Category: Influenster

[INFLUENSTER] DIOR CAPTURE TOTALE SUPER POTENT EYE SERUM

Provided by: Influenster

Price: $75

This is a case where pining will get you somewhere. Many surveys came and went with no sign of a voxbox, which is to be expected with these kind of raffle-giveaway setup. Like buying a Powerball ticket, I continued to pine for the newest release in my favorite brands.

I was perfectly content completing surveys out of habit when one day, out of the blue, Dior answered. Twice.

I have to say, while I’m a huge fan of Dior makeup, especially their lip products, I don’t have much experience with their skin products. At the same time, the one product I had experience with was amazing (= Dior Dreamskin Perfector), so I went into this trial with high hopes.

This is my review of said product after having used it for two weeks-ish consistently.

The serum is of substantial size considering it’s an eye serum. For a face serum, it’s small.

With $75 you get 20ml – 0.67 fl oz amount of product. It is said to be anti-aging and age-defying, lessening puffiness, lines, and dark circles.

Here’s the ingredient list, as per usual!

Apparently all types of skin can use this product, whether they be dry, oily, combination, or normal.

The applicator is an interesting shape, not like anything I’ve seen before. Bendy at the neck yet sturdy.

You’re supposed to squeeze out a drop and massage the eye area with the tip, which I will say upfront, feels 80% better when chilled. Please try it after having stored the product in the fridge overnight! It will do wonders for puffy eyes in the morning. I should know. I snack on salty food at night.

For sake of this review, I squeezed some out on my palm, and accidentally overdid the amount. Think average palm-size of a 5ft 3 human being if it helps. Believe it or not this is more than enough! On average I’d only use about half that amount because less is enough in this case.

The consistency is like watery gel, slippery and non-sticky. Yet there’s a distinct silkiness to it that’s reminiscent of the Dreamskin Perfector. Scent is mildly floral and not overwhelming at all. Pleasant.

Do ignore my huge pores & unmanaged brows – focus on the hydration. Again, I’ve used way too much product than I normally use for my daily routine, because, waste not want not.

There was enough product to spread over the top half of my face, thus, the shine. This product is so easy to spread. Despite its watery consistency, it’s very rich. Two weeks of massaging the corner of my eyes with this serum, and my skin was more hydrated and awake than before.

Does wonders with puffiness. Not sure about the dark circles, but then again, I tend to sleep around 3 AM…

This is light enough to use in summer, but would definitely recommend it more for winter.

Price-point is right up there with most Dior products, but you do get more product than your average eye serum. And again, the puffiness.

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[INFLUENSTER] LILLY LASHES 3D MINK LASHES IN “MIAMI / MYKONOS”

Provided by Influenster

Price: $30

False lashes aren’t something I wear on a daily basis, but it’s good to have some around for photos. Big & bold does translate well to photos (because most likely, you’re going to have some sort of bright light accentuating focal points of your look) and these lashes are the definition of big & bold.

I received “Miami” and “Mykonos.” They’re $30 per pair on Lilly Lashes and will last up to 25 times of use, which is miles better than the 5-7 uses I get out of my other falsies. 

From what I know, Miami is the most popular go-to with Mykonos following its doe-eyed wake.

Hello Influenster, my old friend. You are always welcome on my doorsteps.

Along with the lashes, I was also given a “Power Liner,” a clear lash-adhesive eyeliner that has a pointy brush tip. This, I love.

Many times I used to think how much of a nuisance it is to deal with nail-polish-esque applicators from which globs of adhesive might fall. I’m clumsy, I am. It’s sometimes hard to fine-tune how much adhesive you should put on the lashes, meaning the power liner is a win in my book.

It was also a nuisance to use eyeliner prior-to or after attaching the lashes; they’d get erased or wonky in the process. With this adhesive liner, there is no need to disturb the integrity of the whole, whether it be liner or the lashes. I’m sure people who aren’t handy would approve. I certainly did. 

Please note though, 1. You might think what’s getting on your lash line isn’t enough. Trust me, it is. 2. Don’t know if it’s just the one I got, but the applicator’s a bit stiff, not soft like normal eyeliners.

Up close-view. The lash-line holding the individual hairs is sturdy. I’ve been manhandling these babies trying to paste them the right way onto my eyes, but nothing fell out!

The lashes won’t shed, unlike my real lashes that like to dispose a single lash onto my tear duct from time to time, in revolt of having to stay in an overly heated room all day no doubt.

These lashes are five times more intense than ones I usually wear (and honestly bigger than my eyes lol) but personal preferences aside, seem to be of good quality and durability. Considering how (forgive me) bushy the lashes are, they weren’t super heavy. Just as heavy as other falsies feel on the eyes.

I would recommend using false under-lashes to balance the look. I didn’t have any at hand so… this is what happened. Please excuse the wonky eyeliner. It’s been awhile since I wore that much of anything on my eyes haha.

