Tag Archive | skincare

Ebanel Ultimate Brightening Peeling Gel-Review

Jul19

Hello!  I just purchased this fabulous Ebanel Ultimate Brightening Peeling Gel from Amazon for $13.25 USD.  It’s 4.9 ounces and you use it once or twice a week. It’s on Amazon Prime, so I didn’t pay for shipping.

Simply cleanse your face, leave damp, then use a quarter size amount of product and massage with your finger tips using a circular motion.  The dead skin quickly pilled up and was rinsed away.  This peel left my skin so clean and smooth.  I must say my skin did look brighter after only one use.  It moisturizes your skin as well. This peel is very gentle and contains the following:

Stem Cell Extracts, Peptides, Vitamins C and E and natural cotton. It’s phthalate-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan.  What’s not to love?

I’ve used lots of peels over the years, but this is by far the best.

Ebanel Ultimate Brightening Peeling Gel 7-19-18

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

 

 

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream Review

Feb3

This is an oldie but goody.  I bought this at Target for less than $14 USD for 16 ounces. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream .  I recently read an article about this favorite for dry sensitive cream on Allure.com.

I use to use this cream years ago, right after my son was born.  Back then you had to ask for it at the pharmacy.  Given that the tub is 16 ounces, it will last you forever.

My skin gets super dry in the winter, and this thick cream works great. It’s free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde.

I had some dry patches on my face that I had  used a great peel off mask I reviewed last week.  While this cream is great for really dry skin, it doesn’t have any anti aging benefits.

I recommend this cream to anyone with really dry skin.

Vanicream 2-3-18

Thanks for stopping by.

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Renewing Cucumber Peel-Off Gel Mask

Jan28

Freeman peel off masks have been around since 1976.  I have used them off and on for years.  For me there is something very satisfying about a peel off mask, since you can see what is being pulled out of your skin.

I recently tried Hey Honey Take It Off exfoliating honey peel off mask.  I had received a deluxe sample in an Ipsy or Sephora Play box.  I really liked it and went to their website to place an order. Holy cow!  It was $32 for 1.7 ounces. Um, heck no!

I looked for a dupe and came across Freeman Renewing Cucumber Peel-Off Gel Mask for $4.29 for 6 ounces at Ulta.

Here is the description from Ulta.com:

A super-cooling, skin-quenching mask that gently peels away impurities that can cause skin to be rough and dull. Contains Cucumber Extract and Aloe to soothe while moisturizing, ensuring skin feels soft and silky-smooth after every use. Perfect for normal to combination skin.

Key Ingredients:

  • Cucumber Extract
  • Aloe Vera
  • Vitamin A

My skin is usually normal, but lately I’ve been having some dry patches.  No matter how much I was moisturizing, they just wouldn’t go away.  I’ve been using this Freeman mask  three times a week for the past two weeks, and my dry patches are gone.  I do feel it is just as effective as the Hey Honey mask. And at less than $.72 cents an ounce,  as opposed to $18 an ounce, it’s a way better deal.

Freeman Renewing Cucumber peel off gel mask 1-28-18

Thanks for stopping by.

Reflections on 2017, and my best of beauty products!

Dec31

Happy New Year!  Welcome from the frozen tundra that is the upper Midwest!

My reflections will be brief as 2017 was not the best year for me.  I lost a job I had hoped to retire from, and had two knee surgeries on the same leg.  I want nothing more than to put 2017 behind me. 2017 wasn’t all bad, we went on a fun vacation to New Orleans, and our child graduated from high school.  My husband and child are happy and healthy, and that’s the best I can hope for.

I haven’t done as many product reviews this year because I have cut back on my spending.  The products that were my favorites in 2017 were mostly make up, with some great hygiene products thrown in.

Let’s get started.  Clairol Root Touch up $8 USD.  This is such a great product.  I use to spend so much money having my hair professionally colored. I would get partial highlights and walk out of the salon over $150 poorer (with a generous tip).  My hair looked okay having it professionally done, but it wasn’t like anyone ever noticed or complimented me on my hair color.  I wear my hair up 80% of the time, and I’m only coloring it every six weeks, just the touch up, I might do my whole head once a year.

Clairol Root Touch up 12-31-17

My perfect shade!

Dove Dry Spray invisible 48 hr antiperspirant.  $6 USD.  I used a solid stick for years.  This product is pricey but leaves no white marks on your clothing.  The fact that’s its 48 hour is weird, but whatever.

Dove Dry Spray 12-31-17

No white residue!

Having had two surgeries this year, this Drybar Detox Dry shampoo came in very handy.  It’s pricey at $23 USD, but so worth it.

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo 12-31-17

Great scent!

Pantene Air Spray with no alcohol $5 USD.  This is a great product, my hair is dry and being alcohol free makes this my go to hair spray.  I don’t think I’ve ever paid full price as I’m a big coupon shopper.

Pantene Air Spray alcohol free hair spray 12-31-17

Who doesn’t want whiter teeth?  I found this Dazzling White whitening pen at Dollar Tree for $1 USD.  I have a lot of crowns, so this works really well for me. I’ve seen these at WalMart for $5 USD.  You can find some great beauty buys at the dollar store.

Dazzling White tooth pen 12-31-17

L’Oreal Age Perfect Eye Balm $20 USD.  2017 has taken a toll on my poor face.  This helps great with under eye circles and wrinkles.

L'Oreal Age Perfect Eye Balm 12-31-17

Touch’N Brow eyebrow shapers $1.79 USD at a beauty supply store in the inner city.  Menopause  and 2017 have not been kind to my face, between hair sprouting out of my nose and covering my face, I would be a mess without these puppies. Shaving your face is also a great exfoliant.  I paid $5 USD at Sally Beauty for the same product.

