Category: Skincare

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!!!

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review — July 2019

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Hey all! I recently received my July BoxyCharm! I always watch for the spoilers so I basically knew what I am getting. But, there were a few different variations this month.

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for about a year and a half now and really enjoy it. Boxycharm is just $21 a month for 4-5 beauty items, most of them full-sized.  It is a nice way to try new makeup and beauty tools.

My version is 4. This month I received:

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Koh Gen Do Spa Cleansing Water Cloths — $17

Elemis Superfood Vital Veggie Mask – $35

Butter London Natural Goddess Eyeshadow Palette – $32

Luna by Luna Lip Gloss in Venus — $18

Luxie Brush Trio – $30

Box value — $132

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This is a really pretty summer palette!  I love the wooden packaging and the nice mirror.  The shades are mostly shimmer and there’s a couple of mattes.  I didn’t swatch it because I don’t know if I’ll keep it or give it away. I’ve recently purchased a few palettes and don’t really need another one.IMG_1144

I love the packaging and the handles of these brushes!  So cool and summery!  The brushes are 246 Precision Crease, 250 Large Eye Blending and 510 Foundation.

I enjoy Luxie brushes.  I may keep these or give them away.

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I am very excited about both of these!  I’ve been wanting to try the Koh Gen Do wipes.  I’ve tried items from this brand years ago and really enjoyed them.  They are all natural and look very fancy!

I love the Elemis products I’ve tried, and I’m excited to try out this mask.  Maybe I’ll do it Sunday.  I’ve been bad about using masks lately and need to get back into them.  This is supposed to nourish, smooth and brighten, for softer, smoother, more radiant skin.  Yes please!

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I’ve never heard of this brand before Luna by Luna, but I really like this gloss!  It’s hydrating and so easy for a bronzey summer look!  I have received so many glosses from boxes lately, but I do really like this one.

I think this is a pretty great box!  I will definitely use the gloss, Elemis mask and face wipes.  I’m still deciding if I will keep or give away the brushes and palette.  But everything is so nice!

BoxyCharm is killing it lately!  Do you get this box?  What was in yours this month?

Skincare Sunday — DHC Urumai Review

Hi all!  Happy Sunday!  I hope you are having a great weekend!  I’m back with another Skincare Sunday.  I’m trying to do skincare related posts on at least a couple of Sundays a month.

I have recently received new DHC products for my honest review.  I haven’t tried anything from this Japanese brand before, but I’ve heard good things!

I received the Urumai line, which is brand new and has just launched on July 1st. This collection contains a proprietary rice peptide complex comprised of two hydrolyzed rice proteins that work together to condition and deeply hydrate skin, plus enhance firmness. Yes, please!  Here’s what I received:

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Tapping the power of rice, this plant-based trio beautifully brings together urumi (moisture) + mai (rice) to promote a soft, smooth and supple complexion.

That sounds amazing, and isn’t the packaging elegant, even the shape of the soap is so gorgeous!

DHC Urumai Soap ($14 USD) — A botanical beauty bar created with a rich blend of natural ingredients. Lathers up into a creamy mousse to gently eliminate dirt and debris, dead skin and excess sebum. Deeply cleans to gently prepare skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

What I think:   I haven’t used a beauty bar in years to clean my face, so this was interesting!  It lathers up to a nice foam and is unscented (all of these products are), but it does have a faint soap scent. It does clean nicely, but it took a bit of work to rinse off.

DHC Urumai Lotion ($25 USD) — An alcohol-free facial toning lotion that promotes vibrant, soft and beautiful skin. Created with rice peptides and sake, this pre-moisturizing toner combats damage from dryness and environmental stresses to revitalize the skin.

What I think:  I love that this doesn’t contain alcohol or irritate my sensitive skin. It feels nice on the skin and is lightly hydrating.  It does give a glow, which is nice under makeup.

DHC Urumai Cream ($29 USD) — A lightweight facial cream that promotes a beautiful complexion for all skin types. Formulated with DHC exclusive rice peptide complex, this hydrating cream unlocks the power of rice to help promote turnover and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

What I think: This is a very hydrating cream! I like this as a night cream, because it is pretty thick and moisturizing.  It’s not greasy, but it does take a little bit of time to sink in.  When I use this at night, in the morning my skin is glowing! I have notices that my fine lines have been reduced and that my skin is smoother.
I am really enjoying these products!
Purchase at DHCCare.com. And right now, they are having a deal that you receive free shipping if you purchase a full size Urumai collection products with the code URUMAI.
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Have you tried DHC skincare?  What do you think of these products?

