Revive: Makeup Blending Applicator (vs Beauty Blender)

I was shopping at Marshalls during my lunch break and I came across multitudes of makeup blending sponges just like the Beautyblender. These on the other hand, were 3 times cheaper at $5 dollars originally being $10. The store carried two different shapes, one being the tear drop we all know and the other was a hourglass egg.

I have tried searching around for this brand but there does not seem to be any news on this brand or the blender itself. The sponge came in many colors including, blue, coral, purple, pink and the signature beautyblender color which I purchased. This sponge seems to be very durable and will last a very long time, it will expand to twice it's size when submerged in water which is shown in the picture below.

I have not tried the Beautyblender but this is a cheap alternative to those who do not want to spend too much money but want to try this method of applying makeup. Good Luck! 

**Update: I recently received the Beauty Blender in the May Popsugar Must Have Box and there is definitely a big difference between the two sponges. The revive sponge is a lot denser and harder and holds a lot more water than the Beauty Blender. When applying makeup with this sponge, a lot of the makeup sticks the the surface and does not fully meld into the skin. The Beauty Blender is a lot easier to work with and can easily soak water and much softer when using on the face. If you like using the sponge technique when applying makeup, you should definitely give the real thing a try because it definitely makes a difference on the overall finish of your foundation and is much better than the cheaper sponge. (Tried really hard not to like the real thing, but... fell into the hype. xD)

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer Review

Claims: AmazingCosmetics' AmazingConcealer is the most amazing concealer available today. This highly pigmented, super-emollient, waterproof formula blends seamlessly into the skin, creating a flawless complexion that looks and feels natural.

Opinons: I have been getting back into the Amazing Cosmetics Concealer recently due to the higher pigmentation and coverage that it provides. I use concealer mainly for my under eye circles  The concealer holds up very well for a few hours then there needs to be reapplication. It does live up to its claim of a waterproof formula with blend-ability but this concealer does not look the most natural.  The best use for this product would be on pimples or redness on the face but people will definitely notice that you are wearing makeup. Cons about the product would be the price ($42 for 0.5 oz) and caki-ness of product when a heavy amount is used.

The best method for this under the eye would be to apply with a brush or your fingers and pat into the under eye area in a triangular shape making sure to sweep down and blend into your skin. After you have built up the necessary coverage, you finish off with a setting spray and creasing will be minimized. If you do not use a setting spray, there will be creasing and setting into fine lines around the eye.

My shade is medium beige which matches my medium warm yellowish skin. For comparison, I am a NW25 in MAC shades and light med in most other shades from other companies.

Rating: 3.5/5

Price: $42 (for 0.5 oz)

Loccitane Original Hand Cream Review

Claims: Enriched with 20% Shea Butter, this super-creamy balm penetrates quickly to protect, nourish and moisturize hands. Honey, almond extracts and coconut oil are blended with Shea Butter to create this extremely effective formula. The rich texture leaves hands soft and smooth with no oily traces, and can be applied as often as needed.

Opinion: This Loccitane Original hand cream is a decent find. I got my hands on a travel size when they were offering them for free at Loccitane. The first thing you notice when applying this lotion would be the strong baby powder smell which dissipates after a few minutes. The application is on the greasy side but is hydrating for those really dry hands. All in all a decent cream and a nice addition to ones travel bag.

Rating: 3.5/5

Price: $10 (10 ml)

Carols Daughter: Ecstasy Shea Soufflé

Claim: Lightweight and non-greasy, each emollient-rich soufflé leaves dry to extra-dry skin feeling soft, supple and smelling delightfully divine. Moisturizing never felt so good! 

Opinion: I received Carols Daughter: Ecstasy Shea Soufflé in my Glossy Box a few months back and have been using it on and off for a two months or so. The lotion is true to it's claims! It is the only body lotion that I find non-greasy on my body and is the best remedy for my extra dry skin after a long hot shower. After using the lotion, even my hands are left with a soft moisturized feeling. The scent of this product is amazing hence the name ecstasy I am guessing... it smells of strawberries and cream mostly with a bit of other tropical scents mixed in. 

Rating: 5/5

Price: $13.50 (4 oz.)