Category: anti-aging

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty — Fall 2019 Haul

Hi all! 21 Days of Beauty is now over — so sad! I did enjoy shopping over the last three weeks stocking up for fall.

As I gathered everything I purchased, I realized I got much more than I did in the spring. I picked up items I wanted to try and items for an upcoming Instagram giveaway. It’s hard to pass up such great deals!  And, I have purchased great drugstore items from Ulta’s Fall Haul this week and will probably pick a few up next week, too!

I love shopping at Ulta this time of the year, and I have been racking up the points!  I will probably do a points haul at the end of the year.

I picked up:

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Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra-Fine Shape & Define   

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Clinique Moisture Surge 72 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator — 1 oz

Kylie Cosmetics Bare Velvet Lip Kit

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

Urban Decay Online Only Travel Size Summer Solstice All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Origins Fresh-Faced Faves Set

Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy in Clear

Too Faced Natural Face Highlight, Blush and Bronzing Veil Face Palette

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick Cream in Creme In Your Coffee

The items I’m most excited to use are the Benefit Precisely My Brow, the Origins set because it has a full sized eye cream and the Kopari Lip Glossy. A lot of this will go in my giveaway.  I haven’t decided if I’m going to keep the Too Faced palette.  It is so pretty!

Did you pick up anything during the sale?

Skincare Sunday — Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Facial Serum Roller

Hi all!  I hope you are having an amazing weekend! I’m back with a new Skincare Sunday.  It’s been at least a few weeks since I’ve done one.

This week, I’m reviewing a new skincare product from Philosophy.  It’s the Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Facial Serum Roller.  Here’s a photo of the product and info from Philosophy’s website:

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“Don’t let gravity bring you down—get lifted with our ultimate face serum roller! Our next-generation face serum roller helps you see more sculpted-looking facial contours* while the stainless steel applicator adds a smooth, cooling touch. our exclusive “lift-fix “complex, which contains a combination of patented bi-retinoid (hpr+), a triple blend of peptides, kigelia africana fruit extract, edelweiss extract and soy extract, helps visually lift the look of skin, and smooth the look of wrinkles.*

The results are in:*

  • in just 10 days skin looks lifted and firmer
  • in 3 weeks chin and neck look tighter
  • laugh lines appear reduced
  • over time facial contours appear more sculpted and toned

*Based on an 8-week consumer test with 115 women aged 45-65″

What I think:  This is such a cool product, especially for those (me) who are aging and need a little firming up.  It’s very easy to apply, just turn the roller so the arrow matches with “on”.  Then you can squeeze out the product and apply it with the roller over areas of your face and neck that you would like to firm.

Because of the cooling applicator, this feels really nice to apply. I use it day and night.  I have noticed some firming on my neck and chin.  That’s wear I mostly need it.

I am really enjoying this product and the results I’m getting from it.  I will continue using it and hope to see more firming!

 

 

 

 

 

BoxyCharm BoxyLuxe Subscription Box Review — September 2019

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Hi all! I received my September BoxyLuxe!  This is my fourth one. I’m so excited! I’ve been a subscriber of BoxyCharm for over two years. The regular BoxyCharm box is $21 a month. BoxyLuxe is a once-a-quarter upgrade option you can add to your existing $21-a-month Boxycharm subscription. So for an additional $28.99, you’ll get the Luxe items, and be paying a total of $49.99 for that quarterly box.

I saw the spoilers for this box, I just didn’t know what variations I would get.  I did get to pick some of the items I would receive, which I really liked.

The theme for this month is All Access. There’s a good mix of makeup, skincare and hair care this month.  Here’s what I received:

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Total — $317.95!  That’s so good for spending $49.99.

Here’s a closer look at the items I received:

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I’m not the biggest fan of sleeping masks because they can be heavy and sticky.  I’m not sure if I will keep this one or give it away.

The Pineapple-C Bright Serum was one of the items I chose.  I’m almost out of my current Vitamin C Serum so I’m excited to have a new one to try. I have tried this a couple of times already and it does give a nice glow.

