October 2019 Beauty Favorites

Hi all, Happy Halloween! Can you believe the first of November is tomorrow?  The year is almost over!

Below are my beauty faves for October. 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 was loving a fun mix of makeup and skincare this month!

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This is the NARS Makeup Your Mind Eye & Cheek Palette.  I reviewed it here.

I use this every day for my bronzer and blush.  I love the blendability and shades. I haven’t used the eye shadows as much because I have so many new palettes I’m trying out. They are very pretty, though!

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I have really been enjoying the essence Pure Nude Highlighter again.  I haven’t used it in a while, and I brought it out for my October Shop My Stash.  It can be subtle on, or built up to really shine! And it’s affordable, too.

IMG-1827 Revlon PhotoReady Candid Antioxidant Concealer in 015 Light is so nice!  I haven’t reviewed it yet because I’ve just started using it month.  I purchased it a few months ago, but the shade was too light for me in the summer. It’s very easy to blend and covers really well.  This really makes me want to purchase more Revlon makeup products!

I got the Kopari Lip Glossy in the Fall Ulta 21 Days of Beauty sale, and it’s already almost gone!  It’s so smooth and hydrating.  I like to use it in the day and evening.  Definitely one I would repurchase again.

I wear my Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara over my Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer and my lashes look very long and don’t smudge!   The Thrive mascara is my favorite mascara discovery this year.  It’s so amazing!

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One of the skincare products this month I’ve been enjoying is the Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream.  I purchased this in the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty sale.  I use it as my day eye cream.  It instantly reduces dark circles.  It does have a bit of an orange tint to it, and maybe that’s why my eyes look so refreshed when I use it.

I am almost out of the Purlisse Blus Lotus Daily Moisturizer.  I got it in my August Ipsy Glam Bag Plus.  I’ve been using it every morning and really like how hydrating it is.  Plus, it has SPF 30!

I was sent Primera products for review, and have been using the Miracle Seed Essence after cleansing and toning.  It is a light hydrator and preps the skin for serum and other moisturizers.


That’s it for my October favorites.  Bring on November!  What have you been loving lately?

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review — October 2019

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Hey all! I recently received my October BoxyCharm! This month there were so many different variations.

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for over two years now and really enjoy it. BoxyCharm is now $21 a month for 4-5 beauty items, most of them full-sized. Next month, in November, it increases to $25 a month. The value is supposed to be a little more, though.  There is also a new BoxyCharm Premium starting in November.  It’s $35 a month for 6-7 products. I haven’t decided if I want to try that one yet.  I might cancel my Ipsy Ultimate (review to come), and get that instead.

My version is 39. This month I received:

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Total — $140 — great for paying $21!

I am in love with this box!  Probably one of the best ones I’ve gotten in a long time.  The Touch in Sol balm was the item I chose this month, so I’m excited to use it.  I’m already using the lip gloss and it’s beautiful — not sticky at all.  I don’t think I’ve noticed plumping, but it’s minty and nice.

I’m really looking forward to trying the Illuminati sponge.  I’ve never heard of the brand before, but it’s soft and I wonder how it will feel once wet.  I’m going to hold on to it for when I need a fresh sponge.

The only product I may give away is the Tarte highlighter.  I don’t really wear liquid highlighter.

My favorite item of the box is definitely the Dose of Colors palette.  I’ve been wanting to try one of their 5-pan palettes.  Here is a close up of the palette:

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So pretty!  And the shades are so smooth.  Here’s swatches:

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All of these shades swatched really nicely.  I’m excited to use it!

I’m very happy with my box this month.  Next month will be a more expensive box and it’s also supposed to be worth more.  I’ve seen a couple of spoilers and it looks like it will be a great box!


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

Nourishing Beauty Products For Face, Hair and Body!

Hi all! I hope you’re having an amazing weekend!

I’m back with a review of some products I’m loving this fall.  These products are so nourishing for face, hair and body.  I received these for my honest review:

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Crepe Erase Hydrating Body Toning Mist in Citrus ($25 (USD) — Formulated with water-binding trehalose, as well as their exclusive TruFirm Complex, this light mist acts like a magnet for moisture, making it a perfect layering essence that preps skin for and amplifies the results of their Advanced Body Repair Treatment. I think this smell so nice and feels really hydrating on the skin.  This is so nice for colder weather.  It locks moisture in. Purchase at Ulta.com

Sky Organics Organic Rosewater Facial Mist ($14.95 USD) — Made with 100% pure Rosewater steam distilled from Lebanese roses.Full of natural anti-inflammatory properties, Rosewater instantly soothes redness and balances skin’s pH, all while providing lightweight hydration to soften, moisturize, and balance skin. I like using this as a hydrating toner and as a makeup setting spray.  This can also be used to soothe scalp dryness.  I just tried it and it did help my dry scalp!  Very cool.

Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil 16 oz ($15.95 USD) — The Organic Castor Oil is cold-pressed from ethically sourced Castor Seeds from Kerala, India. Naturally high in Ricinoleic acid, Castor Oil is known for its ability to fortify and restore dry, damaged or thinning hair, and promote hair growth. Its anti-inflammatory properties and fatty acid content help nourish and treat the scalp to promote growth and strengthen hair at the root.  This is a nice scalp treatment as well and can also be used to naturally lengthen and thicken eyelashes and brows!

Both products can be purchased at  skyorganics.com

Dr. Natural Pure-castile Liquid Soap ($10.86 USD) – Eucalyptus 32 Oz — Dr. Natural is a multi-purpose, pure Castile liquid soap, made from coconut and olive oils, shea butter and other high-quality ingredients to effectively cleanse while keeping skin moisturized for total body care. With no animal ingredients, artificial colors, parabens or sulfates, it can be used for multi-purposes such as a body wash, hand soap, shampoo, facial cleanser, shaving and bath soak. All items are made in the USA. Made with Organic Shea Butter. Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Dye Free, Cruelty Free, No artificial colors. 

This is a very nice soap and it comes in other scents as well — Almond, Lavender and Peppermint.

Available at Amazon.com


What new beauty products are you loving this fall?

 

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.

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 September.

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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:

 

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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!

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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:

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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!

 

September 2019 Beauty Favorites

Hi all!  It’s almost October, which means it’s time for my September favorites!

Below are my beauty faves for September. 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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My favorites this month include a good mix of makeup and skincare, plus a hair care item!

I’ve been trying out loads of new skincare the last few months and love to spotlight my favorites each month.  Plus, a few of these favorites are from subscription boxes.

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I received the Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum in my BoxyLuxe for September. I use it every morning after cleansing and toning.It really brightens my skin!

The Primera Alpine Berry Water Cream is so hydrating. 

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion has made such a difference in my fine lines.

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I purchased the Smashbox Primerizer during the spring Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty. I didn’t want to wear it in the summer heat and humidity, but now that it’s cooler, I’m really enjoying this.  It smooths and hydrates the skin.  Perfect before foundation to create a moisturized base.

I also got the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Scents in Creamy Coconut in the Ulta’s Spring 21 Days. I only have about a third of this left.  I like the soft coconut set and it performs just like the original spray.

The IGK Hair Mistress Hydrating Balm was also included in my September BoxyLuxe.  This is a gorgeous balm that works to smooth damp or dry hair. I use this every day to tame my frizzies.

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The Wander Beauty Frame Your Face brow pencil was in my September Ipsy Glam Bag Plus. The shade is Dark Brown and it works well for me.  The pencil is a bit of a dry formula and takes a little pressure to use, but I like the effect I get with it.

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This pretty face palette is the Ofra x Madison Miller Miller Squad Midi Palette. I also received this in September Ipsy Glam Bag Plus. The blush is really nice for fall and I enjoy the highlighters, although they are very similar to each other.

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I’ve had the Sigma Beauty Enchanted Eyeshadow Palette for a couple of months.  I’ve posted about it on my Instagram (fortyflirtyfab), but I haven’t reviewed it here yet. I do plan on reviewing it soon.  It is unfortunately sold out on the Sigma Beauty website, but I have found it on Amazon here.

This is a stunning palette!  You can create ethereal or even very dramatic looks with it.  The shadows blend nicely.  Some of the shimmers need to be built up, but that’s fine with me.

———————————————————————————————————————————That’s my September favorites.  Bring on October! What have you been loving this month?

 

 

 

FRÉ Body Care Review

Hi all!  I hope your weekend is going well! I’m back with an amazing body care line.

FRÉ BODY is the first comprehensive skincare set for your body, specially formulated for active skin. If you are an athlete or just active, you need a tailor-made solution to protect your skin from the daily combination of sweat, sun, and environmental aggression.

Even though summer’s over, I’ve started working out again, and it’s still pretty warm in Kansas City.  It’s so important to take care of all skin, and keep it glowing and protected.

Here’s the products I received:

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Protect Body Defense Moisturizer with SPF30 ($40 USD) — This unique moisturizer gives skin deep hydration, keeping it soft and preventing sweat-induced breakouts. It is also formulated to shield skin from immediate and long-term effects of the sun’s UVA, UVB, and IRA rays. The combination of Argania Active Complex©and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also rejuvenates aged tissues and has anti-inflammatory effects on skin.

