Jan24

Ipsy | January 2014

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I’m just gonna go ahead and give Ipsy their props.  They are one of the best, cheapest beauty boxes available.  If you don’t believe me … well, then something is wrong with you.  I mean, definitely cheapest – it’s $10 per month.  And the quality of products you get is phenom.  Granted, you don’t always like what’s in your box, but that is typical of every box.  But I like what I get more often than I don’t.  Therefore, (and back to the point) I am right.

But I never doubted myself for one second.

Now.  Having said all that, I’m going to sound like such an oxymoron when I say that this month’s box isn’t my favorite.  Here is what I mean:

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So there is a lovely little pack of makeup removal wipies from Absolute.  I’m not complaining as they are very useful, but just kind of boring.  Here’s an exact reenactment of what happened: saw makeup wipies, said oh thanks for the wipies, then tossed wipies on the bathroom counter and walked away.

Pretty noneventful, wouldn’t you say?  Excitement level: about knee-high.  Later on that evening, I did go back to the bathroom counter and used the wipies.  So take that as you may.  They were like any other wipie.  Was supposed to smell like pomegranate.  I do not know if this is an accurate claim, as I’ve never smelled a real pomegranate before.  But the wipies did smell, and not all that unpleasant, so I’m going to assume this claim is for real.

I hope you’re still reading this, because I just got bored for about 2.5 seconds.

Next up is a soy tri-wheat leave-in conditioner from Sexy Hair.  I do not know what tri-wheat is.  Nobody does, unless you are a scientist, or perhaps a farmer.  But I ran out of my 12 Benefits detangling spray, so it was nice to have something to replacement it with.  I’ve used it twice now, and I will say for me the spray is quite watery.  Does not feel very conditioning.  Although, I’m no expert on detangling spray.  So I could be spouting gibberish for all I know.  I will finish the bottle but won’t repurchase.  I like my 12 Benefits way better.

One of the most intriguing things is this Bright Skin Serum from Apothederm.  I love anything in serum form, as to me, a serum is a promise of better things to come.  Use this serum, and all your problems just go away.  The word “serum” by itself is a magic word.  I mean, don’t witches use serums?  Or maybe those crazy doctors from back in the 1800s who had weird herbs in jars and cured your tummy ache with the elixir of tree bark or something?

Maybe I’m thinking of potions.  I dunno.  Serum is a magic word, and that’s the end of that.

Anyway, the claim on this one is to brighten skin, even out skin tone, etc.  So I’m hopeful.  I just want a face like one of those Madame Tussauds wax people.  Is that too much to ask?

Also got this super skinny eyeshadow pencil from Elizabeth Mott in the shade Pearl.  I haven’t used it as part of my actual makeup look, but I did do a little sample on the inner corner of my eyelid after work one day.  It’s really sparkly.  That may be good for some people (i.e., teenagers) but I am old y’all.  I’m on the precipace of 40 and I don’t feel it’s appropriate to be dressing up my eye wrinkles in glitter.  Trust me, I’ve tried.  Might as well just put a little spotlight right on my crow’s feet for all the world to enjoy.

I say this as if I don’t wear glitter eyeshadow anymore.  And for the most part, I don’t.  But if I buy a palette, and there be something sparkly in there, I feel it’s wasteful if I don’t use it.  So I do so, but sparingly.  Which is how I’ll use this Elizabeth Mott one.

Last product in the batch, and my absolute favorite, is the tinted lip balm from MicaBeauty.  The color I got is called Natural, and it’s a really pretty rose.  The texture is quite dry/matte but in a good way.  The more you apply, the darker the lip balm is.  It can be sheer, but also very pigmented.  Do I make sense?  I hope so because I really love this product.  It is unlike any lip balm I’ve ever used.  I will most likely hit pan on this thing, unlike all the other barely dipped into lip balms I have in my bag.  In fact, I’ve left it out on my bathroom counter for convenience sake instead of locking it up in my train case full of hardly used crap.  That = love, people, trust me on this.

