Rephr #21 Flat Shader Brush Review

Have ya'll been watching the news lately? Friday the 13th was really and truly Friday the 13th. I went into work yesterday and when I realized I definitely went straight home after. No errands just straight home. I don't know why I'm superstitious about that specific date but I definitely am. With everything in the news I also stocked up on water and non-perishables....but probably need a few more things to add to the stash. Better to be safe than sorry. I might grab some water each time I visit the grocery store...but then again I go to the grocery store a lot. 

In the meantime...I just have a quick brush review. I still have quite a few brushes in the collection I need to review...

Rephr claims:

an impactful shader designed for shimmers and cream products

inspired and made specifically at the request of the beauty community.

handmade in Kumano, Japan by master artisans using a blend of natural and synthetic fibers.

bristle length: 11.5mm

 made in Japan

I don't buy brushes anywhere near as often as I used to and when I have bought a new brush it has typically been from Rephr. Usually only after they send me an email with a sale. No reason for me to buy brushes anymore unless they are on sale. I have enough brushes for the rest of my life. 

This is probably not one I would have purchased on my own because I have the MAC 242. They are extremely similar. That and I am not really drawn to synthetic brushes. I tend to prefer natural brushes as all synthetic brushes are just another form of plastic. And I already have too much plastic in my life. Sometimes I am tempted though...especially when I see brushes with fun colored handles- they tend to all be synthetic these days though. 

By comparison these are a little boring- all black, black ferrule. But it looks professional. 

According to their site it is going through a redesign.Which makes sense. I didn't buy it...I got it for free when I ordered some other brushes so maybe they were just trying to get rid of them at the time? Or maybe it was testing...they do release a lot of brushes and ask for feedback...

MAC 242 and Rephr 21

It's a good brush to have. I particularly like it for pigments or shimmery/sparkles shadows but it also works well with matte or satin formulas. Especially if it's a shadow I am going to use wet. It's longer and flatter and due to the thinness and shape I feel it deposits color without holding on to it. You can also use it for concealer but there are probably better brushes to apply and blend out concealer.

It's a good brush to have.  I probably didn't need it since I already do have the MAC 242.  But I do really like it as a back-up to MAC. Especially since it was free ..

It's a brush I would recommend- if I had to choose between the MAC one or this one I would just choose whichever is cheapest at the time.

Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper Body Wash Review

Formerly known as Pink Pepperpod.

 I meant to write this yesterday but time got away from me. I'm actually surprised I'm writing this now because I am tired. I didn't sleep last night. At all. I don't know whose energy I'm using...but we are here so I am knocking out this post. 

Molton Brown claims: 

Entice your senses with our iconic woody body wash, smouldering with enduring notes of spicy pink pepper, vibrant ginger and rich patchouli.

A humid sunset simmers in a paradise of lush slopes. The warm, crushed sweet spice of jewel-like pink pepper, lively ginger and jasmine drifts over colourful rooftops. A dramatic dusk of rich patchouli, cedarwood and oakmoss deepens. Rouse your senses; entice curiosity with aromatic adventure.

Smouldering. Sultry. Stirring.

Made in England

I recently bought a gift set for my family and I know this one was included. They divided them up and I think my Mom ended up with this one. But who knows if she will use it- she likes to store stuff like this indefinitely and then a few years later will take it out and try to give it back to you. But she can't give this one back to me...I wasn't a fan. 

Pink pepper is a note that is in a lot of modern perfumes. It's in so many perfumes I have reviewed in the last couple of years that I don't feel like calling each one out. It's never a note I can pick out. Until this body wash. It is a pink pepper scent for real. It smells like someone took all the pink pepper and put it in a pepper mill and cracked it fresh and it's just lingering and bouncing around. I don't think I quite like it in a body wash. It's too realistic. And then there is something in the base notes I really dislike but I don't know quite how to describe the scent.

The first time I used this as a shower gel I HATED it. The second time- not so bad but still not a fan. I was only able to get two uses out of it because it didn't lather up the way some of the others have. Maybe it's something that has to grow on you? But as of now, I really dislike it. 

The scent that lingers in the bathroom is quite nice though.I'm not sure how that works. Maybe the pepper is in the top notes and it dissipates first? IDK.

It also lingers on your skin. I feel like I have been getting whiffs of it throughout the day. I doubt it lingers that long but you will smell it on your skin for a little while after.

Other than that, it rinses clean and didn't dry my skin. 

