Category: Haircare

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?

Take Care Of And Have Fun With Your Hair This Summer!

Hi all! Happy Monday!  I hope you’re week has started off well.  I’m on vacation this week and my daughter is is town, so I’m doing great!

I thought I’d feature some newer to me hair care I’ve been testing out lately.  I have a fun array — shampoo and conditioner, hair masks and temporary hair color spray:

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Derma E Therapeutic Shampoo & Conditioner.  It is the Scalp Relief line.  ($22.50 for the set) — This doctor-developed, clinically tested formula works in four ways to gently cleanse, de-flake, soothe and nourish the scalp and hair. Using proprietary Therapeutic Psorzema® Herbal Blend plus healthful vitamins and botanicals, this shampoo calms a dandruff-prone, itchy, irritated scalp and refreshes the hair, from root to tip.

Both Shampoo and conditioner enriched with:

Therapeutic Psorzema® Herbal Blend (Neem, Burdock and Bearberry): replenishes a dry, irritated, scaling scalp, helping to promote optimum scalp and hair health.

Tea Tree and Menthol: help calm and cool itch on contact and help maintain scalp purity over time.

Salicylic Acid: penetrates to lift away excess flakes and surface buildup.

I love how these products calms my itchy scalp, but also really hydrate the hair. These products are nice for every day use, or once a week for a treatment.

John Frieda Wonder Drops Hair Masks
John Frieda Wonder Drops Hair Masks

John Frieda Wonder Drops Hair Masks ($3.49 at Walmart and select Grocery Outlets) — Four targeted hair masks that transform hair in a matter of minutes. Designed to treat hair suffering from frizz, fading, damage or dullness, each mask revives hair with a single in-shower application. Simply shampoo, squeeze out excess moisture and massage the Wonder Drops throughout wet hair.

Available in: Frizz Smoothing, Blonde Brightening, Damage Repairing and Vibrancy Enhancing
These are so affordable.  My favorites are the Frizz Smoothing and Damage Repairing.  They leave my hair very smooth and shiny.

 

KMS HAIR Style Color Stone Wash Denim
KMS HAIR Style Color Smoky Lilac

The new KMS Style Color Collection offers 9 tones of color from purple to blue to grey. The products are waterproof, pillow-friendly, and work perfectly with hot tools. Expect a flexible, ultra-thin film for a movable finish & even results on all hair colors that removes easily with shampoo, so you can rock pink highlights to a concert and have them washed out before Monday’s conference meeting. Available at KMS salons.

These are so gorgeous!  My daughters have commandeered them, but they are beautiful for people of all ages who want a fun pop of color or dimension in their hair. They stay in all day and wash out easily!

What hair products are you using this summer?  Let me know!

Allure Beauty Box July 2019

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Hi all!  I just received my July 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 July box:

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I think this is a pretty good box.  I really enjoy the Huda Beauty I’ve tried before. I don’t wear red lipstick or false eyelashes, so I gave those to my daughter. The Kayali fragrance is really nice, though.  That’s a Huda brand as well.

I am excited about the Too Faced primer.  I haven’t tried it before. I’m looking forward to using the TONYMOLY mask.  It should be really hydrating.

This is the second month in a row that I’ve received a hair texture spray.  I’m not sure what I’ll do with it, probably give it away.

This is such an affordable box and it always introduces me to new brands, which I like!  This month, I only got a couple of items I’ll use. I’m hoping next month will have more products I’ll love.

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

 

Shop My Stash June 2019 Results and Monthly Empties

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Hi All!  I’m back with my JuneShop My Stash results!  I enjoy dipping into my collection and using products I haven’t used in a long time, or just haven’t given much of a chance.

My rule with this is if I don’t like the item after the month, I will move it out of my collection to make some room and let someone else enjoy it!

You can check out my first Shop My Stash post for June. Here’s a photo with the palettes open:

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My allergies were much better in June, so I have been wearing eye makeup again!  My most used of the two palettes was the ABH Soft Glam. Every time I use it I remember how gorgeous it is!  They blend so well.

I also used the Too Faced Festival palette a few times.  I love the peaches and purple shades.  I also wore the green shade a lot. The shimmer shades in the palette are so pretty!

It’s sad to say that I only used the ColourPop The Twins pigment once — on my birthday!  I usually like to use palettes for complete looks.  It is very pretty though.