So I know I said Ipsy is one of my favorite bags, but according to this review it looks like it’s not.  But even with the mediocre items, I do find them all useful and well worth the $10 spent.  I am a fan.

Jan23

Buying Stuff: Episode 5

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Well, I’m not surprised one bit. It’s almost natural I find myself in this situation, as I’ve been here at least a jillion times before.

I bought stuff. I am in the possession of stuff. I have stuff.

I love stuff.

Lord. I’d say help me, but let’s be honest – I’m not gonna listen to a damn word you’re saying. I may not show it, but as soon as you say we need to talk, it’s sounds of la la la la la up inside my head.

Anyway, I bought this:

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It was not my fault. It was 3 a.m. on Saturday night, and my husband left me unsupervised. He shouldn’t go to bed so early. So clearly, the blame lies with him.

Thought I’d try this little Korres Greek Yoghurt kit. Comes with a cleanser, moisturizer and a sleeping facial. And if you’re thinking I bought this simply because of the sleeping facial you would be right. I mean, the curiosity is just too much to process. Plus, I love Greek yoghurt. Which has nothing to do with this kit, but I thought y’all should know.

And while I’m piling on the Korres products, I threw in a pomegranate lip butter for good measure.

Last thing in the lot came about because I earned $6 in rebates from Beauty.com and had to use them before they expired. Yes, a $6 coupon lured me in.

Well, I would’ve lured myself on my own at some point anyway. The $6 freebie was just a bonus.

Selected this gorgey lipstick thingy from Ellis Faas called Hot Lips in the shade L406. Here’s a close up:

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And while my selfie skills could use a little work, you can see what one swipe – yes, one swipe, of this beautiful gloss does to you. Like, seriously people, I just can’t. You need this in your life. In your life and on your lips. Like stat.

Alright, that’s it for now. Gotta go remove my makeup and apply about 45 minutes worth of skin care. Good night, lovies!

Jan21

Sample Society | January 2014

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By this point you may be wondering if we’re done yet. The answer to that question is almost always NO.

Another beauty box, this time it’s Sample Society by Allure Magazine. I’ve been subscribing to this one for maybe three months now, and I like it pretty much. Plus, it got me to subscribe to my now favorite magazine (the previously mentioned Allure), so there’s that. And it’s also a dadgum beauty box (of which we love and/or are addicted to) so there’s that.

Here’s my bunch of goodies:

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For whatever reason, I got two StriVectin products in my box. I don’t think I’m complaining, as I’ve always wanted to try the brand. It’s also very expensive, therefore I automatically love it. (I suck, I know this.) But I’ve just never had a box give me two of the same brand before.

In any case, they sent me the Instant Retexturizing Scrub and the Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles. First off, should I be offended about that wrinkles thing? Doesn’t that sound so awful? How about we just call it ‘Eye Concentrate’ and then move right along? But no, you gotta go adding ‘For Wrinkles’ onto the end of it as if we don’t know or something. Let me clear this up: we know. That’s why we’re buying the dang Eye Concentrate to begin with.

Phffft.

On the other hand, I got a new eye cream to fix my wrinkles! Weeee! (Well, I never said I wasn’t excited…)

The other thing, the Retexturizing Scrub sounds promising. It says it works after the first use. Hallelujah for instant gratification! Why wait, I always say. I did use this the other day, but did so in conjunction with a facial mask so I’m not sure who’s to blame for my beautifully soft skin afterwards. I am going to give it another go tomorrow for my Mid-week Fancy (or Wednesday night exfoliation, in layman’s terms).

Also in the box was this bottle of nail strengthener called Horse Power by Butter London. I will admit at first I was like ho hum pig’s bum, but now that I’ve used it three nights in a row (per the instructions), I’m kind of loving it. I have horribly weak nails. I’m sure wearing falsies for 3 years straight has absolutely nothing to do with that. But I swear to you, no sooner will I achieve ten lovely shaped, perfectly manicured nails, will I have some sort of typing injury, or my zipper pull will get stuck in the downward position, or I will have a leisurely walk down the hallway and my swinging arm will hit a doorframe or something ridiculous to that effect – and break a nail. And then like some horrific chain reaction, a domino effect of nail breakages transpire, and before I know it, I’m
Nubby McNubbersteen and I have to start growing all my nails all over again.

