Tag Archive | product reviews

Allure Beauty Box April 2020

Apr16

Hello and happy Thursday!  I’ve been getting Allure Beauty boxes for well over a year. The cost is $15USD. The value is much higher due to getting at least two full size products per month.

First up is a full-size Thrive Lip Liner in Kackie valued at $20USD. It’s a great neutral color which would look good on any skin color.  Here’s the description from their website.

  • Revitalizing Lip Quench Technology™ acts as a built-in lip primer to treat, smooth + plump.
  • Semi-Permanent Micropigment Technology™ delivers bold, full coverage, no-bleed color that lasts all day.
  • The easy glide formula is encapsulated in a retractable mechanical pencil – twist to reveal product.
  • Includes a built-in sharpener so you can create a precision tip for more detailed application.

I love lip pencils and have way too many, but who cares?? Here’s what it looks like on me, I used it as both liner and lip color, with a touch of lip balm.  This will go into heavy rotation amongst my lip liners.

Allure Beauty Box April 20 lip pencil

I got all kinds of goodies this month. The sizes are more generous than a deluxe sample. I got .24 oz of Flowerbomb L’Eau De Parfum. It retails at $115 for 1.7 ounces. It’s a lovely floral fragrance that smells wonderful. Cicapair Derma Green Solution SPF 30 came in a  .16 oz jar.  I’ll be anxious to try this as I have redness around my nose.  It retails for $18USD for .5 ounces.

Purlisse Match Green Tea Sheet Mask valued at $8USD. With all the craziness going on in the world right now, putting on a sheet mask is right up there at the top of my to-do list.

Lue by Jean Seo Balance Serum who doesn’t love a good serum? This is full size at 1 oz for $15USD. I think this will be a gentle serum to use daily.  I just started using Tretinoin, so this will be a great add on.

I always love trying new hair products. I color my hair myself, and it tends to get very dry. I have naturally curly, fine hair that has a mind of its own. Mane Magic Multibenefit 10-in-1 Primer

This is 1 ounce for $6USD. This will be a great product to use when we go to Costa Rica in the Fall.

Akar Skin Balance Toner 2.5 ounces cost $55USD. The size I received is 1 oz. This toner smells wonderful. Check out the description from their website:

For all skin types

Spray your way to glowing, healthy skin. This non-sticky Rose and Neroli scented mist sets gently into the skin, providing deep hydration, improving overall elasticity, while simultaneously keeping the pH value of the skin’s acid mantle layer at the optimum level. Salicylic acid from White Willow Bark is both anti-microbial and exfoliating, helping prevent build-up in pores as well as acne-related issues. Stem cell extracts from the rare Saffron flower contain antioxidants and carotenoids which aids the epidermis in repair and regeneration. Last but not least, Balance enables greater absorption of nutrients by lowering the skin’s surface tension, which means that all the good stuff – in this toner, and everything you apply next – will be fully absorbed, right into your skin.

Our toning mist does not contain irritants like alcohol, nor is it diluted with water fillers, ensuring noticeably softer and luminous skin with use.

Swipe through to learn more about Balance’s 4 Select Ingredients.

✓ Vegan
✓ Cruelty-free
✓ Gluten-free

2.4oz / 70ml

*84% saw an increase in skin hydration
*Product is independently certified by the Environmental Working Group

The value of the full size products for April is $49USD.  This month’s total value was $128USD. The Allure Beauty box also includes a mini magazine that includes promo codes for most items. Sign up today Allure Beauty Box

I know times are tough right now, but this is only $15 a month.  I don’t smoke, barely drink, buy my clothes second hand, color my own hair, etc.  I hope to be retiring within the next few years, so my beauty boxes may have to go away. I’ll just have to enjoy them while I can.

 

Allure Beauty Box April 20

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Imgn Dermatology-review

Mar26

Hello!  Happy Thursday!  I hope everyone is doing well.  We are living in scary times.  Our state is currently in a shelter at home status. I’m trying to have a positive attitude, but it’s difficult at times. I actually went to the store today at 7 am to buy toilet paper. It’s seniors day on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 am to 8 am.  This was my 7th attempt in the last two weeks to get toilet paper. I already had enough for three weeks, but with people hoarding supplies, I just needed the comfort of knowing we had enough.

