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Sunday, December 6, 2015

November Empties - Yay or Nay

Hello Beauties <3

Another month is behind us and that means more beauty products have been used and it's time to talk about the yays and nays of my November empties.

I can't believe we are in the last month of the year and with all the holiday beauty sales, I MUST use up more products to make room for those hauls!



Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser - Retail Price $30 for 7.0 oz

This creamy, foaming, antioxidant-rich cleanser gently cleanses, nourishes, and hydrates. It deeply purifies and pampers skin, infusing delicate nourishment with African red tea, a youth-restoring antioxidant to strengthen skin, vitamin C to brighten and firm, and borage seed oil to soothe and nourish. Bright and energizing citrus extracts of grapefruit, orange, and tangerine purify and intoxicate the skin senses.

When it comes to face cleansers, I prefer a foaming one for sure. I think it's all in my head, but when I see the "foam" all over my face, I feel my skin is getting the best cleanse. It has a wonderful citrus smell and makes my skin feel so refreshed.


Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2 in 1 Retinol Night Cream - Retail Price $85 for 1.0 oz


This was included in my October Empties Blog Post and because I loved it, I finished another deluxe sample of it. I always look forward to trying products that say "retinol" or "anti-aging" so I was excited to receive this night cream. This two-in-one night cream is designed to gently infuse the skin with pure Retinol and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evens out skin texture and tone. It increases your skin's elasticity and firmness making it look and feel smooth and firm. A definite YAY for me but I only have one more deluxe samples left.

Kate Somerville Age Arrest Anti Wrinkle Cream - Retail Price $90 for 1.7 oz

Like most skin care products, you have to use them over a period of time to see results. I don't always get that opportunity because I have so many different products in my stash waiting patiently to get used. With that said, I have one more deluxe sample to use but I'm not running to Sephora to buy the full size.

According to information found on their official website, here are the clinical results I found:


After 4 weeks:

  • 90% of women showed highly significant improvement in skin firmness and elasticity
  • 93% of women showed highly significant improvement in skin discoloration and skin tone evenness
After 6 weeks:
  • 93% of women said their skin felt hydrated and moisturized
  • Crow’s feet and fine lines are significantly improved
Clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin. Clinical results based on an independent Clinical Study


Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Perfecting Face Primer - Retail Price $30 for 1.0 oz

This primer was also mentioned in my October Empties Blog Post and Sephora Haul Blog Post. It helps create a flawless canvas alone or under your foundation for a bright and fresh look that lasts all day. Vitamins A & C, Mulberry Extract and a powerful dose of Retinol virtually banish pores while tired skin is left hydrated, firmer, and detoxified.This is my HG face primer and I love it so much, I bought 2 more at the recent Sephora sale. A tremendous YAY for me!

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
Retail Price $63 for a box of 12 packs (each pack contains 2 eye masks)

I love these eye masks, they are so concentrated and practically show visible results instantly. If you are looking for an eye treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines, brightens your skin, minimizes the look of dark circle, plumps and hydrates the skin, then try these eye masks. Your skin will feel softer and look smoother and healthier. Of course it's a YAY for me. Here is the description:

Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion technology penetrates skin instantly to smooth away the look of wrinkles. The mask conforms to skin to seal in essence and refine texture for 24-hour hydration. It also features Benefiance’s powerful WrinkleResist technology to prevent new wrinkle formation and help treat existing wrinkles. This product addresses three types of eye area wrinkles: corner crinkling, under eye wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion Technology delivers ultra small particles of retinol in an essence, providing an easily-absorbed formula with a higher concentration of the active ingredient. Wrinkle-Retouching Sheet is thicker, more adherent, and more flexible. It stays in place on the skin while physically stretching wrinkles and smoothing them out. It holds 20 percent more essence than the previous version. Smoothness-holding polymers in the essence stay on the skin surface for hours after mask removal, maintaining skin’s smoothness. 

Origins Plantscription Anti Aging Power Serum - Retail Price $58 for 1 oz or $77 for 1.7 oz

I am a fan of anything that says "anti aging" and a serum that does not have a liquid-y formula. My one exception to that rule is the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum. I love how this serum melts into my skin and only takes a minute or so before drying so I can apply moisturizer. YAY I would continue using it.