If you love big & bold or have a special occasion for which you’d like to dress up, or if this is your natural everyday look, do go for it! I can see a lot of makeup gurus wearing this.

They’re so BIIIG xD … all them lashes

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[INFLUENSTER] KIEHL’S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE ACCELERATED CLARITY RENEWING AMPOULES

Provided by Influenster

Influenster recently sent over something marked an “Intensive 14 Day Program.” 14 days later, here’s my review. Kiehl’s isn’t currently one of my staples, but so many of my peers use the brand religiously in their skin routine. I was pretty much sold on the get go.

I do love seeing that box. Just for you!

The product claims to target clarity loss. It aspires to let the customer achieve a “new level of skin clarity” in a matter of 14 days.

There are 28 vials included in the box, each filled with 0.03 fl.oz (1.0ml) of product. The vials run about 3cm in length and seem tiny, but there’s quite a bit of product in each bottle. You are supposed to use two bottles per day, one in the morning and one in the night.

Unfortunately, the vials held too much product for my face. After the first day, I ended up splitting the bottles each day, stretching the regimen to 30+ days instead of the prescribed 14. I did use it religiously everyday though, morning and night.

As usual, the ingredient list. I was initially concerned about the lavender oil as my skin hates any type of oil (even cold-pressed ones), but the ampoules didn’t trigger a breakout.

The product contains alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), so make sure to wear sunscreen when using it!

How to use:

  • Step 1 – Shake well before use
  • Step 2 – Twist vial to open (doesn’t require much strength)
  • Step 3 – Pour entire contents into palm of hand. Discard vial. (The formula is super runny! Beware.)
  • Step 4 – Gently apply to clean, dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

The ampoules hold a clear, runny liquid with a mildly oily sheen to it. It tingles a bit when applied, as products with lactic acid often do. I detected a medicinal herbal scent, not unlike ginseng.

The absence of added fragrance was a plus due to my skin sensitivity, but can’t say I enjoyed the smell. All the same, it gave me a weird nostalgia for my great-grandmother. Her room had a similar medicinal scent, especially near her medicine cabinet.

Left is BEFORE, Right is AFTER

As you can see, there’s not a huge difference, but my skin has definitely improved. It’s especially apparent on the chin area where multiple scars have been in the process of healing for months.

The bigger scars remain, but smaller ones have definitely near-vanished. The bigger scars didn’t get lighter though. Overall texture has improved and my skin doesn’t feel as parched anymore, even with the heat on 24/7 & frequent wearing of masks.

Here was my skin regimen pre-Kiehl’s: 

  • The Ordinary Buffet  (everyday) 
  • SK2 Pitera Essence  (everyday)
  • Curology Personal Regimen (everyday)
  • Vitamin Powder (1-2 times per week)
  • Mediheal & Eunyul Sheet Masks (2-3 times per week)

And my skin regimen during Kiehl’s: 

  • Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Ampoules (everyday) 
  • The Ordinary Buffet  (everyday) 
  • SK2 Pitera Essence  (everyday)
  • Curology Personal Regimen (everyday)
  • Mediheal & Eunyul Sheet Masks (1-2 times per week)

I didn’t want to completely eliminate my usual regimen in fear of disrupting my skin. I spent 3 months undoing the havoc the four earliest months of 2020 had done to my body. Kept expecting to wake up with breakouts but never did. 

Overall, the smell was bad, the price exorbitant—but then again, I loved what it did. For 14 days of use, I’m unsure I’d shell out $95, but considering how I stretched the regimen to twice its length, maybe.

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[Influenster] Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Mascara

Huda_soko2

Provided by Influenster

Here’s something that is tailored to my needs: a mascara that volumizes & lengthens & curls. Influenster sent me Huda Beauty’s Legit Mascara to try, and since I like anything Huda, I gave it a go for a few weeks.

My lashes are pretty sparse and love to reach for the grounds, even as I’m pressing them upwards with curlers. Sooner or later, they will make the inevitable descent and point downwards, defiantly so.

Huda_soko3The case is pretty thick and hefty. You receive 2 X 8.5ml / 2 X 0.28 fl oz. worth of product. It says “2 X” because this is a dual mascara, with wands on both ends of the stick.

I realize mascara is one thing you should never use beyond the expiration date, about two or three months after opening one, but if that wasn’t the case, I might be able to use this one up to six months; there’s so much product. (And not many lashes to speak of on me, alas.)

Huda_soko5The whole effect is volumizing & lengthening & curling. Your lashes get immediate volume due to the 5mm fibers and soft wax.

Huda_sok4Left is the volume brush; right is curl & length

Huda_soko1Considering I have zero lashes to speak of (and the few that I’ve got refuses to stand to attention with or without the aid of a curler) this is an improvement. Since I misplaced my eyelash curlers months ago, this was without the aid of a curler. I really like what it does for my sparse lashes.

