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

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

GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment Review

Hello Beauties <3

It's time to relax in paradise and treat yourself to an at home spa treatment. Who doesn't love spoiling their face and skin every couple of days....well maybe there are a few but I'm certainly not one of them.



For tonight's (Saturday night) Hollywood treat, I pulled out my GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment. This mask delivers instant hydration to dry, dehydrated and thirsty skin. It moisturizes, restores, replenishes and calms the skin.

What I like about this mask is it can be left on your face overnight just like a sleeping facial, Ever have those lazy nights where you don't want to wait 20 minutes then wash the mask off, followed up with your nightly skin care routine which for me consists of toner, serum, eye cream and moisturizer (yes I have those nights often). ThirstyMud, to me,  is a one step all inclusive treatment that saves me so much time during my nightly skin care routine while delivering amazing results.

If you don't want to keep it on overnight, you can apply an even layer of product to your face and neck for 10 to 20 minutes then rinse with water.

Oh by the way....did I mention this mask smells divine,,,a delicious coconut scent that instantly draws me to white sand beaches and pina coladas. Count me in at least twice a week!

It retails for $69 (1.7 oz) but if you don't want to spend that much money, you can try the 0.50 oz for $19. Or better yet get a sample at Sephora. I bet you will love it as much as I do.

Stacey <3

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review - September 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 September box of beauties........

Tarte Skinny SmolderEyes Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Emerald - Full Size 0.04 oz  $19

  (unfortunately mine arrived damaged in the box)

Previse Skincare HydroMilk Hydrating Lotion - Full Size 2.0 oz  $48

Vasanti Professional Foundation Brush - Full Size  $32

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel - Full Size 0.17 oz  $18

Scratch Nail Wraps - Fill Size  $12

Bonus Item:

Kardashian Beauty Black Seed Dry Oil - 0.50 oz  $2.75 value

  Full Size 3.0 oz  $16.49 

Approximate value of this box  $131.75

Stacey <3

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist + beautyblender = The Perfect Couple

Hello Beauties <3

We all love our beauty products and I bet we love them even more when they are multi-functional and serve many different purposes. Who wouldn't want more bang for their hard earned buck!

Pair these two products together and you have a match made in heaven!

Here is the secret beauty tip I discovered between this couple...........

Let's start off with my foundation routine. I apply my MUFE Ultra HD foundation with a Sigma F80 flat kabuki brush and then blend it out with a beautyblender. I do love the finished flawless look, however I do not like having to get up and go to the bathroom to wet the beautyblender. I know what you may be thinking, it's not a big deal, but once I'm sitting at my vanity I like to stay put. (I hope some of you understand the feeling)

Rewind a month.....I attended a Rouge event at Sephora and one of the brand reps I talked to was from Jurlique. The truth is, she came up to me with a free sample of a night cream and introduced herself so I was immediately reeled in -  hook, line and sinker! Free stuff, yes please!

She was giving away a free 3 piece deluxe sized set that included a day cream, face oil and a mask with any Jurlique purchase. Although I love free stuff I try and make sure the products I'm buying makes for a practical purchase. Doesn't always work out that way but one of the products that intrigued me was the Rosewater Balancing Mist because I love the smell of fresh roses. Its not overpowering by any means but you definitely get a quick whiff of roses.

Fast forward to today.....remember earlier when I mentioned about the benefits of having a product that is multi-functional, Not only does this product tone, hydrate and restore your skin, it can also be used with a beautyblender instead of plain boring tap water.

This revelation was gold to me....I no longer have to get up to wet my beautyblender and my skin is reaping the benefits of blending my foundation with rose water instead of tap water. Just give your beautybender a few spritzes and blend away. I also use this Rosewater Balancing Mist after cleansing my face and before my skin care routine for added hydration. Talk about serving multiple purposes...I'm a believer for sure!


Stacey <3

August Empties - Yay or Nay

Hello Beauties <3

It's hard to believe September is here but that means it's time to talk about the yays and nays of my August empties. Although summer is coming to an end, it's exciting to know Pumpkin season is around the corner. I love me some pumpkin coffee, pumpkin spice creamer, pumpkin pancakes.......everything pumpkin!!

