High vs Low: New Urban Decay vs Wet ‘n Wild Liquid Lipstick

Love it or hate it, liquid lipsticks are having a moment right now. I mean, they have their place in my makeup drawer, since it’s a great choice when you need a long wearing, super pigmented, transfer-resistant lip color. The downside is that they can be drying, too matte, crumbly, and a mess to take off. Truth be told, my bar on liquid lipstick is set pretty high- I know what the gold standard product is, and everything else falls short. With that in mind, though, let’s test out two new products that launched this month:

Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick $18

Urban Decay makes up the vast majority of lipsticks in my collection- their Vice Lipstick (formerly Revolution Lipstick) is THE BEST, so I had super high expectations for this launch. I planned out my purchase a few days in advance (with 30 shades to choose from, I needed to strategize), and decided to go with two shades that were exclusive to Urban Decay’s website: Brat, a “warm baby pink” and Crank, a “bright berry fuchsia”. In the days between placing my order and getting the lipstick in my hands, I watched a few YouTube reviews. They were wildly mixed- everything from “uuugh” to “best lip product ever!”, and to be frank, I was a bit suspicious about how few reviews were even out there- are they so bad that people aren’t even talking about it?? My package came just as I was getting ready to go out for dinner to celebrate my husband’s birthday, so I was pumped to try them out. First, I tried Brat, and it was…. weird. The color looks like I smashed up some Pepto tablets and smeared them on my mouth. The formula was a bit streaky going on, but not un-workable, and felt comfortable and not too dry on my lips when it dried down. The color though… yikes. Lyn actively recoiled when I snapped her a picture of me wearing it. The next one, Crank, was definitely straight up purple, not berry as described. Not a bad color, actually, just… not what I was expecting. This one also went on pretty streaky, and the pigment would bunch up in places, and if I went back over to try to blend out or add color, it would just make it worse. Also worth noting for both shades? I had to re-dip into the tube quite a few times. I got it to “good enough” and, after realizing it was also all over my teeth, headed out the door to dinner.

Now, these lipsticks are described as “life proof”, and given the amount of oil cleanser and effort needed to switch them out just during my initial try-on earlier that night, I was inclined to believe it. My lips did not transfer onto my wine glass, which I felt was impressive. But, two hours and one dinner (which I tried to eat daintily!) later, I was left with a purple ring around my mouth. Not cute.

I’m sending these back- luckily Urban Decay has a great return policy. I am curious about some of the metallics and a few other unique colors, and might check them out when they hit stores this week, but my hopes are low. Honestly, though, I was surprised to see how many shades in the new collection already exist in the Vice Lipstick collection, so really, just stick with those. They are SO GREAT, and the lipstick version of their comfort matte formula performs and looks SO MUCH BETTER.

Wet n’ Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick $4.99

Well well well, what do we have here? Wet n’ Wild launched a short run of these liquid lipsticks at Halloween, and I was super impressed with the wear, so I was stoked to see they brought this formula back in new shades for their Spring launch. Let me tell you, friends- this is a good product. First off, the component (tube and applicator) are EXACTLY THE SAME as Jeffree Star’s, which is excellent. See how the doefoot is curved there? That applies the product so nicely. Second, this formula is a little more… mousse-like? So it goes on in one swipe. The color is bold and pigmented. Now, it does feel a little more dry on the lips, but not so much where it feels like tempra paints (looking at you, Milani!)- there is still some flexibility, and it doesn’t get chunky or flake off. For the price, I’m willing to put up with it. I would go back to Walgreen’s and stock up on more colors, except…

… I don’t think liquid lipsticks are for me. Like I mentioned above, there is a time and a place and maybe a unique color, but overall, I think I prefer a matte cream formula. With a lipliner, they are just as long-wearing, and fade rather than crumble. Besides, isn’t sneaking off to the bathroom to reapply your lipstick part of the fun?

