8 Comments

All the best for 2023, Maggie!

Thanks for this Index – sounds like you indeed had a memorable skincare and makeup year. And how interesting that through this overview process you discovered your past favourites, which you’ll continue to enjoy in this new year.

I’m intrigued by your view of the JSS recovery cream. Despite liking the brand’s philosophy (and Jordan being such a nice person, as I discovered a few years when trying to get hold of some products before JSS offered international shipping), and their products in theory, in practice unfortunately I found my skin doesn’t get on with some of them. But I’m on the lookout for a deeply nourishing cream for my hands, and from what you say, this might be it!

D

(Previously DRS. I've rearranged my social media a little.)

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And to you, D!

I've had the same experience with JSS as well. I admire Jordan, the brand, its philosophy and price points! However, not all of the items work with my skin, but I absolutely love the JSS Moisture Recovery Cream. It works so well for my face and hands. And it's amazingly versatile: works beautifully on its own or mixed with a variety of serums or oils. The best part is that the tiniest bit goes a long way so one tube will last a good long while.

If you do end up trying it, would love to know what you think!

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I loved reading this, Maggie! And I guessed most of your favorite skincare products correct as I knew 2022 is your EWB year! Always love to know what you are using and love using. This tempts me to buy another fresh bottle of Rosa oil and Ambrosia serum. Sounds like an unassuming combo but beautiful. Thank you for making this post. My highlight this year has been manasi7 for makeup and skincare wise, always sticking to what's tried and true 😅

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I also bought Rephr eye brushes awhile back. Curious to know what you think of their quality since you have some high quality brushes in your arsenal alrrady? I have nothing to compare them to except Ecotools and Real Technique. So far, I like that their eye brushes fit my eye shape well so it's easier to do a more detailed work. I want to try their eyeliner brush next and the ones you mentioned.

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I got my Rephr brushes as a birthday gift way back (at least it seems that way. What is time, haha). I remember being underwhelmed by them, but I do use them often. I still love my Wayne Goss brushes and prefer those. They've just held their shape much better over the years. Some of the Rephr eye brushes expanded/lost their taper after a few washes, and I remember being very surprised by that! I use them because I have them, but I prefer Wayne Goss or Westman Atelier. Even though I like Rephr's overall minimal design and soft touch handles, there's always something about the brush and its price that holds me back, so I've never purchased one on my own. However, I've only tried Rephr eye brushes, so I can't speak to how their face brushes perform!

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Ah that's good to know from your perspective! Funny enough, my son got a hold of my Rephr brushes, he wasn't brutal with it but on a couple of the hair were out of shape. I thought, hm ok, this never happened to my other brushes but maybe these are the type that needed to be handled super gently. I gave the brushes a wash and dry and unfortunately, the shape was still out of shape. I bought Rephr with 50% off last black friday and I also would not purchase full-price. In terms of picking up the pigment, I thought it's just alright! More curious to try Wayne Goss if the full-price is a little similar.

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I knew you'd be able to guess, Asti! Rosa and Ambrosia… there's just nothing like them! Ooo, did you try any new shades from manasi7? I'm currently working my way through a bottle of Twelve Beauty's Purifying Cleansing Cream and think about you every time I see it 💛 Are you still using Twelve Beauty and Yuli?

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I did not try Damaskino although that's the shade that I really wanted. I have Y Et Beaute No.21 which I think could be similar to Damaskino. I have full-size of Mangala, Dianthus and Bisque. I love them all because they're so flexible to use (allover) and you know how much I love their formula and finish. Mangala, I have been using almost every day all autumn and winter and I suspect Dianthus will be more of a spring color. I am eye-ing on Kobicha as I have never tried brown shades before and I thought would be nice to add depth into other colors.. I was thinking the other day that I think you will enjoy the shade of Mangala and even Manketti! My strategy to purchase Manasi7 is to buy their neutrals instead. I don't think I will purchase the pinks or the brights even though they're so fun. I know I can never finish them up given the price. I also tried a sample of eye glow in Ochaya and it was a wow shade for me BUT it just creased on my lids. I will try powder-ing on top. I also was thinking you might really enjoy the finish of Skin Enhancer. They since reformulated their original formula and I fell in love with it. Satin skin like finish. But a bit finicky if u have to mix! I'm currently almost perfectly matched to Beechwood.

Aw thank you for thinking of me as you see the Twelve Cleansing Cream. I am re-evaluating the needs for Twelve serums atm as my skin is currently fine with a simple mist and a good oil/serum/balm! I love Twelve cleanser offering and I will always have one in my rotation (i.e: Dara's Water, Cleansing Cream, Clementine Balm). And I am a forever Yuli M.E Skin Fuel user I think! It's almost a necessecity, great skin balancer during hormonal phases and just good overall support when skin goes out of balance. I used up Lepaar Oils awhile back, theyre nice and nurturing but not as balancing

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