Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Shop My Stash March 2019 Results and Monthly Empties

Hi All! Can you believe it’s almost April? It’s a nice, warmer day today (yesterday it snowed in Kansas City), and Easter is in a few weeks!

I’m here with the results of my March Shop my Stash. I had a fun time using products that I haven’t either used in a while or it’s newer to my collection and I want to give it a go. If I don’t like the item after the month, I will move it out of my collection to make some room!

My most used item from my stash was the Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Friendcation Eyeshadow Palette. I used the mattes in the palette all month long! Like I suspected, the metallics are too glittery for me. When I use them, all I see is glitter! And that’s not my everyday look. I am going to keep it, though, because the neutral mattes are so nice!

I used the tarte Rainforest of the Sea highlighting eyeshadow palette vol. III’s shimmer shades with my Friendcation palette. They are very pretty, but kind of boring. All the shades are so similar. I might end up passing this one on to my daughter.

The Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator Palette is so pretty, but the shades are a bit dark for my skin. I might keep it and try again in the summer if I tan, or pass it along.

I am not a fan of the Becca Glow Gloss in Malibu Soleil. The shade isn’t very flattering on me. I probably won’t keep it.

The Julep Eyeshadow 101 in Champagne Shimmer is so pretty! I haven’t really given it a chance before. It’s nice for the inner corner, under the brow or even all over the lid. I paired it with the Friendcation palette and used it all over my lid — it was gorgeous!

Here are my empties for February and March:

I just have four empties for the last two months. I didn’t post empties in February because I only had the Smashbox spray then. I have been trying lots of new skincare, so I haven’t used up a lot. I’m almost out of a few more skincare items, so I should have more next month!

This month I used up the Derma E Firming DMAE Eye Lift, The Smashbox Photo Finish So Chill Coconut Primer Water, Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Chamomile and Lavender and Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub.

The Derma E eye cream is amazing! It really smooths my eye area. I also really love the Derma E scrub. It makes my skin so soft! The two sprays were also so nice. Especially the Smashbox So Chill Coconut. I’m sad that it was a limited edition.

This was a fun month. I found a couple of products I will continue to use and a few I’ll move out of my collection and let someone else love them!

I will be posting my April Shop My Stash tomorrow. Do you like to shop your stash?

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:

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.

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!

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?

Brand Review — CBD Living

Hi all! I’m here with a different type of brand review for me. I recently received bath products from CBD Living for my honest review.

I haven’t tried many products infused with hemp-derived CBD, so I was curious to try these.

I do know that claim with this ingredient is that it helps with physical pain and mental issues such as depression and anxiety. As a women going through the change of life, I have plenty of both, so I was excited to try these!

The products I received are:

CBD Lavender Soap ($14 USD) is made from 100% natural ingredients and coconut oil, and is infused with nano-CBD for easy absorption. Lavender is used for relieving stress, promoting a sense of calm, helping with sleep and reducing skin irritations, such as sunburn and eczema.

I really enjoy this soap. It’s creamy and lathers nicely. The scent is such a nice mild lavender. And it’s a really pretty color!

CBD Living Lotion ($40 USD) is a new product for the company. It comes in three scents: Invigorating eucalyptus, relaxing lavender and unscented for those with sensitive skin. A 16 oz bottle contains 250 mg of nano-CBD, created from 100% organic hemp grown in Colorado, and is vegan and cruelty-free.

I received this in Eucalyptus. I thought the scent might be too strong for me, but it’s really nice. It’s refreshing and very herbal scented. The lotion itself is a thinner consistency, and it absorbs really quickly and softens my skin so nicely! I use it all over after a shower or bath and I use it on my hands at feet at night. As it’s getting warmer out, I don’t really want a very heavy cream, so the lotion is perfect for a lighter hydration.

Each CBD Coconut Lime Bath Bomb ($14 USD) contains 60mg of nano-CBD for maximum absorption. Enhance your bathtime ritual with luxurious CBD Bath Bombs in a pleasant tropical scent.

This smells amazing! It has a faster fizz, but it does last a few minutes, which I love. I found that it left a moisturizing kind of a film in the bath, but that’s okay, because I always rinse off in the shower after a bath (I do a lot of bath bombs). My skin was very hydrated afterwards.

After trying these products for a little bit, I really do like them. I noticed that my back didn’t hurt as much after my bath with the bath bomb. I’m not quite sure if the CBD is helping my anxiety, but I do feel calmer lately. That could be why! I so enjoy the scents and how soft these products make my skin feel. I also love that they are natural.

