Tag Archive | awesome

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo-Review

Jan6

Happy Friday! I have three beauty boxes I get every month. I recently got this Detox Dry Shampoo in one of my beauty boxes, but have idea which one. Doh! Anywho, I’ve used it a few times, and love it.  My old go to was Living Proof Perfect Hair day dry shampoo. But I’m really digging this Drybar stuff.

I got my hair cut Weds.  My hair has looked better from the salon. I was just going home, so my stylist didn’t do as much as she normally does.

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Weds. haircut-it was a long day

My hair is naturally curly, and I get it straightened when I get a haircut. It usually looks better, but what the heck.

Here is me today, Friday, day three of blow out using the Detox Dry Shampoo. Dang, I have some mad volume.  I barely used my curling iron, just doing one curl on each side. Of course I’m in my car at lunch.

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Friday lunch car photo

I love this travel size. Detox is paraben, sulfate and phthalate free. It’s also safe for color treated hair. Plus it’s cruelty free as well. It comes in two sizes starting at $13 at Sephora.  Did I mention it smells amazing?  A great product and well worth the price.

detox-dry-shampoo-1-6-17

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Olay Eyes Review

Oct22

Happy Saturday!  Finding a good eye cream has always been a challenge for me. I have mature skin, (i.e. old) and have purchased so many eye creams over the years. I’ve tried prestige brands that didn’t really do anything. I hate spending a lot of money on something that ultimately doesn’t work.

I bought the Olay Eyes at Ulta awhile back.  I was using up a Philosophy eye cream that I started using in June.  Never really saw any results with that, but it was expensive, and I didn’t feel like taking it back.

I used the Olay Eyes for the first time last night.  When they say instant results, they were not kidding.  Here is what Ulta  has to say:

“Fight dark circles, wrinkles and puffy eyes in an instant with Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Perfecting Cream. This 3-in-1 Decircler, DeWrinkler & DePuffer instantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Supercharged with peptides and vitamins, it renews skin¿s surface over time and reduces puffiness by massaging onto skin. Formulated with Olay’s color-correcting technology, it acts as a touch of concealer that matches all skin tones. The powerful formula hydrates to smooth and brighten the eye area. Give your eyes a boost of beauty and moisture with Ultimate Eye Cream for wrinkles, puffy eyes, and dark circles.”

One of my biggest eye issues besides under eye circles is wrinkled eyelids. I’m 57 and gravity has taken its toll on my eyelids. I had a Botox eyelift a few years ago, but it only last for three months and cost $600. I wear glasses, so that hides a lot.

I used the Olay Eyes for the first time last night. When I woke up this morning, my eyelid wrinkles were reduced.  I had to do a double take. I’ve never tried any eye cream that had instant results like this.  To say I was thrilled would be an understatement. It retails for $29.99 at Ulta. I had  coupons, so I paid $20 for a .4 ounce jar.  You use very little. I can’t wait to see the long-term results.

I give this a 10/10.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Sephora Play Oct. 2016

Oct21

Hello and happy Friday!  I recently was invited to sign up for Sephora Play.  I got the email while I was waiting to board a flight. I quickly signed up, it was very early in the morning, and I was in a hurry. Lately I was wondering if I really signed up as I hadn’t gotten any kind of confirmation.

Well today I got my first Sephora Play package. Woo hoo!  I absolutely love it!  I got five deluxe samples and a cute cloth bag. Every bag includes a fragrance sample as well.

sephora-play-oct-2016

This is my third subscription box service.  I currently have Ipsy and Julep.  I’ve had Ipsy since it started, some five or so years ago.  I just started the Julep box.  The Sephora Play is $10 a month. Sephora Play.  Now I’m an Ulta girl through and through, but I have  bought a few things from Sephora, but haven’t found the variety like I do at Ulta.

I got a nice variety of items. Plus one thing that stands out is the pamphlet that came with my box.  Every item is discussed in detail, and also directions on how to use the products.  This is quite different from Ipsy, as you get no info on the products. Also a card was attached that had all of the items listed with the cost of the full size. Impressive. If I make a purchase with this card I get 50 Sephora beauty points.

sephora-october-2016-play-info

Here is what I got:

Madame C.J. Walker Scent & Shine Coconut Oil-smells wonderful, can’t wait to use it on my naturally curly hair.

Farmacy Skin Dew Mist-I’m sure my dry skin will love this.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum-description says “resurfaces dull and congested skin.”  Yes, please!

Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat-a pretty coral color, perfect for Fall.

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And my most favorite item is The Estee Edit Flash Photo Gloss-the description says it makes your teeth look whiter, here it is over the matte lipcolor I got, I think it does work.

