Tag: #review

Boxycharm Subscription Box Review — February 2020

IMG-2812

Hey all! I have just received my February BoxyCharm! I love receiving this box each month.

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for two and a half years now and really enjoy it. BoxyCharm is now $25 a month plus tax for 5 full-sized beauty items. The value is at least $125 each month.

The only subscription boxes I’m currently getting is this box, BoxyLuxe four times a year and the new BoxyCharm Premium.  I think Boxy has been doing an amazing job curating their boxes lately.

The theme this month is Adore. My version is 47. This month I received:

IMG-2785

IMG-2786

These are gorgeous!  They are very soft and seem to be of good quality.  I really enjoy the Alamar eye brushes I have, so I’m excited to use these!

IMG-2787

The serum was my choice this month.  I love anything that smooths and firms my skin.  I will be testing this out once I’m done with my current firming serum.

The powder is okay.  I already have a Ciate powder in my stash that I got from a Boxycharm.  It’s a different name then this one but it looks like almost the same thing.  I’ll either save it for later or give it away.

IMG-2788

These are my least favorite products this month.  I don’t wear liquid lipstick and haven’t heard of the brand Qveen.  I will pass it on to someone else.

I like Pretty Vulgar and have tried a few things in my Boxycharm, but I haven’t found anything I love yet.  I have tons of mascara, so I’ll either throw this in my stash, or give it to one of my daughters.

—————————————————————————————————————————————

The box this month was okay for me.  I am loving the Kate Somerville serum and the brushes and will use those.  I might use the powder and mascara, or I might give them away.  I will definitely give the liquid lipstick away.

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

Colourpop Eye Shadow Palette Haul!

IMG-2689

Hi all! I hope your week is starting off well!  I was so excited because a ColourPop order I made came in!

The ColourPop website had a 25% deal, and I picked up a couple of palettes I had been eyeing:

IMG-2691

The palettes I picked up are the Bare Necessities Shadow Palette and the Flutter By Shadow Palette.

I’ve been wanting both of these since they were released. I love neutrals shadows and mauvey purples.  Both are so gorgeous!

IMG-2676

This 30-pan shadow palette has mattes, metallics, and shimmers. Create any look from your everyday look to a sultry glam look.  I’m excited to play with this and see what type of looks I can make with it!

IMG-2683

This 12 pan palette is stunning — I love these shades! Cool mauves and rich purple, in matte, metallic, and Pressed Glitter finishes, create the dreamiest soft glam look.

I’m super excited to play with this.  I’ve used it once already and loved it!  The only shade I’m not crazy about is Overpacked, the pressed glitter.  I’m glad that it’s the only one in the palette!

I’m going to be reviewing these soon (I hope) with swatches.  I want to get some use out of them first.

Do you have any Colourpop’s palettes?  Which ones do you love?

 

Tati Beauty Blendiful Review

Hi all!  I hope you are having a great weekend!

I’m back with a new Tati Beauty review.  I have already reviewed the Textured Neutrals Vol. 1 palette when it was released.  Tati Westbrook is the founder of the brand.  She’s a Youtube star, as I’m sure you know!

This is the Blendiful makeup applicator.  I wasn’t going to pick this up at first, but after watching reviews of the Blendiful, I decided to pick it up!

IMG-2658

Here’s info from the Tati Beauty website:

The Blendiful is the makeup applicator you didn’t know you needed. This game changing soft textured fabric tool is a blending dream that’s designed to seamlessly apply & soften both liquid and powder products. The rounded edge & pointed tip help to provide a perfect blend step to step in your makeup application.  Buff in foundation with little product waste, experience seamless contour, smoother concealer & the most airbrushed powder application… even in those hard to reach areas of the face. Save product, save time & become the expert artist of your own unique routine. However you choose to use the Blendiful, your look will be one with no harsh lines every time. 

Here’s the back of the sponges:

IMG-2657

Here’s the package it came in, front and back:

IMG-2655IMG-2654

This is very thin and sleek.

I also wanted to show how it washed.  Below is my Blendiful after using it for foundation, concealer, cream bronzer and blush:.

IMG-2668

It’s dirty! I washed it with a little soap in the sink.  It washes up pretty quickly.  I lay it out to dry over night and this is how it looks afterwards:

IMG-2670

Nice and clean!  It’s still nice and soft.  Maybe not as soft as before you use it, but it still works just fine.

