You know when bloggers / youtubers apologize for being MIA for 1 or 2 weeks? Lol, I have been MIA for MONTHS ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ oopsie. The thing is I kept every single product I finished, so the more I waited to resume blogging, the more products were waiting, the more I procrastinated. I'm really sorry and I hope this will be the start of regularly posting. I am also looking to improve this blog and the reviews, so don't hesitate to comment the points I missed on reviews or suggestions, whatever you feel will make this blog more interesting and thorough.

Let's start easy with products I'm still using, today I will be talking about Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion. I was looking for a cleansing product in my local pharmacy and the packaging caught my eyes: pearly white and peach are my jam, if you've seen my Instagram you probably noticed I love the white and pink combo. I also trust this brand a lot, I have used their products before and have never been deceived. Moreover Avene is well known for making gentle and non irritating skincare for sensitive skins so I knew I was not taking a huge risk not thoroughly researching the product before buying it.

According to the brand this is a gentle, no-rinse cleanser that is formulated with minimal ingredients for maximum tolerance. Make-up, oil and impurities are removed without disrupting the skin's delicate moisture balance.

Packaging

- The Juicy Shaker is a glass bottle with a shaker shape. If you shake it you can hear a ball inside. When you open it the applicator is a big cone-shaped sponge. It does not directly dip in the product, there are just three tiny holes so that each time you get the perfect amount according to the brand. Personally I don't need to shake each time. The oil and pigment separates when you don't use it for a few days, that is normal! It contains 6.5 milliliters of product, generous for a luxury brand.

- The Lip Tint Syrup comes in a plastic container. It feels a lot lighter. The shapes and curves are very feminine in my opinion and I like the gold metallic parts. The doe foot applicator is thin, flat and straight. Just like the Lancôme, it is supposed to give you the optimum amount of product for one application and to follow the natural curves of your lips... ? A straight applicator to follow the CURVES of your lips? Um ok canmake...



Claims

- From Sephora's website: "Juicy Shaker’s bi-phase technology delivers the first pigmented lip oil with two distinct phases. The first phase features a transparent oil for a comfortable, non-sticky shine. Formulated with a blend of five nourishing oils, it treats your lips like a lip balm. Peach kernel oil, a well-known emollient, softens lips while sweet almond oil conditions, apricot oil hydrates, and cranberry oil provides rich antioxidant properties. Muscat rose oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, helps to soothe your lips. The second phase provides pigment for a touch of color. Shake the bottle like a cocktail shaker to emulsify them together. The cushion applicator enhances application by delivering the perfect amount of non-sticky shine and a sheer tint of color to lips."

-From Canmake's website: "A completely new syrup-like texture, which moisturizes without stickiness. We've taken pains to create a comfortable, dry-touch texture, while minimizing the uncomfortable stickiness and sliminess that tends to increase in proportion to moisturizing ability. This syrup spreads lusciously over your lips, ensuring that you can enjoy lip make-up without worrying about hair or clothing sticking to your lips. Color stays on even after eating. The color actually gets brighter over time, so it stays firmly on your lips. The precise color will vary between individuals. Provides a naturally rosy look. Gives lips a natural sheen that looks like you're not wearing any make-up at all. The color develops as though your lips are gradually becoming rosier from within, creating a gentle look."

Swatches & Longetivity

Top shade is Canmake in #02 Strawberry Suryp Bottom shade is Lancôme in #151 Cherry Symphony

First impressions

The textures are very similar, they are an oil based product. In fact I could use this in lieu of a lip balm, they are extremely comfortable. I don't really understand why Canmake called its product a syrup, it's not really the texture you want for a lip product, it sounds sticky and gooey while it is not. I am not sure whether you can see it or not on the photo on the right, but the Canmake lip syrup (on the right) is slightly thicker.

For both products I took a darker red shade because there would be more pigmentation and a longer tint effect. But the shades I chose are not matching, therefore I won't be discussing them in terms of color, even though you could probably find each of Canmake shades in Lancôme.

I think Lancôme's claim are on point, it really feels lightweight yet moisturizing, gives a sheer color to the lips and a little shine. Neither of them are sticky. I don't agree with Canmake's claim that it will survive eating, it won't. I don't even understand how the color could intensify but that may be poor translation ... ?


Did I like them?  &  Are they good dupes?

The advantage of the Lancôme Juicy Shaker is the wider range of colors. Canmake unfortunately offers only four shades. The Lancôme is lighter and a little bit more gritty whereas the Lip syrup is a little more gel-like and more glossy. I have a slight preference of texture for the canmake but the Lancôme packaging is sturdier and holds more product (although I could not find the exact amount for Canmake, It's pretty obvious there is less product when you compare the sizes).