How tragic.

What I’m trying to say is, I’m happy with the Butter London thingie.

Another brand I’ve been excited to try is Malin + Goetz. Received a little bottle of Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. Never against a good moisturizer, and this one has fatty acid absorption technology. I’m sure that means something to someone out there. But for me, I got sidetracked by its $45 price tag and suddenly I can’t see straight. I so love getting small versions of pricey things. Makes my heart feel good.

Last item, and one I am never ever ever excited about, is a perfume sample. I am not a perfume person. In fact, I have the same bottle of Elizabeth Arden Green Tea in my cabinet that my ex-husband bought me 8 years ago. Barely used. I could probably sell it on eBay as NEW for full-price as that is how unnoticeably used it is.

So despite the fact that you are Nicole Richie, you are famous, and you have your own perfume, I’m still unmoved. I just don’t care that much. Thank goodness the sample comes in a super tiny spritzer dealie and won’t last long. I can use it for a week or so, be done with it and set my conscience free.

And for the record, it doesn’t stink. That’s my review. It doesn’t stink. Yeahhhh. Pretty sure Nicole Richie is thanking me right about now.

That’s it. Til next time, my lovelies.

Jan19

OneRadiant | January 2014

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I’ll be honest. The subscription to this box came about during a particular lull in the mail. All my December boxes had arrived and I was lonely. So what better way to cheer myself up than to subscribe to yet another box?!

Well it made sense at the time.

Now that OneRadiant is here, can’t say I’m disappointed. First of all, it’s strictly skin care, and I luuurve my skin care so it’s perfect for me. Plus, it’s completely custom, which is what makes this box justified beyond all justification.

I use a lot of justification. It’s the only way to clear my conscience.

Anyway, took a skin care survey online and now not only does OneRadiant know I have dry skin, but that my focus area is anti-aging. And that’s just a little secret between me and them.

First shipment came in and I was so super excited.

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Aside from those hideous packet thingies, I’m pleased. I know that what I’ll be using is made special just for me. Let’s review.

First item is two packets of Karin Herzog eye cream. Let me preface by saying Blush had sent me a tube of Karin Herzog Vitamin H face cream previously and it was flippin’ unbelievably good. So despite the horridness of the packet situation, I was slightly less peeved because it was Karin Herzog.

I used it all last week, and while I didn’t hate it, it was extremely hard to love when your squeezing it out of a little paper packet. Ruined everything! Would it kill anyone to make a tube? Just ban packets all together? Anyway. I’m sure I could’ve gotten several uses out of the packets cuz a little goes a long way, but I was just so annoyed by the whole scenario that it was in my trash by day 2.

Moving right along.

Next packet fiasco comes in the form if four single-use EltaMD sunscreens. I will say this fared better simply because they were a one and done. Squeezed it all out, used it, and then went about my merry way. And the sunscreen was actually very nice. I would actually buy this if I hadn’t already decided on my favorite sunscreen. CoTZ Face, if you are so inclined.

Then I got an actual jar of something. So by that fact alone, I love it. It was rhe Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream. It’s for the face and body, but I’ll probably just do the face. I dunno. Maybe I’ll go all over. I haven’t used this yet as it’s in line behind 14 other moisturizers, but you will be the first to know when it happens. (You’re excited.)

Last product I got was the M2 High Potency Skin Refinish. Apparently this is so potent you are not allowed to use it everyday, only every other day. Should be a little frightened, but my splotchy, uneven-toned, freckly, scarred face skin says Bring it on. If you’re about to give me the face of a 25 year old, I say welcome to my skin. And do as you please.

Looking forward to future boxes from OneRadiant. This is a prepaid three month subscription, so I’m not sure if they cut you off after the three month term is up or if you get the option of renewing. Guess I’ll find out in March. And of course, I’ll let you know.

Have a great day!