Touch'N Brow Shavers 12-31-17

Last but not least L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise mascara $10 USD.  This has been a game changer for me.  I wear glasses, and this mascara really makes your lashes stand out.  I use blackest-brown.  It’s easy to remove, and I haven’t paid full price for it yet. I have 6 tubes stashed for the next year or so.

L'Oreal Lash Paradise mascara 12-31-17

Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope everyone has a great 2018!

Ulta Haul 8-18-07

Aug19

Happy Saturday!  Ulta is my favorite store.  Lately I’ve cut down on my spending, so I haven’t visited in a while.

I’m a Ulta rewards member so I got a 20% off your entire purchase coupon recently.  The coupon included everything in the store.  This only happens a few times a year, and it’s for rewards members only.

I needed a few things and had a bunch of coupons as well that were expiring soon.

I got $115 worth of stuff for $66!  Some people may think clipping coupons is for old folks. Well if that is the case, count me in!

Here is what I got:

Ulta haul 8-18-17

I got Garnier Micellar Water this stuff is flipping awesome!  I’ve been using this for several years.  It’s easy to use and really takes off all of your make up.  I paid $4.15 for each bottle.  The regular price is $8.99.

I love Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in number 1.  I paid $19.22, regular price $24.  I usually stay away from higher end cosmetics, but this pencil works great for my skimpy brows.

Next up Burt’s Bees lip shimmer in Caramel.  Regular price $4.99, I paid $3.99.  This is a great balm to use under lipstick or just by itself. Plus it tastes like peppermint, so it freshens your breath.

L’Oreal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Eye Balm This is a new product for me. It’s rated well on Ulta’s website. Regular price $19.99, I paid $13.59.

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner I had two buy one get one free coupons. I love this brand.  It’s so affordable and hey, how can you beat buy one get one free times two!

Last but not least, my new favorite mascara L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara OMG people, this is some of the best mascara I have ever used. Regular price $9.99, I paid $3.59 each!

So not only does it pay to clip coupons, but being a Ulta rewards member rocks!

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

 

Dec. 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Dec15

Happy Thursday!  I recently updated my Ipsy profile, and I’m so glad I did.  They have more options now than they have had in the past.  I’ve had my Ipsy subscription since they started I think about five years ago. It’s only $10 a month, and you always get at least two full size items.

This month’s bag is carpe p.m. I have to say I’m digging everything I got.

Let’s dig in. First item Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream is a deluxe sample size at 1.5 ounces. I have naturally curly fine hair, so I’ll be anxious to try this out. Value $1.85 USD. Next up Hikari Iris Liquid Eyeliner full size- a pretty deep purple liquid eyeliner with a super sharp point. Value $15 USD.

NYX Prismatic eye shadow in Bedroom Eyes full size- a beautiful bronze shadow that will look great on my blue eyes. Value $6 USD. Smashbox Insta Matte Lipstick Transformer deluxe sample valued at $12 USD. Now this is one cool product as it turns any cream lipstick into a matte lipcolor.  It can also be used around the lips to decrease lines and prevent lipstick from bleeding. Being a mature gal, I will really appreciate this. Can’t wait to try it.

Last, but not least I got REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask deluxe sample valued at $18 USD. It’s rated well and I can’t wait to try it. The overall value was $53 USD, not bad for $10!

Here is the eyeliner and eye shadow swatched.

ipsy-dec-2016-glam-bag-swatch

The bag is super cute too, and could be used as a wristlet. It’s fuchsia with a metallic handle and pony faux fur. Sorry it’s sideways.

ipsy-dec-2016-glam-bag-wristlet

 

What did you get in your Ipsy December bag?  Thanks for stopping by.

Sephora Play-Nov. 2016

Nov20

Happy Sunday!  I got my second Sephora play bag, and I’m so digging it. This month’s bag is Best in Glow.  I got five deluxe samples and a fragrance sample.  The cost is only $10 a month.  All of the items are available from Sephora.  This is a huge advantage over my Ipsy subscription, as some of their items are not readily available. Now if Ulta would only do a beauty box, I would be in heaven.

One of the best things I like about the Sephora Play is the detailed description and use of products guide included each month.  You know exactly what to do with each item.

First up,  Cover FX Illuminating Primer a glow inducing , silicone-free primer preps skin with a light-reflecting mineral complex and helps eliminate dullness. I can’t wait to try this, as my skin has gotten dull as I’ve gotten older.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet- okay, you had me at Vinosource! A rejuvenating and lightweight luscious gel cream that hydrates and softens skin while visibly calming redness and congestion. This moisturizer has ingredients that are unique to Caudalie’s skincare collection. Organic grape water, a mineral rich elixir and grape seed polyphenols.  I hear the box of wine in the fridge calling my name.

Laura Mercer Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold-Multipurpose, high-pigment eyeshadow stick glides on and blends easily for transfer proof, all-day wear. Not only can this be used as a eye shadow, but also an eyeliner and highlighter.  I love multi purpose sticks.

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink-Hydrating, glossy lip gel visibly plumps lips with a lustrous sheen and always flattering hot pink hue-no sticky light pink color, easy to wear alone or over lipstick.

Glamglow GravityMud Firming treatment-Peel off mask turns a brilliant silver when applied and uses targeted ingredients to make skin appear firm and toned. I need a 55 gallon container of this bad boy, I want to use it on my entire body.

Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace- Channel the scent and feeling of a chilly evening spent by the fireplace with this warm, woody scent for both men and women.

 

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.

olay-eyes-10-22-16

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.

sephora-oct-16-smashbox-matte-liquid-lipstick-drivers-seat

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.

sephora-oct-2016-estee-edit-flash-photo-gloss

sepphora-oct-2016-lipstik-chill

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.