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January Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

January 28, 2016

Hi everyone! I’m back with another subscription box post which finally arrived this week. I will say I am disappointed this month with the shipping of my Birchbox. It was shipped out on the 8 and I had no information as to where it was until a week later and then it took another week and a few days to be delivered. :/

Anywho, I choose the curated box this month which was Korean Beauty as it’s generating a lot of buzz lately. Here’s what the box included.

RE:P Bio Fresh Mask with Real Calming Herb

This mask uses, “organic herbs and kaolin clay to reduce redness and deeply cleanse pores.” I managed to use this once and the first thing I noticed was the scent which is very herbally and tea-like. Surprisingly, I didn’t find this too drying although I noticed a few bumps on my forehead after I used it. I’ll need to use this more to determine how well it works.

IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer

This primer contains SPF 15, is rich in fruit extracts and is said to create a “smooth, luminous canvas for makeup.” I tried it under my foundation and it gave a very subtle sheen to the skin. It’s a nice product though it is not my favorite and has a rather strong perfume scent. I will use it up but won’t purchase a full size.

TONYMOLY Delight Tony Tint in Red

So I’ve always been curious to try TONYMOLY products, mainly because of the cute packaging- Panda’s Dream anyone? Although the packaging on this tint is simple, it smells like strawberries, yum. The color dries to a matte finish that is supposed to last all day and although it did last an impressive amount of time through eating and drinking, it will start to fade unevenly throughout the day.

Manefit Beauty Planner Cucumber Soothing + Moisturizing Mask

Sheet masks are all the craze now and this one is supposed to soothe, tone and restore moisture to dry skin. I haven’t tried this out yet but I’ll wait until it’s not too cold at night so my skin can have a nice, refreshing treatment.

Goodal Waterest First Essence

This product includes, “hyaluronic acid and fermented lotus flower to help skin retain moisture.” I’ve tried this once in the morning and I do like it. However, like most products included in here, it does have a strong scent.

Goodal Yerba Mate Bubble Peeling & Yerba Mate Cleansing Foam Packettes

Considered a bonus, the Bubble Peeling, “removes dead skin for a brighter complexion,” and the Cleansing Foam, “balances oils and detoxifies the skin.” I haven’t had an opportunity to test these out yet but the Bubble Peeling has definitely piqued my interest with the name alone.

Overall, I do like the box and think it’s a good assortment of products to try. Sometimes I wish they weren’t so scented though.

Have you tried Korean skincare/beauty products? Which ones do you recommend?

Stephanie

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask Review!

January 21, 2016

Hi readers! If you follow me on Instagram, you know my friend and fellow beauty blogger Jen from In the Beauty Box sent me a box (thanks Jen!) filled with some awesome products. Among them were samples of the Bite Beauty Lip Mask which I’ve been curious about but never got around to actually trying them. Needless to say, I was thrilled and I’ve been putting these to the test. Here’s my thoughts.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

Described as a “soothing, leave-on lip mask that replenishes moisture in lips. This innovative, natural formula smooths, nourishes, and moisturizes lips with a bio-active blend of organic agave nectar, jojoba oil, vanilla CO2 extract, and triple the amount of antioxidant trans-resveratrol found in red wine.”

Pros

Provides a barrier for lips

Long-lasting

Works well under lipstick

Not sticky

Sheer tints

Cons

Thick consistency makes it hard to take out

Not very hydrating

Pricey

Lanolin might be an irritant to some

Overall: I have mixed feelings about this product. Due to the thick consistency, it was a little hard to take out and apply; however, once it warms up a bit though it becomes easier. While this does provide a protective barrier around lips, oddly, I don’t find it very hydrating. It does feel very nice and luxurious once it’s on but if you have very dry lips, I don’t feel it does much. I do find that exfoliating lips first is essential in achieving smoother lips. The lip mask works well under lipsticks and I didn’t find it sticky. Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to lanolin will want to steer clear as it is the main ingredient in the lipstick. The sample I received included the original, and the tinted ones in Smashed and Champagne. The colors are a bit more on the sheer side, which is nice if you want a bit of a tinted sheen. I don’t consider this a ‘must have’ lip product but more of a luxury item that if you can afford to indulge in, then by all means give this a try.

Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts on it?

Stephanie

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review!

January 19, 2016

Happy Tuesday readers! Hope your weekend was great. 🙂

After much debate, I finally caved in and purchased two NYX Soft Matt Lip Cream products. I’m currently obsessed with nude/pink shades so I picked up the shades Athens (peach/pink nude) and London (peach/beige nude). Let’s get to the review!

Soft Matte Lip Cream

Described as a “velvety smooth Soft Matte Lip Cream delivers a burst of creamy color and sets to a stunning matte finish. Surprisingly durable, lightweight and delightfully creamy, it’s no wonder this sweetly scented formula is a NYX fan favorite.”

Pros

Creamy on initial application

Nicely pigmented/opaque coverage

Amazing scent

Decent lasting power

Budget friendly at $6/ea

Great array of colors

Cons

Slow dry down time

Feels drying once it sets

Color of bottle doesn’t match the actual shade

Needs to be reapplied after drinking/eating

Overall: Aside from the amazing cake scent once you open these, I noticed that the shades don’t necessarily match the bottle so I highly recommend swatching these in store beforehand. They feel very creamy when you first apply them and stay that way for about 10-20 minutes-the dry down time on these is fairly long. Once dry, this is a true matte finish so it will feel dry unless you apply a little bit of lip balm underneath. Exfoliating lips prior comes in handy so that the color doesn’t cling to dry patches. These have decent lasting power, however, they do come off if you are eating or drinking and you’ll need to reapply. I’m happy with these though as they provide good pigmentation and are inexpensive.

Here’s some swatches.

Top-Bottom: Athens and London

I hope you found this review helpful. 🙂

Have you tried these? What shades do you recommend?

Stephanie

KIKO Milano Rebel Bouncy Blush Review!

January 14, 2016

Hi readers! I have a review today on this blush I picked up awhile back so if you’re interested, keep reading. 🙂

KIKO Milano Rebel Bouncy Blush in Velvety Peach

Described as a “blush with a new sensory aspect and a satin matte finish.”

Pros

Budget friendly

Sturdy packaging and comes with a mirror

Excellent color payoff/pigmentation

Looks natural

Cons

Hard to apply at times

Not long-lasting

Overall: As soon as I swatched this shade in store, I knew I had to buy it. The color is such a gorgeous peach shade that has great pigmentation. It’s similar to the Colour Pop ones in that it has the same mousse-like consistency and is best applied with my fingertips to achieve a natural look. The two issues I have with this one is that a) the color does fade considerably after a few hours, especially when my skin is oily and b) sometimes it’s a bit hard to apply and blend out. Initially, the texture did feel bouncy when you applied it but now consistency has hardened a bit, which is what makes it difficult to apply sometimes in my opinion. However, once you blend it out it looks natural which is always a plus in my book. Definitely worth checking out. 🙂

A swatch of this lovely blush.

I hope you found this review helpful.

Have you tried any of their blushes? What was your experience with them?

Stephanie

December 2015 Favorites!

December 29, 2015

Hello everyone! How was your Christmas and long weekend? Mine was great although I still can’t believe that we are only a few days away from a new year. Crazy how time is zooming by.

Anyhow, I’ve gathered my favorites this month so let’s get started. 🙂

Renee Rouleau Purifying Face Wash

This face wash is on heavy rotation in my skincare routine. It’s a very gentle, unscented gel cleanser that slightly foams but doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped of moisture. Ingredients like sea whip and green tea are included to calm skin. I think this cleanser is perfect if you don’t have too many breakouts.