Here is the description:
This power serum helps unlock a new path to visible wrinkle reduction. In just 2 weeks, this powerful age-fighting serum helps visibly improve lines and wrinkles. With continued use, it helps lift and firm to reveal a more youthful appearance. It’s clinically proven to help visibly reduce lines and wrinkles in just 2 weeks. Origins went around the world to power up our most potent anti-ager. It’s now formulated with a total of 20 targeted anti-aging plant extracts including Anogeissus from Ghana, Bamboo and Pea Extract from Australia, Crithmum from France and Commiphora from India to name a few. And we used them to create our newest anti-aging cocktail. Line-reducing cocktail helps rebuild a supportive network. Give skin resilient bounce to act like the box springs of a mattress. New plumping cocktails helps plump upper skin layers. Create a less wrinkled appearance at skin surface. Boost skin density to act like the pillow top of a mattress.

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash - Retail Price $22 for 5 oz

This is my HG cleanser that I use with my Clarisonic. Frothy and foaming -YES, smells fantastic - YES, makes my skin feel awesome - YES. As the name implies, it is great for both dry and oily skin. It does a great job of balancing the two while never cancelling each other out. A definite YAY for me and you will see it in my next haul post.

This cleanser balances faces with dry and oily places. This gentle, frothy face wash with Broad Leaf Kelp Extract, Wheat Protein and Tourmaline discourages excess oil production while protecting dry prone zones. Plus the aroma of Bergamot, Spearmint and Lavender refreshes. Skin feels comfortably clean. Never tight, pulled or parched. 

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay - Retail Price $30 for 3 oz

My skin really enjoys this mask. It is a peel off mask that is meant to stay on your face for 20 minutes but I leave it on for closer to 30 minutes. I can see an instant difference in my skin when I remove it. 
This mask treatment delivers immediately visible results akin to a professional treatment. In just 20 minutes the mask detoxifies and deeply purifies the complexion by drawing out skin impurities with a potent concentration of red clay. It regulates excess sebum, and eliminates clogged pores. In addition, mineral rich red clay reduces congestive pigmentation in problem areas where pimples previously formed and improves the skin’s texture. As the mask is peeled away, skin looks smoother, softer, and refreshed while pores appear visibly reduced. I would definitely buy the full size of this mask. YAY!

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask - Retail Price $92 for 3.3 oz

This is another product that I like but will not be buying the full size (I have plenty of samples to hold me over for awhile). When I applied this mask, I noticed it had a slight hint of a tea smell, so if you like tea no worries. I did not particularly like the smell but it wasn't unbearable. My skin felt quite hydrated after I rinsed it off so that was a plus. For me, this mask is good for when I'm short on time because it's easy to apply and removes quickly. Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask with advanced antioxidants is a hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin. The innovative formula’s velvety whipped texture has an immediate cooling effect to refresh the skin and the senses.

Here's some results from their site:


  • Proven to have a significant moisturizing effect for 6 hours
  • 94% reported softer skin
  • 84% noticed more supple skin
  • 81% felt it smoothed and improved skin texture

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti Aging Eye Cream - Retail Price $72 for .50 oz

A rich eye cream that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and can be applied all over the eye. A little goes a long way and it definitely hydrated my under eye area.

Key Benefits and Results according to the Algenist site:



  • Nourishes, smoothes and visibly reinforces skin resilience
  • Appearance of expression lines and wrinkles is reduced
  • Skin tone appears evened out for brighter-looking eyes
  • Skin texture is visibly improved
  • Under-eye sagging is visibly minimized
  • 90% said skin looked more supple in 10 days
  • 94% said it nourished their under eye area in 10 days
  • 87% said eye contours were visibly smoother in 10 days



  • Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb - Retail Price $38 for 1.68 oz

    Aqua Bomb is an ultra-lightweight, mineral oil-free gel-cream that instantly cools and refreshes skin while providing intensive hydration. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including antioxidant-rich lady's mantle, which helps neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, improves skin elasticity, and minimizes the appearances of pores. This refreshing cream is formulated to 'burst' when applied, releasing a flood of weightless moisture onto skin, and then absorb completely for a healthy, smooth, supple appearance. This is a great summer time moisturizer.

    Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb - Retail Price $38 for 1.68 oz

    The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a comforting moisture cream that provides the skin with intense, soothing hydration. Clinically tested to provide up to 26 hours of moisture, this uniquely indulgent formula leaves skin soft, supple, and deeply moisturized. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including comfrey leaf, a powerful hydrating agent. The cushiony cream format is designed to 'burst' when applied, releasing a flood of moisture onto skin, and then absorb completely without stickiness for a healthy, smooth, supple appearance. This is a great winter time moisturizer.