Have you tried CBD Living or other CBD products? What do you think?

Brand Review –Rebels Refinery

Hi all! I’m here with a fun brand review. The brand is Rebel’s Refinery. I received a few products for my honest review.

I am happy to announce that Rebels Refinery is expanding their collection at Target stores nationwide. The natural line of grooming products provide premium results without synthetic ingredients, ensuring your body feels as good as it looks. Plus, they are affordable!

Here are the products I received:

IMG_E0263

Smooth Criminal Body Lotion ($6.99 USD) With the help of this quick absorbing moisturizer, you can improve skin firmness, elasticity and tone while providing your body with the hydration it needs.

Sin & Guilt Body Wash ($6.99 USD) Great for all skin types, Sin & Guilt leaves skin soft, rejuvenated, and smelling amazing. The scent of the body wash and lotion is Spicy Citrus, which is fresh and a bit masculine.

Activated Charcoal Face Scrub ($8.99 USD)This scrub is perfect for taming skin that’s a little rough around the edges. Activated charcoal removes dead skin, unclogs pores, prevents ingrown hairs, and keeps skin looking young and clear.

Rebel Rose Geometric Pineapple Lip Balm ($6.99 USD) This isn’t available at Target yet. But you can get it on Rebels Refinery website. The highest quality coconut and sweet almond oils moisten, nourish and protect while Vitamin E provides essential antioxidants. The flavor is called “Exotic Fruit” which tastes like a symphony of mango and strawberry. This is so cute and it smells and tastes amazing!

Here are the rest of the new products at Target:

Lethal Uprising Shampoo & Conditioner ($6.99): Buying shampoo and conditioner separately is over-rated, which is why Rebels Refinery created this time saving two-in-one product. The botanical enriched formula gently cleanses and moisturizes the scalp, leaving hair stronger, thicker and fuller.

Classic Hair Pomade ($16.99): Keep that pretty hair of yours in check all day. With just a little water and a comb, you too can achieve the look of your dreams. This pomade gives hair a textured yet flexible hold that will last through the night.

What I think: I really like this line. The packaging is very cool. The matte black looks modern, but the shape of the bottles are classic and almost apothecary-like. This line will definitely stand out at Target!

The products are nice as well. I love that they have natural ingredients. The scents are nice and are appropriate for everyone.

Have you heard of or tried Rebels Refinery?

Skincare Sunday — BioXskincare Anti-Aging Face Cream

Hi all! I’m back with my second Skincare Sunday! I have started this series a couple of weeks ago. I am going to post something skincare related on (most) Sundays. I’ll focus on a skincare review or my skincare routine…it will just depend on what I have been using.

I was sent the BioXskincare Anti-Aging Face Cream for my honest review.

BioXskincare Anti-Aging Face Cream ($129 USD) — The claim on this cream is:

“Smooths facial wrinkles and revitalizes your skin to enjoy a more radiant appearance. This patented Anti-Aging Cream includes our clinically tested BioXcellerant™ formulation with a precise blend of botanical growth factors and amino acids that stimulate collagen production to help rebuild facial skin cells. See exceptional results in just a few days.”

“The BioXcellerator R&D team has traveled across the globe to select the most effective botanical ingredients — based on exacting standards for high quality and performance. Our patented BioXcellerant formulation takes advantage of pioneering bio-engineering innovations and nano-particle architecture so these ingredients can penetrate the outer layers of your skin. Then, activating your body’s own stem cells to revitalize and repair your skin — BioXcellerant promotes healing from within — to create long-lasting and extraordinary results.”

What I think: I have been testing this out for a few weeks. I apply it at night after toner and serum. I find when first applied, this cream smooths out my skin. I have been focusing it on my forehead and my chin, where I have the most uneven skin texture. This does give those areas instant hydration and a more even texture.

I haven’t really noticed a lot of long term changes yet. My forehead looks a little bit smoother. I will continue using it each night and will let you know if I see any significant changes.

What skincare have you been trying out lately?

Brand Review — Emma Hardie Skincare

Hi all! I hope you’re having a great weekend! Time for a new brand review and this time it’s skincare!

