#skinandco – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Shop My Stash December 2019 Results and Monthly Empties

Hi All! I’m back with my December Shop 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 December.

I’ve had a lot of fun playing with these products this month! And I have definitely decided to keep all of these products!

I usually wear a lip pencil and lip gloss everyday, but I do enjoy these lipsticks. They are matte, so I wear a gloss over them. They are very long wearing.

Here are the palettes open:

The ABH Sultry palette was my favorite product in my stash this month. I haven’t really used it much before this month. I love it! It’s so gorgeous. All the looks I made with it have been every day looks with a touch of glam. The shimmers/metallics take all looks to the next level! I used most of the shades in this.

I also used the Urban Decay Elements palette a few times in December. I like this palette, especially the purples and bronzes. I don’t really wear the blues, greens or the matte pink. The gold in this palette is so gorgeous! I’m going to keep this for now, but if it takes me until next holiday season to use it again, I will pass it on to someone else.

I used the highlighters in this Ofra x Madison Miller palette a lot. I would often forget to wear the blush, but when I did, I liked it. It’s not my favorites shade, but it blends out nice and wears well. The highlighters are so glowy! I will keep this and see if I reach for it.

Now, on to my empties!

I have a good amount of empties for December. Mostly skincare as always.

Out of these products, I can see myself repurchasing the Smashbox Primerizer (on sale) and the Ordinary Hyaluronic acid (when I am needing it). I have other hydrating serums that I am using now. The Primera water cream was nice, but I have a lot of moisturizers open and in my stash, so if I purchase it, it won’t be for a while. The Meaningful Beauty SPF moisturizer is okay. It’s a bit greasy and I’d like to find a less heavy sunscreen this year.

I LOVE both of these mists. The Skin & Co one is great for setting makeup and the Botanics mist is one I use after washing my face as a toner. I’m not going to purchase new ones write now because I have lots of mists to use up.

The Primera essence is so lovely! I may be repurchasing it. I have been working on the Soap & Glory Righteous Butter for a long time! I do like it, but don’t have to have it. I’m using other body creams right now.

December was another successful Shop My Stash and I used up lots of good products!

I’ve decided I’m going to do the same style Shop My Stash this year. From time to time I might add in some complexion products. We’ll see. I was thinking of doing a Project Pan, too. But I’m not sure. What do you think? Do you shop your stash or do Project Pans?

Shop My Stash October 2019 Results and Monthly Empties

Hi All! I’m back with my October Shop 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.

Unfortunately, I was sick for the last two weeks or so, so I didn’t wear makeup all month,

My most used products were the eyeshadow palettes and the essence highlighter. I used each palette a few times, the same with the highlighter.

The essence highlighter is so gorgeous! It can be worn sheer for a soft glow or built up to really shine!

I already let go of the Laura Geller blush. It was too dark for my skin tone, and it’s too old. And I have to say that I’m not really a fan of the Colourpop lipsticks, especially the Blur formula. It is pretty drying on my lips and the Creme formula isn’t much better.

Here’s photos with the eye shadow palettes open:

I really do love this Natasha Denona palette. I created a pretty pumpkin spice look with the orange and yellow shades a few times and also really love the red and purple shades. I am definitely keeping this beauty!

I love this Huda Beauty Smoky Obsessions palette, too! I create really pretty everyday looks with the brown mattes and the lighter shimmers. And the black and silver made a fun Halloween smoky eye! I love the quality of these shades and will be keeping it!

I think this is the first month this year that I’m getting rid of more than one item! I guess that’s good because my collection has really grown this year!

Now on to my empties:

As usual, my empties are mostly skincare, but I do have two makeup items. I’ve had my Tarte Shape Tape for over a year, and it’s finally empty. I might purchase it again in the future. It’s a nice concealer, but I have a few I’m using now and probably won’t need to purchase a new concealer well into next year! The Flower Beauty Seal the Deal matte spray is okay, but smells like perfume, so I won’t purchase it again.

I used up two cleansers. Skin & Co Whipped Cleansing Cream and Dr. Brandt Yogurt Cleanser. The Skin & Co cleanser is amazing at removing makeup and it so hydrating. I would purchase it again. The Dr. Brandt one was okay. I got it in a BoxyCharm. It’s expensive so I wouldn’t purchase again.

For the rest of the skin care, The Skin & Co Truffle Toner is amazing — so cleansing and hydrating. I would purchase again (and if you want to purchase from https://skinandcoroma.com/ and use code LORENA20, you’ll get 20% off your order!).

The StriVectin Neck Cream is lovely and so is the Mamonde eye cream!

October was quite a month. Since I was sick for over half of the month, I’m glad it’s over and I’m looking forward to November. Bring it on!

Shop My Stash September 2019 Results and Monthly Empties

Hi All! I’m back with my September Shop 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.

I enjoyed most of these products. The Jane Iredale face makeup kit and the IT Cosmetics Hello Cheekbones bronzer and highlighter are both really nice! I used both of them a few times each week. The bronzer is very warm, but it worked well as I was losing my summer tan.

