beauty

What’s the Deal: For $15 a month, Allure sends you 5 (lately it has been 6 or 7) deluxe size beauty samples and a mini magazine about the samples.  I pay for this on my own, and all opinions are my own. This is not a sponsored post.You can see last month’s box here.

Pur-Lisse Daily Lip Nourisher (full price $16)

What it is: A lip balm that doesn’t have any parabens or petrolatum. The key ingredients are mango-seed butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, rice-bran oil, and vitamin E.

My Thoughts: I really liked the consistency of this stuff. It is thick enough that it is nourishing and lasts awhile on the lips, but thin enough that it isn’t obtrusive. It is not greasy or sticky and it has a faint hint of oranges when you first apply it but it is barely there and the scent fades quick. I supposed that is the vitamin E that causes that scent. I really like putting this on in the mornings under my lip sticks and glosses. It made everything go on smoother. It certainly soothed my winter cracked lips too!

Repurchase: Yes. It is a little pricer for me for a lip product, but it works.

Skinfx Ultra Rich Hand Cream (full price $9.99)

What it is: A hand cream with no parabens, phthalates or fragrance. Key ingredients are Coconut oil, sunflower oil, aloe, rice-bran extract, and vitamin E.

My thoughts:You guys, my hands are awful in the winter. They are constantly cracked and I am reminded of this when I go to wash them with anti-bac soap and want to die a thousand deaths because of the burn. This stuff is awesome because it was thick and really nourishing, but it wasn’t greasy and I could go back to what I was doing after just a few seconds. Because there is no scent, it doesn’t burn and you can use it in public situations (think your desk) without being obtrusive with scent.

Repurchase: Yes! At this price point, and the fact that it is easily found at Target….my hands are happy.

Bulgari Omnia Pariba (full price $82 for 2.2 ounces)

What it is: Notes of bigarade orange, passion fruit, passion flower, gardenia, cocoa beans and vetiver.

My thoughts: When I first put this on I was like hmmmm this reminds me of the way a really nice hotel smells on the inside. Weird, right? After about an hour I start to smell the citrus and flower scents. This isn’t overly strong, but it also doesn’t last all day for me either.

Also, the bottle is really cool and different, but I found it to be a pain in the ass to get the lid off. It literally took me a full minute to get it open the first time.

Repurchase: Probably not. The scent is pleasant, but it’s not my favorite.

Hello Breath Spray (full price $3.79)

What it is: An alcohol free breath spray with Xylitol.

My thoughts: I received the Grapefruit Mint flavor of this. While the packaging is totally cute and I would have fallen for it in the store….I have to be honest and say this is not the best breath spray that I have used. Perhaps because there is no alcohol, I just didn’t feel like it was very powerful. When I first spritzed it in my mouth I tasted the weird grapefruit mint flavor for about a 30 seconds and that was it.

Repurchase: No.

Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me Wash and Rinse (full price $27.50 each)

What it is: A sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner with shea butter, evening-primrose oil and kakadu plum.

My thoughts:I really liked both products. This stuff has a sweet tart scent, sort of lemony but also not. That doesn’t really help but its what I got. I felt like my hair looked a little healthier and shinier after I used this. One thing I will note is that the conditioner is very thick, so you only need a very little amount. That just means the bottle would last a really long time, bonus!

Repurchase: Yes. I like to have two different shampoo and conditioners going at once so I would certainly rotate this in with something else for the hydrating properties this provides.

Lacome Visionnaire Nuit Beauty Sleep Perfector Advanced Multi-Correcting Gel-in-Oil (full price $88)

What it is: An overnight facial moisturizer with soybean extract, algae extract, glycerin, ceramides, and adenosine.

My thoughts: I actually had received this in my Lancome free gift with purchase last month, so I was excited to see more of it! When you first put this stuff on, it has a gel consistency, and then melts into an oil as your rub it on your skin. I really loved how smooth and glowy my face looks the next morning!! It has a little of a floral scent, but hasn’t irritated my super finiky, sensitive skin so that says something!

Tip – Careful around eyes. The oil spreads a little so if you get too close to your eyes, it makes them water just a little. User error on my part,

Repurchase:Yes. While the price tag is quite steep, a little of this goes a long way and I really do feel like I see a difference on days I use this. It is no secret that I am a Lancome fan so maybe I am a little biased towards this product.

