Tag: face mask

My Spring 2021 FabFitFun Unboxing!

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Hey friends!

It’s officially that time of the season! Spring is beginning (finally), and that means warmer weather, fresh flowers — and the start of each new season means a new FabFitFun box!

If you’ve been following me for a while now, you already know how much I love FabFitFun — they’ve introduced me to SO many of my favourite products and brands (many of which I wouldn’t have even heard of in the first place otherwise). This season’s box has been no exception — I receiving all kinds of products that I’m already loving, or can’t wait to be able to try. I could go on and on about how great it is, but I think it would be better to just break it down for you guys!

Tech Candy Clean Slate™ UV Sanitizing Bed

Since COVID began, I’ve become increasingly paranoid about germs on my phone — so when I saw this device being offered in this season’s box, I knew I had to have it. Thus far, I’ve been really cautious about germs, hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing since lockdowns began last year, but it’s kind of impossible to leave the house and not end up touching your phone once, and I just can’t shake the feeling that I’m contaminating everything I own and undoing all my hard work whoever I use my phone after I leave the house. (Maybe that’s just me being paranoid, but still). Either way, I’m looking forward to being able to simply pop my phone in this little device every time I come home from now on and being able to rest easy knowing that my phone is 100% clean and safe. (Crazy to think that a year ago, a product like this would have seemed like a silly little luxury, but now it’s something so incredibly useful!).

Alice + Olivia Reversible Bucket Hat

This bucket hat is SO cute and absolutely perfect for spring. I’m always on the hunt for new accessories — especially ones that are low-maintenance and work with a variety of outfits — since it really is the easiest and best way to elevate an outfit. Since this hat is reversible (the inside is plain white) I’m sure I’ll be able to get use out of it in a whole variety of ways. But, to be honest, I don’t even think I’ll need to reverse it — the black daisies are just so cute, and bucket hats are the perfect casual vibe for spring.

PUR Cosmetics Iconic Glow Illuminating Face & Body Dry Oil

Okay, I won’t lie, the packaging on this product had me MAJORLY confused at first. This oil comes in a glass dropper, as many oils do — but it has a metal pump on top to fill up the dropper, unlike the normal rubber tops. So, yes, as you’re probably already imagining — I did, in fact, sit around for 5+ minutes trying to pump it and figure out where the oil was supposed to come out of. Packaging aside, I’m sort of just lukewarm about this product. It’s VERY glittery, and definitely takes a while to absorb — although it does leave my skin feeling soft once it does. Maybe it’s just that I’m not crazy about body oils, but I’m just so-so on this one. I don’t hate it, I’ll totally use it — but I’m not in love with it.

SfGlow Sun’s Out, Pouts Out Lip Mask

These little lip masks are SO fun, you guys. Lip masks aren’t something I use often, and the ones I have used in the past have all been just alright — but these masks may have just sold me on the concept. I really didn’t expect much before trying them out, but they really left my (and the time) sort of dehydrated lips feeling good as new. I was a little hesitant at first, because the mask comes coated in a somewhat heavy product that has a bit of a weird consistency, but once it’s on it doesn’t feel that weird at all. You do have to have the time to sit around for 10-15 minutes with the mask on (and you obviously can’t eat, drink or sleep when you’re using it) but its the perfect time to slap on some eye masks as well and really pamper yourself before whatever you’re planning on doing that day.

M·A·C COSMETICS Powder Kiss Lipstick Duo

Receiving this product in my spring box immediately made me remember how much I miss MAC. Growing up, MAC was like, the holy grail of makeup stores for me — Sephora too, but something about MAC just felt so cool. As Sephora started getting bigger, though, MAC kind of fell behind, since obviously as Sephora carries multiple brands, they have a much wider variety of products. There’s a MAC store in downtown Vancouver that I still visit on occasion (or did, rather, pre-COVID — in fact, I actually went to MAC of the last day before lockdowns began) but overall, I don’t own as many products from their brand as I once did. These lipsticks have really reminded me of how great of a brand they are, though — they’re really amazing. They’re matte, but not TOO matte — I personally am not a huge fan of the ultra-matte liquid-lip sort of look (and if you are, this lipstick probably isn’t what you’re looking for). This lipstick, however, is matte (but more in a non-shiny way than a pure, ultra-matte way) but at the same time, is super hydrating. I’ve only tried out the pink shade so far, but it’s SO cute and honestly looks pretty natural, which I’m digging. For me, this matte lipstick is kind of the perfect matte for me — it’s super cute, and reminded me of why I loved MAC so much.

Grown Alchemist Body Cream – Mandarin, Rosemary Leaf

Something I’ve learned about FabFitFun is that the body moisturizers they gift will absolutely never do you wrong — and this moisturizer is no exception. I was already pretty excited about receiving this item, since my current moisturizer is running low and I was hoping to switch stuff up. Basically, I would have used this moisturizer even if it wasn’t totally amazing — but it absolutely is. It’s super hydrating, but it manages to avoid being to heavy, slow-absorbing or sticky — my absolute biggest pet peeves with body lotion. As well, this stuff smells FANTASTIC — mandarin and rosemary is one of my favourite fragrances, so perhaps I’m biased — but I’m obsessed with how this lotion smells. Overall, a 10/10 lotion, and FabFitFun has impressed me again.

Earth Harbor Marina Biome Brightening Ampoule

I won’t lie, I was a little nervous when I saw this product in my box — skincare is really important to me, and while I enjoy testing out new products sometimes, I don’t really like to mess around with my routine too much. However, when I tested this product out I immediately realized there was really nothing to worry about. First of all, this product has some similar ingredients to Herbivore’s Lapis Balancing Facial Oil, which I already use and love. However, this product is more directed at brightening and evening out the skin, versus Herbivore’s oil which is aimed at combatting redness and excess oil. I tried applying it in the mornings, and it’s a light enough oil that it seems it would totally work to wear under makeup, PLUS it had an immediate smoothing effect that made applying the rest of my skincare feel better than usual. On top of all of that, Earth Harbour seems like a really great brand, and one that I’d absolutely consider supporting and purchasing from in the future. All of their products are, as stated on their website, “purely natural + nontoxic + certified cruelty-free + vegan + ethical trade & sustainable ingredients (all certified organic, non-GMO and/or wildcrafted), ocean nutrients, food-grade plant-based therapeutic-grade oils, scientifically-proven botanicals, zero-waste + plastic-negative packaging with upcycled ocean waste, artisan small batches, love and island vibes”. Furthermore, they donate a portion of their profits to helping care for our oceans. I’m already kind of loving this product, so depending how it works out in the long run I may just end up purchasing other products from this brand in the future.