The PixiGlow palette got lots of use.  I used it for bronzer, blush and highlight by dipping into the corresponding parts of it.

I am keeping all of these products except for the ColourPop So Juicy lip gloss.  It is so sticky, that I don’t really enjoy using it.  I’ll see if my daughter wants it.

On to my June empties:

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I had a lot of empties this month!  Mostly skincare, as always! I enjoyed all of these products.

I would repurchase every one of these products except for maybe the CO Bigelow hand soap, because it was very creamy and hard to rinse off.  I loved all of the other products!

The CoverFX primer filled my pores completely.  Another favorite would be the GM Collin serum, it is so hydrating.

This was a successful Shop My Stash!  I used all of the products at least once, and enjoyed discovering them again!

Are you doing a Shop Your Stash or are you on a low or no buy?   How’s it going?

June 2019 Beauty Favorites

Hi All!  June is almost over — we are halfway through 2019! That’s so crazy!  2019 is zipping by.

Here are my beauty faves for June. 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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I don’t have a lot of color cosmetic favorites.  I’ve been really into making my skin look flawless! Plus, four of the products are from my June BoxyLuxe — The Farmacy serum, the Skin&Co spray, Touch in Sol primer and the Dominique Cosmetics gloss.  It was such a great box this month!

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These products have helped my skin glow this month! The Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum has made my skin look smoother.  I use it a few times a week at night for resurfacing.

I use the the L&I Apothecary Rose Facial Toner in the morning and evening after I wash my face. It hydrates and makes my skin glow!

I love setting my makeup with the Skin&Co Roma Truffle Therapy Radiant Dew Mist.  It gives a soft glow to the face and some extra skincare benefits while setting my makeup!

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I wasn’t sure about the Touch in Sol No Poreblem Prime Essence, but I really love it.  I apply it all over and let it set for a few minutes.  It helps my skin look smooth and it leaves it a bit tacky, which helps grip the foundation and make it last!

The Moroccanoil Treatment Original  was in my June Allure Beauty Box.  I haven’t tried it in years.  I forgot how nice it is.  It smooths my hair without making it greasy and it smells amazing!

I hadn’t tried anything form Dominique Cosmetics, and was excited to try the Dominique Cosmetics Lemonade Lip Gloss.  It’s so good!  It’s a really gorgeous peachy shade that I have been wearing all the time!  It’s so summery.  And the formula is hydrating, not sticky.

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Last but not least is this gorgeous eyeshadow palette!  It’s the Natasha Denona Sunrise Eyeshadow Palette.  I’ve only had it for a couple of weeks.  It was a birthday gift to myself!

I had to put it in this roundup, because it’s been the palette I have been wanting to use!  The quality is so wonderful — it really is a luxe palette!

So that is my June favorites round ups!  What did you love in June?

 

 

Davines SU Collection For After Sun Body and Hair Care.

Hi all! I hope you are having a great weekend!  I did some shopping, so my day is going great!

Today I’m reviewing some relaunched products from Davines, Their summer SU Collection. The SU family of products is a complete routine to protect your hair and skin before and after sun exposure.

I received the entire collection for my honest review.  Here’s what I received:

IMG_0899Davines SU Hair and Body Wash ($24 USD) — A multi-benefit shampoo that moisturizes and protects hair and skin exposed to the sun. Its formula, characterized by a rich full-bodied foam, gently cleanses and hydrates.

What I think: I have used this for my hair and skin. It cleanses my hair well, while hydrating it, plus it leaves my skin soft, too!  I love that this is a multi-tasker.  I’ll be using this all summer!

SU Hair Mask ($27.50 USD) — Restorative and hydrating anti-aging treatment for hair damaged by the sun, chlorine and salt. Hair is left soft, hydrated, and glossy.

What I think: I love to use this after the hair and body wash. It’s so creamy!  I apply this after shampooing and just leave it on a couple of minutes to use it as a conditioner.  If my hair has been exposed to the sun, I leave it on longer.  My hair is so soft and healthy when I use this mask.  Love it!

SU Aftersun ($29 USD) — A soothing, mineral-rich gel that moisturizes and restores the skin’s hydration level after exposure to the sun. With extract of Chinotto from a Slow Food Presidium and extract of Aloe Vera, it is rich in minerals and substances with a soothing action that, together with Argan oil, ensure hydration and nourishment.

