Makeup Melters

On August 14, 2019August 4, 2019 By thehannahhardyIn Best Of, Favorites, Reviews, SkincareLeave a comment

I’m a big fan of double cleansing. I HAVE to double cleanse every day and the first step is removing my makeup. I love trying new products and formulas. There are so many options: micellar water, cleansing balm, cleansing oil, cleansing lotion, gel cleansers, wipes, etc.

Keep reading for the details on some new (to me) makeup removers that I’ve been testing.

AVEENO MAXGLOW MICELLAR GEL CLEANSER

Claims–Draw out & wash away makeup, oil, and other skin-dulling impurities :: leave skin hydrated, soft, and dewy

Price–$5.14 at Ulta :: $10.69 at Walgreens :: $7.97 at Wal Mart :: 5.1 oz

Pros–Affordable :: easily accessible :: packaging–pump! :: hypoallergenic :: paraben-free :: phthalate free :: non-comedogenic :: smells amazing :: removes all traces of makeup :: hydrating

Cons–Not cruelty free

Final Thoughts–I love the MaxGlow line and this product was a hit too. It’s gentle yet effective and removes all makeup. The MaxGlow line smells so good and I need them to add a body wash and lotion to this line. It leaves skin soft and hydrated.

FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB COCONUT MICELLAR MAKEUP MELTER

Claims–Gentle, yet effective :: melt away even the most stubborn makeup :: leaves skin hydrated, conditioned, and smoothed :: safe to use around the eyes :: won’t leave skin tight, dry, or greasy

Price–$26 at Sephora :: $20 at firstaidbeauty.com :: for 5.4 oz

Pros–Clean beauty product :: packaging, pump! :: doesn’t feel greasy or leave on a film behind :: no alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, or sulfates :: allergy-tested :: gluten free :: vegan :: cruelty free :: ophthalmologist tested :: hydrated :: removes all makeup

Cons–Expensive :: availability

Final Thoughts–I found this at TJ Maxx for $9.99. I love the Hello FAB line and I loved this too. I wouldn’t pay for $20+ for it though. It’s hydrating and has a pump that locks so it’s travel friendly. It removes all traces of makeup and is very gentle.

IT COSMETICS BYE BYE MAKEUP CLEANSING BALM

Claims–3-in-1 cleanser, makeup remover, and anti-aging serum :: completely remove all traces of eye makeup & impurities without drying or irritation :: perfect for all skin types, even the most sensitive

Price–$38 at Sephora, itcosmetics.com for 2.82 oz :: $15 travel size 0.99 oz

Pros–Cruelty free :: removes ALL makeup, even waterproof with ease :: hydrating :: good ingredients–hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants :: hydrating :: doesn’t leave a greasy film after rinsing :: no parabens, sulfates, phthalates :: leaves skin soft and smooth :: anti-aging properties :: mini size for travel/testing :: sleek packaging

Cons–Expensive :: Sephora or online only :: some view jars like this unsanitary :: bulky packaging for storing

Final Thoughts–I love It Cosmetics skincare products and this was no exception. A little goes a long way and it is super hydrating. It says it’s a 3-in-1 cleanser, but I still follow up with a cleanser and serum separately. It’s expensive, but all of the anti-aging properties and ingredients attribute to that. I like this, but I won’t pay $38 for the full size when there are other, cheaper products that do the same things.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA THE PERFECT MATCHA 3-IN-1 MELTING CLEANSING BALM

Claims–Ultra gentle :: melts away makeup :: deeply cleans away impurities :: leaves the skin supple and hydrated

Price–$7.79 at Target :: $13.49 at physiciansformula.com & Walgreens :: 1.4 oz

Pros–Comes with a scoop so you don’t have to dip your fingers in it :: vegan :: cruelty free :: non-comedogenic :: gluten free :: paraben free :: dermatologist & ophthalmologist tested :: safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers :: hypoallergenic :: small, compact packaging :: removes all makeup

Cons–Expensive for a small amount of product

Final Thoughts–This has a slight scent, but it’s not overpowering and it doesn’t linger. I like that there is a scoop included and that the packaging is small and compact. It removed all my makeup and is a good product. However, I won’t repurchase it because you get little product for such higher price tag.