Glow Body Nourishing Dry Oil ($45 USD) — Give your skin an extra nourishing boost post-shower, with GLOW BODY. It is infused with antioxidants, which help to improve skin’s elasticity and suppleness. It deeply hydrates skin, replenishing any moisture that is lost during workouts. GLOW BODY reduces wrinkles, giving skin the smooth, soft feel it deserves. Finally, it is formulated to add luster to the skin, giving a more youthful appearance and a healthy and natural glow.

Purify Body Clarifying Body Cleanser ($35 USD) — Deep, gentle exfoliation with Argania Active Complex©Say goodbye to post-sweat body acne and breakouts, with PURIFY BODY. This mild, clarifying cleanser helps to remove the oils, toxins, and sweat that builds up in your skin during workouts. It is formulated to remove any layers of dry, damaged or flaking skin while keeping your pores clear and improving blood circulation.

What I think:  I really enjoy all of these products.  The scent is fresh and herbal. I love taking a shower or bath after a workout and using the cleanser.  It’s a mild scrub that really cleans the dirt and sweat and leaves skin soft!  The oil is so hydrating!  It skins right into the skin, but leaves a subtle glow.  And I love that the lotion has SPF in it.  It hydrates and protects at the same time.

You can purchase all three products separately or in a bundle here.

Have you tried these products or anything by FRE skincare?

 

 

Skincare Sunday — Derma E Acne Treatment Collection

Hi all! I’m back already with my next Skincare Sunday!  I have been sent Acne treatment products from Derma E for my honest review.

I love Derma E.  Their products are all natural and they believe that skin health can be visibly improved through the right combination of potent vitamins, wholesome nutrients and exceptional ingredients.

For these products, the power of Salicylic Acid is enhanced with their signature Anti-Blemish Complex, which is comprised of Tea Tree Oil, Willow Bark Extract, Lavender and Chamomile. This unique blend of plant-based ingredients doesn’t just help unclog pores—it also soothes and balances skin for a remarkably clearer complexion.

The products I received are:

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Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash ($15.50 USD) — A daily cleanser that removes built-up oil and debris to help unclog pores, promote clear skin and prevent breakouts.

Acne Rebalancing Cream ($19.50 USD) — A skin-balancing formula that provides essential nutrients to help clear and prevent breakouts, reducing redness and irritation.

Acne Blemish Control Treatment Serum ($16.99 USD) — This acne blemish treatment serum helps to fight against blackheads, breakouts and cystic acne.

What I think:  I do get breakouts from time to time, and these products really help, especially during the humid summer months when I have more oil products on my face.  The was is so refreshing and it cleans the skin without drying it out.  The cream is nice to use in the morning or evening, it helps control oil and prevents breakouts. The serum does, too.  It’s light, but helps with acne.

I really recommend these products if you are fighting acne.  They are affordable, as well.

You can purchase Derma E products at Ulta or dermae.com.

 

 

Skincare Sunday — Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Facial Serum Roller

Hi all!  I hope you are having an amazing weekend! I’m back with a new Skincare Sunday.  It’s been at least a few weeks since I’ve done one.

This week, I’m reviewing a new skincare product from Philosophy.  It’s the Ultimate Miracle Worker Fix Facial Serum Roller.  Here’s a photo of the product and info from Philosophy’s website:

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“Don’t let gravity bring you down—get lifted with our ultimate face serum roller! Our next-generation face serum roller helps you see more sculpted-looking facial contours* while the stainless steel applicator adds a smooth, cooling touch. our exclusive “lift-fix “complex, which contains a combination of patented bi-retinoid (hpr+), a triple blend of peptides, kigelia africana fruit extract, edelweiss extract and soy extract, helps visually lift the look of skin, and smooth the look of wrinkles.*

The results are in:*

  • in just 10 days skin looks lifted and firmer
  • in 3 weeks chin and neck look tighter
  • laugh lines appear reduced
  • over time facial contours appear more sculpted and toned

*Based on an 8-week consumer test with 115 women aged 45-65″

What I think:  This is such a cool product, especially for those (me) who are aging and need a little firming up.  It’s very easy to apply, just turn the roller so the arrow matches with “on”.  Then you can squeeze out the product and apply it with the roller over areas of your face and neck that you would like to firm.

Because of the cooling applicator, this feels really nice to apply. I use it day and night.  I have noticed some firming on my neck and chin.  That’s wear I mostly need it.

I am really enjoying this product and the results I’m getting from it.  I will continue using it and hope to see more firming!

