PAULA'S CHOICE 2% BHA EXFOLIANT

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Rating : 4/5

Price : $35

Size : 4fl oz

Where to Buy : paulaschoice.com, Sephora, Amazon

Cruelty Free : Yes

Paula's Choice was founded in 1995 by Paula Begoun. However, the brand didn't fully catch consumer's attention until a few years ago when their iconic 2% BHA liquid exfoliant went viral on TikTok for its "fast, miracle-like results." Shortly after this, the brand was entered into Sephora stores, making it more attainable for the masses. Since then, the brand has continued to release game changing products filled with honest ingredients to help people achieve their best skin ever. I've heard about this brand for several years now, but never had the opportunity to try it until I started working at Sephora. As a part of our "welcome" gratis package, I received a full size bottle of the 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. At first, I didn't reach for it because I was already happy with the toner I was using. However, this product isn't technically a toner. It is a gentle, daily leave on exfoliant. If your skin isn't accustomed to a toner, it can often be harsh or irritating. But, this product is suitable for all users. Regardless of age, skin type, or texture. There are two main ingredients in this product that make it so special. First, salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and eliminate excess oils. Second, the BHA sheds off excess layers of skin, revealing a fresh, beautiful face. Not only does this product does this do all of that, it also helps to smooth out fine lines, diminish wrinkles, and eliminate dark spots. Although some may say this is all "too good to be true," clinical trials prove it. According to these trials. 91% of users had noticeably healthier skin, 90% saw improved skin texture, and 82% had smaller pores. Overall, I really enjoyed this exfoliant and saw a significant improvement in my skin. Literally the ONLY thing I disliked about this product (and why I didn't give it 5/5) was the scent. Most people have described it as a "faint vinegar" smell. This is due to the ingredients in the exfoliant. Although once applied, the scent disappears, it is quite potent. If you are sensitive to smell, I'm not sure this is for you. But, if you can get over it, I genuinely think you'll enjoy this product!

BENEFIT 24HR CLEAR BROW SETTER

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Rating : 5/5

Price : $26.00

Size : 0.23 oz

Where to Buy : benefitcosmetics.com, Nordstrom, Macy's, Sephora, Ulta, Amazon

Cruelty Free : No

Ever since I was little I've always had thick eyebrows. I think the first time I had them waxed was at age 9 because they were SO unruly. But honestly, I love my eyebrows. I'm so glad that big, bushy brows are back because super thin brows were NOT it. I've also never been a brow pencil girly. It just didn't give me the amount of product needed to fill these bad boys in. So, I've been a die hard dipbrow fan since I was 16. However, the downside of a brow pomade is that it will smudge if it isn't set. I've tried MANY clear brow gels and most just don't do the trick. However, I was recently given this Benefit one in my work gratis. This product is an absolute game changer because it mimics the appearance of a brow lamination. For those who don't know, eyebrow lamination is when the brows are slicked upwards using a chemical gel like solution to keep the brows in place for several weeks. Think of it like a perm, but for your eyebrows. Although this process looks amazing, it can become costly and can sometimes cause a negative reaction on the skin due to the harsh chemicals. So, the lovely people at Benefit created a simple, everyday solution! The secret is the one of a kind dual sided applicator. The wand has a short and long bristled side which helps to coat hairs from root to tip. Along with the bristles, the middle section of the wand is flat to mimic the spatula like tool used in brow lamination. The gel itself is quick drying with a natural finish. This stuff is so powerful that I can wear this for 8-12 hours at work and by the time I go to take my makeup off, I have to practically scrub my eyebrows off! If you are in need of long lasting staying power from your brows, look no further than the Benefit 24hr clear brow setter. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

ELF C BRIGHTENING PUTTY PRIMER

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Rating : 5/5

Price : $12.00

Size : 0.74 oz

Where to Buy: elf.com, Ulta, Target, Walmart, Amazon

Cruelty Free: Yes

Wayyyy back in 2019, I reviewed the Elf Putty Primer when it first launched. I'll be real, I HATED it. I remember it peeling up and moving my foundation around. But since then, I have grown to love it. I'm not sure if I just got a bad batch or if the formula was changed over time, but now I completely get the hype. The product has been named "the best drugstore primer" and Elf has since dropped several more items in their putty line. Such as different variations of the putty primer, putty blush, and putty bronzer. It's safe to say that this line is definitely a strong one for the brand. I've previously said that my all time favorite primer is the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright primer. However, I think the Elf C Brightening Primer is a VERY close dupe and for under HALF the price. Just like the Ole Henriksen primer, the key ingredient is vitamin c. The vitamin c is what gives the product its beautiful, faint shimmery finish. Not only does this primer have a glowy effect but it's also combined with the original poreless putty formula to fill in any lines and create a blurred skin effect. The best way to apply this product is to press it into the skin versus rubbing it around. Pressing it in will help to fill in any lines and pores for a flawless, airbrushed look. If you can't afford the Ole Henriksen primer but still want an illuminated finish that helps your makeup last all day, I would definitely grab this one! Elf has done it once again!