Brand Review: Plume Science

For the longest time I've been loyal to a certain eyebrow powder-gel and kept repurchasing it for years. Recently I discovered an eyebrow pencil that I fell in love with, but even more recently I came across Plume Science (link) and my brow game changed again.

Plume Science offers brow pomade as well as lash and brow serum and some tools. I've been sent three of their items that I will introduce very soon. The brand offers vegan, cruelty free, 100% natural, paraben/alcohol/fragrance free products. The packaging looks very luxurious and high end. There's a lot of attention to details (e.g. tweezers have inserts/holes inside the packaging box to fit it inside perfectly and not move/shake around). Products are sealed, which guarantees freshness.

The product that impressed me the most is The Pomade in Ashy Daybreak* (link). This pomade comes with a dual-ended brush and while I don't always love brushes that come with a product, this one is really good and I use it to apply the pomade. The pomade is easy to work with, it is very pigmented and applies evenly. It is on the softer side, so one has to be careful not to apply too much. You really need to barely dip the brush into the pot and you can re-dip if you need more. Just by touching the brush I wasn't sure if I will like it, but I do and it does give precise application. I follow my natural eyebrow shape and I have no problems with control and applying the pomade thinly at the end of my brows.

Next is Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum* (link). I love clean ingredient list and being able to understand what is in the product. Keep in mind that it's good for 3 months after opening. I've been using Revitalash lash serum for some time and it gives me results, but I noticed that my eyes get a bit more sensitive too. If I accidentally touch/rub my eyes after applying that serum (even a couple of hours later) my eyes get irritated, watery or sensitive. Maybe that's partly because Revitalash is good for 12 months and I don't feel confident using it that long (I toss mascaras after 3-4 months and lash serum is also a product that is used very similarly and close to the eyes). I've never experienced any uncomfortable feelings with Plume Science serum. I usually use it at night, but it can be used both twice a day too. It is thicker in consistency, but it is easy to apply to the lashes. I do see a difference when I use lash serum and when I don't, but since I didn't make a break between using the two, I was wondering how I can tell if this specific one is working. What I realized is that the results are obvious. When I use lash serum I get more lashes and they are longer and bolder and when I stop using lash serum I go back to more sparse lashes. I didn't take a break between the two serums, but after starting Plume Science my lashes stayed long, full and thick and that's the best proof to me that it is working.   

Lastly is Sculpt & Refine Precision Tweezers* (link) that became my favorite tweezers instantly. It is bigger/bulkier than my Tweezerman tweezers, but these work so much more precise and so much easier. It grabs even the tiniest hair accurately and removes it without breaking it.




* marks PR samples received complimentary

Weekly Empties (12)

Another week with only a few items. Though I don't even know how it became a norm for me to have 10+ used up products a week as I've never been into crowding my bathroom. I did finish a few more items than are in the photo, but they were sample/mini size and didn't impress me enough to mention them and the ones that made an impression are reviewed bellow. 

I use Shiseido cotton, so when I needed makeup remover wipes, I decided to try Refreshing Cleansing Sheets (link). I liked them, but I don't think I will repurchase them sometime soon. These wipes have no scent, feel very gentle on the skin and while they do a good job, there were times when I felt they weren't removing all makeup well. I use wipes to remove my eye makeup and sometimes after using these I would still have mascara left on my lashes.

I use a few different acids in my skincare regimen, but the one that works magic is Sunday Riley Good Genes lactic acid. The mini sized bottle that I just finished came in Flash Fix Kit (link). I do love this product as it does the job, but is gentle on my skin. I don't get any skin sensitivity, irritation, redness or anything like that. Very rarely I'll feel some tingling, but that's all. I love using Good Genes in small amounts as I see a change in my skin within 2-3 days, even after one treatment my skin looks better. However, if I use it for a week or longer I stop seeing any changes, so samples or mini sizes of this product are perfect for me.

I haven't tried many products from Kate Somerville, but I've heard great reviews about them. Even my family members use them and love them, so I finally tried Exfolikate Glow Moisturizer (link). I had hopes since it contains both lactic and glycolic acids as well as other great ingredients, but it was just an ok product. I used it once a day as I felt that using this cream twice a day and my other acids is a bit too drying for my skin. This moisturizer is light, sinks into the skin quickly, doesn't leave any residue, doesn't irritate the skin, but sometimes I would feel some tingling. I was expecting an immediate effect and clearer, brighter skin, but I didn't get that. I still have a few minis of it, so I will use them and see if that gives me better results.

Another week and another Leader's sheet mask, This time it is 7 Wonders Kalahari Melon Moisturizing Mask (link). I talked about them a lot, so not going to expand on them today. I love them, I continue using them and I will use them in the future.

