Pale Products and More

From the few Hourglass powder products I've used, I know that I love this brand. Awhile ago I got this powder in the shade Incandescent and loved it so much I bought this shade as well.

After my not so great experience with PantyProp period panties (review here), I decided to try another brand. Think was the brand I originally learned about period panties through, but for whatever reason I hadn't decided to try them first. Pantyprops were a no go so I decided to give Thinx a try.

Thinx have a 4 layer gusset to prevent wetness, leaks, odor, etc etc. They have different styles and different levels of absorbency. I opted for the Cheeky, as I only needed light absorbency and thought the style would be the most comfortable for me, and also after this initial purchase got a few more Cheeky as well as a Boyshort. One pair is $30, but they do discounts if you buy 3, 5, or 7. 

Right off the bat I liked these a lot more than the PantyProps. They do have a slightly more padded crotch, but nothing crazy or even noticeable really. The material is slick and soft, and the cut is cute with little mesh on the edges. I put them on and was really impressed, both styles actually fit just like normal underwear. There was no bulge where the crotch padding was, and they just looked like normal underwear, and were soft and comfy. The Boyshort felt a bit compressing? not tight, just comfortably snug.

front

As far as absorbency I was happy. I tried these this month when my period randomly was a tiny bit heavier than it had been, and I didn't have any leaking. I also found that it did keep me feeling dry, not at all similar to the feeling of having a pad on, thankfully. I also thought these did do a good job with odor control. The Boyshort obviously has more coverage and I have no doubts when I wear them that I will absolutely not leak. That being said they might not be for someone with a heavy period, but I feel they'll work for anywhere from light to medium flow. I didn't include any pics of me wearing them because they fit just like regular undies, the boyshort fit more like a guys boxer- the legs go down further than a traditional boyshort cut.

back

Overall I'm super happy with these period panties, like I really love them! As I mentioned I initially bought one, but then bought some more right after I tried it, because I liked them that much. I'm really impressed that they found a way to be absorbent and also discreet, unlike the other ones I tried. They are comfortable, dry, and absorbent. I have been using these every month for the last few months with no issue!

Definitely forgot that I have a referral code so if you want to try them use my link!  http://ref.thinxify.me/i7LFM 

I think I saw Thatylaa review this and was intrigued, but I initially ordered Medium Brown. Unfortunately that shade was too warm toned on me so I returned it and reordered in Deep Brown, hoping it wouldn't be too dark.

This products retails for $12.99 for .43; comparing to other brow gels, Essence Make me Brow is $2.99 for .13 oz, and Nyx Tinted Brow Mascara is $6.99 for .22 oz. This product is supposed to be transfer proof, smudge proof, create fuller brows, and stay on for up to 2 days. I don't really care about that last claim because I oil cleanse every night, therefore removing all makeup completely, but its gimmicky and neat I guess.

swatched on top compared to my usual Etude House Drawing Brow in Gray

The color Deep Brown looks cool toned when I swatch it, but like with all brow products, it looks pretty warm when applied. I found that the applicator was completely useless and I had to use an eyebrow brush to apply it, which I don't mind that much. It applies like any gel brow product.

After initially trying this I did like how it held up, but I didn't reach for it again due to the color, that is until I had a beach day. I'm always extremely insecure going out without my brows on and knew my normal product would not hold up to the beach, so I decided to test it out. I forgot to take before pics that day so here's a selfie from the day I first tested it out.


Here's a picture after being in the ocean for like 20 minutes and not dunking my head under at all, but defintely sweating a lot because it was fucking hot. I hate Florida.


Aaaaand here's picture after an hour of being there right before we left. At this point I had been splashed in the face by waves and my face was thoroughly wet. I had also rubbed my eyes a shit ton which usually messes up my brows if I'm not careful. I don't swim underwater though because it always messes with my ears, so keep that in mind.



