But seriously, when the Sephora catalog came with that infamous VIB 20% off coupon I did a dance around the kitchen that was quite similar to this…
Obviously in my batman cape. I did just get home from my 54 minute commute and well you feel like a damn super hero when you get out of that situation in one piece. Am I right?
After I pick up all the pretty things, perhaps my dancing will look more like this…
Anyways, back to my wish list. Here we go!
Needs:
I am literally out of foundation. I have been holding out for the sale and scraping and scraping the bottle I had. I want to try something new. I have used MakeUp Forever, Smashbox, Urban Decay Naked, Bare Minerals and Tarte’s Amazonian Clay. They all have their positives, but I want the holy grail. What is your favorite? I was thinking Too Faced? Or maybe Bobbi Brown?
My beauty blender is falling apart. I dont think I want to repurchase it. It works great but brushes last so much longer and are a better investment. I love the airbrush they used on me last time I was in there.
I am about out of my beloved eye shadow primer. These little containers last forever for me, so I don’t mind paying a little more for the quality! I have been using this stuff for years and years.
Lusts:
I have been wanting to try the Sugar Lips stuff forever. How awesome would it be to have all of these???
Too Faced has some of my favorite shadows. This palette kit is just gorgeous!
My skin has been through hell the last several months. This would be a great treat to get it back in shape!
*I received this product from iFabbo in exchange for my honest review**
You guys, let’s be honest. Wrinkles suck! Have you heard of Christie Brinkley Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer Treatment ? I have been using this product for about a month now and I have to say that I am liking it!!! At 32, I am definitely starting to see fine lines around my eyes, near my brow and forehead and around my mouth. The eyes are most noticeable. I have been using this treatment in all of those areas and I do notice a difference. Plus, it isn’t drying out my skin. My skin can be really finicky and usually anti-aging products leave me flaky but this one hasn’t.
The application is simple and you actually use this as your last step of your skin care before your make up application. I have noticed that my make up goes on smoother in the treated areas. It isn’t irritating and I do feel like I look fresher (read younger) when I use it. The puffiness under my eyes is instantly diminished.
This is a great temporary fix solution for those of you looking for one. You can even reapply it throughout the day as a touch up if you need to be photo ready! It goes on clear, so there is no interruption to your make up. I have added it to my daily routine.
Have you heard of or tried the Christie Brinkley Skin Care line? I am interested in checking out some of her other products!
You can check out more information on Christie Brinkley’s Skincare Line here: http://bit.ly/1zl4w1f
Another box full of products to review, let’s take a look at the October 2015 Allure Beauty Box!
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, a girl just likes to talk beauty sometimes, ok?! You can see last month’s box here.
What it is: This is a paraben free eye shadow that you can use wet or dry.
My thoughts: I would have loved to have gotten a different color that I would actually have worn on my lids to tell you more about the longevity of this shadow. I used the yellow in the corners of my eyes to brighten the area a few times. It is pigmented and the color appears a little less dramatic on skin than it does in the container, which in this case is a good thing. It does have a silky feel to it and I feel like it is a decent quality shadow. I wouldn’t mind trying out another color from this line, it has potential!
What it is: A nongreasy hand cream that hydrates and heals dry, cracked hands.
My thoughts: This left my hands feeling super soft and absorbed very quickly even though it is a thick cream. It has a clean scent, reminds me of some of the green tea products I have tried in the past. It is a decent lotion at a decent price point and I see that they have a scrub too. I liked how it felt, I do wish it was in a different scent maybe. This one tends to linger for a long time and while it isn’t a bad smell, it isn’t my favorite either.
What it is: You can use this one as a face wash or masque. It removes make up and if you use it as a mask, it is to plump up lines.
My thoughts: This one has an orange scent to me. Some skin types may not like that, though it didn’t bother my finicky skin. It works as a decent facial cleanser and didn’t leave me feeling tight or dry like most do. As as masque, I am unsure about plumping lines but it sure did leave my skin dewy. I like dewy.
