Monthly Archives: September 2021

Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks–Creamy Color for a Cause

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I love cruelty-free beauty. That, and a desire to help others, are what drove me to create IntegriBeauty. However, there are some other things brands can do to stand out and make an impression in my book. I admire brands that formulate their products to be vegan-friendly, and also those that keep their products affordable to be more accessible. Even more admirable, is when a brand sets out to make the world a better place in some way. One of those brands that I just discovered recently, is Barks and Beauty Cosmetics. In today’s post, I’ll be reviewing the Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks.

Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks

First, I’d like to provide more information on this amazing brand. Barks and Beauty Cosmetics is a new indie beauty brand based in California. I have spoken to the owner, Ashley Forsythe, several times and she is a great person with a special purpose in her heart. Like me, she loves both beauty and dogs (she is a dog mom of seven!). She combined those passions to create Barks and Beauty Cosmetics. 

The mission of this brand is to offer quality products and fight both animal abuse and cosmetic animal testing. A portion of sales are donated to animal rescues. The brand’s launch was actually delayed because when the pandemic hit and hand sanitizer was in short supply, Ashley decided to put production on hold and focus on making hand sanitizer for animal rescues and veterinary clinics.

Barks and Beauty Cosmetics was able to “soft launch” in August 2020 with its hand sanitizers. It wasn’t until July 2021 that the Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks, the brand’s first makeup products, launched. These lipsticks are currently the only makeup products available from the brand, but I look forward to seeing what they launch next!

After I expressed interest in Barks and Beauty Cosmetics and explained to Ashley what I’m all about, she added me to her PR list. I couldn’t be more happy to be working with such a special brand that aligns so closely with my own mission. I was thrilled to receive all four of the Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks to test and review. I’ve had these lipsticks for a few weeks now and really enjoy them. Please continue reading to learn more about these lovely lipsticks that help animals in need!

Please note that while I did receive these products in PR, that in no way has swayed my opinion of them. Barks and Beauty Cosmetics didn’t ask for anything other than my honest opinion, and that is what I share in the following product review.

Product details

  • Price: $14.00
  • Net weight: 0.14 oz. | 4 g
  • Made in Italy
  • Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified)
  • Vegan
  • Shelf life: 24 months
  • Where to buy: BarksandBeautyCosmetics.com
    • BarksandBeautyCosmetics.com currently only ships within the United States; however, that may change as the brand grows
  • Overall rating: 6.8/10
    • Shade range: 3/10
    • Packaging/ease of application: 9/10
    • Hydration: 7/10
    • Staying power: 8/10
    • Price: 7/10

Please note that I am not a makeup artist. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, as a regular person that loves makeup.

Shade range

Barks and Beauty Cosmetics launched the ExtraMatte Lipsticks in the following four shades:

  • Teddy: Warm beige nude
  • Chihuahua: Neutral beige nude with a touch of pink
  • Bambi: Medium pink
  • Pimento: True bold red (it looks like a deep pink in most of my photos, but this shade really is red in person)

L to R: Pimento, Bambi, Chihuahua, Teddy

The shade “Chihuahua” is currently unavailable, but I am hopeful that it will be restocked. Between the two nude shades, I prefer that one over “Teddy.” They are both nice nude shades, but “Teddy” almost looks like a concealer shade on my lips since it is close to my fair neutral skin tone. Those with skin tones different from mine are likely to feel differently about these shades.

This is a very small shade range for lipsticks. However, I understand that Barks and Beauty is a very small brand and also very new. It made sense for them to start small. I expect the shade range will expand over time, especially as they receive customer feedback.

There are several shades that I would like to see added to this range. Specifically, a brown nude, berry, and a bright orange. There are many other shades that would also be nice additions to address every shade preference.

I rated this shade range very low, only three out of ten. However, I’d like you to take that with a grain of salt since this is such a young brand. Considering that fact, I think the shades chosen are great choices. Nudes are always good to have, then “Bambi” is a good “middle of the road” option, and “Pimento” is bright and bold! They’re all very pretty and can be customized by pairing with a lip gloss and/or lip liner.

Packaging/ease of application

Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks are traditional bullet-style lipsticks. The packaging is black plastic, but it looks very nice and sleek. While this packaging is quite basic, it is just as effective as any twist-up bullet-lipstick I’ve ever had. My only complaint about the packaging is that the lipstick shades aren’t visible anywhere on the outside. There is a sticker on the bottom that shows the shade name, but you can’t see the actual color of the lipstick without opening it (you’ll see this in another photo later in the review).

You likely can’t see it in this photo, but there are actually lips and paw prints printed on the outside. Very cute! I love that special touch. It’s a nice reminder of what Barks and Beauty stands for. 🙂

The application of these lipsticks is very easy. These are obviously matte lipsticks, but the formula feels and applies more like that of a creamy lipstick. There is no tugging; they glide over the lips smoothly.

I rated this category nine out of ten because the three lighter shades aren’t very pigmented. Pigmentation is subjective, as some people prefer more pigmentation while others want less. I don’t feel that strongly either way, but I thought it was worth mentioning. 

When applying “Teddy,” “Chihuahua,” and “Bambi,” it takes a few layers to achieve full opacity. “Pimento,” on the other hand, is much more pigmented and doesn’t require as much building up. I probably still spend just as much time, or maybe a little more, applying “Pimento” just because it is such a bold shade, I want to make sure I don’t smudge it.

Hydration

Matte lipsticks have a bad reputation for being very drying on the lips. Not only do many of them not provide hydration, but it seems like some suck the moisture right out of your lips! I’m very happy to report that the Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks have a non-drying formula. I think this is partly because they contain vitamin E which moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier.

Since the formula of these lipsticks is quite creamy, they’re also very comfortable. The texture feels smooth and lightly hydrating. To illustrate this, I’ll share a comparison. When wearing some matte lipsticks, you can’t really rub your lips together because they’re so dry. With these lipsticks applied, however, you can still easily rub your lips together.

While the Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks provide enough hydration to make them comfortable, I don’t consider them to be very hydrating compared to some other types of lip products out there. One thing that makes me say that is that when these lipsticks wear off, I don’t feel as though there is any hydration left behind. Lip glosses, balms, and some lipsticks that are very hydrating will leave some hydration on the lips after the color and shine has disappeared.

As far as matte lipsticks go, I’m actually quite pleased with the level of hydration and comfort these provide. The focus of most matte lipsticks is color-payoff (which is understandable) and lovevity, but the comfort factor is often overlooked. I’m really glad Barks and Beauty didn’t make that mistake. 🙂

Staying power

While matte lipsticks aren’t generally thought to be hydrating, they are generally very long lasting. In most cases, there is a “dry down” that makes matte lipsticks resistant to smudging or fading. The Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks don’t really do that, which is tied to the fact that they are pretty hydrating and creamy for being matte lipsticks. Unfortunately, this means they also aren’t the most long lasting.

This was a tough category for me to rate because the staying power of these lipsticks isn’t consistent between all of the shades. I find that the staying power of the two nude shades isn’t very good. “Bambi” has average staying power, and “Pimento” stays in place the longest. I think this is at least partially due to the varying levels of pigmentation. In a previous section, I mentioned that the nude shades are the least pigmented, while the bold red “Pimento” is very pigmented.

All of these lipsticks will last pretty well through normal wear, i.e. talking and drinking water. If you’re wearing the nude shades all day, you’ll likely need to reapply at least a few times, especially after eating. “Bambi” performs similarly, but lasts just a bit longer than the two nude shades. 

“Pimento” will fade a bit over time when I drink water or eat, but the color never goes away fully until I wash it off at the end of the day. This shade fades very gracefully. Like many red lipsticks, this one fades to appear like a dark pink shade. Even when most of the lipstick is gone, my lips will still be tinted pink from this shade as it seems to have a staining effect.

You might be surprised to see that I rated Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks eight out of ten for staying power since overall, their staying power isn’t the best. I took into consideration that while these lipsticks have a matte finish, the texture is creamy and somewhat hydrating. Therefore, it makes sense that they would perform more like creamy vs. matte lipsticks. The good news is, these lipsticks aren’t too fussy to apply so I don’t mind reapplying these.