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?

Brand Review and Code — Skin&Co Roma

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Hi all!  I recently received a fun skincare package from Skin&Co Roma for my honest review.

IMG-1068IMG-1070 Such pretty packaging!   I’ve been loving the Skin&Co Roma Truffle Therapy Refresh Mist I received in my June BoxyLuxe.  Skin&Co Roma contacted me and asked to send me the following amazing products for review:

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Truffle Therapy Face Toner — Gentle, powerful, soothing, and healing. Truffle Therapy Face Toner deeply cleanses and purifies pores with the antiseptic power of Witch Hazel and Sage, effectively removing impurities, clogged pores and dead skin cells to treat, heal, and prevent blemishes. The natural extracts and antioxidant properties of Black Winter Truffle, Rosemary, Calendula, and Cucumber soothes and protects from environmental and free radical damage.

What I think: I have very sensitive skin, and this gentle toner doesn’t irritate my skin at all.  I use it after my cleanser, and it really cleans out my pores plus it leaves my skin soft and smooth!

Truffle Therapy Whipped Cleansing Cream – This is a highly concentrated gel-crème cleanser formulated to deeply cleanse skin, remove makeup, dirt and impurities, effectively keeping pores free and clear from congestion and blemishes while soothing and calming sensitivity-prone complexions. Formulated with pure Black Winter Truffle Extract, Sweet Almond Oil, Mallow Leaf, and Chamomile, this gentle cleanser delivers intense hydration, nourishing moisture, while improving skin’s resilience and tone.  Complete with essential fatty acids, skin’s natural moisture barrier is restored to maintain a supple and radiant complexion.

What I think:  I am enjoying all of these products, but this one is my favorite of the bunch! Everytime I wash my face with this cleanser, it looks smooth, fresh and it glows.  And I look YOUNGER!  I have never looked this good with just washing my face, ever! It does have a soft, whipped texture and feels so gentle while cleansing my skin.  And it doesn’t irritate my skin at all.  LOVE!

Truffle Therapy Serum – Formulated around the antioxidant properties of the Black Winter Truffle, Truffle Therapy™ Serum is infused with potent skin-renewing botanicals, vitamins, essential fatty acids and vitamins to restore skin’s natural vibrancy and radiance.  Masterfully crafted in Umbria, Italy, this powerful, multitasking skin perfecting treatment soothes and refines the appearance of uneven textured skin, revealing a healthier complexion.

Ideal for all skin types, Truffle Therapy™ Serum prepares and protects skin from daily environmental and free radical damage, and doubles as a primer to create the perfect base for makeup application.

What I think: I really enjoy this serum.  It has a milky texture and a soft, natural scent.  I apply it after my toner and it really smooths out my skin and helps with texture.  It can also be used as a primer, for those days that you want an easy skincare/makeup routine. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks and find that my skin is looking more even and brighter.  I’m looking forward to seeing what type of long-term results I see!

I am really loving these Skin&Co Roma products! You can purchase the 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!

Have you tried Skin&Co Roma?  Which products do you like from the brand?

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?

 

 

Skincare Sunday — Julep Korean Skincare Made Simple Set

Hi all!  I hope everyone had a great weekend! Welcome to my second Skincare Sunday in a row!

I recently purchased a new Korean skincare set from Julep.  I used to be a Julep Maven, which was their monthly subscription box, but they cancelled it in February.

I received an email a month or so ago saying that they were having a final sale for Mavens.   I saw this set, and was really interested in it.  It was originally priced at $76 and it was marked down to $57, and I got 70% off so I only paid $17.10!   Here’s the set:

Julep Korean Skincare Made Simple

Set includes:

  • Travel Love Your Bare Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil, 1.5 fl oz.
  • Kaolin Clay Konjac Sponge (full size)
  • What Your Skin Needs Restorative Facial Milk 1 fl. oz. (full size)
  • Night Shift Deep Sleep Mask 1 oz.