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Everyone received the Mistress Hair Balm.  I’ve tried this and am enjoying it. It smooths my frizzies and leaves my hair soft and shiny.

I haven’t tried the curling iron yet.  This is an item I got to choose — it was between this and a brush set.  I’ve never tried a clipless curling iron before so I’m curious to see how it works.

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These two items were another variation I chose.  I have never tried an infuser water bottle before, so that will be interesting.  And, I love Spongelle products!

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Every charmer received the eyeliner in black and the lipstick in one of three shades.

I don’t wear liquid eyeliner, so I will pass this one along.  I love the lipstick shade. It will be pretty for fall.

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I know this palette has been around for a while.  It was a variation.  At first I wasn’t blown away by this, but I decided to keep it.  I’m recently starting to get into matte shadow looks and I like these shades a lot.  I think it will be perfect for fall.

I’m pretty happy with this box.  I will use almost every item.  The only products I probably won’t use is the eyeliner and the sleeping mask. As good as that is, I think the only item I am really thrilled about is the serum.  I really loved my June BoxyLuxe because I loved every item in the box.  I’m hoping I’m more excited about the December BoxyLuxe!

Do you get BoxyLuxe?  What did you get this month?

Skincare Sunday — Primera Brand Review

Hi all, Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend is amazing!

I was recently sent skincare products from Primera for my honest review.

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The brand Primera is a clean K-Beauty brand by AmorePacific.  They are sold at Sephora, so the products are readily available.

Primera’s skin-care products are formulated with some type of plant or fruit seeds. Seeds, and more specifically, the moment that a seed sprouts, are the inspiration behind the brand.

I love the packaging of these products. It is eco-friendly. In addition to using recycled paper boxes, plastic bottles, and glass jars, Primera prints all product information directly on the box in soy ink to reduce waste.

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Clean Berry Lip Mask ($20) — A rich leave-on lip mask that helps cushion, soothe, and protect with a natural mix of conditioning butters and extracts; lips are left hydrated, soft, and refreshed.

Alpine Berry Water Cream ($40) — A dewy cream that sinks in instantly while providing lasting hydration and nourishment.

Miracle Seed Essence ($58) — A concentrated essence that helps to visibly smooth texture, improve tone, increase hydration, and help protect from environmental stressors at the same time. This also comes with a pack of 70 very soft natural cotton pads.

What I think:  I’m enjoying all of these products! The lip mask and water cream are both extremely hydrating. The lip mask is a bit hard, and takes a little work to smooth it over the lips.  It does moisturize well overnight and my lips are smooth in the morning.

The water cream is very hydrating and does take a few minutes to sink in.  It does deeply hydrate and my skin looks very smooth and glowing in the morning.

My favorite product so far is the essence.  It is instantly hydrating and smoothing.  I apply it after cleansing with one of the soft cotton pads that come with it. It’s really good for stressed out skin or even just a day in the sun.  I also love the glass bottle, it’s so pretty!

These can all be purchased at Sephora.

Have you tried Primera? What K-Beauty brands do you love?

 

 

Allure Beauty Box August 2019

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Hi all!  I just received my August Allure Beauty Box.  The Allure Beauty Box is $15 a month.  And you receive deluxe and some full size products.  Not bad!

Here’s the August box:

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This is such an affordable box and it always introduces me to new brands, which I like!  This month, I received three full sized items.  I will use everything except fr the lip color, which is too bright for me. I may pass along the Laritzy liquid beam to my daughter.

I item I’m most excited about is the Nuria eye cream.  It looks really nice.

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Do you get Allure Beauty Box?  Did we get the same products this month?

New Pixi Beauty Skintreats — Retinol Collection and Zero Zit

Hi all! I hope you are having an amazing week!

I’m back with some amazing skincare!  I was sent new fab Pixi Beauty for my honest review.

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Pixi just released a new Retinol Collection which contains a unique time-released retinol.  This allows the products to be used by even those with sensitive skin.  That is perfect for me.  I would love to use more retinol, but I have sensitive skin.