Saie Beauty Makeup Rounds 3 Pack

Somewhat ironically, I was about to repurchase my usual makeup cloths they other day as mine were getting a bit old, but something stopped me. Was it fate? Forgetfulness? Who knows, but either way it worked out really well. While these rounds are a little different from the types of reusable cotton rounds and makeup remover clothes I normally buy, they seem pretty neat and I’m excited to give them a try. The website states that these rounds can be used as “a light exfoliator with cleanser, as a toner pad, or as a makeup and face mask remover,” which is a lot more than my old makeup remover cloths did. I haven’t had the chance to try them out yet, however, whether it be as makeup remover rounds, toner pads or as a means of washing away face masks, I know I’ll get good use out of these.

ADD ON: Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild Glow Kit

This highlighter palette was honestly something I had always wanted back when it came out, but never got around to buying. After all, it was SO beautiful, but the colours didn’t really seem like anything I’d get the chance to wear that often. I knew they’d be high quality and all, since at the time Anastasia Beverly Hills was my fave go-to for highlighter — but the colours were a little “out there” so I was worried I would just buy it and never end up using it. However, seeing it being offered at a discount during the Add-On sale, paired with the fact that I’ve really been trying to branch out and get creative with my makeup lately, basically made it seem like the perfect time to finally add it to my collection. I’m so happy I did — I just love all of the colours included in this palette. They’re so dreamy and unique, and I know I’ll be able to get good use out of them both as a classic highlighter as well as an eyeshadow.

ADD ON: Stila Little White Lies Liquid Eye Shadow

These little liquid shadows are SO PRETTY! For those of you who haven’t tried out Stila’s Liquid eyeshadows before, I’d totally recommend it. Since I’ve already tried this product before and know that I love it, I felt safe grabbing this shadow in two colours knowing that I’ll get good use out of them. Stila liquid eyeshadows are always stunning and super pigmented, and unlike many other liquid shadows I’ve tried in the past — they don’t flake off and actually last. I’m absolutely obsessed with the colour of these shadows, as well — they both look like a similar white-silver shade, until the light hits them — and then they turn blue and pink, respectively. These shadow colours are right up my alley, so I knew I had to grab them when I saw them offered as add-ons.

ADD ON: Knesko Nanogold Repair Face Mask 

I was really on the fence about adding these face masks to my box — I’ve never heard of the brand before, but honestly, my curiosity got the better of me. After all, these masks are originally four for $150 — although they were only $49 with the Add-On sale. Maybe it was a silly reason to get them, but I’ve never purchased sheet masks that were this expensive and I was excited to see what made them worth that price (or, rather, if they were even worth the price). The most expensive single use masks I’d ever used prior to now were Dr. Jart’s Cryo Rubber Masks (which are, to be fair, a favourite of mine) but even then, purchasing four would end up costing about as much as these four did DISCOUNTED. (To put it all in perspective, without the sale price, these face masks would end up costing nearly $50CAD EACH!!!). At the end of the day, though, they did sound like great masks that I’d get some good use out of, so I decided to give them a try. I’ve used one so far, and I am pretty impressed — the mask really did leave my skin feeling soft and VISIBLY lifted immediately after. I’m excited to give the rest of them a try to see how I feel about them a little better than simply a first impression, but they definitely seem to have a visible effect on your skin’s firmness. As for whether I’d cough up $50 to buy these masks regularly, though…well, perhaps not. It’s hard to say after one use, but while these masks are pretty spectacular, $50 is a LOT. I think they’re probably worth the money, however, as they do work so well. If you’re looking for a nice firming mask that actually gets the job done and have $50 to spend on a single use mask — then by all means, go for it!

So, I guess it’s official — happy spring, everyone! To be honest, I’m actually looking forward to spring a little more than normal this year. I’m kind of hoping that eliminating seasonal depression from the list of things making my life difficult right now will help get me back on top of my life (at least, compared to how February had me feeling). As well, with any luck, between the end of flu season, warmer weather and more people being vaccinated, things may finally start to return to normal. I’m kind of worried that after all this time, going back to normal is going to be a challenge, but I guess we have to start somewhere! (Plus, I’m sure I’m far from the only person feeling this way ……right? Maybe? Let me know if you’ve also got mixed feelings about returning to normal life in the comments, please! Help me feel a little less alone here!).

If you’re looking a way to celebrate the start of spring for yourself, or if the products in this post really spoke to you, be sure to check out FabFitFun for yourself — it’s not to late to grab a spring box of your very own! Personally, I couldn’t recommend it more — the value you get for your money is insane, the products are always amazing, and I’ve managed to get use out of everything I’ve received thus far. It really is the perfect little way to branch out and try new brands, get all of your lifestyle item needs at a discount, or just treat yourself!

Stay tuned for next week, when I’ll be sharing my personal 3-step plan to mastering any skill (yes, you heard that right!). I’ve been planning on writing this post out for a looooong time now, so it feels really exciting to finally share it with you all! I hope you all love it and find ways to apply it to any and all skills you’ve been hoping to perfect (especially those you’ve been inspired to try over the last year!).

Much love,

Meredith

Winter Roundup: My Fave Products So Far in 2021!

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Hey y’all!

So, as some of you may remember from what feels, honestly, ages ago (even though it’s only been a few months — has COVID really messed up anyone else’s internal timeline or is it just me?) I used to share two weekly posts on my blog page — a post on Sunday, and a post on Thursday (ever-so-creatively dubbed “Thursday Favourites”) where I highlighted one of my personal favourite makeup or skincare product in a segment each week, going into detail about what it was about each product that I loved so much.