POND’S COLD CREAM CLEANSING BALM

Claims–Leaves skin instantly soft & radiant :: easy rinse :: non-greasy :: solid balm transforms into a silky oil, melting away stubborn makeup and removing impurities

Price–$9.99 at Target & Walgreens :: $9.98 at Wal Mart :: 3.38 oz

Pros–Affordable :: easily accessible :: cute packaging design :: won Best of Beauty prize for Allure in 2018 :: little goes a long way :: moisturizing/hydrating :: little goes a long way :: removes ALL makeup with ease, even waterproof mascara :: no harsh rubbing required :: doesn’t leave greasy residue/film behind

Cons–Not cruelty free :: some view jars like this as unsanitary, but you can use a scoop to prevent dipping dirty fingers back in the jar :: bulky packaging for traveling/storing

Final Thoughts–I LOVE this and it is a total dupe for the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm and is a third of the price. It’s affordable, hydrating, and easy to access. A little goes a long way and you get a lot of product. It removes ALL makeup so easily. There is a slight scent, but it’s not overpowering and doesn’t linger.

Most Loved Nude Lips

On July 10, 2019July 5, 2019 By thehannahhardyIn Best Of, FavoritesLeave a comment

Up until the last few months, I NEVER wore nude lips. I love and live for bright lipstick. I thought I was too pale for nude lipstick so I always opted for something bright to add some color to my look. I still love my bright shades, but I’ve become obsessed with nudes of every shade and formula.

lipliners

Liners
—NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner in Whipped Caviar
—Jordana Easy Liner for Lips in Tawny
—NYX Lip Liner in Natural
—It Cosmetics Your Lips But Better in Blushing Nudes

lipsticks

Lipsticks
—NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm
—YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in #44 Nude Lavalliere
—Maybelline Shine Compulsion Lipstick in Taupe Seduction
–Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme in Kate* (limited edition)
—Colour Pop Creme Lux Lipstick in Scorpio Moon
—Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
—Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. in The Duchess*
—MAC Lustre Lipstick in Syrup
—Tarte Quench Lip Rescue in Nude
*These are both Kate Middleton inspired shades so obviously I had to get them and I will never get rid of them.

LiquidLips

Liquid Lipsticks
—Milani Amore Satin Matte Lip Creme in Fancy
—Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncuffed
—Marc Jacobs Le Marc Liquid Lip Creme in Truth or Bare
—NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Bound
—BareMinerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lipstick in Swag
—Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in 05 Infinite Rose
—NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Night Together

glosses

Lip Glosses
—Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish in Dolly
—Lancome L’Absolu Lacquer in 202 Nuit & Jour
—Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fenty Glow
—Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Vintage

May Favorites

On May 31, 2019May 29, 2019 By thehannahhardyIn Monthly FavoritesLeave a comment

Monogram Gabby Tweed Handbag
- Emily had this bag and I knew I had to have it. It’s pink and monogrammed and I can’t ask for much more than that.
NYX Lip Bag
- I got this as a freebie with an Ulta order and it’s the perfect bag to hold all my lippies in my purse.
Makeup Brush Cleaning Bowl
- I found this at TJ Maxx and it has been a game changer. It cleans my brushes so good and so fast.
It Cosmetics Confidence In a Gel Moisturizer
- I am OBSESSED with this moisturizer. It’s perfect for the morning to wear under makeup. It’s so lightweight, yet super hydrating, and dries super fast.
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55
- The break out free tag line sold me. I mix this with the It moisturizer each morning. It’s lightweight and dries quickly.
Tarte Babassu Foundcealer Skincare Foundation
- I did a full review on this here so I won’t ramble, but I love it.
It’s A 10 Miracle Blow Dry Styling Balm
- My hair dresser used this when I got my hair done last and I could not buy it fast enough. It smells SO GOOD and it’s got a lot of benefits in one convenient product. I almost want to wash my hair more so I can use.
- I don’t know jack about hair or hair products, but this is good and you need it.
Japonesque Brushes
- I’ve found several brushes from this line at TJ Maxx for $4 or $5 and I freaking love them. They are such great quality, work well, and hold after multiple washes. Don’t sleep on the makeup section at TJ Maxx.
Fenty Gloss Bomb + Sephora Infinite Rose
- Allison shared this lip combo, she had a different gloss, but it looked so pretty on here that I had to pick it up. I got it during the VIB Sale and while I usually don’t love nude lips, I’ve been wearing this combo non-stop.
Anastasia Dip Brow Gel
- I have pretty full brows so I don’t have to spend much time filling them in every day, but they are very light. A quick swipe of this and a few strokes with a pencil at the front is all I need for bomb brows.
- I got the mini and I think it will last a while.
Jeffree Star Magic Concealer
- Again, I did a full review on this here so I won’t ramble, but I love it.
LA Girl Pro Concealer
- I can’t stop reaching for this, full review here.
NARS Orgasm Blush
- This a cult classic product and I’ve never owned it till recently. I got this during the VIB Sale and I am so glad I went with the jumbo size. It is such a gorgeous blush.
- If I’m going for a lighter look, I’ll wear this alone, and it looks great alone, but it’s so pretty used as a topper as well.
Jeffree Star Magic Powder
- And another product I did a full review on. I love it and you can read more here.
Nailene Nail Glue
- Game changer if you love press on nails like me. It’s cheap and it’s the best glue that I’ve found.