The PUR lip gloss is so pretty. It’s hydrating and not sticky. And I love the shade, Focused. It looks nice on it’s own, over a lip liner and over a lipstick. Also, it lights up and there’s a mirror on the side.

The only item I will probably let go of is the MGS Accessories Matte Liquid Lipstick in Posh. It’s very drying. I’ve never really been a fan of liquid lipsticks, but I keep trying!

Here’s photos with the eyeshadow palettes open:

The Urban Decay Naked Reloaded is my most used item this month. I really enjoyed using this palette. I’m pretty sure I tried almost every shade in the palette. It’s so nice for everyday wear. You can also make a more dramatic look for evening. The mattes are really easy to blend and the shimmers are gorgeous!

This is also and Urban Decay palette and the formula is just as beautiful as the Naked Reloaded. It’s the Urban Decay On The Run Mini Palette in Shortcut. I have made soft pink looks and dramatic, sparkly looks with this. I will be keeping both palettes.

Now on to my empties:

I have a few empties to share this month. I used up a few body creams that I have been working on over the summer. I loved the Body Shop Banana scent, but the gel texture of the Body Yogurt is not my favorite. I would purchase this scent in the Body Cream. I would repurchase both Sol de Janeiro creams. They are so silky and both smell amazing!

I enjoyed all three serums I used up. I am working on other serums, so I probably won’t buy a new one for a while.

I also like the Koh Gen Doh wipes and may purchase them in the future. I like the Urban Decay Troublemaker mascara just fine, but I have ton’s of mascara to try out.

Stay tuned for October Shop My Stash — I’m hoping for cooler weather soon!

July 2019 Beauty Favorites

Hi all! It’s almost August, which means it’s time for my July favorites!

Below are my beauty faves for July. As usual, If I have reviewed them before, I will include the link, if not, I will link to where you can purchase:

Like last month, I don’t have a lot of color cosmetic favorites. I’ve been really into trying out new skincare.

In my last month’s faves, four of the products were from my June BoxyLuxe. It was such an amazing box! None of these products are from my July subscription boxes. I did like some of my Ipsy Glam Bag Plus this month and couple of Boxycharm products. I am still testing them out, so maybe we’ll see them in my next month’s favorites.

These have been my favorite skincare this month. Two are from Skin&Co Roma. I reviewed them here. The Whipped Cleansing Cream is amazing! My skin instantly looks smoother after washing. I’ve never had a cleanser improve the appearance of my skin before. I also love the serum. It’s creamy and sinks right into the skin. It also instantly hydrates and I love it!

You can purchase Skin&Co Roma 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!

I also reviewed the DHC Urumai Cream this month. It’s a beautiful hydrating cream that I love to use at night. It hydrates all night and when I wake up my skin is soft and glowing.

I purchased some The Ordinary skincare from Ulta a few weeks ago. This is my first time trying products from this brand and I am enjoying them! I’m especially loving the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. At first I thought it might be breaking me out, but it wasn’t. It’s very hydrating, but a little sticky, so I apply it after toner and layer on other serums (like the Skin&Co Roma one above) so I don’t have sticky skin when I go to bed. It really helps in hydrating and plumping up my skin.

These products are a bit more makeup-y. I purchased the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ in Creamy Coconut during the Ulta 21 Days of beauty spring sale this year. I love purchasing staples like sprays. primers and powders during the sale. This was half off! I started using it when I ran out of my regular Fix+. It works the same, it just has a soft coconut scent.

I got the NYX Pore Filler primer last year. I just used up my Cover FX pore filling primer so I’m giving this a go. It works pretty well to fill in my pores. I use a more hydrating primer, then this one in my t-zone.

My favorite recent purchase is the PÜR 4-In-1 Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation & Concealer. I haven’t reviewed this yet, but I might do a review soon. Would you like to see that? I can say that this foundation works so well for me. It is full coverage, but melts into the skin and looks so natural on. The shade I have is LP4. It’s a little light for me now, because I have a bit of a tan, but will work will for fall and winter.

My Buxom Lip Creams are in my Shop My Stash for July. This is the shade Hot Toddy. I have been wearing them a lot, especially this shade. They are so shiny and just a little bit tingley.

Last but not least is a fun new palette. My friend Angie gave me a gift card to Ulta for my birthday, and I picked this up! It’s the Tarte Unleashed Eyeshadow Palette. I love the shades in these — the names are so fun! And it smells amazing!

Have you tried any of these? What products have you been loving in July?

Brand Review and Code — Skin&Co Roma

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

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:

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:

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!

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!

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.

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?

BoxyCharm BoxyLuxe Subscription Box Review — June 2019

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:

Touch in Sol No Poreblem Prime Essence — $23
Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast – $29
dr. brandt Clean Biotic Cleanser – $35
Skin & Co. Truffle Therapy Refresh Mist — $35
Trestique Good Vibes Mascara – $25
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum – $58
Tarte Tarteist™ PRO Glow Cheek Palette V3 — $45
Dominique Cosmetics Lemonade Lip Gloss – $17
pyt hair Mini Turbo on-the-go Dryer in purple – $85

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

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!

I 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.

The 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.

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!

Aren’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!

———————————————————————————————————–

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