The New Look Bag: October 2012

I was thrilled to find out that the Look Bag was back!  It was a very nice surprise to find that the samples were just as good if not better.  The packaging was much the same but it was stuffed with goodies.  I could not wait to see what was inside!

First up is the Freeman Bare Foot scrub.  After a long, hot summer we could all use to have our feet soaking making them soft plus the smell of peppermint just can't be beat!  Have your significant other give you a relaxing foot scrub while your sip your favorite wine! The sample was huge, worked very well and I can see myself buying more in the near future.

Next is the POP Nail Glam polish.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with this at first (my nails rarely get long enough for polish) but this is different, it crackles and its really neat!!  There is no shortage of crackle nail designs and designers on the Internet.  A quick search and you will find many very talented ladies out there who know a thing or two about Nail Art. (I feel so talentless) :(

Next, is a Stila eyeshadow that took a little getting used to and at first I couldn't decide: is it blue or is it black or maybe a very dark green?  Anyway I had to try it out and it was very dark against my skin, not very flattering, but with Halloween coming up I began to have a few creative ideas of how to use it ;)

This tiny, sleek, unassuming product is the GREATEST chapstick/balm I have tried in a long time.  I take with me everywhere!  It makes your lips incredibly soft with a nice nutty scent.  It won't be long before this is your favorite and you'll find yourself hoarding it and contemplating putting it in ice cream.

This Full size product is another favorite!  (How did the Look Bag know I needed this?) Pixi is a product I've seen and wanted to try so I was super happy it was one of my samples! One end is used as a base lip balm and the other is used to outline your lips.  Then you apply your favorite color lipstick! You will notice the color lasts longer without any bleeding and can easily be reapplied if needed.

Look Bag, I am so glad you're back. I was very happy with the products especially the Freeman foot scrub, York Balm, and the Pixi lip liner. I wait patiently for what next month will bring!

Goop/Birchbox October 2012

Ok, so after all of the hype my BB finally arrived in the mail.  There were so many possibilities of what could be inside that I just couldn't wait to tear the box open.

I got the Goop box!  This is a little different from the pink tissue paper but its still cool.

Here is the first look:

Ohhh a Luna fiber bar and is that a chocolate bar too?

Once everything is unwrapped you can see this is a fairly well thought out box of samples!

Let me tell you- if you are not a fan of the sticky super glue uber thick hyper color pigment lip glosses then you have found your savor in Naked Princess products!  Here's there web site: http://www.nakedprincess.com which is a sexy yet informative site full of naughty/nice products including a wide selection of their lip glosses!  These are lightly scented, creamy, long lasting, sheer lip glosses that last for hours!  Your lips will not want anything less once you try this!  I've used this product for a couple of years now and I always speak very highly of NP. Yes its $$ but you are worth it! And there is an article on their site explaining how much nasty chemical women ingest from their lipstick/lip glosses- its a MUST read.

Kiehl's aromatic blends are intoxicating!  Luckily they come in several scents so you surely will be able to find the one you like best or like them all!  As usual your skin is clean without over drying.  I received Orange Flower & Lychee which is a orange-floral scent (I love it) .  I highly recommend this-so far I've had no skin reactions and the scent lingers for a while but not too long; however you'll feel refreshed all day!

Well, who doesn't like Essie?  Probably one of the most respected and highest quality nail polish that's also very affordable.  My disappoint was the color :(  I mean its October - Breast Cancer Awareness month- and they couldn't give everyone at least one shade of Essie pink polish?  Yes yes I know I can buy my own, but this gray slate color was just a waste. And the collection is out of stock on the BB web site.

Sing it with me Ladies:
Luna, Luna, Luna, get your protein here!
Luna, Luna, Luna, get your protein here!
However, BB is out of stock and the ingredients (a little too much sugar).
Ok so that doesn't make any sense, just like this fiber bar being in my sample box and BB being out of stock too. (no complaints against Luna tho')

This....is a daily serum that looks like an airplane.  Its small, not quite sure what it does, and its $85 for full size bottle!  Wow that's expensive!  It has a nice smell but is a bit runny, but I'm sure it works really well for someone.






This was another BB with so much potential but fizzled in the end.  The NP product line is fab!  Kielh's, Essie, Luna and even Joanna Vargus are great brands but this box just wasn't as fantastic as BB was leading me to believe.  No, I don't hate BB, but I am truthful about their samples b/c of my level of cosmetic expertise is more than s/one just rolling out of college.  I believe BB will be great someday, especially with the acquisition of Jolie Box!

Ponds Luminous Clean Facial Cleanser

This is not your mother's (or grandmother's) cold cream.  This is the one of the best facial cleansers I have ever used: Ponds Luminous Clean Cream Cleanser.  It is a thick, silky white cleanser with white kaolin clay that gently removes make-up and leaves your skin feeling fabulous!

I've been using this for over a month now and I have had no problems with it over drying, irritating, or under performing.  My face feels soft, clean and refreshed.  It does have a slight fragrance to it but isn't noticeable once you are finished washing and drying your skin.


I occasionally wear water proof/water resistance mascara and this does a really good job of removing mascara and/or eye make up without having to "scrub" your eyes.   It can be used daily and each time feels like a nice "treat" due to the lavish consistency of the cleanser.  The best part is that you can find it at your local retail stores (probably drug stores too) for about $5-$6 which is much cheaper than most facial cleansers.

Ponds Luminous Exfoliating Cleanser (which I haven't used yet) has also been featured in Allure's Best of Beauty.  And there are also Ponds cleansing towelettes!

This is a top notch product line! The packaging is great and it is very affordable.  The next time you are in the skin care aisle pick some up and treat yourself to some affordable luxury!

Your New Little Helper: ELF (eyes, lips, face).

Quality, affordable, translucent powder: you're going to love this!

If you are like me and already spent a fortune or two on make-up then I have a great tip for you:  I recently stumbled upon a remarkable, AFFORDABLE product I found at a department store: ELF which stands for Eyes, Lips, and Face.  They have a loose translucent powder that will give the high end cosmetic companies a true run for the money and they have a huge assortment of affordable cosmetics and brushes. 

Personally,  I will never pay more than $6.00 ever again for a large (8 grams-which is HUGE for loose powder), silky, shine controlling translucent powder!  Yes it is a bit messy (they all are) but the large container allows more control over the contents.  You try getting a larger powder brush in an opening the size of a quarter.  This powder is far superior to the more expensive brands and if you need convincing just try to tell the difference between whatever you're using now and this incredible high definition powder.   If you've never heard of this company (your teenager has I bet) then here's a link to their site which indicates this powder also comes in yellow corrector and a light beige shimmer! http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/face/powder/high_definition_powder  

It is sleek, a little bulky for your purse and may not fit in your cosmetic bag but the sifter is large enough to contain any over-powder spillage that occurs in the jar.  I like to put loose powder in a smaller, round container that fits in my purse.

You must try this and for $6.00? Hello? You cannot go wrong with the price even if you hate it. Check it out and let me know what you think!