Sensitive Haul: What We Bought in February
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, what was meh, and what was the literal worst.
Meh: The Ordinary's Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F
Now that it's (sporadically) available at Sephora, I finally gave The Ordinary a shot, with the cheapo line's Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution in Vitamin F. Though I unabashedly heart Klairs' Vitamin C serum, I am a sick person who thrives on chaos. In this iteration, chaos is an oil-based serum of Squalane, jojoba oil, fatty acids, and pure Vitamin C. If a few minutes to absorb, and the results are brightening and hydrating. I wouldn't say I'm blown away by exactly, but I haven't been disappointed. Becky Bartkowski
Love This: RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up
Apparently a month cannot pass without me trying out a new concealer. And in February, I tested out much-lauded Un Cover-Up from RMS Beauty. The lightweight, organic formula won't provide heavy duty coverage, though it is buildable to an extent. Instead, it moisturizes and gets skin looking glowy, thanks to its blend of coconut, jojoba, and castor oil. It's perfect for a good skin day; not so great if you're dealing with blemishes or super-dark circles. B.B.
Love This: Shiseido Eylash Curler Pad
PSA: You've gotta replace that black rubber strip on your eyelash curler! I restock with these from Shiseido, and they'll fit a variety of curlers, including my standard Shu Uemura. Besides the pads getting super-gross over time, it's extra-important to replace them if you have any kind of eye irritation or allergies. B.B.
Love This: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
If we can buy it at Sephora, you'd best believe it's making it in this blog. Hence why I feel no shame in talking about this award-winning hair mask. I don't have many complaints about my hair. It's thick, full, and for the most part manageable. But occasionally, thanks to blow drying and some basic neglect, it gets a little frizzy and dry. Fortunately for me and my sometimes wiry locks, this uber natural mask is something of a miracle worker. After just one use, I noticed a serious softness to my freshly masked mane (I couldn't stop touching it). I even got compliments on the smell. Katie Johnson
Love This: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Maybe it was the weather, my hormones, or my compulsion for cleanliness, but over the last month, I took on the hands of the crypt keeper. Dry, wrinkled, red, and raw, I was beginning to wonder if, much like Anna Wintour and her sunglasses, 24/7 glove-wearing was going to have to be my thing. Then I remembered this old favorite from 6 Products I Slather on My Eczema-Prone Skin and viola, my hope for having human hands once again was restored. This tube, which now has a permanent home on my night stand, is unscented, free of harsh chemicals, non-greasy, and comes with just enough colloidal oatmeal to bring my eczema-ridden hands back from the dead. K.J.
Love This: Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara
After being disappointed not once but twice in a row with more natural mascaras (looking at you RMS and Tarte), I decided to return to a tried and trusted favorite. This Marc Jacobs mascara offers a drier formula and a volumizing finish that's subtle enough for daywear but definitely can be layered on for a dramatic effect. There's no special application technique involved and it's still free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates. so I don't feel too bad for ditching the green alternatives. K.J.
Love This: Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick
Speaking of old favorites, this shade of Clinique's Almost Lipstick has been my mom's beauty staple since before I can remember -- and for good reason. Despite its deceivingly dark tint, the finish is a sheer, almost natural berry that I honestly believe would look good on ANYONE. It doesn't leave your lips dry or creased like traditional lipsticks and it's slim tube makes it easy to apply even without a mirror. Turns out mother does know best. K.J.