So, how do I like it?  First a confession.  The real reason I picked this up was the fact that I am lazy and when I heard this doesn’t have to be wet like a makeup sponge, I was in! I always forget to wet my sponge, sit down and get ready to apply my makeup, and have to get up and wet it.  Every. Time.

But, I’m so glad that I purchased it because it’s really a great product! The Blendiful is very easy to use.  I use it flat to quickly apply foundation.  It blends out so seamlessly.  The, it can be easily folded and manipulated to apply concealer, cream contours, blushes and highlights and all powder products. And my full face is applied in minutes.

I have tried it with stick and liquid foundations so far and like how it blends both.  It also blends my stick contours so nicely!

The little one is good for touch ups throughout the day if you have oilier skin.  I don’t, so I use it for powder.  It’s very soft and cute!

I highly recommend this if you love innovative ways to apply your makeup and want to try something new.  I will continue to use this everyday to apply my face makeup.

Have you picked up the Blendiful?  What do you think of the brand Tati Beauty?  Let me know!

 

 

 

 

20 Palettes in 2020 — Colourpop Going Coconuts

Hi all!  I’m starting a new series this year.  I’m reviewing 20 palettes that I purchased or received last year (and maybe previous years) that I haven’t reviewed yet.  I might also include palettes from this year if I don’t get around to reviewing them right away.  These will include eye shadow and face palettes.

The reason I started this was as I was doing my Shop my Stash last year, I realized that I hadn’t reviewed a lot of the palettes I featured (check out my January Shop my Stash here).  I’ve used them, of course, but haven’t given my review.  So this year, I’m going to get that done!

The first palette I’m going to review is the Colourpop Going Coconuts ($12 USD) eye shadow palette.  I picked this up a couple of months ago.

IMG-2644

Going Coconuts is a cooler toned neutral 9 pan palette. I picked this up , perfect for your every day look. This super wearable palette is cute and compact.

The shades are:

IMG-2248

 

Shredded: creamy vanilla with silver pinpoints
Palm Reader: white with gold flip
Coolada: cool taupe brown
Lovely Bunch: mid tone yellow brown
Coco Crush: icy pale champagne
Shell Yeah: neutral ginger brown
Get Crackin’: cool brown with silver flecks
Da Coco: icy bronze with violet pinpoints
Nutty: deep umber

Here are swatches of the whole palette:

IMG-2650

From Left to Right — Shredded, Palm Reader, Coolada and Lovely Bunch, Coco Crush, Shell Yeah, Get Crackin’, Da Coco and Nutty.

I dip into Shredded every time I use this palette. It’s a great base color.  I also really love the matte shade Coolada for cooler looks, which is what I usually do with this palette.  My very favorite shade is Coco Crush.  It’s a beautiful lid color and I apply it every time I use this palette.

My least favorite shade is Palm Reader.  It’s chunky like a glitter and sheer.  Da Coco, the other shimmer in the palette, is dry and doesn’t blend easily.  The mattes all work well.

I have to say I really like this palette.  It’s compact and easy for travel, and it’s great for everyday looks.  But, I do create the same look each time I use it.  It’s a pretty look, but the same each time, LOL!

I do recommend this palette if you like a basic neutral look and something that you can use everyday.

 

Do you have this palette?  What is your favorite Colourpop palette?

 

Keep Hair Frizz-Free This Winter With John Frieda Frizz Ease

Hi All! Hope everyone is doing well!

The cold air is really doing a number on my hair and making it fly-away and frizzy.  I definitely have to use some sort of anti-frizz product during the winter!

I’ve received some John Frieda Frizz Ease products for my honest review.  They have also given the following three steps for hair guaranteed to stay frizz free all winter long:

IMG-2633

Step 1: Apply Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum ($8.99 USD) to soaking wet hair to protect each dehydrated strand against the onset of frizz. Style as desired.

Step 2: Once hair is dry and styled, use Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch Up Créme  on flyaways, static frizz, and split ends to create a supple, shiny finish and silky touch.

Step 3: Complete your look with Frizz Ease Hairspray Moisture Barrier Firm Hold ($6.74 USD) to hold style firmly in place and prevent frizz, rain or shine.

