Tag Archives: subscription boxes

Mar18

New Beauty Test Tube | March 2014

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Life loves me again.

After opening two mediocre boxes, I thought for sure the excitement was dead and buried. But now that I’ve received my New Beauty Test Tube, my faith has been restored.

Faith in what, I’m not sure. Beauty boxes, surprises, the mail? Probably all that, just to be safe.

Anyway, here’s what I got:

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See what I mean? I’m about to pee my pants just looking at it.

Don’t worry; I’ll behave.

Got me some hair stuff.  I’m excited to try It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Lite conditioning spray.  I absolutely loved my 12 Benefits, but was not a fan of the Sexy Hair soy wheat thingie, so getting to sample another leave-in makes me happy.  I’m always on a quest to make my hair as luxurious and supermodel-y as possible.  If I don’t look like I just walked away from a wind machine, I have failed.  So if the It’s a 10 can help any little bit, I’ll be pleased.

Have you ever tried the GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate mask?  Yes, no?  If you’re not sure, then you most definitely haven’t, trust me.  I got a sample from Ipsy a few months ago and couldn’t wait to try it.  All the celebrities use it in preparation for the red carpet or some other fancy party where they need to look like beauty queens.  So of course, being the un-shallow person I am, I needed it immediately.  I almost bought the full-size before even sampling the sample.  I mean, who doesn’t want to look like a celebrity?  Crazy people, that’s who.

But I withheld myself, by a sheer magical force of willpower.  And good thing too.  This stuff will burn your face off.  Literally.  (Okay, not literally.)  However, their definition of “tingle” needs a bit of a tweaking, unless by tingle they mean stinging.  Or maybe they actually meant stinging, but somebody wasn’t paying attention in the meeting.  It happens all the time.  I mean, if you gonna call something a Rocky Mountain Oyster, it better be a dadgum oyster.

What am I going on about?  I dunno.

Got another Lumene moisturizer, but this time it’s a night cream.  Last Lumene product I got, the smell was so horrid I had to throw it away after maybe 3 or 4 uses.  This new item is a different line, their Pure Radiance one, so hopefully it doesn’t stink.  It’s made with arctic cloudberry, whatever that is, but it sounds like a fruit, so it’s promising.  I will keep you posted, no worries.

Perhaps the most amazing thing in the tube is this It Cosmetics powder brush.  This is the real deal, full-size, authentic powder brush valued at $48 which cost more than the entire tube.  How awesome is that?  (Very.)  This brush is luxuriously soft.  I don’t even want to use it because it’s so pretty.  For now, I’ve left it in its container and displayed it on my counter.  I’m entertaining the idea of using it to swirl on my Guerlain Meteorites, because fancy + fancy = math even I can do.  Hooray!

There’s a Mally liquid lipstick pen in there.  I got the color Mally Look, which is a very bizarre name for a lipstick, especially because all the other shades are named something normal.  But whatever.  I already have one lipstick pen of hers that I got in a little value set, color Blossom, but I didn’t love it.  It had a plasticy smell and felt really thick on the lips.  The Mally Look shade seemed to smell slightly better and was less gross.  So I don’t know what all that means.  I like the new one better than the old one.  But isn’t that how it always is in life?  I fully expect to meet my husband’s new girlfriend in about 25 years.

Not a fan of nail polish.  I repeat, not a fan of nail polish.  Even if it’s Orly.  I will say that I probably would have kept it if they’d sent me a different shade.  But I got red.  Red is super hooker-y for an office situation, unless your office is in a strip club or tattoo parlor.  (No offense if that’s really your office; work that work, girl!)  But for me, I prefer to wear red nails on weekends when going out on the town.  And because I never go out on the town (as in come Friday night about 6pm, it’s pajamas all day errrr day), I never wear red polish.  Aside from that, removing red polish is a pain.  Unless you like ghostly red remnants all on your finger skin.

Now having said all that, I’d probably still wear red polish to the office.  Just ignore me.

Got another Bioxidea sheet mask, but this time in the diamond edition.  I haven’t even used my gold one yet, so you could stay I’m starting a little collection.  For those curious, full-size is three sheets for $79, which is roughly $20 for a one-time use.  (Go math!)  It claims to give you a 48-hour face lift using “diamond power” so I’m going to hold it to that promise.  Cuz if my face doesn’t completely revert back to baby skin after one $20 use, well then what is the point of this?  Again, I ask you:  what is the point?

Adding yet another mascara to the booty.  This time it’s one by Grandelash-MD.  Apparently it’s like a lash growing serum and mascara rolled into one.  I’ve used it twice, and it did okay as far as lengthening my lashes.  Not the most dramatic I’ve seen them, but then again my lashes do not perform well with any mascara.  I suppose the only way to see if the growing claims are real is to use this product every day. Do you know how hard that is when you have like 23 mascaras? Playing favorites is nigh on impossible. In other words, if this mascara works, I’ll never ever know.

