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Sunday, March 20, 2016

Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag Review - March 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 Hello Spring. The Glam Bag is adorable and the colors really make you think of Spring.



It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti Aging Concealer - Value $10 for 0.11 oz (full size $24 for 0.28 oz)
Vera Mona Lotus Eyeshadow in Clover - Value unknown (part of a palette)
Nude Skincare ProGenius Treatment Oil - Value $13 for 0.16 oz (full size $78 for 1 oz)
Mellow Cosmetics Powder Blush in Bronze - Retail Price $10 for 0.17 oz
Global Beauty Care Collagen Spa Treatment Mask - Valued at $4 ($2 per mask)

I redeemed some points for this Michelle Phan Em Shade Play Lip Color Mixing Palette in Mix It Up Roses. It retails for $28 and comes with a mirror, lip brush and mixing well to create your own creative lip color.



Stacey <3

Saturday, March 19, 2016

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review - February and March 2016

Hello Beauties <3

BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and luxury size beauty items for $21 a month. Unfortunately I just received my February box today, yes today March 19th. Oddly enough my March box arrived a few days prior. Apparently my box was lost in space somewhere so I was able to post a blog until now.

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



The theme was Rush to Relax - from stilettos to slippers, get ready to work hard and rest easy.

Spongelle You Have My Heart On A String - Retail Price $15
Beauty For Real Blush in Coral Crush + Luminizer in Hi Beam - Retail Price $24 for 0.32 oz
Shray Ms. Amazing Facial Mask - Retail Price $12
Ofra Banana Powder Godet - Retail Price $12 for 0.14 oz
Freeze 24/7 Anti Aging Eye Serum - Retail Price $58 for 0.50 oz. Valued at $29 for 0.23 oz
Realtree For Her eau de parfum travel spray - Valued at $12.99 for 0.30 oz

Approximate value of this box is $104.99

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



The theme was Sweet Treats - sugar is sweet, but this box is sweeter. Unfortunately there was no card with the details and prices of each product.

Makeup Geek Pressed Eyeshadow Pan in Frappe - Retail Price $6 for 0.064 oz
Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadow Pan in Mai Tai - Retail Price $6 for 0.064 oz
Luxie Rose Gold Small Contour Brush 512 - Retail Price $16
Catherine Malandrino CM Style de Paris Travel Spray - Valued at $16 for 0.30 oz
Chella Eyebrow Pencil in Tantalizing Taupe - Retail Price $18 for 0.003 oz
Ofra Body Illuminizer Charmer - Retail Price $39.95 for 4 oz

Approximate value of this box is $101.95


Stacey <3

Monday, March 14, 2016

February Empties

Hello Beauties <3

Another month is behind us and it's time to share some products that were used during the month of February. Since I have so many perfume samples, I am trying to use a handful of them each month going forward.



Belif Witch Hazel Herbal Extract Toner - Retail price $28 for 6.75 oz

I was so excited to try more products from this Korean Skincare line ever since I tested their Aqua Bomb moisturizer. I needed a new toner so I decided to give this a try and I must say I was impressed. I liked that this toner had a thicker, more creamier consistency than other toners I tried. It definitely left my skin feeling clean, toned and hydrated.

Details from their site: A toner formulated with witch hazel to hydrate dry, dull skin, leaving it hydrated, soothed, and balanced after cleansing. This botanical toner is formulated to hydrate dry, dull skin, leaving it even and deeply moisturized after cleansing. It contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including witch hazel, to help clarify and hydrate skin by sealing in moisture. Skin appears supple and revitalized over time. 

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

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. 

Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover -  Retail price $14 for 6.76 oz


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.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation - Retail price $38 for 1 oz
I wear Ivory Beige 3N1 which is described as ivory beige (that's a shocker :) ) with warm neutral undertones. Although I find this shade a little too light for my skin,  I have been wearing it for about two years mostly during the winter months with some bronzer. The formula is described as a 15-hour, flawless foundation that stays looking fresh and natural through heat, humidity, and nonstop activity. EstÄ“e Lauder’s Double Wear Makeup delivers flawless, 15-hour staying power, and it is natural-looking for carefree coverage. A lightweight, oil-free, and buildable formula, it doesn’t change color, leaving your makeup looking as fresh as when you first applied it. 