Jan17

Buying Stuff: Episode 4

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I spend a lot of time on the couch. It’s the one thing I do that I do very well. In my house, couch-sitting is an Olympic sport and I am the undefeated, gold-medaling champ.

But when combined with pajamas and an iPad, I’m downright unstoppable. Because:

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Things like that happen.

I’m telling you, I don’t even know what it’s like to be normal anymore.

My status quo lately? Undeniably buying stuff. All the pretty things that others have, I want. Then I just make it happen. It’s seriously like magic.

Anyway, picked up a few things at Sephora as I am wont to do. Needed a body scrub so thought I’d give Soap & Glory a try. The Flake Away had a little travel size available for $5 so yes, please. Nexxxxxxt.

I wanted something from Illamasqua. Don’t judge me when I say I didn’t even care much what it was exactly, I just wanted to own something from the brand. That sounds exactly as if I have some sort of a shopping problem. But we’re just gonna ignore all the warning signs and move right along.

After scrolling through their offerings, I decided on a lovely cream blush in the shade Zygomatic, which is described as a peachy beige. Looked pretty online, but one never really knows about these things. Lemme just say, I am so very pleased. I don’t own any blushes in this color, so that proves right there that I needed it. But also, in person it’s just so so so nice. Feeling pretty darn pleased with myself at this point.

Now I have saved the best for last. One of my You Tube beauty gurus did a video on the Kat Von D Esperanza palette. And in proper form, I went and purchased it about 2.5 seconds later. Here’s a close-up of the colors:

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Well. I love. That’s all I can really say. Don’t they just speak the word spring to you? I find a sort of peace and serenity just looking at it. In the midst of the gloomy grayness of winter, I can temporarily be fast forwarded about 3 months. And it cures me. Kat Von D’s Esperanza palette cures me. It’s basically a medical necessity. Therefore justified.

And then as you can see there is a tiny sample of Origins CC cream. It was a freebie. Sephora gives you gifts with purchase, and out of all the tube-like products to choose from (as there’s no way in hell I’m choosing anything that comes in packet form), the Origins seemed the best choice. Hopefully I’m right.

So that’s it. I bought stuff. What else is new? Good night.

Jan16

Birchbox | January 2014

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An ode to Birchbox:

Birchbox is my first true love, the beauty box that started it all, the box that sent me head first into a sea of other beauty boxes. What I’m trying to say is all this, this obsession I am in the midst of, this insanity of needing to buy all the things…

Well, it’s Birchbox’s fault.

Someone just needs to take my shopping privileges away. ‘Cause despite it being all Birchbox’s fault, which we’ve now established and put in writing (therefore making it a legal, binding contract), I realize I am no longer able to control myself. I’m pretty sure I’ll buy anything at this point.

A Slanket. A portable infrared sauna, because who doesn’t love sweating for no reason and in inappropriate locations. A crocheted tea kettle cozy for the tea kettle I don’t own. Heck, let’s just stick a tea kettle in the shopping cart then. Problem = solved.

I’ve lost my whole point. Shut up, Brain.

Received my 6th Birchbox. Sometimes I like the stuff and sometimes it’s a crapshoot. Here’s what’s inside this time:

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The best thing in this box, the most exciting, is the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I love skin care, and the fact that this is award-winning (over 90 of them), world-renowned, and comes with muslin cloths, makes me giddy with ridiculous excitement. When’s the last time you were giddy over a facial cleanser? Yeah, so you should probably go buy this.

Another item that makes me so very happy is the little jar of glycerine hand cream by Camille Beckman. I have loved glycerine lotions since the 90s, but I literally haven’t owned any for 19 years. So getting this in my box was a lovely reminder. The smell is divine but I had to look it up to describe it to you: jasmine, bergamot, patchouli and vanilla amber. That’s a mouthful for what I can only manage to describe as a “warm” scent. Theirs is more descriptive, but mine requires less energy. Easy route, taken.