    Dermablend Professional Setting Powder - Retail Price $26 for 1.0 oz

    This loose powder was just ok for me. I received it in one of my subscription boxes so of course I was going to use. It set my foundation with no issues and I did not notice any transfer of product throughout the day.


    Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes - Retail price $11.99 for 150 count
    Included in this box are 4 - 30 count flip top recloseable lid packs and 2 - 15 count resealable travel packs. I absolutely love these makeup wipes from Costco. I use them every night to remove my makeup although I still pour a little makeup remover on them just to help remove my waterproof mascara with ease. I do not like tugging on my eyes and lashes if I don't have to.

    Pamper yourself with an effective and complete skin care solution that offers a deep clean and will not irritate your skin. This mild formula has cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe and will remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil leaving your skin glowing and refreshed, No need to rinse your face afterwards. A definite YAY for me. If you couldn't tell from my previous blog posts, I use these daily so they usually show up in my empties.

    Stacey <3




    Saturday, November 28, 2015

    Hip Hip Hooray....another Sephora Haul

    Hello Beauties <3

    It's time to share a few Sephora hauls from the last month or so. I always seem to take forever to take pictures and load to compete blog posts......but as I always say, better late than never!!

    This is the time of the year when Sephora has some sort of deal going on that is too good to pass up, hence the many duplicates. A girl always needs beauty backups.


    Here is a close up of this gorgeous lip set. Click below for full review and swatches  




    And a closeup of the Urban Decay Vice 4 palette



    Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip set
    Urban Decay Vice 4 palette
    Belif Winter Moisture Land set 
    Beautyblender Makeup's Best Friend set
    Beautyblender Solid cleanser x2
    Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Sand x2
    Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer x2
    Wen Deluxe Healthy Hair kit
    Bite Beauty Best Bite Rewind set
    Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
    Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony x2
    Sephora CC cream
    Sephora hair ties

    Promos


    and some samples



    Stacey <3

    Tuesday, November 24, 2015

    Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag Review - November 2015

    Hello Beauties <3

    If you subscribe to Ipsy, each month you will receive a cute Glam Bag filled with a mix of 5 full sized beauty products or deluxe samples all for just $10.

    This month's theme is Beauty Blast - The Stars Are Aligning. The Glam Bag has a blast of pinks, purples, reds and blues all over it. Twinkle, twinkle it's time to light up the sky.

    Here is a peek of the November Glam Bag, a universe of brilliant beauties:


    SLMiss Glam Boutique Blush Brush - Full Size $14.50
    Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara - 0.14 oz $7.50 value (full size 0.38 oz $20)
    Hey Honey Come Clean Propolis & Minerals Facial Scrub - 0.50 oz $6 value (full size 2.2 oz $23) 
    Demeter Fragrance Library Twilight Orchid Roll On Perfume Oil - 0.33 oz $7 value
    J Cat Beauty Skinny & Long Eye Pencil in Ash Silver - Full Size 0.08 oz $2.99

    Total value of this Glam Bag is approximately $38


    Stacey <3

    Sunday, November 22, 2015

    BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review - November 2015

    Hello Beauties <3

    BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and luxury size beauty items for $21 a month.

    Here is a peek of the November box of beauties........




    This month's theme is Beauty Par-Tea. All the products in this box are FULL SIZE!

    Luxie Rose Gold Concealer Eye Brush - Full Size $12
    Pur'Lisse Pur'Eye Adore Quadra Benefit Eye Serum -Full Size $65 for 0.50 oz
    Manna Kadar's Liplocked Priming Gloss Stain in All of Me - Full Size $24 for 0.18 oz
    Coolway Leave In Treatment - Full Size $14.95 for 2.0 oz
    StudioMakeup Soft Blend Blush in Wildflower - Full Size $17 for 0.17 oz

    Total value of this box is approximately $132.95

    Each month BoxyCharm continues to impress me with the products they include and especially the value that is always over $100.

    I love getting makeup tools and brushes in my subscription boxes, you know a girl can never have too many makeup brushes especially pretty pink ones.

    Speaking of pink, the Manna Kadar's Liplocked Priming Gloss Stain in All of Me is described as a nude rose pink. Personally, I don't think its "nude" but rather a gorgeous light mauve/rosey pink color. After a few minutes of application, it dries to a nice matte stain and lasts many hours.