I really do love these products!  I have used them before and I am happy to have them in my routine again. They all work beautifully (and are all really affordable), but if I had to recommend just one, my favorite is the Touch Up Creme.  It really works on dry, frizzy hair!  Just apply a bit and disperse with a comb or fingers.  I then brush it through.  My hair looks very shiny and healthy after applying this!

You can purchase these products at Walmart and other great mass market retailers!

 

What do you like to use for frizzies and fly-aways?

Books for The New Year!

Hi All, how’s your 2020 going? Mine is going okay.  I’m trying to eat better and exercise more.  It’s hard to improve yourself, you know?

Below are some great books to help along your resolutions, or just make you smile!

Gratitude with Attitude - How Journaling Thankfulness for Just 5 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Life

 

Gratitude with Attitude: How Journaling Thankfulness for Just 5 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Life by Ronnie Walter ($10.65 USD) — Whether it comes at the start of our day or the end, making time to think about what we’re grateful for is beneficial in many ways. Practicing an attitude of gratitude strengthens our spirit and quiets our mind, even if just for a moment. It provides the peace and zen we long for and need in the midst of busy days and packed schedules. Find inspiration through writing prompts and quotes in this gratitude journal by bestselling author Ronnie Walter. The creator of The Coloring Café®, a coloring series dedicated to stress relief and fun, Ronnie brings over twenty years of successful illustrating and writing to this daily journal dedicated to personal growth and happiness. By using this 5-minute journal to record things we’re grateful for, spot meaningful intentions, and celebrate tiny victories, we create a space to grow in gratitude for what we have and see better who we want to be.

Life Is a 4-Letter Word - Laughing and Learning Through 40 Life Lessons

Life Is a 4-Letter Word: Laughing and Learning Through 40 Life Lessons by Dr. David A. Levy ($16.95 USD) — The path to living a smarter lifestyle is not always smooth. Levy encourages readers to embrace all the feelings his book may bring out as they read his stories, from laughing to wincing, and learning along the way. Discover the power of positive thinking as Levy shares a lifetime journey of personal reflections, growth, and wisdom.

Dive into Dr. David Levy’s latest book, Life Is a 4-Letter Word, and find…

40 autobiographical essays, each one containing a relatable and applicable life lesson
A unique source of both humor and inspiration that reassures readers that life is good
A self-help book for men and women from a published professional in psychology

I'm So Full of Happy Today - The Hygge Wisdom of Children

I’m So Full of Happy Today: The Hygge Wisdom of Children by Martin Andersen and Moira Tuffy ($4.58) — Is there anything more likely to make you laugh and put a smile on your face than the innocent and funny remark of a child? The Danes have a word for the feeling of happy delight that you get from simple things in life, such as the funny things kids say: hygge.

I’m So Full of Happy Today is a heartwarming collection of the remarkably observant, funny and wise things said by children. All of the stories are real and personal, and include the name and age of each child. These playful, sometimes tongue-in-cheek tales straight from the minds and mouths of kids will have you learning, laughing, and sharing the love long after you’ve turned the last page.

The Healthy Teen Cookbook - Around the World In 80 Fantastic Recipes by Remmi Smith

The Healthy Teen Cookbook: Around the World In 80 Fantastic Recipes by Remmi Smith ($12.99 USD) — Who knew healthy cooking could be so awesome and delicious?! This Chopped kid chef and entrepreneur is on a mission to bring healthy food options and easy-to-cook scrumptious recipes to a busy and heavily-scheduled generation of teens. The Healthy Teen Cookbook is not your typical teen cookbook: it’s written “for kids by a kid,” and is filled with tried-and-true recipes with budding cooks in mind, using limited ingredients and steps. Through the colorful, easy-to-read book, Chef Remmi sets out to inspire her peers to adopt healthy eating habits by introducing them to the glorious pastime of cooking. The Healthy Teen Cookbook takes you on a culinary journey across the seven continents, highlighting countries and their top foods. Each section features a map, a full menu (from appetizer to dessert), fun facts, helpful tips, and fantastic recipes―making it a geography lesson, a cookbook, and a social studies class all in one.