Next up is the loose mineral eyeshadow from Inika Cosmetics in the shade Eternal Marine. It is a very pretty grey green, but I’m not a fan of loose pigments. In fact, a loose anything doesn’t bode well with me. Unless you are my pants, which doesn’t happen very often anyway.

Last two items are kind of a bummer. First one is a one-time-use packet of OmniPotent Duosity hair repair treatment. While the product may be fantastic, sending me anything in a little packet makes me want to immediately take a nap. I loathe packets. Packets can go to the back of the line. Bye bye.

Then the stinker of them all: the 3 bags of Ahmad Tea London. I have nothing against the company or their products, but I just don’t drink tea. Birchbox has sent me tea three times out of six boxes; it’s time to stop it.

All in all, though, I’m pretty satisfied with my box. I’m excited to try out the Liz Earle, and applying my glycerine lotion puts a big o nerdy smile on my face. And when’s the last time a product did that?

Yeah, you should probably go buy this too.

Jan14

New Beauty Test Tube | January 2014

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Every time I think I’m good to go on the beauty box front, something else comes along and catches my eye. It all started with a quick trip to San Antonio last month (which ended up the most debacle-y of all debacles, in an airport/ice storm/fire in the terminal sort of way – but that’s a whole nother story). I picked up a copy of New Beauty magazine for my Dallas airport layover pleasure (it wasn’t), which turned out to be an awesome and educational read. However, they had an advertisement in there for their Test Tube sampling program, and like the ears of a cat that hears a bowl of ice cream being eaten about 3 houses down, I perked up immediately.  Pretty sure I could hear the words “beauty box” if someone on Mars said it.  I’m that in tune.

I barely made it out of San Antonio alive, but dadgummit if I wasn’t a new subscriber to the Test Tube when I left. What?  I feared for my life and shopping made me feel safe.  Don’t judge.

Long story short, I got my first delivery a few days ago.  And man oh man, I’m in love.  It was seriously the most fun I’ve had opening a box in at least a week.

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First thing inside was a Votivo candle in the scent Red Currant.  Can’t say the smell knocked me off my feet or anything, but it wasn’t bad.  And it looks oh so lovely sitting on the edge of my bathtub in its pretty silver tin.  Ambiance, created.  Just like that.

Next I pulled out a pouch of goodies called the Beauty To Go.  This is where the itty bitty samples live.  Received a lovely frosted glass jar of lip gloss from Dalton in the color Patty’s Pout, which was kind of a brown/spice color.  Goes on pretty sheer so it doesn’t show up all by itself in a major way.  But it’s not sticky, which I love.

There was also this amazing lipgloss from ybf in the shade Beachberry.  This smelled like watermelon and went on super smooth and shiny.  Again, not sticky.  I’m actually considering buying a full size tube.  Because 25 lipglosses in my purse just isn’t enough.

Then a cute little jar of Lumene Firming Day Cream filled my heart with gladness.  I just love tiny jars of things.  Well, tiny jars of makeup things.  And anything that says firming, lifting, wrinkle-erasing, pore-minimizing, face replacing, etc.  I haven’t used this yet, but it’s about 3rd in line.  Yes,  I use my products in the order I receive them.  I have OCD and nothing ever, ever, ever gets out of order.  I annoy myself sometimes.

Last thing in the Beauty To Go pouch was a one-time use packet of DDF Moisture Dew.  I used it immediately because it was in a packet (packets cut the line) and I could be done with it and move on with my life.  Can’t say this was amazing because it’s hard to gauge a product’s capabilities based on a single application.  But the texture was nice.  And full-size is $42.  That’s all I have to say about that.

And now for the tube!  Can you believe I’m still talking about what’s in this box?  It’s endless (or seems like it).  First two products where kind of boring, only because they’re common.  But who couldn’t use a Pantene shampoo and conditioner?  If you wash your hair, you can use it.  I believe that covers about 98.847576% of the population.  Or should at least.  This is from the Keratin Repair line so it’s a little bit fancier.  Still can purchase from Walmart, but fancier nonetheless.

