Loose Powder

Here are my current eye makeup removers: Pureté Thermale Soothing Eye Make Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes and Artistry Essentials Eye & Lip Makeup Remover.

I purchased the Artistry remover along with some toner and moisturizer from a co-worker who introduced me to the Artistry brand about a two years ago. At the time, I was pleased with the remover. The two part solution (shake to mix) was gentle, not too heavily scented, and it was effective at removing waterproof mascara. My only contention was that the solution left this greasy residue feeling around my eyes, so I would have to promptly wash off the remover with some kind of cleanser. And honestly, at the end of a busy day, sometimes I’m just too tired or lazy to put up a fuss and will–YES–go to sleep with makeup on (runsandhides).

My sister gifted me a Birchbox subscription for Christmas in 2011 and I was lucky enough to receive the Birchbox + Vichy box in February 2012. One of the goodies inside that box was the Pureté Thermal remover and as soon as I tried it, I knew I had found my “go to” eye makeup remover.  I have no idea the science behind the French Thermal Spa Water or cornflower water, except that when applied, the solution is lightly floral scented and oh so very gentle and soothing. In contrast to the Artistry remover, the formula is not oily or greasy but light without leaving any residue at all and leaving the skin around my eyes feeling rather refreshed. The drawback is that I have to use more of the Vichy solution to remove waterproof mascara or liners.

Here’s a look at how the two solutions did against the eyeliners I have.

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I really took to the VMV Hypoallergenics RE-Everything Lotion that I got as a sample in my monthly Birchbox subscription back in January 2012. The Re-Everything lotion has a long list of pluses: it’s free of artificial fragrances and common skin allergens, it has exfoliating and anti-aging properties, and is intensely hydrating, just to name a few.

The first thing I noticed was the lack of any noticeable scent. It wasn’t completely scent free, as I did catch a faint smell of something…slightly powdery. The scent wasn’t too noticeable though, even when used on face, hands AND body, which is a definite plus for me. Out of the tube, the lotion has a silky somewhat synthetic feel. The formula is creamy and it applies thinly, without leaving a greasy or a tacky feel (that’s one of my pet peeves about lotion). About 5-10 minutes after application, my hands were noticeably much smoother and hydrated. I tend to be rather rough on my hands, so my cuticles and the corners of my nails get dry and flaky. But I didn’t have to pay as much attention these areas after using this lotion.

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