Happy Hump Day everybody!! I've been up since 3:15 this morning performing for The Bullycide Project, so I hope this post makes sense! I don't know about you, but I would very much like for it to be Friday now.
Today I've got reviews of more samples that I have been trying! I will be reviewing a moisturizer, a hair perfecting glosser, a face mask, and a lip balm. Let's get started!!
Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
I already described the benefits of this moisturizer in my January Birchbox post that you can read here. I just want to talk about how much I absolutely loved this moisturizer! It is so light on the skin, but so insanely nourishing and moisturizing at the same time. I love the smell; I can't explain it but it kind of smells like a plant-a really nice smelling plant! My skin felt so unbelievably soft after using this, and in the morning it was just as soft. Love love LOVE this! So tempted to buy a full jar!!
MY GRADE: A++
AVAILABLE AT: Sephora, or here
PRICE: $42 for 1.7 oz jar
Liquid Shine Shine Shock Perfecting Glosser
I received this in my Allure Holiday Beauty Box and it's full-size-I just decided to include it in a samples post. I wasn't super sure how I felt about this product at first because it didn't really seem to be doing anything. Then once I stopped using it, I could really tell a difference! Based on their website, this product:
Locks in shine, seals split ends and adds extreme gleam for truly dazzling results.
Delivers exquisite shine while illuminating multi-dimensional tones.
Super-light formula instantly smooths down flyaways and glosses away imperfections.
Illuminates the multi-dimensional brown tones that makes brown hair so unique
It definitely sealed my split ends and made my hair look insanely smooth, my hair did look glossier, not sure it really tamed any flyaways, and it definitely made my hair tone look brighter!! It's extremely easy to use, and it works. What more can you ask for??
MY GRADE: A
AVAILABLE AT: Drugstores, Target, Wal-Mart
PRICE: Around $7
Que Bella Deep Cleansing Aloe Vera Mask
I have seen these at my local Target for awhile now, and when I noticed that they were only $2/each, I bought all six varieties that they had (oops). First of all, I think the packaging is so cute; every different variety is a different color and the girl is always wearing the mask and how it should appear to look. I chose to try this particular mask first, because I have been trying a lot of products out on my skin so I wanted to purge all the build-up in my pores away! Here's what it looked like on my face:
Real cute I know
Pretty much clear and didn't feel too heavy on my skin. Here's what it looked like after I waited the 15 minutes that the directions recommended:
Gross I know
It definitely dried on my face way more than I thought it would. My face felt really tight and I actually couldn't wait to wash it off. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though; it is a deep cleansing mask so it's stripping your face of oils which obviously makes it very dry. My face didn't feel super dry after washing it off, but I applied moisturizer just in case. I'm not sure if I would buy this specific mask again, but I have heard good things about the brand so I'm excited to try the others! I'll be trying one a week, so keep an eye out for more reviews!
MY GRADE: B- (just for this particular mask)
AVAILABLE AT: I've only ever seen them in my local Target store on Lapeer Rd in Flint
PRICE: Around $2
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm in Healthy Blush
This is another product that I received in my Allure Holiday Beauty Box-full size! I've never really tried any Neutrogena lip products so I was excited to see how this worked! I forgot to get a picture of this on my lips, but wow I love it!! It's just as moisturizing as the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments that I've raved about, and for half the price!! I really love the color too-gives you a nice natural glow. Here's what Neutrogena is saying about it:
Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 helps make lips softer, rosier and
healthier-looking, even after you take it off! This sheer tinted balm
with exclusive ion2complex™ instantly moisturizes lips, leaving
them looking fuller and more defined. In just one week, it helps improve
lips' texture and restores the look of rosiness. SPF 20 helps protect
lips and keeps them looking healthy.
I'll have to see how my lips look after one week of using it, but just based on a few tries, I will definitely buy more shades!!
MY GRADE: A
AVAILABLE AT: Drugstores, Target
PRICE: Around $9
6 SHADES
That about sums it up! I'm running out of time to do a full Justice section, so I will leave you with an inspiring quote that I love:
"Whatever you are, be a good one."- Abraham Lincoln
Happy Monday everyone!! I hope that everyone is surviving this dreadful weather, and that you had a great start to your week! I'm already thinking about Friday...
I'm excited about todays post, because it's something that I've never done before! Lately, my face has been strangely oily and I came across some products that helped me with this problem. I knew that other people obviously also have this problem, and would probably want to know what I've tried, so today I will be sharing with you three products that helped solve this issue for me. Exciting right?? Let's get started!
Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15
I received this sample in a sample bag from Ulta, and thought this would be the perfect product to try. Based on the details on their website, this product:
-Reduces shine on contact and keeps skin free of excess oil for up to 8 hours
-Helps regulate oil production while preserving moisture to provide a long-lasting matte finish
Ingredients include:
-Willow Bark Extract to help manage breakouts and clear skin of impurities
-Argan Extract for smoother, softer skin
Overall, I REALLY liked this product! My bangs usually get kind of greasy and that makes my face oily, but that never happened while using this! It's also very moisturizing and didn't dry out my face at all. I think I actually skipped moisturizer, and just put this on my face before makeup. It really did mattify my face, and even after I got home from work my face still wasn't shiny. You can also apply this to your neck and chest, and the SPF 15 is a great bonus!!