Next up is a full-size tube of Revlon Age Defying Wrinkle Remedy.  I’ve been using this for the past three days on my forehead wrinkles and this bizarre vertical wrinkle right above my lip.  I think it does make the appearance better, but don’t expect a miracle or anything.  I still have visible wrinkles.  I have an extra contemplative forehead – I’m a thinker, what can I say – so I’ve been cultivating these beauties for at least 20 years.  Not sure where the lip wrinkle came from.  A duckface selfie injury, I’m sure.

I have never used a body butter before, but the Moroccanoil one that I got in the tube is really really good.  The texture is very thick.  To apply, create a claw with your fingers.  Then grab at the jar in a pinching/clawing motion in order to get the product out.  Or at least that’s how I do it.  Others with more finesse probably just do it normal.  The butter does melt right into your skin and leaves you feeling very soft and hydrated.  However, full-size is $52 so I will never buy this, unless it can replace my body with someone who is 25.  If not, then thank you for the one and only time I’ll ever use this. Moving along now.

Hair products are a hit and miss with me.  Sometimes I like (oil treatments) but sometimes I am bored (hairspray).  I got this texturizing powder from Biosilk.  This is not, I repeat NOT, a dry shampoo.  This is a root lifter, volumizer kind of thingy.  Do not get them confused.  Bad things happen.

Should be quite clear by the words texturizing powder right on the bottle.  And the fact that it sprinkles out, not sprays out.  And the powder is kind of sticky once applied to the roots of your hair.  And how your hair can stick straight up like magic.

Texturizing Powder is for real, guys.  Be careful out there.

Next up is a waterproof eyeliner from Mally.  Got the color Sailor, which is a navy blue.  It’s very pretty.  Does not need sharpening.  But it did not last all day.  I put it on my waterline and within a few hours my lovely navy blue was more like a watercolor navy blue – there, but barely.  So either I have extra liquidy eye rims that can break a waterproof barrier like a superhero, or this isn’t waterproof.  I’m gonna go with the first one.  I’ve always wanted to be a superhero.

Last item is probably my absolute favorite.  Got a nice deluxe sample of the June Jacobs papaya enzyme masque.  Actually saw this line advertised in the New Beauty magazine along with an A-to-Z guide on enzymes and what they do for your skin.  Papaya is in the anti-aging group, so receiving this product makes me very happy.  Pumpkin is also anti-aging, but papaya smells soooo much better.  (I have both kinds so I can promise you this is FACT.)  I used this masque on Sunday as part of my spa day and it went on really nice and it did not burn or irritate my skin.  I loved it.  Plus, you can buy a travel-sized version on the June Jacobs website for only $10 so that’s a plus. Although it’s probably only a 2 or 3 time use.  You decide if it’s worth it.  For me, it is, but like I’ve mentioned before, I need to own all the things so the more I can buy with the least amount of money, regardless of how much product is in the tube, the better.

Quite impressed with my first Test Tube.  I’m looking forward to my next delivery, which sadly is two months away as this is a bi-monthly subscription.  I hope I don’t revolt in a subscribing to another box in order to fill the void every other month kind of way.

But yeah, I’m probably going to do that.  Have you met me?

Jan11

Buying Stuff: Episode 3

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There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t get packages in the mail. That’s not even an exaggeration. I am literally swimming in boxes.

I should really have more financial responsibilities. Or utilize that savings account I opened up about 21 years ago.

But until then! Back to the mail.

I don’t know why, but I’m becoming obsessed about owning something, anything, from every makeup brand alive. I almost don’t even care what it is. I just want to have it. Pretty sure I’m in the throes of a major addiction, like right smack in the middle of it. Aren’t you glad we can go through this together?

Anyway. Picked up a few items from Sephora the other day. I don’t have a local store, so I bought these online:

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Thank goodness for the internet, amiright?! Makes shopping so effortless and carefree. If it wasn’t for the internet, I wouldn’t own half the shit I own.

I can think of one person I’m sure who is wishing the internet would just go away. His name is HUSBAND and he is a party pooper.