I was sent some amazing Emma Hardie skincare for my honest review. Emma Hardie is a facialist based in the UK. In 1996, Emma debuted her Natural Lift & Sculpting Facial to rave reviews from the beauty press and celebrity clients. Her goal was to deliver firmer, plumper skin without harsh ingredients or invasive techniques, and to end the search for a ‘miracle in a bottle’. Emma has achieved this by empowering her clients to treat their own skin at home, using unique massage and application techniques to make it more resilient to the passing of time.

Here’s the products that I received:

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Cleansing Cloth ($64 USD) — Enriched with Moringa Seed Oil, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E, this purifying balm-to-oil cleanser removes all traces of face and eye makeup, while leaving skin moisturized and conditioned. Use as a gentle purifying cleanser or leave on as a mask. Also wonderful as a nourishing, protective balm on lips, cuticles, and other areas of dry skin on the face and body.

Dual-sided cleansing cloth helps wipe away toxins and tackle areas of congestion. Use the microfibre side first to massage balm into the skin and break down impurities, then repeat using the exfoliating muslin side for skin polishing.*Uplifting essential oils (orange, neroli, mandarin, jasmine and rose) and omegas 3, 6 & 9 help strengthen the look of the skin and impart a full sensory experience.* No parabens, silicones, synthetic colours and fragrances, petrochemicals, mineral oil, sulphates and skin-sensitising ingredients such as Retinol and Glycolic. This product is vegetarian (contains beeswax), with no animal testing.

What I think: I believe this is Emma Hardie’s hero product. It smells amazing! It reminds me of a jasmine bush we had at our last house. And, this removes ALL of my makeup at night–even eye makeup. I also love how the muslin side of the cleansing cloth exfoliates skin.

Emma Hardie Protect & Prime SPF 30

Emma Hardie Protect & Prime SPF 30 ($63 USD) — Gives the skin eight hours of daily protection against UVA and UVB. Specially formulated with Mongongo Oil, Oat Extract and Vitamin E, to help protect and guard the skin, from premature aging, sun damage and environmental exposure. Doubled with a unique light diffusing formulation to help prime the skin and even out the complexion, and blur the appearance of fine lines and pores.

What I think: The idea of a primer with SPF is so innovative! I love blurring primers, to help with my fine lines and pores. This has a nice texture and does blur my skin. My makeup applies nicely over this, too. I’m not sure if it makes it last longer, I haven’t noticed that. But I do love the extra SPF!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face by Emma Hardie Lift & Sculpt Firming Neck Treatment — Emma Hardie Lift & Sculpt Firming Neck Treatment

Emma Hardie Lift & Sculpt Firming Neck Treatment ($89 USD) — A deeply hydrating and age-defying serum that performs a lifting effect on vulnerable skin around the neck and décolletage. Rich and moisturizing, the serum combines Hyaluronic Acid with Liftonin-Expert to plump skin with moisture while encouraging collagen to promote firmer, younger-looking skin. Working in synergy with a unique rolling applicator, the formula delivers a lifting effect while cooling, tightening and firming the look of skin. It also contains Neoderyml to improve density, and an Omega 3, 6, 9 complex of Inca Inchi Oil and Raspberry Oil to protect skin and lock in moisture. With continued use, neck and décolletage skin appears firmer, supple and hydrated.

What I think: I’m always into firming my skin as I age. And my neck area needs firming! I love how this feels as I apply it. I haven’t noticed any firming yet, but it does look smooth. I will continue using it to see if it firms.

Have you heard of Emma Hardie skincare? What new skincare have you been trying?

Happy National Fragrance Day!

Hi all! It’s National Fragrance Day today. What is your favorite fragrance? My signature scent is Amazing Grace by Philosophy, but I always love trying new scents!

I wanted to focus on some new-to-me scents for National Fragrance Day. Here are beautiful fragrances to try:

Mimzi by Marguerite Germain ($65 USD) — Honoring her Mother, Dr. Marguerite Germain has created this exquisite fragrance epitomizing unique independence, passion, and kindness. Letting nothing hold her back and rising to the top as a distinguished woman of the 20th century, “Mimzi” eau de parfum exudes classic elegance. The fragrance combines the lively spirit of a diva with natural beauty that is ageless.