Honestly I'm impressed. They don't look flawless or anything, there's some blurring around the edges and underneath but I mean, they're still on! I was really expecting to look in the mirror and see like half of a tail missing or something.

Overall I wish this came in cooler colors because it actually worked! I mean I don't know if I would recommend it for like underwater swimming, but it worked for my purposes. I'll definitely keep it around for the rare and usually one day out of the year beach day, lmao.

I was always interested in Milk Makeup products but never wanted to bite the bullet and actually get one. Then I was in Sephora with my mom and saw the mini Blur Stick and said, fuck it, and walked to the register, lmao.

It retails for $36 for 1 oz (although I own the mini), to compare; the Smashbox Photo Finish Mattify Primer stick is $32 for .31, and the Dr Brandt Pores No More goes for $35 for .5 oz, so this actually seems to be a decent value. It is a "colorless, matte, universal face filter". It is supposed to blur the looks of fine lines and pores.

When I first apply this it smooths my pores out but doesn't fill them completely, and it definitely mattifies in a very flattering way. Unfortunately I don't see any pore blurring or mattifying to last anymore than about an hour. I don't think it's worth it to use this as a primer under foundation.


That being said there is a way I do really like to use this- and that's when I don't have any face makeup on. I'll apply it after my daily sunscreen, as that can leave me a bit shiny. I'll then bring it with me (remember I have the mini), and continuously apply this throughout the day when my pores become visible and my oil comes through. I almost use it as a blotting stick? This is usually on days when I'm at work and I find that it makes me feel much better about not having makeup on to be able to use this to touch up. It doesn't leave the skin feeling dry or unnaturally matte, so I also use this on very minimal makeup days when I'm only wearing like this, mascara, sheer liquid blush, highlight, and brows (which seems like so much now that I type it out, lmao). Below is a picture of my pores after my sunscreen has set for 30 minutes.

my pores in all their glory

It significantly mattifies and blurs pores when I reapply throughout the day, although unfortunately it still only lasts about an hour or two, but I don't mind reapplying. I find that its worth it to just carry and reapply, because as a girl with huge ass pores, I'm always self conscious of them showing. Knowing I have a product with me that will dramatically reduce their appearance is so comforting.

Blur Stick applied to LEFT side only

Overall I think its decent, the immediate results are great, but its not long lasting at all. I actually would consider repurchasing this, although I do want to try out other pore minimizing sticks to see if I can find one that lasts longer. You can really see the contrast between the sides in the picture above, I just wish it lasted.

Awhile ago I was looking for good drugstore blushes and was eyeing the Maybelline Fit Me ones, so I got one to try from Ulta. Then I was in Walgreens and they were doing buy two get the third free so obviously I had to get some more.

The retail for $5.99 for .16 oz, to compare; the Wet N Wild Ombre blushes are $4.99 for .3 oz, and the Milani Baked Blushes are $7.99 for .12 oz. The Maybelline Fit Me Blushes are said to be creamy and smooth and true to color.

I have the shades Buff, Nude, Mauve, and Plum. There are no descriptions anywhere of what the shades are and although the names are pretty self explanatory, I still like to see the brand description of shades. All of them have a satin finish except for Plum which is matte. Let's ignore the fact that I have long hair in 3/4 of these pics, and short in one, lmao.


Buff is a warm toned neutral shade that pulls slighlty peachy on my skin tone, especially if I pair it with a warmer eye.



Nude is a warm rose colored neutral that pulls peachy on me as well. I really don't prefer these first two, as they don't function as true neutrals like I was hoping.



Mauve is a slightly mauvey pink that, again, pulls warm on my skin.



Plum is a warm plummy shade that actually flatters me more than the other three.


Overall the formulation of these is lovely but unfortunately I just don't really like the shades I picked up! They all have intense pigmentation, but not to the point where its hard to use them, and blend out like a dream, so if any of these shades are your jam, I do recommend them! I find its really hard for me to find flattering blush, so I'm not counting that against these at all.

