Sunday, December 23, 2012

CVS Sale Finds December

The other day I popped into my local CVS and they had a huge makeup sale going on. Well of course I had to at least take a peak. End of season sales are great to shop for cosmetics because it's highly unlikely that the colors they discontinue are going to be "out of style" in the next season and you can get some great deals. Here is what I found.


Maybelline EyeStudio Duos in 70 Ivy Icon value $7.99 Paid $3.99
This is really pretty I find the color of the solid turns out to be the same when you use the marble side. 

Here is what it looks like on, I used the Revlon Eyeliner to line and Whip Hand Cosmetics in Green Beret in the outer corners for definition. The mascara is Lancome Defincils HD in black. 

Nicole by OPI in Ladies in the Limelight value $7.99 Paid $3.99
This is a fun yellow that I plan on wearing in the spring. It is a retro 50's kind of yellow.

Nicole By OPI Kardashian Color in Wear Something Spar-Kylie Value $7.99 Paid $3.99
Pretty sparkle pink! The possibilities are endless!

Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Liner  in 004 Emerald Value $9.79 Paid $2.45
This was an exciting find since Emerald is the color of the year. This goes on really smooth and is easy to smudge if that is what you like to do with your eyeliner. However it won't smudge if you don't make it and lasts all day long. I love this color!

Revlon TopSpeed Nail polish in 330 Emerald Value $6.49 Paid $1.49
Now normally I stick with brands like Essie and OPI for nailpolish but when this is made in the USA and is only $1.49 and is the color of the year....

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipgloss in 335 Purple Rescue Value $6.99 Paid $3.49
This is a really pretty purple pink color. It does have sunscreen in it so it does have a slight sunscreen flavor to it, however I don't find it as bad as other lip glosses with sunscreen. 

Cover Girl Lip Perfect Lipstick in 400 Temptress Value $7.99 Paid $3.99
This is a really pretty pink color. It is the kind of pink I like to wear all year long.

Milani HD Advance Lip Color in 113 Ignition Value $7.99 Paid $1.99
This is a medium light coral orange color and is very flattering. 

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 045 Raspberry Value $9.99 Paid $2.49
I love this color, it is a deep berry red, great for the winter and for evenings. I took a picture of what it looks like on but I feel too weird posting a picture of my lips. lol

Milani Crystal Eyez Liquid Sparkling Eye Shadow in 05 Delightfully Dazzling Value $7.99 Paid $1.99
This is a pretty Teal Blue color and I can't wait to use it! I can't beleive I got it for such a good price!

So I found a total of 10 products that would have cost $81.20. On sale I paid $29.86, and that's a $50 savings.

Anyway check out your local CVS and see what you can find!

PBB

The New Total Beauty Collection

I got the new Total Beauty Collection in the mail yesterday. This one is still kind of a surprise because it is not listed on the website yet. The one they have up right now has the hair oil, lip balm and blush (Which I have that kit too and loved) This is a pre-release for people who are subscribed to the Total Beauty Collection Updates, so here is a sneak peak of what is coming! The cost is usually $15 and free shipping.

I calculated the value of the samples off of the full sized products.


LaRocca Vitamin Repair Mist with SPF 15 .135oz Value $1.99
This will be great to take to the beach on vacation. 

Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair Cream .5oz Value $25.00
This one is going in my Mom's stocking since it is not right for my skin concerns. I know she will be happy with it! And wow just this is worth $25!

Zents Body Wash in Earth. Guessed size 1oz Value $2.70
Zents Mandarin EDT sample 1.5ml value $2.60
Zents Sun EDT sample 1.5ml value $2.60
These Zents products smell so good! I think I have found a new favorite brand!

Alterna Bamboo UV+Color Protection Fade Proof Fluide .25oz value $2.40
This will be good if I decide to dye my hair again. I only use the ones that last 28 shampoos because I like my natural hair color and don't want to go through the fuss of permanent color.

Added Bonus eSalon.com Custom Hair Color Gift Card. value $19.95
I'm going to go for this because you fill out the survey thing and they give you selections for your hair color. It does cost $5 shipping, but I think that is reasonable. 

Total Value of the kit $57.24 (With the gift certificate for hair color.)

I highly recommend getting this kit!

PBB




Beauty Box 5 December 2012

So the other day I got my Beauty Box 5 kit in the mail. It is the first one I got from them so I was pretty excited to see what kinds of things were in it. Beauty Box 5 is $12 a month, free shipping and you get about 5 products a month. Here is what I got in my really awesome December kit. In this kit all the items were full sizes!