Top Notes: Citrus-floral, soft lemon, sweet orange, currant, watery, airy, fresh

Middle or Heart Notes: tuberose, jasmine, grassy, light bitter orange

Base Notes: sandalwood, light cedar, jasmine

AVAILABILITY: germaindermatology.com

LAVANILA Pure Vanilla Fragrance ($48; Sephora.com): The perfect vanilla, this sexy blend of pure Madagascar vanilla, sheer freesia, and creamy tonka bean is seductive and magnetic. A grown up expression of vanilla, this fragrance is more vanilla bean than vanilla cookie. Hailed as the world’s first healthy fragrance, natural technology infuses organic sugar cane alcohol with skin-saving botanicals and antioxidants for a modern twist on the classic art of perfumery.

Available at http://www.sephora.com

Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Eau de Toilette ($65 USD) — Our much-loved heavenly fragrance is now available in an alluring eau de toilette, blended with ginger, jasmine and floral notes.

Top notes: cardamom, ginger and clove.
Heart notes: tuberose, tagetes, lily and jasmine.
Base notes: cedarwood, sandalwood and musk.

Purchase at http://www.moltonbrown.com

Goutal Paris Eau d’Hadrien EDP ($127 USD for 1.7 oz) — The first fragrance from the legendary house of Annick Goutal, conveys the fiery sun and the brilliant light of Tuscany add to the charm of the cypress-lined terraces. The hottest hour of the day is the best time to sink into the soft shade of the lemon trees and reread a few passages from Memoirs of Hadrian.

Notes: Sicilian Lemon, Citron, Grapefruit, Green Mandarin, Ylang-Ylang, Cypress, Bergamot

Purchase at us.goutalparis.com

Tocca Monatuk Candela

Tocca Monatuk Candela ($42; Tocca.com) Retreat to where the sound meets the sea. Breathe in the salt air, cucumber and sea grass abound in this natural and unspoiled haven. The perfect accessory for your home and can be used as a jewelry holder or for decor after the candle is done. Uniquely beautiful and richly fragranced with our classic scents, our luxurious hand-poured candle will captivate your senses.

Purchase at tocca.com

What fragrance are you wearing today?

IT Cosmetics Palettes That Are New To Me!

Hi all! Happy first day of spring! Didn’t it feel like it would never come after that cold and snowy winter?!?

I’m excited to be reviewing IT Cosmetics products that I haven’t tried before. I love the brand, but I have mostly tried their skincare and base products.

I was sent these products for my honest review:

Superhero Eye Transforming Anti-Aging Super Palette ($42 USD)

IT Girl Vol. 2 Makeup Palette ($38 on sale for $25)

Hello Cheekbones Contour Palette ($36 USD)

Heavenly Luxe Hello Cheekbones Contour Brush #19 ($48 USD)

Here are the palettes opened. I did noticed that the eyeshadow shades in both palettes are fairly similar. But they are pretty and good for every day looks.

I have been wanting to try this palette and am so glad I did! The top row are eye foundations, which are bases for under shadow. The first two are matte, and the last one is a shimmer. The first six shadows are shimmers and metallics and the last three are matte liners.

These are so gorgeous! The shadows are creamy and blend nice. The only thing I wish there was is a matte transition shade. I am going to do a full review on this palette with swatches soon!

I believe this was It Cosmetic’s limited edition holiday palette. It is on sale right now so if you want it, it’s the time to pick it up!

This palette has some of the same colors as the Superhero palette, but it does have more mattes. The left shadows are shimmer and the right shadows are mattes. The blush is a pretty pink ombre.

It’s a great palette for everyday, or use some of the darker shades for a nice smokey eye!

This contour palette and brush is so fun!

The brush is very soft, like all IT Cosmetic brushes. They’re such great quality. This is easy to use. Just sweep it as shown above and then apply it to the cheekbone. It blends out easily. The bronzer is pretty warm, but can be used as contour. I also take this with a fluffier brush to bronze my whole face.

The highlighter is pretty, but not very blinding. It does give a nice glow and for more impact, I wet my brush and it did give more shine.

Have you tried any of these IT Cosmetics products? What do you love from the brand?

Beautyblender Bounce Foundation Review

Hi all! I’m here today with a foundation review! I’ve realized that I don’t review a lot of foundations. I usually only have a couple open at a time, since I just have one face. LOL!

But I do feel like I’m in sort of a foundation/concealer rut and want to try some new ones this year.

I was recently sent the beautyblender Bounce foundation for my honest review. I was excited because I have been wanting to try this foundation for a while.

