Product Empties | Sept-Oct 2015

Seriously, who isn't a product hoarder??  I have tons of beauty products that I either purchased or received as samples/gifts and are just stashed inside some drawer or cabinet.  

I thought I'd share with you all the products that I've used up the past couple of months. 

• MAC Prep+Prime Fix+ in Coconut (LE) - I am a big fan of Fix+ and the scent of coconut was to die for.  For the record, I love anything coconut.  I'm so sad I didn't grab a few more as backups since this scent was Limited Edition. 

• Smashbox Primer Water - A primer spray seemed like a great alternative to using an actual cream but I noticed that I would spray this and still apply a smoothing primer.  I felt like the primer water didn't make a difference in the longevity of my makeup. I'll stick to using the Fix+ as a primer and setting spray. 

• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes - THE BEST of the best!  I love how easily these remove my face makeup and they don't irritate my skin.  The price is extremely great when compared to the MAC wipes.

• Living Proof Satin Hair Serum - This serum worked wonders for my dry, frizzy, untamed hair.  It left it really smooth and shiny without the greasy feeling or look.  I loved the smell and best of all, my hair loved it!

• Briogeo Rosarco Milk - A reparative leave-in conditioner spray that helps with dry, crispy, split ends.  It contains rose hip and argan oil, which left my hair feeling soft and moisturized.  I really liked this product but did not like the spray bottle.  It didn't really spray, instead it squirted on my hair.  It must of been a bad spray bottle. 

• Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Cleanser - A great cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin.  It contains micro beads and is a mild exfoliant that you can use daily without it irritating your skin. I really felt like it cleansed my skin and left it feeling smooth, clean, brighter and soft. 

• LUSH Celestial Facial Moisturizer - all natural moisturizer that is great for sensitive skin.  It really hydrates your skin without leaving that greasy feeling afterwards.  I also applied this on my daughter's dry arms and it worked wonderful for her as well.  

• Jergens Ultra Healing body lotion - great for those with really dry skin.  I applied this mostly on my legs.  I felt my skin super hydrated and soft.  The scent has a bit of vanilla to it which was a little extra sweet for my liking. 

My goal is to use up 10 beauty products every 2 months and to try to cut back on my spending.  I have to use up what I have before I purchase more items I don't necessarily need. 

#productempties in full effect! :)

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer & Blur Perfector

Without a doubt, primers are my "must have" makeup product.  I have oily skin and if I don't use a primer, my face will look like a grease ball within a couple hours.  I have quite a lot of primers, from drugstore to high end, so when I was chosen by Influenster to review these new YSL primers, I was ecstatic!!! [Check out my Open Box and First Impressions video here.]

First of all, let's just admire the beautiful packaging. L O V E 

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer

Price: $52 for 1.0 fl oz.

Can be purchased here. 

This is an illuminating primer that blurs imperfections and leaves your skin looking smooth and radiant.  If you see closely, it contains small specks of gold glitter which is what helps your skin glow.  It claims to help minimize the appearance of pores, smooth out skin and even skintone.  It contains four nourishing oils which are corn oil, apricot kernel oil, passiflora oil, and rice bran oil.  Although the ingredients are mostly oils, this does not leave a greasy residue.  In fact, once applied, it leaves your skin looking matte and smooth.  I honestly didn't see a difference in the radiance part but I did notice that my skin felt smooth and when foundation was applied it worked really well. 

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Perfector
Price: $55.00
Can be purchased here.

This is a blur perfector in a compact.  It helps blur out any imperfections such as the appearance of enlarged pores, oilyness, or uneven skin tone. It is a balm but once applied to the skin it transforms into a powder.  It helps soften skin's imperfections and creates a rosy-glow effect.  This can be applied in three ways: on its own, before makeup application, or as a touch up to sweep away shine.  This is a universal shade and works with any skin tone.

[close-up of face with primer, blur perfecter, L'Oreal Infallible foundation and ABH Contour palette]

I've been using these products for over 2 weeks now and I am really liking them.  Using my fingers, I apply the blur primer all over my face then I apply a bit of the blur perfecter on areas where my pores are more visible such as my nose and cheeks.   Both products left my skin matte and smooth.  Once I applied my foundation, I noticed that my skin looked smooth and the foundation just glided on like warm butter on bread.  As for as lasting power, I noticed I got a bit oily after 4-5 hours.  I'm an oily girl so I don't expect my face to be looking matte all day.  This was actually pretty good compared to other primers in which I start getting oily after 3-4 hours.  Overall, these products work great for me and I like them.  Would I repurchase?  Probably not.  Although a little goes a long way, I can't seem to pay $50.xx for a primer.  The way my funds are set up [Kevin Hart voice]....