These segments were something I came up with when I first started my blog (back when I used to post THREE times a week……. I honestly don’t know how I did it). At the time, I didn’t really know where I was going with my blog, what kinds of posts I wanted to make, or really — what I was even doing. I grew attached to my little segment — it felt like my own little gimmick — even though I found it challenging to write out long, thoughtful and creative reviews on new products every week.

Then, later on, as most of you know — I started falling behind on my posts. Writing out a review to share every week started to feel like a chore — there was absolutely nothing enjoyable about it anymore, it was just a task I had to complete each week. Eventually, the stress of falling behind and the pressure I was putting on myself surrounding my blog simply became too much, and resulted in me going straight up radio silence for almost two months. It wasn’t an intentional break — I just couldn’t do it anymore.

When I finally took the time to recuperate and make my return to blogging, I knew that (at least temporarily), the weekly reviews had to go — they were the part of blogging I had found to be the most grating over the months leading up to my hiatus. I thought that the segment was something I still wanted to keep up with, so my original intention was to delay sharing them until I had built up enough of a backlog that I wouldn’t have to stress about falling behind anymore. However, once I got back into blogging 100%, I started to realize the VERY distinct difference in how I felt writing out my regular posts, compared to how I felt writing out reviews. Honestly? There wasn’t really anything fun about it. What’s more — it often took a lot more time and energy than my regular Sunday posts, as I always wanted to take and edit my own original photos of each product I was sharing each week.

After spending some time writing out only my Sunday posts and seeing my love of blogging slowly begin to return, I realized it was time to bring the Thursday Favourites segment to an end. I thought I would be sad to see it go, but honestly it’s been a bit of a relief. That being said, I still want to share my favourite products with you all — so I’ve come to a bit of a compromise. Similarly to how I’ve shared annual round-ups of all my favourite products of the year in the past, I’m now going to be doing seasonal round-ups of both new favourite products of mine, or old returning favourites I had yet to share. This way, I’m hoping I’ll still be able to share all the products I’ve been loving with you all — without the stress of writing out lengthy, blog-length reviews each week.

So, basically, we’ll see how this goes. That’s the great thing about having my own blog is that at the end of the day, what I share is ultimately up to me (and there’s no reason I should feel the need to share posts that exhaust me just because I’ve decided I’m “supposed to”). Anyway, without further ado — here’s seven of my most favourite products that I’ve tried and loved since my last Thursday Favourites update!

Sulwhasoo’s Bloomstay Vitalizing Eye Cream

My under-eye area has pretty much always been the bane of my existence. I’ve definitely mentioned this before (many, many times) on my blog, but to summarize for those of you who don’t know — for whatever reason, my under-eye area has always had seemingly perpetual dark circles which no amount of sleep or skincare ever seemed to fix. As well, the skin under my eyes has always been very delicate and has always maintained heavy creasing — basically making me look like I’m constantly exhausted (even in the best-rested, most relaxed time of my life). As well, years of trying to aggressively fix these problems basically just ended up with me clogging up all my pores under my eyes, leaving me with seemingly permanent milia (verrryyyy tiny clogged pores, for those of you lucky enough not to know. Essentially, you can’t pop them — you have to solve them with proper skincare). I wasn’t even aware that my skincare routine was causing the milia under my eyes — I thought it was just something that was permanently a part of my face.

I tried out a couple of eye creams over the years, but honestly, I never found what I was looking for. A lot of the eye creams I tried had seemingly no effect — I honestly couldn’t tell what, exactly, I was spending all this money for. However, I finally found one that was worth it. This eye cream has actually made noticeable changes to my under eye area — since trying this cream, my dark circles have mostly vanished, my skin has firmed up, and while I’m still struggling to be 100% rid of all my old milia — this product hasn’t done anything to add to the issue. (It’s taking a while to resolve, but I’m getting there!). Anyway, this stuff is expensive but it really is the best — I’m pretty sure I’ve found my forever eye cream here.

If this sounds like the product you’ve been missing in your life, check it out at Sephora!

Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

I won’t lie — this product was a bit of an impulse purchase that I was pretty certain I was going to regret, but ended up obsessed with. When this product first launched, all the posts I saw about it and it’s natural, makeup-free highlighting abilities really sold me — but immediately after I purchased it, I began worrying about whether or not it was something I really, truly needed. I figured, ultimately, that I would give it a try and I could always end up returning it if it turned out to be something that was unnecessary (which isn’t something I normally do, ever, because it can be pretty wasteful). However, when I actually got this product and tried it out, all my worries washed away. (I don’t even know why I was stressed — Glow Recipe has never done me wrong). This product has so many uses — it’s hydrating, adds a glow to your skin naturally, and can be worn with makeup to give your skin a little extra boost. As well, niacinamide acts to remove any hyperpigmentation and scarring from the skin — which I ended up loving, since it’s not a skincare ingredient I had used before. Ultimately, this has made a fantastic addition to my morning skincare routine — it leaves me looking fresh, awake, and glow — while also serving a purpose in my skincare. I was so nervous that this product was going to be something that I wouldn’t use or need, but it honestly gives me something new to look forward to every morning when I wash my face.

If this sounds like the product you’ve been missing in your life, check it out at Sephora!

Biossance’s Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask

This mask has got to be one of my all-time faves. Before trying this mask out, I’d been going years using harsh charcoal and clay masks to unclog my pores — which can be super useful, but harsh on sensitive skin. While I do love charcoal masks for occasional use, I was really needing something solid help unclog my pores regularly without being too harsh or stripping the oils from my face. For anyone else out there who feels the same way, and has sensitive skin like me — you need to try this mask out for yourself. As the name suggests, it’s purpose is to detox your pores, but it does it without being too harsh — in fact, it actually hydrates your skin as you use it! I always can feel AND see a noticeable difference in my skin after using this mask. Seriously, it’s like I have baby skin after. 10/10, would recommend.