    As far as value in this box, the Pur'Lisse Pur'Eye Adore Quadra Benefit Eye Serum wins hands down!

    From their site:

    Active ingredients like soy protein and French marine plants bring 4X the power against aging in this intensive eye serum. Our breakthrough Peptide Eye Complex and exclusive peptide complex, Lotus Lupine 5, have been clinically proven to work together against wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness, while hydrating and lifting the delicate eye area.
    Apply day/night after cleansing. Using your ring finger, lightly tap on small amount of serum, to reduce tugging on delicate eye tissue.


    Until next month.............


    Stacey <3

    Sunday, November 15, 2015

    GlossyBox Subscription Box Review - November 2015

    Hello Beauties <3

    GlossyBox is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and deluxe size beauty items for $21 a month.

    Here is a peek at the November box of beauties........








    Flora-Py Flora Therapy Facial Sheet Mask - Full Size $8.00 for 0.80 oz (1 mask)
    Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Ultra Moisturizing Hand Therapy - 0.09 oz  $9 value
        Full Sizes available are 3.5 oz and 8.8 oz and retails for $22 and $32 respectively
    Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Creme - 0.17 oz  $8.50 value
        Full Size 1.0 oz and retails for $50
    Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in You're Toast - Full Size 0.04 oz for $22.50
    Beauty For Real D-Fine Perfect Lip Pencil Universal Shade - Full Size 0.12 oz for $14

    Total value for this box is approximately $62


    Stacey <3

    Friday, November 6, 2015

    October Empties - Yay or Nay

    Hello Beauties <3

    Another month is behind us and that means more beauty products have been used and it's time to talk about the yays and nays of my October empties.

    You may see a pattern this month with my empties and the common denominator is none other than.....my eyes. I go crazy for eye creams and I used up quite a few different ones this month.



    Dr. Brandt Do Not Age Triple Peptide Eye Cream - Retail Price $80 for 0.50 oz

    This ultra-rich formula glides on to rejuvenate, illuminate, and reverse signs of time. The cream helps restore and replenish moisture while reducing puffiness and fading dark circles. The formula diminishes the appearance of lines and wrinkles as it recharges tired eyes and creates a more rested look. This eye cream is a definite YAY for me (if you didn't notice, I went through 2 deluxe size)

    Dr. Brandt Needles No More Instant Wrinkle Relaxing Cream - Retail Price $89 for 0.50 oz

    This "gem" targets lines & wrinkles on the forehead, between brows and crow's feet. A powerful tri-blend of wrinkle relaxers provide a targeted delivery of the wrinkle relaxing ingredients to where they are most needed. Instantly relaxing and smoothing expression lines, while helping to soften and reduce the appearance of lines & wrinkles and defend against future expression lines. Another definite YAY for me. I already purchased the full size bottle.

    SK-II Essential Power Eye Cream - Retail Price $125 for 0.50 oz

    A soft and light cream that is easily absorbed by your skin. It provides radical firmness on three crucial points around the eyes: the eyelids, the under eye area and the eye corners. This groundbreaking formula enhances the appearance of firmness and resilience in the skin around the eyes, which leads to an improvement in the appearance of multiple aging concerns. Although this product is a YAY for me, I'm still on the fence if I'd purchase it based solely on the price.

    Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Eye Concentrate - Retail Price $85 for 0.50 oz

    A cooling formula that diminishes and prevents signs of aging while moisturizing and visibly firming the eye area. This formula also works to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness and illuminates and revives tired eyes. I didn't really notice any difference while using this eye cream so I couldn't justify buying the full size. However, since I didn't have any negative effects, I'll continue to use the remaining samples I have....and I must tell you I have at least 12 more.

    Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Eye Cream - Retail Price $51 for 0.50 oz

    A lightweight, whipped eye cream that works to hydrate, brighten, and retexturize the delicate eye area. Renewed Hope in a Jar Eye is specially formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes and the multiple concerns affecting it. It features the clinically-proven, non-stop skin renewal technology that continuously hydrates, brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, and smooths the look of fine lines. Asian fruit extract energizes tired-looking eye, algae extracts brighten dark circles and reduce puffiness, and a yeast complex retexturizes skin to smooth the look of fine lines. This was another product where I didn't see any noticeable differences to the area under my eyes but I will continue to use the last 3 deluxe samples I have.

    Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster - This is available in 3 different sizes 
    Retail Price $48. $72, and $128 for 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz and 3.4 oz respectively 

    Let me just say I adore this serum and have tons of it, so I'm set for awhile. It's funny because I'm not a huge fan of "liquidy" serums (I prefer more of a creamy formula) but this one stole my heart...or should I say my skin. Like a daily vitamin for your face, this high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles and prevents further damage. Loaded with antioxidants to fight off environmental aggressors and moisture-binding ingredients to keep your skin nourished and protected, this aromatic serum is absorbed instantly and penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin to provide long term results. Sensitive skin prone to irritation will benefit immensely from the calming properties of this oil-free serum. Obviously this is a huge YAY for me.

    Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2 in 1 Retinol Night Cream - Retail Price $85 for 1.0 oz

    I always look forward to trying products that say "retinol" or "anti-aging" so I was excited to receive this night cream. This two-in-one night cream is designed to gently infuse the skin with pure Retinol and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evens out skin texture and tone. It increases your skin's elasticity and firmness making it look and feel smooth and firm. A definite YAY for me and I still have 2 more deluxe samples left.

    Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Perfecting Face Primer - Retail Price $30 for 1.0 oz

    This makeup primer helps create a flawless canvas alone or under your foundation for a bright and fresh look that lasts all day. Vitamins A & C, Mulberry Extract and a powerful dose of Retinol virtually banish pores while tired skin is left hydrated, firmer, and detoxified.This is my HG face primer and as you can see in my picture, I had to cut the bottom so I can use every last ounce of product! A tremendous YAY for me!

    Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Light Beige - Retail Price $39 for 1.0 oz

    Born This Way is a full coverage oil-free foundation that masterfully diffuses the line between makeup and skin. For coverage so undetectable, you can’t see the makeup or the imperfections—just a natural-looking, luminous, flawless complexion. The revolutionary formula is infused with a potent combination of coconut water to naturally replenish moisture levels; nature’s resilient alpine rose to brighten the skin’s appearance and promote elasticity and hyaluronic acid for a smoother, more youthful appearance. 

    I'm starting to really like this foundation more and more but this shade was a little too light for me. It's still in my top 3 along with Estee Lauder Double Wear and Make Up For Ever Ultra HD. So, it's no surprise this is a YAY for me.

    Ole Henriksen Sugar Glow Face Scrub - Retail price $38 for 3.5 oz

    Let me start of by saying this is a definite YAY for me. I love, love, LOVE this face scrub. (yes I have backups, 3 to be exact) It is recommended that you use Sugar Glow about 3 times a week but I sometimes use it more. I do not have sensitive skin so I can enjoy what it does to my skin more often, Oh and I must tell you, it smells so good!

    From their site:
    This invigorating scrub deep cleanses, smoothes and refines the skin as it polishes away impurities. Packed with the antioxidant power of african red tea, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin and honey, this sweet scrub awakens skin to a smoother and brighter skin tone.
    Benefits:
    African red tea Strengthens the skin’s outer layer, slows the aging process and soothes the skin
    Raw, organic sugar Gently exfoliates and moisturizes dry lackluster skin
    Honey Natural humectant; antimicrobial
    Pomegranate seeds Exfoliates dead skin; high in polyphenols
    Pumpkin extract Brightens, exfoliates and refines
    Rose hips Soothes and tones with vitamins A and C
    Tangerine, Grapefruit, Orange Purifies and brightens; astringent and antiseptic


    Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes - Retail price $11.99 for 150 count
    Included in this box are 4 - 30 count flip top recloseable lid packs and 2 - 15 count resealable travel packs. I absolutely love these makeup wipes from Costco. I use them every night to remove my makeup although I still pour a little makeup remover on them just to help remove my waterproof mascara with ease. I do not like tugging on my eyes and lashes if I don't have to.

    Pamper yourself with an effective and complete skin care solution that offers a deep clean and will not irritate your skin. This mild formula has cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe and will remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil leaving your skin glowing and refreshed, No need to rinse your face afterwards. A definite YAY for me. If you couldn't tell from my previous blog posts, I use these daily so they usually show up in my empties.

    Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover - Retail price $19 for 4.2 oz

    This makeup remover is great for lids, lashes and lips (think of those hard to remove lipsticks).  It dissolves and "lifts away" long-wearing makeup, even waterproof mascara. A perfect everyday go-to makeup remover gentle enough to remove the toughest of makeup without the harsh tugging of your skin. I do not wear contacts, but for those beauties that do, rest assured, this makeup remover has been tested and is safe to use according to Clinique. To me, this was just ok. It got the job done but I wasn't like OMG. I still love my Sephora makeup remover!