With all March's snow storms and cold weather my hands needed another mask, so this time I purchase one by Le Mini Macaron. Vanilla Almond Hand Mask (link) was really nice. It had cute design on the gloves and it was really hydrating inside. My only complaint is that the gloves had no sticky tabs to wrap around the wrists and the gloves stayed open while on the hands. 

Lastly I have NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Taupe (link). I was looking at different brand pencil when I heard some great reviews about NYX and I decided to try it. I fell in love the first moment I applied it on my brows. It seems like a tiny pencil, but it lasted my for 3 months using almost daily. I already repurchased this pencil and planning to continue using it in the future. It's very precise, not too hard and not too soft, applies easily, gives good control, stays on all day. 
 

Weekly Empties (11)

It's a nice surprise to fit all of my weekly empties in one photo. That's because I'm not including minis or samples (and I use a lot of them these days) and starting new products before finishing opened ones. Anyway, let's look at my empties.

I haven't used one for some time, but I'm back at using my favorite sheet masks - Leaders 7 Wonders Caribbean Coconut Calming Mask (link). I've started using NuFace device on my face and I want to treat my skin to calming and moisturizing masks. This mask is still one of my favorite of all times.

I love all of Brooklyn Botany body scrubs, but Blueberry Scrub* (link) is my favorite because of the scent. It smells just like blueberries, very fresh and natural scent. It's a very finely milled salt scrub that does a great job and doesn't irritate the skin.

I used up a mini of MAC Fix+ in Lavender scent (link) some time ago, but for some reason I kept forgetting to place a bottle in my empties bin. This came in a trio set around Christmas time. I liked the smell, I liked the fine mist and while it's not a necessity in my makeup bag, I really enjoyed using it.

I also finished Pour Moi Temperate Climate Day Cream* (link) and liked it, but not as much as Polar Day Cream from the same brand. It did protect my skin from environmental factors and even though it felt similar in texture to the Polar cream, it didn't feel as hydrating. 

Last, but not the least is Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask (link), which I received in my March's BeautyFix box. I have my favorite eye patches, so I didn't expect much from these, but I was pleasantly surprised. The mask pieces were wet enough, stayed in place well and hydrated my eye area well. The longer I kept it on, the more I felt how some parts were becoming thinner as my skin was "drinking" up the serum. Overall, my undereyes looked better, but I can't say that it really felt firmer or brighter.

Brand Review: Sanzi Beauty

Usually I'm pretty simple with my haircare and don't use a lot of products, so I rely heavily on shampoo and conditioner to provide me the benefits I'm looking for. My hair is long and fine, I color it for many years, but I have no complaints about my hair. It is shiny, healthy and pretty normal. However, once cold weather comes, which is practically all winter, my hair becomes a static-y mess. Mostly I try to avoid heavy moisturizing shampoos as they weigh down my hair too much leaving it flat and often greasy looking. When I came across Sanzi Beauty (link) products, I was intrigued to try  them, but I was unsure because of my previous experience with moisturizing shampoos. Yet I gave it a chance and I'm happy I did.

Sanzi Beauty offers hair care products, including Organic Moisture Shampoo* (link) and Organic Color-True Conditioner* (link) that I'm going to review today. The brand is free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, phthalates, silicone, artificial dye. The products are created with a minimum of 70% organic ingrdients as well as 11 amino acids. Sanzi Beauty is family owned and was created in 2008 by an award-winning master stylist.

The first thing I noticed upon opening the package was smell. It smelled nice, but pretty strong, which made me a bit concerned. However, once I got shampoo and conditioner to my shower and started using them, the scent was even nicer, but less noticeable. These products smell amazing! I can't name what exactly it reminds me of, but they do smell sweet like candies/fruits. The scent doesn't linger in the hair for too long, so both products can be used by both men and women.

Just like most shampoos Moisture Shampoo has a thinner consistency. A little goes a long way, so this tube will last me a while. The shampoo lathers up nicely, it feels comfortable in the hair and doesn't dry it out while being massaged in. It doesn't have any slippery feeling/texture either. It leaves my hair light, hydrated and very soft. The first time I used Moisture Shampoo I rinsed it out very quickly after working it in the hair as I wanted to avoid greasy looking hair. However, the shampoo doesn't weight down or flatten my hair no matter if I wash it out right away or if I massage my scalp a little longer leaving shampoo in the hair for a couple of minutes. My hair never looks greasy/unwashed and it stays fresh, so even next day I can wear my hair straight down.    

Color -True Conditioner is thicker in consistency. I don't need a lot of it, especially since I apply hair conditioners and masks only to the ends and halfway through my hair length, but I always use more than needed (bad habit that I never loose). I usually leave conditioner in my hair for up to a minute, sometimes a couple minutes and then rinse it out. It leaves hair silky, smooth, but not heavy. When I was testing Sanzi Beauty for the first time, I didn't apply any other hair products afterwards. Even next day my hair was beautiful and easy to brush. It didn't make my hair look heavy or greasy. 

