The Sephora Store, sales and samples

Ahh.  I love Sephora.  Not only can I spend an hour or two in the retail store just browsing, trying stuff on, make a list of what I want vs what I can afford etc etc but I can also spend an hour or two browsing online.  Either way I can earn VIB points for freebies, shipping is fast (and normally free) and you get to chose 3 samples.  Nice.

This delivery was loaded with goodies I already knew about and was excited to see. Right now I am on a boscia kick which is feeding my lasted obsession with beauty masks.  I've been trying out a charcoal mask by Origins and will review that in full a little later.  This shippment contains a set of boscia must haves including an oil free moisturizer (great size for carrying in the purse), a purifying cleansing gel (sulfur free), and a full size liminatizing black mask treatment (peel off).

This is great because one of the VIB promos was a deluxe sample of the bright white mask that is suppose to help with hyperpigmentation (another obsession due to my sun spots from tanning). So I can try both the white and black masks this weekend! yeah!

Another product I had wanted to try was a pore minimizer which I was able to get with my VIB points.  I got Dermadoctor Picture Porefect and I will also let you know how it works after I've tried it for about a week.  Look for a follow up post next Friday or Saturday.

I also got my teenager some Kate Somerville Acne Treatment which is 10% sulfur and should dry up those pesky teenage face pimples quite nicely!

Finally I got to look at the free samples I picked out including mascara, oil control, and my favorite Kat Von D Tattoo Foundation which I couldn't wait and had to open immediately.  The description was a powerful long lasting foundation that could be used to cover tattoos which I thought if it does that it should be able to even out the sun spots on my forehead.  Well, I've just gotten home from work and my face isn't clean, but I went ahead and put some on (yes I know always start w/a clean face unless you are insanely impatient and I am).  It blended very well but I used too much (can't get used to this use just a little bit goes a long way) so I ended up using it on my entire face.  Not bad I say. Then I applied some loose powder and it looks pretty good except its a tiny bit too dark for me a little too yellow/orange just barely.  Thank goodness this comes in 14 different shades and I will try the lighter ones and update later.

That's all for today, thanks for reading the ENTIRE post, and my hubby is on his way to pick me up and take me to dinner so until next time Ladies!

Sugar Lip Balm vs Claudalie Lip Conditioner

I stopped wearing lipstick early in high school because I read that blubber from slaughtered whales was used in making the lipstick shiny and lustrous.  I turned to Chapstick which I have kept in business since.  But thanks to many cosmetic companies turning from industrial ingredients to more natural/organic not to mention being cruelty free (no testing on animals) I have slowly been brought back into the word of lipsticks and balms.

I am a big fan of colorless lip balms because if I do not have a mirror I cannot mess it up.  My two favorites are Sugar Lip Balm (SUGAR LIP TREATMENT SPF 15)  and Claudalie Lip Conditioner.  Both are nearly colorless with a subtle scent, make my lips feel great and lasts longer than expected.

The winner: Claudalie Lip Conditioner.  I like that it looks like a tube of lipstick and its moisturizing properties are very, very good.  My lips are always chapped regarding of the season and this keeps my lips supple after coffee, chewing on my pencil and drinking water.

The Sugar Lip Balm is also very good but it is a little thicker and can disappear after a couple of cups of coffee, water or tea.  The tube is neat but I am a bit weary that I'm going to smush it, bend it or break the balm and that's just not a good feeling.

What are your favorite lip balms and why?

Beauty Balms: Glorified Tinted Moisturizers w/SPF?

Now that BB Creams are the hottest trend on the market every cosmetic company has come out with their own.  I think Garnier was one of the first to enter the American market.  I tried it, I like it, but even the fair/medium was just too dark for this light skinned girl.  That's when I began to research how this BB cream was becoming so popular and discovered its HUGE in Asia, developed by a German physician to help patients with scars and skin imperfections.  That's when I started using 2 brands from South Korea which you can see in BB Creams Part 1.