If this sounds like the product you’ve been missing in your life, check it out at Sephora!

Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm

Laneige is a brand I’m pretty new to, but have been absolutely loving. I already use and love their overnight lip mask, and I’ve tried out a sample of their overnight hydration mask (which I adored). So when I was in need of a new lip balm, I figured — why not give this one a shot? When it comes to lip balms, I often find there are two kinds — ones that double as a gloss, and ones that actually work. This is, honestly, the first lip balm I’ve ever tried that does both. This lip balm has a glossy-like sheen to it, but isn’t sticky or gross. It actually lasts, too — unlike so many lip balms that need constant reapplication. It’s pretty thick, however, that type of thing doesn’t really bother me with balms (and it definitely isn’t the heaviest lip balm I’ve ever tried). Most importantly, though — it always leaves me lips feeling softer after I use it.

If this sounds like the product you’ve been missing in your life, check it out at Sephora!

Glow Recipe’s Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask

This is another face mask I’ve tried in the last year that’s definitely made it into my permanent collection. Retinol is a pretty renowned ingredient in skincare nowadays, and for a lot of good reasons. There’s all kinds of cool benefits to using it — the main ones being preventing (and minimizing existing) wrinkles, brightening and exfoliating the skin at a cellular level by increasing cell turnover rates, help regulate oily skin, prevent breakouts and even help with hyperpigmentation. Which is a lot of benefits! However, it definitely has some downsides too — it can be pretty intense on the skin, and overuse can lead to redness and peeling, as well — it does tend to make your skin more sensitive to the sun. I’m always nervous about trying out hardcore active ingredients in my skincare routine, but I decided to give this mask a shot. This mask is PERFECT for people with sensitive skin, or who are looking to give retinol a go and want to dip their toes in. Not only can it be used as frequently or infrequently as you need, but it can also be used as a wash off OR overnight mask, depending on your needs. Personally, I use this mask as a wash-off, but it’s totally fine to wear it overnight as well — Glow Recipe has a special retinol recipe that helps it release slowly overnight, so it won’t be damaging your skin or anything. No matter what, it definitely can take your skin some time to adjust to retinol — but the benefits really do seem worth it. If you’re new to retinol, though, this mask is 100% the perfect place to start.

If this sounds like the product you’ve been missing in your life, check it out at Sephora!

ColourPop’s Super Shock Highlighter

I recently tried ColourPop for the first time ever, and I have to say, I’m obsessed. All of their makeup has impressed me so far (especially considering the price), but none of them blew me away the same way their Super Shock highlighter has. This highlighter is INSANE. It creates a look that’s so dewy and dimensional — they describe it on their website as “bouncy”, and they definitely aren’t wrong. This stuff is PIGMENTED, and the colour is absolutely stunning. I know I’m definitely going to be buying more in the future — because this really may be the best highlighter I’ve ever used (and that says a lot, coming from a highlighter enthusiast such as myself).

If this sounds like the product you’ve been missing in your life, check it out at ColourPop!

ColourPop Glitterally Obsessed Glitter Gel

This was another one of ColourPop’s products I tried in my recent haul that really blew me away. I absolutely LOVE glitter, but using it in makeup can be a real pain. Loose glitter is nearly impossible to apply well, and you often end up needing special glue or other products to apply it right and make it stay. This gel, however, totally takes all the stress out of glitter — while it may look super pink, the gel itself is actually clear — so you can simply dab this glitter on wherever you’re feeling it. And that’s it! It stays SO well. While I guess I really don’t have many opportunities to wear glitter out lately with COVID and all (this stuff would be PERFECT for festival season), I’m definitely going to find ways to work it into my makeup looks because I just adore it.

If this sounds like the product you’ve been missing in your life, check it out at ColourPop!

Happy Sunday everyone, and happy Valentine’s Day! No matter what you ended up doing today, or who you spent the day with — I hope you all had a great day. Holidays don’t have to be big and over-the-top to be special, after all — I had a great day today, and all I did was treat myself to some bubble tea and watch the latest episode of my favourite show.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post — I’m hoping that this segment ends up working out, and helps me to share my favourite products with you in a way that’s stress-free and enjoyable to me! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the format, so drop a comment below and let me know what you thought!

Much love,

Meredith

The 10 Best Items I Received From FabFitFun Last Year!

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Hey y’all!

I hope you’ve all been doing well! This week definitely has me feeling a little unmotivated, but I was pretty excited to write and share this post with you all, so I managed to pull it together and get it all ready to go for you guys! I hope you all enjoy it — it was a really fun one to plan out and write.

As many of you know, I’ve been a MAJOR fan of FabFitFun since well before I ever started my blog. For the uninitiated — FabFitFun is a lifestyle subscription box that sends out four boxes per year (which equals one box per season). In their own words, “the FabFitFun box includes a selection of full-size products across beauty, fashion, fitness, wellness, home, and tech – delivered each season. In addition to the Box, FabFitFun members receive access to year-round perks including FabFitFunTV, a streaming video service that offers on-demand wellness content, the FabFitFun online Community, members-only shopping experiences, and more.” Between the sales, being introduced to new products and brands, as well as receiving little surprises in each box that have become absolute staples in my life — FabFitFun is all-around one of my fave brands and the only subscription box I receive (and need).

Each box contains about 8-10 products, and without an annual membership, each individual box costs $50USD — however, the value per each box is usually around $200USD, making it well worth your money. I’ve been a subscriber since 2018, and I’ve honestly never let a single product go to waste — everything I’ve received has been so fantastic, and I’ve discovered MANY of my favourite products and brands through their boxes.

Today, I wanted to share with you all my ranked top 10 products I received in my 2020 boxes! All of these items I’m sharing with you are things I use frequently and absolutely adore. Everything I’ve listed is a personal 11/10 for me — but enough about that, let’s get into each individual product!

