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Why do I keep buying brow pens?  I guess I just really like writing brow pen reviews.  I threw the Milani Weekend Brow Pen in my cart on a w...

Why do I keep buying brow pens?  I guess I just really like writing brow pen reviews.  I threw the Milani Weekend Brow Pen in my cart on a whim just to get free shipping.  It was affordable enough and my Ardell Stroke a Brow pen was running low.  


Milani
Weekend Brow Pen Review

Milani Weekend Brow Pen Review


INFO SHEET


Brand:  Milani
Product:  Weekend Brow Pen
Shade:  Medium Brown
Color Payoff:  Good Pigmentation
Waterproof?:  Mild to Moderate
Price:  $8.99
Where to Buy:  MilaniUlta

The Milani Weekend Brow Pen comes in the cardboard backed drug store makeup packaging that one would expect, but don't let the packaging fool you.  Milani makeup is actually pretty nice!  Especially their blushes.  I didn't even know Milani made a brow pen, but when I saw it I said to myself "yes."


SWATCH

Milani Weekend Brow Pen Shade Medium Brown Swatch

Milani Weekend Brow Pen Applicator


The first thing I noticed about the Milani Weekend Brow Pen is how small the brush tip is.  The tip is the smallest out of all the pens I have tried, but also not overly flexible allowing for the ability to make fine lines.  I also have to say this thing is super precise!  It's probably up there with the Lime Crime Bushy Brow Precision Pen; which was up until now, the most precise brow pen I have tried (out of Urban Decay Brow Blade, Ardell Stroke A Brow, and Stila Stay All Day).  

I wasn't too impressed the first time I swatched the Medium Brown shade of the Milani brow pen on my hand though.  While it is precise, the pigmentation was somewhat light.  So maybe I bought the wrong shade?  It's hard to tell with these things sometimes.  Next time I will purchase a darker shade to see if the color payoff is better (and share the results on this blog 😀).  


BEFORE AND AFTER


Milani Weekend Brow Pen survived the waterproof test!

Milani Weekend Brow Pen Shade Medium Brown


When I went to perform the water test, I wasn't feeling very hopeful.  The swatches for most of the other brow pens completely rinse off as soon as the water hits my hand.  I was surprised by the Milani Weekend Brow Pen however; since about 60% of the pigment remained after rinsing.  It also survived hand washing and required a little bit of scrubbing action with soap to get it off.  While 60% may not seem great for say, going for a swim;  it could probably survive a quick trip to the gym or other activities where a light sweat is involved.  

The Milani Weekend Brow Pen in shade Medium Brown seemed to be too warm for me when first applied.  This pen continues to surprise me though, because after 5 minutes it oxidized into a nice neutral dark brown color that blended with my brow hairs beautifully.  As always, brow pens have a bit of a learning curve when it comes to application, and the Milani brow pen is no different.  However, since the applicator tip is so small I feel like I have a little more control.  The fine tipped brush was able to pass between my natural brow hairs easily in order to efficiently draw in individual hairs.  I really liked the results!

The pen also has a little ball bearing inside to help mix the formula when you shake the pen.  The only other pen I have tried that also has this technology is Urban Decay Brow Blade.  I believe this has helped keep my Brow Blade from drying out in my makeup bag - lasting much longer than my other brow pens; so the fact that the Milani Weekend Brow Pen also has this feature is quite promising.  


FINAL THOUGHTS


I was pleasantly surprised by the Milani Weekend Brow Pen.   I purchased it on a whim and had zero expectations for it, but I think I will buy it again and maybe try out some other shades.  It is inexpensive and like I said before, Milani has a good track record of creating quality yet affordable makeup products. 

STOREPRICEOFFERS
Milani$8.99Free Shipping Orders $25+; Free Gift with Purchase Over $35+
ULTA$8.99Free Shipping Orders $35+
I'm glad that I was able to achieve a natural looking brow from this product.  I believe this brow pen is best suited for those with dry to combination skin and have somewhat sparse brows (or those who want a fuller brow).  I think the Milani Weekend Brow Pen is certainly worth trying out; especially given the price!

Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  
None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

Hand me a sheet mask and I'll most likely say no thank you, but what if it's a Sulwhasoo sheet mask?  My skin has liked everything f...

Hand me a sheet mask and I'll most likely say no thank you, but what if it's a Sulwhasoo sheet mask?  My skin has liked everything from Sulwhasoo so far...  Okay, I'll give it a whirl... Never been a fan of sheet masks though, but FINE!  Just this time.  



SULWHASOO
First Care Activating Sheet Mask Review

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Mask Review


INFO SHEET


Brand:  Sulwhasoo
Product:  First Care Activating Sheet Mask
PH:  5.5 - 6.0
Scent:  Herbal / Licorice
Price:  $60.00 for a 5 Sheet Pack
Availability:  Amazon, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Sephora, Sulwhasoo

I'll be the first to admit that I never really cared for sheet masks.  I enjoy wearing them about as much as I enjoy wearing wet socks.  Plus, you can't really patch test them without potentially wasting them, and I believe most sheet masks are not worth the cost unless you can get a huge pack of them.  I ended up getting the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Masks as part of Sulwhasoo's monthly promotion with my $200+ purchase.  You can check their monthly specials on the Offers page on their website.  