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Last, but not least is a sample of Derek Lam 10 Crosby Silent St.-a soft blend of white musks, and subtle florals.

I am very pleased with this new subscription box, and look forward to November’s box.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

The POREfessional Face Primer by Benefit

Oct16

I’ve never really had a problem with big pores.  I take good care of my skin, so large pores were never an issue for me. Until menopause came knocking at my door.  Now I seem to have them on my nose. I’ve tried several different products, but nothing seemed to work.

I got a sample of The Pore Professional when I bought some Benefit products a few years ago.  I never really used it, and basically forgot I even had it. For whatever reason I looked on the Ulta website and watched a video on how to use this primer.  Turns out I was using it all wrong. Now that I learned the correct way to apply it, I love it.  It also works well for lines under your eyes, and other wrinkles you might have.  A little goes a long way.  It retails for $31 for .75 ounces. The trick is to dab a little of the product on your pores, you don’t need very much, and rubbing it in doesn’t work.

Here’s what Ulta has to say about it:

“Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals.

The POREfessional is the #1 best-selling Prestige Face Primer in the US*

*Source: The NPD Group, Inc. / BeautyTrends, US Prestige Makeup Item Dollar Sales, January 2015 – December 2015”

I’ve purchased various Benefit gift sets over the years, so I have enough to last me for a long time.  I will definitely fork over the $31 when all my little tubes run out.

Thanks for stopping by.benefit-the-pore-professional-10-16-16

 

 

Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana & Dupe

Oct16

Happy Sunday!  I love perfume, especially florals. I have my go to fragrances, and seldom buy anything new.  Getting ready for a recent vacation to the tropics, I was at my favorite store, Ulta and spied a fragrance ad that caught my eye.  It was Light Blue by Dolce & Gabanna.  The models were in swimsuits and appeared to be somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea. I tried it and immediately fell in love.  Not wanting to fork out $98 for a 3.3 ounce bottle, I went to Dolce & Gabana Light Blue for Women 3.3 ounces on Amazon and purchased it for $36.90, free shipping with Amazon Prime.

Next stop, I bought a travel perfume bottle to take my new favorite scent on vacation. I was at Wal-Mart buying travel size stuff and came across  Capri Breeze  I bought a small can of body spray that is .5 ounces for a $1. It smells exactly like the real thing. I even went back the next day and bought the rest of their stock, which was five cans of spray.

I took two cans on vacation, and used one up completely.  This stuff smells so good. It’s great to throw in your purse or gym bag. You can spray it all over your body.  I’ve never used a body spray before, and enjoyed how easy it is to use.  No dripping or getting too much on.

These travel size body sprays would make great gifts, along with being a good stocking stuffer.  When my 3.3 ounce bottles runs out, I’ll definitely be buying the bigger size Capri Breeze which is only $2.98 for 2.5 ounces.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Powder Foundation

Oct16

Happy Sunday!  I’m finally getting back into the  swing of things after being on vacation for 10 days.

Being an avid beauty junkie, I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing. About two months ago, I started using Maybelline Superstay Better Skin skin transforming powder in Classic Ivory.  I purchased it at Ulta for $10.99.  I try to use a foundation with an SPF of at least 30, along with a moisturizer with at least a SPF of 30 every day as well. This foundation does not contain any SPF. It has Salicylic Acid  and promises to transform your skin in three weeks.

Here is the description from Ulta’s website:

What if a powder could cover like a foundation and control shine all-day?

“Superstay Better Skin Powder covers like a foundation. It uses a unique blend of soft, finely-milled powders to deliver all-day complete coverage that feels lightweight and breathable on skin.

In addition the powder’s creamy texture blends seamlessly and gives all-day oil control for a shine-free finish.
Finally, the formula contains skin-clarifying salicylic acid, which is proven to reduce the appearance of imperfections, pores and unevenness while flawlessly covering.”

You can adjust the coverage easily by how you apply it.  If I want more coverage, I use the sponge applicator that came with it.  I prefer using a kabuki brush, as it’s a much lighter coverage.

I was leary of the Salicylic Acid being too harsh for my mature skin.  I’ve never had a problem with acne, and I know this ingredient works well for that.

I have to say  I’ve been very pleasantly surprised with this product.  Not only does it give me all day coverage, but I do feel my skin has improved.  I have very nice skin for my age, and don’t need too much coverage. The picture below was just taken last week, we were on vacation in Central America, so I have a bit of a tan. It lasts all day, and I never need to touch it up.