Because I cannot help myself, I purchased two more with high expectations and no results. Since my pocket book will not allow me to keep doing this and I am running out of space in my bathroom with all of my "research and development" projects I have decided not to buy any more!

Before this declaration I purchased L'Oreal BB Cream Youth Code and Maybelline BB Cream.  By reading the label it really appears to be no more than a glorified tinted moisturizer with SPF added in which does not make these products true BB creams nor are they even close.  Both went on well, but after applying a little powder it appeared cakey. I tried it w/powder and without, with primer and without, moisturize first and then didn't etc etc.

 I have been tempted to purchase Dr Jart and the like but until I get a sample that really lives up to its promises...I will not purchase any more b/c they are too expensive and the advertising is very misleading.

Neither evened out my sunspots (like the Korean BB creams do very well) and now I have two (or is it three) products I'll never use.  Although these products do seem to work very well for some women (according to the multitude of online reviews) it just doesn't work for me. What do you think about the BB Creams and what are your experiences?

STOP THE PRESSES: The Look Bag is no more! :(

Just received an email stating that due to the recent problems they've been having, they have decided to discontinue The Look Bag and focus on The Look Store while extending an nice offer until the end of the year.

This company was quickly becoming one my favorites and I hope they will be able to do a subscription service in the near future.  The beauty products were great, packaging was simple but functional, and I thought the service was excellent.

At least the Look Store isn't closing down and I'll still be able to browse and buy their products!

My Glam: July Edition

First of all this month's bag is totally awesome (am I too old to say that?) with its colorful multi-colored stripes and breathable pink mesh!  Not only is it easy to carry around but being able to instantly see what I have and don't have is a big plus!  So here we go:




Yes to Cucumbers on the Go Towelettes: I have seen this product (along with its over veggies) and was thrilled to be able to try them out. These rock on road trips in a car with no a/c (I know can you imagine?) only to find an antique store or flea market you must "stop and look for just a minute". You can wipe away the dirt, grim, and sweat and still feel like a girl!




Nu Me Hydrating Conditioner: this is a great conditioner with lots of hydrating ingredients for your summertime (dry) hair, along with some high technology ingredients and vitamin E and sage extracts...sounds like a winner to me.

Josie Maran Lip and Cheek Stain in TANGO! This is by far my favorite not only because its lasts a long time and looks fabulous but because TANGO isn't orange!  Tango is the perfect shade of pink (not too bubble gum/not too cherry) that can compliment my complexion and my wardrobe! Thank you, thank you! Sometimes I do add just a little gloss so that my lips don't dry out.

This handy oil-free lotion is perfect for soothing that wind-blown look on your face after driving all day without any a/c.  It hydrates without being greasy and its fragrance free. Come on you know you were hanging out the window with sunglasses enjoying the wind hitting your face and messing up your hair. Ah good times!







And last but not least, Circus Nail Polish in White - I'm not great at all of the wonderful nail art movement that has creativity at an all time high, but I can add polka dots, do the tips, and occasionally a nice diagonal stripe. The color is bright white and resists chipping.  yea!



 


Great job this month My Glam!  Don't forget ladies (those that subscribe) to be on the lookout for special discounts in your email for full size products!

Cravebox: Summer BBQ Edition

 Wow!  Another great box filled with plenty of goodies to keep your summer in full swing.  Check it out!  This is the Summer BBQ Edition and it was loaded.  First of all the Mighty Leaf Tea is a great way to start your day.  Find an unused gallon jug, add tea, water, sugar (if you like) and let it sit in the sun.  In a few hours you will have a tasty treat.

And speaking of tasty treats, True Lemon Original Lemonade is a mix of yummy, tart and delicious!  You can also freeze some as ice cubes to drop in the glass of tea you'll be having later :)

Mozaik Appetizer Ware - how great are these?  Your party can begin with the best finger foods around by serving shrimp, veggies, sausages etc and having several of your favorite dips such as the basics (mustard, ketchup) and a little exotic (soy, wasabi) for everyone (or just yourself) to enjoy.