Nars Audacious Mascara - Retail price $26 for 0.32 oz
I did a full review on this mascara back in August. Click here for the details: Nars Audacious Mascara Review

Ren Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial - Retail price $48 for 2.5 oz

A one-minute mask that firms, tones, and smooths the skin with 10 percent vitamin C that turns a dull complexion bright. Formulated with potent water-activated vitamin C, this one-minute mask instantly revitalizes and visibly rejuvenates the skin. It reduces signs of fatigue, photo-aging, and skin imperfections, and leaves skin looking firm, toned, and smoothed. Skin instantly glows with renewed health and radiance. 

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. Sadly this was my last package I need to get to Costco!

Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - Retail price $48 for 1.7 oz

An all-in-one antiaging treatment, sunscreen, complexion corrector, moisturizer, and tint. This multifunctional complexion corrector is formulated with arbutin and camu camu, an Amazonian superfruit that has 30 times the vitamin C of an average orange. Vitamin C evens out the skintone and supports natural collagen, creating the appearance of firmer, brighter, younger-looking skin over time. It instantly minimizes the look of imperfections, while broad spectrum SPF 30 protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Antioxidant vitamins C and E help fight free radical attack and keep skin healthy, radiant, and beautiful. 

Chanel Chance eau de parfum - Retail price $94 for 1.7 oz or $124 for 3.4 oz

Floral notes merge with sweet and spicy elements to embody the most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance.For those who dare to dream, the decidedly young scent of CHANCE, an unexpected floral, pulls out all the stops.

Chanel Coco eau de parfum - Retail price $94 for 1.7 oz

An elegant, luxurious spray closest in strength and character to the parfum form. Spray lightly on pulse points morning and evening. The classic signature bottle is a sophisticated addition to any dressing table.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream eau de toilette - variety of sizes

 $25 for 0.33 oz rollerball
 $54 for 1.0 oz bottle
 $78 for 1.7 oz bottle
 $96 for 3.4 oz bottle

Inspired by the boundless spirit of daisies and blue skies, Daisy Dream reflects Marc Jacobs’ irresistible mix of intricate details, elegance, and femininity for a fresh interpretation of the iconic Daisy motif. The fruity-floral fragrance has a light and airy touch, bursting with top notes of blackberry, grapefruit, and pear. The heart notes are introduced with a bouquet of jasmine, lychee, and blue wisteria, and a medley of white woods, musks, and coconut water reveal the base notes. 

The glass bottle is enveloped in a shawl of laced daisies, topped with a silver cap, and adorned with gold hues and daisy accents. 

Notes: 
Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Jasmine, Lychee, Blue Wisteria, White Woods, Musks, Coconut Water. 
Style: 
Ethereal. Free-spirited. Luminous.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum - variety of sizes

 $25 for 0.34 oz rollerball
 $66 for 1.0 oz bottle
 $86 for 1.7 oz bottle
 $110 for 2.5 oz bottle
 $198 for 6.76 oz bottle (never saw a bottle this big)

La vie est belle or life is beautiful—the expression of a new era. It represents a choice; the choice to break free from convention, the choice to create your own path to happiness. La vie est belle introduces a new story, the first ever iris gourmand. 

The juice is made with the most precious natural ingredients, a modern interpretation of an oriental fragrance with a twist of gourmand. It entwines the elegance of iris with the strength of patchouli and the sweetness of a gourmand blend for an incredible scent with depth and complexity. 

Notes:
Iris, Patchouli, Gourmand. 
Style:
Free. Happy. Deep.


Stacey <3

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag Review - February 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 Pretty in Ipsy Pink. The Glam Bag is super cute and reminds me of an 80's arcade game.



tre'Stique Baby Blush Stick in Bora Bora Coral - $34 for 0.04 oz

A new generation cream-gel blush infused with coconut oil. Formulated to glide on skin with an elegant silky touch, leaving cheeks with a pop of soft color.