Can’t speak much for longevity though, since it’s been Quarantine for quite a while. It did not flake or change in appearance for the two hours or so I wore them consistently.

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[Influenster] Urban Decay – Inked Brow Longwear Brow Gel

inkedbrow_1

Provided by Influenster

I meant to upload this sooner but the quarantine turned my world upside down. I truly hope everyone is safe and healthy.

There is finally enough peace of mind for me to attempt wearing makeup every day (or every other day), thus, this review. 

inkedbrow_2This is a solid brow stain that gives you bold, waterproof brows… but you could opt for natural and use it as a base, which is what I did. 

You get 1.8ml / 0.06 fl oz of product for $26 that is transfer-resistant and smudge-resistant. Also, the product is vegan and animal-cruelty-free.

inkedbrow_3The tip of the brush is angled, making it easier to create sharp, defined brows that last. At the same time, the ink is pretty stark against your skin, so shaky hands like mine may fare better with using a stencil with the product–lest you end up with Joker brows, except that it’s not the mouth, but brows. 

Color received was “Brown-Sugar,” a medium soft brown.

inkedbrow_4As usual, the list of ingredients.

inkedbrow_5The obvious before & after. I basically have Mona Lisa brows, meaning my brows are sparse and light. Add to that the fact I haven’t taken care of them in a while.

The after is Urban Decay’s brow ink + a wee bit of brow pencil to soften the edges for a more natural look. I really liked how easy it was to use.

The product says 60-hours of wear, but sadly, I only lasted about 36 before forgetting and scrubbing off the brows. (I was so good about washing around the brows initially!) So no knowing if this will truly stand 60 hours of wear…but I can safely say it lasted well over 36 hours.

And because I did not use an oil-based cleanser, some of the product stayed after the scrub, still somewhat accentuating the brow after 20 minutes of scrubbing & moisturizing. Waterproof indeed. 5/5.

I do wish I’d chosen a slightly blacker color, seeing as I’ve redyed my hair black.

 

 

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[INFLUENSTER] Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging – Hair Mask, Hair Serum

Caviar_1

Provided by Influenster

I wanted to put in a good two weeks’ shake before reviewing these products.

The change of seasons always wreaks havoc on my hair, especially as I’d recently gotten a perm. My hair has been a combination of frizz, split ends, and dryness. These products have helped my hair from looking like a frizzy yield sign.

Caviar_2I received three items (from left to right) :

  • Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair 3-in-1 Sealing Serum
  • Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Masque
  • Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Infinite Color Hold Dual-Use Serum

We get 50 mL / 1.7 fl oz amount of product for each serum. I currently have short hair, so half-a-pump to 1 full pump sufficed.

The mask is 161 g/ 5.7oz. It’s a massive tub and only a tiny amount of product is needed for my short bob. That tub will last me until my next lifetime, and then some.

Caviar_4The “Color Hold Dual-Use Serum (left)” can be used as both a leave-in treatment and an additive, mixed in with your favorite conditioner. I’ve tried both and loved the results.

The scent is grape candy and floral, not cloyingly sweet but deep enough to cast a light fragrance over your hair. It works as a hair perfume! Staying power was decent.

Caviar_6Do you see the difference before and after? (left is before, right is after)

The product itself is an almost transparent viscous gel, oily yet surprisingly non-greasy. It lightened my frizz but didn’t weigh down my hair like some serums do. And it does lend a shine to your hair. 

My hair is currently free of dye, so I’ve been using this as a daily “hair oil & hair perfume & treatment” rolled into one handy package. It’s been good to me. 

Caviar_4The “Bond Repair 3-in-1 Sealing Serum (right)” smells a bit more … ambery? woody? Smell-wise, I preferred the “Color Hold.”

“Bond Repair” is also a mildly viscous gel that melts into your hair. It felt more lightweight than the “Color Hold,” and did a pretty great job of protecting my hair from heat. But again, I could not get over that woodsy smell … it may be for some people but I didn’t much like the scent. I personally wouldn’t use it before naptime; I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep.

Caviar_5The mask leans on the heavy side, thick and creamy. Instructions say once or twice per week, but for those like me endowed with greasy & frizzy hair (= worst combination ever), I’d say once a week at most.

The scent is floral and mildly clinical. It feels cloying in the shower but fresh once you wash it off. The mask lends a heaviness to my hair, keeping it from going all-out fizz. More than once a week may be overkill though.

It felt like a solid winter hair mask.

Caviar_3My current go-to is the “Color Hold Dual-Use Serum.” I use it every day.

The “Bond Repair Mask,” I’ve been using one every 3-5 days. I love the scent it creates with the “Color Hold.” My hair is more…manageable.

The “Bond Repair 3-in-1 Sealing Serum,” I use mixed with other products to get over the scent. It does its job as a heat protectant!

 

 

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