Price

I am very supportive of companies with a philanthropic mission. However, many of those companies price their products quite high in order to afford the added expense of donations. Since Barks and Beauty Cosmetics donates a portion of its sales to animal rescues, I was afraid their products would be in the high-end price range.

Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks are $14.00 each. There are several drugstore lipsticks available for less than $10.00, some only a few dollars like the e.l.f. SRSLY Satin Lipsticks. Compared to those lipsticks, these from Barks and Beauty are quite expensive! On the other hand, they are also less expensive than high-end which usually starts around $18.00 for lipsticks.

While I wish the price of these lipsticks could be lower (maybe $10.00) I understand why they cost a little more and I think $14.00 is fair. I already mentioned the added expense from donations to animal rescues, but Barks and Beauty Cosmetics is also a very small new brand. It’s expensive to start a cosmetics brand. 

I am so grateful to Barks and Beauty Cosmetics for sending me their ExtraMatte Lipsticks! Their mission, first and foremost, is amazing and warms my heart. I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with them!

The Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks have all gotten a good amount of use since they joined my collection. They are comfortable and I’m almost always able to match one of the four shades with what I’m wearing. If you’ve been on the hunt for a matte lipstick that doesn’t dry out your lips, these may be perfect for you!

I’ve actually surprised myself because I was never one to wear nude lipsticks much (with the exception of brown lipsticks), but those shades are the ones I’ve worn most from this collection! Since I have fair skin, I feel that they look best when worn with a lip liner to give my lips some definition, but they really are great! I enjoy the other shades as well but don’t wear them as often since they aren’t quite as versatile.

Which of the four shades is your favorite? While I’ve worn “Teddy” and “Chihuahua” the most, “Pimento” is actually my favorite! It’s such a pretty red shade.

Are you interested in trying the Barks and Beauty ExtraMatte Lipsticks, or possibly future launches from the brand? If so, please let me know in the comments! 

Lauren

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Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream–for Hands that Feel and Smell Peachy!

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Milani Peach Dewy Hand CreamI can’t help but feel a bit skeptical of products that are out of the “norm” for what a brand is known for. In this case, I’m talking about Milani. I still think of Milani as a makeup brand, but recently they’ve branched out to also offer some skincare and lip care products, as well as a hand cream. I have yet to try any Milani skincare (unless you count Milani Supercharged Brightening Undereye Tint which contains some skincare ingredients) or lip care products. However, when I placed an order with Milani a couple months ago, I decided to pick up the Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream.

Milani offers several fruit-themed products, including quite a few that are peach-themed. I was tempted by several, but at the time I was specifically on the hunt for a new hand cream. I usually prefer unscented hand creams since the skin on my hands gets irritated at times, but I couldn’t resist this one. I love peach-scented products!

I’ve been using this hand cream almost every day for over a month now. It even went on vacation with me! I enjoy it very much, yet have never heard anyone else talk about it, so I knew I had to share a review of this lovely product with the world! Continue reading for a detailed review of Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream.

Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream product claims directly from MilaniCosmetics.com

Peach Dewy Hand Cream is a rich, moisturizing daily hand cream. Ultra-hydrating but light enough for daily use, the silky finish provides lasting comfort for hands and nails. Infused with Peach Extract, Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil, its creamy texture helps nourish, moisturize and improve the appearance of dry skin.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

Other product details

  • Price: $9.99
  • Net weight: 2 oz. | 60 ml
  • Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified)
  • Vegan
  • Shelf life: 12 months
  • Where to buy: MilaniCosmetics.com 
    • MilaniCosmetics.com ships internationally, but they currently don’t ship to Mexico, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Iraq, or Turkey.
  • Overall rating: 8.8/10
    • Hydration: 8/10
    • Greasiness: 9/10
    • Ingredients: 9/10
    • Fragrance: 10/10
    • Price: 8/10

Hydration

This may come as a surprise, but Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream actually has a very thick consistency. I like that in a hand cream because usually thicker means more hydrating. Thin formulas absorb quickly which is nice, but they don’t necessarily provide much hydration.

For only offering this one single hand cream, Milani did a good job making it nice and hydrating. When I work it into my hands, they instantly feel very hydrated. I wash my hands often and try to remember to apply this hand lotion afterwards to replenish lost moisture. 

My hands get very dry, more than the average person I’d say, and have been that way pretty much year-round since the pandemic hit. I think that’s probably because I use so much hand sanitizer, in addition to washing my hands often. While this hand cream is great to apply throughout the day to replenish moisture, I don’t think it’s quite hydrating enough to soften the worst of the dry patches that sometimes show up on my hands. For those, I need a more intense product to wear overnight, such as a lotion or cream that contains a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid.

As there aren’t any bold product claims for Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream, I think its level of hydration is pretty good. It definitely feels rich and nourishing on my skin.

Greasiness

A downside to a lot of thick hand creams is that they tend to feel greasy. I can’t stand that feeling because then there’s residue on everything I touch and it keeps me from being able to use a pen, open jars, etc. I’m sure you’ve been there, too!

Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream does feel a bit greasy when it’s first rubbed into the skin. Fortunately, that feeling doesn’t last. This cream sinks in quickly so skin only feels greasy for a short time, maybe a couple of minutes.

Non-greasy hand creams are highly sought-after since many people are like me and very bothered by greasy formulas. I think Milani should probably add “non-greasy” to the product claims for this hand cream because that might increase sales! This formula really feels lovely on the skin without making it greasy or sticky.

Ingredients

I’m not sure if most people pay attention to the ingredients in hand cream, but I do for a couple of reasons. First, because my hands are dry, as I mentioned before. Also, my hands are already starting to show signs of aging from sun exposure. I want to make sure I’m putting great ingredients on my hands to keep them hydrated and looking as youthful as possible going forward (though really, the best thing I could do for them is to remember to apply sunscreen on my hands!).

Here is the full list of ingredients in Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream:

Water / Aqua / Eau, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance / Parfum, Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985) 

When I go through a product’s ingredients, I put them into three categories: “good” ingredients benefit the skin, “bad” ingredients have potential to harm skin, and “neutral” ingredients neither benefit or harm the skin. I reviewed all 26 ingredients in Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream and determined that there are 11 “good,” only one “bad,” and 14 “neutral” ingredients. I’m honestly impressed by how many skincare “good” ingredients are in this formula. I’ll provide descriptions for each of those below:

  • Sunflower Seed Oil
    • Improves damaged or irritated skin barrier
    • Loaded with fatty acids
  • Avocado Oil
    • Loaded with nourishing fatty acids
    • Extraordinary skin penetration ability
    • Highly moisturizing
    • Contains vitamin E
  • Shea Butter
    • Emollient moisturizer
    • Skin-soothing
    • Antioxidant-rich
  • Glycerin
    • Natural moisturizer
  • Apple Fruit Extract
    • Moisturizing and smoothing 
    • Acids (like malic and gallic acids) provide mild exfoliation, skin brightening, and antibacterial properties
  • Rice Bran Extract
    • Conditions and softens skin
    • Rich source of antioxidants
    • Moisturizing
  • Sunflower Extract
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Moisturizing and soothing
    • Contains antioxidants
  • Rosemary Leaf Extract
    • Antibacterial
    • Astringent
    • Contains rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
  • Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
    • Antioxidant
    • Strengthens skin barrier
  • Peach Leaf Extract
    • Moisturizer
    • Skin conditioner
  • Sodium Hyaluronate
    • Sodium form of hyaluronic acid (they work the same way)
    • Humectant

I am extremely pleased with how many great skincare ingredients Milani included in this hand cream! Honestly, I’m more impressed by the ingredients in this hand cream compared to those in hand creams from some other brands that have been making hand creams for many years. These ingredients are great for keeping hands hydrated and looking youthful, which is exactly what I want in my hand creams.