Ok back to the topic at hand. Here are my empties....

Besame Cosmetics Translucent Brightening Violet Powder -  0.21 oz  $22

From their site:  A translucent violet powder that brightens any skin tone. The finely milled formula sets makeup beautifully, leaving a soft, matte finish and a subtle violet fragrance. Wear it alone, over foundation, or around eyes to instantly lighten dark circles.

This finishing powder brightens your face without the shimmer and leaves your skin with a porcelain matte finish. It does not settle into fine lines and no cakey finish (I love cake but I'm glad there's no cake here). I do not have oily skin so I can't say that it diminishes shine but many reviews confirm it controls the oil for hours.

The verdict: Yay! I already re-purchased 2 more of these but will not use them until I finish a few more deluxe sized powders I have from other brands.

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder -  0.30 oz  $34

Apply this luxe translucent finishing powder over foundation to set your makeup for an all day fresh look. It evens out your complexion and gives your skin a glowing, radiant look. It also blurs out any imperfections, large pores or fine lines.

The verdict: Yay - I do like the powder but have not re-purchased it yet only because I have a handful of other powders I need to finish up first. I have it in my Loves List for the future.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation -  1.01 oz  $43

I wear this foundation in Y375 Golden Sand. It is lightweight and delivers a medium coverage that is quite buildable. In the winter I wear Estee Lauder Double Wear but I find it to be too heavy for the summer months. This was the perfect addition to my collection and I have quite a bit of deluxe samples to last me awhile. Paired with a setting powder and a few spritzes of setting spray, I get a flawless look all day.

The verdict: Yay! I love this foundation and wear it everyday. Once all my deluxe samples run out, I will re-purchase the full size,

Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel -  1.0 oz  $42

An overnight eye gel that lifts, firms and de-puffs your eyes while you sleep. Pop this bad boy in the fridge for a sweet treat on your eyes. Seriously, who wouldn't want to open the fridge and grad a calorie free treat. The end result is a soothing cooling effect. Apply it under your eyes, over your eye lids or under your brow bone. 

The verdict: Yay. I will continue to use this eye gel and give my tired eyes a delightful pick me up treat.

Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover -  6.76 oz  $14

I have tried may different makeup removers and although most get the job done, this one removes my waterproof mascara the quickest and the easiest with very little tugging of my lashes. It does not sting or irritate my eyes at all. Give it a few shakes, pour a little onto a makeup wipe and you're good to go..... bye bye makeup. Oh and of course the price is a major plus.

The verdict: Yay! I already re-purchased 2 more.

Philosophy Just Release Me Dual-Phase Oil-Free Makeup Remover -  6.0 oz  $19

As the name suggests, this is a gentle oil free makeup remover. Once applied to your eyes, it breaks down your eye makeup and wipes away pretty easily. Make sure you shake it well. It contains aloe, cucumber extracts and chamomile perfect ingredients to soothe, calm and refresh your eye area.

The verdict: Yay. It's a good makeup remover but I have no plans on re-purchasing this in the near future but if it came in a set or GWP, I would still use it.

Lancome BiFacil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover -  6.7 oz  $39

I received this in a GWP promo and although it got the job done, I found I had to use more product to remove my waterproof mascara. It conditions and refreshes your skin without leaving an oily or greasy residue. 

The verdict: Semi Yay. 

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave In Conditioning Spray -  5.1 oz  $20

First let me say this product smells so good! Now, if you put your hair through the ringer like I do, then you may want to try this. Apply this lightweight leave in conditioner to damp hair and it will act as a barrier against the heat your hair is about to endure. The ingredients include rosehip, argan and coconut oils that serve multiple benefits like nourishing, hydrating, softening, strengthening and allowing for more manageability. The milky formula does not weigh your hair down and has reduced my awful case of frizz when air dried. 

The verdict: Yay! I already re-purchased.

Sephora Collection Age Defy Night Moisture Cream -  1.69 oz  $30

From their site - This anti aging cream works overnight to support natural cell growth and collagen synthesis, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and keep the skin looking radiant.