Ingredients: 

Water/aqua/eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Laureth-4, Fragrance/parfum, Coco-glucoside, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitan Caprylate, Peg-18 Glyceryl Oleate/cocoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Citral, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Blue 1/ci 42090, Red 33/ci 17200, Red 4/ci 14700, Yellow 6/ci 15985.

I'm not quite sold on the scent- I just don't think Pink Pepper forward scents are for me. This is definitely my least favorite of all the Molton Brown shower gels I have tried. The next one I have in the line up is Eucalyptus and I think I'll have better luck with it. 

Tyrese

Oooh Tyrese. He stay crying on the Internets. I remember at one time thinking he was hard on the eyes, then it was like a switch went off (I was young) and then I just thought he was one of the finest men 😂. It was around middle school and they kept playing that "Signs of Lovemaking" song...or at least I thought it was. Maybe it was "How You Gonna Act Like That"

Anyway..I don't have a lot of his songs so we won't be here too long. 

Of course, number one Tyrese song is Sweet Lady. I have the cutest little memory the pops into my heads every time I listed to this one. I was dating this one guy..and we were hanging out in his car after going to the movies (or dinner..maybe it both)? This song comes on and he asked to make it official. I remember thinking it was really the cutest way to ask- and I did really like him. But I said no cause even though I liked him...we really still barely knew each other. In hindsight I should said yes 😂😂

And then we have Lately. I thought there was a music video for this one too..I guess not. But I do really love this song. He needs to make/release more music like this.

Even my fave Miss Anita Baker rocked with this song. So you know....

And that's all for today...

Lancome Bi- Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover Review

 I'm happy- finally got my hands on the phone I have been after for the last few monthsI've had my other phone since 2019 so enough time has passed that I can see some changes- like speaker quality. And better camera. And I'm sure tons more. I'm still waiting for it to update. In the meantime, a review.....

Lancome:

An award-winning, waterproof makeup remover that is gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. 

WHAT IT IS
The #1 makeup remover in the US* that instantly and effortlessly removes waterproof makeup. The bi-phase makeup remover contains an oily phase and a water phase to remove stubborn makeup without irritation or greasy feel.

WHAT IT DOES
From dramatic smoky eye looks, to waterproof or water-resistant makeup, this effective makeup remover easily rids skin of residue and cleanses without leaving skin feeling greasy or sticky. Bi-Facil is an essential for makeup bags and professional makeup kits. Shake to activate the bi-phase formula.

BI-PHASE FORMULA
This unique makeup remover is designed with two phases to lift eye makeup off while leaving the skin feeling refreshed and clean. The oily phase uses a lipid concentrate to loosen and lift eye makeup, while the water phase uses unique emollients to leave skin feeling perfectly cleansed.

Suitable for all skin types, from normal to sensitive skin, combination to dry skin or oily skin – it’s also great for contact lens wearers.

I like to splurge on soaps, skincare, makeup (sometimes) but I never really understood splurging on makeup removers. I did it anyway because I am making my way through the most iconic beauty products of all time. This was on the list. So I bought it. But it's probably the most unnecessary splurge. 

Years and years back, I reviewed the sister remover from L'oreal at a much more reasonable price.  Same company- products even look similar but one is drugstore and more reasonably priced. And the Lancome is not. I don't usually keep eye makeup remover- usually I just scrub at my eyes with soap. At one point I used coconut oil. I don't find it necessary unless I am using a mascara that is just really difficult to remove. I don't buy waterproof but more modern formulations of mascara can be quite difficult to get off. This type of product can come in handy for that. 

You do need to shake it. I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten to do that. I'm still working on making it a habit. From what I can remember the L'oreal did not need to be shaken. You can definitely see the layers though- which is kinda cool.

Packaging is ok. I think I would prefer a pump though. 

The actual product itself has never stung my eyes. Removes makeup easily and cleanly without smearing all over.And it has a slight rosy scent that is not overpowering and very pleasant.

Ingredients:

INGREDIENTS: AQUA / WATER / EAU • CYCLOPENTASILOXANE • ISOHEXADECANE • SODIUM CHLORIDE • POLOXAMER 184 • BENZYL ALCOHOL • BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE • GERANIOL • DISODIUM PHOSPHATE • DISODIUM EDTA • POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE • CITRONELLOL • HEXYLENE GLYCOL • PARFUM / FRAGRANCE (F.I.L. B244918/1).

