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Dive into honest, in-depth reviews on the latest products, trends, and topics that matter to you. Whether you’re looking for the best in beauty, lifestyle, or beyond, we’ve got you covered. Explore, discover, and make informed choices with reviewsbyrae—your go-to guide for everything worth knowing.

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All About the Brows

The ELF Ultra Precise Brow Pencil is my top pick for an affordable brow pencil. At just $6, it's one of the few automatic brow pencils left under $10, which means no sharpening required! It’s super accessible and available at nearly any retailer. Personally, I prefer...

The Surprising Savior: Why Snail Mucin Works Against All Odds

I started using the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence sometime in 2022, though it might have been even earlier (I can't find the receipts to confirm!). Before discovering this essence, I relied on hyaluronic acid serums from The Ordinary and Good Molecules,...

Luxury Letdown: Why I’m Done with Greasy High-End Sunscreens

There was a time when I became obsessed with trying high-end beauty products, thanks to my employee discount at Ulta Beauty. But these days, my focus has shifted to finding quality products at more affordable price points. I last reviewed this sunscreen in the May...

Clay Masks Unmasked

Clay masks are primarily designed to absorb excess oils from the skin, which can provide a temporary matte effect and a smoother surface, but they don’t offer long-lasting results. Although I’ve used many clay masks—currently working through a Peach & Lily mask—I...

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream: A Hidden Gem?

When I worked at Ulta, Acure was a brand that never really caught my eye. It wasn’t something I thought I’d try, let alone be impressed by. However, my curiosity was piqued when I received a sample of the Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream as a gift with...

Beautycounter Think Big All in One Mascara: Overpriced and Underwhelming

Beautycounter is another brand that doesn't justify its high price tags. Historically linked to MLM practices, the brand has now transitioned to retail, distancing itself from the controversial pyramid scheme model. But even with this shift, the quality of their...

Beauty Bio’s Vitamin C Serum: Effective but Overpriced

As one of the few vitamin C products I’ve tried, I found this one to be both effective and gentle. With semi-consistent use, it noticeably lightened some of my hyperpigmentation. The serum has a light, fluid consistency and is virtually scent-free. I initially...

Verb Ghost Oil – Review

After using this product for over a year, I can confidently say that I love it. This lightweight hair oil provides a healthy shine without leaving your hair greasy, and it does an excellent job of controlling frizz. I like to apply it when my hair is about 70% dry...

Juvia’s Place Magic Lip Oil – Tangerine

First impression: the scent is not very strong, I would have liked a stronger orange smell. I like my lip products to either A. Smell fruity or B. Smell cocoa-y. It's supposed to be a lip oil but it reads more like a thick gloss, with a gel consistency. It's...

Lume Whole Body Deodorant

I have the tangerine scent and it is very strong, especially if it's meant to be an all over body stick. I bought a mini travel size from Target to try out before committing to a full size.Another thing I don't love is that it becomes very heavy on skin and can take a...

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