Have any of you tried these products?  If so, did you like them, hate them?  What is your favorite current face primer?  I'd love to hear from you guys.  :)





Disclaimer:  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.  All opinions are honest.  

Zara Sale - Small Clothing Haul

I have to admit... I've been doing a lot of shopping lately.  From makeup, to clothes, to skincare, to electronics...You name it!  I've shopped for it all.  Not like I have a ton of money but let's just say, my Savings account balance is non-existent anymore. Eeeeh!  Summer is here and I've lost a few pounds, so I NEEDED new stuff. ---

One day, I was strolling around the area in Downtown San Francisco, when I walked by Zara and saw a HUGE Sale sign.  As much as I tried to avoid it, that sign just drew me in.  So, here I am, excited to write this blog post about my small yet lovely Zara clothing haul.

 Can't get enough of these beautiful shoes. 

 Burn Orange Strap Heel

 Black and Gold Strap Sandals with a 2" heel.  My fave!!!!

 Denim Jeans, Black Leggings, Black/White Printed Pencil Skirt

California Crop Top Tee, Black Sleeveless Top

I can't seem to find the name of the items on the tag nor can I find the items on the Zara website. If you get a chance, go to your closest Zara and checkout the sale they have.  Most of the items I purchased were more than 50% off original price.  Pretty amazing deal if you ask me.

Summa, Summa, Summa Time

Summer is here!!!! 

I absolutely love Summer!  Sunshine. Beach. Pools. Refreshing Drinks. Tanned Skin. Minimal Makeup. Messy Hair. Fun Times. Creating Memories. And Much More.

This Summer, I've decided to do something fun every weekend!  Whether it's going out for a walk at some random trail, trying out a new place that serves unlimited mimosas, heading to a theme park, beach, anywhere I can get a bit of sunshine.  I want to just go out there and explore!

Two weekends ago, I went to the County Fair in my area and it was so much fun!!!  The weather was amazing and so much food and attractions.  I thought I'd share with you all a couple pictures.

I went with very minimal makeup and a half bun up-do.  

I can't wait for a very fun and exciting summer!!!  

Any activities you guys are planning to do this summer?  Do share. :)

2015: Not Letting You Down

Ok... so I've neglected my blog once again.  BUT... it's a new year and I'm determined to blog at least once a month.  Slowly getting back to my crazy self and taking time to do the things I enjoy and love.  Thanks to all who are still sticking with me!!!

Outfit Details:

Top: White Gap tee, Banana Republic blue cardigan

Bottoms: BR jeans

Shoes: Guess

MK handbag

Rayban sunglasses

Review: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths

I've always been a fan of Cetaphil products.  My skin is acne prone and very oily but sometimes it can be dry due to acne creams sucking the moisture out of my face! So it was no surprise that I would love the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths that I received from Influenster.

The packaging is quite different from the regular makeup remover wipes like Neutrogena or Almay.  These have a plastic closure which is great because it locks in the "wetness" of the cloths. Now that I think about it, it's very similar packaging to the MAC Makeup Remover Wipes.

When I first opened them up and used them, they felt dry.  Not as moist as other wipes but I think it might have been the first wipe or two that felt a bit dry because after that, they have been quite moist.  Let me just make this clear, these are not as "wet" as the MAC or Neutrogena ones I've tried.  However, they sure did remove a lot of my makeup and dirt.  Another thing I noticed was that the wipe itself was quite long.  Not your usual size wipe.  Also, the wipe wasn't too thick that it feels like your rubbing a Huggies wipe on your face and it wasn't too thin that you're afraid if you wipe too hard it will tear.  It did remove quite a bit of my face makeup but of course I had to use my face wash to really clean out all the gunk.

Before - with makeup

After - makeup and dirt removed

Overall, the wipes are good for removing makeup and dirt off your face.  It's non-drying and leaves your skin feeling so clean and fresh.  They are definitely great for people with sensitive skin because these are so soft and gentle.  Would I repurchase?  Yes, I sure would.  These have been a staple in my current skin care routine.

