Best & Worst: Drugstore Liquid Eyeliner

 THE WORST - Wet n' Wild H20 Proof Liner

Internet, I don't get it. This Wet n' Wild liner gets so much hype. Even professional makeup artists rave about this stuff in makeup forums--WHY?! I really don't like giving negative reviews, but I figured perhaps someone could let me in on the secret as to why everyone loves this so much.

I have oily skin, and I use MAC Paint Pots or NARS Eyeshadow Primer (seriously the best) to control that. But, no matter how I prime my lids, this liner melts off all over my eyes by midday. I mean total, complete meltdown. It runs under my eyes and it "stamps" onto my crease/socket. Hot. Mess. City. 

So, who can enlighten me? Bueller? Bueller?

BEST - Rimmel Glam' Eyes Precise Design Liquid Eyeliner

This eyeliner was an unexpected find. I had run out of my trusty Kat Von D Tattoo liner and wanted a cheaper alternative. While the application is different (this is a brush while the Kat Von D liner is a felt tip pen) the longevity is the same. This liner has a slightly glossy finish once it dries, but it stays on and doesn't flake off.

The one thing I find might be an issue is the product's dry down. You can feel a slight tightening as it dries. It isn't bothersome by any means, but I feel it, and I know a lot of people have very sensitive eyes. Just wanted to give you all a heads up!

What are your drugstore hits and misses when it comes to liquid liner?

Drugstore Skincare Reviews: L'Oreal Hydrafresh Toner

I was convinced that toner didn't really do anything for my skin. I figured it was just an extra step that I didn't need, since I had the negative belief my skin would always be a hot mess. As a teen my skin was very oily and acne-prone. One positive to getting older is that my skin has calmed down a bit. While it still gets oily, it can now get dry as easily as the shine used to break through just a few hours after applying my makeup.  I briefly used Shiseido's Balancing Toner from their amazing Pureness line, but I couldn't see much of a change in my skin. I continued to read about the importance of toners (removing trace amounts of makeup and dead skin cells, helping with the appearance of pores, balancing the skin, etc.) so I decided to give it another try and add toner into my skincare routine. 

I've wanted to cut down on spending, so I wanted to find a drugstore skincare product I could use. I usually advocate avoiding drugstores for skincare, only because I have mostly had negative experiences with those products. However, since I never found ANY toner that worked, I decided to give L'Oreal's HydraFresh Toner a try.

Here are the product claims from the L'Oreal website:

"HydraFresh Toner’s gentle, nondrying formula refreshes and softens skin in a splash, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion and leaving skin smooth and supple.

• Beta Hydroxy Acid gently sweeps away dull, tired skin while Pro-Vitamin B5 helps protect against moisture loss.
• 99% alcohol free.
• Dermatologist tested for gentleness."

The keywords that made me pick up that bottle? "99% Alcohol Free", "Beta Hydroxy Acid", and "Pro-Vitamin B5". Those are all great ingredients for the skin.

I have to say I will be repurchasing this product. I honestly feel it keeps my skin balanced and I do see less redness. Pores are a major problem for me, and I have seen a slight improvement in the appearance of pores and the texture of my skin. Good price, good product, win win!

L'Oreal HydraFresh Toner retails for around $7 USD, but you can find it cheaper.

Do you believe a toner is worth using? Have you seen a difference in your skin?