No one ever sends me free stuff, so no one is paying me for compliments. I should also note that both products were tested with the same lip liner base (UD Ozone) for fairness, and to save my winter lips. Seriously, why are we even wearing liquid lips in the winter?! Tell us what you think about liquid lipsticks in the comments!

Test Drives: Drugstore Eye Creams

We love getting requests for reviews and post ideas. Nothing makes us happier than hearing you are reading our articles and want more! (That and sharing E&N with your friends, hint hint.) But we will admit–we were really nervous when we got asked on our Facebook page if we could recommend some cost-effective eye creams. Generally, eye creams are the type of product we are willing to spend a little more money on. None of us had a drugstore eye cream we felt comfortable recommending. So we each agreed to abandon our nighttime under eye routines and test drive a drugstore eye cream for one month. Since we are all in our 40s, keeping signs of aging at bay is a shared concern. But–we decided our love for you was worth risking increased bags, circles and lines.

Our challenge was to test drive some drugstore eye creams was on. Would we find one that’s pretty good actually? Read and find out!

Pamela: ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

Eye cream is something I don’t generally skimp on price wise. I currently use (and almost through my second pot of)  the Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-aging eye cream which runs $74.00 for .5 oz.  Not cheap.  But does it work?  Oh yes.  HELL yes.  In fact I noticed results only 5 days after I started using it.  I was sold – hook, line and sinker.  So naturally, I had reservations about trying something from the drugstore….. but in the name of blog research, you get what you ask for!  So let us see whatcha got ROC.  Promising to visibly reduce wrinkles around the eyes, crow’s feet, puffiness and dark circles at $19.99 for the same amount of product ( .5 oz.), it was definitely a bargain. First impressions: Smells normal and non offensive and has kind of a thin consistency.  No big problem with that.  I should note that I was initially a little wary of the retinol aspect of it, being so close to the eye, would it irritate them?  Nope. In fact, retinol is down so low on the list of ingredients, I’m sure that there isn’t enough in it to have them even list the percent (which they don’t.)  The first week I was slightly surprised to see it seemed to be doing a pretty good job!  One of the nights I had been out for pho (salt) and wine (not water) and normally my eyes are super puffy the morning after that sort of meal.  Using it that night, I was pleased to see it took care of those unfortunate side effects beautifully….. and I started to wonder if I would have to spend $74 bucks on eye cream ever again!  Well, I wondered too soon. While it seemed to hold it’s own on the moisture front, I was beginning to see that my dark circles were getting darker again.  Then I began to notice makeup settling into my fine lines which clearly showed me that I was indeed slowly but surely losing moisture and plumpness.  It was two weeks in that I threw in the towel and went back to Algenist, again noticing results in just a few days….. and I will never look back…… or at least not for a while.

Jess: Cerave Eye Repair Cream

I’m pretty fairweather about eye creams, since I haven’t found my ride or die, and for some reason eye creams aren’t high on my priority list. My biggest eye-related challenges are oldness (my eyelids are getting crepey) and irritation, especially during allergy season. Because they are so touchy, I am cautious about using anything too hard core- even the most well-meaning products have left my tender eyeball area stinging and red. Not cute. Usually I reach for Simple Soothing Eye Balm. It’s fairly inexpensive (around $10), aroma neutral, and really does soothe and depuff my eyes, but it doesn’t really do much in the anti-aging department. It also doesn’t do well under makeup, so I tend to only use it at night or “as needed”. So for this post, I got brave and tried another drugstore find- Cerave Eye Repair Cream (also around $10- apparently I have a low threshold for spending more than a Hamilton on eye cream). Sadly, this did not knock my socks off. I have used- and liked- other Cerave products in the past, but this eye cream didn’t really seem to do anything, much less any repairing. In fact, I’ve noticed my eyelids feeling more crepey and dehydrated since using it. It’s not terrible, I guess, and it does dry down with a bit of a tack, so it’s ok under makeup. I might throw this in my travel bag, but for now, maybe I’ll go get a sample of that Algenist one… and consider increasing my eye cream budget.