On to lighter things.  I read about Imgn Dermatology in a Woman’s World magazine last month.  Woman’s World is a weekly magazine that I buy at the grocery store.  It mostly contains the latest diet and many recipes.  I’ve been reading it for years, and have gotten some great beauty tips.

I’ve been using Imgn Instant Lifting Wrinkle Fighter for 30 days.  Here’s the description from the website:

INSTANT LIFTING
WRINKLE FIGHTER
Helps immediately diminish the appearance of wrinkles, using a propritary blend of Moisturizers, Botanicals, and Nutrients.
​FEATURE INGREDIENTS
​Acmella oleracea extract – Ancient Medicinal Plant from South America helps reduce appearance of wrinkles using a myorelaxing mechanism similar to Botox®
Hyaluronic Acid – is a potent moisturizer that helps hydrate
and retain moisture in the skin
Vitamin B3 – moisturizes skin and protects against barrier damage, helps stimulate collagen
Vitamin B5 – is a moisturizer, an anti inflammatory, and promotes epithelisation
Vitamin B6 – helps normal skin metabolism, helps refine skin
Vitamin C and E – work together syngeristically to protect against lipid peroxidation and is a free radical scavenger and helps stimulate collagen production 
I’ve been using Imagine Dermatology Smoother Skin Anti Aging Renewal Complex for the past 30 days.
SMOOTHER SKIN
ANTI AGING RENEWAL COMPLEX
A Powerful Blend of Extracts, Vitamins, and Moisturizers
​FEATURE INGREDIENTS
​​Algae and Yeast Extract Complex – is a bioengineered mixture of Glucosamine HCI, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract and Urea, has been shown to help diminish wrinkles, improve smoothness, and increase integral firmness
Hyaluronic Acid – is a potent moisturizer that helps hydrate and retain moisture in the skin
Vitamin B3 – moisturizes skin and protects against barrier damage, helps stimulate collagen
Vitamin B5 – is a moisturizer, an anti inflammatory, and promotes epithelisation
Vitamin B6 – helps normal skin metabolism, helps refine skin
Vitamin C and E work together syngeristically to protect against lipid peroxidation and is a free radical scavenger and helps stimulate collagen production
It sells for $17.97 USD for 2.3 ounces.  It’s a lightly scented soothing cream. I’ve used about 1/3 of the jar over 30 days. I’ve used 1/2 of the 1 ounce bottle of the Instant Lifting Wrinkle Fighter that sells for $17.97 USD.
I’ve tried so many anti-aging products over the years. I can’t even fathom how much money I’ve spent.  These products actually work.  I was out in my yard with my dogs yesterday and took a selfie in full on sun. I’ve always taken good care of my skin, but I was really pleased with the results I’ve gotten.  I’m 61 and just wear concealer on my nose, no foundation, etc. My skin tone is more even and I have very few wrinkles.
I used each product twice a day. In the morning it goes under my sunscreen. Both products are light and quickly absorbed.
Check me out:
Imgn 3-25-20

 

Thanks for stopping by. Be well and safe!

Bed Bath & Beyond haul

Apr27

Hello and happy Saturday!  Bed, Bath & Beyond is a housewares department store in the US.  They also happen to have a huge health and beauty department.  I had some coupons that were expiring today, so I headed over.  Holy cow!  I haven’t been to BBB for ages, and frankly forgot how awesome their health and beauty section is. They have tons of cosmetics and a great selection of all things beauty.  The prices are cheap too!  I am always getting 20% off coupons in the mail.  Today I had store and manufacturers coupons.

Here is what I got:

Bed Bath & Beyond Haul 4-27-19

I got two boxes of hair color, antiperspirant, make up brushes and an overnight lip treatment. I spent $16.17 USD. The regular price was $32 USD!  Score!

I’ve been using the Burt’s Bees Overnight Lip treatment for about 6 months.  It’s a great moisturizing treat for your lips. The e.l.f. brushes were $.75 cents each! The brushes are decent quality, and for less than a buck each, yes please.  I’ve been using the Clairol Root Touch Up for years.  It works well and is super easy to use.  The color is light brown. I’m going to lowlight my hair tomorrow, wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

Ipsy Sept. 2018 Glambag Review

Sep15

Hello!

I haven’t posted in awhile.  I hope everyone is doing well.  I’m reviewing the September 2018 Ipsy glam  bag.  Ipsy costs $10USD per month.  I have had my subscription for a number of years.  You get a lot of bang for your buck.  You receive 5 items, mostly deluxe samples.  Most months you will receive a full size product.  I have changed my profile over the years, and have been very happy thus far.