Have you tried any of these products before? What have you loved lately?

Linking up with Joey.

So, I was all sad because I thought I missed out on this month’s box due to the asshole that stole my debit card last month. Then, I went to check my mailbox mid-month and there it was!!!! And this month was a good one you guys! A GOOD ONE!

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (full price varies, around $28 for 6.7 ounces)

What it is: A gentle, oil based cleanser that you message onto your dry face then rinse off. The key ingredient is olive oil

My Thoughts: Love, love, love this stuff!!! It literally takes off every last stitch of make up and my face is so soft afterwards!

Repurchase: YES!

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant in Lavender + Sage (full price $8.99-$10.95)

What it is: All natural, vegan and cruelty free deodorant. The key ingredients are baking soda, arrowroot powder, and shea and cocoa-seed butters. It has a clean lavender scent that isn’t too overpowering, it is just right. They have other scents like Cedarwood + Juniper and Bergamont + Lime as well.

My Thoughts: So, I tried Piper Wai a few months ago and while I thought I liked it…after a month I ended up going back to my original Degree. I got tired of trying to smear it under my arms with my fingers and I wasn’t a huge fan of their scent after the first few weeks.

This stuff is a different consistency. It is sort of waxy? It’s weird. BUT!!! It smells really good and has actually been working pretty well. I really, really wish they would make this in a stick because I really do like it. I think I am going to keep trying with it, but it takes awhile to put on because of the consistency and the finger application.

Repurchase: Maybe, if a stick form came out 100% yes!

Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Liner in Black Navy (full price $20)

What it is: Waterproof gel eyeliner with a built in brush

My Thoughts: This is a great formula that glides on super easy. You have about 30 seconds to smudge if you want before it really starts to set. It stays put all day.

Repurchase: Honestly, I have some drugstore brands that I love for eyeliner and usually can’t justify spending more than $10 because of that. But if you like to try new liners and prefer more luxury brands then I would give this a go. It certainly feels high end to me and I have been having fun with this one! Not to mention that the color is gorgeous!

Skinn Cosmetics Caviar Lip Cream in Ruby (full price $22)

What it is: A liquid lip color that has a firm, angled tip applicator for precise delivery. This has a creamy formula that glides on pretty easily. It is not sticky at all.

My Thoughts: I liked how easy this was to put on, but I must say that you need a lip primer or liner to keep it from bleeding around the edges. The formula is surprisingly moisturizing. With my super dry, chapped winter lips this went on without any chapstick underneath! This Ruby color is actually really pretty. I am usually not a fan of red on me, but this works.

Repurchase: I think this is a great option and would consider purchasing this brand if I want to splurge a little because it is a really great formula with a pigmented color. You can tell it is of great quality.

Erno Laszlo Transphuse Eye Refiner (full price $105)

What it is: An eye cream that plumps skin, decreases fine lines and wrinkles and moisturizes. Ingredients include Pullulan, glycosaminoglycans, algae extract, glycerin, shea butter, olive oil, avocado oil, vitamin e, cranberry-seed oil, rosemary extract, and peptides.

My Thoughts: I really like this stuff! Not only did it seem to hide some of my fine lines, it left my skin moisturized. Let’s be honest, under the eye area is the trickiest, most delicate of skin that is super finicky and can dry out so quick.

Repurchase: While I actually really like this product, I can’t get over the $105 price tag. I simply just don’t have $105 to spend on eye cream but if you do, I would give this a try!

Derma E Hydrating Night Creme (full price $22 to $29.50)

What it is: A rich night cream with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins a, c and e, panthenol and aloe.

My Thoughts: The scent reminds me of St Ives Apricot scrub, which I like. I have been using this stuff for a month now and I am in love!!! It just glides right on and soaks in to my skin at night. I wake up feeling refreshed and soft.

Repurchase: I will most certainly be repurchasing this. It is so hard to find a night cream that I really love. This works great and I think anything under $30 for a night cream is fantastic! I am interested to try other products from this brand, I had never tried anything of theirs before.

Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Champagne Problems (full price $15)

What it is: A glittery gold polish that is five free. The formula is thick and creamy.