The one and only “bad” ingredient in this formula is Fragrance. There is no way of knowing exactly what this consists of (i.e. essential oils or artificial fragrance ingredients), but fragrance ingredients are some of the most common culprits in causing skin irritation. The added fragrance in this hand cream fortunately does not have any effect on my skin. However, those with very sensitive skin may want to opt instead for an unscented hand cream.

The remaining 14 ingredients are the “neutral” ones that I mentioned before. These ingredients support the overall formula. They perform important functions and are things like thickeners, emulsifiers, emollients, and preservatives.

I am really very happy with this hand cream’s formulation. Truly, my only complaint about it is the fragrance, but that is actually one of the big selling points of this product. The good news about the fragrance is that there’s only one fragrance ingredient. Some other products include quite a few, which increases the risk of skin irritation. I believe most people will tolerate the ingredients in this product quite well. 🙂

Fragrance

I’m really surprised that Milani didn’t include anything about the scent of this hand cream in the product claims. Most people will probably buy it because of the scent, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint! I am absolutely obsessed with this scent.

When I first received this hand cream and started using it, I couldn’t put my finger on the scent. It’s of course meant to smell like peaches, and it does smell fruity, but I didn’t think peach quite fit. It’s a very sweet scent, so now I think it smells more like peach candy, possibly peach rings, rather than a fresh peach. With that being said, if you like peaches, you’ll probably enjoy the scent of Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream!

Price

Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream is priced at $9.99 for a two ounce bottle. There aren’t any other Milani hand creams for me to compare this to, but there are plenty of other affordable brands out there that make hand creams. There is a wide range of prices, but I feel that $9.99 is on the higher end for such a small amount of product. There are options that start at only a few dollars. 

Another hand cream that I’ve used and enjoy is the Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Moisturizing Hand & Cuticle Cream. That one is larger with three ounces of product, and at a lower price. At the time I’m writing this review, that hand cream is currently unavailable on Amazon, but it has previously been available there for only $5.99! I think its overall quality is just as good as Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream, but at a more reasonable price.

I feel that this hand cream would be more appropriately priced in the $5-8 range. However, it does have a unique and intoxicating scent. If that appeals to you, then I think it’s worth it to spend $9.99 on this hand cream.

I have really put a dent in this hand cream since I started using it. I can’t get enough of it because it feels and smells so great on my hands! Will I repurchase? If Milani continues to offer this product as a permanent item, I will probably order it again eventually. It’s a little pricey as I mentioned in the previous section, but you really can’t beat the amazing scent. It’s almost like the scent equivalent of eating candy, but without any calories! 🙂

Before I wrap up this post, I’d like to look back at the product claims for Milani Peach Dewy Hand Cream and compare them with my own experience using this product. First, Milani states that the formula is rich and moisturizing. I agree 100%! Next they state that it’s lightweight for daily use and has a comfortable silky finish. While this hand cream doesn’t feel lightweight at first, it does absorb quickly to leave hands feeling comfortable and smooth.

The final claim is that the skincare ingredients work together to nourish, moisturize, and improve the appearance of dry skin. Again, I agree! The absorption of moisture from this hand cream instantly improves the appearance of dry skin.

Do you enjoy fruity hand creams? If you do, then you’d probably like this one very much. Please let me know if you decide to give it a try!

Lauren

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Milani Baked Bronzer–for Bronzed Luminous Skin All Year Long

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Milani Baked Bronzer in "Glow"Bronzed luminous skin is a look that many of us are after. That kind of look is especially popular in the summer months. However, I don’t see why this trend shouldn’t continue all year long for those that enjoy that kind of look! Until this summer that just ended, I exclusively wore matte bronzers. I felt that they were a better choice for my combination skin. However, I’d been eyeing the Milani Baked Bronzer (which has a shimmer finish) for quite some time simply because I heard several influencers on YouTube talking about it. Well, I finally gave in and tried it a couple of months ago!

While I still very much enjoy my matte bronzers, I’ve had fun testing Milani Baked Bronzer. I don’t have anything else like it in my makeup collection. I do have two of the Milani Baked Blushes and enjoy them very much, so I was almost certain that I’d like their Baked Bronzer formula as well.

In today’s post, I’ll be providing a detailed review of Milani Baked Bronzer. I’ll cover many aspects of this product such as inclusivity, packaging, pigmentation, staying power, and price. If you’re interested in Milani Baked Bronzer, please continue reading!

Milani Baked Bronzer product claims directly from MilaniCosmetics.com

When it comes to bronze brilliance — we’re all about the baked. Our Baked Bronzer will give your face a perfect glow and your complexion a bold, warm vibe. As part of our baked makeup series, this bronzer has been baked on Italian terracotta tiles. Part of a power couple with our Baked Blush, the Milani Baked Bronzer offers a streak-free glow with a smart shimmer finish. Choose from diverse color options like a hypnotic soft gold or a tantalizing electric tan. All three flattering shades give a glamorous vibe that always looks authentic and fresh. Our baked bronzer gives you a natural, lit-from-within luminosity — it’s light done right.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

Other product details

  • Price: $9.99
  • Net weight: 0.25 oz. | 7 g
  • Made in Italy
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Shelf life: 18 months
  • Available in three shades
  • Where to buy: MilaniCosmetics.com or Amazon.com (currently only available in two shades on Amazon)
    • MilaniCosmetics.com ships internationally, but they currently don’t ship to Mexico, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Iraq, or Turkey.
  • Overall rating: 8.4/10
    • Inclusivity: 6/10
    • Packaging/ease of application: 10/10
    • Pigmentation: 8/10
    • Staying power: 9/10
    • Price: 9/10

Please note that I am not a makeup artist. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, as a regular person that loves makeup.

Inclusivity

Milani Baked Bronzer is available in three shades. That’s not unusual for drugstore brands. However, I don’t think it’s enough. I’ll list the available shades below. Milani unfortunately doesn’t provide shade descriptions. I’ll do my best to describe them, but I highly recommend that you take a look at the photos of all three shades on Milani’s website before choosing one for your own skin tone.

  • 04 Glow: Light gold shimmer (this is the shade that I purchased)
  • 05 Soleil: Slightly deeper gold shimmer compared to “Glow”
  • 09 Dolce: Golden tan shimmer (this is the deepest shade)

I’m curious if there used to be more shades since the numbers skip from “05” to “09.”

You can probably guess this since all three of these bronzers are golden shades, but they are all quite warm. The “Glow” shade works well on my fair neutral skin to warm up my complexion. However, I think those with cool-toned skin may find these bronzers to be too warm.

In these photos, you can see how “Glow” looks applied to my skin. I should’ve probably taken all four photos in natural light, but I hope you can still see how much this bronzer warms up my skin. It gives me a lovely glow!

As far as the depth of these shades go, it looks like there is some range, but it’s minimal. “Glow” is quite light and good for fair skin, but may not work on light skin. I assume that “Soleil” and “Dolce” would work for light and medium skin tones, respectively. Unfortunately, I don’t think any of these shades would work for those with tan to deep skin.

Milani Baked Bronzer is not a new product, and Milani isn’t a small brand. For those reasons, it’s hard for me to understand why they only offer three shades in this product. I think Milani should seriously consider adding at least a few more shades in this range so there are options for every skin tone. Part of Milani’s product philosophy is to offer products that meet the needs of every skin tone, but in that regard, I think they dropped the ball with this product.

Packaging/ease of application

Milani Baked BronzerIf you’ve tried any of the Milani Baked Blushes, the packaging for Milani Baked Bronzer is very similar. Just like the blushes, these bronzers come in a gold compact that looks like it could be high-end. The lid is easy to open while also snapping closed securely. 

There are a couple of differences in packaging between the blushes and bronzers. The bronzers contain about twice as much product as the blushes, so the compact is larger. Also, the blush compacts have hidden compartments underneath the blush, containing a brush and mirror. I’ve always found the brush and mirror to be very unnecessary, so I was happy to find that the bronzer packaging doesn’t have that hidden compartment.