I have some color (IE spots), as I just returned from vacation.
Easy to carry, includes mirror

If you are looking for a nice drugstore brand powder foundation, this is a real winner.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

October 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Oct14

I haven’t written an Ipsy review for months.  The bags I’ve been getting lately have been nothing special.  I was actually thinking of cancelling my subscription, but it’s only $10 a month and I’ve been getting it for years.

This month’s bag certainly made up for those recent stinkers.  Each bag has five items. The cosmetic bag is super cute with a Halloween theme. The bag was designed Valfre https://valfre.com/.

Let’s start with my favorite item this month. It’s a full size roller eau de parfum of Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker.  Its .34 ounces and retails for $20.  When I first opened it, I didn’t like it.  Then I put it on, holy cow, it smells wonderful. A wonderful crisp floral for fall.

Next up, an eyeshadow in Satin Taupe by BeauteBasics.  It’s a pretty shimmery taupe that really makes my blue eyes pop. It stays on all day.  I couldn’t find a retail price for the single shade, but it appears to be full size.

I got a full size Essence Superfine Eyeliner pen in black, which is waterproof.  It retails for $2.99.  Essence is a great drug store brand that is super affordable.  I’ve been using the nail polish for a few months and at $1.99 each, it’s a bargain.

Cosmoholic Liquid lipstick in Mysterious Mocha retails for $24.99, a pretty brownish color which would be flattering on any skin tone. The case has a built in mirror, which is always a plus.

Last but not least a deluxe sample of Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil .5 ounces.  It retails for $48 for 5.1 ounces, I valued the sample at $5.50.  I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s rated well.

ipsy-october-2016-glam-bag-10-14-16A great value at over $53 for only $10.  Way to go Ipsy for October 2016. Ipsy

Essence The Gel Nail Polish

Sep11

Ulta is my favorite store. Since I’m a rewards member, they are always sending me coupons for free stuff. Well, free with any purchase.  Today’s freebie was Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed shampoo and conditioner. They are each 1.7 ounces. Perfect for our upcoming vacation. I would imagine it’s pricey, but free works very well for me. Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed shampoo

I didn’t need anything, so I grabbed some  Essence The Gel nail polish on Jeans On! This polish is only a $1.99, and I love this color of blue. I was turned on to this brand by another beauty blogger. This is really some pretty darn good polish.  It stays on well, and is very shiny.  Can’t got wrong for under $2 bucks. If I wasn’t digging my current manicure so much, I would be wearing this now.

I also got some Ulta Make up Wedges for $1.99. These are good quality sponges that are easy to clean. I just throw mine in a lingerie bag and wash them in the washing machine.

 

 

Last Summer Pop of Color

Sep9

Okay, I know it’s September, but it’s 85 degrees here in Southeasten Wisconsin, and I’m still digging Summer’s bright colors. I’m playing with my Julep nail color freebie box which has 12 colors, now on colors number three and four.  I got twelve full size bottles for free, just for signing up.  I had never used Julep before, but I love the brand now.  It stays on well, and is very pigmented.

The orange color is Jenna and the bright pink is Randi.

Here’s a link to Julep if you want to sign up for their monthly box.  Julep Maven

I just may have to wear this duo with my snazzy dress for our vacation in Costa Rica.

 

 

Costa Rica Dreaming

Sep5

Happy Labor Day!  My husband and I are going to Costa Rica and Panama for ten days in a few weeks.  We are beyond excited, as this will be our first vacation alone in years.

We first traveled to Costa Rica in 2013.  We visited the Arenal region and the northwestern Pacific coast.  Costa Rica is so beautiful, and the people are fabulous.

I’ve been trying like crazy to get back in shape, but it’s very slow going. I started working with a personal trainer a few weeks go.  She is awesome, as she comes to my home.  She has created two personalized workouts for me, and I am totally digging it.

I’ve trimmed down a bit, but having some health issues, I haven’t been able to work out as much as I would like too. That being said, I went shopping today for some new frocks.

I found this Jennifer Lopez dress at Kohl’s on clearance. Regular price was $70,  I paid $14 bucks!  It’s so fun and colorful!  It has a blue slip underneath, and rhinestones around the neck.  It comes to me knees and is very caftan like. I know I probably look like I should be on  cruise ship with the 70 and over crowd. But who cares!  I just had to have this dress!

My husband says I look like a hippie.  Works for me.  Now hopefully I’ll be able to squeeze into my shorts from last summer, wish me luck.  I need a tropical drink with a little umbrella in it!

Panama hotel on the water

This is our hotel in Panama! 

P.S.  If anyone can recommend some fun stuff to do on the Southeastern coast of Costa Rica, please let me know.  Thanks!