Got this jazzy little Tarte Maracuja Oil rollerball. Isn’t it cute? I already own a sample of the jar with the medicine dropper, but the rollerball idea seems way more interesting, not to mention convenient. This actually came at a pretty good time because I just now TODAY finished my other one. How about that? Readin’ my mind, surfin’ on my wavelength. As if New Beauty Test Tube and I were meant to be. Welp! That solves that. Subscription cost: justified.

Also, I really like the maracuja oil. I’m not sure what maracuja is. It could be slug larvae for all I know. But it makes your face soft.

Another eye cream. The one product I own that takes a long, long time to get through. My two-week supply of StriVectin lasted over a month if that tells you anything. So I’m not sure how long it’ll take to get to this PerriconeMD High Potency Eye Lift sample, as I’m smack in the midst of a Glytone tube that’s bound to replicate itself as soon as I think I’m getting close to the end.  But anyway, this PerriconeMD one costs a fortune, so I’m excited.

Okay, when I saw this little bottle of Boost-It! Instant Complexion Enhancer I wasn’t sure what to do with it. And upon further investigation, I discovered this was one of those Luminess Air products that you drip into a mechanical airbrusher and spray on your face. Naturally I’m confused as I don’t own an airbrush system. But then, I shut off my brain for a sec and just kept reading. I get ahead of myself sometimes. I’m a highly anxious person, if you can’t tell.

Anyway, apparently you can use this without an airbrusher and you apply it on your face like a primer before makeup. So I did. Can I just say this is the ONLY product I’ve ever used that claims to give you a glow that actually does. It was beautiful. I looked very supermodel-y, not gonna lie.

I’m gonna keep testing it out until the sample is empty, and if I continue to lubbit, I’m buying the full size. Guaranteed.

Last product in the test tube was a couple of packets of Nip+Fab No Needle Fix serum. The texture of this was quite nice, but there’s no way I can tell you if it plumped up my skin properly with a one-time use. We’ve been over this before, but no one listens.

All in all, this box was fantastic. I wish it came every month because it’s just so fun to open. Now it seems as if May is a billion years away. Guess I’ll go subscribe to another box to take the pain away.

Sorry not sorry.

Mar17

Sample Society | March 2014

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Two zingers in a row. I’m getting worried …

After the disaster that was Boxycharm, I was hoping the tide would turn. Or even just half a turn would be okay. But no. It just got WORSE. Entering, Sample Society:

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No, no, no, no and no. Whyyyyyyyeeeee does my life hate me? When I saw this box, my face looked like someone was telling me an exceptionally boring and/or pointless story, or like a story that keeps on going while I need to go have the biggest pee of my life. You know what I’m saying; you’ve been there.

First awful thing – that Jane Tran hair clip. Tell me, why is this even in the box? Did someone beg for this? Or was there an emergency vacancy that needed filling sort of situation happening about 24 hours before ship time, and this was the only thing they had on their shelf? I’m gonna go with that, because otherwise, something’s happened to Sample Society. Something unsightly and scary.

Now, before you throw wet noodles, please understand that the hair clip itself is fine. And I’m sure Jane Tran is a lovely human being. I just don’t wear hair clips, like almost zero percent of the time is there a hair clip happening. In other words, things I don’t want and/or need can kindly vacate my box. Hair clips be one of them.

Next awful thing is the Jane Iredale Tantasia self-tanner. Guess how many times I’ve applied self-tanner in my life? Like twice. Once when I was in 8th grade right before a class trip to an amusement park where I proceeded to walk around all day with orange streaky legs. The second time, I stood completely naked in my bathroom while my sister sprayed me full-on with some tan in a can. Both were nightmares: one nightmare for me and the other for my sister (who had to see me naked and in tantric-like poses – how else to get the spray tan up in there?) After those two times, I put my self-tanning days to bed.

Next barely tolerated but slightly better product is the tube of tinted SPF creme from MD Solar Sciences. First of all, what kind of business name is that? Could they have called it anything more sterile and lab coat-y? No. No, they couldn’t. But the product isn’t that horrid. I’ve used it twice now, and it is very creamy and feels nice on the skin. It replaced my normal SPF, and if I wasn’t already in love with that one, I could see myself buying a tube of this one. And it does cost $32, so it’s super fancy.

Gah! Fiiiinnnnneee. I suppose this isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever gotten. But don’t get too cocky, Sample Society. We’re not done yet.

Got yet another tube of BB cream to add to the ridiculous amount of BB creams I own. I’m seriously so over BB creams. I’ve only ever liked one of them, the Miracle Skin Transformer Face one. Oh, and the It Cosmetics CC cream is really awesome. But other than all that business, BB creams, CC creams and whatnot make me sleepy.