So what I got was two products recommended by my evil friend, You Tube, and the other was my own bright idea. Let’s start with that, the Yves Saint Laurent lipstick. I got the color #7 Rose Infinite. It’s a really pretty nude rose that looks like my natural lips but better. And isn’t the packaging divine? I will never throw this away. It’s like a collector’s item, and for $34 a tube it might as well be. Yikes! But again, I have to own all the things, and we just don’t argue with that kind of logic.

We’ve been over this.

Next is the Bobbi Brown matte eyeshadow single in Toast. I got it so it can be my go-to crease color, one that I will use all the time every day. But I know that’ll never happen. I’ll use it, yes, but I have too many eyeshadows to play favorites. It’ll go into the rotation maybe once a week.

Lastly is a lip plumping lipgloss by Buxom in the shade White Russian. It’s a super pale pink that looks pretty on top of lipstick. It has the most massive tingling sensation of any lip plumper I’ve ever used. If you like tingle, you’ll love it. But it’s seriously so tingly, it actually made me shiver. Like, I was freaking cold. Probably would feel much better in the summer. On another note, my lips did not plump. So there’s that.

AND THEN! I made my first MAC purchase. Again, no local store so I ordered online. Decided to get two products that were recommended to me (someone should probably just go ahead and burn my You Tube).

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First item is a paint pot in the color Painterly. This is a cream eyeshadow that is the color of my skin and makes for the most beautiful matte powdery texture once applied. I used it today and I’m in love now. Like deep, mad, passionate kind.

Second thing I got is a cream colour base in Virgin Isle. You can use this as a blush or a lip color. It is a cream that is super duper pigmented and only a teeny bit is needed. As evident by the awesome clown cheeks I created the first time I used it. Well, live and learn. And practice on weekends only.

I did apply it as a lip color and it was really matte and dry. So I topped it with a clear lipgloss and made my own thing. Turned out nice! I am impressed by my own geniosity.

Geniosity? Geniusness? Propensity towards that which is genius?

I dunno.

Happy Saturday night, everyone!

Jan10

Beauty Box 5 | January 2014

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It’s always a big deal when I open my mailbox and there’s a pretty little package inside. Although it’s technically my husband that opens the mailbox as I pull the car up next to it, and the excitement I feel never ever matches his response. Which involves stink eye. But still.

Yesterday I got my new Beauty Box 5. I will admit it’s not my favorite out of all my boxes. In fact, it’s at the very bottom of the list. While it’s fun opening a box and not knowing what’s inside, the butterflies in the stomach, the anticipation that feels just like Christmas morning … well, that’s why I subscribe to 9 boxes. But when you open the lid to find a bunch of products I could easily go buy myself at Walmart, it feels a little deflated. My big pink balloon of happiness just fizzled and pooted it’s way down to my dirty hardwood floor. Depressing image to say the least.

Here’s what I got:

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First of all, the only exciting piece of the box was the body wash from H2O Plus. I’ve seen this brand at Ulta and it’s something I would actually use – and did last night. It’s pretty pricey for the full-size ($17) so getting a super cheap sample is bonus points all around.

So let’s discuss the elephant in the room, shall we? Those huge pink gloves. They come from Swissco and you wear them while you bathe. You look completely ridiculous but can exfoliate like a mofo. I used them last night with my new body wash, and I can’t say I hated it. It softened my skin better than my little turquoise bath poof. But I don’t know if I’d use them all the time. I get extremely lazy in the bathtub and making the effort to put on a pair of gloves might prove to take too much energy.

Next is a tube of hemp coconut lip balm by Epic Blend. I love the smell of coconut. It reminds me if summer, sunshine, beaches and happiness. So by that factor alone, I will use this. But it’s still just a lip balm. I give straight faced stares at lip balms. They have no effect on me whatsoever. Unless they’re tinted. I might blink a little bit about that.

The little cuticle oil by Nubar could’ve been a winner, but the brush applicator was so stiff and frayed out on one side I could barely use it. Not sure if it was damaged because it froze to death sitting in a subzero warehouse somewhere or if I just got a defective one. But by this point I have no cares left to give, so I’ve moved on.