April 2014 - Favorites and Empties

I was really surprised with the amount of items I had used this month.  I've been using some consistently, therefore, resulting in empties.  Here are my faves and empties for the month.

1. Tone Bodywash in Daily Detox - contains white clay, jasmine extract and Vitamin E, lathers up really well, leaving my skin moisturized for hours and it smells wonderful.
2. Herbal Essence Naked Shine Shampoo/Conditioner - Contains 0% Sulfate and Silicon, very light and refreshing leaving my hair feeling clean and smelling amazing. I only wash my hair twice a week and this new Naked line really helps remove all the dirt and gunk my hair has from using different hair styling products.  
3. Herbal Essence Curl Scrunching Gel - great for holding curls without leaving your hair frizzy.  I have wavy hair but I curl it and apply this gel to have my curls last longer.  It's non-sticky and doesn't leave your hair feeling hard/sticky as with most gels.  
4. VS Hello Darling body lotion - smells of white nectarine and peony, it is ultra-moisturizing and contains Vitamin E and C, grapeseed extracts and aloe.  It leaves my skin soft and moisturized. 
5. VS Body Scrub in Pure Seduction - This is one of my all time favorite VS scents.  It smells of red plum and sweet freesia (whatever that is).  It's very flirty and floral and the scrub is amazing!  It just smells so good I want to eat it!  I use this to exfoliate pretty much my whole body... I just love how soft and smooth my skin feels after I use this.  Sometimes I don't even apply lotion because the scrub leaves my skin feeling so moisturized! 
6. Amazing Cosmetics Velvet Mineralized Pressed Powder in Tan - I've found my HG mineral foundation!  This glides on smoothly, leaving my skin looking flawless.  Best of all, it is formulated to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines!!  And if you have oily skin, this will control the oils and leave a matte finish.  It is very light and at times I forget I even have powder on my face.  It just looks so natural.  
7. NYX Love in Rio Eyeshadow Palette - I believe I received this in one of my monthly Ipsy bags but ever since I got it, I've been using it daily.  Perfect trio of colors to create a natural look for work or everyday wear.  The shadows are pigmented and are easy to blend.  Best of all, they are very affordable.  I've seen them at my local drugstore for less than $5. 
8. Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Summertime - Another item from my Ipsy subscription.  It is a bit too dark for me but I've been using this to contour.  It is a matte finish and applies smoothly to the face. 
9. Tarte Lights, Camera, Action Mascara - great mascara to lengthen your lashes.  Not much volume but leaves my lashes looking really long.  
10. NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee - a fellow blogger (RockMeBeautiful) introduced me to this item and I absolutely love it.  It is so glossy, leaving your lips moisturized and you're not left with sticky lips.  The color is very natural, more like a clear gloss so this will definitely be great to apply over your favorite lipsticks.  I plan on purchasing more colors. 
11. MAC Studio Sculp Concealer in NW30 - great coverage for under eye darkness and to cover up my acne scars.  You can never go wrong with MAC concealers. 
12. MAC Spaced Out Blush - my all time favorite blush during the Spring/Summer season.  I'm so sad it's empty and it was LE.  It's the perfect peachy-pink with a bit of shimmer.  On the hunt to find a dupe!
13. POP Coral Crush Lip Crayon - The perfect coral lip crayon ever!  At first, I wasn't a fan of lip crayons but they are honestly very pigmented and moisturizing for your lips.  This one is my current go-to lip product. 
14. Sephora Kohl Liner in Infinite Beige - great for your waterline to make your eyes appear bigger.  
15. Kat Von D Liner in Trooper - My HG eye liner.  It has the perfect felt tip applicator, making your eyeliner apply smoothly and looking perfect! 

WOW! That's a long list.  

What are some of your favorite products for the month?  

Please feel free to share with me.  I always enjoy reading other peoples monthly favorites. 

Review: Montagne Jeunesse Creamy Coconut Mask

Montagne Jeunesse has a lot of facial masks made by natural ingredients.  They are suitable for everyone, whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or just want to freshen up your face, you can never go wrong with choosing a facial mask from Montagne Jeunesse.  They have clay masks, mud masks, scrubs, peel off masks, and so many others that smell so wonderful and did I mention all contain NATURAL ingredients??

I received the Creamy Coconut Mask and was so excited because I love everything coconut.  This one contains coconut water and shea butter so it is quite moisturizing.  I opened this baby up and applied it on my face the same night I received my package.  The consistency is light and creamy, feels more like a thick cream than a mask.  Once on your face, it feels cooling and refreshing and the aroma of coconut is just divine.  I left the mask on for about 20 minutes and then rinsed it off.