They have also released Zero Zit which is Pixi’s first ever blemish solution to launch in the U.S.

Here’s more about the products:

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Retinol Eye Cream ($22 USD) — Formulated to improve elasticity, smooth & protect the delicate skin around the eye area.

Retinol Jasmine Lotion ($24 USD) — Lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, this antioxidant-rich milky-lotion is the perfect daily moisturizer for a youth enhancing effect. Formulated with vitamin A, jasmine oil and peptides to renew, smooth and deeply nourish.

Retinol Jasmine Cleanser ($18 USD) — Creamy moisturizing cleanser enriched with vitamin A (retinol), antioxidants and ceramides removes all impurities for smoother, firmer and more radiant looking skin.

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Zero Zit ($24 USD)  — A lightweight gel-formula spot treatment with sulfur & salicylic acid to control oil & treat the blemish … but it also has aloe vera which makes it super soothing and moisturizing on the skin.

Overnight Retinol Oil ($24 USD) — This exquisite oil blend helps to restore skin plumpness and improve the appearance of fine lines and pores.

Retinol Tonic ($15 3.4 oz) — This potent youth preserving tonic features a unique time-release Retinol to help rejuvenate the skin for a natural glow. Powerful antioxidants and botanicals replenish the skin for a smoother, softer appearance while soothing sensitive skin.

What I think:  I am excited most about the retinol products.  I want to start using it more in my skincare routine, but my skin is very sensitive.  These products are amazing for sensitive skin!

I have tried the retinol tonic before and it’s gentle, but leaves a really pretty glow.  The night oil absorbs quickly and a little goes a long way.  The cleanser is very creamy and is so hydrating.  It’s a good evening cleanser.

My favorites are the eye cream and moisturizer.  They are both really hydrating without being greasy.  I have noticed that the eye cream smooths and firms the eye area.  I only wish the products had a jasmine scent the them, since a lot of them have jasmine oil in them.  I love the scent of Jasmine!  But these all are very lightly scented if they have a scent at all, and that’s nice for those who can’t tolerate scented products.

I also have tried the Zero Zit on a breakout.  I just applied it to the affected area for a couple of days and it did seem to work.  Plus, it didn’t dry out or irritate my skin.

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Have you tried Pixi Beauty Skintreats?  What are your favorites?

July 2019 Beauty Favorites

Hi all!  It’s almost August, which means it’s time for my July favorites!

Below are my beauty faves for July. As usual, If I have reviewed them before, I will include the link, if not, I will link to where you can purchase:

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Like last month, I don’t have a lot of color cosmetic favorites.  I’ve been really into trying out new skincare.

In my last month’s faves, four of the products were from my June BoxyLuxe.  It was such an amazing box! None of these products are from my July subscription boxes.  I did like some of my Ipsy Glam Bag Plus this month and  couple of Boxycharm products.  I am still testing them out, so maybe we’ll see them in my next month’s favorites.

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These have been my favorite skincare this month.  Two are from Skin&Co Roma.  I reviewed them here. The Whipped Cleansing Cream is amazing!  My skin instantly looks smoother after washing.  I’ve never had a cleanser improve the appearance of my skin before. I also love the serum.  It’s creamy and sinks right into the skin.  It also instantly hydrates and I love it!

You can purchase Skin&Co Roma items here, and by using my code LORENA20, you’ll get 20% off your purchase!  It is an affiliate code, so I will get something if you do buy!

I also reviewed the DHC Urumai Cream this month.   It’s a beautiful hydrating cream that I love to use at night.  It hydrates all night and when I wake up my skin is soft and glowing.

I purchased some The Ordinary skincare from Ulta a few weeks ago.  This is my first time trying products from this brand and I am enjoying them!  I’m especially loving the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. At first I thought it might be breaking me out, but it wasn’t.  It’s very hydrating, but a little sticky, so I apply it after toner and layer on other serums (like the Skin&Co Roma one above) so I don’t have sticky skin when I go to bed.  It really helps in hydrating and plumping up my skin.