Skin Script Raspberry Refining Cleanser

I ordered a box full of Skin Script skincare gift sets and I’m really loving this cleanser. It smells like raspberries and includes glycolic and salicylic acid to help clear up acne as well as yucca extract to help relieve irritation. This cleanser gently foams and rinses clean without that harsh tight feeling certain cleansers can leave afterward.

Skin Script Cacteen Balancing Moisturizer

I picked up a few samples of this moisturizer at the esthetic trade show in Long Beach and it’s been a good moisturizer for these winter nights. A medium weight moisturizer, this has prickly pear cactus to help heal and is rich on olive oil fatty acids that help retain moisture in the skin.

Tarte Cosmetics Beauty and the Box Eyeshadow in Apple of My Eye

I’ve been reaching for this eyeshadow quad quite frequently throughout the holidays and I love it. Bronze and gold eyeshadows are my go-to shades and this quad encompasses gorgeous colors that can be used to create subtle daytime looks to dramatic smoky night time looks.

e.l.f. EX-tra Lip Gloss in Scott

I picked up the e.l.f. Mix and Mingle Lip Gloss set at Target and while I’ll have a complete review on the blog later, the shade I have been loving is Scott. Scott is a peach beige lipgloss with gold flecks that once applied give a nice subtle glow. Priced at $2 each, they glosses have good pigmentation, decent staying power, aren’t sticky and have a sweet taste. My only issue is that the lip gloss applicator is flimsy and I’m constantly worried it may break off.

e.l.f. EX-tra Lipgloss in Scott

Rhonda Allison Holiday Wine Luster Holiday Set

I follow fellow esthetican Christina Gliatta from Estie Skincare on Instagram and when she posted this Rhonda Allison kit, I knew I had to order it from her. I’ve been wanting to try Rhonda Allison skincare products for a while and this kit did not disappoint. It includes one ounce of Cucumber Spritz and half an ounce of Blushed Wine Gel.

I use the Cucumber Spritz in the morning before I apply my makeup to add moisture to my skin without it feeling heavy. Depending on the weather, I’ll toss it into my purse and take it on the go to refresh my skin. The Blushed Wine Gel is a great antioxidant moisturizer for my combination skin during the day. It has small shimmer particles that provides skin with a glow and it works great under my makeup.

So far, I am impressed with the Rhonda Allison line and can’t wait to try more in the future. If you’re looking to try out Rhonda Allison products, make sure to follow Estie Skincare-Christina is super nice and helpful.

Sara Happ Lip Scrub in Peppermint

A special extra that Christina included- thank you!- this lip scrub is heaven sent! I like Fresh Sugar Lip Polish but this one is more moisturizing, and perfect for this harsh winter weather. The price is a little steep at $24 but you only need very little of this luxurious feeling lip scrub so it will last you a long time. Lips feel super soft and hydrated and most importantly, are left flake free. Bonus: the packaging is so chic complete with a little bow.

What are your favorites this month?

Stephanie

December Birchbox Unboxing 2015!

December 17, 2015

Happy Thursday everyone! December’s Birchbox is in so let’s get to it! 🙂

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

For a few years now, I have been wanting to try out this dry shampoo so when I saw it was included, I was happy. After trying it though, I found it to be sticky and it doesn’t have a scent per se but still smells kind of odd, if that makes sense. Not my favorite dry shampoo yet but I’ll give it another shot. Bonus points for not leaving a white residue behind.

JUARA Coconut Illipe Hand and Nail Balm

This balm is supposed to hydrate, firm and plump hands as well as improve nails and cuticles and with this cold weather, it was good to put it to the test. It is fast-absorbing but not as hydrating sometimes as I would like. The scent reminds me of the beach so it’s a nice little pick me up during the afternoon.