Here’s photos of the box and the products I received:

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This is a great deal for $17.10!  I have tried the cleansing oil and the facial milk before and love both of them.  The cleansing oil removes all of my makeup and leaves my skin soft and clean.  The facial milk contains five oils in it, but because of the milky formula, it absorbs into the skin immediately.

I haven’t used a konjac sponge before and was surprised how soft it is. It gives a very gentle exfoliation.  The Night Shift sleep mask can be used over serums and treatments.  And it’s washed off in the morning.  I find it gives extra hydration, which is nice when my skin is dry.

This set is on sale now for $44.  It’s not the price I paid, but it is still a good deal for what you get.  I do recommend this set if you would like to try Korean beauty skincare for hydration.

Were you a Julep Maven?  Have you tried their products before?

Allure Beauty Box June 2019

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Hi all!  I just received my June 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 June box:

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I think this is a pretty good box.  I have already used the Moroccanoil and the Avene mist.  They are both wonderful products.

I am also going to be trying out the eye cream.  I haven’t tried anything from the brand Context before, but I am looking forward to using it.

I will probably also try the Floss lip gloss. Or I might give it away.  And the BrowGal pencil is in Medium Brown and I have dark brown hair.  I might give it a try.

The SGX NYC texture spray looks fun, but I might pass it along.

This is such an affordable box and it always introduces me to new brands, which I like!  For the price, I use a good amount of the products and give away some.  I do enjoy it!

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

 

Skincare Sunday — Meaningful Beauty New Eye Masks and Deluxe Starter Kit

Hi All!  I started this series a couple of months ago and only posted once.  Oh well! I still think focusing on new or amazing skincare products each week is a great idea!

This Sunday I’m featuring Meaningful Beauty.  This is Cindy Crawford’s skincare brand (with French anti-aging specialist Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh).  I have reviewed Meaningful Beauty before, but they have new eye masks and a fun travel size kit that will be amazing for summer trips!

Here is what I received for my honest review:

Meaningful Beauty Revive & Brighten Eye Masques

Meaningful Beauty Revive & Brighten Eye Masques ($52 USD) –This new product claims:

  • Awaken eyes to appear more youthful and gorgeous with Meaningful Beauty‘s Revive & Brighten Eye Masque – ultra-hydrating gel eye patches.
  • Each pair is infused with powerful anti-aging ingredients to visibly smooth and plump eyes – and can also be used on smile and frown lines!
  • Cindy’s supermodel secret: Use daily or as a quick pick-me-up when on the go.

What I think: I don’t usually wear eye gel masks, but I am really enjoying these! They can be worn right under the eyes, at the side of the eyes where crows feet form or even on the smile lines. I find that they firm and brighten wherever I place them, especially under my eyes. Plus, they come with a spatula to make them easy to get out of the jar.  They are a bit slippery, so I press them on to make sure that they stay on the full 10 minutes.

Available at Ulta.com

Meaningful Beauty Deluxe Starter Kit
Meaningful Beauty 7-Piece Deluxe Starter Kit

Meaningful Beauty 7-Piece Deluxe Starter Kit ($79 USD) — This kit targets the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and dark spots. This comprehensive kit is packed with everything you need day and night for ageless, beautiful skin in every climate or vacation destination.

  • The Meaningful Beauty 7-Piece Deluxe Starter Kit includes:
    • Skin Softening Cleanser
    • Dark Spot Correcting Treatment
    • Youth Activating Melon Serum
    • Environmental Protecting Moisturizer SPF 30
    • Overnight Retinol Repairing Crème
    • Lifting Eye Crème
    • Ultra-Lifting and Filling Treatment

What I think:  This is a great set to try a variety of Meaninful Beauty products and it’s so  nice for travel! My current favorite product in the bunch is the Dark Spot Correctly Treatment.  I apply it on dark spots at night and they fade a bit each morning. I also love the Melon Serum, Overnight Retinol cream and the eye cream.  This is such a beautiful anti-aging line!

Available at Ulta.com

Here’s my photo of the products I received:

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I am posting this on my Instagram @fortyflirtyfab if you want to check it out!

I really am enjoying these products!  Have you tried anything from Meaningful Beauty?