I also prefer the Lancôme applicator which allows a better gradient effect and since it is bigger it makes the application faster and easier. Though for some the packaging could be bulky and not as cute as the Canmake. But the straight and thin doe foot applicator is just not as fun and not nearly as practical as a regular one unfortunately.

The color payoff gives a super cute feminine and natural look which I personally love. I also don't mind reapplying often so for me, it's a win. Both have a light fruity smell which I find pleasurable.

I can't say they are exact perfect dupes BUT they are close enough that I use them interchangeably. So if you don't want to spend US $25 for a lip oil, I would suggest you to try the Canmake one, which is roughly US $12. (I bought mine on Ichibankao)

Would I buy them again? Yes, I like them both. I took the Lancôme Cherry Symphony but I was torn between another shade: Mangoes Wild. I would also like to get two other shades from Canmake.

Packaging

I like the Ordinary packaging, looks very professional, and even the name of the product gives you that impression. When your friends look at that and they think it's a prescription, I think that's pretty cool. I love matte glass and the dropper is good for this type of runny gel. It doesn't look cheap, but it is, love that. When I first saw their product, I actually thought they were going to be super expansive, like Deciem, glossier, etc.

I am guessing the names can be intimidating to persons who don't have much skincare knowledge, but don't be afraid, The Ordinary has a description for each product. I like that their products are targeted to one problem, and not trying to do a bunch of things (except for Buffet) because it is aimed for skincare junkies who know what they want.



Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Arginine, Potassium Citrate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Ethyl 2,2-Dimethylhydrocinnamal, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. (Taken from the Ordinary website)

As the website states: it is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan and cruelty-free!

Lactic Acid is an AHA. The most common AHA is Glycolic Acid, but it is said to be stronger and potentially more irritant than Lactic Acid. That's because Lactic Acid molecular size is bigger than Glycolic Acid, it doesn't penetrate as much into the skin.


Claims & How to use it

According to The Ordinary's website, this products offers very mild exfoliation. It targets uneven tone, textural irregularities and fine lines.

The formulation aims at reducing the inflamation with the Tasmanian Pepperberry and with the right PH. The 3.60-3.80 PH is supposed to be low enough for the acid to work but not too low as it could cause irritation.

Directions: Apply once per day, ideally in the PM. Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. This product contains AHA that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

First impressions

I did not had an adaptation period as I was previously using the Pixi Glow tonic (which has 5% Glycolic Acid) and my skin was reacting well to it, so with a milder acid, I didn't think I needed any adaption. I use it only on my undereye area (Paula's Choice has an article on using AHA on the undereye area), forehead, nose, chin and jaw line. I have avoided my cheeks where I have rosacea.

The liquid is slightly tacky at first. Because of the texture it spreads easily. The smells is not bad compared to other AHA products I have tried (The best smell would be the Pixi Glow Tonic). For some reasons, AHAs & BHAs tend to not smell good, but this is not the worst at all and the smell disappears quickly. Once I am done with the application, it feels a bit shiny.

Given that my last experience with AHA was with the Pixi Glow Tonic I was surprised that it was more like a gooey serum rather than a watery toner. However that does not change its place in a skincare routine, it should still be applied on a clean face before anything else so that nothing interfere with the PH of the product.
Moreover AHAs and BHAs work better if you wait at least 15 minutes before resuming your skincare routine.

I also should note that I wear sun protection every time I go out, and even when I'm inside all day if it is shiny. If you do use AHAs, ideally you should wear protection for a week after.

Did I like it?

I use it on my undereye area to avoid milia but I still have some and I would not say it helps either with the one I have. On my forehead though, it helps tremendously with closed comedones, those pesky little bumps that you can't pop but stay longer than regular pimples. I use to have lots of closed comedones on my forehead but with regular use, I have never more than 2 or 3 at the same time. I manage to have nothing at times! Each time I see some appearing I do 3/4 days of LA 5% + HA 2% and they usually disappear.

It also work as a prevention for blackhead and whitehead since what clogs pores is usually a mixture of dead skin cells, sebum and other things like pollutants, makeup, creams that are too heavy... Would you believe me if I told you I have 0 blackheads? And very few whiteheads? I have had some for years but with consistent use of AHA I have been able to get rid of every single blackhead. I mean there's also genetics that are in my favor, but still.

5% is a very low percentage for most people but it is advised for people who have never used acids to start low. However given my sensitive skin I cannot go for higher percentages. You also have to consider that Lactic acid is not as powerful as glycolic acid, but it is also less irritating. As a result it never gave me redness / flush, but again I only use it on my T-zone which is less prone to redness than my cheeks. If you wanted something stronger, there is a 10% Lactic Acid + 2% HA available form the same brand.