Woo hoo! Who can beat a free coupon for a BIC multi-purpose lighter! I know I can never find one when I need it and this one may get clipped to my back pocket.

But of course the big surprise was a full size Big Flame Disk! Hubby got excited over this one!  If you've ever decided at the last minute (I'm sure you're too organized) to cook something on the grill then this is your lifesaver!  You will find it so convenient that you will have to run to the store and get more! (And maybe pick up some hot dog buns too!)



However, I went bonkers with the red, white and blue shredded paper! Hey its always the little things in life that makes happiness! (which is a nice way of saying "yes I had it all over the house".

Great Job Cravebox!

The Weather Channel has a Beauty/Lifestyle Section!!

ok, if you've grown up or live in the US near a location that could POSSIBLY have weather, then you know about (1) The Weather Channel; and (2) www.weather.com!

Now, if you need to find out how humid its going to be today or if you should bring an umbrella on your date tonight then you have to check out this web site: http://www.weather.com/weather/health/beauty/

Or you can go the website, www.weather.com, look under LIFESTYLE tab, click FASHION and BEAUTY then enter your zip code.  It pays to always look your best but not if you arrive for a picnic w/o sunscreen, or forgot your lip balm or put on foundation instead of powder because YOU didn't check this web site first! Now you have no excuse not to look fabulous anywhere you go girl!

Beauty Army: July Box

 I was very excited to receive my first Beauty Army box and to discover all of the goodies inside!  Its always nice to open up a box that says "Hello Gorgeous" (And that's what my hubby calls me-Gorgeous!) and shows a pic of a woman gazing out at the city and ocean!  Ahhh!

Overall, very happy with this box of 6 samples that I can use!  I'm skeptical of the dry shampoo but very happy with everything else.

This was not something I wanted but it kept coming up in my choices.  The list of ingredients is scary (Butane, Propane, SD Alcohol 40-B, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Isobutane, Cyclomethicone, Fragrance) and I saw this in a local drugstore for about $3.00. Dry Shampoos are becoming popular so I will give it a try. I am notorious for not washing my hair on the weekends to give my strands a break and this may be perfect if suddenly I need to assist a pal in retail therapy!

This is a great moisturizer what quickly absorbs into the skin and does not leave a greasy residue!  Within seconds you can apply your make up over it and remember a little goes a long way.  I don't like the scent and thankfully it does not linger.

I was thrilled to receive this and I have wanted to try a product from Cover FX for some time now. This is the "prep clear" primer that also fights acne!  It has a nice light scent, absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish to apply your foundation or tinted moisturizer. I also want to try Cover FX's concealer to see if it will help even out my skin tone.

This tiny sample contains an emulsion cream that can do wonders for your complexion.  Not only does it reduce puffiness, hydrates, and exfoliates...it claims that sun damage will "virtually" disappear over time.  Since I have sun damage but not quite hyper-pigmentation I may purchase the full size to see if those claims are true! But it also depends on the definition of "disappear over time" is because my pocket book may not be able to afford 2 purchases since it is rather expensive.

I'm not a big fan of placing oil on my face since I am always trying to keep oil OFF my face.  It smells good and comes with a tiny dropper. I'm thinking this would be great with a facial while soaking in a deep, hot bath. (and maybe add a few drops to the water!)

Last but not least, this is actually my favorite item in the box. I don't usually wear mascara due to my contacts and allergies, but I've seen the NYX brand in stores and magazines and decided to give it a try. I have "La Amoureax" which is suppose to lengthen and curl my lashes.  I love the curved brush, no clumping or smearing and my lashed look great all day!

So what do you think of your July Beauty Army box and what goodies did you receive?