This is the nude lip combo I mentioned earlier. My watch band is another favorite. I really liked the silicone bands when I first got my Apple Watch, but now I don’t know if I can go back.

I’ve been in my office since October and I’m finally adding a little flair to my cube. Obvi, the Friday Night Lights sign is front and center. I love the garland/whatever that holds pictures because it’s much easier to switch out these photos than it would be if they were in frames. I have some personal photos of my babeis, duh, and some prints from two of my favorite Etsy shops. Check out Pamlico Paper and Scattered Grace Design. I’m sure you’ll find something you love, but if you need something more custom, they can do that too! They are both small, local businesses and the women behind them are so sweet!

This then That

On May 6, 2019May 5, 2019 By thehannahhardyIn Misc2 Comments

My back up box is constantly overflowing for a few reasons. One, I don’t like running of products I love and use regularly. Two, I love to test and try new things. If I see a product I want to try, for instance a micellar water, I’ll buy it and stick it in this box to use once I finish up the one I have open. Here’s a peek into my backup box and to see when I finish this, then I’ll use that.

PicMonkey Collage

Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Micellar H20 // Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar H20

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream // It Cosmetics Confidence In An Eye Cream

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser // It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cleanser

Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer // Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask // Catrice Lip Oil

Lush Santa Baby Lip Scrub // Colour Pop Lip Scrub

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Express Hydrating Spray // elf Keep Your Balance Hydrating Toner

April Favorites

On April 30, 2019April 28, 2019 By thehannahhardyIn Monthly FavoritesLeave a comment

This is the semi-lazy version of April favorites because I’m too lazy to gather all of my favorites and take an actual photo. You’re getting a product collage today, friends.

collage

NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Bound–I got this a 100 point perk and used up the mini so quickly. I LOVE this formula and this shade lives in my purse. It’s the perfect every day neutral.
Equate Beauty Flat Kabuki Brush–I’ve been trying different techniques with my all over setting powder. Even though I have dry skin, I always set with powder. I have to. Since my skin is dry, finding the right tool & powder combo can be difficult. I’ve been loving using this brush to really press the powder into my skin/foundation for a flawless look. I’m really impressed with quality for the price.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder in Lavender–If you have fair skin and have trouble finding an under eye setting powder that brightens, look no further. Other than the price, I have nothing negative to say about this powder. I will gladly pay full price for this product though because it’s THAT good. It’s so finely milled, brightens, sets, and makes my under eye area looked blurred and flawless. Love, love, love this.
Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in Melancholia + NARS Orgasm Lip Balm–I can’t stop wearing this lip combo. The shades pair really well and I love the hint of added shimmer that the balm adds.
Morphe M443 Pointed Liner Brush–I go through phases with eyeliner and which kind I prefer. I’m back onto gel liner and this brush gives a perfect line effortlessly.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Moisturizer–This was a surprise half off deal during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty so I decided to give it a go. I have a lot of redness in my skin and had wondered about this product, but didn’t want to splurge since I hadn’t heard many reviews on it. I’m so glad I decided to get it. It really works! I can tell my skin isn’t as red and it’s super moisturizing which my dry skin needs. I hate to say goodbye to my beloved Hydro Boost, but I’m really seeing a difference with this product.
Wet n Wild Gel Pout Lip Liners–I’ve never been one to splurge on high end lip liners and if you do, give these a try. I love this formula. It’s creamy, but not slippery and they are SO affordable. I have almost every shade.
Kiss Salon Dip Kit–I picked this up because it was cheap and if it didn’t work out, I wasn’t out a whole lot. I ended up LOVING it. The powder is really fine so it doesn’t get really thick and impossible to file down. The other powder colors, base coat, activator, and top coat are all super affordable as well. If you’ve been interested in an at home dip kit, I highly recommend this one!

