BoxyCharm Subscription Box - June 2016

Hello Beauties <3

BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and luxury size beauty items for $21 a month. This month's theme is Girls Just Wanna Have Sun - Salt in the Air and Sand in our Hair.

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

Ofra Oil Control Pressed Powder - $39.95 for 0.35 oz

LVX Nail Lacquer in Serene - $18 for 0.50 oz Whimsical Sky Blue

Girlactik Precise Eyeliner Marker in Black Noir - $20 for 0.041 oz

Cougar Beauty Mineral Face & Body Shimmer in Diamond Kiss - $16 for 0.14 oz

Farmacy Coconut Gel Mask Brightening Purple Broccoli - $24 for 3 pack

Approximate value of this box is $118


Stacey <3

May Empties

Hello Beauties <3

Here are my mini May empties - not too many but at least I used up a few more products.

Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner - Retail price $49 for 4 oz

I really enjoyed this toner. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I prefer a thicker toner so this one was perfect. It was not drying at all and in fact it hydrated my skin to the point where moisturizer was not even necessary before applying my makeup. During my nighttime skin routine, I still use a good night cream just because I like more hydration overnight. According to the description on Fresh' s website, this toner provides 24 hours of moisture and offers significant protection from environmental stressors while evening skin tone and refining skin texture. The radiance-boosting formula also softens the skin which allows ingredients to penetrate more deeply, enhancing the efficacy of your complete skincare ritual.

Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water - Retail Price $32 for 8.4 oz

A pure and natural all-in-one cleansing water that removes makeup and impurities while toning and brightening skin. Dermaclear Micro Water is made with 85 percent active hydrogen mineral water instead of refined water and is formulated with 90 percent natural ingredients. This unique formula allows it to remove all impurities, makeup, and even mascara without irritation while it provides nutrients and superior moisturizing. Suitable for hypersensitive skins, the Derma Toning Complex leaves a fresh, clean feeling while toning and brightening.

Sephora Collection Triple Action Cleansing Water - Retail price $6 for 1.69 oz, $12 for 6.76, $20 for 13.5 oz

I bought this on a whim, probably as a "filler" on a Sephora order. I felt this was an okay cleansing water, it did remove any left over product left on my face after using a makeup wipe. This no rinse micellar product cleanses the face and eyes effectively in one simple step. Its soap-free formula features cleansing spheres that effectively capture and eliminate impurities and makeup. One of the ingredients, HydroSenn+ is said to be a proven factor in providing long lasting hydration, however I did not feel this was moisturizing at all.

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

This is still my everyday go to foundation. I apply it with a Sigma F80 brush and sometimes I blend it out with a moistened beautyblender. An oil-free foundation for natural-looking, full coverage and a beautiful, radiant finish. Born This Way 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. 

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. 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. 

Mirabella Face Primer - Retail price $29 for 0.45 oz

I received this primer in one of my beauty subscription boxes so I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, it was a decent primer. It is a silicone clear primer that evens out your skin's texture and acts as a pore filler creating a nice canvas for foundation. I probably would not purchase this since there are so many other good primers in that price range.

Nude ProGenius Omega Treatment Milk - Retail price $58 for 1.0 oz

This sample lasted 3 uses for me. Some serums have more of a liquidy consistency but this is a cream serum and I actually prefer this type. A skin-quenching serum packed with omega-rich super foods that promotes smooth, luminous, healthy-looking skin. This lightweight, fast absorbing but intense serum delivers instant hydration and nourishment to thirsty skin and can be used both day and night

Results from their website:

Immediately after use:

• 100% said it quickly absorbs into skin*
• 90.3% said skin feels revitalized*
• 90.3% said skin feels instantly hydrated*
• 83.9% said it helps even skin tone*

After 2 weeks of use:

• 100% said skin feels smoother*
• 83.9% said skin feels hydrated throughout the day*
• 83.9% said skin appears rejuvenated after use*
• 80.6% said skin feels more youthful*

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey on 31 subjects.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Serum - Retail Price $128.50 for 1.0 oz

 A highly concentrated serum that contains 30% hyaluronic acid to enable skin to attract and retain maximum moisture. It maximizes skin's moisture capacity while dual-action peptides stimulate natural collagen production and antioxidants to help protect skin from damaging free radicals. This serum is especially for those with dryness or dullness and who want an immediate improvement in the appearance of fine lines with cumulative improvements over time.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Advanced Repair Retinol Eye Cream - Retail Price $125.50 - 0.50 oz

A potent anti-aging treatment containing the highest non-prescription concentration of retinol, which works in synergy with the powerful antioxidant resveratrol and moisture-binding hyaluronic acid. It helps repair damage while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles in addition to firming loose skin, smoothing texture and restoring radiance.

Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream - Retail Price $22 for 1.0 oz

This lightweight hydrating oil free night cream plumps, firms and nourishes all skin types. Elastin, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid combine with the vitamins and minerals found in Bladderwrack Extract to nourish dehydrated skin. The result is smooth, dewy, younger-looking skin overnight.

Mario Badescu Dermonectin Eye Cream - Retail Price $18 for 0.50 oz

This eye cream is formulated with antioxidant oils including Vitamin A and E along with a special blend of Vegetable, Peanut, and Coconut Oils. Super concentrated and richly moisturizing for overnight use. It provides intense moisture for very dry skin while diminishing crows feet and lines.

Stacey <3

Sephora Hauls and Promos - June 2016

Hello Beauties <3

Not too may hauls over the last month, but I couldn't resist the awesome promo Sephora had recently (HOTVIB) where you were able to choose 3 deluxe items. Plus a bunch of products on sale!

Purchases:

Sephora Favorites Summer Hair Saviors - $36 ($100 value)

This set contains:

- 1.35 oz Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt 
- 1 oz dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse 
- 1 oz Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk 
- 1 oz Reverie Anti-Frizz Replenishing Leave In Milk 
- 1 oz Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask 
- 0.5 oz Drybar Bay Breeze Hydrating Shot 
- 0.5 oz Madam CJ Walker Scent & Shine Coconut Oil 
- 0.17 oz Marula Light Hair Treatment & Styling Oil 
- 1 oz Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer 
- 0.5 oz Bumble And Bumble Don't Blow It 
- 0.5 oz IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel 
- 2.4 oz VERB Sea Spray 
- 1.8 oz Living Proof No-Frizz Humidity Shield

Tarte Energy Noir Clay Palette - Sale price $26  Regular price $38

This palette contains:
- 6 x 0.035 oz Amazonian clay eye shadow in Full Moon (matte beige), Charged Up (silvery taupe), Dark Drive (matte dark chocolate), Stone Unturned (matte taupe), Up Too Slate (smoky plum), Misty Mauve (matte mauve)
- 2 x 0.045 oz Amazonian clay eye shadow in Power Plum (matte dark plum), Lunar Eclipse (matte black) 
- 0.045 oz Amazonian clay highlighter in Crystal Spark (champagne)
- 1.91 oz Amazonian clay 12-Hour blush in Unearthed (pinky nude)
- Step-by-step Guide 

Peter Thomas Roth Lips To Die For Pink Bombshell Lip Balm - Sale price $10 Regular price $20 0.40 oz

Urban Decay + Gwen Stefani Lipstick in Firebird - Sale Price $12 Regular Price $18
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Manic - Sale Price $11 Reguar Price $
Tarte FANatic Bamboo Fanned Blush Brush - Sale Price $16 Regular Price $29
Tarte Double Ended Foundcealer Brush - Sale Price $18 Regular Price $38
Anastasia Beverly Hills Empty 4 Well Refillable Eye Palette - $1
Sephora Collection Colorful Shadow in Cherry On Top - Sale Price $5 Regular Price $12
Sephora Collection Perfect Condition Brush Conditioner - Sale Price $5 Regular Price $8
Sephora Collection Skin Perfect CC Cream - Sale Price $11 Regular Price $22

Promos:

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Dr Jart+ UV Sun Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Boscia White Charcoal Mattifying Makeup Setting Spray

Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist & Setting Spray

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream

Benefit Cosmetics 3 piece Hoola set

Samples:

Stacey <3

Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag - May 2016

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 Destination Chic. The Glam Bag is purple and features a bunch of destinations. A perfect companion to bring along on any vacation or trip.

INSPR Beauty Eye Flush Brush - Value $12

Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eyeshadow Trio - Value $12

A trio of shimmer eyeshadows in Skinny Dip (copper), Crush (beige), and Lovely (brown)

Smashbox Cosmetics X Rated Mascara - Value $7 for 0.10 oz Full Size $22 for 0.30 oz

Clark's Botanical Smoothing Marine Cream - Value $38 for 0.50 oz Full Size $115 for 1,7 oz

Soo AE Collagen Essence Sheet Mask Set - Value $9 for 3 x 0.85 oz masks

• Collagen - Firming & Elasticity

• Brightening- Smooth Radiance (packed with ingredients to correct hyper pigmentation and brighten skin, while improving overall skin tone)

• Propolis- Lifting & Radiance (improves skin's elasticity and radiance with honey extract) 

Stacey <3

GlossyBox Subscription Box - May 2016

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 May box of beauties........

