By Lily Fay
Need some improvements to your skincare or makeup routine? I got you!
During this semester, I varied between products for both skincare and makeup. I have never had a consistent routine for either, but now, through research and experimentation, I have begun to develop a solid routine. Some of these products I like, some I love, and some just aren’t for me. But they might be for you!
Throughout this review, I will tell where to find the products, how to apply them, what the average price for it is, how long the product seems to last, and whether I would personally buy it again in the future. Each product is also linked to a storefront for easy access.
First, let’s start with the Hydrating Milky Toner from Byoma (5.07 fl. oz). I typically use this product off and on, but when I do use it, it’s normally before bed. I apply it to my whole face, making sure to pat it in like the instructions say.
- Found at stores such as Target and Ulta for $16
- Projected to last 2-3 months
Would I buy this again? Probably not. Immediately after applying it, I noticed a softness in my face, but when used regularly, it causes me to break out. It’s simply not for my skin. However, it does provide a great amount of product in the bottle for the price that it is.
Final Rating: 7/10.
Next, we have another toner, the Niacinamide Brightening Toner from Good Molecules (1 fl. oz). I’ve used this product at night, and applied it to my cheeks, chin, and especially my forehead, where I tend to break out the most.
- Found at Target and Ulta for $14
- Lasts between 1 and 2 months, depending on the frequency of use
Would I buy this again? Maybe. This toner is less of a cream and more of a liquid, so it goes fast. I have, however, noticed fewer pores in the locations of application, and, on the plus side, my skin does seem brighter. However, one big downside is how small the bottle is for its price.
Final Rating: 8/10
Next is the Solar Mate Daily Mineral Sunscreen from Bubble (1.7 fl. oz). I apply this product to my entire face as a primer each morning, before applying makeup, as well as before bed. It can also be used on the neck for more coverage.
- Found at Target for $17 and Ulta for $19
- Seems to last at least 3 months with frequent use
Would I buy this again? Absolutely. I use this product daily because of how moisturized it leaves my skin feeling. I’ve also noticed that my face still feels smooth and hydrated even after a full night’s sleep. This sunscreen also does not cause any acne because it’s high in zinc oxide, which is anti-inflammatory!
Final Rating: 12/10.
Lastly, for our skincare review, we have the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream (1.7 fl. oz). I typically apply this product at nighttime, only when my skin feels super dry, for extra moisture. I apply this cream on my cheeks, forehead, and jaw.
- Found at CVS for $13 or for $22 on Amazon
- Lasts around 2 months when used consistently
Would I buy this again? Probably not. I think that there are better moisturizers out there that I have yet to find. It successfully makes my skin feel hydrated before bed, but by the time I wake up, that feeling is gone, and my skin doesn’t seem much different. However, this product does a great job of leaving the skin feeling cool and smooth right after application.
Final Rating: 8/10.
Time to move on to our makeup products! I will be reviewing a primer, a brow wand, a concealer, and a blush/lip tint.
First, we have the Grip Primer from MCoBeauty (0.5 fl. oz). I apply it all over my face before my makeup each morning.
- Found on Amazon for $10 and at Target for $12
- Lasts only 2 months maximum if used every day
Would I buy this again? Definitely. Even though it didn’t last super long, it was a great product that prepped my skin each day, worth rebuying again. It didn’t leave any residue, cause pilling in my makeup, or leave my skin feeling excessively sticky like some primers do. For its price and all-day quality, I highly recommend this product.
Final Rating: 9/10.
Next, we have another MCoBeauty beauty product, this being the Hair and Brow Magic Wand (0.077 fl. oz). I use this product on my brows, and typically save it for one of the last steps in my makeup routine.
- Commonly found on Amazon for $7
- Lasts 1-2 months when used daily
Would I buy this again? Maybe. It does the job and acts as an everyday tool that leaves my brows shaped. However, after application, it is easy for the shape of your brows to come out of their place, especially if you are putting on a sweatshirt and it swipes them. I also think that there are other brow gel wands out there that I have liked better, for example, NYX The Brow Glue.
Final Rating: 8/10.
Next, for our makeup review, there’s the Putty Color Correcting Eye Brightener by e.l.f. (0.4 oz). I use this product as the under-eye concealer which helps to give my under-eyes more color and a smoother finish.
- Found at Target for $6 or at Walmart for $7
- Seems to last around 2-3 months if used daily.
Would I buy this again? I probably would. It comes in a little jar but is able to provide several months of product. I use the shade light-medium which provides my under-eyes with a brighter tone and makes them look less baggy. I haven’t used it anywhere else on my face, but I can imagine that it would act as any other concealer. The only con is that it is a little greasy and has the tendency to smear if not blended in properly.
Final Rating: 9/10.
For our last makeup product, we have another e.l.f. brand. This is the Sheer For It Blush Tint (0.22 fl. oz). I use this product last in my makeup routine each day because I use it more as a lip tint rather than a blush.
- You can find it at Target and Ulta for $6
- Appears to last at least 3 months if used daily
Would I buy this again? I absolutely would. I use the shade Pink Positive, and it serves as a great soft-pink tint for my lips. I love that it gives them some extra color, especially when I wake up and feel my lips are pale and dry-looking. The product also stays on all day, giving my lips a pretty pink color while also working under a gloss and a lip liner, too. The tint also works well on the cheeks as a blush; you just need to be wary because it does stain.
Final Rating: 10/10.
This concludes my skincare and makeup review and rating. Good luck in your journey for the perfect routine!