What I think: This is a wonderful creamy gel moisturizer for after sun. My daughter went to a theme park last week and got sunburned despite wearing SPF all day.  She said she repeatedly applied it (but she’s a teenager, so who knows.  LOL!). This moisturizer really helped soothe her burnt skin and in a few days it was a nice tan and not painful anymore.  Even if we don’t get a sunburn, this is nice for after a day in the sun.

SU Hair Milk ($29 USD) — Leave-on spray cream for hair, ideal both during and after exposure to the sun. Protective filters maintain the hair’s integrity during exposure to the sun, and the light texture conditions the hair without weighing it down.

What I think: I have been using this as leave-in moisturizer after I wash my hair. It helps with hydration and makes my hair so manageable.  I also spray it on before I go out to protect my hair.  It doesn’t weight it down.

Also, the scent for all of these is very soft.  It’s hard to describe, it’s part floral and part baby care scent.  It’s really nice.

I recommend all of these products for the summer months and beyond.

Have you tried these products or anything by Davines?

 

 

BoxyCharm BoxyLuxe Subscription Box Review — June 2019

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Hey all! I received my third BoxyLuxe!  I’m so excited! I’ve been a subscriber of BoxyCharm for almost 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.

The theme for this month is Getaway. It’s very skincare and hair care heavy this month.  Here’s what I received:

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Total cost for June BoxyLuxe = $352! Wow, great value for paying $50!

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I have heard good things about the Living Proof volume spray.  My hair is a bit flat, so I am looking forward to trying it! Living Proof is a great brand, too.

The mini hair dryer is adorable, and I’m so glad I got the purple one!  Purple is my favorite color.  It also could have come in blue, coral, or pink.  Any of the shades would have been fun.  It is very powerful for a little dryer!  Plus, it can switch from 120 volts to 220 volts if you are going overseas!

IMG_0920I love facial sprays! Skincare sprays, primer sprays, setting sprays — yes please!!! I’ve tried this on my bare face and it’s really refreshing. I will be also trying it over my makeup as a setting spray.

The Dr. Brandt cleanser looks really nice.  It’s supposed to melt away makeup, which I love!  I have a backlog of cleansers, so it will probably be a while before I get to this one, but I will try it.

I have tried the Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum.  The claim is “A 3-in-1 night serum that resurfaces, hydrates and clarifies dull skin while you sleep, formulated with a 14% AHA/BHA/gentle flower acids blend. Hyaluronic acid and our proprietary honey blend deliver intense hydration. Salicylic acid derived from willow bark helps minimize the appearance of pores.” I didn’t see any improvement in my skin, but I just tried it once.  It will use it a few times a week for the next few weeks and see how I like it.

IMG_0922.JPGThe lip gloss is very nice.  Non-sticky and smells like vanilla.  The shade is Peach Tea.  I have swatched it below.

I have the original No Poreblem primer and really like it for filling my pores.  This one is very thin and is supposed to tighten pores.  I haven’t tried it yet, but I will.  I have lots of open primers, so it might be a bit before I try this.  (I’m on product overload)!

The treSique mascara is really a fun idea.  It has a curler on the top.  I have tried this, because I couldn’t help myself!  The curler takes some practice, but it does work.  The mascara formula is separating.  It’s pretty nice.  I have to keep using it and will let you know how much I like it.

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I am very excited about this palette! I have the original Pro Glow and like it a lot. That one has highlighters and contours in it.  This has blushes, highlighters and bronzers.  It is so nice to have all face products that I can use in one palette.  I have swatched it (below), but haven’t tried it on my face yet.  I have been sick this week, but hope to be trying it soon!

IMG_0925.JPGAren’t these products gorgeous!  All of the shades in the palette will work for me, and the highlighters are so beaming!  The gloss is pretty, too.  They are all perfect for summer!

This is the first month for BoxyLuxe (or regular BoxyCharm) that I am going to keep all of the products!!! Wow! I’m a little bummed that there isn’t more makeup, but the fact I will use everything (even if not right now) is amazing! It’s not a very flashy month, but everything is useful.

I was thinking of canceling BoxyCharm or Ipsy Glam Bag Plus after this month.  Well, it won’t be BoxyCharm!  That’s for sure!  But will I cancel Ipsy?  Stay tuned, that review will be next!