Jean Pierre Cosmetics Exfoliation Facial Cleansing Pads- 16 pads value $1.99
These are going to be great for travel. Just stick it in my purse and go. 

Everyday Minerals Flat Top Brush Value $12.99
Oh my goodness this brush is so super soft! I love it! I usually use powder foundation so this is great because I dislike the little pad thingy's that come in the come in compacts.

MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask in Weather Warrior -1 mask value $4.99
This one I am going to save for when get irritated skin from being outside in the cold to long. It's bound to happen, It's Winter in Ohio after all... lol

OFRA Cosmetics 3D Eye Shadow in Diamond Glitz .14oz Value $19.90
This is a pretty light grey brown with a greenish sparkle to it. It is a HUGE container and is going to last forever! :)

Demeter Apple Blossom Roll on Perfume Oil .29oz Value $10.00
This is so light and pretty smelling sweet, floral and fruity without being overpowering. It doesn't last for hours but it is small and you can stick it in your purse for when you need to put a little extra on.

Total Value of December's kit $49.87

I can't wait for next months!

PBB


Thursday, December 20, 2012

New Beauty Test Tube Fall 2012

I just got my first New Beauty Test Tube in the mail today. I wasn't sure about this one because with shipping and tax it costs $39.00, and I wasn't sure if the products in it would be relevant to my skin care needs, but then I do like surprises and I thought I would try it. This is a quarterly subscription and you can cancel anytime (But I'm not going to because it is great!)  Here are my thoughts.

As always I did the math for you on the sample sizes so you know the value of them :)


These products I am keeping for myself.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in Natural Medium size .11oz Value $9.45
Conceals and helps with under eye puffiness and inflammation. It's exactly the concealer I need. 

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask Full Size 2.53oz value $15.99
Another hair mask to battle the frizzy and split ends of winter. Yay!

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts Red Poppy and Hemp full size single bag 2.1oz value $5.00
I can smell this through the bag and it smells wonderful. I will be using it as a scrub.

Dr Brant Dark Circles Away .085oz value $9.35
I can always use something for dark circles and puffiness. So many allergies lol. This is a great travel size too.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar .4 oz value $7.80
This is an oil free hydrating moisturizer. I have heard a lot of good things about this brand and can't wait to try. Another good travel size item.

Value of what I am keeping $47.59

These items are not right for my skin type or concerns so I am giving them to my mom for her Stocking. She never buys herself these kinds of products and I have introduced her to several items she likes through the samples I have given her. She deserves some pampering too. :)

Yon-Ka Vital Defence full size value 1.76oz  $72.00
This is supposed to help with fine lines and wrinkles and renew the skin. 

Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment full size 1oz value $47.00
For my mom this is more preventative. :)

Cellceuticals PhotoDefense Color Radiance SPF 55 full size 2oz value $47.50 
This is a tinted moisturizer and sunscreen. This will be great for my mom because she is very sun sensitive. The fact that it has the color in it already means she can skip a step with her makeup which is something she likes. She is not one to spend a lot of time getting ready. 

Total Value of what I am giving my mom.  $166.50 

Total Value of the tube $214.09

I will be keeping this subscription because whatever isn't right for me makes great gifts for my mom. The value is ridiculously good.

Later all!
PBB 




Glossy Box December 2012

So this is my first Glossy Box. I was a little hesitant to subscribe to this one since it is $22 a month (Free shipping) but when I was looking at the previous boxes on their website it looked like a good deal so I went for it.

This is what came in my December Box. Sorry about the blurry picture. Value of samples is calculated from the full size product. I did the math so you don't have to. ;)


Ecru New York Cosmetic Hair Care Acacia Protein Oil sample size .03oz value 86 cents
I love hair oils and have been using them more the conditioner which can weigh down the hair. Just a tiny amount is all you need. Work it in from the bottom up avoiding the scalp While making my hair soft and smooth with no oilieness, if I get it on my scalp it's a different story....) Then brush. It works better then conditioner to de-tangle. I put it in after my shower after towel drying, then brush, blow dry and style.

Forrest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda Madurai Jasmine & Mogra Bath & Shower Oil half size, value $11.00
This smells really good and I am going to use it in the shower to moisturize instead of using body lotion.

Heartland Fragrance Co Bath Saltz White Ginger 5.5oz Value $1.84
These smell really good and I will be using them as a scrub.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Heat Protect Spray .75oz value $4.32
Always good to use a heat protectant when using high heat products and Oscar Blandi is a trusted brand. 