Lately I don't use anything except cream products. Powders just feel so heavy and annoying, especially now that its getting to 95 degrees mid morning, and the AC in the drive through at my work is usually broken, lmao. I usually use my Nudestix Bondi Bae Brzoner (review here), but I wanted to try something new, which led me to the Rms Beauty Burti Bronzer.

It retails for $28 for .20 oz., to compare to other cream bronzers; the Too Faced Bronzed Peach Melting Powder is $30 for .44 oz., and the Nudestix All Over Face Color are $30 for .25 oz. It claims to give you a glowing sunkissed look with a radiant finish. The swatch scared me as it does look pretty warm toned, but I find it doesn't look too orangey on the skin. As with all RMS Beauty products, it has a makeup-y smell that I'm not a huge fan of. Its not as prominent as the Uncover Foundation so that's a plus.


I apply this with my Real Techniques sponge, dipping directly into the product and blending it. I find that it blends easier with swiping motions vs the tradition dabbing. I have only worn this with my Nudestix Tinted Blur Stix, but I assume this application would not work on a heavier coverage foundation as it would slide the foundation around too much. For my purposes though, it works well.



This does give a very natural, sunkissed look. I was very surprised that it works on my skin tone. I agree it definitely has a radiant finish that I think makes the skin look very healthy. It lasts about 6-8 hours, as cream products don't have the longevity powders do. I find that it rubs off quite quickly when I'm working as I wear a drive thru headset. When I'm not working though, it does last well, unless I rub my face. Powdering it with a translucent powder does make it last a bit better, but takes away a bit of the glow.


Overall its a very flattering shade for me that is easy to apply and wears well. The only slight negative is longevity, but its to be expected. I can definitely see myself repurchasing.

Ah Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence...the iconic sunscreen that is a lot of people's first dip into Asian skincare. I'm not special, and when I first got into Asian beauty I immediately scrambled to purchase a sunscreen after realizing in horror the damaging years I had gone unprotected. This frantic search brought me to cult favorite Biore Watery Essence, as it was all the rage on the Asian Beauty subreddit at the time.

If you don't know anything about Asian sunscreens, they are formulated with a different rating system than their Western counterparts. To be frank I can't break it all down and explain it in depth, I just know that the higher the PA rating is, the better (he current highest rating is ++++. So you'll see SPF listed on these sunscreens followed by the PA rating that will look like PA++++.

The other big difference between Asian and Western sunscreens is the cosmetic factor- Western sunscreens are sticky and gloopy and white and just a general mess, while Asian ones dry down to matte, satin, or dewy finishes and sink into your skin and leave no white cast. They are able to do that with the use of chemical sun filters vs physical ones. And again, I'm not the right person to ask about what all this means, but luckily google is free and there are very many helpful links for you out there. Now that the basics are out of the way onto the product...

This retails for varying prices depending on where you get it but I took a quick glance and saw prices ranges from $8-$15. Oop one more thing about Asian sunscreens in general, they are small compared to what we are used to. These aren't your 12 hour beach day trip sunscreens, and if you use them as such I'm assuming you'll 1) go through several tubes and 2) burn to a crisp. That's because with chemical filters in order to properly continue getting the right amount of coverage, you need to reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure. This works well if you are using this as a casual commuting sunscreen where you are only in the sun to and from your car etc, but as for direct sun exposure I would not opt for this product. All that being said this is 50g, so like...fits in your hand comfortably, as you can see from the pictures.


Okay as far as the texture/scent/initial thoughts on the product it is a slightly runny, thinner consistency that smells a bit lemony and fresh. It does contain alcohol so if you are sensitive to that (I know a lot of people have issues with this for that reason), stay away! I do not find this to be drying whatsoever.


