BECCA Ultimate Perfection Complexion 5-piece Complexion Kit

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BECCA Cosmetics and QVC had a recant Today’s Special Value, the BECCA Ultimate Perfection Complexion Kit .

It was on sale for $59.96 for one day, and can still be purchased for $65.96.

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Includes:

  • 0.5-fl oz First Light Priming Filter
  • 0.16-oz Under Eye Brightening Corrector
  • 0.28-oz Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal
  • 1.01-fl oz Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme in Shell, Cashmere, Nude, Noisette, Tan, Amber, Tobacco, or Mink
  • 0.18-oz Champagne Cocktail Lipgloss

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This BECCA Ultimate Perfection Complexion Kit included everything  to achieve the iconic BECCA glow from start to finish. Customize your kit by choosing your shade of Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme and its corresponding Champagne Cocktail Lipgloss.

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There are 8 shades in the foundation available — Shell, Cashmere, Nude, Noisette, Tan, Amber, Tobacco and Mink.  Sephora sells 20 shades, so their were some gaps in there.  I purchased Cashmere, but it is a bit dark for me.  It also has a drier texture.If I blend it really well, it works.  I might save it for summer time. But I am a bit disappointed in it.

First Light Priming Filter claims to help brighten the skin and create a canvas for long-lasting makeup wear. It has almost a watery texture, and it goes a little bit of a glow under make up. I think it’s OK and I will keep trying it.

Under Eye Brightening Corrector is a full-coverage creme that color-corrects the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is infused with ultra-fine, light-reflecting illuminators. I like this a lot. It’s just the right shade to go under my eye, it’s a little bit lighter than my skin tone. It helps cover my dark circles and give us a bit of a glow.

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The Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter is in the best-selling Opal shade. The creamy, luminizing powder veils skin in a soft glow to amplify natural-looking radiance. I think this is so gorgeous! I’ve been wanting a BECCA highlighter since last fall’s BoxyCharm. I was sure I was going to get the powder highlighter but I ended up getting the liquid one. And it’s just sitting there not being used! So, I am so happy that I have the powder and I love how shimmery it is!

Champagne Cocktail Lipgloss is a luxurious lip gloss that gives the perfect kiss of light and shine to your lips. I didn’t think anything about this when I purchased it, but I really think it’s an amazing lipgloss! It is light and not sticky at all. Plus it gives the lips a little color and shimmer.

Here are swatches of the products:

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Primer, foundation in Cashmere, the undereye corrector, highlighter in Opal and the lip gloss in Sparkling Rose.

I can see myself purchasing the highlighter and lip gloss in other shades.  I might repurchase the under eye corrector, but probably not the primer and foundation.  Which is sad, because I bought the set because I need a new foundation!

Do you like BECCA Cosmetics?  Which are your favorites?

Beauty Prep For Valentine’s Day

Valentines Day is just around the corner.  It’s time to prep skin and get makeup ready for the big day.

Below is a brightening skin serum plus pink and red liquid lipstick and nail polish to help get ready for a big night out — and in!

ISDINCEUTICS Flavo-C serum
ISDINCEUTICS Flavo-C serum

ISDINCEUTICS Flavo-C serum ($84 USD) —  This serum protects against damaging free radicals caused by UVA, UVB rays and pollution. The serum evens skin tone for a firmer, brighter complexion thanks to the extremely powerful combination of two anti-oxidants: Vitamin C and Gingko Biloba.

Available at Isdin.com/us

Get ready for a bold, matte lip-look that stays on. Rimmel London introduces Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour, ($5.79 USD) a new liquid lipstick with high-intensity colour, a velvety matte finish and a long-lasting, comfortable wear. Shades shown are Fire Starter and Heartbeat.
Purchase at mass market retailers near you

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri® Nail Color ($4.99 USD) — This newly upgraded 3-in-1 formula with built-in base and top coat offers shiny, extended wear in a single step. The new Insta-Dri is housed in an updated bottle adorned with a gorgeous new logo and comes complete with color-matched caps for a modern, sleek feel and easy shade navigation. The revamped formula delivers an extra day of wear and chip resistance, so you can take that nail look to go- anywhere, anytime. With up to 33% longer wear and chip resistance, up to or almost 3x as many consumers preferred the new formula versus the former. Get ready on the go with Insta-Dri’s brush that covers in one stroke. One stroke, one coat, and you’re done! Shades shown are Peppy Le Fuchsia, ASAP Apple, Watermelon Wizz

Purchase at mass market retailers

Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Breathable Foundation and Breathable Concealer Review