Lyn: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Swirl Gel Cream Treatment.

Just like my sisters above–I was super nervous about this challenge. I have two eye creams that I’ve been using together regularly: Philosophy Miracle Worker Eye Cream and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II. (that’s a mouthful!) I put the later on first and the former on after. Both creams are pricey at $69 and $65, respectively. I’m so concerned about my under eye area (which I have previously discussed) I’ve also tried even MORE expensive creams in the hopes of finding magic in a bottle. But the others were disappointing (looking at you, Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum and Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream) so the combo above has been my ride or die for a few years now.

So when we decided to give a drugstore eye cream a one month trial, I feared it would set me back years. But then I remembered that beautypedia.com ends every eye cream review with a disclaimer that eye creams are a hoax–and who know? maybe they are–so I decided to just suck it up and give it a go. In selecting a drugstore eye cream, I had only one requirement: it must be a pump. I hate pots. So with that in mind, I went to Target and settled on the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Swirl Gel Cream Treatment. (clearly i like products with ridiculously long names.) I felt encouraged–it’s a pump, it’s got a swirl like one of my favorite night creams, Meaningful Beauty Creme de Serum, and I used the Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Daily Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer throughout my 20s and really liked it. Plus the package says it “firms & brightens for younger-looking eyes” which is exactly what I wanted to hear!

And guess what–it’s pretty good actually!!! It shares my favorite feature of my Philosophy cream–it’s thick. Like super heavy and substantial but not waxy. I don’t like eye creams that are too watery. I feel like they just slide down my face and aren’t focused on the job at hand. And because it’s so thick, even one pump is too much. A half a pump is plenty. To conform to the challenge, I used it alone and didn’t double it up with a serum. And I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between my $68 eye cream and this one–which is pricey for a drugstore at $19.99–but it’s still much cheaper than what I generally throw down.

_eyeswirl_1

We have a winner!

I’m going to continue using the Olay Regenerist even now that the challenge is over but I’m going start partnering it with the Estee Lauder serum to see what happens. But regardless–I totally recommend saving some bucks and checking out this drugstore find!

What’s your ride or die eye cream? Do you have any drugstore eye creams you would recommend? We’d love to hear about them!

(Hoping to save money in the future, we all shelled out some of our own cash to purchase these drugstore eye creams.)

First Impressions: Samples I Tried in Japan

One of the things I love about traveling is having an excuse to use some of the many, many product samples I have accumulated. Between subscription boxes, sample sets, Sephora gifts and those alluring mini-sized items by the checkout at Ulta, I can get overwhelmed by products looking for their big break into my routine.

vanity

My vanity in Tokyo filled with samples to try.

I just got back from a week in Japan–the jet lag fog is finally starting to lift!–and I can start to formulate thoughts again, let alone opinions on some of the products I tried. Unpacking my clear toiletries bag–because you know I was gone for a week and only needed a carry-on–I’ve got some first impressions on some of the samples I tried while traveling in Japan.

bags

For real–I pack light! One week of travel and I only needed a work bag and a carry-on–which I had to check on the way home due to some SK-II purchases

Things I liked and will spring for the full size:

Milk Makeup Highlighter: I received this sample in my Birchbox and I love it! It was the only highlighter I packed and the only one that I needed. It’s completely foolproof and takes zero time or effort to apply. I’m curious to try the Glossier one that Pam recommends because I think it’s similar, but this one was also great. Since Milk Makeup is a new launch, there are TONS of sample sets out there (like this one or this one) where you can try the highlighter along with other items in their line for a reasonable price. But at $23, I think the full size is worth it.