Pleats Please EDT by Issey Miyake .03 oz Value $4.00
I can't wait to smell this. A lot of places sell sample perfume vials for about $4 each...

Zoya Nail Polish in Ziv Full Size  .5oz value $8.00
This is one of the new holiday colors from Zoya. I have heard a lot about this brand but have never had a chance to try it yet.

Jewel Mint Bangle Bracelet. value $29.99
Wow this was an unexpected treat. The bracelet is very pretty and I will be able to wear it to a Christmas party I am going to. 

Total value of Decembers kit $59.89

Looking forward to next months kit!

PBB

Green Grab Bag December 2012

I think out of all the different sample subscriptions this one is one of the more unique ones. Green Grab Bag features niche handmade, organic and natural beauty products for $15 a month free shipping. This is what came in my December bag.

I guessed the value on some of the products because there was no weight listed on them, however it was still based off the full size price.


Zosimos Botanicals Facial Mask- Raspberry and Honey Full size single. Value $4.00
This mask is to help draw out toxins and impurities. I am looking forward to a relaxing evening and using this.

Natures Balance Wellness Body Butter in Marigold Magic and Love me Lavender guessed value $1.00
Marigold is well known for moisturizing, it will be great for winter dry skin. Last night I used the Lavender after my shower because lavender is my favorite. It smells so good and has a great texture. 

Pangea Organics Facial Toner-Argentinian Tangerine Thyme Toner Full size 2oz Value $13.00
This looks pretty good. Looking forward to trying it. 2oz is a great size for travel too.

Elegant Minerals Eye Shadow in Poinsettia sample guessed value $1.00
This is a pretty darker pink color. Mineral makeup always goes a long way so this should last a while. 

Elemental Herbs All Good Lips Organic Lip Balm in Maroon Creek full size value 2.25 grams $4.99
This is a pretty color and smells good too. It also has SPF which is a plus.

Destiny Boutique Charcoal Facial Soap Detox guessed value $1.00
This is a nice little bar, smells good and will be great for travel

Destiny Boutique Facial Detox Wash Guessed Value $2.00
This is also another great travel size here and it smells just like the soap. I can't wait to try and compare which I like better

Total items 8
Total Value $27.00

I think it is a great selection and considering shipping was free and would easily cost another $5 you are getting your moneys worth. 

Can't wait to see what is in next month's bag!

PBB

Beauty Fix Winter 2012

OK OK, I'm an addict to makeup and skin care, and sample clubs. I admit that. But here is the thing, I do use everything I buy. So on that note here is my BeautyFix box for the Winter season. Beauty Fix is from the dermstore.com and costs $49.99 every 3 months. You get to pick your own 8 products, shipping is free and you get a free cosmetic case. They have a lot of choices suited to any age group so it is worth a look. Also most of the products are full size and high end.

Note: Value of sample sizes calculated of of size and price of full size. AKA I did the math for you. You're Welcome. :P


Sonya Dakar Hydrasoft Lotion - Maintenance .25 oz value $11.00
Moisturizing and oil free, Yup that's one for me.

Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque full size 2.5oz value $39.00
I do a mask once a week. If you consider that this mask costs less then one spa treatment and you can get many uses out of it at home it's totally worth it. 

Beautyfix Large Cosmetic bag, Guessing a value of $10.00
One can never have enough bags and you get to pick which one they send to you. It's an added bonus to the kit.

NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy full size .5oz Value $75.00
Dark circles and puffiness be gone! Seriously $75 value????!!! WOW

Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust - Rose Gold full size .06 oz value $12.50
This is really pretty, it is an all over powder but I will probably use it as a blush. I never used something with gold dust in it and it has a very nice shimmer to it. A little bit goes a long way. I used it a little heavier on my cheeks and blended it a little onto my forehead for a nice glow.

Intelligent Beauty Labs Rescue Rapid Repair Hair Mask full size 6oz Value $45.00
I am really into these hair masks right now. Directions are to use once a week, I'm really hoping to keep the frizz and split ends away this winter.

DDF Acne Control Treatment .5 oz value $12.35 
No explanation needed on this one. Keep that skin clear is my goal.

Glytone Back Acne Spray full size 2oz value $16.00 
Small word of advice. Hold your breath on this one when using. I breathed too soon and it stung my throat. I only used it once so not sure what it will do, as far as the ingredients are concerned it should work well.