I like to use my trusty EcoTools Blending & Bronzing Brush to apply Milani Baked Bronzer. It’s actually the only bronzer brush I own, because it does a great job applying every bronzer I’ve ever owned. Since this is a baked bronzer instead of a standard powder bronzer, it isn’t a very powdery formula. That means you can swirl a brush in this bronzer without coming away with too much product. I never need to tap off excess bronzer before applying it to my skin.

Milani Baked Bronzer doesn’t feel buttery smooth if you dip your finger into the pan, unlike the Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder. Fortunately, that doesn’t translate to application. This bronzer applies smoothly to the skin and never looks patchy. I get an even application with this bronzer every time.

One thing worth noting that isn’t directly related to ease of application–the only part of my face where this bronzer sometimes doesn’t look quite right is on my forehead. That’s because I have a wrinkle on my forehead less than an inch south of my hairline and the subtle shimmer in this bronzer makes it stand out more than it normally would. I generally don’t have any other types of texture on my skin, but I think this formula has the potential to emphasize texture anywhere on the face.

Besides the minor issue with my forehead wrinkle, I’m always happy with how Milani Baked Bronzer looks on my skin. It’s easy to apply and gives me a bronzy glow that makes my skin look healthy.

Pigmentation

Milani Baked Bronzer isn’t nearly as pigmented as the other bronzers in my collection. In these arm swatches of my shade “Glow,” you can see that it is very light. The swatch on the left is only one swipe, while the one on the right is three or four (I wanted to build to maximum opacity).

While I wish this bronzer was very slightly more pigmented, the low pigmentation actually makes it easier to use on my fair skin. If it was highly pigmented, I’d need to be cautious when applying this bronzer, and use only a very small amount. As it is, I can’t really go wrong with this stuff! I build it up until I achieve the look I’m going for, but it never looks like too much.

Staying power

It’s rare that I think about reapplying or touching up my makeup, so I have high expectations for most of my makeup products to last all day. I’m very happy to report that Milani Baked Bronzer’s staying power is really good! 

I usually wear my makeup for 9-12 hours and I notice only a minimal difference in the appearance of this bronzer on my skin at the end of the day. It hangs on quite nicely, but there is a small amount of fading. I do use a setting spray, but it’s not one that’s meant to make a big difference in the wear time of makeup, so I think the staying power of this bronzer is great even on its own.

Price

Milani Baked Bronzer is $9.99, which is the same price as the Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder that I previously reviewed. I gave that bronzer 10/10 for price, but decided to give Milani Baked Bronzer 9/10. That’s because the matte bronzer contains slightly more product and less of it is needed since it is more pigmented than this bronzer.

Does that mean I think Milani Baked Bronzer is overpriced? Nope! However, I think it’s a bit inconsistent. Since more of this bronzer is needed to give skin a similar effect, I think Milani should consider increasing the amount of product in the pan.

Compared to bronzers from other drugstore brands, Milani Baked Bronzer’s price is “middle of the road.” There are some that are around $5.00, and others that are $15+. I think $9.99 is very fair for the quality of this bronzer.

When I think about all the bronzers in my collection, I have to say that I still prefer my matte bronzers over this slightly shimmery formula. However, that’s really only because of that pesky forehead wrinkle that I mentioned. I’ll continue to use Milani Baked Bronzer on days that I want a little extra glow! 

Let’s take a look back at the product claims for Milani Baked Bronzer. Milani’s first claim is that this bronzer gives skin a perfect glow with bold warm color. The level of “glow” is perfect! However, I wouldn’t call the color “bold” since it isn’t very pigmented. This bronzer (at least the “Glow” shade) is more on the subtle side. 

Next, they state that this bronzer is streak-free with a smart shimmer finish. It does apply streak-free, and never clings to certain areas like some cheek products. The shimmer finish is just right, as there’s no glitter and the shimmer is so subtle it really does just look like a natural glow on the skin. Now for one claim I don’t agree with: diverse color options! The shade range for this product is lacking and certainly should never be considered “diverse.” I hope Milani will consider creating additional shades.

Even though Milani Baked Bronzer isn’t my personal favorite, I still think it’s an excellent bronzer! If there is a shade in this range that would be appropriate for your skin tone, and you like a glowy bronzer (or want to try one), I definitely recommend this one. It is a beautiful product!

Do you prefer matte or shimmer bronzers? If you answered “shimmer,” do you wear them all year-round? I’m planning to wear this one whenever the mood strikes, regardless of season!

Lauren

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Beauty by Earth Body Scrub–the All Natural Body Scrub of Your Dreams

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Beauty by Earth Body ScrubFor the longest time, I thought all body scrubs were mostly the same. They’re gritty, exfoliate the skin, and sometimes provide a bit of hydration. End of story, right? Not really! The Beauty by Earth Body Scrub is a step above the rest. I’ve tried quite a few body scrubs, so I feel confident in making that statement!

Body scrubs come in a wide variety of fragrances, and I was excited to find out that Beauty by Earth Body Scrub now comes in four unique scents! There’s an option for everyone. The scents currently available are Coffee & Sugar, Peppermint Tea Tree, Citrus Lavender, and Vanilla Coconut. I tend to gravitate toward tropical scents, so I of course went for the Vanilla Coconut. It smells just as good as you might imagine! All four of the scents are highly rated, so I’m sure they all smell fantastic.

I haven’t been using the Beauty by Earth Body Scrub for very long, but I’ve used it enough times to have a strong opinion of it! In this post, I’ll be reviewing Beauty by Earth Body Scrub in detail. I will discuss ease of application, exfoliation, hydration, ingredients, and price. 

Please note that I received this product in PR. However, that in no way has swayed my opinion of the product. Beauty by Earth didn’t ask for anything other than my honest opinion, and that is what I share in the following product review.

Beauty by Earth Body Scrub product claims directly from BeautybyEarth.com

This exfoliating sugar scrub revitalizes dull skin for a radiant glow. Packed with thirst-quenching oils, antioxidants, and anti-bacterial agents, our certified organic scrub will leave your skin feeling hydrated and nourished. Smooth skin is just a scrub away.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

Other product details

  • Price & where to buy: $29.99 from Beauty by Earth or $17.99 from Amazon 
    • BeautybyEarth.com ships internationally for a flat fee of $28.00. (U.S. orders of $50+ ship free)
    • Amazon.com ships internationally to over 100 countries, but not all items will ship to every country. Update your default shipping address to see items that will ship to your location.
  • Net weight: 10 oz. | 283 g
  • Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified)
  • Vegan
  • Formulated with natural organic ingredients
  • Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrance, triclosan, petroleum, and gluten
  • Perfect for all skin types
  • Overall rating: 9.0/10
    • Packaging/ease of application: 8/10
    • Exfoliation: 10/10
    • Hydration: 10/10
    • Ingredients: 8/10
    • Price: 9/10

Packaging/ease of application

As we discuss different aspects of the Beauty by Earth Body Scrub, you’ll see that I have very few negative things to say about it! Unfortunately, we’re starting off with one of those things. The packaging isn’t anything fancy, just a plastic jar with a twist-off lid. This is probably the most common type of packaging for body scrubs. There are a couple of cons associated with this type of packaging for a body scrub, however.

First off, the lid is smooth plastic without any ridges. That means that if your hands are slippery, you may have a hard time removing the lid. I keep the lid on loosely to make it easier for me to open, but it would be nice if the lid had ridges or some sort of texture to make it easier to grip.

My next issue with the packaging is the jar itself. This type of packaging requires you to reach into the jar to get the product out…while in the shower. You probably see where I’m going with this. I try to keep the jar toward the back of my shower and carefully dip into it to minimize the amount of water dripping into the jar. Despite my best efforts, it’s impossible to keep from getting some water into it. If too much water accumulates in the jar, it will make the body scrub more diluted than it should be.

These packaging issues are shared by most body scrubs, so I don’t fault it too much for these small shortcomings. However, I do hope that Beauty by Earth will consider improving the packaging of this product in the future. Now let’s move on to what matters most–the body scrub itself!

Beauty by Earth Body Scrub is very easy to use. It’s more “concentrated” than some other body scrubs, and therefore only a very small amount is needed. It’s a foolproof formula so you just scoop out some of the scrub and scrub it over any part of the body that’s in need of some exfoliation. For me, that’s usually my arms and legs. 