The value of your bag usually exceeds the $10 cost. Luxie Detail Tapered Blender Brush retails for $20USD.  Ipsy is great for sending full size make up brushes.  I have accumulated quite a few great brushes from Ipsy .

I got two Avocado Masks from Botanicfarm.  The website has the cost in Korean currency, so sorry, I don’t have a price for you. Benefit Hoola Bronzer is a deluxe sample, it is a bit smaller than the $16 mini at Ulta. I’ll be giving this away, as it’s too dark for me.

Katherine Natural Cosmetics does not sell this color by itself. The  five color palette is $48USD. I got Expresso, which is a dark brown matte color.  I think it will work well on my blue eyes. Eva-NYC Satin Dream Leave in Cream  this is a deluxe sample, the full price for 5 ounces is $12USD.  My hair is very dry right now, so I’m anxious to try this.

Every month you get a cute make  up bag. This one is super cute. Check it out.

Ipsy Sept. 2018 Glam cosmetic bag 9-15-18

Ipsy Sept. 2018 Glam bag 9-15-18

Ipsy Sept. 2018 Glam colors 9-15-18

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner-Crayon Review

Jul27

Hello and happy Friday! Today I am reviewing Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner-Crayon .  I received this liner in either a Ipsy bag or Sephora Play.   It’s available at Ulta for $17 USD.  The color I got is Hush Hush which is a cinnamon color.   I have so many lip products that this pencil was relegated to the nail polish bin on my dresser.

I used this for the first time a a few days ago.  This liner is thicker than most pencils.  It’s easy to apply and very pigmented.  The best part is the attached brush. After applying you simply use the brush to smooth over your lips.  It has a matte finish and be worn alone.  I topped it with Laura Geller Color Luster Lip Gloss in Sugar Cane , I got in a Ipsy bag, and it’s $19 USD.  It’s a peachy rose color.

So I wore this pretty lip color  duo to a function on Weds.  I had two drinks and never had to touch up my lips.  When I got home, the liner was very intact.  That was four hours after I put it on!  This never happens to me.  I’m not a fan of long wearing lipstick as they tend to be very drying.  Both the colors are so pretty together.

Thanks for stopping by.

Ipsy Glam Bag July 2018

Jul22

Hello, and happy Sunday!  July’s Ipsy glam bag has some great items this month.

Here’s what I got:

Sundays full size nail polish #45-a pretty light blue shade. I threw on some dark blue polka dots for fun.  It’s a 10 free product, non toxic, vegan, cruelty free just to name a few. It’s valued at $18 USD.

Ipsy July 2018-polish

Pacifica Coconut Blush in Beaming and Tenderheart full size. The darker shade would be nice for contouring and the rosy shade will look nice on my pale skin.

Ipsy July 2018-swatches

I got a deluxe size of Juliette has a gun perfume by Romano Ricci.  It’s a light floral fragrance which smells very much like my favorite, Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana.  From what I read, you can mix this with other fragrances.  It faded very quickly after I applied it.

I got some Whipped Argan Oil face butter by Josie Maran. I don’t know how whipped it is, but I’m a fan of argan oil overall.

Last but not least I received Eyeko London Travel size skinny liquid eyeliner in black.  I’ll be giving this to a friend, as the black is to dark for me.

Ipsy is $10 a month, which includes shipping.  You can change your profile, which I have several times over the years.  My July bag was valued well over the $10 I spent.  As with all of Ipsy glam bags, I got a shimmery teal cosmetic bag too.

Thanks for stopping by.

Ipsy July 2018

Ulta Haul 7-8-18

Jul8

Well hello there!  I’ve been gone from my blog for a few months.  I had some health issues to contend with.

If you follow my blog at all, you may be aware that I’m somewhat obsessed with Ulta.  As I near a milestone birthday within the next six months, I’m trying to cut back on my spending.

I popped into my local Ulta today as I had some coupons, and Ulta sent me an email for a free gift with purchase.

I use to go to Ulta at least once a week. I might go monthly now.  I was sad to see that my local Ulta has greatly reduced there boxed hair color. They have added some prestige make up lines recently, and had to make room.