Overall, it is a nice product. It works very well. It's just the price....4.2 ounces for $36.00 is just too much. I paid about $30 for mine. It does get better priced per ounce when you buy the larger sizes. Nearly impossible to justify when there are more reasonable options for much less. For example Micellar Water can work just as well and is much more affordable and can be used all over the face. 

Not a repurchase for me. But I'll definitely be using up the bottle. 

Tony Moly Plum Bum Gentle Daily Exfoliating Body Bar Review

I didn't even know Tony Moly made bath and body type of products. I thought they mainly did skincare. I've used a few face mask but that was years ago. I like trying soaps made in different countries and I think this is the first Korean made soap I've found. 

Tony Moly claims:

This gentle resurfacing Plum Bum AHA Exfoliating Body Bar is designed to cleanse, refine, and restore your skin’s glow. Infused with AHAs and Plum Extract, this dual-action exfoliator removes dead skin cells, helps to prevent ingrown hairs, smooth keratosis pilaris (KP), and unclog pores while still remaining gentle for daily use. 

What sets the Plum Bum AHA Body Bar apart? It’s exfoliation done right—effective yet gentle enough for daily use, so your skin feels polished, not stripped. This bar physically buffs & chemically exfoliates for double the smoothness, revealing a fresh glow. Alpha-Hydroxy Acid helps improve skin tone, texture & radiance while Plum Extract and Cica Extract encourage collagen and soothe the skin. 

• AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) - Gently exfoliates dead skin cells away, and visibly smoothes dry, bumpy skin. Helps address KP and ingrown hairs.
• Plum Extract -  Brightens, soothes, and promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and redness.
• Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract - Calms irritation and promotes youthful skin by encouraging collagen promotion and deeply hydrating.

For even deeper exfoliation, use with the K-Spa Exfoliating Glove 2-3 times per week.

Made in Korea 

You can now find Tony Moly just about every and anywhere in US stores. I was a little curious though on how popular the brand is in Korea and from what I found on reddit- it's mainly considered a widely available drugstore brand that's more on the "fun" side but probably not the best in terms of quality. 

This soap was fine though. I thought it was interesting that it's a chemical exfoliant soap. I think physical exfoliants work better on the body because you can feel the smoothness and it feels like you are really sloughing off dead skin cells. Not quite sure I can completely buy into a chemical exfoliant for the body. I don't know that my skin felt any smoother when compared to using just about any other soap.

The scent was interesting. It smells like a combination of a bubbly fruity wine, Swedish fish candy, and cheap bubble bath. A very interesting scent. Not bad- not my favorite. It lingers around the bathroom a little which is more rare in bar soaps. 

As for the soap itself- lathers well, rinses clean, cleans OK. 

I do have the gloves from the same line and you can definitely combine them to get deeper exfoliation and smoother skin.

Ingredients: 

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water, Palm Acid, Fragrance, Palm Kernel Acid, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Sodium PCA, Butylene Glycol, CI 14700, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, CI 77499, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 17200, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin

Overall it was fine. Nothing I need to buy again but nice to try.

Rosemary Focaccia and Golden Milk Cookies

I think this fall/winter season will be the season I will get some serious baking done. Feels like every week I am running the oven and turning out some baked good or other. Which is nice. At least all the recipes are coming along in the cooler weather rather than the summer. 

I've baked a ton of different breads- but never focaccia. And I have to say- I LOVE it. Had no idea it was so easy and time friendly. The perfect bread to make when you are in a time crunch because this is so much faster than other recipes that require an hour plus of rise time. This was a ten minute rest time, another 20 minutes and then you bake. I will definitely be making this time and time again. I decided to turn my bread into sandwiches. I made a quick turkey schnitzel. This was basically one of the best sandwiches I have ever made....I will definitely have to do it again. 

This was the bread with a chunk cut off. It was topped with parmesan and more rosemary. 

This was my delicious sammich. I prolly shoulda took a pic of the schnitzel. But trust it looked good and tasted great! 

Next up- golden milk cookies. This is probably the most unusual cookie flavor I have ever made. I love a turmeric milk latte. I really should start making them again. They are a perfect night time latte that is caffeine free. I don't think the flavor quite works in cookie form. The turmeric taste was a little too strong and I thought it could do with more spices- more cinnamon, ginger, all spice, nutmeg etc. The recipe itself is vegan but I use milk and real butter because I don't keep alternatives on hand since I'm not vegan. 

My coconut got a little toasty. 

Overall, I'm happy I tried something so different but I wouldn't make them again. 

And that's all for this week!