PicMonkey Collage2 — I love these photo hanger thingys. I have one on my mantle in my room and recently added one to my cubicle at work. It’s a cute way to display photos and prints and it’s super easy to switch pictures in and out.

Other highlights from April
–I became an aunt to the sweetest little boy, Ethan James.
–I got a new tattoo.
–I survived a CrAzY, busy month at work.
–I celebrated my baby cousin’s first birthday.

Foundation Friday: It Cosmetics Confidence In A Foundation

On March 22, 2019March 22, 2019 By thehannahhardyIn Fair Skin Products, Foundation Friday, ReviewsLeave a comment

Claims
–Oil free
–Velvet matte finish
–24 hours of coverage and hydration
–Full coverage
–Humidity proof
–Weightless on the skin
–Perfect for all skin types
–Flawless finish

Price
–$32 for 1.0 oz
—Ulta, Sephora, itcosmetics.com

Shade Range
–48
–My Shade: 100 Light Ivory

Pros
–Skin loving ingredients i.e. hyaluronic acid, ceramides, collagen
–Shade range
–Shade match for me
–Packaging :: pump!
–Cruelty free
–Not a flat matte finish
–Didn’t cake or cling to dry patches
–Long lasting
–Weightless on the skin
–Lives up its claims

Cons
–Expensive

Thoughts
I love this foundation! Thank Heavens there is finally an It Cosmetics complexion product that works for me. The CC Cream and their powder foundations are too dark for me. I got full coverage with one layer, but I added a little extra to my chin because my foundation tends to rub off there. My only concern with this foundation was the matte finish, but it’s not a flat matte and it works on my dry skin. It got a little cakey between my brows, but everything cakes there. It lives up to all of its claims and love all of the skin loving ingredients.

Primers: Too Faced Hangover Rx, elf Blur Stick
Powder: Milani Prep+Set+Glow
Tools: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Bye Bye Foundation No. 22 & Wet n Wild Sponge

No makeup :: Foundation only :: Full face

approved

January Favorites

On January 30, 2019January 29, 2019 By thehannahhardyIn FavoritesLeave a comment

This month’s favorites are SUPER random, but this is what I’ve been loving so I wanted to share anyway!

Erin Condren Planner Folio
–I didn’t get an EC planner this year, but I love this planner folio aka planner holder.
–Of course, I went with the custom option because I wanted to put my dogs and other favorite things on it instead of a design, but there are lots of options.
–I don’t do the full own scrapbook planner with tons of stickers and fancy layouts, but I do use some stickers and this folio is great way to keep all of my stuff together.

J Crew Factory Suede Tassel Stretch Flats
–I got these on super sale and I am obsessed! I love the tassel and the pointed toe. The leopard is calf hair which I love and the tan is suede.
–I ordered the tan first and they were so comfy that I immediately ordered the leopard and black. I accidentally ordered the wrong size in the black and my correct size was sold out so I ended up giving those to my sister. ‘Twas a sad day.
–They are completely sold out, but there are a few sizes available in the leopard. Size up a half size!

Sephora Collection Dynamic Duo On The Go Face Brush
–My elf Massaging Facial Cleanser died and I’ve been too lazy/forgetful to get a battery. I saw this in Sephora and it was cute and travel friendly so I picked it up to try.
–The brush side isn’t too harsh and I love using the silicone side to really cleanse my pores.

Milani Prep+Set+Glow Powder
–This product is so good that it’s getting it’s own post here shortly, BUT in the meantime, just know this is a dry skin dream.

Colour Pop Constellation + Bare Minerals Nude Chiffon
–I always use some kind of primer or cream base when I wear eye shadow. It helps the powder stick and extend wear and it also intensifies the color.
–I don’t love Constellation on its own, but it’s GORG paired with this BM shade.
–It’s been my go to look for eye shadow this month. It’s easy, takes no time, and packs a punch.
–I got the BM shadow at TJ Maxx for $4 or $5 and I can’t find it online to link, but if you see it, get it. It’s so pretty!

It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil
–When I first tried this, I didn’t like it. It pulled very orange/red toned on me.
–I got it in a gift set recently and gave it another try and now I really like it. The shade is a good match and I like the formula too.
–I have cheaper favorites so I’m not going to repurchase when I use this up, but it is a really good product.