So this Dr. Brandt one didn’t even illicit an eye twitch out of me. I didn’t care a little bit at all. I threw it in my box of crap and walked away.

Then I used it.

Dammmmmit. This stuff is good. Maybe the best. Yep, definitely the best. Fantastic coverage, made me look beautiful and glowy. I’m not even gonna lie when I tell you there’s a 97.6374857% chance I’m buying the full size.

Last product in the box is a CC cream for the hair by Alterna. This is the only product in the box that I felt I was gonna use. I like leave-in hair treatments, so I’m cool with receiving this one. My hair needs all the help it can get.

So. I am gonna say my foot is somewhat in my mouth right now. This box turned out 60% to the good. After my initial scoff, I took the time to use the products and realized they weren’t so bad. This isn’t my favorite box, mind you, but I’m feeling better about it now.

Sorry, Sample Society. Friends again?

Mar16

Boxycharm | March 2014

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Well, you can’t win ’em all.

Last month was my very first, and highly impressive, Boxycharm box. It replaced my always disappointing Beauty Box 5. But this month’s box was a bit of a let down. Still better than Beauty Box 5, mind you, so I’m not on the brink of giving up or anything. I’m just saying.

I’m rambling. Shut up, Brain.

Anyway, here’s what came in the box:

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First things first, that nail polish. It’s two colors from StrangeBeautiful. The pink one is called Bandaid, and if they didn’t nail that one on the head. It’s the color of an actual bandaid. Not the pink of your dreams, lemme just say. Aside from that, it’s nail polish and that makes me bored.

I got two eye products from Bellapierre that I’m also not keen on. First of all, I do not like loose shadows. Yes, the colors are pretty, shimmery and lovely. But I am old and don’t need glitter of any sort on my eyeballs. And the loose factor is such a pain. It already takes half an hour just to put on my eyeshadow every morning. I don’t need to add the mess of a loose powder into the mix. Too much work for me at 6:30 in the morning. Or any time of the day for that matter.

My daughter, on the other hand, is thrilled. She is the lone recipient of my loose powder shimmer shadow trove. Lucky girl to have such a giving mom as me. Now where’s my two-armed hug? That’s right. It’s not a bribe or anything in case you were thinking that.

Okay, it’s a bribe.

Well! I can count the times she’s hugged me with both arms on two arms. Seriously, she gives me buddy hugs. So if slipping her a little loose powder eyeshadow gift every once in a while in order to get proper mama lovin’, well, it’s my lot in life, and I’ve accepted it.

Moving right along.

The other eye product is an eyelid base, which claims to transform shimmer shades into a matte. And I don’t know much about that since I gave all my shimmer shadows away (see above), but it did make a nice eyelid primer. I used it today, and so far, no creasing. And I always crease. My old lady hanging eye skin gets me every time.

So I guess you could say this product wasn’t quite the bust that the others were. But I’m still not beside myself with love, let’s make that clear.

I do not know why this even exists in the world, but ModelCo submitted this party proof cream lipstick in the absolute perfect Barbie pink shade that no one ever in all eternity should ever ever use. I put it on fully aware it would be a mistake. Oh lawd. Delete. In the trash you go.

Last product is a moisturizer from Pur-Lisse. While not opposed, it is a super full sized tube which I will most likely own for 15 years. But it’s value is $55. So safe to say, it’s the best thing in the box. Is that shallow? Probably.

Hopefully next month will be a better box. I’m gonna cross my fingers starting right now. Good night everybody!

Mar13

Blush Mystery Beauty Box | March 2014

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I have been inundated with beauty boxes this week. They’ve never come all at once like this, and to be honest, I’m not a fan. It’s hard to discreetly receive 11 beauty boxes in the mail without your husband noticing. But when they all show up within a span of 4 days… well, it’s stink eye overload over here.

Here’s the loot:

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First things first, the packets. You all know how much I love one-time use packets. And if you read my blog, you know that’s completely not true. However – and here’s an example of how I make exceptions to my own rules – I’m okay with a packet if all that’s inside is something as boring as body lotion. Take for instance, this one from AmLactin. Are you napping yet? I am. Body lotion is only interesting if, A: it doesn’t look like a pharmacy made it. And, well, that’s about it. I thought I’d have a B: and C: but I don’t.

On the other hand, it is the #1 recommended moisturizer brand by dermatologists. So good news, then! I found a B: body lotion is only interesting if it doesn’t look like a dermatologist recommended it. Am I being hateful? Probably.

Next packet is a facial cleanser from First Aid Beauty. A day prior to receiving this, I was actually looking at purchasing a full size tube from Sephora. In a clear superheroic feat of willpower, I did not. So, I was excited to see this packet, despite its hideous packetyness. However, I used it the other day, and it does not smell very good. I know I would never want to use a full size tube of this. The packet version, for once, worked out best. But that’s just our secret, k?

How about a 100% organic cotton face cloth from Suki? No? Okay, moving along.