Both products help me fight static in my hair. I've been using them a little over 2 weeks and my hair doesn't get all crazy and unruly while being outside or when wearing wool/cashmere sweaters and scarves. Like I mentioned before, I tried both products by themselves to see how they work, but mostly I add leave-in conditioner and some product to my ends after washing my hair. Sanzi Beauty doesn't leave my hair too silky or unnaturally/extra shiny, but it leaves my hair beautiful, managed and feeling light and the effect lasts for a few days. Moisture Shampoo and Color-True Conditioner also help to detangle my hair without weighing it down.   

* marks PR samples received complimentary

Weekly Empties (10)

I've just finished Pacha Whipped Soap Scrub (link) and already can't wait to get a new one. The exfoliation is very gentle and is good for everyday use. This soap comes in different scents, so everyone can find a favorite one. I had Vanilla Almond, which smelled great, but strong too. The scent doesn't last long on the skin and is much lighter while in use, so it didn't bother me. This is a very long lasting product. I used it for 5 months and I always used more than really needed, so I can only imagine how long lasting it really is. 

I liked Karuna Hydrating+ Hand Mask (link) a lot, but the more this type of masks I use, the more similar they seem. It did give great hydration to my dry hands, but it's not too long lasting. I use such hand masks when I have some special occasion or when I need a boost of hydration.

March's BeautyFix has NuFace Prep-N-Glow Cloth (link) and I'm so happy I tried it. It's already in my wishlist. This wipe is dual sided with one side bing smooth and the other one having bumps for exfoliation. Both sides feel nice on the skin, doesn't irritate the skin and remove any residue/makeup from the skin well.

I used up Tula Advanced Neck Cream (link) and I enjoyed it. However, I really didn't see any great changes or anything more than using my regular facial moisturizer. I'm not sure how I feel about eye creams (though I use them), but I don't see a need for a neck cream. Or maybe I'm just lucky to not see the need yet. I bring my face skincare products (cleanser, toner, serum, cream) down the neck as well and so far that is enough. This cream was a bit richer, thicker in texture, it applied and absorbed to the skin well.

I'm using Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner (link) on and off since last July. I do see a change in my lashes as they become fuller and longer with consistent use. I notice the first differences within a week, but after that I don't see any dramatic changes. I usually toss out my mascaras after 3-4 months, but this product is good for 12 months after opening. However, I have sensitive eyes and recently I noticed that sometimes my eyes feel uncomfortable/more sensitive after I apply Revitalash, so I think it's time to stop using it. I do like the results it gives to my lashes and I would repurchase this product again. 

I usually don't review minis or samples, but Pantene Sheer Volume Foam Conditioner (link) was an exciting new product that I wanted to mention. This in-shower conditioner is unusual since it comes out as mousse. It feels nice on the hair, it smells great and is easy to use, but it doesn't give me what I expect to get from a conditioner. This was  too light even for my fine hair and I just wish it gave more hydration. I didn't see any volume or anything else while using it.

I'm a bit torn about Grow Gorgeous 12-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner Blonde (link). This is a product that needs to be applied to wet hair roots to ends and can be left for a few minutes. No shampoo or conditioner is needed afterwards though I always apply extra conditioner to my ends and sometimes I shampoo too (I often shampoo my hair twice). My hair is long and fine, but it would never get too greasy/heavy/flat even after keeping this conditioner on my roots for 5 minutes. It leaves hair volumizd, big, but smooth, silky and light feeling. My only issue with this product is the scent. It smells like some men's product and it lingers in my hair even the next day, so it bothers me a lot. If the scent was different I would rush to repurchase it, but now I'm not sure...   

BeautyFix March 2018

I love BeautyFix subscription box, but this month's box was one that I wasn't too excited about. I really wanted to try Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud mask (link) and that is what kept me on getting this month's subscription. It was supposed to com full size, but due to some mix ups it arrived in sample size (Dermstore did take care of the issue though).

I can't wait to try Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon (link) as it sounds like an interesting product. I usually choose gel or lighter texture moisturizers for daytime, so this will be something different.

The box also includes Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask (link). I love eye patches and I always get excited to try new ones (especially the ones with so many claims), so I'll definitely use them tonight. I'm very curious to see how it compares to Skyn Iceland eye gels.

BeautyFix includes a lot of Bioderma products and I like it. I know the brand for years, but I have never tried anything from it until this subscription. Sebium Foaming Gel (link) is in this box and I think it will go great with the next item.

So, recently I started using NuFace Trinity device and I was looking at the skincare that the brand offers and got really interested in Prep-N-Glow Cloths (link). I haven't gotten them yet, but they made it to my wishlist, so it was a nice surprise to get one in my BeautyFix box. I'll definitely try it out nxt time I use NuFace.   