Skyn Iceland, The ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion and Icelandic Relief Eye Pen: I picked up the Skin Hangover Emergency Relief Kit after a couple of readers recommended some of their products to me. I’m already a fan of the under eye masks, so I was excited to give other items a go. Both products do what they say–provide a cooling sensation to your skin and take down redness and puffiness. These products won’t be every day items for me, but I can see a lot of opportunities where I will need their services!  At $25, this kit is a great value with big samples and fun way to try a bunch of their products. Plus–Ulta is currently offering a free gift with purchase on any items in the line.

Caudalie, Beauty Elixer: Oh–this stuff is divine! It made me feel super fancy and the mist is perfection. The glass bottle is heavy and feels important. The scent might not be for everyone as it’s very distinct, but I loved it. I could definitely see using this as my main setting spray, especially in the winter. At $18 for a full-size–it’s a splurge–but why not start the day a little classy!

Things I liked but probably won’t repurchase:

Clinque Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara – Jumbo Jet: Right before I left, I got the 500 point Sephora reward pack called Clinique Balm to Bombsell. I had been curious about all these products, so it was a great perk.

clinque

First the mascara–it’s got a really thick wand and definitely made my lashes look thicker and had a very black pigment. I didn’t find it to be too messy to apply and it did last all day without fall out. But at $17.50 for a full size, there are too many drugstore mascaras I prefer to warrant that price.

The Cleansing Balm was used exactly as its name suggests–to take the day off. My skin was so wonky when I was gone–I was wearing full coverage, full face makeup everyday–and it did a great job removing it. You also don’t need much product, even for waterproof mascara. The downside is you have to follow it up with a regular cleanser which at the end of a long day is an extra step too many. At home, I’m working through the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser–thanks, Pam!–and Meaningful Beauty Skin Softening Cleanser and both remove my makeup in one-step. But if you’re in the market for a solid makeup remover, I would give this one a try. The 500 point perk is still available and Sephora also has this sample pack you could try for pretty cheap.

No thanks 

Soap & Glory, Clean on Me: I brought this as my shower gel and really didn’t like it. It boasts it’s “Original Pink Fragrance combines fresh bergamot, mandarin, rose, jasmine, peach, strawberry, and soft musk & amber base notes” but I honestly couldn’t smell anything–yet it didn’t smell unscented–it was just odd and off-putting. I also didn’t find it moisturizing and used it both with my hands as recommended and on a wash cloth and didn’t like how it applied either way.

Klorane, Conditioner with Quinine and B Vitamins: What is this? The consistency is really watery which is odd for a conditioner and after I rinsed my hair, it feels less conditioned than after I shampooed. I hated this so much, I switched to the hotel conditioner which I didn’t love either, but was definitely better than this nonsense.

There are several other products I’m still checking out and many more waiting for a turn. What samples have you been working through? Anything we should avoid or consider taking out for a spin? Let us know in the comments below!

(These products were either purchased impulsively at check out by me, received in subscription boxes or obtained because I spend too much money at Sephora. But I’m happy to try and review products I am sent…)

I Tried All Of These Liquid Eyeliners For You.

Just before summer started (and before E&N was born), a friend reached out to me- she had suddenly become sensitive or allergic to our beloved Kat Von D Tattoo Liner. A tragedy!! So she was wondering if I had any other liquid liners that I liked. Truth is, I was so devoted to the KVD, I hadn’t even bothered to try anything else. So, since I was about due for a fresh liner anyway, I set out on a quest to discover new liquid eyeliners! I mean, come on, my arm didn’t need to be twisted that hard.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper is ride or die. It is holy grail. It is the best liquid eyeliner to have ever existed. Why is it so great? Two things: the formula is bulletproof, and the unique brush applicator is so easy to use. It gives you a perfect delicate flick on the end of your wing. I’ve heard rumors of dupes out there, but I really believed nothing would live up. This summer, I tried three low end and two high end liners, hoping to find the next best one. The TL;DR version is that all of these liners are fine- great even- and yes! I have a new favorite I’m reaching for daily that might surprise you!!