Got a tube of StriVectin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles. About got carpal tunnel just typing that out, just FYI. Certainly someone could’ve came up with a shorter name? Something without the words stretch marks and wrinkles in it? Blah.

Anyway, this must be an old version of this cream because StriVectin’s website now calls it Advanced Intensive. I could be wrong, though, but it’s something I noticed. Regardless, I do have stretch marks (no!) and wrinkles (NO!), and now that I’m fully feeling miserable about myself, thanks for the cream.

I’m excited about the itty bitty tube of Laura Gellar Spackle Under Makeup Primer. I already own the color correcting one, which I love, so I’m cool with sampling another version. Plus, anything with the name spackle in it sounds like something I definitely need to be putting on my face. Cover it up and level it out, I always say. And replace my face with a new one. Thanks.

Look at that huge tube of moisturizer from DCL. Just look at it. I’m going to own that for at least 15 years. They sent me the ultra-light hydrator one, which sounds alright. When I get around to sampling it, I’ll let you know.

Now this product I am super excited to try. It’s the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. And why am I super excited to try it, you ask? Welllll. It comes with a dropper. What more reason do you need?

I am also excited about the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid. It’s a leave-on exfoliant that will hopefully cure the black hole abyss-like pore situation on my face. It claims to do that so we will see.

Got another microdermabrasion cleanser, this time from Miracle Skin Transformer. They make my favorite BB cream, so here’s to hoping they have other good products. They are expensive so that’s a good sign.

Or should be.

Last thing in the box is a pair of eye patches from Talika. I’ve never used eye patches before, but just like the eye patches I got in last month’s Glossybox, you have to wear them for 30 minutes. So looks like I’m gonna have to take off work just so I can wear these things. Otherwise, I won’t have the time.

Why can’t skin care just work instantly? I mean, do they even know how long 30 minutes is? It’s like roughly 15 hours or something.

Well, that’s it for today. I’ll be back soon though. I got 3 boxes in the mail just today, so I’m already behind. Good night!

Mar6

Glossybox | February 2014

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Well, we’ve made it.  It’s the last box of February.  Good thing too, now that we’re six days into the month of March.  For whatever reason, Glossybox likes to be last, as they didn’t even ship my box out until February 28.  Same goes for January and all the months before.  Always last.

I’d like to say this time they saved the best for last, but it’s simply not true.  Cue sad music.  And tears.

I know.  First world problems.  WELL.  I pay for the damn thing.

Anyway, here’s what I got:

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Let’s start with the most hideous first so we can end on a high note.  Nail polish.  Whyyyyyyyyeeeeeee?  I will never ever ever use up what I already have; I don’t need more nail polish.  Where is the nail-polish-off button?  Cancel. Delete.  Go away.  Ugh.

Now for those curious, it’s a Lauren B. Beauty nail polish if that means anything to you.  It’s also in a lovely spring pink color.  Anything else I can point out that is already obvious?  No.  Moving right along.

Next item to nap at is this hair spritzy thing from Pureology for color-treated hair.  I don’t have color-treated hair.  Although technically, once I calmed myself down and actually read the description, it can be used for any hair.  It’s basically a leave-in spray chock full of happy bits.  Vitamins, minerals and such as.  But I already decided against it, so I gave it to my daughter instead, who definitely does have color-treated hair.  Plus I’m always looking for ways to bribe her for a two-armed hug.  I may be her mom and she may love me, but getting her to hug me with emphasis is nigh on impossible.  Apparently I missed the notification that we’re nothing more than bros.  Bros who one-arm hug and back slap.  Booo.

Does your daughter do this?  Yes? No?  Mine might be a robot.  Who knows.

I also got a lovely box of under eye patches from Anatomicals.  While I’m not really opposed to this item, it’s primary function is to reduce puffiness.  However, I do not have a puffiness problem.  But upon further inspection, they do work for fine lines and dark circles as well.  Fine then.  The disadvantage to this product is the 30-minute wear time.  Who got 30 minutes to wear some damn eye pads?! How am I supposed to continue to live my life while wearing these things?  Like working, buying groceries, ellipticalling – where’s all that supposed to fit in while I’m spending all my time wearing eye patches?

Just kidding. I lay on the couch a lot. We’re good.

Next thing in the box is a bottle of Renu Lip and Eye Active Lift.  Sounds nice, right?  However, in the fine print right there on the front of the bottle it says for mature skin.  Excuse me, what?  I’m looking over both shoulders, trying to find the person this product was meant for, cuz certainly it’s not me.  I mean, maybe I have some fine lines under my eyes and around my mouth, and maybe there’s this weird verticle wrinkle right above my lip that makes no sense as to how it got there.  Maybe.  But that’s a far cry from mature skin, surely?

I’m pouting but I’ll use it.  I’m not really that ashamed.