Holy Cow! Stop the Presses! L'oreal Studio Secrets Anti Dull Skin Primer

I don't normally go completely ga-ga over make-up, shampoo/conditioner, skin care items etc unless I can REALLY notice a dramatic change thus becoming totally in love!
Today I was in a well known department store to purchase an item I forget to get the last time I was there.  So its begins to thunder and I can hear the rain.  Ok time to walk really slow and hope it stops raining soon.  While I was walking up and down the aisles and analyzing every cosmetic product I could find I ran across this L'oreal Studio Secrets Anti Dull skin primer for light skin. Yea ok no big deal.  Except it was on clearance for just over $4.00 and normally sells for about $13.00.  Yikes I always love a great deal.

 Today was one of those days when my normal make-up routine wasn't working for me and I ended up washing my face because the make-up felt too heavy.  I ended up using a mosaic powder foundation which always helps my skin to look its best and went to work.  By the time I arrive home this evening I had no make up on my face.  I decided to try the  L'oreal Studio Secrets just to see how well it would work.  I was not excited about the pink primer which seemed a little runny.  I blended it into my skin and to my amazement it quickly and easily absorbed into my skin giving me a nice glow.



I completed the look with a quick addition of bareMinerals mineral veil and immediately noticed my skin looked amazing!  Its not heavy or cake like and the powder sets in nicely. Wow I am surprised!  And with the summer heat, its nice to have a new make up routine that feels perfect for the hot and humid conditions.

I know this anti-dull skin primer isn't for everyone (I ready several reviews before writing this post) but it fits me perfectly.  Just keep in mind that every woman is different so what works for you may not work for your BFF.  And with this being on clearance I may have to go back and buy the rest!

Glossy "yes its worth it!" Box July 2012

GLOSSYBOX JULY 2012

Oh the anticipation!
And the wait is over!
This was the one box I was very excited to see because (1) I tried to decide for months if I wanted to subscribe (2) its a bit more expensive than other beauty box subscriptions and (3) but I have consistently heard very good reviews regarding the size and quality of the samples.


I am very happy with this box!  First of all, when presentation is everything this box (and yes I mean the box) is far better than expected. Before I could get to the box I had to look at the glossy, product filled mini-magazine and drive myself a little nuts trying to guess which products from the magazine were in the box.


Then open the box and there's the pink postcard "Summer Simplicity", then pull the ribbon and open the tissue paper! YEAH! Wow, yes the samples are bigger and not a sample "packet" in sight!

There is a big difference between shaving with a cream vs soap.  For years I was a soap girl who didn't need all that frilly stuff. What a difference a great shave cream can make on your skin!  I have not tried this out yet, but I can place it on the counter so my hubby knows I won't be stealing borrowing his shave cream. I love that this is fragrance free and an antioxidant!

 This is the best smelling "velvet cream wash" on the planet! Its combination of hibiscus and fig (I don't know what figs smell like) is intoxicating! Also made for sensitive skin it will leave you soft and silky!  I think I could take a bath in this fragrance!

 ~A
I know it was put in my Glossybox because my name begins with the letter A.  It was picked out just for me ~A.
I love the ginger/citrus scent; it reminds me of humid summers in the South...ahhh!

I haven't tried this yet...Dumb Plum purple eyeshadow isn't really on my list of things to try but since the rest of my Glossybox items have a great lavender, violet, auburn color to it...I may have to surprise the office on Friday and do something unexpected.

Like wear purple eyeshadow!

I am thrilled to see this sample! Not just one or two but three samples for your eyes!  A serum that revitalizes the eye area, an eye cream to wear everyday, and an intensive nighttime repair cream! At my age this is heaven.  It is also amazing the high lever of science that goes into the formulas to help me look fantastic!

My assistant was trying to help me get the perfect photo for this next item: Wella Professionals "moisturizing treatment" for fine hair and lost his patience. In the end he gave up and I tried to entice him back into my good graces but he couldn't take his eyes off of Wella.  He knows that after a day at the pool or beach your hair needs to be nourished!


Overall, very happy with Glossybox.  The samples are great, the presentation is great and I feel like I got my money's worth out of it! Cannot wait to see what is in store for next month!