My Thoughts: First of all, the packing is so cute!! I love the box that it came in and the shape of the polish bottle. I applied this without a top coat because I wanted to truly see how the formula tested for $15. Sadly, I had chips and dings in the polish the same day I painted them with no top coat. With a top coat I got to about day 3/4 before the chips were really starting to look bad.

Repurchase: I am up in the air. The color of this polish was so beautiful and deep but if you are looking for a five free polish I would suggest Julep for the same price range. Their polishes tend to hang around just a little longer for me. Now if you can find this polish on sale, scoop it up! The color really is gorgeous and I like that it is five free.

Have you tried any of these products? What have you discovered recently that you love?

Linking up with Joey.

I didn’t have a chance to review my December Allure Beauty Box last month, so I wanted to take time to do that today because there were a few great products in there that you may have never heard of! I missed the January box because I forgot to call and change my card on file after the whole credit card skim debacle of 2015 and I am so pissed because there were so many things in it I was wanting to try. I cant believe I am still being burned by those assholes who took my card.

I also wanted to make a note that I am hella behind on email this week, I have been having Dreamhost problems. So sorry if you haven’t heard from me yet on your comments, I promise I haven’t ignored them!

Let’s get to the box, shall we?

What’s the Deal: For $15 a month, Allure sends you 5 deluxe size beauty samples and a mini magazine about the samples.  I pay for this on my own, and all opinions are my own. This is not a sponsored post.You can see last month’s box here.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (full price $20)

What it is: Dry shampoo, plain and simple

My thoughts: I really like this option. You spray it in your hair, wait two minutes and brush it through. The white overcast isn’t as bad as some of the other dry shampoos I have tried. The scent is a floral-y type scent but it is much softer than anything else I have tried. I will be repurchasing this, as I have used the entire bottle over the last month and a half!

Pop Beauty Kajal Pen in Inky Purple (full price $10)

What it is: A dark gray/purple eyeliner

My thoughts: This has a very fine pencil with a rubbery smudger. The smudger is a bit thick for me, I feel like it would smudge half my lid if I used it! I did like the formula of the eye liner though and I don’t feel that $10 is too much for a fun colored liner! It stayed in place and looked great.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Oil Free (full price $36)

What it is: An oil free primer that is a great base for foundations without clogging your pores.

My thoughts: I have used this before and liked it. Smashbox makes a great primer and I like that this one is oil free. I have purchased this before and would purchase it again.

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense (full price $88)

What it is: A serum that offers an exfoliate as well as tackles acne and aging. The active ingredients include Dioic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Citric Acid. This claims to help with blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles, excessive oiliness, enlarged pores and discolorations. Results in their studies were over 8 weeks. I have only used this product for five weeks.

My thoughts: I have to admit that my breakouts have started to settle down. There haven’t been as many new ones and the older ones are starting to clear up. I am going to continue to use my sample and report back in the end if I think this is going to be something that actually works for me long term! It has a little burn to it when I put it on my skin, but it hasn’t been over drying like every other spot treatment I have tried.

Eau Thermale Avene Body Oil (full price $26)

What it is: A body oil for sensitive, extra dry skin with mineral oil and avacado oil.

My thoughts: Upon first putting the oil on, I thought wow this is thick!!! After a little rubbing in to the skin, I immediately felt a softness. This has sort of an earthy scent. It isn’t too strong and I don’t mind it. But it doesn’t smell like fruit or flowers or anything that you would expect from a normal lotion.  I really loved how soft my skin felt after using this. I would consider purchasing this again for use at night.

Illume Blackberry Absinthe Candle(full price $23.50)

What it is: A paraffin and soy wax candle that is blackberry scented with orange, patchouli and sandalwood.

My thoughts: This little sample candle managed to smell up our open living room with vaulted ceilings, so I would call that a win. The scent is as described and I loved it. This is a great candle option if you don’t mind spending the $$.

Chapstick Total Hydration in Soothing Vanilla (full price $3.99)

What it is: Chapstick with a nice vanilla flavor.

My thoughts: This is what you would expect from Chapstick. A great option that lasts for a little while and then needs reapplied. It is inexpensive and easy to find.

Have you tried any of these products? What has been your favorite new find?

I loved the November 2015 Allure Beauty Box! Let’s take a look at what I got. The name of each product is a link that will take you to see more information.

