DuWop Lip Venom 2nd Sin

Good: Cute packaging. Works the same as the original, but with a bit more sting to plump.

Bad: There is a little part that settles to the bottom of the tube, but since the gloss is thick, its hard to mix it in without having to pump the tube.

Overall: Although I like Lip Venom in general, this doesn't seem to be much more than its original version. Just more expensive.

Philosophy's Hope in a Jar & Purity made simple

Good: Purity face wash removes makeup, feels good & smooth going on & washing off. Minimal lathering, light fresh scent.
Hope in a jar has that complimentary fresh scent, very light to apply & leaves skin feeling supple.

Bad: Although Purity doesn't irritate the eye area, it doesn't thoroughly remove mascara & eyeliner. Leave that to your eye makeup remover.
Hope in a Jar is a very light moisturizer, sometimes I need to apply it twice over on dry areas of my face.

Overall: Two of the best products I've used on my face and will continue to use. No wonder they are on the 'Best of Sephora' list.

Sephora Classic Blockbuster

Good: Oodles of shades to choose from, applies easily & smoothly. Colors blend well & flatter each other. Color is strong even with finger application. Staying power is average.

Bad: Lipstick is drying and the gloss fades easily. Mini applicators... well you just can't get enough of those in a set like this. Case can be hard to open at times.


Overall: This is a very portable artist's palate. And its very flexible with skin tones since there are both warm & cool shades or just mix & blend to your heart's content. Multiple looks can be achieved with this. Like it.

Stila Lip Glaze (Raisin- Limited Edition)

Good: Limited edition, available in Japan. Very flattering sheer tone on olive skin. Decent shine. Very faint pleasant scent. Easy to control brush. Not too sticky.

Bad: Twist up applicator. Small amount of gloss for its size of package. Comes off easily. Barely any flavor if even, as the product boasts to have.

Overall: Its simply a colored gloss. I didn't feel any extra moisturizing benefits. The color was very nice though. Although all the shades are sheer, so it would flatter any skin tone. Hate the twist pen--I took it on an airplane & the pressure of the flight made the gloss ooze out of the brush, so it was messy too.

H2O+ Eyeliner in Caviar (dark black)

Likes: Applies very smoothly, evenly & quickly with great control. Doesn't feel dry or heavy.

Dislikes: Because there is shea butter in this, it may feel great, but its staying power is not so fabulous. It smudges very easily and I can almost guaruntee that it won't last in the water or with sweat.

Overall: The ease of application is fantastic & uncomparible to others, but I don't use it too often unless I'm willing to touch up to reapply, and fix occasional smears.

H2O+ body balm

Likes: No artificial colors added, scent selection is highly fragrant and pleasant. Very clean & energizing scents, looks like a cream, but applies smoothly as a lotion.

Dislikes: Scent starts off very powerful and fragrant, but it also fades quickly within the hour of application. So you're left with a hint of the scent but with pleasantly soft skin.

Overall: I love this stuff. Kiwi-Cassis is my favorite scent so far, and there is a lot of variety with scents. It's a little expensive at $11.50 USD (not incl. shipping on H2O+ online store), but strawberrynet.com carries this stuff at $11 USD (shipping included in the price!!), plus this site offers deals with multiple purchases.

Lavanila Vanilla Blossom

Likes: Packaging box is lovely. Scent is definitely feminine, with a heavy yet gentle tone to it. Not overpowering & has layers of scent as it fades during the day. Supposedly has vitamins and antioxidants in it that you inhale.

Dislikes: There is essential oils in this, so if you don't like patchouli or scents like that, this may not be for you. The initial scent is beautiful but very short lived, and the overall scent fades quicker than I had expected. Doesn't really smell like vanilla.

Overall: I don't really see the benefit of smelling vitamins and have yet to see the powers of antioxidants working, but because this perfume is 100% natural with no harsh irritants, I found that I can wear this in the hospital and I have yet to hear of anyone whining about a fragrance allergy with this on. There is also a travel size version in vanilla grapefruit, so if you wanna trial it, that is a much cheaper alternative to buying the bottle.