Let me just tell you, my face felt so soft and smooth and it looked so much brighter.  I was glowing and   loved it!  I am definitely going to repurchase this product because it has been the best mask I've applied so far.

With the mask on, then after I rinsed it off. 

You can find these at your local drugstore such as Walgreens or CVS.  And they are really inexpensive.  A pack will last you 2-3 uses.  I've used other masks from this brand but the coconut cream is my fave!

Have any of you tried this brand?  If so, what are your favorite masks?

Disclaimer: I received the Montagne Jeunesse Creamy Coconut Mask from Influenster for testing and review purposes.

The Best is Yet to Come

WOW!  It's been almost 6 months since I've last posted on this.  I've told myself plenty of times that I'd get myself situated with a blog schedule but it never seems to work out.  Well, I've come back... I missed blogging, I missed sharing all my product reviews, fitness and health related and personal life ramblings.  I have quite a few posts I'm working on and hope to slowly but surely post them up.

Thank you to my followers and those who have commented and sent me emails to see how I've been doing and to let me know how much you've missed my posts.  It really means a lot to me... more than you will ever imagine.

Sometimes we all just need a little push, a little guidance and a little motivation to get us going.  So here I am folks... I'm ready to blog my little heart out!

November Ipsy Bag

I am really loving this month's Ipsy bag.  First of all the makeup bag is gorgeous!!! Gold and pink wristlet.  I'll definitely be using this.  And the products are amazing!!!  My favorite is the bronzer and nail polish.  Love, Love, Love!

On to the products I received:

• Michelle Phan Lengthening Mascara - Haven't had a chance to try this one yet but I like the white and black tube. 

• Bombshell Lip Crayon in Shameless - Very berry color which is perfect for the Fall.

• Nailtini Nail Lacquer - Bronze/Champagne color that is very pigmented and looks amazing on my medium skin tone.  This will definitely be one of my favorites for Fall/Winter.

• Pixie Bronzer in Summertime - Great matte bronzer for my medium skin tone.  It's not too dark and not too light.  [can't find the bronzer...it's probably in my car lol]

• GlamGlow Exfoliant - Haven't tried this but it says to expect a tingle tightning effect in 10 minutes or less.

• Starlook Liner in Topaz - Beautiful silver glittery eyeliner.  Very pigmented and goes on smoothly. 

Do you guys have Ipsy?  

If so, what are your favorite products this month?

It's Been Awhile...

Well hello my lovely followers, subscribers, and readers.  I know I disappeared from the blogger world but my Macbook died on me and it's just been sitting in my bedroom collecting dust.  However, today I finally got myself an early Christmas gift and purchased a Macbook Pro.  I love it!!!  It's just a beauty.

I just wanted to thank you all for sticking with me.  I have a few posts that I will be working on later this week.  Stay tuned.

TOOTLES.

May Favorites 2013

I know it's been awhile since I've blogged but my dear friend Jess from GorJess motivated me to get back on the blogging grind. So here I am... On my iPad blogging! 

On to my favorites for the month of May.

NUME Finishing Serum - received this in an Ipsy bag and instantly fell in love. My hair has always been a bit dry and brittle on the ends but after applying this daily my hair looks so much healthier and shinier. Definitely a great product.

Sally Hansen polish in Butter-fly Stroke - I'm loving yellows and blues lately and this has been on my nails on and off for the month of May. A great Spring/Summer color. 

Wet-N-Wild liquid liner - very inexpensive waterproof liner for those summer beach/pool days... Or when you are watching a sad love movie. Lol. 

Carmex lip balm - prevent those chapped lips with this!

Covergirl and Olay color corrector - great for that under eye brightness 

Physicians Formula BB cream - the best by far! Great for every day wear! (A more detailed review coming soon.)

Revlon Lash Fantasy mascara - great mascara that provides my lashes with lots of length! 

Physicians Formula BB concealer - works great and conceals those dark circles (a more detailed review coming soon)

MAC Dazzleglass in Sugarrimmed - simple yet glittery gloss that gives my lips something to talk about lol

MAC blush in Mocha - my forever favorite blush

UD 24/7 black liner - glides on perfect 

Wet-N-Wild Don't Blink Pink lipstick - great pop of color for those days when I don't wear much makeup. 

