Sensitive Haul: Here's What We Bought in December

Another month, another super-reasonable and not at all embarrassing amount of money spent on skincare and makeup. Here’s what we bought, what we loved, and what we totally and completely hated.

Fuck That: Petitfee Gold & Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch

The internet would have you believe that snail mucus is a magical cure-all. It hydrates, promotes cell turnover, and helps to even out skin tone, they say. But I'm here to tell you that I find the ingredient (at least in the form of these Petitfee eye masks) profoundly meh. This hydrogel masks are budget-friendly at about $13 for 60 patches and sparkly gold. And that's about the end of their positive attributes. Do they deeply hydrate, zap away dark circles, or make your under-eye bags disappear? Mmmmnope. They do nothing, and I put fucking snail gunk on my face -- multiple times. Joke's on me! (Also the snails.) Becky Bartkowski

Love This: Becca Soft Light Blurring Setting Powder

Seeking balance in the world, I tried out a setting powder from Becca that the internet hates. As luck and/or opposite day would have it, I really like it. It comes in two colors: pink haze and golden hour. I chose pink, reasoning that the golden-brown shade would look creepy on my ghostly complexion. It arrives in a silvery, Instagrammable tub, and you dust on just the slightest bit to hold makeup in place and blur imperfections. At $38, it's a little pricey for what it does. Then again, it actually does what it's supposed to do. B.B.

Fuck That: Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum

Here we go again with an under-eye product that promises major results and does, um, nothing? The $60 formula, touted for taking down dark circles and fine lines, is more of a light moisturizer than a serum. And the copper peptide lotion stings slightly on first application. Which would be fine if there were results. But the nicest thing I can say about Drunk Elephant's Shaba Complex Eye Serum is that it barely hydrates. In other words, it's a total waste of shelf space. B.B.

Love This: Hourglass GIRL Lip Stylo

This Hourglass lipstick comes in a twist-up tube and a rainbow of colors -- including three to-die-for reds. One's blue-based, one's orange-y, and the third's a down-the-middle neutral. I went with the orange shade (called "lover"), and the smooth, hydrating formula goes on beautifully, holds up nicely, and is easy to touch up, thanks to the precision tip. I want it in every single color. B.B.

Love This: Shiseido Eyelash Curler

I was well into my twenties before I became wise to the wonders of eyelash curlers. That being said, I’ve only had a chance to try a few brands thus far. But in that time, I have learned that not all eyelash curlers are created equal. Unlike the Tweezerman ProCurl for example, the one-shape-fits-all Shiseido eyelash curler delivers solid shaping abilities without pinching your precious lids (something I have done more times than I’d like to admit).  K.J.

Fuck That: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel

Intensive hydration my ass. While I enjoyed the immediate absorption of this product, it could hardly be considered moisturizing. I could see giving it another shot when my skin is oilier in the summer and lightweight lotions are essential, but in the dead of winter this gel left me and my scaly skin wanting. Did I mention it was $52? Yeah, no thanks. K.J.

Love This: Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

If you’re not double cleansing, ya doing it wrong. After using Tatcha’s cult-favorite Camellia Cleansing Oil for years, I decided to change it up and give this Allure Best of Beauty winner a try. Not only does Farmacy’s cleansing balm live up to its makeup-melting promise, it also doesn’t dry out my skin (unlike a lot of oil-based cleansers and balms). Added bonus: I can remove it all with a warm washcloth, which for some reason makes me feel especially clean. K.J.

Love This: Andalou Kukui Cocoa Nourishing Body Butter

As soon as my pregnant body began to expand, my skin started to itch – a lot. (Side note: Have you ever tried to subtly scratch your boobs in public? It’s impossible.) Fortunately, I found this Andalou body butter just in time. It’s natural, cruelty-free, and chockfull of the good stuff: argan oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. All of which seem to be working together to keep my skin thoroughly moisturized and (fingers crossed) free from pregnancy-induced stretch marks. K.J.