1. NATURELAB. TOKYO PERFECT HAIR TREATMENT MASQUE

Received In: Fall 2020 Box

This product ranks #1 on my list because frankly, not only was it one of the best products I received — it took me completely by surprise, too. I’m really picky when it comes to hair products (perhaps even more so than I am with skincare) after years of bleaching my hair blonde damaged it to the point that it needed constant care and attention to maintain any semblance of health. Even though my blonde hair has long since grown out and been chopped off, I still have a strong need to maintain a completely regular hair routine, complete with the same shampoo, conditioner, hair masks and a wide array of protective products to keep it looking and feeling it’s healthiest. Essentially, I have a bit of an aversion to trying new products as I’m (somewhat unnecessarily) worried they’ll end up damaging my hair. However, I was running out of my usual Ouai hair mask when I received this product and I certainly wasn’t going to let it go to waste, so I decided to give it a try. You guys — this may be the best hair mask I’ve ever tried. I love Ouai, but I’m seriously contemplating switching over (the only problem being shipping from the US). This mask leaves my hair feeling SO soft, it’s actually insane. My hair is usually pretty soft — after all, I put a whole lot of effort and care into it — but this mask has taken my hair to another level. I’m legitimately in love.

2. TOMS SYDNEY SUNGLASSES

Received In: Summer 2020 Box

Okay, I absolutely LOVE these sunglasses. FabFitFun has always been pretty on the nose with great sunglasses in their boxes, but these are the best pair I’ve ever owned. They’re so flattering and oh-so cool — as soon as I put these on, no matter what I look like, my confidence increases about 150%. They go with any outfit, and would honestly look good on absolutely anyone. I love sunglasses — they’re probably my favourite accessory — so these being my favourite pair says a lot. (Plus, who knew TOM’s made sunglasses? I sure didn’t, but they should keep on doing it).

3. SUMMER & ROSE COZY ROBE

Received In: Winter 2020 Box

This robe makes me absolutely never want to get off my couch. It is SO COZY. I actually don’t think I’ve ever owned something so warm and comfortable. If you’re looking for a good, soft robe for lazy days, check this one out. I’ve owned plenty of silk robes for wearing when I’m getting ready, but this one serves a totally different purpose and I’m so glad I received it in my last box — I’ve already gotten so much use out of it since then that I’d absolutely be willing to pay full price for it.

4. WEI TWO-IN-ONE PURIFY AND GLOW MASK COLLECTION

Received In: Spring 2020 Box

These face masks were some of the best masks I’ve ever owned. The mud masks in particular made me feel like I had a whole new face after each use. They acted as a sort of charcoal mask, but instead of being harsh or drying (as many charcoal masks often do) they cleared out my pores WHILE hydrating my skin and leaving it soft and fresh after each use. And while I’m not a fan of physical exfoliators, the exfoliating masks were gentle enough I didn’t worry about them causing damage and left my skin feeling SO SOFT and brand new after each use. Plus, I’ve gotten so much use out of the little mask-applicator brush ever since I received this mask set — making it an all-around win and one of my fave FabFitFun gifts of all time.

5. SUMMER & ROSE SNAKESKIN TOTE

Received In: Summer 2020 Box

This wasn’t actually something I received in a box per se, but an add-on I chose to receive alongside my summer box. For those of you who don’t know, FabFitFun offers add-on sales with each box that offer hundreds of different products at massive discounts. This year I decided to give add-ons a try, and I started off with this tote bag. Honestly, after looking through the options for add-ons offered I felt kind of silly for not checking it out before. I got this purse for only $30, and it’s become an absolute staple for me. I use this bag eery day — it’s so high quality, cute, and holds everything I need easily. Considering how long I’ve had it, I had kind of forgotten how cheap it was — when I went back to check for this post just now, it really blew my mind because of how well-made this bag is. (Moral of the story: if you have a FabFitFun subscription and you AREN’T already checking out the add-ons each season, you’re missing out!!!).

6. CHIC & TONIC SILICONE STRAWS

Received In: Spring 2020 Box

These straws, while not the most exciting thing I received at the time, have really proved their worth over the last year. These were an option I received randomly in my gifted items, and at the time I didn’t pay much attention to them — I already had some reusable straws, after all. However, all the reusable straws I owned were metal — making them bulky, tricky to transport and clean, and honestly kind of unpleasant to use. These silicone straws, on the other hand, are SO easy to carry around since they squish down pretty small AND came with a carrying case, are more pleasant to use than metal straws — and the fact that they’re super cute is just a bonus. I’ve been trying to add more reusable products into my daily life over the past few years, and especially in COVID when I don’t really want to be drinking out of glasses that may be contaminated, these straws have been a real lifesaver.

7. FLIGHT MODE SKINCARE HIGH-ALTITUDE HYDRATION MASK

Received In: Winter 2020 Box

This was another item I was honestly a little unsure about that I ended up loving (which really seems to be a trend with a lot of my favourite items!). I’m really picky about skincare, so I didn’t really know how to feel about receiving a mask from a brand I’d never heard of — especially since I already own some hydrating masks that I use pretty frequently. However, this mask is more so an extra moisturizer than a face mask — it isn’t meant to be washed off, so you simply leave it on overnight as you would with any normal moisturizer. It’s super-lightweight and is made of a gel-like formula, which is always my favourite way to go for moisturizing products as I have super dry skin but also hate products that are too heavy. Whenever I have days that my skin is still feeling a little dry after I’ve completed my routine, I just throw on a little of this mask and wake up feeling good as new the next day — it’s really been a new favourite in my skincare lineup.

8. SILKED SATIN PILLOWCASE

Received In: Summer 2020 Box

I’m sure I’ve made a post about the benefits of silk pillowcases before, but if you don’t already have one — you probably should. Silk and satin pillowcases are extra-gentle on your skin and hair, reducing overnight damage from tugging on them while you sleep. I’ve been using silk pillowcases for years, and I really noticed the difference immediately — especially for my hair, which used to be pretty damaged from frequent bleaching, as I mentioned above. I used to have 4 silk pillowcases that I rotated through between washes, but when I moved and redecorated my pink pillowcases no longer matched, so I stored them away for the time being and limited myself to one silk pillowcase a week up until I received this one in my summer box. As well, this pillowcase is specifically meant for travelling, meaning it’ll be extra convenient in a post-COVID world where I’ll finally be able to travel again.