These are my favorite products for May but now June is here so it's time to switch it up a notch and get those summer essentials ready. 

TOOTLES 

Quick Update

I've fallen off the face of the Earth for a few weeks but thought I'd resuscitate and give you all a quick update.

So I recently moved.... not sure if I've mentioned that before... and when you move, it takes time to get your home feeling like home.  I think I've finally reached that point where it now feels like home.  I've arranged furniture, added my little spice to it, and it just looks so cute and comfy.  I love my new apartment.   I'll probably post pix of my new place once I get the frames and wall art up. 

Work has been a bit hectic... I'm talking overtime, coming in early to finish off work, travel, etc. Working at a law firm and prepping for trial is no joke!  I'm talking working 7 days a week, 10hrs a day!  And some cha-ching!!! lol 

My hobby couponing... what more can I say.  I'm slightly obsessed.  I've settled down a bit on the couponing (like 5 days a week I'm out shopping, clipping, organizing, and reading up on couponing deals).Yes, I'm crazy but don't hate on my savings! lol. 

As for fitness... well that's on hold. haha!  I'm going to start it up again since I haven't eaten healthy or exercised in a month!  I feel like I gained 20lbs!!! Uggh... but I'll be back on that fitness grind March 1st! :)

Well, I'll try to post a bit more.  Thanks to all my followers/readers/stalkers/lovers and friends for being there even through my absence.  Appreciate the love! 

TOOTLES

BzzAgent: Neutrogena Hand Cream and At-Home Mani

This winter my hands have been really dry.  I had to keep reapplying lotion at all times.  And let's not forget my nails.  Ugh, my cuticles needed some extra TLC.   So I decided to share with you all my steps to an at-home manicure to get your hands and nails looking fabooloso!

Step 1: Prepare your hands by washing them with soap and water.  If you have a nail scrub, use that to clean up any dirt underneath the nails.  I usually use a humid paper towel and clean under the nail.  Then let your nails soak in warm water for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Cuticle care - If you have a cuticle remover such as Sally Hansen's Gel Cuticle Remover, apply that to your cuticles and leave for a minute then gently push back your cuticle with a cuticle pusher.  Also, you can trim an excess cuticle around the nail by using a cuticle clipper.  This can be a bit dangerous if you don't know how to use it properly.  I've cut myself a couple of times and it's no fun. 

Step 3: Now its time to shape your nail by using a nail clipper to cut your nails to your preferred length.  Then use a nail file to get it shaped the way you want.  Try not to file back and forth but instead file from the edge of the nail to the tip.  This will avoid breakage.

Step 4: Time to buff and/or polish.  I use a soft nail buffer to go over every nail and make it smooth so the polish can look neat.  I then apply my Base Coat, polish, and Top Coat then let it dry.

Step 5: Finally, after your nails are all dry, apply a pea-size amount of Neutrogena hand cream and rub all over hands and fingernails.  And viola!  Your hands should feel and look amazing!

Review of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

 

Neutrogena has always been a trusted brand for me and this Norwegian Formula hand cream does not disappoint.  

Here are some details:

• Just one dab repairs 7 signs of damage which includes dryness, chapping, splitting nails, dry cuticles, scaliness and roughness
• This is the first hand cream with glycerin-rich formula to maintain healthy hands, nails and even lips!
• Keeps manicured hands looking beautiful
• Long-lasting
• 2oz product will last you for 200 uses
• Available in Original and Fragrance-Free
• Retails at $4.99 and can be found at any drug store such as Target, Walmart or Walgreens. 

I've been using this hand cream for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love the way it leaves my hands and nails feeling.  At first, I applied a little too much and it felt a bit sticky to me.  Then, I applied very little and the product went on smoothly and penetrated to my skin giving me a soft, smooth feeling.  I've given away a lot of the samples I've received to my colleagues and friends and they have all reported back to me with positive reviews. I was never a person to use a hand cream and would just apply whatever lotion I had but now I've realized how important it is to keep your hands and fingernails looking beautiful.  Remember that your hands tell your age... at least that's what my mom says.  Overall, this is a great product and I'm happy that I was given the opportunity to try it.

Have any of you tried this hand cream before?  If so, what are your thoughts?

Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent and I received this product for free to provide you with my personal opinion.


TOOTLES! 