I’m still using my Strivectin eye cream, and then I have another eye cream ready after that.  So for the moment, I’m using it around my mouth only.  The consistency is rather watery so a little goes a long way.  Haven’t noticed anything akin to a miracle happening, but I suppose it’s only been 3 days or so.  When I finish the bottle in 15 years, we’ll talk again.

Last product in the box is a black eyeliner by Sumita Beauty.  I know, black eyeliner.  Ho hum pigs bum.  Well, that’s what I thought at first anyway.  This product is by far the best thing in the box.  (Given the contents of the box, that’s not really a hard-fought prize.)  But here’s why:  it stays.  It’s the only eyeliner I’ve ever owned that will go in my waterline and not disappear in an hour.  It’s super black, very creamy, and hardcore.  Like I put it on for the very first time the other day, and I was like, hold up?  What kind of voodoo magic is this?  It’s that impressive.

Usually the eyeliner in my waterline is gone by 9am.  This one holds out for ages.  Granted, it’s not super duper bold by the end of the work day, but it’s still there.  And the fact it’s still there makes this eyeliner – dare I say it? – my holy grail.

Cue shocked audience sounds.

I know.  But it’s true.  I’ve also used it on my upper lid, and this creamy eyeliner sets like a rock.  Does. Not. Move.  There’s a part on my inner upper eyelid where my eyeliner likes to feather out, then disappear altogether.  It happens with all my eyeliners.  Except this one.  You guys!  Go get this.  Do it.  Immediately.

So, yes, I was slightly bummed about the contents of this month’s box.  The eyeliner saved it a bit.  But then I got an email from Glossybox with a sneak peek for the March box, and there’s a Sisley Paris mask in it.  Squeeeeeee!  Okay, I love you again, Glossybox.  Friends?

Mar3

Boxycharm | February 2014

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Remember not too long ago when I opened my Beauty Box 5 and it was the most disappointed of all the disappointments?  So I prompty canceled, which left a sad little hole in my wallet?  And the only remedy I could muster was to buy another beauty box?

Funny how my brain works.

You are looking at my very first Boxycharm box:

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Well.  Safe to say I make some pretty dang good decisions sometimes.  I love this box (well, this month anyway; next month is a crapshoot).  It is lightyears better than all my Beauty Box 5 boxes put together.  That’s a lot of love people, if you’re counting.

However.  It wouldn’t be a proper beauty box without at least one zinger.  Those dang Eyelashi eyelashes from my Lip Factory box are haunting me.  I got them again in this box.  Whyyyyyyyyeeeeee does my life hate me?  Lashes, go away.

To make it all better, Boxycharm sent a bottle of NARS nail polish.  Okay, nail polish.  You know I’m not a huge fan.  BUT.  It’s NARS, and that’s fancy.  And I make my own exceptions to my own rules, which we’ve discussed before.  You should probably keep a notebook on all this.  You know, like a reference guide.  All my ex-boyfriends have one.

There are two Mirabella products – an eyeliner and a lip pencil.  While it’s true I have a billion black eyeliners, I don’t love them all.  So getting yet another black eyeliner isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  I’ve been using this particular one for about a week now, and it does the job just fine.  Not amazing, as it disappears from my waterline rather quickly, but none of my eyeliners pass the waterline test, not even the waterproof ones.

The lip pencil is a very bright corally pink.  Goes on pretty smooth, has a nice smell.  I’ve worn it once, and decided I’d keep it.  Other than that, there really isn’t much else to say about it.  OH! The name of this product is La La Lips Velvet Lip Pencil if that helps entice you a bit.  I’ll admit I was moved a little.  Because seriously, velvvvvvvet.  I challenge you not to produce a mild facial tic when hearing the word velvet.  If your eyes don’t squint, blink or spasm in the slightest, clearly you are a robot.

Last product in the bunch is this darling little blush by Pandora’s Box.  Even though the bright Barbie doll pink shade I got isn’t one I would normally buy for myself, I couldn’t resist the adorable packaging.  Sometimes that is the only reason to buy something.  It’s just the way of the world.  Or the one I live in at least.

So long story short, I’m pleased with my first Boxycharm box.  I’m ready for my next one like yesterday.  Good thing March is here so the influx of new boxes can commence.  I’m ready and waiting.

Feb27

Lip Factory | February 2014

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Another day, another beauty box.  The fun never ends.  I hope everybody loves these reviews because they keep coming.  And until I get tired of opening Christmas gifts each month (which will be NEVER), it will continue.

Okay, so here is what I got in my Lip Factory box:

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Purty purty!  This is probably my favorite box I’ve gotten from them.  Aside from the eyelashes.  Let’s discuss eyelashes, shall we?

We shall.

