Moden Makeup

After not attending this trade show since 2015, we decided to give International Make-up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) another try; in a whole different country.


It was my first time visiting Canada, so sightseeing was a must but of course we'd take any opportunity to attend a beauty tradeshow.
By our standards, we got there late. So imagine our surprise when we had covered the exhibitors in about three hours. The event was held in one of the exhibit halls of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on September 28 and 29, 2019.

More garbage 😆

Let's start with hair stuff.


I love the Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla scent; their leave-in conditioner is a standard repurchase. Healthy Kinks Botanicals is a local brand that I support. Scalp oil? Yes. Twist and Style Cream? Yes yes. That Kopari "coconut melt" thing is an overpriced literally cash grab. It's just coconut oil folks. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist again, standard repurchase. Lastly, Olaplex No. 3, presently I think this is the only product in the Olaplex range that's worth the money.

Body stuff:


Do I truly need to try so many body washes when I purchase Eden's Choice Naturals soap regularly? Absolutely not. I gotta cut back. Still, Mario Badescu A.H.A soap is a must have if you deal with body acne. Also. that new-ish Bath and Body Works 'Love' Jasmine + Sandalwood scent is everything.

Smell goods:


Repurchases all. Puressentiel really needs to make that Respiratory Air Spray in a huge can. 20 ml is not enough.

Skinc…

The struggle to get rid of empty packaging is real Guys. If you see two Sampled Out posts a week doan @ me 😟


Bath and Body Works Ultra Shea Body Cream 'Happy Vibes' 2.5 oz.
I think I got this in Panama. As per usual, my skin cries out for moisture every time I travel. Kinda picked up this scent at random but geezzz does it smell great! These 70 gram tubes are great to carry in your handbag. Only buy them on a special offer though. Regular price is $7.50USD.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 2.5 fl. oz.

This was all de rage on YouTube in 2018 right? It's ok I guess. "Helps Tighten & Smooth Like No Other". I dunno bout all that. It is a moisturizing formula and the smell is pleasant. Its big claim to fame is "infused with all-powerful guaraná extract". That ingredient is 14th on the list 😲 This 75 ml mini tub retails for $20USD.

Soap & Glory Hand Food 'Sweet Lime & Vanilla' 1.69 fl. oz.

People that love Soap & Glory body produc…

Happy New Year 🎉🎆

This is your ever-so-often reminder to get rid of things that no longer serve you. Unused makeup, split ends, clothes that don't fit, toxic friendships, useless men, self doubt...whatever.

I knew I had a few pencil eyeliners coming in the mail so I had to make room.


My last eyeliner declutter was really in 2016? Anyway, I had to get rid of some dried up products. It's so sad when you don't utilize product before it expires 😭 Let this be a reminder to shop your stash regularly. Everything in the photo above is trash. What a waste.

There were a few items I was able to pass on. This exercise has shown me that I should not buy any more black pencil eyeliners...well, none period but I am who I am.

Fuh sure I done buying Marc Jacobs gel eyeliners. The packaging is trash; these dry out in a heartbeat. Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-on pencil eyeliner packaging is superior. I've had some of them for eons and they still work. While the price has increased over…

Merry Christmas! 🎄

Well the year, and decade, are drawing to a close and that usually calls for some introspection.

My Low Buy Year went up in glittery flames 😂 You only need scan my Periscope to see how horribly I actually did. I wrote fewer blog posts that ever before. I was generally out of it. Things languished pun de cutting board cause I rarely wore makeup. Maybe the only silver lining was the continued dedication to using up samples.

In 2020 I'm hoping to recommit to sharing my thought on beauty products with you. That means trying the mountain of new things around here and, once again, hopefully buying less. On that note, I want to encourage you be gentle with yourself. Yes, set goals and make plans; but never be so disillusioned by a setback that you abandon the target all together.


There's plenty to review in the stash; so let me know what you'd like to see more of. The few of you that actually still read blogs 😄 Don't worry, even if no one's watching I…

Howdy. How are yuh?


I still like (and buy) makeup, I swear, but skincare is soooooooooo much easier to get through.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild 15 ml

Labelled in Clinique's '3-Step Skin Care' System as 'Step 1' this is a basic clear gel cleanser. One thing about Clinique products, a little goes a long way. This little tube has accompanied me on many a trip. I wouldn't purchase a full size - biggest size is 13.5 fl. oz. / 400 ml for $29.50USD - only because I'm already in love with the gel cleanser from Youth To The People. This 'mild' version is recommended for "very dry, dry and dry combination" skin types but I think anyone can use it.

REN Clean Skincare T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid 15 ml

"A day fluid that will balance combination skin to leave the complexion looking clear, even toned and beautifully healthy." #TeamModen are big fans of REN Clean Skincare and this product is no different. This is a lightweight formula that abs…