 

 

 

 

 

Skincare Sunday — Primera Brand Review

Hi all, Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend is amazing!

I was recently sent skincare products from Primera for my honest review.

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The brand Primera is a clean K-Beauty brand by AmorePacific.  They are sold at Sephora, so the products are readily available.

Primera’s skin-care products are formulated with some type of plant or fruit seeds. Seeds, and more specifically, the moment that a seed sprouts, are the inspiration behind the brand.

I love the packaging of these products. It is eco-friendly. In addition to using recycled paper boxes, plastic bottles, and glass jars, Primera prints all product information directly on the box in soy ink to reduce waste.

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Clean Berry Lip Mask ($20) — A rich leave-on lip mask that helps cushion, soothe, and protect with a natural mix of conditioning butters and extracts; lips are left hydrated, soft, and refreshed.

Alpine Berry Water Cream ($40) — A dewy cream that sinks in instantly while providing lasting hydration and nourishment.

Miracle Seed Essence ($58) — A concentrated essence that helps to visibly smooth texture, improve tone, increase hydration, and help protect from environmental stressors at the same time. This also comes with a pack of 70 very soft natural cotton pads.

What I think:  I’m enjoying all of these products! The lip mask and water cream are both extremely hydrating. The lip mask is a bit hard, and takes a little work to smooth it over the lips.  It does moisturize well overnight and my lips are smooth in the morning.

The water cream is very hydrating and does take a few minutes to sink in.  It does deeply hydrate and my skin looks very smooth and glowing in the morning.

My favorite product so far is the essence.  It is instantly hydrating and smoothing.  I apply it after cleansing with one of the soft cotton pads that come with it. It’s really good for stressed out skin or even just a day in the sun.  I also love the glass bottle, it’s so pretty!

These can all be purchased at Sephora.


Have you tried Primera? What K-Beauty brands do you love?

 

 

New Pixi Beauty Skintreats — Retinol Collection and Zero Zit

Hi all! I hope you are having an amazing week!

I’m back with some amazing skincare!  I was sent new fab Pixi Beauty for my honest review.

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Pixi just released a new Retinol Collection which contains a unique time-released retinol.  This allows the products to be used by even those with sensitive skin.  That is perfect for me.  I would love to use more retinol, but I have sensitive skin.

They have also released Zero Zit which is Pixi’s first ever blemish solution to launch in the U.S.

Here’s more about the products:

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Retinol Eye Cream ($22 USD) — Formulated to improve elasticity, smooth & protect the delicate skin around the eye area.

Retinol Jasmine Lotion ($24 USD) — Lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, this antioxidant-rich milky-lotion is the perfect daily moisturizer for a youth enhancing effect. Formulated with vitamin A, jasmine oil and peptides to renew, smooth and deeply nourish.

Retinol Jasmine Cleanser ($18 USD) — Creamy moisturizing cleanser enriched with vitamin A (retinol), antioxidants and ceramides removes all impurities for smoother, firmer and more radiant looking skin.

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Zero Zit ($24 USD)  — A lightweight gel-formula spot treatment with sulfur & salicylic acid to control oil & treat the blemish … but it also has aloe vera which makes it super soothing and moisturizing on the skin.

Overnight Retinol Oil ($24 USD) — This exquisite oil blend helps to restore skin plumpness and improve the appearance of fine lines and pores.

Retinol Tonic ($15 3.4 oz) — This potent youth preserving tonic features a unique time-release Retinol to help rejuvenate the skin for a natural glow. Powerful antioxidants and botanicals replenish the skin for a smoother, softer appearance while soothing sensitive skin.

What I think:  I am excited most about the retinol products.  I want to start using it more in my skincare routine, but my skin is very sensitive.  These products are amazing for sensitive skin!

I have tried the retinol tonic before and it’s gentle, but leaves a really pretty glow.  The night oil absorbs quickly and a little goes a long way.  The cleanser is very creamy and is so hydrating.  It’s a good evening cleanser.

My favorites are the eye cream and moisturizer.  They are both really hydrating without being greasy.  I have noticed that the eye cream smooths and firms the eye area.  I only wish the products had a jasmine scent the them, since a lot of them have jasmine oil in them.  I love the scent of Jasmine!  But these all are very lightly scented if they have a scent at all, and that’s nice for those who can’t tolerate scented products.

I also have tried the Zero Zit on a breakout.  I just applied it to the affected area for a couple of days and it did seem to work.  Plus, it didn’t dry out or irritate my skin.

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Have you tried Pixi Beauty Skintreats?  What are your favorites?