9. L*SPACE TIE-DYE TOWEL

Received In: Summer 2020 Box

Living in Vancouver, one of my fave summer pastimes is hanging out at the beach. This summer, especially, going and hanging out at the waterfront with friends became one of my fave summer activities, since it allowed me to meet up with others in a safe, COVID restriction-friendly fashion, enjoy the summer weather, and stay within walking distance of my home. For someone who loves the beach so much, however, I’ve never owned a cute beach towel (or, a lot of the times, I don’t even have a beach towel at all), so I was obsessed with this one from the moment I received it. Not only is it so pretty (and very on-brand with my personal aesthetic), but it ensured I always had something on hand for sitting outside to hang out with friends — and I cannot stress how much better that made my life last summer.

10. FOXYBAE 25MM CURLING WAND

Received In: Fall 2020 Box

As someone who’s really no good at styling their hair, but really wants to learn — I’ve been loving this hair curler. It’s high quality, easy to use, and creates great curls and waves that hold — even in Vancouver’s humid winter weather. While I don’t style my hair often (but always wish I did), buying a high-quality hair curler always seemed like a really expensive undertaking — I want to learn how to curl my hair well and style it frequently, but it seems like a lot to unload $100+ dollars on something I may not end up using that often. Receiving this hair curler in a FabFitFun box was a total game changer for me, since it’s IRL price is about $100 — making it something I likely wouldn’t buy for myself. I’ve been loving it, though, and I can’t wait to get more use out of it in 2021!

If FabFitFun sounds like something you’d like to try (which I honestly couldn’t recommend more), you can check out their website and upcoming Spring 2021 box over here — with box customizations coming up soon, it’s the perfect time to sign up and give their boxes a try! I’m personally VERY fired up to customize my spring box — it’s always something to look forward to at the start of each season, and receiving surprises every three months always feels like a little gift to myself.

If you’ve tried FabFitFun before, drop some of your fave products that you received in 2020 below! I’d love to hear why you love their boxes and what products you got the most use out of.

Happy Sunday, everyone, and I hope you’re all gearing up to have a happy February! We’re so close to spring now — just hold on a liiiiittle longer, and winter will be over before we even know it!

Much love,

Meredith

My Winter 2020 FabFitFun Unboxing!

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Hey friends!

Happy Sunday! While it’s a little overdue, this week I’m going to be sharing my Winter FabFitFun box with you guys! FabFitFun is one of my favourite parts of the start of each season, and this box is no exception. In all honestly, retail therapy kinda kept me going throughout 2020 since receiving packages in the mail always gave me something to look forward to, and the element of surprise included in each FabFitFun box only made it all the more exciting.

This box was a little special, because it was by FAR the most add-ons I’ve ever added to one box. While I’m usually pretty impressed by FabFitFun’s add-on selections and have a pretty hard time narrowing down my choices, this time I just couldn’t — they were too good. It was a little pricey overall, but the discounts were crazy and they were just all so worth it.

Summer & Rose Cozy Robe

This is, no joke, the coziest little robe I’ve ever owned. I love robes, but the only ones I have are made of satin-like material. They’re comfy, and great for summer — but they are no where NEAR as soft and plush as this is. It feels like being wrapped in a cloud. It’s honestly been the best for lounging around in lockdowns — it just feels luxe AF. If you’ve been looking for a cozy robe to wear around the house, do yourself a favour and check this one out.

Impressions Vanity Company LED Vanity Mirror

Seeing this as an option honestly made my whole month. Back in university, I used to do my makeup at my desk — which it turns out I was really taking for granted. I had great lighting, a little vanity mirror and (most importantly) a seat. Ever since I moved, however, I’ve been doing my makeup in my bathroom — which has terrible lighting and a tiny mirror that’s also waaaay too tall for me. I’m finally getting a desk, soon, however — and I’ve been needing a good vanity mirror to go with it. (I mean, I’ll be using it for more than just makeup, but still). This mirror isn’t just well-made, it has an amazing LED system which helps to light your face evenly you can apply your makeup perfectly. After a year of doing my makeup in my subpar bathroom setting, I could NOT be happier about receiving this mirror in my box.

Lele Sadoughi Maroon Velvet Headband

I’ve been seeing cute chunky fabric hairbands around for a while now, but I haven’t ever seen good ones out in stores when I had the chance to go look. I’ve been considering trying them out for a while now, but was always on the fence about how they’d look on me. However, now I get the chance to test run the look on myself — and honestly, I think I’m pretty into it!

Flight Mode Skincare High-Altitude Hydration Mask

While I haven’t had the chance to try this mask out just yet, my dry skin is always grateful for a hydrating mask. Fabfitfun has always gifted me some pretty fantastic skincare — at best, many items they gifted became staples in my routine. At worst, they’ve gifted me with items that were just great (but not exceptional) — so I’m really not worried that this mask is going to be anything disappointing. Who knows — maybe it’ll end up being a new favourite?

Eparé Cutting Set of Four Boards

I’m kind of neutral on receiving these boards in my box — they aren’t particularly exciting or something I needed, but they’ll be of use for sure. It’s nice that they’re so thin in terms of storing them, and it’s great that they’re labelled for type of food used on them so you don’t cross-contaminate. While they aren’t the most exhilarating gift in my box, I do know they’ll come in handy in the future.

B-Low The Belt Croc Card Case

This was another surprise I receiving in my box that I was pretty pleased about. While I’m looking to get a proper wallet in the future, I’m a huge fan of card cases — I don’t carry around cash often anyway, and most of the purses I own are pretty small. I already have a similar pink card case from H&M I use often, but it’ll be nice to be able to switch up my wallet to match what I’m wearing.

Daily Concept’s Daily Facial Dry Brush

Okay, I haven’t gotten a chance to try this out yet but I’m SO curious about it. Apparently dry brushing is supposed to help exfoliate and boost circulation — in a way that’s simpler than exfoliating and crystal facial rolling. While I’m not going to use it as a complete replacement, it DOES seem like a good thing to incorporate to ensure I get a little bit of all these benefits in daily.