These have all been on my eyeballs

These have all been on my eyeballs

Here are my thoughts on these puppies, in no particular order:

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Liner|$8.99

One of my favorite YouTubers, Claire Marshall, swears by this eyeliner so much, I’ve seen her buy several at once just to be sure she is not without it. It’s pretty good! It has a felt tip applicator, which is somewhat (but not too) flexible. It is easy to apply, the color is opaque, and it lasts all day without transferring. The packaging includes a nice little grippy spot so it doesn’t slip out of your hands. I say this is a perfectly fine eyeliner. I don’t reach for it every day, but when I do, I think “this is a perfectly fine eyeliner”. The only challenge I had with it was tracking it down- only one of the CVS stores on my side of town carries it.

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Liner|$7.99

This is a great Monday eyeliner. I know, there’s a meme going around about not applying liquid liner if you’re in a hurry, but I disagree- a liquid line and a bold lip can be a 3 minute face that looks like you actually tried. This liner also has a felt tip, but it’s longer and wigglier. This actually helps it to be super fool-proof and easy to use- you just lay it down on your lid, swipe it to the outside a bit, and boom. Done. The formula is a little thinner and less dramatic, which is great for daytime, but also means it fades a bit as the hours drone on. It does not transfer or flake, though, so again, fine for a Monday. I reached for this one a lot after I first got it, but it started to dry out within about a month of regular use.

Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner|$24

Swatching this liner on my hand in the store, I was instantly enamored- the pigment is SO BLACK! I have had good luck with other Tarte products, so this one came home with me. First of all, this is a dual ended liner- it has liquid on one side, and a mechanical pencil on the other. Handy! But… with all this included, it actually changes the length and weight of the packaging- this thing is super tricky to maneuver! You know how hard it is to write with a comically large pen? Like that. Also, the product is SUPER MOTIVATED to come out of the felt tip applicator. So much so, I’ve even had it blob onto my lower lid. It’s also quite inky, and can really feather. If you use a light hand and hold your breath the whole time you have it near your face, it is really pretty and lasts all day, but I find it so stressful to use, that I don’t go for it too often.

Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen|$22

You all know how much I adore Urban Decay, so when they reformulated and relaunched their Perversion liquid liner this summer, I was all over it- it’s possible I ordered it before I even got out of bed the day it launched. This, I expected, would be my new holy grail. It seemed to be a perfect replica of the KVD- same size, same shakey ink cartridge inside, same size tip. Sadly, though, the tip is a felt tip, not a brush, and a super hard one at that! Like, it can poke you if you’re not careful. Once you get used to the applicator, it goes on ok. It’s not my favorite. It looks great, though, and lasts all day. And the next day. Seriously, this stuff is IMPOSSIBLE to get off. Cleansing oil, makeup remover, facial cleansers… I have almost started crying in the bathroom late at night when I can’t get this off and I just want to go to bed!! Sometimes I will use this on top of one of my easier to apply options, just to add to staying power, but again, it is reserved for long, loooooong days.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum|$10.95

Fact: I had no idea this would even be in the running, much less become my favorite. A casual side-comment about this liner being a KVD clone on a YouTube video perked my ears up, and had me scouring my side of town to find it. They sell it at Ulta, but not in the shade I wanted (Ultra Black). Walgreens and Target seem to have stopped carrying this brand. Ok- side tangent here- did you guys know that some Bed Bath & Beyonds sell MAKEUP?!? Mine does!! And it’s great! Not only did I find this liner in the shade I wanted (and all the other shades), it’s every day price ($8.79) is like $2 cheaper than everywhere else. I also picked up a mascara and some shampoo while I was there. Who knew?!