What it is: This is an all in one before you blow dry cream. It fights frizz, protects against heat damage and extends the life of your blow dry all without making your hair flat.
My thoughts: Every month I always say that a new B&B product is my new favorite and this month is no exception. While I love all the B&B products this is hands down amazing. It smells amazing (sort of floral but in a good way) and my hair looks decent every single day that I have used it. I will 100% be repurchasing this!
What it is: This is an oil that prevents acne by locking in skin moisture and killing acne causing bacterias. It has grape-see oil, jojoba oil, neem oil and primrose oil.
My thoughts: I am super sensitive to smells and well, this stuff stinks!!!! Like ass. Not really ass but it smells like some type of garlic oil I would use to cook with. Fine in the kitchen but not on my face!!! I did try to hang in there with this product for testing. I used it every day for a week and I felt like I was slowly seeing some results in my break out areas but the smell was too much for me. The good news is, that it wasn’t in the least bit drying. You know how some acne treatments leave you looking worse because you are all crusty and scabby from being dried out? Not even a little with this oil. Like I said, I really wish I could hang in there because my face needs clearing badly. I may try to break this back out this week and try again with a super strong scented moisturizer over it to mask the ass smell. So I may check back in with you on this.
What it is: This is a matte lipstick that is super pigmented with intense colors. It is a creamy formula that goes on smoothly. There is vitamin E to keep it from going dry. The Eos is a tangerine color that looks horrible on pale skin. So stay clear of that one if you are pasty like me! The other two colors were pretty. Aurora is a cranberry-ish color that is maybe a shade or two darker than my actual lip color…and more red than my actual lip color. The Nike is a fuchsia color that is fun.
My thoughts: The colors of this palette are pretty and vivid. I wish I had a lip brush to test them out with better, but I dont. I applied using my finger, which actually went on well but I prefer my lip colors in a tube. If you buy the full price version they are in a tube. I would consider these in the future, but there are so many great lip products out there and I prefer drugstore prices for my lips.
Out of all these products, the B&B is for sure the winner for me but I enjoyed getting to try all new things. I had never heard of any of these prior to this box so it was a pleasant surprise. Have you tried any of these? What are you loving lately?
Since I do this post monthly, do you guys find it helpful? Do you like that I share the full price of the items and my own personal experience vs what it is supposed to do or would you like me to do something different with them?
Hello, October!!!! I can’t believe another month has come and gone and it is time to review the September 2015 Allure Beauty Box!!!
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, a girl just likes to talk beauty sometimes, ok?! You can see last month’s box here.
Tangle Teezer (full price $15) –find it on sale here for $10.99
What it is: A handle-less brush for detangling hair.
My thoughts: I absolutely love this brush! I had an off brand version from TJ Maxx that I had purchased awhile back and liked. But I LOVE this one. The shade of this one makes it so much easier to hold and every last tangle in my hair is out in a matter of seconds.
Alterna Replenishing Moisture Milk (full price $30) find here
What it is: A leave in deep conditioner spray that is free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It is supposed to hydrate and add shine to brittle hair. It is a clear white, thicker liquid that sort of smells like a mojito. I love the scent!
My thoughts: I really liked this spray. It does seem to hydrate and make my hair soft after use. I spray it after my shower and brush with my Tangle Teezer. This is the second product that I have tried from this brand and I have to say that I am a fan. I even took this to Orlando with me last month, so it traveled well.
What it is: An alcohol free toner that exfoliates and brightens skin. The main ingredient is glycolic acid as an exfoliate. It also has witch hazel, which any great toner would! The scent is a neutral, clean scent. Nothing offensive or irritating to skin. This is great for sensitive skin, as it does not strip your face of all the good stuff like a lot of cleansers and toners do.
My thoughts: This is easily found at Target and for $15, it is a decent price point. I have been enjoying using this and will probably repurchase. It left no redness on my skin, and I can rarely say that for toners. I like the Pixi brand.