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I received samples of Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Breathable Foundation ($7.99 USD) and Concealer ($5.99 USD) for my honest review.  Here is some info on the foundation:

The lightest long-lasting formula available on the mass market. This special formula builds and blends with ease to ensure a flawless canvas with every application. Formula & Benefits: 25HR wear, sweat and transfer resistant, SPF 18 to protect skin, built-in ergonomic cushion applicator.
Available in 16 skin-true shades: 081 Fair Ivory, 100 Ivory, 101 Classic Ivory, 102 Light Nude, 103 True Ivory, 200 Soft Beige, 201 Classic Beige, 203 True Beige, 300 Sand, 302 Golden Honey, 303 True Nude, 400 Natural Beige, 402 Bronze, 502 Noisette, 503 Mocha, 504 Deep Mocha
Here’s a look at the foundation applicator:
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It’s a large doe foot wand applicator that is flexible and cushiony. I use it to dot or stripe the foundation on my face and then I blend in with a brush or sponge.
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The swatch on the left is the concealer in the shade 200 Light.  It’s a little dark for me know, but will work really well for the summer time.  Next to it is the foundation in 100 Ivory, then 101 Classic Ivory.  They both work really well on my skin.
I like the foundation a lot, it is very light on and looks really natural.  It can be built up for more coverage and really does last all day.  I do feel that it is not caked on and is breathable.  I’m not really into full coverage foundations (I have pretty good skin for my age), so I will be wearing this often!
The concealer squeezes out of the tube in a stream, can be applied with the sponge or with a brush or fingers.  Here’s the info on the concealer:
The formula is transfer and sweat resistant so it lasts when you need it most. Best part? It doesn’t look cakey or feel heavy.  Formula & Benefits: Cushion applicator, 25 HR wear, sweat and transfer resistant, Ultra-smooth breathable formula.
Available in six skin-true shades : 001 Light Ivory, 100 Fair, 200 Light, 300 Medium, 400 Medium Dark, 600 Dark
This covers well, I almost think it’s a little more full coverage than the foundation! It lasts all day and will be perfect when it is hot and humid in the summer!
Have you tried either of these products?  What do you think?

Review — Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors

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I received a sample of Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors ($5.99 USD) for my honest review.  What are they you ask?
“They’re the newest innovation in at-home manicures. Just wrap your cuticles, paint on color and then peel away any mishaps. This means each hand (yes, both) will get the same, flawless results. It’s really that simple. Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors give you the freedom to paint your nails at home, mess-free.”
I was super excited to try them! Here’s a close up look:
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There are 24 in the box, 4 strips of 6.  I guess this is for if you mess up applying one.  I decided to paint my nails and use the guards on my right hand and not use them on my left to compare.  Here is my hand after I applied the guards:
IMG_0358 The guards are fairly thick, so I questioned whether I would get a clean line of polish.  I did try to press them down on my cuticles as the instructions said, and this is as close at they would get.
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Now, I don’t usually paint my nails like I’m 2, but I thought it would be a great indicator if this worked!  LOL!
These came of very easy!  Here  is the result:
IMG_0362And here are my nails!  I think it worked pretty well.  I had to clean up my index finger, but besides that, it is pretty even and neat.  Here is my other hand:
IMG_0366 Yes, it is a bit messy!  But the messy cuticles did wear off by morning.  The guards took a few minutes to apply, but they did work pretty well.  Hmmm…I don’t know if I would by them again, maybe if I had a special occasion to go to.
Have you tried these guards or anything like them?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Julep Maven February 2018 Subscription Box Review

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My Julep Maven box recently came!  This is the February subscription box. The cost is $24.99 a month ($19.99 a month with a 3-month subscription).

I have been a subscriber for almost 5 years.  And I love it!  You don’t have to take a box each month, you can skip if you want to.  Which is so nice if I’m short a month or if I’m not feeling any of the items.  I skipped December, because I was a bit short of cash and I didn’t really need any of the products.

I also love that you can customize your box.  When I first started subscribing, I could choose from curated boxes, but now, I get to curate my own!  This month I chose the So Awake eye cream and Eyeshadow 101 in Champagne Shimmer.  I also got nail decals since I had a little room left in my selections.

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So Awake Depuffing Gel Eye Cream ($38, $30.40 Maven) — From the website — A lightweight, multitasking eye cream that handles all your everyday eye woes. It hydrates and depuffs the delicate eye area as it reduces the look of dark circles. Plus, illuminating micro-pearls perk up the look of tired eyes instantly.