I work the scrub into my skin thoroughly until the sugar dissolves, which doesn’t take very long (but long enough to exfoliate as needed). Once I’m finished, the remainder of the scrub (minus the oils, but I’ll get into that later) is easy to rinse off with water.

Exfoliation

Beauty by Earth Body Scrub is a physical exfoliation product. Body scrubs use a variety of ingredients to physically (versus chemically) exfoliate the skin, such as plastic microbeads, nut shells, seeds, salt, and sugar. I think sugar is the best choice because it is water-soluble and gentle on the skin. It’s also a natural source of glycolic acid (an AHA chemical exfoliant), which helps to break down dead skin. I’m very happy that Beauty by Earth chose sugar as the exfoliating ingredient for their body scrub.

I think Beauty by Earth Body Scrub provides just the right amount of exfoliation. The granules of sugar are reasonably large to exfoliate effectively. However, they also feel gentle on the skin since sugar granules are rounded. Beauty by Earth recommends starting this scrub by using it only once a week, but I’ve used it a few times in the last week and my skin isn’t remotely irritated or over-exfoliated.

One of the great things about body scrubs, including this one, is that they provide instant results. My skin has felt softer and smoother from the first time I used it. Since then, my skin has improved even more with each use!

Hydration

The primary goal for body scrubs is usually exfoliation, and as I discussed in the previous section, this body scrub is effective for that! Is that all it’s good for, though? Absolutely not! I think hydration is where Beauty by Earth Body Scrub truly shines and stands out from the competition.

I’ll go into detail about this product’s ingredients in the next section, but I will go ahead and tell you that it contains three oils that skin absolutely loves. They aren’t noticeable by feel at first, but once the sugar dissolves, you can really feel those oils on the skin and it is a lovely feeling. They don’t just wash away, either! The oil blend in this body scrub hangs on the skin like no wash-off product I’ve ever used. 

This will sound bad, but the feeling always reminds me of the coating on apples at the grocery store. While that sounds negative, I truly don’t mean it that way. It’s a light layer of oil that remains on the skin to lock in moisture, and it never feels uncomfortable. 

Those that don’t have dry skin will likely find that a body moisturizer isn’t necessary after using Beauty by Earth Body Scrub. Since the skin on my arms and legs does get dry, I prefer to use a moisturizer after every shower. I still think it’s great that when I use this scrub, I’m able to step out of the shower with a layer of moisture already on my skin!

Ingredients

Like most, if not all, Beauty by Earth products, this body scrub has a very short list of ingredients! A small number of ingredients isn’t inherently a good thing, but it does mean that there are fewer ingredients that could potentially irritate sensitive skin. Here is the full list of all eight ingredients:

*Sucrose (Sugar), *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Aroma Oil, *Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, *Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Kernel Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract,* Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract

*Certified organic ingredient

Please note that the fragrance ingredients vary between the four different Beauty by Earth Body Scrubs. This list is only for the Vanilla Coconut Body Scrub.

When I review ingredients, I label each one “good,” “bad,” or “neutral.” Seven of the eight ingredients in this Beauty by Earth Body Scrub are “good,” which means they provide skincare benefits. There is one “bad” ingredient that may irritate sensitive skin. Since this is such a short list of ingredients, I’ll go through each one and provide brief descriptions of their functions.

  • Sugar
    • Exfoliant
  • Sunflower Seed Oil
    • Improves damaged or irritated skin barrier
    • Loaded with fatty acids
  • Aroma Oil
    • Fragrance
    • The specific components of this ingredient are not disclosed; however, many fragrance ingredients can be irritating for those with sensitive skin
  • Apricot Kernel Oil
    • Emollient
    • Moisturizing
    • Contains vitamin E and nourishing fatty acids
    • Absorbs easily into the skin
  • Marula Kernel Oil
    • Improves skin hydration and smoothness
    • Reduces redness
    • Rich in fatty acids
    • Contains antioxidants including vitamin E
  • Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
    • Various forms of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and strengthens the skin barrier
  • Rosemary Leaf Extract
    • Antibacterial
    • Contains rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
  • Calendula Flower Extract
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Antioxidant
    • Skin soothing

I am very impressed and happy with these ingredients! Most of these go a long way in maintaining healthy hydrated skin. Marula oil is probably my favorite ingredient of the bunch because it can do so many things for the skin.

I am disappointed to see “aroma oil” (aka “fragrance”) so high up the list. The closer to the top an ingredient is, the higher its concentration. In this case, it is the third ingredient, which means its concentration is likely very high. Even though Beauty by Earth uses natural fragrance ingredients, this blend could be harmful to some. I haven’t had any problems with it, fortunately, but I don’t have very sensitive skin. Those that do have very sensitive skin should probably avoid this product.

I can’t move on to the next section without mentioning the actual scent of this Vanilla Coconut body scrub. It smells like tropical paradise! I don’t notice any hint of vanilla, but the coconut scent is quite strong. I enjoy it very much! I like that the scent lingers in my bathroom for a while, too. That’s a nice added bonus!

Price

If you saw the price of this product in the “other product details” section, you might be a little bit confused. I know I am! If you purchase Beauty by Earth Body scrub directly from Beauty by Earth, it’s $29.99. If you get it from Amazon instead, it’s only $17.99 (though that could change with time; Amazon’s prices fluctuate often)! I know it’s common for products to be less expensive on Amazon, but it’s not usually that big of a difference.

I’m usually pretty “cheap,” or “frugal,” to use a kinder term, and I usually buy affordable products. That part of me says $29.99 is totally unreasonable for a body scrub! On the other hand, this is a superior product. Even with that in mind, I don’t think I could justify spending $29.99 for any body scrub, unless it’s a larger quantity.

I’m grateful that Amazon also sells Beauty by Earth Body Scrub, because I think it’s definitely worth $17.99. There are more affordable alternatives out there from brands like Tree Hut, but I will still happily spend $17.99 (or maybe even a little more) for a product of this quality. It’s a hidden gem!

Beauty by Earth Body Scrub is not a product you should sleep on! I wish I had tried it much sooner than I did. I previously thought it would be just like every other body scrub, but I was definitely wrong. This body scrub has been an excellent addition to my shower routine and I always look forward to using it. Since I’m using it so often, I’ll probably use it up quickly, but I already know I’ll order another jar when I run out!

Earlier this summer, I reviewed the Beauty by Earth Self Tanner. That product works best after skin has been exfoliated and isn’t too dry. The Beauty by Earth Body Scrub addresses both of those needs! I haven’t tried the combination yet, but I think this body scrub would be a great choice for prepping skin for self tanner. I will certainly use that combo the next time I want to self tan!

At this point in my product reviews, I usually review the product claims and compare them with my own findings. However, in this case, I don’t think it’s necessary. Beauty by Earth’s product description of their body scrub is concise and accurate!

Do you enjoy using a body scrub in your shower routine? If not, it’s a good time to add one since fall and its dry air will be upon us very soon (for those of us in the northern hemisphere). Please let me know if you plan to try the Beauty by Earth Body Scrub!

Lauren

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e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss–Instantly Enhance Lips with a High-Shine Finish

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e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss in Champagne GlamLip gloss isn’t my favorite type of lip product, but I’ve been in the mood for it this summer! I’m not sure if it’s because I’m not wearing a mask quite as often anymore, and therefore able to wear lip gloss more easily, or if it’s something else. I definitely love the shine and moisture that lip glosses tend to provide.

E.l.f. Cosmetics has been one of my favorite cruelty-free brands for a long time now. It wasn’t until this year that I finally tried some of their lip products. I previously reviewed e.l.f. SRSLY Satin Lipstick and Calm Balm. One that is mentioned more often in the beauty community, sometimes as a dupe for high-end lip glosses, is the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss.