Do not like.  Primarily because I don’t know how to use them.  I have applied fake lashes about 3 times in my life.  So although that is a perfectly reasonable explanation for my ineptness, it is also a perfectly reasonable explanation why I dislike.  If I can’t master something almost immediately, I lose interest like stat.  Just do.  Which is why I also hate the elliptical.  I mean, have you been on that thing?! Urgh.

However, the lashes are from Eyelashi.  They look scary.

Received two items from Teeez again this month.  However, that’s okay because I loved the two items I got from Teeez last month.  The packaging is soooo beautiful.  Anyway, they sent me a mascara and a lipstick.  Of course, I tried the mascara almost immediately.  Still searching for that holy grail.  And while it wasn’t the worst of the bunch, it didn’t give me the volume and length I really wanted.  Maybe I am too hard to please because that makes about 2,172 mascaras that have failed me.  At least that many.  If not more.

The lipstick – gah!  Just lovely.  It smells like a vanilla cupcake and the color is Awesome Orchid.  And according to their website it nourishes, hydrates and repairs lips.  Fancy that!  If I could do that many things all at once, as well as maintaining my poise and beauty, well I wouldn’t be writing this blog right now.  I’d be at a photoshoot somewhere, or fending off paparazzi.  Maybe eating finger sandwiches with the Queen.

Next item is a matte lip crayon by LASplash.  I got the color Cabernet, which is a gorgeous wine color.  And if you read my last post regarding my favorite lip duo, you’d know how I feel about wine.  And if you didn’t read that post, something is clearly wrong with you.

Anyway, I’ve tried some matte lipsticks before.  Most of them are very drying on my lips.  However, this one is fantastic.  Aside from the color, the texture is very lip balm-y, which is so nice.  Plus, the retail on these is only $9 which I don’t think is too bad at all.  More expensive than drugstore, but only slightly.  I kind of wanna go buy some more.  They have a coral color that has a 97.9476764% chance that I need it in my life.

Last item is this awesome burgundy coppery eyeshadow from Starlooks.  Sigh.  I just can’t take all this prettiest in one spot.  I wore this the other day and I loved.  I don’t have a color like this, so that may be why I’m having a thing for it.  To others who have a much bigger eyeshadow collection, you probably already own this in a MAC or Urban Decay version or something.  Just let me have my excitement anyway.  It’s a glorious shade, and it’s mine all mine.

The only thing I don’t like is that it’s a loose pan. Now I feel like I need to buy a Z-palette so I can put all my loose pans in it.  At the moment, however, I only have one loose pan.  In other words, I need to buy more loose pans.  OH wellllll!  Husband is bound to agree with that kind of logic.

Okay, kids.  I’m done for now.  Thanks for reading as always.

Feb26

Petit Vour | February 2014

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I’m gonna try to make this review short and sweet. I’m not sure how that’s gonna work out cuz I tend to get very chatty when I’m posting. In fact, I could spend a few paragraphs discussing how I’m gonna make a review short and sweet, thereby defeating the purpose about 100%.

I’m really sleepy. My brain’s already tucked in bed. Obviously.

So this box is from Petit Vour:

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That little packet business in the back is a skin care sample set from Amala. I actually got two sets, so technically it’s more than a one-time use. But it continues to be a packet, so good try. A sheep in lamb’s clothing is still a sheep.

I don’t think that’s a saying.

Anyway, haven’t used this yet cuz I’m been working on finishing another cleanser. Which just happened tonight actually. So maybe it would’ve made more sense to do the review tomorrow.

Huh. Moving right along.

Got two products from Everyday Minerals – one a color correcting under eye powder and the other a tinted lip balm. I’ve used them both and like them both.

Can’t say much about the lip balm. It’s standard. Moisturizing, nice natural tint. Smells good. As for the color corrector, I got the yellow shade which is the opposite of blue on the color wheel. Blue is the color of under eye circles. Yellow cancels blue, therefore under eye circles disappear. Wellllll, not quite, but you did get a free science lesson just now so you’re welcome for that.

That blush from Ofra is fantastic. Wonderfully pigmented and lovely. I highly recommend spending $15 to get your own. If you insist on being just like me, get the color Charm.

Last item is one that I’ve never received in a box before. In fact, I’ve never received it in anything at all whatsoever. It’s beauty tea from R.L. Linden & Co. Not drinking tea, but steam facial tea. Isn’t that so cool? Just the simple uniqueness of this item makes me want to use it.

So I did. On Skincare Sunday, I boiled a pot of water, poured it in a glass bowl, added the tea, then practically laid my face in it for about 20 minutes. It was the ultimate in pampering, if you ask me. It smelled wonderful, like cinnamon and something else. Yes, that’s my technical description of the smell. WELL! I didn’t invent the thing.

Anyway. My steam ran out about 5 minutes in, so I was nose to nose to a bowl full of potpourri in order to feel the heat as much as possible. In other words, pretty sure I did a steam facial wrong. But it was fun nonetheless.

That’s it. My short and sweet post. Headed to bed. My brain is waiting for me.