Sulwhasoo claims that the First Care Activating Sheet Masks replenishes moisture, soothes, and plumps "leaving skin soft and glowy in minutes."  Let's see what the ingredients tell us.


INGREDIENTS


Water / Aqua / Eau, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome / Rootextract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Honey / Mel / Miel, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Seed Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Natto Gum, Peg/ Ppg-17/6 Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Bispeg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Carbomer, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance / Parfum
Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. 

Notable Ingredients:

  • Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract - Anti-inflammatory that is said to aid in evening out skintone.
  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract - AKA Green Tea Extract. Antioxidant and anti-irritant.
  • Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract - Whitening and anti-wrinkle cosmetic agent.  
  • Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome / Root Extract - AKA Solomon's Seal Extract.  Moisturizer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
  • Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract - Herbal anti-inflammatory agent.  
  • Honey - Powerful anti-oxidant that forms a soothing, anti-bacterial barrier that helps protect and heal the skin.
  • Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract - A powerful antioxidant containing fatty acids with skin soothing benefits.  
  • Portulaca Oleracea Extract - A plant extract that acts as a powerful antioxidant, containing Vitamins A, C, and E.  
  • Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract - A plant extract that soothes the skin.
  • Biosaccharide Gum-1 - Derived from fermented plants, this soothing ingredient creates a moisturizing film over the skin with anti-irritant properties.  
  • Natto Gum - Fermented soy which is said to also be a potent antioxidant.  
  • Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract - A potent antioxidant said to promote overall skin health. 

The ingredients above does indeed support Sulwhasoo's claim that the First Care Activating Sheet Mask can replenish moisture, soothe, and plump the skin.  The mask has plenty of goodies.  Maybe that's why it is so expensive?  Still though...


COSDNA ALERTS


Out of the ingredients listed, only two were marked as a potential acne trigger / irritant according to COSDNA.  

  • Butylene Glycol - 1 of 5 (Acne)
  • Carbomer - 1 of 5 (Irritant)

Note that this product does contain fragrance, even though it was not flagged by COSDNA.  Some people are sensitive to fragrance and butylene glycol.  However, as I said earlier.. it's difficult to patch test a sheet mask.  So you might want to tread lightly or skip altogether if you are certain that your skin will not like these ingredients.  

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Mask Instructions

The mask is delicately folded in a mesh netting.


Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Mask comes in the usually sheet mask pouch, but the mask is gently folded with a protective mesh netting.  The instructions to use the mesh as a tool for applying the mask, then you are supposed to remove it.  If you look at the reviews of this mask on Sephora's website, one person gave this mask a one star review because she said the mask didn't smooth out on her face very well, but then posted a picture of herself very clearly wearing the mesh... Don't do that lol.  

The mask was slightly big for my face, though I'm not an expert sheet mask wearer I didn't have much trouble putting it on.  There was also a lot of serum remaining in the pouch which I proceeded to rub all over my arms, chest, and neck.  

Ren & Stimpy closeup of my skin for your viewing pleasure.


It's hard to show in the results above, but if you focus more on the undereye area you will see that the fine lines have plumped up a little bit making them less visible.  The pores are also slightly less deep set because of the additional plumpness.  The main result was the softness the mask achieved which is hard to convey in a photo...  

I put the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Mask in the refrigerator beforehand so that it was nice and cool when I put it on.  One thing that I liked about it is that it stayed moist for the entire time I was wearing it and didn't dry out.  The downside was that after removal, the formula took a while to fully absorb into my skin.  I had to massage it in with damp hands and it still left a sticky film to the touch.  In the end, the First Care Activating Sheet Mask did make my skin feel very soft.  


FINAL THOUGHTS


I was very impressed by Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Masks.  These masks did everything that the product claims to do.  My skin was incredibly soft and a bit plump as advertised.  I was also happy that the mask didn't cause my sensitive skin to react negatively in any way.  It was just an all around good experience.  Will this turn me into a sheet mask person?  Probably not, but those who do enjoy sheet masks might be keen to try this one as well.  

I just can't get around the fact that they are $60 per 5 pack though ($12 per mask!).  Therefore, I think this product would be best reserved for special occasions, because it would be cost prohibitive to use on a weekly basis as these masks would cost $624 per year.  

If you can find Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Masks on sale or part of a promotion (check their monthly offers on their website), definitely give it a go.  However, I believe you can achieve a similar effect simply buying the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum.  The ingredients are similar and it also makes your skin silky smooth and soft at "only" $84 per bottle.  I estimate that one bottle of the First Care Activating Serum will last approximately six months (used nightly).  Whereas a six month supply of sheet masks would be $2,160 (also used nightly) or $312 (used weekly).  Plus you can patch test the serum!

STOREPRICEOFFERS
Amazon$39.90Free Shipping
Bloomingdales$60.0015% Off First Purchase; Free Shipping 
Nordstrom$60.00Free Shipping 
Sulwhasoo$60.0010% Off First Purchase; Free Shipping & Samples on all orders
The Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Masks are quite nice, but try to get them on sale.  Check the button above for the latest offers of Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Sheet Masks.  As of this posting Beautytap has them for $45!

Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  
None of these reviews are sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.


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