Harvey Prince Sea Salt Texturizing Mist

I’ve seen this in multiple beauty blogs and I’m glad it was included. It has a citrusy, floral-esque scent and it gives a nice, beach-like texture to my ends when I flat iron my hair. Would definitely invest in the full size bottle.

Coastal Scents styleEYES Eyeshadow Palette- socialEYES

This month’s sample was an eyeshadow quad from Coastal Scents. While I love the colors, a vibrant turquoise and lovely gold, I will be giving this one away, hence the reason for no swatches.

theBalm Cosmetics FratBoy

You gotta love the packaging on theBalm Cosmetics and the nifty names they come up with. Again, the color looks lovely but I will also be giving this one away as I have colors that look similar. Although I am not entirely fond of the size of the sample-it looks like it would be an eyeshadow sample-my previous experience with their blushes was great so I am sure this is no different.

Overall, this was a good box filled with items I have been eyeing for a while now.

What’s your opinion on this month’s box?

Stephanie

Best Foundations for a Glowing Complexion!

December 10, 2015

Hi readers!

Today I’ll be sharing my top three foundations I like to use when my skin needs a little extra help in achieving a glowing complexion. 🙂

Lancome Teint Miracle

You’ll get a nice, dewy look with this medium coverage foundation. A little goes a long way and it does a good job of concealing any redness in your complexion. Combination skin types may want to apply a bit of powder as it can tend to appear oily after a couple of hours.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

Definitely the sheerest and the lightest-weight one of the bunch, I love how it allows your skin to look like skin without flaws. It melts right into skin and after a while, you’ll forget you have anything on.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating

I love the fact that you can wear this alone or mix it in with your favorite foundation to get a customized radiant complexion. Works really well on mature skin to give it a youthful glow.

What are your favorite go-to foundations for a holiday glow?

Stephanie

Sephora VIB Haul + Mini Review 2015!

December 8, 2015

Hi everyone! Today I am sharing the items that I purchased for myself during the Sephora VIB 20% sale along with a mini review of each. There’s a few that I ended up returning but here are the final products I am keeping. Let’s get to it.

Face

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Nude

One of the best tinted moisturizers out there, I love using this for an everyday look. It’s light-weight, doesn’t make me breakout and with a variety of finishes and colors, you’re bound to find one that is perfect for you.

Sephora Collection Colorful Face Powder Blush in Can’t Stop Smiling

Once I saw the Sephora Collection Blush display, I knew I had to check them out. After swatching a few shades that caught my attention, I ended purchasing Can’t Stop Smiling. Described as a “salmon pink”, this blush has a surprisingly creamy consistency and is nicely pigmented. It does take a little bit of an effort to blend out but overall, I do like it and the shade is unlike anything I own.

Beautyblender The Original Beautyblender

Yes I finally gave in to the hype and I’m glad I did. This tool is a game changer when applying foundation as it helps it melt into skin for a seamless look. If you’ve been on the fence in trying this, I highly recommend that you do.

Sephora Blush Can’t Stop Smiling Swatch

Eyes

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

I had to pick up another tube of my favorite eye primer. I have used this for years and I honestly have no intention of straying. No other eye primer makes my eyeshadow last without creasing like this one. My only complaint is that with every new tube, the consistency comes out a bit oily and watery but it goes back to its normal creamy consistency after.

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling and Lifting Mascara

I bought the travel sized version of this mascara and I will be purchasing the full-size once I am done. I love the brush that comes with this which really does elongate and curl lashes. Best of all, it doesn’t irritate my eyes.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black

When looking for a liquid eyeliner that won’t budge, I don’t have to look past this Stila one. Hands down the best liquid eyeliner I have tried so far and another favorite item I’ve repurchased throughout the years.

Lips

Burberry Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Peach Delight No. 57

Ah, Burberry. After falling in love with their blush, I wanted to try out other items so I choose these two lip products. This lipstick is a nice pink-peach color that can be used as an everyday shade or paired with a more dramatic look. It glides on smoothly and it’s neither matte nor creamy but very comfortable to wear. Plus, the cap is magnetic and how awesome is the design?