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Do you get BoxyLuxe or BoxyCharm at all?  What did you think of this month?

Allure Beauty Box May 2019

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Hi all!  I just received my May 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 May box:

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LUE by Jean Seo Erase Cleansing, Exfoliating & Brightening Powder (full size)

Laneige Waterbank Moisture Cream

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Gel & Applicator Mitt

Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets

Model Co Rose Gold Eyelite in St. Barth’s (full size)

Laritzy Lip Gloss in Vibe (full size)

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I enjoy Laneige.  I have the lip sleeping mask, the face sleeping mask and a serum.  I am looking forward to trying this cream.

I’m not sure about the Anti-Frizz hair sheets.  I might try them in the summer when it’s humid.

The LUE powder looks interesting.  I’ll probably give it a go.

IMG_0767 I will be using this.  I have tried the St. Tropez tanning mousse and really liked it.  I’ve never tried a product like this before, so I hope it works well.

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The lighting on this photo is a little off.  They are more warm nude products.  You can see in the swatch below:

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The Laritzy gloss is a nice sheer nude. It’s very glossy and just a little bit sticky.  I like it, though.  I think it will be really nice in the summer.

The eye shadow is so pretty!  I tried it out and it dries down fast and is very glittery!  It’s nice for days where you want a little drama, but want a quick look.

I’m happy with this box.   I think it’s worth the $15.  I’ll definitely use the lip gloss, eye shadow, Laneige cream and bronzing water gel.  I will also try the cleansing powder and the hair sheets.  I love it when everything in a box is useful!

Do you get Allure Beauty Box?  What did you receive this month?

 

 

Fresh Products For Spring Beauty

Hi all!  I hope your are enjoying spring and that your weather has improved.  It’s much nicer now in Kansas City!

I have been testing a lot of new products this spring.  I’ve decided to feature a few here that have been helping my skin and hair this spring, plus a waterproof cream eyeshadow:

 

Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser
Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Instant Warming Clay Mask
Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser ($5.99 USD): Developed especially for those with combination skin, this everyday cleanser deep cleans the oily parts while smoothing and conditioning the rough, dry parts— for balanced, conditioned skin. Not only does it remove deep down dirt and impurities from the pores, but it gently exfoliating away dead cells, allowing healthy cells to emerge. With continued daily use, you’ll achieve softer, smoother skin and a more balanced complexion.
Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Instant Warming Clay Mask ($5.99 USD): Sometimes your skin needs a little extra TLC—plus, what better way to take a selfie—if not with a blue mask on! Designed to purify and refine skin by absorbing excess oils, this instant warming mask opens pores and melts away that pore-clogging dirt, oil, and sebum—leaving your skin clean, soft and refreshed. This warming clay mask, formulated to deep clean pores, is pH balanced for comfortably clean skin. This mask has a unique self-heating technology that is activated when massaged into the skin. This thermal formula in conjunction with purifying and skin toning clays optimize the mask’s ability to deep clean and purify.
What I think:  I have combination skin, so these products are great for me! I also think they would work well for normal-oily skin.  The cleanser really cleans my skin without drying it out.  Plus, it doesn’t irritate it.  My skin is sensitive, too, especially during allergy season.  The mask is really fun it use.  Because my skin is sensitive, I can only do this about once a week, and since there are four in the pack, it’s a months worth.  I love the blue shade and how well it cleans out my pores.  It leaves my skin very soft!
Purchase at mass market retailers near you!
Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in E115 Purple
Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in E104 Grey Brown

ELLIS FAAS CREAMY EYES ($34 USD) This is a coloured cosmetic applied to the eyelids or to the skin around the eyes to accentuate them. applied in a liquid state, the texture soon dries. unlike other eyeshadows, this formula thereby becomes resistant to the effects of humidity such as tears and wet weather; does not build up in the eyes’ creases; and will not smudge when being rubbed. available in 21 shades.

What I think:  I these in the shades E115 Purple and E104 Grey Brown.  I have found that these work so well as base shades.  They are both fairly deep, but I can use them in my crease or all over the lid.  I can keep the look matte or add a shimmer on top.  These also work nicely as liners, because they are smudge and waterproof.  Gorgeous quality!  And, let’s not forget the cool silver bullet packaging!