I’ve only used it a couple of times, but I love the texture and how quickly it absorbs.  It’s called a gel, but it’s white and creamy, so I was a bit confused at first.  It is very light, though, and refreshing.

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Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Eyeshadow Stick ($18.00, $14.40 Maven price) — A waterproof, crème-to-powder shadow stick on top with a spongy smudger on the other end. Expect huge color payoff and crease-proof, stay-all-day power.

The color I chose is Champagne Shimmer.  It’s a gorgeous light neutral.  It’s super shimmery and so versatile.  This does stay all day and looks so pretty one.  I think I might have to pick up a darker color next month to try a complete look.

Do you subscribe to Julep Maven?  What did you get this month?

Ulta Beauty Mini Haul

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Hi all!  I hope you had a great weekend!  I went to Ulta on Saturday because my 20% off coupon was expiring (and I love my sales)!

I just purchased a few things.  The main thing I went in for is the sponge, but I have been eyeing the Anastasia Beverly Hills Prism Palette.

I purchased:

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Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($5.99) — I purchased this because I just got a new Becca foundation (review coming), and it’s quick-drying and a bit dark/warm for me.  Applying it with my brushes doesn’t really work, but I think the sponge may help give a more natural look.  I have used a beautyblender, but haven’t had one for a while.  This is my first time trying another brand of sponge.  I like that this has a flat edge, I think it will be great for blending around the eyes and the nose.  I’m looking forward to trying this.

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My family loves bath bombs and fizzes, so I’ve been wanting to pick up a few of these. They retail for 3 for $5, and the Fig & Honey one was on clearance, that’s why I picked up four.  I just tried the Fig & Honey fizz.  It is very fizzy and very fragrant.  It’s small, but really fun and worth the price!

 

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Prism Eyeshadow Palette — I have been thinking about this palette since it first came out.  It’s on sale for  $32 (down from $42) and I had the $20 off coupon on top of that!  I got it for $25.61 before tax.  So exciting!

I think the colors of this are so different and fun!  There are lots of metallics too, which I love.  I’ll be doing a full review of this after I play with it a while.

Have you purchased anything fun lately?

 

 

 

January 2018 Beauty Favorites

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Hi, happy Superbowl Sunday!  I’m not into football, but I will probably catch part of the game (halftime show), and my daughter wants to watch the kitten and puppy bowls!

I have decided to do something different with my favorites post this year.  Instead of posting a weekly favorites of new products I love, I’m going to post monthly about the products I have been using most.  I will still review new products, but this will let you know the products I have been loving daily!

In January, my faves are —

NIP + FAB Glycolic Gentle Pads ($14.95 USD) — These are are such a gentle exfoliator for my ! They keep my skin free from breakouts, love them!”

Bath and Body Works Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte Body Butter — This is something I got at the end of last year, during the big semi-annual sale.  It’s no longer for sale on the site.  I am loving the scent, it’s not too sweet and has a little musk to it.  The formula is so hydrating that it perfect for the cold season!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette ($42 USD) — I purchased this at the end of December when it was on sale at Ulta.  I love the formula and pigmentation of these shadows.   Plus, the color range is amazing! You can see my full review here.

Maybelline New York Fit Me! Loose Finishing Powder ($7.99 USD) –This is a nice, light powder that doesn’t settle in my pores. I use it to set my makeup, even under my eyes. I think the quality of this is so nice and I have been using it daily.

Gigi Hadid East Coast Glam Fiber Mascara ($12.99 USD) — I have been loving using this. One side is black mascara and one is fibers. You use the mascara first, then fibers, then mascara again.  There’s been a learning curve, but the fibers really make my lashes so long and thick!

DR. BRANDT SKINCARE pores no more® Luminizer Primer – ($38 USD) — I received this in my January BoxyCharm.  I have just started using primer again, because my skin needs a bit of smoothing help!  My pores are pretty large and this really helps blur them and gives me a little glow too.

What were your favorite products that you loved in January?

 

Maybelline Concealer Review — Instant Age Rewind and Fit Me!

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Maybelline New York has expanded two of their most loved ranges of concealers! This month, the brand doubled the shade ranges for their Instant Age Rewind and Fit Me! concealers. The shade extensions will include lighter and darker shades, as well as more undertones for light/medium + medium skin tones. I received a few of these concealers for my honest review. 