Review: Palmolive Fresh Infusions

About a week ago, I received my Influenster box for the Palmolive Fresh Infusions dish detergent and I couldn't be happier.  I just moved into my new home and I've been obsessed with purchasing good smelling items such as candles, cleaning items, etc.  Check out my first impressions video on YouTube here.

In the box:
(3) 16oz Palmolive Fresh Infusions dish detergent in Lime Basil, Lemon Thyme and Ginger White Tea
$1.50 coupon to use for a future purchase
Also, others received a little postcard with product info but I didn't.

I immediately fell in love with Lime Basil.  The smell is minty yet refreshing.  Lemon Thyme smells citrousy... just like lemons.  Ginger White Tea smells like flowers to me which is a bit strong for my liking but my mom ended up loving that scent so I gave it to her.  She called me yesterday and said how much she loved it and to buy her some. lol.

I've been using the Lime Basil dish detergent for the past week and I am in love.  First of all, how cute is the bottle??  There isn't a "pretty" dish detergent bottle that I've seen yet. This product looks amazing by my kitchen sink.  The scent is just divine!  I love the way it smells and it leaves my dishes so clean and sparkly.  I've been a Dawn user for years but I think Palmolive has taken my heart.  You can purchase these at Walmart for about $2.99, which is a great prize since its 16oz and should last you awhile.

Now I love to wash dishes... haha

For more information on Palmolive click here. 

To read more reviews and what other people are saying, click here. 

Have any of you tried this dish soap yet?  

What is your go to dish soap? 

Favorite Winter Lip Products

Can someone say "Brrrrr"?  I live in California and it has been freezing over here.  We are not used to 30 degree weather so to me it is extremely cold.  Lately, my lips have been really dry and so not cute! Here are my favorite winter lip products that I've been using lately.

• NYX lipgloss in Smokey Eye - perfect peachy nude
• Be A Bombshell Hot Mess - bright red lip gloss with great pigmentation
  
• CG BlastFlipstick in Vixen - love the color, very moisturizing and
  lasts for hours
  
• PF Matchmaker lipgloss in Pink - great pink gloss that also lasts for hours
  
• Revlon Lip Butters in Creme Brûlée and Raspberry Pie - very
  moisturizing and creamy
  
• Bare Minerals lipstick in Remember - perfect mauve color and very moisturizing
  
• TARTE sugar exfoliated and lip balm - this has saved my lips tremendously
  
• Blistex Moisture Melt - wear this every day and night

What are your favorite lip products this winter?

EOTD: Simple

Today I did a very simple, kind of smokey eye look.

 PRODUCTS USED

Eyes:

UDPP all over lid

MAC Painterly Paintpot on lid

Smashbox duo shadow (pinkis nude color) on lid

Sexy from The Balm on crease and lower lashline

Sleek from The Balm on outer corner

Smashbox duo shadow (creme color) on inner corner and under brow

Face:

Lancome Teint Idole foundation in Bisque

with BeautyBlender 

HC Glamoflauge concealer

MUFE Matte Loose Powder

NYX Bronzer in Sunny to contour

Smashbox Duo highlight/blush

I'm so ready for my 5 day vacation.... 

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!!! 

BzzAgent: Covergirl BlastFlipstick

Back again with another BzzAgent campaign and I couldn't be happier

with this one.

 

 

I received three Covergirl BlastFlipstick in the shades 820- Vixen,

840- Stunner and 855- Minx. These lipsticks are 2 in 1 which provide

your lips with a very unique color. One end is a creamy bold color and

the other end is a shimmery shade. The dual ends help you create that

"ombré" look on your lips which is currently the latest trend. These

lipsticks are quite moisturizing and leave your lips feeling smooth

and not heavy or dry like other lipsticks I've tried.  I'm loving the

different color combinations I get in using just one lipstick and best of all, 

these lipsticks last for hours! 

 

Swatches are of each shade and the third is a mixed color from the two. 

VIXEN -Burgundy and pearl pink shade

STUNNER - Bright coral and light gold shade

MINX - Deep brown and gold shade

Have any of you used these lipsticks yet?

Head & Shoulders Damage Rescue Shampoo/Conditioner

Two weeks ago, I received a lovely surprise by Influenster.  If you don’t know what Influenster is, it is pretty much a website that allows you to try out products for free and review them.  Click here for more info.

I received the Head & Shoulders Damage Rescue Shampoo/Conditioner and I couldn’t be happier.  I was on my last drop of my shampoo and was planning on purchasing a new one when this came in.  