Feb22

OneRadiant | February 2014

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Oh, Skin Care, how I love thee.

This statement is completely hilarious to me cuz prior to last September I hadn’t washed my face for about 39 years. That’s not much of an exaggeration either. There’d be small spurts of skin care interest, like that one time about 4 years ago when I became a BeautiControl consultant for absolutely no reason whatsoever.

I’ve owned cleansers and masks and so forth, but they’d literally last me years as the only day I’d wash my face was Sunday in order to start the work week as clean as possible.

Ew. Did you just throw up a little bit? Isn’t that just so gross?

Well I’m making up for it, trust me. I am in the very midst, the absolute deepest center, the furthest reaches of the black hole abyss vortex thingie of an obsession. I now need to own, and use, every bit of skin care I can get my hands on.

I mean, if you’re gonna have an obsession, for heavens sake, do it right.

So it only made sense to sign up for OneRadiant. Customized skin care just for me. This right here is my second box:

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Let’s get right to that packet thing. You know how I feel about packets. However, since it’s just eye cream I suppose I’ll let it slide. (Yes, I make exceptions for my own rules. I’m the boss of me.)

The eye cream is from Juara. I used it for two days before I tossed it. I could probably have eked out a couple more days but I lost interest. If it had only been in a tube…

I will say the consistency was nice. It was not watery but slightly thicker which is what I prefer. I wish I could say my wrinkles disappeared after my two-day trial but no.

So in other words, this little science experience was all for naught. Packets should be banned. That’s all I’m saying.

Ever wanted to wash your face with 24k gold? I never cared about it before, but now that I have this exfoliating cream cleanser from LaRocca, I get to feel oh so fancy every night of the week (well, until the sample runs out). I’ve been using this the past couple of nights, and it does have some pretty apparent exfoliating bits in it. It says it’s gentle, but the bits are a little rougher than some of my other cleansers. I suppose if you barely touch your face while cleansing you can call it gentle. And then hopefully your latent magic powers kick in, as I imagine barely touching your face would equal barely cleaning it either.

What am I going on about? I dunno.

I did see on the website it also says it’s made with wind power. WIND POWER! Pretty sure I should be rather excited about that part, but I have no idea what it means. Maybe it’s churned by milk maids sitting amidst the windmill fields in Holland. Not sure what kind of benefit that would garner either, but that’s the kind of psychological brain trickery that makes me buy about 97.736484% of everything I own.

Next thing is this day serum from CellCeuticals called Extreme Defense. It contains antioxidants that helps prevent skin damage. I’ve used it for the past week, and at first I was pairing it with this horrific moisturizer and the serum was peeling off my face in an eraser shaving-like incident. Thought maybe I was using the product wrong so I contacted the company for further instruction. They were so appalled by my description of what had happened, apologized profusely, and are now sending me another sample as a replacement.

In other words, if their product doesn’t work that well, at least their customer service does.

Decided to toss the moisturizer and use something else with the serum. And guess what? Serums works flawlessly. This relieves me greatly as the price for the full size is $70. My faith in expensive skin care has been restored. Amen.

Speaking of moisturizers, got this tube of skin strengthening complex from Nia24, which according to their website is niacin-powered skin therapy. There is a whole Q&A on their site about niacin and what it does for your skin. I will attempt to condense this for you:

Increases the skin barrier which means better skin texture and tone. Niacin can cause flushing and/or itching of the skin, which should subside in a few hours. Alright then, I’m excited!

There is a detailed chart showing how to use this product for the first week and how to gradually increase on the second week. I’m already tired and I haven’t even used this yet. If I need specified instructions in order to apply something as simple as moisturizer, I’m scared a little bit. On the other hand, full size is $93.

Sucked right in. Let’s start immediately.

Last product in the box is an evening serum from pH Advantage called PM Vitamin Triple Complex.  I freaking love this stuff. It goes on like silk and disappears into your skin almost instantly.  I’m a huge texture lover, and this one is texture at its finest. I will actually be sad when the little samples are gone because that means undoubtedly I am going to have to shell out $48.50 to get more.

The only issue I have with this product is the instructions on how to use it.  It says to apply sparingly. How much is sparingly, I ask you?  Dime size? Pea size? Smaller? Again, I need clear, concise information here people. Also, what happens if I go over their definition of sparingly? Will there be some kind of chemical reaction situation upon my face, like a lab experiment gone horribly awry?

Do I need to take control of the United States Product Instructions Department? Mandate a few things, enact some laws or something? I think yes.  Otherwise, this rampant vague instructioning habit will never end.

Well, off to write a letter to my congressman. Later, loves.

Feb20

Ipsy | February 2014

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Ipsy, you’ve done it again.

Serious, ya’ll … if you’re thinking about subscribing to a beauty box, and you don’t want to pay more than $10 a month, Ipsy is where it’s at.  However, you have some homework to do in order to get the most out of it.  I’m going to divulge a bit of advice, so listen up people!