The products are available exclusively at Walmart and Target in stores and online now. Here are the new range of shades: 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer ($7.89 USD) This super-concentrated treatment concealer features a micro-corrector applicator to help instantly erase dark circles and fine lines.  The full range of shades are (*indicates new shade): Ivory*, Fair, Light, Medium, Sand*, Golden*, Honey, Caramel*, Neutralizer, Tan*, Brightener and Hazelnut*.

Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer
Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer

Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer ($6.49 USD) — Skin looks perfected with this natural coverage concealer. This oil-free formula conceals redness, flaws, and blemishes. Matches all skin tones. Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested. Non-comedogenic. Fragrance-free. The full range of shades are (*indicates new shade): Ivory*, Light, Fair, Sand, Medium, Cafe, Honey*, Deep, Caramel*, Tan*, Hazelnut* and Cocoa*.

I received the following shades to review:

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In the Instant Age Rewind I have been testing the shades Neutralizer, Fair and Light.  Neutralizer is the one I have been using the most under my eyes.  It takes away the dark circles, nicely!

The Fit Me! shades are Fair and Sand.  Fair works very well for my skin tone now, but Sand will probably work well in the summer.  Here are the swatches:

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The swatches on the left are the Fit Me! in Fair and Sand and then the Instant Age Rewind in Neutralizer, Fair and Light.  The Fit Me! is a drier texture, great for concealing redness and blemishes, plus I like it as an eye shadow base. It works well for a cut crease, too.  The Instant Age Rewind has a slicker texture and works under eyes and I like it on my forehead before foundation.

I really like both of these and I think it’s great that there are now more shades for different skin tones!  I will continue using these.

What concealers are you loving?

 

ColourPop I Think I Love You Palette Review

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This photo cracks me up!  The palette cover is so reflective that it shows my phone!  This is the very shiny ColourPop I Think I Love You eye shadow palette ($16 USD).  I received it in a big ColourPop Haul I did at the end of December.  It’s actually my 18 year old daughter’s.  She let me swatch and review it (I did pay for it)!

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These are the shade names, and here are the colors:

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Bitter Better: metallic soft gold
Bel Air: matte cool taupe
Fancy Face: metallic bright red copper
Girls Bite: metallic golden bronze
Howdy: metallic red bronze
Rowdy: matte warm ivory
My Treat: metallic champagne ivory
Level Up: metallic bright penny copper
Screw It: metallic soft rose gold
Let’s Do It: matte true black
Rule Breaker: metallic bright yellow gold
My Type: matte deep saddle brown

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The colors all swatched really well and are gorgeous!  My daughter wanted it for the metallic yellow gold color, but I lie the beautiful bronzes and lighter, shimmery colors.  I wouldn’t have picked this myself, but I love it (and will be borrowing it).  I can make gorgeous day and night looks with this!

Do you have any ColourPop palettes?  Which ones are your favorites?

Project Pan 2018 Skincare — First Update

This is my first update on my 2018 Project Pan!  I have so much skincare in my stash, that I decided to focus on it for the first quarter of the year.I figured if I set a goal, I can use up some of my skincare and make room for more!  And, by making a point to use my skincare each day, my skin has been looking much better!

Here is the original products in my project pan:

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These are my original 10 products.  You read what they are in my beginning post here.

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These are the products that I used up.  You can see there is a new one, the Ofra Peptide Silk-C Serum.  I included it once I finished the YourGoodSkin and the NeoCutis serums.  But I used it up, too!

IMG_0278These are the current products that I’m trying to pan.  The five products on the left are the ones I have been using since the beginning of January.  I’ve made good progress on them.  The spray is almost empty, and they others have much less product in them.

*I just realized that my Purity Made Simple face wash is missing from this photo.  LOL!  It’s in my shower.  I am still working on it and hope to have it panned soon.

The four products on the right are new to the pan:

 

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They are: Pur Blue Agave Mask, NeoCutis Micro Night Riche Rejuvenating Balm, Manuka Doctor Face Oil 24K Gold and Jane Iredale D2O Hyrdration Spray.  I’d say everything is about half used up, but the spray has only been used a couple of times.  I’ve included a mask that I loved when I got it last year, but I forgot about it.  It’s really fun to use, it dries down blue on the face and peels off.

I was going to continue my pan until the end of March, but I think my products all may be used up by the end of February. I will do an update at that time and we will see! It does feel really good to get rid of some of my vast array of skincare!

I am already planning the next pan.  I’m going to include at least one hair styling product and maybe a foundation and concealer.  I really have not used any powder makeup so that it’s even close to be panned (I have so much), but who knows, maybe a finishing powder will be in the mix!

Are you doing any project pan’s this year?  Leave a comment and let me know!