I really got a great deal, check out what I got for a whopping $11.58 below, a $35 value:

Ulta Haul 7-8-18

I had $10 in manufacturer’s coupons and a $3.50 rewards credit as well.  I got the Biolage hair care kit for free.

I have never used the Color Crave before, but had a $3 off coupon.  It’s actually quite nice and I think I’m going to go back and get some more, as these were on clearance. I’ve tried hair chalk, but it makes my hair feel like straw.  The Color Crave actually made my hair shiny.   I got rose gold.  I’ve been using the Neutrogena Moisture Smooth color in Almond Nude for a few years. The regular price is $8.99 US, and I paid $4.31.  It’s a great neutral color, and you don’t need a mirror to apply.

I love Clairol’s Root Touch up, super easy to use and I paid $2.47 for each of them. This really is a great color for gray roots.  Works every time.

Thanks for stopping by.

Zenni Optical Review

Jul8

Hello, and happy Sunday!  I’ve haven’t posted in ages.  Busy at work and life in general.

This is my fourth pair of  Zenni’s Optical glasses.  You simply upload a photo of yourself to virtually try on glasses.  I purchased this pair that has magnetic clip on sun shades.  I have progressive lenses that are thin and super light weight.  For less than $2, I had my phone number engraved on one of the arms.

Here are the glasses without the sun shades, they are half rims. They are a tad bigger than I thought they would be, but I love them anyway.

Zenni 7-8-18

 

With sun shades.

Zenni 7-8-18 sun shades

Here’s a breakdown of what I got:

Frames-$35.95

1.61 Digital Free Form Progressive Beyond UV Blue Blocker lenses-$73.95

Water Resistant Easy to clean (Super Hydrophobic) Anti reflect coating-$4 (regular anti reflective coating is free)

Custom engraving-$1.95

Expedited shipping-$7.45

Grand total-$123.30 US dollars!

Zenni ships worldwide!  I’ll never buy glasses in a optical shop again!  Check out Zenni Optical, you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

Natural White 5 Minute Tooth Whitening System-Review

Apr1

Happy Sunday! First let me say I’m a big bargain shopper.  I have found a lot of great products at Dollar Tree.  On my last visit, I bought various teeth whitening products and candy.  If you have ever been to a dollar store, they have really fresh candy, just saying.

I purchased Natural White 5 Minute Tooth Whitening System for a whopping dollar at my local Dollar Tree. I just saw the same item for sale on Amazon for $5.50.  It comes with a duplex mouth tray and a tube of whitening gel that is .75 ounces.  When I first showed it to my husband he was convinced it must have contained lead or something since I got it from the dollar store. Not only did it not contain lead, but it’s made in the United States.

This stuff works great! I’ve got quite a few crowns so I wouldn’t spend the money to have a professional bleaching done at the dentist’s office. Plus my dentist charges $300!

I would have to say I’ve lightened my teeth several shades. It works fine even with me having all of these crowns.  If you are expecting paper white teeth, it’s not going to happen, besides on what planet does that look natural????

Natural White 5 Minute Tooth Whitening System 4-1-18

One thing about items purchased from Dollar Tree, if you see something you like, buy them all. Well, no try it first, then go back and buy all of them. Seriously, they usually only have items like this once. I snatched up about five of them on my last trip.

Oh, and don’t forget the candy!

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Philosophy The Ultimate Fix for Eyes- Review

Apr1

Happy Easter!  I have to laugh when I see studies for different skin care products that use really small groups. This eye cream by Philosophy was tested on a whopping 31 women. I was really excited to try this when I saw it advertised at Ulta.

It made some hefty promises, “after 12 days, 97% saw a creaseless eye area that looked ironed flat.” Um, hell to the no.

Next, “after one month crepiness reduced by 94%.” Double hell to the no! “After 1 week skin looks smoother and more youthful.”  Liar lair pants on fire!

Here is more hype: “In 31 days hollowness reduced by 64%”. I wonder what kind of drugs these testers were using, and where can I get some.

This eye cream which is .5 ounces and cost $68USD is a complete and utter waste of money.  I’ve been using it twice daily as directed for over a month and have not seen any improvement. I would have returned it, but when I bought it, I had returned some items so I spent $45 USD, which was $45 way too much for an eye cream that didn’t produce any results.

I’ve used Philosophy products in the past, and was happy with the results.  Don’t waste your money on this.

Philosophy Ultimate Worker Fix Eye cream 4-1-18

Thanks for stopping by.