IMG_E0125

Beautyblender Bounce Liquid Foundation ($40 USD) — The beautyblender website claims:

A weightless, full-coverage foundation in 40 shades that easily blends for a flawless finish and a revolutionary bare-skin feel. The whipped liquid glides and bounces easily so it never looks cakey or fake- no matter how little or how much you layer on. Never chalky or lifeless, the velveteen matte finish has a multidimensional effect, like naturally gorgeous, healthy skin. The lightweight, buildable formula addresses not just tone but also skin texture so your complexion looks smooth and even. Skin looks picture perfect- IRL and on-screen for up to 24 hours.

Here’s a closeup of the product:

To use this foundation, you slide the button (photo left) over to the left, then squeeze the top and the foundation comes out of the spout (photo right). Then you take a beautyblender (or other sponge or brush) and take the foundation that’s come out with the tool and apply it. It’s very easy to use. The only downfall is that the spout on the pump gets a bit messy.

I have tried the foundation with both a beautyblender and a flat top foundation brush. It works well with both, but even if I use a brush, I finish the application by bouncing the beautyblender over my skin to blend it out. My shade is 1.50, which is a fair/light with cool undertones.

The texture of the foundation is very silky and mousse-like. The claim on this is that it’s full coverage. I’d say it’s more medium, but can be built up to full. It melts into my skin and doesn’t even look like I’m wearing foundation — the coverage and finish is so natural! And my skin looks very flawless. It does give a soft matte finish, but it doesn’t dry down, so I do need to powder my skin. That’s fine with me.

The biggest pro with this foundation is that it doesn’t show texture and it looks like I’m not really wearing makeup. My skin is aging and combination. It’s also sensitive. This foundation covers my redness and uneven texture.

I’d say the only con for me is the packaging. The spout gets really dirty and it’s tough to clean.

I definitely recommend this foundation! I’ve been wearing it everyday since I received it. It just makes my skin look so nice.

Have you tried beautyblender Bounce? What foundation are you loving right now?

Ipsy Glam Bag Plus Review — March 2019

Hi all! I have this month’s Ipsy Glam Bag Plus ($25 USD) to share with you! This is a 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 amazing items included.

Here is what I received in my March box:’

Purlisse Blue Lotus Balancing Moisturizer ($45 USD)

HUDA BEAUTY Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Mauve ($27 USD)

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Liquid Highlighter ($26 USD)

Pixi by Petra LashLift 188 Mascara in Beyond Black ($18 USD)

F.A.R.A.H BRUSHES 5-Piece Eye Perfection Set ($50 USD)

The total value for my box this month is $166. Pretty good for spending $25!

Here’s a closer look at the items:

This moisturizer is infused with White Tea, Vitamin E and French Marine Plants to deliver intense hydration, prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It claims to balance the skin while leaving a smooth canvas for makeup application.

I haven’t tried this, but it looks like something I would love. Good skincare is always fun to receive! I have a lot of new skincare to try now, so I’m not sure if I will keep this or give it away.

This is such a pretty palette! I have this already and reviewed it here. I am going to include this on my upcoming Instagram giveaway (once I hit 5000 followers, check me out @fortyflirtyfab).

I did add on two other Huda Beauty Obsessions palettes to my box this month, because they were only $12 each! I will show them below.

This is a matte highlighter and it’s a pale nude pink. I’m not going to swatch it because I’m going to include it in my giveaway. I think it looks really pretty–the packaging is gorgeous! I don’t wear cream highlighters, but I think it’s interesting that it’s matte.

I received a sample of this for review last summer. You can see that review here. I really enjoyed it. It has two brushes, a little one is nestled inside of a larger one. You can use just the small one or the large one. It really lengthens and gives great volume. I’m excited to receive another one. I will definitely use this!

These brushes are so pretty! I love getting new brushes and are excited to use these! I haven’t tried F.A.R.A.H brushes before, but so far, these seem very soft and high quality.

I also added on the Huda Beauty Coral Obsessions and Smoky Obsessions palettes:

These are so gorgeous and I’m looking forward to using them. The coral one looks perfect for spring and summer and the metallics in the smoky palette are stunning! I will be playing with these and will probably review them together.

So, I think my March Ipsy Glam Bag Plus was pretty good. I will use the mascara and brushes and maybe the moisturizer. I will be giving away the Huda Mauve Obessions palette and the Benefit Shybeam. Like I said in my March Boxyluxe review, I am going to give both Ipsy Glam Bag Plus and BoxyCharm/BoxyLuxe until June and decide which one to keep. I think both is just too much. This month, my BoxyLuxe won, but Ipsy was nice, too.

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