Mor Emporium Classics Hand & Body Lotion in Candied Vanilla - 1 oz $3 value 
   (Full Size 11.8 oz $32)

A luxurious Hand & Body Lotion enriched with Macadamia and Soybean Oils, Shea Butter and Vitamin E that leaves skin supple. Sweet Almond Extract and Argan Oil deeply moisturizes and leaves skin delicately scented. Candied Vanilla is described as Candied Almonds blended with Sugar Blossoms, decadently layered upon a base of smooth Vanilla and Creamed Caramel.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil - 0.13 oz value $6   Full Size 1.0 oz $42

This revolutionary primer preps your skin for makeup in two different ways: it sits on top of the complexion to smooth its texture, while it absorbs directly into the skin to hydrate and boost moisturization. It reduces the appearance of dry, fine lines and leaves you with a glowing look. Featuring a specially formulated, lightweight blend of jojoba, arabica, and argan oils, it's also infused with soothing chamomile and lavender oils to calm the senses. A primer with the luxury of a face oil, infused with a blend of 15 essential and lipid-rich plant oils to moisturize the face for seamless foundation application and a dewy, youthful finish. 

Vintage by Jessica Liebeskind Sparkling Lip Gloss in Pink Sequin - 0.14 oz  $21

This color is described as a sparkly icy pink lilac. This sheer, reflective formula provides luminous shine and sophisticated shimmer in an easy-to-use wand with brush applicator. Sparkling Lip Gloss can be worn alone, over your favorite lipstick or with a lip pencil for a perfectly polished pout. Ultra nourishing, this gloss delivers soft color in mistake-proof shades that look great on every skin tone.

Luxie Beauty Small Tapered Blending Brush #231 - Full Size $12

This small tapered blending brush is held by a luscious pink handle and enticing rose gold ferrule. Soft synthetic bristles of a cruelty-free blend make it a vegan makeup brush. Antibacterial coating adds further protection to the blending brush before makeup use.  Chiseled to the perfect size, this eyeshadow brush is ideal for precise and blended makeup application.

Stacey <3

Sunday, February 7, 2016

January 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 January empties.

It's a New Year but I can't necessarily say I used or even tried new products this month. I pretty much stuck to old habits, products I use often but I promised myself I was going to use more and more of the samples I have.



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.

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. 

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.

Besame Cosmetics Translucent Brightening Violet Powder -  Retail price $22 for 0.21 oz  

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.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation - Retail Price $40 for 1.7 oz or $65 for 3.0 oz

This is described as a lightweight moisturizer and I definitely agree, I love to use this in the morning because it melts right into my skin and I don't have to wait long before applying makeup. Skin feels fresh, healthy, and bright with this lightweight moisturizer's silky whipped texture that melts into skin. A potent blend of actiwhite™, licorice, and vitamin C help fade dark spots, even skintone, and prevent premature signs of aging while botanical fruit acids gently exfoliate and retexturize. The calming blend of sandalwood, geranium, and chamomile soothes, balances, and purifies the skin to minimize pores while glycerin lightly hydrates. Sugar cane and multifruit AHAs gently exfoliate to refine texture, even tone, and soften the look of fine lines as vitamin C brightens and provides antioxidant protection from environmental aggressors. Vitamin E heals, restores, and nourishes the skin, leaving you with a healthy-looking, smooth, refreshed complexion. Of course this is a YAY for me but because I have so many deluxe size promos left, I won't have to purchase this for awhile. 

Estee Lauder Advance Time Zone Age Reversing Eye Cream - Retail Price $58 for 0.50 oz

As the name suggests, this eye cream helps rewind signs of aging. It is described as a rich cream that helps improve visible signs of aging. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet, leaving eyes smoother and more radiant. It helps skin boost its natural support structure to dramatically reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. Since it is a thick cream, I suggest using a tiny bit because it doesn't melt in to your skin quickly. I didn't notice any dramatic changes after using this eye cream so it's a NAY for me.

Fresh Sugar Shine Lip Treatment in Clear - Retail Price $18.50 for 0.20 oz

I love using this immediately after I use the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish scrub. It is a high-shine lip treatment that moisturizes for up to 6 hours, promotes suppleness, and improves lip definition. The high-shine treatment enhances the natural color of the lips while offering essential nourishment. It can be worn alone or on top of your favorite lip product. A definite YAY for me.