What’s the Deal: For $15 a month, Allure sends you 5 deluxe size beauty samples and a mini magazine about the samples.  I pay for this on my own, and all opinions are my own. This is not a sponsored post.You can see last month’s box here.

Klorane Floral Eye Make-Up Remover (full price $16 for 6.7 ounces)

What it is: A gentle eye makeup remover that wipes away makeup and depuffs.

My thoughts: This make up remover has a pleasant, botanical scent. I have used it several different times with different shadows, liners and mascaras and it has taken it all of with great efficiency. I would say that this is a great option!

Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena and Lavender De Provence Bath & Shower Gel (full price $22 for 8.5 ounces)

What it is: A shower gel that is heavily scented.

My thoughts: When I first used this in the shower I thought..Wow!! This smells a lot like a bathroom cleaner I used to use! I don’t think I like this at all. But then, it sort of woke me up and yet made me feel calm all at the same time. About an hour after I got out of the shower and was doing my makeup, I could smell the scent lingering on me. It was just a soft, pleasant scent. I actually really liked this stuff. It doesn’t foam a lot, so if you like a lot of foam with your shower gel….I would try something else. I can do without foam as long as I feel clean….which this one left me feeling clean.

Hanae by Hanae Mori (full price $92 for 1.7 ounces)

What it is: A perfume that has scents of bergamot, strawberry, jasmine, patchouli, toffee, orange blossom, sandalwood and vanilla.

My thoughts: You guys….this scent is amazing!!! It is sweet, yet intoxicating and sexy. It lingered on me all day which is a must in my book.  I hate perfumes that disappear after an hour or two. This one smells wonderful and isn’t too strong so you can wear it to work if you wanted.

Mally Beauty High-Shine Liquid Lipstick (full price $20)

What it is: A shimmery, shiny lip gloss.

My thoughts: First of all, can we talk about how gorgeous this packaging is??? With the gold top and snakeskin print!! I die!!! This had a fruit scent/taste that I loved. The color is a lot more sheer than I thought it was going to be since it was called a liquid lipstick. It doesn’t have a liquid feel to it at all. I think that this is a great gloss! It lasts about an hour or two for me, so typical gloss. It had a nice shine and just a hint of shimmer, nothing too crazy.

L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil (full price $106 for 1 ounce)

What it is: A featherweight oil that hydrates skin without leaving you greasy.

My thoughts: The first thing I noticed about this was the scent. It has a floral like scent that smelled so amazing. This goes on so nicely and sinks in immediately. It left my face soft and glow-y. It says that if you apply this oil before your anti-aging creams it acts to allow the ingredients to sink deeper in your skin getting the full effect of those active ingredients. I loved how my makeup applied on days that I used this.

I will say that for $106, that is quite pricey for just a face oil!! I don’t really see any ingredients that are for anti-aging or what not. The main ingredients are sunflower-seed, borage-seed, apricot kernel, evening primrose, seabuckthorn oils, and rose hip oil. I love love loved this stuff, but ummmmm $106 is a lot! If I saw it come down in price it would be a no brainer for me.

Kevin Murphy Anti-Gravity (full price $28.50 for 150 milliliters)

What it is: A volumizing serum that does not weigh down hair.

My thoughts: This stuff smells like lavender with a little lemon mixed in. It is a decent scent. It was a very milky like substance that was a little sticky on my hands but went through my hair smoothly. You want to rub this all over your damp hair, don’t focus on just the roots. You all know my hair is super thin….so I am the true test! After running this through my hair and blow drying, my hair did have a bounce to it. It didn’t look greasy or weighed down at all. Is this the most amazing product ever? No. Did I like it? Yes. I would consider it again.

Don’t forget that the #inthedrawer Instagram challenge starts today with Jana and I!!!! We can’t wait to see all of your pictures!

There are no rules with this. You don’t have to have a barbie doll to participate. You could use a stuffed animal or other figurine to play! And if you have none, then you know what would be a fantastic good human thing to do? Head over to Target or the Dollar Tree and grab a doll to use for the challenge, then hand it off to a child in need in your area. Have a little fun and do a good deed? The Grinch’s heart might just grow three sizes my friends!

Use #inthedrawer and have some fun!!! I will be checking Instagram daily to see your creations. There will be a link up on Fridays each week to share all the pictures in one spot if you want to make them part of your Friday posts.