The Crafty Gardener - Inspired Ideas and DIY Crafts From Your Own Backyard

The Crafty Gardener: Inspired Ideas and DIY Crafts from Your Own Backyard by Becca Anderson ($16.33 USD) — The perfect gift for any gardener! Gardening allows us to live in a much more human way, grounded in nature and connected to Mother Earth and all she provides. It adds pleasure to your life and gives you a sense of calm. With your garden, you are quite literally growing a bounty of blessings. Lifelong gardener and bestselling author Becca Anderson has put her love of crafting and of gardening together in this book of inspired DIY ideas. Along with gardening tips and secrets for growing flowers, herbs, and veggies, Anderson shares dozens of how-to’s in this delightful guide on making candles, potpourri, bath salts, essential oils, floral waters, tinctures, liquors, pickles jams, and even fountains, birdhouses, and fairy doors. Even if your garden is just a hanging basket of cherry tomatoes or a windowsill filled with herb pots, you will still reap the benefits of gardening.

 

There are so many good books to get the year off to an amazing start!  Are you reading anything helpful for fun currently?

 

 

 

BoxyCharm BoxyLuxe Subscription Box Review — December 2019

IMG-2361Hi all! I received my December BoxyLuxe about of week ago. But, I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to review it. I started subscribing to BoxyLuxe last December and have been a subscriber of BoxyCharm for two and a half years.

The regular BoxyCharm box is $25 a month now. BoxyLuxe is a once-a-quarter upgrade option you can add to your existing $25-a-month Boxycharm subscription. So for an additional $24.99, you’ll get the Luxe box, 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 Whimsy. There’s a good mix of makeup, skincare and hair care this month.  Here’s what I received:

IMG-2410

My total this month is a whopping $485.50!  Wow!  Amazing for a $50 box.

IMG-2412

I’m excited about both of these!  I love Rituals and I haven’t tried this shower gel before.  I’m going to put it in my shower after we’ve used up all the holiday shower gels, LOL!

The IGK dry shampoo gets great reviews.  I don’t usually use dry shampoo much, but I will give this a go!

IMG-2413

The bottle of the Elemis oil is so gorgeous!  It is very rose-scented.  I like it, but I hope it isn’t too strong for me.  I have a few oils open now, so I will be trying it later.

The QMS product is so expensive!  It would be great if it worked on my lip lines.  I will be trying this soon.

I am already using the FRESH cleanser.  It’s such an OG cleanser, but I haven’t used it before. I like it so far.  It has a refreshing scent and really cleans skin without drying it out.

IMG-2419

I’ve been trying to decide if I want to keep the Ciate blush, but I think I will.  I don’t really have one in this darker pink shade.  I’m excited to try it!

I am not keeping the metallic lipstick or the liquid eyeliner.  I don’t wear either.  I’ll find someone who will love them, though.

IMG-2421IMG-2422

This is a very pretty palette!  I love how it looks like a book, and the shades are gorgeous.  I’m gifting this to someone, because I have so many eyes shadows that I need to use!  I am actually going to start a new series in 2020 where I review 20 of my current palettes that I haven’t reviewed yet.  I have so many that I bought last year or the year before and haven’t reviewed!

Do you get BoxyLuxe?  What did you get this month and what were your favorite products?

FHI Heat Rose Gold Collection Review

Hi all! The luxe hair tools brand FHI Heat has recently come out with their Rose Gold Collection.  It’s so gorgeous.  The collection is designed to deliver professional quality styles at an affordable price. Included in the collection are the Rose Gold Platform 1900 Pro Dryer, the Rose Gold Platform Titanium Iron 1”, the Rose Gold Mini Travel Dryer and the Rose Gold Mini Travel Iron 1”.

I was sent the FHI Heat® Rose Gold Platform Pro Dryer for my honest review:

IMG-2282IMG-2283IMG-2293

 

The FHI Heat® Rose Gold Platform Pro Dryer (MSRP $139.99)  

  • Ultra-Light Weight dryer, utilizing high performing tourmaline ceramic technology, this dryer is the go-to and must-have for all hair types
  • Moisture-locking negative ions seal in moisture, repel humidity, reduce frizz and help eliminate static
  • Far-infrared heat dries hair from the inside out for healthier results.

Here’s a close up of the dryer:

 

IMG-2294

It’s so pretty!  But looks aren’t everything, and luckily this works amazing, too!  I find that it dries my hair very quickly, and my hair is smooth and soft after drying.

So many dryers leave my hair brittle and frizzy.  This doesn’t and gives me salon quality blow outs! The attachments are easy to use and help direct the airflow how you want it.