IMG-1221 These products are a bit more makeup-y.  I purchased the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ in Creamy Coconut during the Ulta 21 Days of beauty spring sale this year.  I love purchasing staples like sprays. primers and powders during the sale.  This was half off!  I started using it when I ran out of my regular Fix+.  It works the same, it just has a soft coconut scent.

I got the NYX Pore Filler primer last year.  I just used up my Cover FX pore filling primer so I’m giving this a go. It works pretty well to fill in my pores.  I use a more hydrating primer, then this one in my t-zone.

My favorite recent purchase is the PÜR 4-In-1 Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation & Concealer. I haven’t reviewed this yet, but I might do a review soon.  Would you like to see that?  I can say that this foundation works so well for me.  It is full coverage, but melts into the skin and looks so natural on.  The shade I have is LP4.  It’s a little light for me now, because I have a bit of a tan, but will work will for fall and winter.

My Buxom Lip Creams are in my Shop My Stash for July.  This is the shade Hot Toddy.  I have been wearing them a lot, especially this shade.  They are so shiny and just a little bit tingley.

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Last but not least is a fun new palette.  My friend Angie gave me a gift card to Ulta for my birthday, and I picked this up!  It’s the  Tarte Unleashed Eyeshadow Palette.  I love the shades in these — the names are so fun!  And it smells amazing!

Have you tried any of these? What products have you been loving in July?

 

IT Cosmetics’ and QVC TSV IT’s Your Skin But Better! Game-Changing Complexion Duo + Brush

Hi all!  It’s time for a new IT Cosmetics and QVC Today’s special value!  I LOVE IT Cosmetics and always get excited for the amazing deals they have.

This is good for today only, July 26th.  Here’s what’s included:

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This is the IT Cosmetics’ IT’s Your Skin But Better! Game-Changing Complexion Duo + Brush ($49.98 plus shipping, $126 value) — This exclusive collection features a duo of #1 best-selling, award-winning beauty miracle—and a perfectly paired brush!

CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ is your one step for color-correcting full coverage and anti-aging SPF 50+ UVA/UVB physical sunscreen, plus it applies effortlessly with your included Heavenly Luxe Bye Bye Foundation Brush No. 22. Clinically tested to increase skin hydration and improve the appearance of skin texture, your breakthrough color-correcting cream instantly camouflages imperfections and won’t crease or crack!

Here’s more info on each product:

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ — This multitasking beauty miracle is your one step for color-correcting full coverage, skincare and anti-aging SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid, plus it’s suitable for all skin types—and helps give you better-looking skin!

Heavenly Luxe Bye Bye Foundation Brush No. 22 — Featuring a unique triangle-shaped brush head with Heavenly Luxe hairs, this innovative brush reaches every corner of your face—and is so easy to use, it does the work for you to help deliver an even application! Pairs perfectly with your included CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ and all your favorite color-infused skincare products.

What I think — I love this CC+ Cream!  Since it’s a hybrid of makeup, skincare and protection, I can apply this in the morning after I wash my face and go!  It looks flawless but it is also so good for the skin!  And it has a really great SPF!

The brush pairs perfectly with the CC+ Cream.  IT brushes are so high quality.  The flat top triangular brushes work so well precisely applying foundation.

This is such a great deal!  One CC+ Cream retails for $39, so to get two and a brush for under $50 is amazing!

Are you going to purchase Today’s Special Value?  Do you like IT Cosmetics?

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus Review — July 2019

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Hey all!  It’s time for my July Ipsy Glam Bag Plus review! This is a $25 subscription box that will always include 5 full-sized items. And the items included are mostly luxe or higher end items. This is such a great value for the high quality items included.

I enjoy this subscription. Last month was my least favorite month, but I did receive a serum I love.  You can see that review here. I was trying to decide if I would keep this subscription or BoxyCharm/BoxyLuxe.  Read until the end if you want to see what I decided!

Here’s what I received for July:

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The total is $158.  Pretty good for paying $25!