Aside from the budget-friendly price, the most exciting thing about this liner is that is has the same type of fine brush applicator as the KVD. I felt like running a victory lap around my house when I opened it up. But then… my heart sank as I swatched it on my hand- the formula was really thin and not very opaque. The next morning, I decided to shake it up and give it a go anyway, and much to my shock and delight, found that IT IS THE BEST. I don’t know what changed from my hand to my face, but this eyeliner is ACES. The thin formula and brush applicator make it super easy to get a clean line without much effort. THIS IS THE DUPE I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR. I have been reaching for it daily, on weekends, on no makeup days, fancy dress nights, you name it.

If history has taught me anything, it is that any products I love end up being discontinued, so I should by 72 tubes of it now.

Did I miss one that you love? Let me know in the comments! I bought these all with my own dumb money so I feel obligated to continue rotating through them all. I thought you should know in case you see me in a ball crying with a clean face but that UD eyeliner still looking fly.

Let’s Try… Cheap Face Masks!

There is something that just feels fancy about facial masks. When I was a teenager, my household was down to just me and my mom. Every so often, we would make a special trip to Target (back in the 90’s, this was still an adventure! We only had a Shopko in town!) and buy this magical mask that was black and made with Dead Sea salts. We felt oh so posh as we would spend a weekday night relaxing into our masks, eating our smorgasbord dinner (which is still my favorite), settling into an episode of the hip new show Friends. The worst part of this night, though, was rinsing that dang mud mask off. It was a mess!

This is why I adore sheet masks. Seriously, whoever invented the sheet mask (a one-time use paper or gel mask impregnated with delicious skin happy ingredients to help a variety of issues, from dryness to old-ness) should be up for an award. You simply slap it on your face, wait a while, and throw it away. No rinsing! They are still a special treat though, since one use can cost you anywhere from $7-$20 (and up!), so imagine my delight when I stumbled upon these sheet masks at Target: we have come full circle.

Yes To Masks

Yes To is a drugstore brand that is reasonably priced and has a reputation for having pretty decent stuff that is mostly natural and free of parabens and whatnot, and are leaping bunny certified. These masks are $2.99 each. TWO NINETY NINE!!! It didn’t take much arm twisting for me to throw them in my basket, and even less to try them out back-to-back on Sunday night while catching up on the Olympics.

Obviously, I went for the Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask first. You never look cute in a paper mask, but this one is black, so I felt a bit like a bank robber. Or the Gimp. Or my cat.

twinning

twinning

Originally, the instructions say to relax for 10 minutes, then take it off. Apparently people were freaking out about the tingling sensation that occurs, because they felt the need to add a sticker to let you know TINGLING=WORKING. Clearly, today’s youth was not raised on Denorex dandruff shampoo ads, where we all learned this vital piece of information.tingling

Back to the mask: it was wet, but not gloppy. It stayed on pretty well during semi-reclined tv watching and cheering for Gabby Douglas. It had a floral scent that I was NOT a fan of, and it did, in fact, tingle quite a bit! But not so much that I needed to abort my mission for clean pores. After 10 minutes, off it went. Life remained largely unchanged.

I waited about 2 minutes for my skin to un-tingle, then on went the Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Paper Mask, made with virgin coconut oil. Lovely! At first I thought this mask was also tingly, but I realized it was just leftovers from the first one being reactivated. This mask felt pretty nice on (if a little cold), and didn’t slide around too much during the 10 minute wait. It really, REALLY smells like coconuts. Not unpleasantly, but I was for sure getting suntan lotion vibes.coconut

Ten minutes later, I ditched the mask (after also smooshing it around my neck- everyone does that, right??) and hoped for glowing skin. It was…. underwhelming, but still wet, so I decided to let it absorb as I folded a basket of laundry.

I shouted something at the TV, and realized my face felt like a giant piece of fly paper. SO STICKY you guys. I couldn’t take it any longer and rinsed it off, feeling defeated that these $2.99 masks were not the hidden gem I hoped they would be.