These can be purchased at http://www.ellisfaas.com

John Frieda Wonder Drops Hair Masks
John Frieda Wonder Drops Hair Masks
John Frieda Wonder Drops Hair Masks ($3.49 USD) Four targeted hair masks that transform hair in a matter of minutes. Designed to treat hair suffering from frizz, fading, damage or dullness, each mask revives hair with a single in-shower application. Simply shampoo, squeeze out excess moisture and massage the Wonder Drops throughout wet hair.
Available in: Frizz Smoothing, Blonde Brightening, Damage Repairing and Vibrancy Enhancing

What I think:  I have already tried the Frizz Smoothing and Damage Repairing.  The Frizz Smoothing mask really helped cut my frizz down a lot!  This will be so nice to have in the summer when the humidity kills my hair.  The Damage Repairing Mask is nice for damaged hair.  Mine isn’t too bad right now, but I do need a haircut to get rid of split ends! The mask did help my hair and made it shiny and more manageable.

I have very dark brown hair, so I’m going to give the Blond Brightening mask to a blond friend and the Vibrancy Enhancing to my redhead daughter!  It seems there’s a mask for most hair types!

Purchase at Walmart and select Grocery Outlets

What new spring beauty products have you been loving?

March 2019 Beauty Favorites

Hi all!  March is almost over!  It was a very long month.  It was fairly warm towards the end of the month, but it’s snowing today.  Yuck!

I have chosen skincare, hair care and makeup for my March favorites.  If I have reviewed them, I will link the post.

My favorites this month are:

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Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave in Spray — I received this in my January BoxyCharm.  It’s what I use when I air dry my hair.  It leaves it so soft and shiny.  I have another one on reserve, that I won in a recent giveaway (with the lip products below).

Mamonde Floral Hydro Eye Gel Cream — I have been enjoying this eye gel.  It’s fairly light on the eyes and hydrates well.  It’s not very quick absorbing, so I use it as an eye treatment.  In the morning my eye area is bright and hydrated!  But, this has a very strong floral scents, so if you don’t like scented creams, this might not be for you.   

Pixi Beauty Milky Tonic — I have just received this and some other Pixi Skintreats a couple of weeks ago for review.  I will be doing a full review next weekend.  I have already decide I love this.  It calms my sensitive skin.  I use it after cleansing and it leaves my skin toned and hydrated.     

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Colourpop It’s My Pleasure Palette — This is from a recent Colourpop haul.  This is such a pretty pink and purple palette.   To me it leans more pink than purple.  I don’t wear a lot of pink eyeshadow, but I have been using the metallics with brown mattes for really wearable looks.

L’Oreal Unlimited Length and Lift Mascara — So, funny story.  Last week I left my house to run errands.  When I was close to the store, I looked at myself in the rear view mirror and saw I only put mascara on one eye!  It was very noticeable.  So I pulled in to CVS and chose this one.  It’s so nice!  I put it on in the car and it matched my other eye nicely (I think I was wearing the Colourpop mascara).  I like this one more than the Colourpop mascara.  It gives length and volume and you can adjust the wand.  I’ve been using it ever since!

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These are both by Nudestix.  The top one (and right in the swatch), is the Intense Matte lip and cheek in Purity.  The left one ( and left in the swatch) is the Gel Color lip and cheek in Rebel.  I won these in a recent giveaway (there is a photo of the giveaway products up on Instagram @fortyflirtyfab. Let me know if you’d like me to post it here).  Both of these are so nice on the lips.  The nude one is mat ant the coral one is more creamy.  Both formulas are gorgeous!  I will continue to use these during the spring and summer.

Beautyblender Bounce Foundation — I am still loving this foundation that I reviewed a few weeks ago.  My shade is 1.50.  It’s a fair/light foundation with a cool undertone.  It’s a perfect match for me and looks natural, but flawless on.

Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer — I received this in my February BoxyCharm.  I was so excited to try it, because I’ve heard such good things.  And…I love it!  Just a little goes a long way and it smooths out my skin and prepares it for foundation.  I apply sunscreen before primer, and my skin can get a bit greasy.  This primer brings that extreme glow down and makes my wrinkles and pores less noticeable. And my foundation looks amazing over it!

What products were you loving in March?  Any new discoveries?