And they had the gall to put a Jergens lotion in the box. Jergens. As in the same brand of lotion you’ve probably bought yourself a jillion times before or already own right now this second. Snore. I’m taking a nap.

Lastly, they’ve thrown in a bonus product. And by “bonus” you’d think it would be something you’d want. You don’t. It’s a ridiculous promotional item (compact mirror) advertising a Zac Efron movie and I. Could. Care. Less. Plus, it’s super cheaply made and not the least bit girlie or cute. I hate to sound ungrateful but serious, they could’ve saved the trouble and just not sent it.

After all that longwindedness, basically what I’m saying is I don’t think the premise behind Beauty Box 5 is for me. They have an audience, don’t get me wrong, but sadly I’m not it. I may hold out for another month before making any drastic decisions. Because for $12 a month, it might still be worth the excitement of simply opening the box.

That’s my justification, people. Yes, I might need psychological help. In fact, let’s just get someone on speed dial, shall we? Thanks.

Jan8

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

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Oh, holy moly.

Serious, if you want me to buy your product, you can do a number of things.  Put an “award winner” sticker on it.  Brag about your scientific data.  Swear to beejebus it will fix all my problems.  Only have one of them left on the shelf (always incites a moment of panic and/or urgency).  Or, the most influential of all …

Put your product on YouTube and have a beauty guru sing its praises.

I watch a lot of YouTube.  I subscribe to about 20 channels, all beauty-related, and those girls on there can voodoo-slash-brainwash me like nobody else.  If they say something is amazing, about 2.5 seconds later, I’m writing a check for it.  I am easily persuaded, can I just say that?  I have bought so many things that I knew I didn’t need all because somebody trapped me in their sales wedge.  I mean, I have a Super Shammy, Lint Lizard, Old Brooklyn Lantern, two electric floor sweepers, and Time Life 80s compilation series to prove it.

Recently, I was watching a video and was told about the most amazing cc cream that ever lived.  I’ve never been a fan of bb or cc creams, as they don’t provide much coverage for me.  I have to have coverage.  Those freckles don’t hide themselves, ya know?  But anyway, they were talking about It CosmeticsYour Skin But Better CC+ Cream, a full-coverage cc cream, which instantly  made my ears perk up.  And then they proceeded to go on and on for about 10 minutes on how flawless it makes you look, and I was like … you had me at full-coverage; I go buy this now.

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It comes in 5 shades, and I debated between Light and Medium, but finally decided on Medium as that is what my other bb/cc creams are.  Plus I swatched it on my face in the store and it seemed alright.  I also swatched it on my  hand, a makeup sponge, and then swatched a foundation that I already owned to see how closely it matched, etc.  I was doing a science experiment, apparently, but I didn’t want to have to return it back to the store so all that hoopla = var var necessar.

I decided to experiment with the cc cream on a weekend in case I got it disastrously wrong and had to go to work looking like I fell asleep in a tanning bed for 15 years.  I was allowed to skip the moisturizer, primer and SPF application as YSBB included all that, plus an anti-aging serum to boot.  How nice!  Went straight to the cc cream application. The formula is thicker than my normal bb/cc creams, and even my foundations, but I guess that’s expected in a full-coverage product.  However, it applies very smooth and light; does not feel icky whatsoever.

And the coverage?  While I could still see a few of my freckles peeking through, I absolutely loved the finish.  In fact, I did extra staring at myself that day because I couldn’t quite get over how pretty it was.  I’m sure I was on the verge of insane by doing so, but as they always say, insane and adorable cancel each other out. (They really do say that.  Pretty sure, anyway.  Or maybe I made it up.  Either way.)

For a cc cream, this was a pretty dang good product.  It wears like a foundation instead of the typical tinted moisturizer look.  Definitely look into it if you happen to be leisurely walking past the It Cosmetics display at Ulta.  I leisurely do that quite often, so I can’t be the only one, surely?  Do a swatchy-swatch and see for yourself.  And then buy it like stat because I’m the boss of you.