Research results:
In a study under dermatological control carried out among 30 volunteers for 28 days, applied once at night, accompanied by a measurement of anti-wrinkle effect and self-evaluation questionnaire: 
- 70% of volunteers observed fewer number of regular wrinkles 
- 64% of volunteers observed fewer number of deep wrinkles 
- 73% of volunteers observed decreased area of wrinkles overall 
Moisturizing effect measured among 10 volunteers: 
- After 2 hours: +17% (observed effect by 100% of volunteers) 
- After 4 hours: +27% (observed effect by 81% of volunteers)

The verdict: Semi Yay. I actually have a couple of these left in my collection so I may still reach for this on a rare occasion. Since good moisturizers could cost you a pretty penny, this night cream is a good option for those looking for an alternative within their budget.

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask -  5.0 oz  $58

This Irish moor mud mask draws out dirt, oil, toxins and impurities leaving your skin hydrated and full of moisture. It minimizes the look of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, leaving skin looking pure, fresh and radiant. I do not have sensitive skin, so I did not experience any irritation, stinging or redness. 

The verdict: Yay. I have this in a deluxe size that I will continue to use. Before I re-purchase a mask, I have a ton in my collection I still have to go through.

Overall I was pretty satisfied with all the products I used and finished in August. I have normal sometimes dry skin so most products work well for me. Rarely will I find something that has irritated or had a negative effect on my skin. That means you will hardly ever see a Nay from me.


Stacey <3

Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag Review - August 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.

Here is a peek of the August Glam Bag

City Color Cosmetics HD Loose Powder - 0.14 oz $3.50 (Full size 0.25 oz  retails for $5.99)

Hikari Cosmetics Lip Gloss in Merlot - Full size  0.16 oz $13

Doucce Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Black - Full size  0.03 oz $22

Swissco Soft Touch Slant Tweezers - $8

Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Oil Treatment - 0.7 oz $3 (Full size 1.69 oz $7.29)

Approximate value of this bag $49.50

I redeemed some of my Ipsy points for the Balm Nude Dude mini eyeshadow in Flirty.

The Ofra lipliner in Wine and Jesse's Girl eyeshadow primer were sent in my bag instead of the City Color HD powder and Swissco tweezers. I thought it was very nice of Ipsy customer service to send me the two missing items.

Stacey <3

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review - August 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 August box of beauties........

If you subscribe to BoxyCharm you will know the box has changed this month and is all black with white lettering. I did like the previous design of a white box with pink lettering but I guess it was time for a change. 

Total value of this box is $136.95 (Coastal Scents palette is on sale for $19.95 so the box could also be valued at $116.95) Either way it's still a great deal.

Now for an up close and personal look at the goodies. First up is the Coastal Scents Revealed 3 palette. It features 20 all new eyeshadow colors in matte and shimmer finishes. BoxyCharm did include Revealed and Revealed 2 palettes in previous boxes.

Swatches of some of my favorite colors in the palette

Next up is the Mica Beauty Black Gel Eyeliner. It is a smudge proof liner that dries quickly and lasts longer than regular eyeliners. (Retails for $35 - 0.14 oz)  It is accompanied with a Seta Eyeliner brush that is perfect for achieving a flawless line. (Retails for $16)

The Mica gel liner is creamy and goes on smoothly however I am not sure what they mean by "quick drying" I swatched it on my hand and 15 minutes later it was still not dry.

Nios Shield Leave-In Conditioner (Retails for $26 - 4 oz). It has Moroccan Argan Oil to tame frizz while adding a healthy shine. The SPF 15 protects your scalp from the sun as well as your hair color. It can be applied to wet or dry hair.

And lastly we have the So Susan Statement Skin highlighting crayon in Candlelight. (Retails for $20 - 0.06 oz) It has a unique chiseled head that allows you cover large areas of your face or target smaller ones for a more precise application. Adds the perfect glow to your complexion.

Here is a swatch of the highlighter

Well beauties, that's all I have for you today.

Stacey <3