One of the best things about BeautyFix is the variety of products in the box. They always cover you from head to toes. One of the products for body is V76 by Vaughn Detox Body Bar (link). While I use shower gels/oils for my body, I also use soap. However, just reading its description now I realized that this is a men's soap, so I'll leave it as a little surprise for my man.

I saw this spoiler, but didn't pay close attention to it, so I thought it's a face moisturizer. I wouldn't mind getting it, but it didn't excite me, so when I received the box and saw what it really it, I'm very very happy. I'm talking about First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Vanilla Citron (link). This body cream sounds so good and promising. I always love using products that are formulated for sensitive or problematic/unwell skin, because they tend to be very gentle and calming and benefit any type of skin. This product alleviates symptoms of eczema and leaves skin soothed, soft and hydrated.

Another brand that caught my eye, but I haven't tried anything from is R+CO. The box includes Cactus Texturizing Shampoo (link), which would not be my first choice, but I will give it a try.

Last and least exciting product for me is Harry Josh Pro Tools Carbon Tail Comb (link). It does look like a high quality product, but it's just something I never use. I wear my hair straight down 99.9% of the time, so I just don't need any tool except for a hair brush.   

Weekly Empties (9)

It became a tradition to start my empties with face masks, so today I'm switching up and starting with other skincare products. The first product that I used up is Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic (link) that came in my BeautyFix box. I really enjoyed using it though I can't say I saw any changes in my skin while using it (I don't think I ever see results from any toner). It smelled nice, it felt nice on the skin and didn't irritate it.

I'm not too much into Caudalie products as I don't see great benefit from them, but they're great when I want something more basic. They never irritate my skin and I can always trust them, so I enjoy using them, including Premier Cru Serum (link) that I just finished. It had a pretty strong scent which I enjoyed and the consistency was thicker, so sometimes I wouldn't even apply another moisturizer to my face.

A sample of Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser (link) came with my Clarisonic Uplift. I used it, but I wasn't impressed by this product. It was too basic of a gel cleanser.

I'm starting to use more and more products from Mario Badescu and last week I finished Super Collagen Mask (link). It was nice, but I still prefer a different mask from this brand. Super Collagen Mask felt comfortable on the face, it made my face soft, hydrated, but I didn't notice any lifting/plumping effect.

I finished MyChelle Fruit Enzyme Mist (link - mine was still in old packaging). I love face scrub from this line, but the mist was just ok. I used it up as a toner to wipe my skin after washing. 

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels (link) and Hydro Cool Firming Face Gels (link) work like magic for me. I don't feel a strong cooling sensation, but I can really see and feel the results. My skin becomes tighter, firmer, more lifted, yet it feels comfortable, soft and plump. Of course the result is temporary, so I use them before going out or to treat me a few times a week (I would love to use them every day). I can't wait to try more products from this brand.

H2O+ Waterbright Water-Infused Brightening Mask (link) feels like Skyn Iceland gels since it has the same sticky gel texture. However, I really didn't see any results from this mask even though it was fun to use use. One good thing about it is that it stays on the face well and doesn't more around. It was a little painful/sensitive to peel it off on certain spots on the face and I didn't see any brightning effect. 

I didn't finish it, but I'm getting rid of 100% Pure Long Last Brows in Blonde (link). Some time ago I reviewed it in detail with swatches, so if you're interested, you can check it HERE. While I love Brow Powder Gel from 100% Pure, the Long Last Brows didn't wow me. It was too soft for my liking and the brush grabbed too much product. It was also harder to control on the brow. It's not the worst eyebrow product, but it takes more time to apply nicely compared to my other brow products, so I just never reached for it.

Dr. Hauschka Colour Correcting Powder in 00 Translucent* (link) was great. I used it up completely and ended up scraping the powder from the sides of the pan when the brush could pick it up anymore. Initially I was hoping this powder would even out skin tone and I could use it on the days when I don't wear makeup, but it didn't work this way. I tried using it on my bare face and it didn't really color correct or conceal anything. However, it was fantastic when used as a setting powder. It is finely milled, applies to the skin easily, doesn't look powder-y on the skin. I really enjoyed it and I would gladly use it again.

My sample sized Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in Au Natural (link) is already replaced by a full sized one. I have sensitive eyes, so a lot of eyeshadows bother my eyes and a lot of cream shadows don't stay on. When I received this stick shadow, I didn't expect much, but I tried it and fell in love instantly. My eyes feel comfortable with it and the intense color lasts all day without creasing. This shade looks very natural and neutral. I use this eyeshadow by itself as well as a base for other shadows and I love it both ways. I even got another shade and I plan to continue using them in the future.         




* marks PR samples received complimentary