Category Archives: Skincare Reviews

Philosophy Purity Cleanser Review & Pictures

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser ReviewI’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to trying out new products. And this is especially the case when it comes to facial cleansers because I seem to always be on the hunt for one that removes all my makeup without leaving my skin as tight as hipster jeans.

Naturally, I tried drugstore brands like Cetaphil, Spectro, Neutrogena, and Clean & Clear because they regularly go on sale and they’re easy to find.

All of these did cleanse my skin, but y’know that dry, tight feeling your face gets when a cleanser strips your skin of its natural oils? That’s what I got, and I don’t even have dry skin to begin with!

When Sephora had their Beauty Insider sale a few weeks ago, I pounced at the chance to try the Purity Made Simple cleanser. It was touted as being gentle yet strong enough to remove even eye makeup, and other people claimed it didn’t leave their skin parched.

So I put it to the test. And I didn’t let my wallet hold me back, either. As much as I crave scoring a real deal, I know that healthy, clean skin is worth the investment. You can skimp on a lot of things, but you shouldn’t skimp on skincare.

Had my skin agreed with a cheaper cleanser, well, I’d be happy! However, turns out my skin favors a little luxury. Continue reading

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Bath & Body Works Island Margarita PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel Review & Pictures

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

For many, many months, I’d stroll casually into a Bath & Body Works. Just a casual stroll. Never intended to buy anything. (Yeah, right!)

In many locations, I noticed that they had the Bath & Body Works Island Margarita PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel as a tester. But I could never find the actual product. I’d rummage through the bins like a mad woman. Like a mad woman, I tell ya! Why would they put it out as a tester if you can’t actually buy it? It’s total temptation.

I think it’s because Island Margarita is a seasonal scent that they stopped putting out at the end of summer last year. But they still had the anti-bacs leftover as testers. This story has a happy ending as I finally got one (OK, five) last month! Do I regret getting so many? Continue reading

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Best Drugstore Beauty Products & Finds

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

It’s gee-golly swell if you can afford to drop $30 on a lip gloss and $50 on a face primer. But really, a lot of us just don’t have the budget to do that – not even once in a while!

So when it comes to beauty products, I’ve learned not to discriminate. I’ve also learned that there are a lot of great drugstore products out there that do an awesome job, but for way less. You end up getting more makeup and products that you love for the money you’re willing to spend. And who doesn’t love that? 🙂

Today, I want to share with you the best drugstore beauty products & finds that I’ve come across. Let me know if you agree with any of these or if there are products you’d recommend! Continue reading

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The Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without

Products I Use Every DayThere were lots of products that I fell in love with. But sometimes things just weren’t meant to be. They started seeing other people. And they made up lame excuses for sneaking out in the middle of the night. Needless to say, the relationship was cut short.

Of course I was heartbroken, but new products entered my life. Some took me for dinner and a movie. Others serenaded me with a Spanish guitar. And one special product made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

Here are the products that I’ve been faithful to because they’ve never let me down when I needed them. We plan to grow old together and celebrate many happy anniversaries. Continue reading

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Neutrogena Eye Make-Up Remover Lotion Hydrating Review & Pictures

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

What goes up must come down. What goes on must come off. At the end of the day, one must find a way to remove the war paint – er, I mean makeup – that we spend so much time putting on in the morning. What’s your favorite method?

I’ve tried makeup wipes and makeup remover solutions by various brands; both types left me looking for better methods. The wipes tend to dry out faster than I’m able to get through them, while solutions leave a slippery film on my skin… even if they are oil-free.

So when I came across Neutrogena Eye Make-Up Remover Lotion Hydrating, I had to give it a try. BTW, I think it was very inconsiderate of Neutrogena to make the bottle so shiny and metallicky. It’s pretty, but don’t they know that’s so very hard to photograph?! Haha. I digress… Continue reading

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The Body Shop Born Lippy Pink Guava Lip Balm Review & Pictures

Image of The Body Shop Born Lippy Pink Guava Lip Balm** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

In a previous post, I pledged to pay more attention to taking care of my lips. I solemnly swear not to let them crack or dry up again, to always protect them from the harsh cold and burning heat, to… Well, you get the picture.

I’ve been purchasing many lip care and treatments lately. So many products, only 1 set of lips! Today, I’ll be reviewing The Body Shop Born Lippy Pink Guava Lip Balm. And let me tell ya: it smells sooo delicious. But I have a feeling it’s one of those scents that you either absolutely hate or love. Continue reading

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Everyday Naturals Deep Kissing Buff & Shine Lip Polish Review & Pictures

Image of Everyday Minerals Deep Kissing Buff & Shine Lip Polish** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

I’m so ashamed. Sometimes my lips get so chapped that I’m embarrassed to face someone when I talk to them. My lips are more neglected by me than a middle child by a parent! Dear Lips, I’m making a promise to be good to you from now on, so please don’t flake on me anymore.

I came across Everyday Naturals Deep Kissing Buff & Shine Lip Polish when I was shopping for their eyeshadows. (I need to stop browsing entire websites when I’m shopping for something specific.) It was between this and the Sumptuous Lip Polish, but when I saw the word “chocolate,” I zombie-pressed the Add To Bag button. Continue reading

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