But hold on… maybe they were ok? As I was Snapchatting with Pamela the next evening (and as we all know, unfiltered Snapchat tells the TRUTH), I realized my skin looked pretty good actually! So maybe, MAYBE these masks are ok in a pinch, or on a Tuesday. I have others I prefer and will savor and reach for on nights when I really feel like I need some rehab, but these might just be alright for easy maintenance.

I bought these masks with my own dumb money during a Target fugue state and decided to tell you what I think. Do you have a favorite sheet mask? Let us know in the comments!!

What’s the Deal with Eye Mask Patches?

Korean beauty fixes have certainly taken the US beauty market by storm. What started with the introduction to BB creams and then CC creams quickly gave way  to snail lip treatments and sheet masks with animal faces on them.

2016-06-06 18.09.29

And I feel like I’ve tried them all –aside from putting anything like snail slime on my mouth–although my face is another story–but my favorite Korean beauty discovery is definitely the eye mask patches.

I was born with bags under my eyes–and realistically–I know there’s really nothing you can do to fix genetics. But mornings often greet me with puffiness and some extra lines from dehydrated skin. (Not from age. Obviously.) And some days are worse than others. Eye masks give me a way to make it better. I view them as a giant hug for my eyes when they are feeling low–so yeah–I’m a real big fan.

Eye mask patches are just that–souped-up stickers filled with rainbows and sunshine that adhere under your eyes–promising to do things like brighten under eye circles, remove puffiness and smooth fine lines. Prices can range from $4 a set to $75 for a package of six.  Some masks require that you leave them on for 10 minutes and some take as long as 45 minutes.

I’ve tried a lot of different eye mask patches–mostly on the lower side of the cost spectrum. I’ve also gotten some samples here and there. I use them by putting a pair on–as needed–right after my morning shower. The ones I like the best fit the following criteria:

  •  They stay in place so I can continue to get ready for my day–including brush my teeth, blow dry my hair, and get dressed.
  • They don’t require me to wear them a longer amount of time than it takes me to get ready. 45 minutes is too long. 20 minutes is just right.
  • They don’t sting or stick too hard to my skin.
  • The price isn’t outrageous.
  • They actually do something. As in–I can tell the different from what my eyes looked like before I had them on to what they look like after I remove them.

With that criteria in mind–here are my top five favorite eye mask patches:

  1. Hitece Anit Aging Crystal 24K Gold Powder Gel Collagen Eye Masks Sheet Patch (10 pairs): These were the first eye mask patches I tried–a Christmas present from Jess–and they are still my favorite. They feel amazing while you wear them, they slip a little–but not bad, your eyes definitely look brighter and less puffy after using them, and they are CHEAP! The packaging is straight up bizarro–and I’m never on top of things enough to remember to order them from Amazon–but the masks are great.  If you’ve never tried eye mask patches–start here. $4.50/10 pair!
1620404_10207217493368473_7162166212571809319_n

me with my favorite eye mask patches after a late night out.

2. Earth Therapeutics, Hydrogel Under-Eye Recovery Patch: These guys stick better than the number one pick–but don’t pack quite as much punch. But they are also fairly inexpensive and I do notice a difference after wearing them. The downside is they recommend you wear them for 30 minutes, which is a little long for me. $9/5 pairearth theraputics

3. Skyn Iceland, Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels: I love these patches. These would be my number two option, but they are a little pricey. But you also get a lot of results–quickly–it only recommends you wear them for 10 minutes. $30/8 pair

skyn

4.Boscia, Sake Brightening Hydrogel Eye Masks: Boscia was the first BB cream I ever purchased, so I feel loyal to the brand and like to check out their products, especially since they are a plant based skin care line. These patches really stay on and do the best job of brightening under the eye, although they are not as moisturizing as some of the others. But if brightening is your biggest issue–I’d check these out–especially at their price. $15/3 pair

boscia

5. Karuna, Renewal Eye Masks: Another great, but pricey option. I received a sample of these and thought they got rid of puffiness the best of the other options I tried. The formula is also very soothing. But–more of a luxury product than a go-to choice. $36/4 pair

karuna

I’ve tried the Sephora brand eye masks, and I’m not a fan. They really slip around on your face and feel too sticky to me. Even though they are inexpensive–I’d pass.