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm - Retail Price $12 for 0.35 oz

I received this in one of my monthly subscription boxes and was instantly intrigued. I use this right before I go to bed and let it work its magic overnight. I was pleasantly surprised when I received this again a few months later in a different subscription box. This daily protection soothes, restores and replenishes even the driest of lips. A tiny bit offers immediate relief with little shine. A generous application creates a gloss for use with or without lipstick. A big YAY for me!

Fresh Rose Face Mask - Retail Price - $62 for 3.3 oz

Upon application, the rose scent immediately hits you, but for me I didn't find it overpowering. It is a hydrating and toning mask that I left on for about 20 minutes (the directions say 10 minutes). The rose flower yields a precious oil brimming with nutrients that naturally soothe the skin and stimulate the senses. Infused with 50 percent pure rosewater and an average of two-and-a-half roses per jar, this unique mask restores radiance and suppleness to all skin types. The addition of cucumber extract and aloe vera reduce inflammation and calm the skin, while green tea helps brighten and protect.  I'm on the fence about this mask, not quite sure if I'd purchase this but I will definitely use the rest of the samples I have.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask - Retail Price $58 for 1.0 oz

This powerful Resurfacing Mask works like a traditional peel to provide an instant solution for dull skin without causing downtime or irritation. Formulated to deeply purify and help decongest surface debris and dead skin for a refreshed, revitalized appearance, it minimizes the appearance of pores for smooth, glowing skin. I did notice a slight glow afterwards but my skin felt a little more dry as well. Even after applying my nighttime moisturizer, my skin still felt a little dry so I highly doubt I would purchase this mask.

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

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. This has quickly become my everyday foundation during the week. A YAY for me, I already bought a back up. 

Balenciaga B. Eau de Parfum - Retail price $82 for 1 oz  $110 for 1.7 oz  $145 for 2.5 oz

This fragrance is described as sophisticated. sensual and  feminine. It represents a woman unveiling her most essential self. The more she reveals, the more intriguing she becomes. B.BALENCIAGA gives way to a new trend, a green woody fragrance. Fresh and alluring, the fragrance opens with green notes of lily of the valley bell and violet green leaves accord. As B.BALENCIAGA evolves, the iris note reveals a powdery essence before drying down with darker woody notes of cashmeran woods. Inspired by the marriage of old and new, B.BALENCIAGA reflects back on the fashion house’s classic heritage in a modern way. The bottle’s frosted glass has a unique crackle texture, inspired by the marble tiling of Balenciaga’s original 10 Avenue George V Paris salon. The shape commands a six-sided architectural design, while the unique exposed arch of the cap pays homage to the arches found in Balenciaga fashion and accessories.



Stacey <3





Saturday, January 30, 2016

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review - January 2016

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 January box of beauties........




This is the first time there were 4 products instead of 5 however...... if you think like me then you are probably saying there is really 6 products! I love receiving makeup brushes and I was excited to see a set of 3 new ones to try. Thanks to BoxyCharm, this the my 4th Revealed palette. Previous boxes included Revealed, Revealed 2 and Revealed 3.

Blinc Mascara Amplified - Full Size - $26
Coastal Scents Revealed Smoky Palette - $39.95 (You can usually get it for $19.95 on their site)
Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen - Full Size - $19
Royal & Langnickel Brush Set Revolution - Set of 3 (Detail, Crease & Smudger) $23.97


Approximate value of this box is $108.92


Stacey <3

Sunday, January 24, 2016

GlossyBox Subscription Box Review - January 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 January box of beauties........




  



Beautiful Nutrition Lemon Rinse Gentle Clarifying Treatment - 2 oz value $1.50
  (Full Size 13.3 oz  $10)
MeMeMe Lip Glide Velvet Lip Colour in Playful Peach - Full Size $12.50
417 Foot Nourishing Cream - 1.7 oz value $8 (Full Size 3.4 oz $16)
Emite Make Up Diamond Heart Primer - 0.50 oz value $15 (Full Size 1.2 oz $29)
Royal Apothic Cream Creme To Go Body Cream - 1.25 oz  $14

Approximate value of this box is $51


Stacey <3