Aesthetica Liquid Eyeliner

While I’m more of a fan of pot and brush/felt tip liquid eyeliner, I’m always happy to receive extra liner. I haven’t had the chance to try this stuff out yet, but I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic addition to my makeup collection (and will help me save a little extra money on my next Sephora order after the next time I run out of liner!).

Add On: BOMSHBEE Sloane Champagne Flutes

Okay, bless this set. I’ve been working on adding more drink glasses to my collection (you know, in lieu of just drinking out of a mug. ~Adulting~ or whatever). These glasses are cute and modern, but also sturdy and dishwasher safe. I do have some cute Coupe-style champagne glasses for when I want something delicate, but it’s nice to have a larger set of something more practical for more frequent use.

Add On: Pure Aura Sheet Mask Trio

I figured I’d throw these into my box because I’ll never turn down a good sheet mask. I gave these a go for the first time last night, and I’m pretty impressed. My skin looked pretty glowy directly after, but the next morning I could definitely see the true results. My skin looked super clear and fresh — which was especially impressive considering I was having a pretty bad skin day the day before. However, the best part of this sheet mask (that I’ve never witnessed in a sheet mask EVER before) was that it came in two pieces — one for your nose-and-up, and one for your chin. For once, the sheet mask actually FIT my face — instead of being a sloppy, oversized-mess all over my face. I’ve always distinctly disliked sheet masks for this sole reason — they’re kind of a pain in the ass to wear regularly. The only mask I’ve ever seen to do this is Dr. Jart+’s rubber masks, which you all know I adore. Basically, these masks are a win in my books, and I’m definitely going to look into getting more masks from this brand sometime soon.

Add On: Speaqua Wireless Charger Makeup Organizer

I’m crazy about this addition to my box, for somewhat similar reasons I’m excited for the Impression Vanity Mirror. When I finally get a desk and a makeup set-up, not only will I appreciate all the cute and stylish storage space I can get my hands on — but this storage unit comes with a build in wireless phone charger (!!!). I’ve never had a wireless charger before, but I can’t even imagine how convenient it’ll be to keep my phone nearby while I’m getting ready to go out and know it’ll have a full charge by the time I leave. I’ve spent years running back and forth to check on my charging phone while doing my makeup — but it really kinda feels like the future is NOW when I can charge my phone by simply placing it on my makeup organizer. Seriously, could this BE any more convenient?

Add On: Rosy Rings White Tea & Ginger Reed Diffuser

You guys already know by now that I’m kinda obsessed with all things fragrance. Candles, Saje…you name it, I’ve tried it. A while back, I saw a reed diffuser like this in Indigo and decided to try it out. Turns out, reed diffusers are a bit of a game changer when it comes to keeping your bathroom smelling it’s best. They don’t really require any upkeep, nor do you have to worry about turning them on and off. They constantly diffuse a small amount of oil into the air, leaving your bathroom smelling fresh. However, my old one is about to run out, so when I saw this diffuser offered for such a great discount, I knew it would make a great refresher. Not only does it smell fantastic, but it’s also HUGE. Like, this thing is going to last me forever and at such a reasonable price. Fabfitfun is great, but their add-on sales are next level.

Add On: Bathorium Eucalyptus Apothecary + Sea Kelp Serenity CRUSH Duo

Once again, there’s really nothing better than Fabfitfun’s add-on deals. I’ve really been digging bath salts lately, and these two packages sounded SO fantastic. They’re absolutely massive, packed full of natural ingredients, and I’m sure they’ll last me a while (and they didn’t even cost that much for their size!). I’m looking forward to having a few good soaks with these in 2021 when I need to destress.

The only, and I mean ONLY, thing that has ever disappointed me about FabFitFun is that every time I receive a box it means I have to wait another three months to receive my next one. I’ve always made use of every product I’ve received, and even if it wasn’t the absolute best product I’ve ever tried — it’s never let me down either. I’ve made use of absolutely every gift I’ve ever received, and I always look forward to unwrapping every box and seeing what exactly I’ve been given. The element of surprise makes it all the more exciting receiving each box every season.

Stay tuned next week, when I’ll be reviewing my FIRST EVER ColourPop Cosmetics haul! I’ve been meaning to try out ColourPop for so long now, so I can’t wait to share all my thoughts with you guys!

Anyway, I hope that all of your new years have been off to a good start! And if they haven’t — well, don’t worry, we’re only two weeks into it. Either way, I hope you’re all feeling positive about the upcoming year and have been staying safe! Sending you all so much love and positive vibes.

Xox,

Meredith

2020 Round Up: My Fave Products and Brands of the Year!

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Hey y’all!

2020 is finally, FINALLY coming to a close and I, for one, could not be happier. This year has been pretty rough from start to finish for all of us — I think we can all agree we’re looking forward to turning over a new page and starting 2021 with a nice, fresh start.

It’s crazy thinking back on the early months of 2020 now — some parts of it feel like absolute eons ago, whereas some moments feel as though they happened the other week. There’s been some ups (and many, many downs), but it hasn’t been all bad, I guess. I mean, I still got the chance to travel to Mexico this year before travel shut down worldwide, and while I had some hard times, I’ve had a lot of time off to learn to cope and become reacquainted with myself as an individual. I’ve revisited old hobbies, discovered new things I love, and had plenty of time to explore exactly what it is in life I enjoy doing.

However, corny as it sounds, one of the positives of this year is that I got the chance to try all sorts of new products out during lockdowns — many of which I absolutely adored. This year, skincare definitely reined supreme amongst products I both tried and loved — after all, there’s not much of a need to be buying heaps of makeup if you’re never leaving the house.