According to the product website, “the Head & Shoulders Damage Rescue system was developed specifically to nurture the scalp AND dry damaged hair with intensive care, leaving hair up to 10X Stronger in Just Four Washes. Because of the carefully balanced combination of ingredients in the formula, Damage Rescue delivers both, intensive hair and scalp care with the proven anti-dandruff efficacy of Head & Shoulders.”

I’ve had problems with my hair for many years now.  My hair is dry, frizzy, and coarse that it requires a ton of products to achieve that healthy, shiny looking hair every woman desires.  I’ve tried plenty of products from drug store brands to high end salon brands and nothing seems to work permanently.  Lately, I’ve been putting my hair up in a bun or ponytail because I  get so frustrated with my hair and don’t want to spend hours trying to make it look nice and shiny.  Also, my scalp has been quite dry due to the weather and dandruff city has taken over.  So you can all imagine how excited I was when I received this shampoo/conditioner.

My first impression when using this was that it smelled really good.  I love good smelling shampoo so this definitely made me love it already.  I also noticed that I only needed about a dime-size amount to wash my short-medium hair and it lathered really well.  After washing with the shampoo, I used the conditioner and O.M.G. did my hair feel soft and smooth.  Yes, I know a lot of conditioners give you that feeling but I’ve experienced some conditioners that leave my hair feeling sticky and not so smooth.  Finally, after getting out the shower and air drying my hair, I noticed that it was a bit softer and silkier looking than other previous shampoos I’ve used.  I didn’t want to get too excited about the product until I used it a few more times which I did.  I have used this product for 2 weeks now and so far so good.  My hair is softer and dandruff has slowly diminished but unfortunately my hair is still frizzy and dry looking L  However, when I use a hair straightner it is less frizzy looking so that’s good but I want to stay away from hot hair tools as much as possible.  I’m going to keep using this shampoo in hopes that slowly my frizzy, dry hair will evolve into beautiful, healthy, shiny looking hair. 

Have any of you tried this line from Head & Shoulders yet?  If so, what are your thoughts?

December 2012: Sephora Haul

This month, I have been obsessed with shopping at Sephora.  Why?  Well, I was trying to get to VIB status before the end of the year and guess what.... it paid off!  I'm officially VIB status baybee!

 

Here are my purchases for this month... and yes, these were all for me.  I have 3 older brothers that I'm sure would prefer clothes than cologne or skin care items.

Philosophy Love Sweet Love Gift Set - I fell in love with this scent when I received a sample from MyGlam aka IPSY back in February or March.  Every time I wanted to purchase it, it was sold out.  But I finally got my hands on it and I couldn't be happier.

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation - I am always in the market for a great foundation and I was reading good reviews on this one so I picked up the shade Medium 58.  It's a bit on the pink side for me (I have more of a yellow undertone) but with a little bit of powder, bronzer, and blush... I don't think you notice the pinkish on my skin.  My boyfriend says it looks great on me but what does he know about makeup? lol

Kat Von D True Romance e/s palette - I picked this up for only $13!!!  It was a good price and I adore the colors.

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel -Not only am I on the hunt for a good foundation but also a cleanser.  Thought I'd give this baby a try and see if my skin likes it.

OCC Lip Tar in Hush - An IGer by the name of Melisa posted this and I fell in love instantly that I had to get my hands on it.  Now I want more! (not pictured bc I had it in my purse)

MUFE Mat Velvet Foundation - Yes, another foundation.  I received a sample one day and I knew I had to have it.  I picked up No. 55 which is a Neutral Beige color.  I like this one because it has a yellow undertone compared to the pinkish undertone the Kat Von D gives me.

MUFE Super Matte Loose Powder - Oily City has taken over my face!  I ran out of MAC Studio Fix powder and wanted to try something new.  So far, I've been liking it.

BeautyBlender Duo Set - With all that foundation I purchased, I needed something that will help me achieve that flawless look. I still haven't tried it yet until I watch YouTube How To videos.

Murad Time Cleanser - I needed a new cleanser for my acne.  I've tried plenty of drug store brands lately but thought I'd invest in a little bit more for the face.  Haven't tried it out yet but when I do, I'll post a more thorough review.

And of course, you can't forget the samples.

Too many to list but you get the pic. :)

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! 

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT. 

OR MORNING. 

OR AFTERNOON.