Erno Laszlo Firmarine Bar Soap (full price $45) find here
What it is: A moisturizing soap that is to cleanse and soften your skin. When I saw the full price of this I was like what the what?!?!?!
It’s a bit high for a bar of soap if you ask me. I will say that their website has a video on how to use this soap. You are supposed to fill up a sink with hot water and dip the bar in the water and rub it on your face….then rinse with 30 splashes of water. But ummmm who has time for that nonsense? I used this just like I use any other cleanser. When you are foaming with this, it does feel silky which I liked.It has a super clean scent, almost reminds me of a men’s fragrance. I mean that in a good way.
My thoughts: This is a great bar soap and it certainly made my skin feel nice and clean without being dry or tight. The price tag is a bit high for something that I wash down the drain though, you know???
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener (full price $48) find here
What it is: A moisturizing makeup primer. The claims are that it blurs pores, is packed with antioxidents and soothing ingredients, and is to absorb excess oil making it great for combination skin. It has an orange scent to it, which I could have done without to be honest. Why is a primer smelling up my face? Also…I have had a problem with some orange scented items in the past irritating my skin. While this one didn’t seem to cause any problems for me, I would be wary if you have super sensitive skin!
My thoughts: While I didn’t really notice this adding any moisture to my face, I will say that my face has been less oily on the days I have used it. So it really does absorb the excess. As far as keeping my make up on all day? It works just as well as any other primer I have used recently. I am on the fence as to whether this would be a repurchase. I want to try the MUF matte one that everyone is raving about. This one is a little pricey to not be completely in love with, in my opinion.
Soap & Glory Pillow Plump XXL Lip Gloss in Pinkwell (full price $14) find here
What it is: A pale petal pink plumping lip gloss that smells like freaking chocolate!!! You read that right, chocolate! The smell is absolutely amazing and reminds me of a stronger scented version of my beloved Too Faced bronzer that I use. I used to buy Jessican Simpson and other plumping lip glosses in college that left me feeling tingly for a minute but no real results. This is different. This tingled for quite awhile and when I looked in the mirror, I did notice that my lips were extra pouty. I loved the color too, very sheer and neutral with some shine. I will say…it is sticky when you first put it on but ummmm what gloss isn’t? I would say this color would flatter just about any skin tone.
My thoughts: I loved this and for $14, I am sure I will repurchase!
Kaplan MD Cellular Rejuvenating Concentrate (full price $170) find here
What it is: Anti-aging serum without parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, castor oil, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PABA, animal ingredients or animal testing. So winning for ingredients for sure!!! This is a very thin, translucent serum that has a neutral smell. It went on very smoothly in the areas I used it. The price tag is freaking hefty on this product at $170!!! YIKES! Why you ask? 50% of the ingredient list is hyaluronic acid which is super expensive and unusually high amount in the ingredients.
My thoughts: While I did like the way it felt going on my skin, and I did see some instant plumpness to my skin….I can’t really get past the price! I feel like you have to use a serum for at least 2 months before you can see real, lasting results. This little sample isn’t going to last two months for me to tell. I will say that just a little amount goes a long way so I am sure the full size bottle would last awhile.
Another great box from Allure this month! I love getting this little surprise each month. There is always at least one product in this box that becomes a must buy for me and several others that are great contenders. Have you tried any of these yet? Have you tried anything else new lately?
Another month of awesome products with the August 2015 Allure Beauty Box!!!
What’s the Deal:For $15 a month, Allure sends you 5 deluxe size beauty samples, a mini magazine about the samples and usually some type of coupon. I pay for this on my own, and all opinions are my own. This is not a sponsored post, a girl just likes to talk beauty sometimes, ok?! You can see last month’s box here.
What it is: A gentle clarifying shampoo with a peppermint scent. This shampoo has a great lather that is supposed to whisk away all the grime, grease and hair product gunk.