Burberry Burberry Kisses Lip Gloss in Nude Beige No. 17

I always have room for a nude beige lipgloss and this fits the bill. The gloss isn’t sticky and it gives a nice glow to the lips without making them look overly shiny. I will be honest and say that the lasting power on this is not long-maybe about 2 hours- and it’s not the most moisturizing. But, I do love how pigmented this one is and it looks great on its own or over lipstick.

That’s it for this haul. Are any of these your favorites?

See you Thursday,

Stephanie

November Favorites 2015!

December 1, 2015

Happy December everyone! My, my, how time is just zooming by. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend. 🙂

Well, it’s the start of a new month which means it’s time to share items I have been loving all throughout November. Let’s get started!

Why Not Me? Mindy Kaling

Featured in October’s PopSugar Must Have Box, this was a fairly quick and great read. A humorously written account of her life and experiences, I especially loved the beauty advice she gives.

“Who is the beauty icon that inspires you the most? Is it Sophia Loren? Audrey Hepburn? Halle Berry? Mine is Nosferatu, because that vampire taught me my number-one and number-two favorite beauty tricks of all time: avoid the sun at all costs and always try to appear shrouded in shadows.”

I mean, there is some truth in that. 😉

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer High Volume Lip Plumper in Pink 001

After my horrible experience with the Dior Addict Fluid Stick-it made my lips burn and feel sensitized-I returned it and the sales associate gave me a sample of this. I took a liking to this immediately. I don’t think it plumped up my lips but the high shine, non-sticky texture is amazing. It’s light pink in color and feels slightly minty on the lips without being overwhelming.

Skinfix Ultra Rich Body Butter

A little body butter jar that came in my Target Beauty Box, I keep this on my nightstand as it deeply moisturizes my dry hands. It absorbs fairly quickly and doesn’t really have a scent. I love mixing this with my favorite lavender essential oil for a customized scent.

Kiko Cosmetics Smart Lipstick in 901 Natural Neige

I was ecstatic when a Kiko Cosmetics store opened up near me and one of the first things I gravitated towards was this lipstick. At a little less than $5, this lipstick is absolutely amazing. (Note: I found this one in the discount section of the store.) Creamy and the perfect nude color for me, this looks great worn alone or under lip gloss. Did I mention it is under $5? You need this.

Kiko Smart Lipstick 901

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Natural Tan 4.25

I received an array of Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick samples and immediately went to Macy’s to purchase the full size. The stick form makes this a breeze to apply and is perfect when you are on the go. It melts into moisturized skin and doesn’t look cakey on me plus the coverage can be light or built up.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick Natural Tan

Deepa Gurnani Katie Crystal Headband

Another PopSugar Must have item, I love this headband! It is festive and perfect for the holidays. It doesn’t move once you put it on,which is an issue I have sometimes with other headbands, and is super comfortable.

That’s it for my favorites.

What were your favorites this month?

Stephanie

Holiday Makeup Collaboration!

November 24, 2015

Happy Tuesday readers! When Tanya from Tanya’s Beauty Diaries invited me to do a holiday makeup collaboration, I was thrilled. Taking inspiration from the new Tarte Apple of my Eye Eye Shadow Quad and the Marc Jacobs lipstick in Je T’Aime, I decided on pairing glowing skin with a red lip and subtle smokey eye.

Get the Look

Foundation: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Natural Tan (4.25)

Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

Eyeshadow: Tarte Apple of My Eye Amazonian Clay Eye Shadow Quad

Highlight: Golden Delicious

Lid: Honeycrisp

Crease: Caramel

Lower Lashline: Gala

Directions: Apply Golden Delicious all over the lid and underneath the brows. Use Caramel on the crease and Honeycrisp on the lid. Take a pencil brush and apply Gala to the lower lashline.