisticated yet soft scent so it's appropriate for any occasion.  The notes in this fragrance include mandarin, orange blossom, galbanum, iris, incense, benzoin, cedar, lentisc and vetiver.

Would I buy this again?

Yes. 

23) MAC Select Sheer pressed powder

(NC20)

This powder is another of my tried and true products.  I used to buy my pressed powder from Clinique years ago then switched to this as I preferred the sheerer finish and finer texture.  I use this lightly over my face in the morning along with concealer to subtly even my skin tone and reduce shine and also to set my lipstick.

Pros:

• Light texture, because it's sheer it doesn't give me a 'powdered' look
• Great range of colours to match my skin tone perfectly
• Doesn't cake

Cons:

• Does need to be reapplied mid-way through the day to reduce shine on my nose

Would I buy this again?

Yes.  It's easy to find the perfect match for my skin and the empties go towards "Back 2 MAC".

Whew, I think I've said enough!

Until next time.

Vita :)