I didn’t take close-up photos of all of the products this month, so I’ll give my thoughts on those three.   I am excited about the Pixi Glow Mist and Touch in Sol cream.  I’ve been enjoying trying new skincare lately.  I haven’t tried either of these before.

I have used the IT Superhero mascara many times and really love it!  It lengthens and gives lots of volume!

Here’s close-ups of the color cosmetics I received:

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I was very excited for this Huda Beauty palette! I haven’t tried Huda’s face products only her eye shadows.

This is so pretty!  The highlighters are extremely pigmented.  Here’s swatches:IMG-1191

The shades from left to right are Capri which is a cream, then the powders Santorini, Azores and Ibiza. Santorini is the best shade for my normal pale skintone, but with a little tan, the others will work as well!  The powders are so creamy and easy to blend.  I’m excited to use this more.IMG-1189

These Nake Cosmetics pigments really surprised me, they are gorgeous!  They are very shimmery.  I have swatches below.  They were dry when swatched. IMG-1192

These are stunning!  They don’t have names, but the numbers are SN-05, NN-01, SN-04 and SN-02.

When you wet these, they adhere better.  Or, you can use a glitter glue.  If you do wet them, they are VERY metallic! I like to use pigments every so often.  So I will give these a go!

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I am very pleased with this month’s box!  Last month was disappointing in that I only liked one product.  But I like them all this month!

I’ve decided for now, I’m keeping this subscription and BoxyCharm. I’ve been enjoying some of the products each month from both boxes.  I am kind of on product overload, but I am excited to see what products are included this fall and holiday season.

Do you get Ipsy Glam Bag or Glam Bag Plus?  What did you get this month?

Skincare Sunday — The Ordinary Haul

Hi All!  Happy Sunday!  I can’t believe the weekend is almost over.  It goes by so fast!

I recently picked up a few things at Ulta online.  I was so excited to see that the Ordinary skincare is now available (at least online) at Ulta.   I hadn’t tried anything from the brand before.  I do know that the brand has been at Sephora for a while now, but I’m more of an Ulta shopper.

This is a very affordable brand and the reviews I’ve seen have been really positive.  Here’s what I chose to start with (yes, I’ll be buying more in the future) and the info from the Ulta website:

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Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($6.80 USD) — A hydrating formula with ultra-pure, vegan hyaluronic acid. The molecular size of hyaluronic acid determines its depth of delivery in the skin. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration in an oil-free formula. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration.

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion ($9.80 USD) — a stable serum of a next-generation retinoid active that achieves better reduction in visible signs of aging than retinol – without irritation. It combines two forms of next-generation retinoid actives in a combined concentration of 2% by weight.

Key Ingredients:

  • Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid.
  • A sustained-delivery form of pure retinol in a protective capsule system which supports both the delivery and the effect of Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate.
  • Both forms of retinoid used avoid the irritation associated with retinoid (including retinol) use while delivering better visible results against signs of ageing.

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($8.70 USD) — The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution exfoliates and tones with 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and tasmanian pepperberry. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use. With its a studied tasmanian pepperberry derivative, this solution helps reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. The formula is further supported with inclusion of ginseng root and aloe vera for both visible radiance and soothing benefits. This pH of this formula is approximately 3.6. Glycolic Acid has a pKa of 3.6 and pKa is the most important aspect to consider in formulating with acids. pKa implies acid availability. When pKa is close to pH, there is an ideal balance between salt and acidity, maximizing effectiveness of the acid and reducing irritation. Higher pH numbers in such a case would increase salt which counter-intuitively would make the formula even more irritating than if the formula was more acidic.

I chose these products because I love hyaluronic acid to hydrate, I’ve been wanting to get into using retinol and I heard the every anti-aging regime should include glycolic acid. 

I have already tried the hyaluronic acid and the retinoid.  The retinoid is very gentle, but I think the hyaluronic acid broke me out.  My face was red and splotchy the day after I tried it.

I’m using up other toners now, but I will try the Glycolic Acid toner in the next month or two.

Have you tried any products from The Ordinary?  What’s your favorite?  I’ll be picking more up so I want to know what to get!!!