Review: Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm

I've been on the hunt for a Western brand BB cream... or at least, an Asian brand welcomed into the Western world that can be found at suppliers such as Sephora.  I've heard and read great things about the Dr. Jart+ brand so I took advantage of my 15% off sale and purchased the 0.66 oz. option of the brand's Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm due to it's 4 star rating on the Sephora website.

It's only offered in one shade because of its oxidizing properties which conform to your skin color and is advertised as "one universal shade."  It also features SPF 25 sun protection and a botanical formula that purifies and calms blemish prone skin.

Pros:

• It doesn't irritate my skin or cause any breakouts
• It doesn't add any oiliness to my skin
• It doesn't have a scent or fragrance to it
• It's lightweight and doesn't feel greasy when applied

Cons:

• It's pricey for the amount you pay for (0.66 oz. for $18 and 1.5 oz. for $36 can be purchased here) 
• It did not oxidize to my skintone and was approximately two shades lighter than my actual skintone
• It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to set into your skin
  

Rating: 2/5

Review: Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick

While I was shopping at Target, I was excited to see the new line of Maybelline lipsticks available in all 20 shades!  I've read several reviews about the line's sheer, balm-like" qualities that were comparable to Revlon Lip Butter.  I picked up #75 "Rose of Attraction" as my beta tester, which is a darker pink.  The shades available are pinks, neutrals, and brights, so I'm sure there will be one that catches your eye!

Pros:

• Inexpensive (You can buy it for $5.99 here!)
• A wide variety of colors available
• Glides on easily
• Compact and stylish packaging
• Its hybrid formula gives you a 3-in-1 deal: balm, lipstick, and glossy lip tint
• Feels weightless on your lips
• Highly pigmented

Cons:

• "Dries up" after an hour of wear
• Occasional color stains on lips

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish

I literally used to get a manicure (and a pedicure every other time) every 2 weeks at a salon because I discovered Shellac and OPI Gel nail polish, which is guaranteed to last 2 to 3 weeks.  After doing this for about a year, my nails became weak and brittle, so I decided to take a hiatus from the salon and polish my nails at home.

I use different brands of nail polish, from name brands to drugstore brands, but I've ruled out that Sally Hansen Insta-Dri is one of my top 3 favorites!

Color: Mint Sprint

Pros:

• Inexpensive (You can buy a bottle for under $5 here!)
• Easy-to-use applicator
• Only 1 layer of application is needed
• Dries within 60 seconds (The packaging says 30 seconds, but I would wait a whole minute)
• Base and top coats are also available (You can use the top coat on top of regular nail polish for a quick and efficient dry time!)
• Lasts about 3-4 days without chipping

Cons:

• The polish itself is pretty thick
• Since the brush is on the thicker side, it's harder to control precision in small corners
• There isn't a wide selection of colors (yet)

Rating: 4/5