Note: 4.5. It is that close to be a holy grail. But I prefer thinner texture. So I think I will go back to my beloved Pixi Glow Tonic, which I have being comparing a lot as you may have noticed, because I love it so much.

Would I repurchase? I will probably go back to the Pixi Glow Tonic, but if I ever find myself short on money, I would go back to this without a doubt.

I bought this palette in July, therefore I was very happy when I could still find it on my usual online store. It also came with a discount so it ended up being 18$ and there are now a few left at 13$ on Beautynetkorea (be careful there are shipping fees now). Pink is my favorite color, and I goes well on my eyes as well, so I was super excited to receive this. Unfortunately three shades were broken si I had to repress them with alcohol, I think you will be able to guess which.

Packaging

The palette is really slim and small which make it perfect for traveling.
I actually like the little applicators but they are quite annoying because the edges around them are not high, they tend to go everywhere.
It comes with a mirror with a sticker on it, so don't forget to take it out. It also comes with a clear plastic card with the names of the shades, too bad the shades are only in Korean, but they are available in Etude House English website now.

Claims

"The 10-color eye shadow palette colors your eyes with pink color resembling cherry blossoms dancing in spring."

"A shadow palette delivering various makeup looks with romantic & lovely point colors and natural shade colors. "

"Soft & Silky texture. Highly adhesive soft texture delivers vivid color and helps pearls last all day without cracking or settling into fine lines."

Swatches 



I used Etude House Proof 10 Eye primer on each shade. How it appears on my arm is the most pigmented you can make them. I had to go over several times for each shade to achieve this color pay-off. But it would be very different with just one swipe, it would not be as pigmented. But I don't think it is bad quality, it just goes with the more natural eye look they are aiming. Even though they aren't very pigmented with just one swipe, at least they are not patchy and they blend quite well. It is not as powdery as other palettes (like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette for example), but there is some fall-outs when you use a brush, (but I prefer using my fingers anyway).

First impressions 

The assortment of color is just perfect for me. This is mainly for cute makeup looks I believe, although you can be a bit bold with it. I would like to go through each shade to tell you what I think about it.




The End of Spring: Pink shimmer with gold glitter. Sheer with one swipe, but it can be built up.

Cherry Blossom Rain: Light pink / coral matte shade. Very soft, but it's one of the least pigmented shade. It can be used as a transition color on very pale skins. Used alone, it makes a nice natural flushed look. It can look chalky if you layer it too much.

Sweet Jujube Tea: Milky burgundy color. This is one of my favorite colors. Also very soft and quite pigmented, this is a matte shade.

Classic Chocolate Shop: Classic matte brown with red undertones. Not patchy and very soft, just like the other matte shades.

Rosy Filter: the most pigmented shade of all. This is a shimmery and totally opaque copper color.

Twinkle wink: This is a pearly gold, more white than I expected. Lots of glitter, white, gold and purple if you look very closely. Not opaque unless you really pack it on with a wet brush or your finger.

Orange way: Shimmery coral, very close to the Cherry Blossom Rain but more opaque and with shimmers and a few glitters.

Cherry Blossom Festival: A bright pink with a few white glitter but no shimmer. Can be opaque with a couple layer.

Pink bakery: Bright pink with purple glitter. Since it is darker than the other shade, it will be easier to have a bright color immediately but you can still intensify the color.

Popped Cherry Blossom Popcorn: This is a slightly pinkish white, with shimmers and glitters. This is probably not meant to be opaque, instead they went for a subtle look with this. I like it in the inner corner of my eyes.

Did I like it?

There are some matte, shimmer and glitter shades, and there are both bold and natural shades, I think it makes it a very versatile palette.
Therefore, the company claim that you can create "various makeup looks", is true, you can go for a very subtle look but you can also do a more vibrant and colorful look. I like that they only included one brown shade, to be honest I already have a shit ton of brown shades, I do not need more of them.

The matte shades (Cherry blossom Rain & Cherry Blossom Festival) can look chalky if you do multiple layers and they are the least pigmented shade. The most pigmented shade is "Rosy filter".

Personally my eye shadows never crease (probably because of the shape of my eyes) therefore neither does this palette.

Overall this isn't the most pigmented palette in the world, but it is my belief that with practice and talent, you can make almost any eye shadow look good.I would say some are very soft but the glittery shades aren't as soft as the mattes.

Note: 4/5. The point missing is for the pigmentation and the fact that it came broken. But the selection of color is amazing, and I like the versatility of this palette. I do not regret buying.