Beauty Bar/Sample Society for July 2012

Yes its here!

The Beauty Bar July Edition was fabulous as it always surprises me with products I wouldn't normally sample and end up loving.  All of the samples are great this month and plus $15 off your July purchase with your gift code! (yeah!)

Its like getting an early birthday or Christmas present that you already know you are going to like!

I have always wanted to try this product line and this moisturizer is top notch.  It has a light scent and makes your skin feel like silk! A little goes a long way but I don't think anyone would mind if you over indulge.  I keep it in my purse and use it often during the day (hand washing really dries the skin and nails) and after a hot shower at night before bedtime!  Its quickly penetrates the skin leaving it soft without the greasy feel of some creams.

 At any age a great eye creme is worth it!  Use it when you are young for as much prevention aid as you can get before you get to be my age when it becomes a necessity! This is great after a hot shower and I use it before bed time so that it can work while I'm resting.  It could be used during the day under foundation or powder but I prefer using it at night.





Another "bonus" of a product I've wanted to try for quite a while now: Jouer luminizing moisture tint!   I am not much for "bronzers" being fair skinned and many of the "tinted moisturizers" out on the market can be a little thick for the summertime heat.  But this product delivers! With high sunscreen protection (SPF 20) and it's oil free - Jouer has a nice bronze like tint that easily blends into your skin without looking "overdone" or "out of place".  Adding a little powder sets everything in place so you look great by doing very little.

This company is new to me and will have to do a little research on it but the "hydration intense anti-age" and the fact that its a French product makes me happy.  The box the sample came in is written in French and English and what appears to be...Korean?  The website appears to be in English and Korean (www.sisley-cosmetics.co.kr ) and the product is made in France. So I'm not sure if this is exotic, a new company or something suspicious.  The lotion is thicker and takes a few minutes to truly absorb into the skin with a strong perfume scent.

Last but not least (but certainly the most difficult item I've tried to photograph) is the Vincent Longo due lip pencil in Sangria (red) and Glimmer (white).  I'm not sure how I am suppose to use this just yet since usually do not wear lipstick. The booklet says I received the Duo Eye Pencil, but that is clearly not the case...so I'll have to visit the Beauty Bar web site for a lesson...

I tried to photograph the lip pencil (hence it rolls everywhere) on several different surfaces and fabrics trying to get a professional looking photograph (which I am clearly NOT a photographer thank goodness for the iphone) and finally I snapped it on my keyboard which is where it looked the best.  The event was probably funny if someone  was watching me try to get this done!

Birchbox Man: June Edition

This months box came with a lot of manly gadgets to play with, a sexy scent, a toothpaste whitening system that actually works, and a product to help with razor burn.

Normally I wouldn't give a hoot about an item that kept my cords separated or my earphones from strangling other items in my bag. However this is right up my hubby's alley and both have been keeping him busy for days.  I thought we were going to fight over the Supersmile toothpaste & accelerator since the sample was rather small. But in the end we shared and I liked it more than he did since he likes his teeth clean and I thought the whitening effect was pretty neat.

Hubby is always looking for awesome products that make shaving tolerable and the John Allan's Slickwater appears to be almost be a winner but with the sample being rather small he isn't sure he wants to invest in it just yet.

The big surprise was the CoSTUME National scent which was sexy, deep and exotic.  And we both liked it! I am a bit more picky about such things due to sensitivity to perfume/cologne (ie makes me sneeze which can disrupt an intimate moment) or the scent just lingers too long the next morning.  This is great outdoors where scents are slightly diluted and indoors in small doses or close proximity.

Overall this was really a great Birchbox Man month with a nice variety of products.  Will be anticipating what may be in store for next month and still hoping the sample products are slightly bigger.  I know it sounds like constant complaining, but it can be difficult to decide on a product sample you only get one or two uses from especially when it comes to determining allergies, skin irritation, breakouts or redness!