    Stacey <3





    Sunday, November 1, 2015

    Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip Review + Swatches

    Hello Beauties <3

    Look at this gorgeous lip set that I am so excited to play with!!!!




    I always (well almost always, I'd say about 99 % of the time)  buy the Sephora Favorites sets. If you are like me, then you love a great deal and adorable mini lip products, something I can not pass up.

    This year Sephora released their Give Me More Lip set that includes lipsticks, lip glosses and lip creams valued at whopping $197 but.............. retails for $59. You get a total of 15 products - 4 full size and 11 deluxe size in a range of colors from mauves and berries to nudes and reds.

    Granted every color may not work for you but you can always gift the ones you won't wear or mix and match them with other lip colors to create your very own unique lipstick.


    This set contains: 

    - 0.22 oz Ciate London Liquid Velvet Matte Lipstick in Risque - tomato red (full size) $19 
    - 0.12 oz Nars Lipstick in Scarlet Empress - semi matte blue red (full size) $27
    - 0.1 oz Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Magenta Matte (full size) $20
    - 0.09 oz Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak - coral pink (full size) $22
    - 0.03 oz Bite Matte Creme in Cognoc - dark brown (deluxe size) 
    - 0.04 oz Kat Von D Studded Kiss in Homegirl (deluxe size) 
    - 0.07 oz Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment (deluxe size) 
    - 0.16 oz Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Peony (deluxe size) 
    - 0.10 oz Lancôme Lip Lover in 355 Framboise Etoile (deluxe size) 
    - 0.07 oz Buxom Lip Cream in Berry Blast (deluxe size) 
    - 0.04 oz Clinique Chubby Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Strawberry (deluxe size) 
    - 0.07 oz Buxom Lip Polish in Sophia (deluxe size) 
    - 0.07 oz Laura Mercier Creme Smooth in Milkyway (deluxe size) 
    - 0.05 oz Tarte Energy Gloss in Clear (deluxe size) 
    - 0.03 oz Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Le Rouge in No 1 (deluxe size)


    These are 2 of my favorite Fall colors from this set, Although pretty similar in color, the Bite is more of a brown and the Nars is more of a deep burgundy. 




    Here are the swatches of all the beauties from this set.


    Stacey <3





    Sunday, October 25, 2015

    Let's Talk Mario Badescu Skin Care

    Hello Beauties <3

    I need to give a BIG shout out to Mario Badescu Skin Care! Ever want to try a product before handing over your hard earned cash? Come on ladies, I know I am not alone on this one.

    :::Raises hand proudly:::

    I most definitely love the generosity of companies and beauty stores that allow you to experiment with their line to make sure it's a perfect fit before you purchase the full size product. I can't begin to tell you how many products I bought as a result of trying a sample of it (probably more than I'd like to admit)

    I was browsing the Internet one night and came across Mario Badescu's website so being the curious beauty addict I am, I decided to look at what he had to offer. The first thing I noticed was you were able to shop by skin type which can be a handy tool for some people who are not really sure what products to use.

    For me, I know my skin is normal but has a tendency to be a wee bit dry at times. To test my knowledge, I decided to take the skin analysis test to see what product recommendations I'd get.

    Fast forward about 4 days and I get a package in the mail. I open it immediately and was pleasantly surprised to see a collection of deluxe and foil samples to try.


    • Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub
    • Aloe Lotion
    • Buttermilk Moisturizer
    • Dermonectin Eye Cream
    • Orange Cleansing Soap
    • Orange Tonic Mask
    • Seaweed Night Cream
    • Botanical Exfoliating Scrub



    My thoughts:

    Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub - This smells so good however I was expecting more of a "scrub" consistency - you know - those wonderful little particles working their magic on your face

    Seaweed Night Cream - You only need to apply a small amount of this cream or else it will leave your skin feeling somewhat greasy

    Dermonectin Eye Cream - This eye cream really hydrated under my eyes and it's a pretty light blue color 

    Aloe Lotion - At first the name threw me off because I thought it was.....well....lotion. It is actually a soothing toner that has aloe to refresh and rejuvenate your skin

    Although I liked these products very much, I feel my skin would have benefited more from their anti aging line so I think I will try that next.