When you sign up for Ipsy, you fill out a beauty profile where you tell them your hair color, skin type, complexion, etc.  You can leave it at that, and I feel like Ipsy does make an effort to oblige you.  However, the secret is by going back and reviewing the products you receive in the box.  If you get eyelashes – which is snore city, if you ask me – you go fill out their little eyelash survey and tell them it’s “not for me” and voila!  So far, no more eyelashes.  It’s called their Ipsy Match program, and at this point no other box I’ve found has this much of an in-depth customization tool.

Now they better not go screw it up since I just sang high praises and make me look like an idiot. That = no likey.

Here is what came in my February box:

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I lurve.  Lurve it all.

My utmost fave thing in the box is the tiny vial of velvet gel from Phyto-C.  This product sparked quite a bit of convo on the Ipsy site, as so many people did not know how to use it.  I will admit it’s one of the more confusing ones.  The product itself says to use a few drops on age spots or dark spots.  The Ipsy website says it can be used as a primer before makeup.  Even the company’s own website says nothing more than to use 1-2 times per day.

If you do not already know, let me give you some background info on me.  Do NOT under any circumstances give me contradicting instructions, vague instructions or no instructions.  I cannot function unless you tell me in a clear and concise manner, with time references and step-by-step bullet lists, what I am supposed to do.  In case you’re curious, it’s very hard to be friends with me.

And yes, I emailed the company.  I do that A LOT.  Turns out this product can be applied all over the face, serum-style, prior to applying moisturizer.  Well alright then.  How hard was that to explain?  Why couldn’t that be printed on the packaging?  Gah, guess I should be CEO of Phyto-C then.  I have all the best ideas.

Anyway, now that all of that is squared away, I love this serum.  It makes my skin feel so incredibly soft, softer than anything else I’ve used.  So soft, that I went on eBay and purchased two other Ipsy users’ velvet gel samples that they didn’t want.  Is that insane?  Probably.

Also in the box is a lipgloss from Pop Beauty.  I’m not too enthusiastic about Pop Beauty’s makeup.  Maybe I’m not being fair as I’ve never really tried much of it, but the displays in Ulta just look so super cheap.  If someone is in love with Pop Beauty, please comment and let me know what I’m missing out on.

However, the lipgloss is really nice.  I got the color Peony Petal and it looks so lovely on my lips.  Perfect spring shade.  It’s supposed to include lip-plumping peptides, but I poo poo at anybody’s lip-plumping claim.  Unless you’re Juvederm and come in syringe form, I’m pretty much sure you’re not plumping anything.  But for a pretty lipgloss, you do good work.

And now you know I am not a fan of nail polish.  It takes a lot to get me excited about nail polish.  BUT.  It is nearing spring (kind of) and Zoya’s earth-toned purple invoked a feeling inside of me.  That is the only reason I was okay with getting nail polish in my box.  The color sent me to my happy place.

I say I’m not a fan of nail polish, but I do paint my nails every other week or so.  In other words, it is necessary to have nail polish.  I just don’t want to be inundated.  In fact, the smaller the sample bottle the better cuz it will take me 15 years to use up what I already have.  And as an OCDer, that fact drives me super batty.  I just love the feeling of finishing something and throwing it away.  It’s like a job well done, completed that task, checkmark on the to-do list kind of feeling. I know some of you out there can relate.

And blush.  I love blush.  Again, it will take about 15 years to use up what I already have, but the difference here is that I love it.  It’s easy to be around a thousand blushes when they are all your children.  Sorry.  You don’t choose love, love chooses you.

Or something like that.  Shut up, Brain.

Got this gorgeous melon colored matte blush from City Color.  I wore it the other day, and I’m not even gonna hide the fact that I stared at myself all day.  I mean, I went out of my way to purposefully walk past mirrors.  Literally paraded my ass around the clothing department in Walmart during grocery shopping just to catch a glimpse of my pretty cheeks.  That right there might be the beginning stages of a little situation professional psychologists lovingly refer to as “crazy.”  I’m mildly concerned.

Last item in the box is my least favorite, although I don’t hate it by any means.  It’s a cream eyeshadow by Tini Beauty.  I don’t wear cream eyeshadows very often (more like hardly ever) as my old crepey eyelids don’t care for them too much.  The color they sent me is called Spiced Rum, and it’s a super metallic-y bronze.  I dabbed the teeniest tiniest bit on my lid the other day and wowza.  Pigmented, yes.  I’m going to try a look this weekend with it, see if I can’t get a little more comfortable wearing cream eyeshadow.  If it can’t be done, I’m gonna have to pass this along to my daughter who can get away with practically anything.  Being 20 will do that for you.

Well that’s it for now.  Only 5 more boxes to review.  Get excited!