I’ve really enjoyed this lip gloss and added a second shade to my collection shortly after purchasing the first! I’m happy to share a full review of the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses in this post. I’ll discuss shades, packaging, hydration, how it layers over other lip products, and price. If you’re interested in learning more about this product, please continue reading.

e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss product claims directly from ElfCosmetics.com

Plump up the volume! This moisturizing formula instantly enhances lips for a fuller, pillowy pout. Swipe on the gloss and evenly coat lips with a sheer wash of color and high-octane shine—it also delivers a mild-yet-alluring tingling sensation that soothes lips and makes you feel the fullness.

Disclosure: IntegriBeauty includes affiliate links within product review posts. I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. IntegriBeauty is independently owned and all products discussed within IntegriBeauty product review posts are thoroughly tested and given honest reviews.

Other product details

  • Price: $6.00 (for the standard shades) or $4.00 (for the shades in the Mint Melt Collection)
  • Net weight: 0.09 oz. | 2.7 ml (for the standard shades) and 0.08 oz. | 2.5 ml (for the Mint Melt shades)
  • Made in China
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Special ingredients:
    • Coconut oil soothes and hydrates
    • Vitamin E nourishes and softens
  • 14 shades currently available (10 standard shades; 4 additional shades in the Mint Melt Collection)
  • Where to buy standard shades: ElfCosmetics.com or Amazon.com (not all shades are available on Amazon)
    • Amazon ships internationally to over 100 countries, but not all items will ship to every country. Update your default shipping address to see items that will ship to your location.
  • Where to buy Mint Melt shades (these may be limited edition): ElfCosmetics.com
    • ElfCosmetics.com ships within the USA and internationally to the following locations: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudia Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and UAE
  • Overall rating: 9.6/10
    • Shade range: 9/10
    • Packaging/ ease of application: 9/10
    • Hydration: 10/10
    • Team player: 10/10
    • Price: 10/10

Please note that I am not a makeup artist. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, as a regular person that loves makeup.

Shade range

The shade range for e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss has always been pretty good, but it just got better! Three new shades were just recently added. Here are all 14 shades currently available (e.l.f. doesn’t provide shade descriptions, so I’ll do my best to describe each one based on swatches from ElfCosmetics.com):

  • Champagne Glam: Very light peach with champagne shimmer
  • Mocha Twist: Cool mauve-brown (no shimmer)
  • Pink Sugar: Cream with silver shimmer (may have pink reflect)
  • Peach Bellini: Cream (no shimmer)
  • Praline: Cool rosy brown (lighter than Mocha Twist; no shimmer)
  • Sparkling Rosé: Light pink (no shimmer)
  • Pink Cosmo: Very light pink with subtle silver shimmer
  • Pink Paloma: Very light pink (no shimmer)
  • Mauve Lady: Berry with shimmer
  • Bahama Mama: Orange red (no shimmer)
  • A Hint of Mint (Mint Melt Collection): Very light green (appears clear on skin; no shimmer)
  • Mint Chocolate (Mint Melt Collection): Warm rosy brown (no shimmer)
  • Chocolate Chip (Mint Melt Collection): Warm chocolate brown (no shimmer)
  • Mint Sprinkle (Mint Melt Collection): Clear with iridescent shimmer

There are arm swatches of all shades (except Pink Paloma, Mauve Lady, and Bahama Mama) on ElfCosmetics.com. If you’re interested in this product, I recommend that you take a look at them to see the subtle differences between some of the shades. The swatch photos are very helpful because they show the glosses swatched on light, medium, and deep skin tones.

Since these lip glosses are meant to be sheer, some shades look similar. However, there are nuances, and those that enjoy a variety of lip gloss shades will probably enjoy this range! I appreciate the variety of colors and undertones. The only additional shades I can think of that may be good additions would be a purple and a true red.

I’d like to note here that some shades are more pigmented than others. I currently own the shades Champagne Glam and Chocolate Chip (see swatch photo). Champagne Glam is very sheer, and Chocolate Chip is on the opposite end of the spectrum. I wouldn’t say it’s fully opaque, but the color is intense on the lips, for a lip gloss. It’s a good choice for those that like to wear gloss without layering over a lipstick, but still want color. The shades Mocha Twist, Sparkling Rosé, Praline, and Mint Chocolate look like they may be similarly pigmented.

Packaging/ease of application

This section is tricky, because the standard shades of e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss have slightly different packaging than the four shades in the Mint Melt Collection. I’ll start by discussing the packaging of the standard shades. It’s very typical lip gloss packaging, with a plastic tube and doe foot applicator. I like the applicator very much because it’s not too big (which means it doesn’t pick up an excessive amount of lip gloss) and it curves to hug the lips and make application easy.

The packaging of the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses in the Mint Melt Collection isn’t vastly different. The tube is a bit smaller with slightly less product. There’s still a doe foot applicator, but the style is different. It’s even smaller than the doe foot applicator that the standard shades have (very little lip gloss is picked up, so sometimes I need to go back in for more product), and there is no curve to it. It’s not difficult to use, but feels a bit cheaper than the applicator in the standard packaging. On that note, it’s important to remember that the Mint Melt shades are less expensive than the standard shades.

While there is some inconsistency in the packaging of e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses, the formula feels consistent based on the shades I have (since one is a standard shade and one is from the Mint Melt Collection). These glosses, even Champagne Glam with its shimmer, are very smooth and glide over the lips effortlessly! Shortly after the lip gloss is applied, there is a very slight tingling sensation that isn’t unpleasant. That’s the “plumping” action, but I’m not entirely convinced that my lips are actually plumped from these glosses. I do, however, think they make lips at least look plumped because the shiny finish gives that effect.

Hydration

Like most lip glosses, e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss feels very hydrating. The formula isn’t long wearing, but the moisture it provides hangs on after the glossy shine has gone away. I appreciate that e.l.f. added coconut oil and vitamin E to these lip glosses because those ingredients provide even more hydration to the lips.

The hydrating nature of these lip glosses is a factor in their versatility to be worn alone or with other lip products. It’s a great hydrating product all by itself, but it could also be used to provide much needed hydration layered over a matte lipstick that may be drying. I’ll get into that subject more in the next section!

Team player

My favorite way to wear the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses is to first apply my favorite lip liner and then apply the lip gloss (that’s simply my preference; they wear well on their own, too). That gives my lips good definition while still keeping the look simple. The lip liner I like to use is the Essence 8H Waterproof Lipliner in the shade “Because Duh.” It pairs nicely with all of my brown and nude lip products. You can see both my shades of this lip gloss worn with lip liner in the first two photos below.

I don’t usually layer a lot of lip products, but I know a lot of people do for various reasons. As I mentioned previously, lip gloss can be worn over lipstick to add hydration. It can also be worn to add shine. If you have matte lipsticks that make your lips look dry, using a lip gloss to add shine will much improve the overall lip look.

The e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses work extremely well layered over lipsticks. In the third photo above, you can see Champagne Glam paired with the e.l.f. SRSLY Satin Lipstick in Nectar. That lipstick is meant to have a satin finish, but I find it to be quite matte. Once it dries down, there is no shine to its finish. It looks just fine that way, but if I want to add some shine, Champagne Glam is the perfect topper. It adds a lot of shine and makes my lips look very smooth.

Price

The standard e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses are $6.00 for 0.09 oz., and the ones in the Mint Melt Collection are only $4.00 for 0.08 oz.! Both are great bargains. Even moreso when considering that these glosses are frequently touted as dupes for high-end alternatives that are $19+.

There are quite a few affordable lip glosses from drugstore brands. Admittedly, several of them are even less expensive than the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses. However, some of them seem to provide a small amount of product or have poor reviews. Also, there are even more drugstore lip glosses that are more expensive than the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses. I found some priced as high as $14.00! I feel that the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses are priced just right.

The e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses are popular, but since they have been around for a while, I don’t think they get as much praise from influencers anymore. Don’t let that deter you! These are great lip glosses and I honestly had a hard time finding anything negative to say about them in my review. The shades are beautiful, they’re easy to reapply, they keep my lips feeling hydrated, can be worn different ways, and are very affordable!