    Stacey <3






    Tuesday, October 20, 2015

    BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review - October 2015

    Hello Beauties <3

    BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and luxury size beauty items for $21 a month.

    Here is a peek at the October box of beauties........


    This month's theme is Faces of the Moon - Let your light illuminate the darkness!

    Every product in this box is Full Size and here's what was included:

    Palmetto Derma Rejuvenating Antioxidant Mask - 1.75 oz  $64
    Doucce Punk Volumizer Mascara - 0.45 oz  $24
    Bellapierre Cheek and Lip Stain in Coral - 0.17 oz  $19.99
    Lord & Berry Line/Shade Eyeliner/Shadow Pencil in Dark Black - 0.03 oz  $18
    Cult Cosmetics Nail Polish in Boneyards - 0.50 oz  $12

    Approximate value of this box is $137.99

    I tried the mask last night and I must say it smelled pretty good and had a slight tingling feel to it. It applied easily and I left it on for 30 minutes. After washing it off with warm water, I continued with my normal nightly skin care routine.

    Here's a description:

    The soft clay of the mask gently purifies skin, by absorbing impurities and cleaning pores and skin. The advanced antioxidants defend against free radicals and reverse daily skin damage.  This mask is 
    whipped-up to velvety perfection for luxurious and easy application.  The cooling effect refreshes and soothes the skin as the mask works its magic, leaving skin bright and smooth!

    Today I tried the mascara and my first impression was "ehh". I did not like the applicator, it was a big and heavy making it a little difficult to apply mascara to my lower lashes with ease. 

    It is described as defining lashes one by one making them thicker and adding spectacular volume. The short and long bristles help separate and lengthen lashes effortlessly. The intense volumization gives you instantly thicker and fuller lashes.

    Until next month..............



    Stacey <3

    Sunday, October 18, 2015

    GlossyBox Subscription Box Review - October 2015

    Hello Beauties <3

    GlossyBox is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and deluxe size beauty items for $21 a month.

    Here is a peek at the October box of beauties........


    I am loving this Paris theme. The box is gorgeous and will go so well with my new makeup room decor. I normally keep all my subscription boxes but this one will not go in the closet.






    La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol Cream - 0.16 oz  $9.50 value - Full Size 1.0 oz  $57
    Sabe Masson Le Soft Perfume - 0.17 oz  $25  Full Size
    Nuxe Gentle Exfoliating Gel with Rose Petals - 2.6 oz  $24  Full Size
    Lollipops Make Up Paris Nail Lacquer in Voyage A Paris - 0.40 oz  $10  Full Size
    De Bruyere Paris Red Lipgloss - 017 oz  $17.50  Full Size

    Approximate value of this box is $86


    Stacey <3



    Saturday, October 17, 2015

    Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag Review - October 2015

    Hello Beauties <3

    If you subscribe to Ipsy, each month you will receive a cute Glam Bag filled with a mix of 5 full sized beauty products or deluxe samples all for just $10.

    This month's theme is Alter Ego. The Glam Bag is gold on one side and black on the other.

    Here is a peek of the October Glam Bag:


    Swatches of theBalm liquid lipstick and Mica Beauty cream shadow


    Me wearing theBalm liquid lipstick



    Royal & Langnickel Moda Medium Eyeshadow Shader Brush - $3.99
    theBalm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Committed (pinky nude)                  0.04 oz  $3.40 value  -  Full Size 0.25 oz  $17
    Mica Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze - 0.14 oz  $14.95 Full Size - Ipsy Exclusive
    Balanced Guru Scrub Me Body Scrub - 1.0 oz  $2.87 value  Full Size 8.0 oz  $22.99
    Nourish Organic Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum 0.50 oz $17 value  Full Size 0.70 oz $23.99

    Approximate value of this month's Glam Bag is $42.21


    Stacey <3

    Monday, October 12, 2015

    MOTD - Makeup of the Day 10/11/2015

    Hello Beauties <3

    This is the last makeup look of the weekend.





    Products used:

    Face:
    Too Faced Primed & Poreless Face Primer
    Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
    Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit - Banana (to set under my eyes)
    Dermablend Setting Powder
    Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit - Java & Havana (to contour)
    Kat Von D Blush in Love Story

    Eyes:
    NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
    Kat Von D Fever Ray Trio Palette
    Too Faced Perfect Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (tightline)
    Nars Audacious Mascara

    Lips:
    Stila Lip Glaze in Dianthus


    Stacey <3