My Thoughts: This stuff smells AMAZING you guys! AMAZING!!! I really do feel like my hair is cleaner when I use this. I have super fine hair that tends to be rather oily at times and I had no issues with this. I didn’t feel like it was too drying either. I really liked how it felt a little cool/tingly after lathering. It said in the allure mini-mag that guys love the scent too and end up stealing it from their gals so if you get it, keep tabs on it!
Nuance Salma Hayek AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Cream (full size $19.99 for 4 ounces)
What it is: A medium-weight moisturizer that has skin protecting anti-oxidants. This is to soften and plump skin without it feeling like you have anything on your face.
My Thoughts: I have used this for about two weeks. I feel like a product like this takes much longer than that to really get the feel for it and see if it is working. With that being said, my face is super sensitive to lots of things and this is giving me zero problems. I like the way my skin looks after using it and that fact that it absorbs pretty quickly. It says you can find this at CVS and it is a great price point. A little goes a long way. If I continue to like it, I will certainly grab it again for the price point and availability!
Benefit They’re Real! Push Up Liner(full size $24)
What it is: A gel liner with an innovated click pen.
My Thoughts: I love They’re Real mascara and this might be a great find. HOWEVER!!! The packaging of this sample is the most horrid thing EVER!!! You have to squeeze up some liner out of a slanted opening and just WTF??? While the liner was great and lasted all day without a smudge, and came off nicely with eye make up remover….I tossed this thing out because the application was a total nightmare. Surely the full size can’t be like this?? It says the full size has a click pen where you can dispense the perfect amount? I suggest checking it out at Sephora or something to be sure, like I said…the formula was great and worth a look.
Bumble & Bumble Grooming Creme (full size$30 for 5 ounces)
What it is: A lightweight styling cream to smooth frizz, boost waves and add texture to fine hair.
My Thoughts:I am seriously loving this product you guys! B&B does it again! Last week it rained about every day and we were literally at 100% humidity. I have noticed that my frizz has been much more under control!!! I have super fine hair and this does not weigh it done or make it look greasy in the least bit. Also, a little goes a long way, it has a pleasant clean smell and doesn’t leave the hair feeling crunchy or anything. This will be a repurchase for sure!!
(Allure) & Butter London Arm Candy Polish (full size $15 or $30 for four 0.2 ounce bottles)
What it is: Allure teamed up with Butter London to create two special colors for their line. There was a blue option (Violet’s Revenge) and a pink option(The Sweet Spot). Part of me wishes that I would have received the blue option because I have so many pink polishes!!! But let’s be honest, I love pink so I am totally ok with it. And this color is super pretty! It is a dusty mauve color and really perfect for year round wear.
this was on day 2 after typing for 9 hours at work
My Thoughts: This is my third Butter polish. I like them quite well, but usually when I am purchasing them for myself, I get them from TJ Maxx and Marshall’s because who wants to pay $15 for a polish? I will say that this is a great formula. It literally goes on smooth as butter and it lasts a decent week for me, which is way more than I can say for Essie.
(Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Gel Cleanser full size $20 for 6.76 ounches )
What it is: A foaming cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin that cleans the face and removes make up without stripping skin.
My Thoughts:The first thing I noticed was the smell, it is delightful!! This is a great option for a face wash. It removed my make up nicely and didn’t make my sensitive skin go crazy. I have used this little bottle for 3 weeks now and you can barely tell that I have opened it, so a little goes a long way!!! It says that you can find this at drugstore.com. I would probably repurchase this again, the full size bottle would probably last at least 6 months or more given my use thus far on one that is just 1.69 compared to 6.76.
I really enjoyed this box. I will say that I have noticed that Allure sends a lot of Bumble and Bumble stuff. I am going to be honest, it doesn’t bother me because I actually love everything that I have tried so far!!! But if I didn’t, I would be pissed to keep seeing that brand repeated.
Have you used any of these products yet? What are you loving?
Oh the way home…