Let’s take a look at e.l.f.’s product claims again to see how their claims stack up against my experience using the Lip Plumping Glosses. The first claim is that the moisturizing formula instantly makes lips look fuller. I think that’s true because the glossy finish does make lips look plumped (there may be some real plumping action as well, but I can’t be sure). Next, they state that the gloss evenly coats lips with a sheer wash of color and “high-octane shine.” It is very easy to get an even application of this gloss with both types of applicators. Both of my shades do provide a lot of shine, but as I mentioned before, one shade is much more sheer than the other so the level of opacity isn’t consistent among all shades. 

Lastly, e.l.f. mentions the tingling sensation and claims that it’s soothing and makes you “feel the fullness.” While the tingling sensation isn’t unpleasant to me, I know some people don’t like that feeling. I also wouldn’t call it soothing and I’m not sure what they mean by “feel the fullness.” That’s probably just a reminder that the tingling sensation is usually associated with a plumping effect.

One last thing of note about the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses is that they are fragranced. I personally enjoy the scents/flavors and don’t find them to be too strong. The fragrance in the standard shades (or at least Champagne Glam, and I’m assuming the others are the same) is a subtle vanilla. The Mint Melt shades have a vanilla mint scent that is stronger than the scent in the standard shades. However, I don’t notice the scent for very long at all once the lip gloss is applied.

I’ve really been enjoying my two e.l.f. Lip Plumping Glosses and I think you probably would, too! Are you planning to give them a try? Please let me know in the comments!

Lauren

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Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40–Broad Spectrum Sun Protection for Sensitive Skin

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Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40I had high hopes for trying new sunscreens this year, but I haven’t gotten around to trying very many. That’s partly because I still enjoy the Australian Gold SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion so much. As someone that reviews products, I still want to keep searching the market for other great sunscreens. I especially wanted to find a good non-tinted face sunscreen since I know that not everyone wants sunscreen that’s tinted. I like a tint to my face sunscreen, but the tints are often too dark for my fair skin. That’s what led me to try Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40.

I struggle to find new sunscreens for a couple of reasons. First, many sunscreen brands aren’t cruelty-free and I exclusively buy cruelty-free beauty and personal care products. Also, a lot of sunscreens are formulated with chemical UV filters which tend to irritate my eyes and in some cases are not reef safe. I go for mineral/physical sunscreens whenever possible. I was excited to discover this sunscreen from Babo Botanicals because it is cruelty-free and contains no chemical UV filters while still providing sufficient sun protection.

Babo Botanicals is a great brand, but not very well-known. I just discovered it this year through YouTube. For those of you that are also not familiar with the brand, I’d like to share some important facts about Babo Botanicals. The company verifies the safety of every ingredient used in its products, as well as the efficacy of all finished products. Babo Botanicals aims to provide natural products for the entire family, including babies. Social and environmental responsibility, accountability, and transparency are also very important to Babo Botanicals. 

I know you’re here for my review of Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40, so let’s get into it!

Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 product claims directly from BaboBotanicals.com

Babo’s specially formulated broad spectrum Daily Sheer Sunscreen is perfect for extra sensitive faces. This ultra sheer, lightweight and hypoallergenic formula contains organic Aloe Vera, Avocado and Jojoba Oil to soothe and moisturize skin. Powerful antioxidants, Rose Hip and Green Tea, help prevent premature aging. Perfect for use as a daily moisturizer and/or under make-up.

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Other product details

  • Price: $15.65 (this price may vary as prices on Amazon fluctuate often)
  • Net weight: 1.7 oz. | 50 ml
  • Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free
  • Babo Botanicals is a certified “B Corp”
  • Made with clean natural ingredients
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Reef-friendly
  • Free of chemical sunscreens, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, fragrances, and dyes
  • Broad spectrum SPF 40 sun protection
  • Shelf life: 12 months
    • Be sure to check the expiration date to verify the efficacy of the sunscreen ingredients
  • Where to buy: BaboBotanicals.com or Amazon.com
    • BaboBotanicals.com ships within the U.S. and U.S. territories, and to APO/FPO addresses that have a U.S. zip code.
    • Amazon.com ships internationally to over 100 countries, but not all items will ship to every country. Update your default shipping address to see items that will ship to your location.
  • Overall rating: 7.6/10
    • Packaging/ease of application: 6/10
    • Sun protection: 8/10
    • Ingredients: 10/10
    • Team player: 7/10
    • Price: 7/10

Please note that I am not a skincare professional. I am simply an individual that enjoys learning about and using skincare products. Speak to your dermatologist or esthetician if you have any concerns.

Packaging/ease of application

Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 comes in a plastic squeeze tube like most sunscreens. This packaging is simple yet effective. The only thing I don’t like about this packaging is the flip-top cap. A lot of sunscreen collects around the opening and dries up, so that excess product has to be tossed. I try to minimize this by wiping the cap clean before closing it after each use.

The sunscreen itself is not the easiest to use, but I had a feeling that would be the case when I ordered it. Untinted mineral sunscreens are notorious for being thick and leaving a strong white cast. Fortunately, the texture is thinner than similar products I’ve used for the body. However, there is definitely a white cast!

Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen freshly appliedThis photo was taken a couple of minutes after I applied Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40. When I first started using this product, I was hopeful that the white cast might subside once the sunscreen sat on my skin for a little while, but that hasn’t been the case for me. The white cast looks extra prominent here because I have self tanner on my body. I have fair skin so it’s not usually quite so obvious. 

I think those with medium to deep skin (maybe even light skin) may struggle to make this sunscreen work. They may prefer the Babo Botanicals tinted mineral sunscreen, which appears to have a light beige tint. On the other hand, those with fair skin like me may prefer this untinted sunscreen over tinted sunscreens because tinted sunscreens are often too deep for fair skin.

As I mentioned before, Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 has a thin consistency. I was pleasantly surprised by that the first time I used it. This thinness allows the sunscreen to spread easily over the skin. One difficulty this causes, however, is that it does dry down quickly, so it must also be rubbed in quickly. If you allow it to sit in one spot for too long, it will dry to look streaky or caked in that area. 

The other application tip I have for this sunscreen is to be careful not to get it in your hair, as it does not blend in with hair easily (due to the white cast). I try to avoid my eyebrows as well, but that’s not as important since I can apply eyebrow products to return them to their natural color.

You may be wondering if this sunscreen formula balls up on the skin. That’s something I’ve experienced with a couple of other sunscreens I’ve tried in the past. I have occasionally experienced that with this one, but only when I rub it in too thoroughly. It’s best to stop as soon as the sunscreen is applied evenly over the whole face.

If you’ve used mineral sunscreens before, you’re likely not surprised by any of this. Sunscreen formulations are getting better and better, but mineral sunscreens in particular are still tricky to formulate. It makes sense that most of them still need improvement. While I obviously wouldn’t say Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 is easy to apply, it’s also not the most difficult.

Sun protection

The most important part of every sunscreen, of course, is the level of sun protection provided. First, sunscreen should be labeled as “broad spectrum,” which means that the product will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens that do not offer broad spectrum protection will not protect you from UVA rays. UVA rays were not always fully understood like they are today, but we need to be protected from them since UVA rays, like UVB, damage the skin’s DNA and can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays also penetrate the skin deeply to cause premature signs of aging. Fortunately, Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 does provide broad spectrum protection!

The second thing to note is SPF factor. Sunscreens with an SPF factor of 15 provide 93% protection from UV rays (7% of UV rays are able to reach your skin), while SPF 30 provides 97% protection and SPF 50 provides 98% protection. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, though SPF 100 is very close with 99% protection. The Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 has an SPF factor of 40, so it provides 97-98% protection, which is not bad. Since I am fair-skinned and burn easily, I wish it was SPF 50 or higher (to be fair, most if not all mineral sunscreens are SPF 50 or lower). 

Lastly, if you plan on sweating a lot or spending time in water, it’s important to look for a sunscreen that is water-resistant. Otherwise, it will quickly wash away leaving your skin unprotected. Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 is not water-resistant, so it should only be used on days that you won’t be in water or sweating very much.