Nick Chavez Caviar Moisturizing Styling Mousse Full size 7oz value $20.00
Caviar seems to be popping up everywhere right now in beauty items. It's supposed to be really good for the hair. 

Total value of my winter kit $240.85 

Totally worth the price.

Later all!
PBB


Monday, December 17, 2012

Glossy Box Limited Holiday Edition

I received my Limited Edition Refinery 29 curated Holiday Chic Glossy Box last week and am able to do a quick review on it. This limited edition box contained only full size products and cost $45. Here is what came inside.
 Kelly Van Gogh Rich & Delicious Caviar Hair Masque- 6oz Value $35.00
Even though this is "meant" for color treated hair and I don't color my hair I still battle frizzies and split ends especially in the winter. I can't wait to try it and see how it works.

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick color -Love- .55 oz Value $22.00 
This doubles as a cream blush and a lip color, but I'm not going to use it as a lip color because it smells like tea tree oil to me. It's going to be great for me since I am staying away from powder makeup. Please see my post Beauty Products and Asthma
  
Cult Nails Lacquer in "After Glow" .5oz Value $10.00 
I really love the shimmer in this. It is coppery but also has a pinkness to it.

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water 3.38oz Value $13.00 
One can never have enough cleanser around. The last thing you want to do is go to bed with makeup still on your face. This one is made in Japan from hot mineral waters and 6 herbs that are good for the skin. It also came with a pure organic cotton cleansing pad.

 Booty Parlor Flirty Little Secret Perfume- .33oz value $22.00
This smells dark and sweet, a little too sweet for my taste but I'll probably apply it lightly because it is nice. I didn't feel sexy wearing it though. Honestly I think the whole "Pheromone" thing is gimmicky  and I fully believe that a person should wear a perfume because they like it and not what the label claims it can do. ;)

Total Value $102

Anyway that's my take on this box. 
See you next time!

PBB

Beauty Products and Asthma

Recently my asthma has been acting up and has affected my normal routines, including what makeup products I can use. While I know the make-up it isn't life invading like missing work, going to the ER and spending big money on medicine, it is still a part of my life that asthma is making difficult.

Of course when the doctor says no hairspray, perfume, makeup powders, nail polish etc.etc. a person feels like they are going to be walking out into public looking like the bride of Frankenstein. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology "One in 12 people (about 25 million, or 8% of the U.S. population) had asthma in 2009" and "In 2008 less than half of people with asthma reported being taught how to avoid triggers. Almost half (48%) of adults who were taught how to avoid triggers did not follow most of this advice." Wow! It's scary not being able to breathe! Personally I would avoid rather triggers as much as possible, and that is including a change in my beauty routine. So then the question arises, "What can I do instead" That inspired me to write this post on things I use when my asthma is flaring up.

Here are some things that worked for me:

Foundation- Instead of powder or pressed powder which you can breathe the little particles in when you are applying and trigger asthma attacks, try using a cream to powder such as Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation or DiorSkin Nude Natural Cream Makeup. You could also use a tinted moisturizer or a BB Cream. I don't recommend a liquid foundation because for good staying power it needs to be set with powder-which we are trying to avoid. :)
Shown Here: Neutrogena Cream to Powder Foundation, Haskin BB Cream

Eye Shadow- They make a lot of cream eye shadows that you can use like Benefit Ceaseless Cream Shadow/Liner and NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil.

Shown Here: Chanel, Jane Iredale, Milani, Stila, Victoria's Secret and Clinique

Blush- Cream Blushes are all very popular right now. You could try one like Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick or NARS The Multiple, which you can also use as lip color. 
Shown Here: Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick and Josie Maran Argan Color Stick. (Please note this smells a bit like tea tree oil so if that smell will bother you then don't use this one.)

Hair is a little bit of a different story. Some people are bothered by smells and other people are bothered by the aerosol sprays. I am more bothered by sprays and am able to use gel and mousse to style my hair with. However if that is not something you are able to do Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel can be used as a hair gel and is unscented. It is also great on sunburns!
Shown here: Redken Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream Mousse, Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel, Sunsilk Captivating Curls Mousse, Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Styling Gel, MHZ Heat Soothing Balm

Finally nails- This Saturday I had an event that I needed to go to and was not about to go with out doing my nails in someway. I bought the Kiss Stick on Nail Strips because they are a sticker and not "nail polish strips" like some brands. I was worried those would have a smell to it.