Damn I guess there's another bit of general info I need to drop- you will only get the advertised protection if you apply enough sunscreen. "enough" translates to a quarter teaspoon (roughly two fingers worth of product I believe), and its actually quite a bit. The picture shown above is about two fingers worth dotted on, and I usually add a bit more with a second layer on my high areas that are more exposed to the sun.

right after application

I like to apply it using Fiddy's method of applying then patting in with a cushion puff (I'm referring to Fiddysnails on ig, reddit, and anywhere else she has an internet presence, she is a goddess among skincare queens). If I just apply this with my hands it feels like a lot of product and feels a bit uncomfortable, but applying it with a puff does not have that effect. There's controversy among the skincare people over whether or not you need to have a "wait time" for your sunscreen to "activate" so to speak, but personally I prefer waiting 30 minutes before applying any makeup, otherwise my makeup pills and I just feel pretty heavy. After 30 minutes though there is no issue and my face doesn't feel heavy anymore.

after 30 minutes

When I don't wear makeup I find that this gives my face a very slight glow and dries down to a soft matte borderline satin finish. It leaves my skin feeling soft, but I can usually feel it a little bit when I touch my face even after it has completely dried down. I don't find it oil controlling or anything, although it does have a slight, slight pore covering effect for about the first hour (if I'm not wearing makeup after an hour my pores look normal). This wears okay under makeup, but it can pill if I apply my makeup before waiting 30 mins, or just sometimes at random.

Overall this is a good product that I have repurchased twice (I fell off the sunscreen wagon several times but I'm back on in full force!). I think it was a good first step into Asian sunscreens, but I don't think I'll be repurchasing again, as I want to try others.

So, as I mentioned in my Lena Cup review, my periods have been super light lately. This led me to seriously look into other options because I could no longer comfortably use my cup. I decided to try some period underwear. If you're unfamiliar with it, its underwear that has some sort of absorbent crotchto replace or to be worn as a back up for tampons or cups. There's a ton of brands and after a bunch of research I decided to try the brand PantyProp.

PantyProp feature an absorbent cotton gusset (nicer word for crotch I guess) and claim to give security, comfort, leak free protection, as well as not have any bumps that can be seen through pants. Its important to note this is a claim the company makes...you'll see why I'm saying this. They also feature a mesh thing that is to hope pads in place if you want to wear pads in addition to the undies. This was not a factor in my decision as I wasn't going to be wearing pads.

front

back

I opted for the Hipster version that claims to be low rise and full coverage. Now I wanted to mention that I do wear thongs 90% of the time, but I went into this knowing I was obviously not going to be wearing a thong, and I did normally wear non thongs on my period. They are $19.99 for a single pair (I got the black version), I had ordered a 4 pack that is no longer listed on the site for $64, plus about $8 shipping.

bunching up

Right off the bat I wasn't that happy with them. Pulling them out of the box you can see a thick padding in the crotch. The padding also goes pretty far in the back which can be helpful to those that bleed in that direction, but I usually need more coverage in the front. When I put them on my disappointment continued- they are absolutely not low rise, and come up a lot higher than any of my underwear be it thongs, boyshorts, bikinis, etc (I'm wearing high waisted leggings in the picture with them). The padding in the back makes it look and feel like a diaper, and the padding in the front doesn't sit smooth on the crotch, but instead bunches up (see above pic for example). Its also slightly uncomfortable due to the mesh pad holder thing, and I find they can wiggle their way out of the crotch lining and kind of stick out between my thighs. I tried these with several pants and you could see the butt padding in all of them. I only wore these when I could wear a big shirt to cover my butt.

mesh pad holder thing

They do absorb enough though. Like I said my period is very light right now so I can't really say if they work well for normal to heavy periods, but they work for my flow without feeling damp or worrying I'll leak through. That being said all the other negatives don't really make it worth it for me to wear these during the day.

I've found that the only use I get out of these is wearing them at night. For that they're fine. But wearing them during the day is a no go. I definitely would not repurchase and I wish I had only gotten one pair instead of getting the three pack, but you live and learn. If you are interested in period panties I do have a review coming on another brand (spoiler: I like them much better than these!) so keep watching!