Ingredients

Babo Botanicals puts a lot of emphasis on the ingredients in its formulations. All ingredients are claimed to be safe, and come together to create effective products. Let’s take a look at the Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 5.9%, Zinc Oxide 3.3% (Non-Nano)

Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Aluminum Hydroxide, Beeswax*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Myristyl Alcohol, Myristyl Glucoside, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Phenethyl Alcohol, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water

*Certified Organic Ingredients

It’s great to see only mineral UV filters in this formula: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Both of these ingredients are safe for sensitive skin and also reef safe! But what about the inactive ingredients? Let’s get into that now!

This product’s inactive ingredient list consists of both “good” skin-loving ingredients, and also several “neutral” ingredients. Those “neutral” ingredients are necessary for general effectiveness. I was so happy to see that 11 of the 28 ingredients fall into the “good” category, while the other 17 are “neutral.” There are no “bad” ingredients in this product. In other words, none of the ingredients in this formula are likely to cause any sort of irritation. The first two “good” ingredients are the two mineral UV filters that I already discussed, but I’ll provide brief descriptions of the other nine below:

  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
    • Moisturizer
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Wound healing
  • Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)
    • Emollient moisturizer
    • Skin soothing
    • Antioxidant-rich
  • Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
    • Antioxidant
    • UV protectant
    • Anti-inflammatory
  • Glycerin
    • Natural moisturizer
  • Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
    • Improves damaged or irritated skin barrier
    • Loaded with fatty acids
    • Good for all skin types
  • Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
    • Highly moisturizing
    • Loaded with fatty acids
    • Contains vitamin E
  • Pongamia Pinnata Seed Oil
    • Skin conditioning
    • Wound healing
  • Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
    • Antioxidant
    • Skin conditioning
  • Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
    • Wax ester that stays on the skin surface to moisturize and make skin soft

These ingredients are excellent for maintaining good skin health! It’s especially good to see a few antioxidant ingredients on the list. Antioxidants are important for neutralizing free-radical damage from the UV rays that get through the sunscreen (remember, SPF 40 only provides 97-98% protection). 

As for the “neutral” ingredients, they aren’t so interesting. These ingredients are safe, but don’t directly benefit the skin. Instead, they support the sunscreen formula. They are emollients, viscosity controllers, preservatives, etc.

I am very pleased with these ingredients! They all appear to be very safe, even for sensitive skin. Perfect 10/10 for ingredients!

Team player

After reading the “Packaging/ease of application” section, you probably aren’t surprised that Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 didn’t score that well as a team player, either. If you’re wondering what I mean by “team player” here, I’m just referring to how the product layers over skincare products and under makeup. It’s important for all products to work well together to achieve a nice finished look.

This Babo Botanicals sunscreen layers well over my leave-on morning skincare products which usually consist of toner, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. As long as I work quickly and don’t rub this sunscreen in too thoroughly, I don’t have any problems in this part of my routine. I do experience some minor problems with layering makeup over this sunscreen, however.

I’ve noticed that my foundation is more prone to looking streaky when applied over this sunscreen. I think that may come down to the white cast, as the pigments show up more starkly against the white cast as opposed to my natural skin color. I’m still able to get an even application, it just takes a bit of extra effort. Once I have it blended all over my face, I look back over my skin for spots that need more work.

No matter which kind of foundation I apply, liquid or powder, I’ve found that it looks textured on my skin when applied over this sunscreen. I don’t think it’s obvious from a distance, but it irks me because my skin is not textured. Primer may help prevent that textured appearance, but I generally don’t have good luck with primers.

Another observation in regards to this sunscreen layering under makeup: all of my foundations settle into fine lines, at least a little bit. However, it seems like that settling is made more obvious by this sunscreen. It’s not too bad for me since my fine lines are quite subtle, but on more mature skin, it would likely be more pronounced.

And lastly, one positive comment on this sunscreen when worn under makeup. It doesn’t dry down to a matte finish; instead, it remains slightly tacky and gives the skin a glowy appearance. That glow is still visible with makeup applied over it. For those looking for more glow, you may really enjoy this product as a 2-in-1 sunscreen and primer.

Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen with makeup

In these photos, I was wearing a medium coverage foundation over the Babo Botanicals sunscreen. The foundation is a fair shade, so it makes sense that my face still looked a bit ghostly in contrast with my self-tanned body. It definitely looked even lighter because of the sunscreen though. I’m not sure if the white cast would be completely concealed if I applied a heavier layer of that foundation, but I believe a full coverage foundation would definitely accomplish that goal. Full coverage hasn’t been my thing lately, so I didn’t have a good one to try.

As you can see, I was able to achieve even coverage over my skin. It all came together to look pretty good once I applied the rest of my makeup. Blush and bronzer go a long way in perking up pale skin. 🙂

While Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 is certainly not the best “team player” sunscreen out there, you can certainly make it work. I tried one foundation last year that was a nightmare to layer with skincare and makeup. That helps me realize this one really isn’t so bad!

Price

Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 is currently priced at $15.65 on Amazon. A tube contains 1.7 oz. of sunscreen, which is not very much, especially if you apply it more than once a day. I can’t help but compare every sunscreen to my beloved tinted mineral sunscreen from Australian Gold. That one is currently $13.41 on Amazon (for the fair to light shade), and you get 3 oz. of sunscreen per tube. It is a very different formula, but is similar in skincare benefits and actually provides slightly more sun protection (SPF 50) compared to this one from Babo Botanicals.

An important thing to consider here are big-picture differences between Australian Gold and Babo Botanicals. Australian Gold is a huge well-established company with a lot of loyal customers. Babo Botanicals is much smaller and not as well-known. Additionally, Babo Botanicals is doing a lot to make the world a better place, like teaching kids about gardening and nutrition. Programs like that take substantial amounts of money. That’s not to say Australian Gold isn’t doing great things too, but that information isn’t readily available on its website.

I think Babo Botanicals is a good company, and this sunscreen isn’t a bad product. However, I have to be honest here and say that I think Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 is overpriced. If it performed better, I’d say it’s definitely worth the $15.65 price tag. Unfortunately, it has some shortcomings and I couldn’t justify buying it again at this price even though it’s still within the drugstore price range. In my opinion, the Australian Gold sunscreen I keep mentioning is a better product and a better value.

My feelings on Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 are very mixed. The company is great and both the product’s sun protection and ingredients are good. I just wish it didn’t leave as much of a white cast, and that it would be easier to apply and wear with makeup. If Babo Botanicals reformulates this sunscreen to address those limitations, I’d be happy to give it another try.

Babo Botanicals made several claims about this sunscreen. I agree with some, while others I definitely do not! First, they state that Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 is perfect for those with sensitive skin. I agree based on the lovely ingredients list. Next, however, they say the formula is ultra sheer, lightweight, hypoallergenic, soothing, and moisturizing. I’m not sure if the person writing these claims never actually tried this sunscreen, but it is not sheer! It’s more sheer than some other mineral sunscreens, but I think the term “sheer” implies that there is no white cast and that’s simply not the case. On the bright side, it is lightweight, (probably) hypoallergenic, soothing, and moisturizing. 

They specifically call out rose hip and green tea as ingredients that prevent premature aging. These ingredients are certainly helpful in this capacity as they’re both antioxidants, meaning that they prevent free radical damage. The final claim is that this sunscreen is ideal for use as a moisturizer and can be worn under makeup. While this sunscreen is moisturizing, I would feel strange using it as a moisturizer, probably because it isn’t as smooth as a regular moisturizer. I think that may come down to skin type and personal preference. As far as wearing it under makeup, you definitely can do that, but not without affecting the appearance of your makeup.

While this sunscreen isn’t exactly my cup of tea, I recognize that it has some very good qualities. It may be absolutely perfect for some people! I think it’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin especially.

If you decide to try this product, it’s important to understand that this is a purely mineral sunscreen without any tint. If you’ve used similar products, then you probably won’t be surprised by the performance of this one. It’s vastly different from what I’ve been using regularly for a long time now, so it’s been a bit difficult for me to adjust to it.

What are your thoughts on untinted mineral sunscreens? Does this one sound interesting to you? Please let me know in the comments!

Lauren

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