Also included in the collection are:

The FHI Heat® Rose Gold Titanium Pro Styler (MSRP $159.99)  

  • Features titanium plates infused with magnesium to heat up quicker and transfer heat to the hair faster for smooth, silky results.
  • Extra-long plates (20% longer than regular flat irons) allow for easier styling while moisture locking negative ions keep hair healthy and hydrated.
  • LED temperature settings up to 450°F for all hair types

The FHI Heat® Rose Gold Mini Travel Dryer (MSRP $32.99)

  • Ultra-Light and powerful dual voltage DC motor dryer is ideal for home or travel
  • Ergonomically designed with folding handle providing easy storage
  • Includes: Speed dry nozzle and carrying pouch

 The FHI Heat® Rose Gold Mini Travel Iron (MSRP $40)

  • Fast heat-up and even heat distribution in a convenient compact size
  • Allows you to create multiple styles and seal in vital moisture
  • Dual 120/240 voltage for worldwide use

 

This collection would make a great gift for anyone who loves luxe hair tools that work so well.  Plus, they are so pretty!

You can purchase these in Kohl’s stores nationwide, www.kohls.com, and www.fhiheat.com

Morgan Taylor’s Champagne & Moonbeams Holiday/Winter 2019 Collection

IMG-2190.jpg

Hi all! I’m excited to share Morgan Taylor’s new collection.  I was sent this for my honest review. It’s Champagne & Moonbeams for Holiday/Winter 2019.  Silver, gold, reds, and nudes in metallics, cremes and glitters … you can change your look with every festive outfit!

 

image001 (19)

  • Tell Her She’s Stellar – Nude Crème
  • Let There Be Moonlight – Soft Gray Crème
  • Sprinkle Of Twinkle – Silver Glitter
  • A Starry Sight – Indigo Pearl
  • Walking On Stardust – Red Glitter
  • See You In My Dreams – Red Crème
  • From Dusk Til Dawn – Mauve Crème
  • Dancing & Romancing – Soft Pink Crème
  • Copper Dream – Copper Metallic
  • Gilded In Gold – Gold Metallic
  • Shooting Star – Chocolate Pearl
  • A Kiss In The Dark – Black Purple Crème

Here are close up photos of the shades:

IMG-2192

From left to right —  Tell Her She’s Stellar, Let There Be Moonlight, Shooting Star, Sprinkle Of Twinkle and Walking On Stardust.

IMG-2193

From left to right From Dusk Til Dawn, A Starry Sight, A Kiss In The Dark, Gilded In Gold, See You In My Dreams and Copper Dream.

I didn’t receive the shade Dancing & Romancing, but it’s very pretty too!

I have been wearing some of these and will be giving others as gifts. These would make a gorgeous gift for the nail polish lover in your life!

Morgan Taylor has such a gorgeous formula.  It is free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP, plus it’s so smooth to apply and looks gorgeous for days!

Have you tried Morgan Taylor Lacquer?  Which shades do you have?

 

Skincare Sunday — Derma E Fall Skincare

Hi all!  Happy Sunday! I hope you have been able to enjoy a long weekend. Can you believe it’s December???

I recently received a box of amazing Derma E skincare for my honest review.  Derma E is such an affordable brand that has such effective skincare for so many skin types and issues.  Here’s what I received:

IMG-2161

These are such cute products to use this fall, or to give as a gift. Here’s more info:

IMG-2163

The Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Oil ($13.95) — Formulated with skin-renewing Vitamin A plus antioxidant-rich Vitamin E helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful glow. This fragrance-free, potent concentrated oil blend absorbs quickly to soften and smooth the appearance of dry, aging skin.IMG-2164IMG-2167

The Perfect Travel Kit ($12.95) — This TSA-approved mini travel case includes three top selling travel-friendly products and a compact mirror for on-the-go quick fixes. Purifying Daily Detox Scrub gently exfoliates skin while removing impurities. The Vitamin C Concentrated Serum brightens while boosting hydration. Hydrating Night Cream replenishes and nourishes your skin while you sleep! Travel with DERMA E to maintain beautiful skin.

Derma E is currently having sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday so check out their website at https://dermae.com/.  You can also find Derma E at Ulta.

Have you tried Derma E before?  Which products do you love?