Have you tried eye mask patches? What do you think? Any options you love that you think I should check out? Let me know in the comments!

I bought these with my own money, or received them in a subscription service that I pay for as a sample. 

Product Test Drive: The Quest for Beautiful Lady Feet

ladyfeetA few Fridays ago, I found myself with a few (rare) hours to myself. I wandered around Ulta a bit and came upon the TonyMoly display. I’ve used TonyMoly face masks in the past, and liked them a lot- Korean beauty products are some next level stuff. So, when I came upon the “Changing U Magic Foot Peeling Shoes”… I mean, how can I pass that up?? At $6.99 plus a bottle of rose’, it was easy to decide that my Friday night would be made of magic. And feet.

I regret that I did not document this experience more thoroughly. Honestly, I had pretty low expectations: 1. How much can $6.99 do? 2. The ingredients list things like apples, lemons, grapes, aloe, rose hip oil… I wasn’t scared. 3. My feet, while not super hideous, are pretty beat up. I train barefoot, and often work barefoot, so I didn’t expect this tiny packet to perform a miracle.

Most of the instructions are in Korean. The English instructions on the package begin with the statement “steps that can transform and average-looking woman into an attractive lady”. Obviously, yes, that is what we are here for, and I appreciate your straight-forward attitude, TonyMoly.

ladyfeetinstructions

However, you must begin this process looking like a hobo by putting giant paper socks on your feet for 90 minutes. They were wet and squishy inside, but pleasant smelling. I had to wear my Adidas slides in order to not kill myself moving around the house. Vogue is going to be all over this look come fall.

After an hour and a half, the instructions say to just wash your feet. Don’t scrub or peel them forcefully, because in “4 to 6 days, the dead cells will naturally start falling off your feet”. Oh, ok. And then it will take up to 2 weeks to see results. Whatever- I rinsed my feet, saw no visible difference (maybe they were a little softer?), and went on with my life.

I wasn’t prepared for the horror.

The following Monday, I was enjoying my kettlebell class, barefoot, as you do. We were doing a move that requires standing up from a kneeling lunge. I looked down, and realized the tops of my feet, which had been rubbing against the floor, were peeling. I looked around my feet, and noticed I was leaving flakes of skin on my yoga mat. I joked that I hoped no one got murdered at the studio, because my DNA was everywhere.

I resigned myself to wearing socks the rest of the week. My feet looked like they were peeling from a nasty sunburn, minus the burn part. On Friday (one week past the initial treatment), I decided to do some deadlifts during a break in clients. Barefoot. I wasn’t paying attention to the snowstorm that occurred as I removed my socks. I hinged over to grab the barbell, and OH DEAR GOD. My feet were peeling from all sides!! I was leaving NICKEL SIZED CHUNKS OF SKIN all over the floor!! WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?!?! Even the sides of my toes were peeling!! It was truly a terror. I jammed my shoes back on for the remainder of my workout, and that night, gave my feet a thorough pumice stone scrubbing.

after scrubbing. not kidding.

after scrubbing. not kidding.

It didn’t help. It was like I was trying to unravel a skin-sweater, and someone kept knitting… and knitting… and knitting…

I wondered if I would even still have feet after this.

Another week has gone by, and I am pleased to report that I do, in fact, still have feet! And they are mostly done peeling… I think. Are they the feet of a beautiful lady? Well, I would say they are slightly softer in places, but my heels are still on the rough side. I do not feel inclined to ever do this again, but if you want to try it, I would recommend waiting until winter, when your feet are generally hidden away. Next time, I think I’ll just stick to their face masks and pony up for a pedicure.

Want us to test drive something? Ask, and we might! Unless it’s scary. Or painful. Or permanent. xo