With all the products I tried, it WAS a little tricky to narrow it down to a top 10. However, I managed to narrow it down (in no particular order, of course). The following 10 products are the best new products I tried this year (not all of them are new this year, but they’re new to me). I really loved each and every one of these products — they’ve all become regulars in my daily routine, and many of them I would say are my fave products of all time. I’ve attached a little reasoning with each product about why exactly I love it so much, so that all of you know exactly what’s so great about them and whether they’d be something you’d love too!

Top 10 Products I Tried in 2020

Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Why I love it: I only use this mask a wash off mask (not overnight), but even after 10 minutes it leaves my face feeling brand new. It’s packed full of AHA’s and hyaluronic acid, which always leaves my face feeling soft, fresh, and plump. Plus, it clears up my skin and really makes it glow.

Check out this product at Sephora!

Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer

Why I love it: This primer basically acts like a glue that holds all of your makeup in place, all day, though anything. It has a smoothing effect, allowing your makeup to apply as flawlessly as possible. Plus, it’s hydrating AF and actually leaves my skin feeling pretty great.

Check out this product at Sephora!

Herbivore Botanical’s Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil

Why I love it: This balancing oil helps to reduce redness and fix blemishes, leaving your skin looking clear and flawless. It’s not too heavy, and it’s squalene component helps to rebuild your skins barrier and protect it from dirt and pollutants.

Check out this product at Sephora!

Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Eyeshadow Palette in Pillow Talk

Why I love it: This palette! Ugh. It was love at first use. This palette was my first time trying Charlotte Tilbury, but it’s totally sold me on the whole brand. These shadows are so blendable and produce ZERO fallout. The colours are super cute and delicate, and work well for everyday use. I can’t wait for the chance to try out more products by this brand.

While this palette was limited edition, Charlotte Tilbury still has many great products to check out at Sephora!

Glow Recipe’s Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask

Why I love it: I only tried this mask out recently, but I’ve already fallen in love. I was hoping to add a little retinol into my skincare routine — but only a small amount. I had tried their eye cream version in the past and while I loved it, I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit to daily retinol (since it can do some harm if you’re not careful). This was the perfect medium — it leaves my skin looking FLAWLESS, and I don’t have to worry about using it wrong/mixing in wrong ingredients since I only use it occasionally. Now I get all the benefits of retinol, without any of the stress!

Check out this product at Sephora!

Biossance’s Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask

Why I love it: This is the perfect mask for anyone who’s skin is just a liiiiittle too sensitive for charcoal clay masks. I often find that while charcoal clay masks work for me, they leave my skin feeling a little irritated after. This masks clears up my skin while leaving it feeling softer than before — and it’s absolutely one of my all-time faves.

Check out this product at Sephora!

Huda Beauty’s Pastel Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes

Why I love it: These palettes may be tiny, but they pack a lot of punch. They’re super pigmented and the colours are always stunning. The pastel colours are super on-trend for this year, and each palette comes with enough colours to create a wide range of diverse looks. 10/10, would recommend.

Check out this product at Sephora!

Sulwhasoo’s Bloomstay Vitalizing Eye Cream

Why I love it: I’ve always had issues with my under eyes, but this eye cream has honestly solved a lot of my problems. Since purchasing this cream, my under eyes have been nice and full and bright, and my fine lines and milia have been fading in a big way. This stuff may be pricey, but it’s totally worth it.

Check out this product at Sephora!

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Why I love it: This stuff is the ultimate cure to chapped lips, IMO. One layer, one night and your lips will be feeling good as new the next day. It works so effectively, it actually lasts all night and the effects last all day. For real — my lips have been brand new ever since I tried this lip mask, and I can’t wait to try out more of Laneige’s products because of it.

Check out this product at Sephora!

Shu Uemura’s Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil

Why I love it: Double cleansing WORKS. It helps to remove dirt that water-based cleansers don’t, especially SPF and other oil-based grime. My skin has felt so clean ever since starting. I haven’t tried any other oil-based cleansers, to be fair, but this stuff is just fantastic.

Check out this product at Sephora!

My Top 5 Brands of 2020

Since skincare has been the main event of my life this year, my top 5 brands of this year naturally ended up being entirely skincare (unlike last year where I did 5 skincare and 5 makeup brands). Unlike my favourite products of the year, these aren’t necessarily brands I tried for the first time this year, just the brands that topped my faves list by the end of the year (and all amazing brands that I could not recommend more).

Glow Recipe

Credit: @glowrecipe on Instagram

Herbivore Botanicals

Credit: @herbivorebotanicals on Instagram

Biossance

Credit: @biossance on Instagram

Ouai

Credit: @theouai on Instagram

Fresh

Credit: @freshbeauty on Instagram

Top 5 Brands I’m Excited To Try in 2021

This one sort of speaks for itself — these following five brands are all brands that I’m hoping to get the chance to try sometime during 2021! I already got the chance to try 3/5 of the brands on my list last year — and they of all ended up being my newfound faves. Here’s to trying out more brands and discovering new favourite products in 2021!

Tatcha

Credit: @tatcha on Instagram

Melt Cosmetics

Credit: @meltcosmetics on Instagram

Patrick Ta

Credit: @patricktabeauty on Instagram

Supergoop!

Credit: @supergoop on Instagram

Summer Fridays

Credit: @summerfridays on Instagram

And there you have it! What a year it’s been. It’s kinda crazy thinking back on it all — trying out some of these products for the first time feels like a whole lifetime ago. We’re so close to 2021 now, however, and I honestly can’t wait to see what it brings. Maybe it’ll be good, maybe it’ll be bad — but at least it’ll be a fresh start.

Stay tuned for next weeks post, where I detail 20 life lessons I learned in 2020! This year has taught me a lot, and it’s always important to reflect back on what life has taught us in order to ensure we don’t forget. While this year has certainly been a challenge, it doesn’t have to be all bad –it’s important that we all take time to look back on what this year has taught us, and take these lessons into the future to better ourselves and the world we live in.

As well, over the next few weeks I’ll be dropping my review of my FIRST-EVER ColourPop Cosmetics haul (one of the companies on my list of brands to try in 2020 last year!) and my winter FabFitFun unboxing. As well, I have some exciting content planned for new year, so stay tuned!

Much love,

Meredith