I picked these up at Dollar General for $3. They are nail stickers and there is no need to put a top coat on. You just stick, shape and trim. There is NO smell to these at all and it looks really good on. It lasts longer then nail polish does too. Usually by day 3 of a manicure nail polish is chipping off my nails already. Today is day 3 of wearing these and they look just as good now as when I first put them on.

Anyway I hope these ideas help you out. Remember to always check with your doctor and if you think even for one second that something is bothering your asthma stop using it right away! Nothing is worth having an asthma attack for.

Later all!
PBB

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Beauty Army December 2012

I got home from work today and opened up my mailbox to find my Beauty Army box inside! I love getting my little subscription boxes! Beauty Army is $12 a month plus free shipping and you get to pick out your own 6 samples. A lot of them are full sized too which is super nice. Here is what I picked out this month.

Skinn Cosmetics Twin Set Lip Stick and Lip Gloss in Pink Tulip. Full Size value $18.50. This is really nice because it has matching lip stick and lip gloss with a mirror on the tube so it is great for the purse.

You Da Balm Grapefruit Lip Balm. Full Size value $3.00  It smells just like a fresh grapefruit! Yummy!

Cocktail Perfume Vial. Approximate Value $4.00 (Full Size 1.7oz $56) Out of my 6 samples they had one option for a mystery sample and this was what they sent me. I can't wait till my asthma is better again so I can smell it.

Mighty Leaf Tea Green Tropical Tea- 1 bag value 66 cents. (Full Size 15 bags $9.95) I always love to try teas and coffees so this looked like a good idea to try. I'll let you know how it tastes when I try it!

Mark Hook Up Lip Gloss- Blow Kisses Full Size Value $6.50. So much fun! I love really red lip colors. It's so vintage looking!

Whip Hand Cosmetics Loose Pigment Eye Shadow in Green Beret .02oz value $2.80 (Full size .10 oz $14.00) This is a very nice shade of green. I love using green and brown eye shadows.

Total Value of this month's choices = $35.46

See you next time!
PBB

Birchbox December 2012

Yesterday I got my Birchbox in the mail! YAY! It's always fun when that comes in. For $10 a month you get 4-5 samples plus an added bonus item. This is what came in my December box.


Aerie Shimmer Fragrance. Est Value $3.99 (A lot of places sell sample perfumes for $4-$5 a tube! Yes really! ) Sadly I can't even sniff this yet because my asthma is acting up. Boo. 

Model Co SHINE Ultra Lipgloss in Showgirl Red. Full Size $16.00. This has a built in mirror which makes it really great for the purse.

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream. .10oz value $6.40 (Full size .50 oz $32) I love eye creams and am excited to try this one. I always have problems with dark circles and puffiness.

Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique- Protect 20ml. Value $6.25 (Full size 125ml $39)  This is a leave in conditioner heat protectant. This will be great for when I curl my hair or use the flat iron. It is always a good thing to use a heat protectant when styling. 

This months bonus item is CHOCOLATE! Yummy! 
Chuao Chocolatier Chocopod. Value $1.14 (Box size 7 pieces $7.95)  My sample was the sea salt and breadcrumbs in dark chocolate. It was so good! 

Total value of my Decembers box is $33.78






Ipsy December 2012 Glambag

I was very excited to see the bright metallic pink mailer in the box the other day. That is one of the great things about the Ipsy Glam Bag Subscription. You get cheery pinkness in your mailbox once a month filled with beauty goodies, and with Ipsy it only costs $10 a month. I fully think this program is worth it. Here is what I got in my kit this month along with an estimated value.

Silver Colored Cosmetic Bag- Estimated value $5.00
NYX Loose Pearl Eye Shadow in #13 Sky Pink Pearl. Full Size- $3.00
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero (Black) .03oz- Estimated value $15 (Full size 4oz  $19)
Be a Bombshell Lip Gloss in Hot Mess. Full Size - $14.00
Mai Couture Highlighter Paper in St Barts. 25 Sheets - $14.00 (Full Size 50 Sheets $28.00)
Mirabella Prime for Face and Eyes Full Size- $29.00

Total Value of this months Glam Bag is $80.00

All I can say is wow. Reviews of the products will be up later as I use them.
TTFN
PBB

Hello!

                                                                                     Hi everyone!



I have a slight, just a slight addiction to makeup. I love little things and girly things. I know that a lot of people out there do too. I like to try new products and experiment with colors.

So anyway I thought I'd start a blog about my beauty reviews. I subscribe to a few different sample clubs too and will be writing about those when I get them monthly.

Stay tuned for new product adventures!

PBB