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara - Value $8 for 0.10 oz Full Size $24 for 0.30 oz

Adore Cellmax Elite Facial Serum - Value $250 for 0.50 oz Full Size $749.95 for 1.7 oz

Talika Photo Hydra Day Moisturizer - Full Size $29 for 1.0 oz

Rituals Cosmetics Shower Foam in Zensation - Value $3.75 for 1.6 oz Full Size $15 for 6.7 oz

Nioxin System 3 Cleanser & Scalp Therapy Conditioner - Value $5 for 1.7 oz each


Stacey <3

BoxyCharm Subscription Box - May 2016

Hello Beauties <3

BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and luxury size beauty items for $21 a month. This month's theme is Spring Vibes - It's more than a feeling.

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

Makeup Geek Powder Blush Compact - Full Size $15 for 0.15 oz

Ella + Mila Nail Polish - Full Size $10.50 for 0.50 oz

The Brow Gal Clear Brow Gel - Full Size $20 for 0.169 oz

Starlooks Luxe Lip Liner - Full Size $19.50 for

Pur Double Ego Duo Ended Eyeliner - Full Size $21 Liquid Liner 0.02 oz Pencil 0.004 oz

Catherine Malandrino Romance de Provence Mini Spray - Value $21 for 0.30 oz

Approximate value of this box is $107

Stacey <3

Play! by Sephora Subscription Box - May 2016

Hello Beauties <3

PLAY! by SEPHORA is a subscription box program. Each month you will receive five deluxe samples (plus a fragrance bonus) from the same prestige brands that you can find in Sephora stores, a PLAY! BOOK packed with tips, tricks, and helpful advice, a PLAY! PASS to redeem in-store for a free one-on-one tutorial and 50 bonus Beauty Insider points with any product purchase during the same store visit (each ticket may only be used once and expires after 30 days), a collectible makeup bag and an invitation by email to attend PLAY! DATE, a subscriber meetup held at select Sephora locations across the country. All this for $10 a month!

This month's theme is The Forces of Nature - Earth to Beauty. Discover products that are high performing and good for you, too. Take your beauty back to it's roots with hardworking formulas like a brightening facial treatment for petal soft skin, an antioxidant rich lipstick made with organic ingredients and more products that prove that looking beautiful is only natural. 

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Kimchi - Value $8.65 for 0.05 oz
   Full Size $26 for 0.15 oz

Kimchi is described as a shocking pink. The color may not be for everyone so I'd suggest if it's too bright for you, try pairing it with Bite's Opal or OCC's Feathered to tone it down. These highly pigmented lipsticks are handcrafted to deliver extreme moisture and intense hydration using twelve edible oils and are very long wearing.

Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram - Value $2 for 0.001 oz  Full Size $18 for 0.01 oz

Latergram is described as a mauve two in one lip liner that primes and lines lips. It has an automatic twist up tool but it seems a bit dainty, maybe because it's a deluxe sample and much smaller than the full size version.

Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial - Value $12 for 0.34 oz
   Full Size $48 for 1.35 oz

A lightweight anti aging overnight facial in a jar that brightens, hydrates, evens skin tone and improves texture with wild rose oil. This is good for all skin types including normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive. 

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask - Value $9 for 1.0 oz
   Also available in an 8 oz jar for $36

An intensive weekly treatment to restore essential hydration and enhance hair’s resilience to protect against future damage. This Deep Conditioning Mask works in minutes to restore essential hydration and natural vibrancy to dry, brittle, over-processed, and otherwise lackluster hair.

Origins Maskimizer Skin Optimizing Mask Primer - included was a 0.05 oz vial sample
   Full Size $22 for 3.2 oz

A skin-optimizing pre-treatment for masking that preps, primes, and optimizes skin. It improves spread-ability and rinse-ability of masks while hydrating, soothing, and boosting skin's radiance immediately. Great for use with every type of mask except peel-off, it softens skin and boosts hydration levels. 

Two Origin masks were also included in the box - Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (clears pores) and Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (quenches skin's thirst). Each sample was 0.10 oz

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine - sample vial 

Orange Sanguine, a zesty and energizing burst of crushed ripe fruit, plays off sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel and sensual notes of geranium
Notes:
Blood Orange, Bitter Orange, Jasmine, Geranium, Amber Woods, Tonka Beans, Sandalwood. 
Style:
Zesty. Energizing. Playful.



Stacey <3