MY GRADE: A+
AVAILABLE AT: Ulta, Sephora, or here
PRICE: $39.50 for 1.7 fl oz
Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets
These little miracle sheets instantly soak up the excess oil on your face, and remove the shine, without taking any of your makeup off. The sheets almost have like a nylon/smooth feel to them and they don't leave behind any residue or anything. As you can see from these pictures, these babies seriously work!! If I could recommend one product to keep in your purse at all times, these would be it. They really do not take off any of your makeup; I've never had to reapply makeup after using one of these. Talk about an affordable, fast fix!
MY GRADE: A++
AVAILABLE AT: Drugstores, Target, Wal-Mart
PRICE: Around $5
Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer
Yet another product from Clean & Clear! I have been using this moisturizer for years, and I feel like it is the perfect balance. This lotion combines oil-free moisturizers with .5% Salicylic Acid to moisturize skin, while also preventing acne. Most moisturizers just feel way too heavy on my skin, and that's when it gets greasy. This really does moisturize my face extremely well, without leaving my face oily, and I really have not had many breakouts while using it. If you're looking for an affordable moisturizer that combines moisture + treatment, then I would highly recommend this one.
MY GRADE: A+
AVAILABLE AT: Drugstores, Target, Wal-Mart
PRICE: Around $6
That about sums it up! If you do try these products, I hope that they work for you as well as they did for me!! If there are other beauty problems you're experiencing, let me know in the comments, and I will try and be of some help!
For the Justice portion of todays post, I wanted to remind you of my GIVEAWAY! I truly appreciate everyone who reads this blog, and would like to give back. I have put together a cosmetics bag full of a mix of samples and FULL-SIZE PRODUCTS!! I will choose randomly from my first 20 followers...but I still need 7 more followers to get to 20! Click the "Join this site" button at the top right-hand side of the page, and you will officially be a follower. Can't wait to see who wins!
Hello everybody! I hope you all survived this insanely cold day...reminds me how much I HATE winter! The first snowfall is pretty, and then I'm done. I can't wait to get back to my tan, happy, and energized self!
Today is kind of exciting, because I'll be reviewing two brand-new drugstore products!! Let's get started:
Maybelline The Flash Clean Makeup Removing Lotion
AND
Maybelline Classic Eye Makeup Remover
Maybelline has a brand-new line of makeup removers called Clean Express!. The line includes the products pictured above, and also makeup-removing towelettes which I did not purchase. Let's start with the Makeup Removing Lotion:
I really like this product! It works just as well as my $20 makeup removing lotion from Estee Lauder. The formula is like a typical lotion; I just apply it all over my face using my fingers and then wipe it off with a tissue-no water necessary! My face was honestly left completely makeup-free:
The formula includes Moringa Seed extract which can help clear impurities in your skin, and my face felt moisturized after using this-not dried out!! I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a fast but effective way to wash your face!
The eye makeup remover, I did not love as much. Notice in the picture above, how the formula seems separated? Apparently, it's a dual-phase formula and you have to shake it to activate it. The first phase breaks up your eye makeup, while the second phase washes it clean (isn't that what every eye makeup remover does??). I put some on a tissue and gently wipe away my eye makeup. It says "Oil-free, the formula leaves no greasy residue" right on the bottle, but that is a lie! It feels insanely oily and greasy and leaves a film of greasy residue around your eyes! You have to rinse with warm water after using it, which only makes the remaining mascara smear all over your face again. Definitely not a fan of this product!
MY GRADE: I can't grade this as an entire line, because I haven't tried the towelettes so I will give the makeup removing lotion an A- and the eye makeup remover a D+ (my lowest grade yet!!)
AVAILABLE AT: Drugstores
PRICE: 5.99 Each (I got mine BOGO1/2OFF because I'm a Balance Rewards member, so keep an eye out for deals)
Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss
This lipstick is GORGEOUS you guys!!! Kate Moss has partnered with Rimmel with a lipstick line before, but this is the first matte line by Kate Moss. First of all, isn't the packaging so cute?? The line comes in five shades, I picked 107 because she is wearing it in the display and it seemed like such a rich, beautiful color. Welp, it is!! They're marketing these as "Velvety rich color, sublime comfort" and I wouldn't describe them any differently. My pictures do not do this color justice whatsoever..it is so deep and rich and VELVETY I just can't stand it! The other shades in this line range from pink to nude, so I will definitely be checking those out. They're also calling it an 8 Hour Lipstick which I would totally agree with-I only had to re-apply once and that was after eating. Love love LOVE this lipstick!! Matte lipsticks can look kind of flat, so I'll usually wear one over a lip balm, or put gloss over it-just a tip!
MY GRADE: A++
AVAILABLE AT: Drugstores
PRICE: I got mine for $5.49
That sums up the reviews for today!
For the Justice portion, I wanted to include a quote by Martin Luther King Jr., because I forgot to yesterday! Short, simple, and to the point...just how Justice should be!
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
Hellooooo everybody!! First of all, I wanted to apologize for my mini-hiatus!! My older brother was in town before moving to Vermont yesterday morning, and I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. Things will return to normal this week...I promise!!
What better way to start off a week than by talking about my January Birchbox?? I know I definitely need a pick-me-up on this freezing winter day, so let's get started!
Here's how it looked when I opened it:
What was inside??
Harvey Prince Skinny Chic Perfume
First off, how cute is this packaging? I had never heard of Harvey Prince or this fragrance, so I was very excited to find out more. The company was started by two brothers who made an original perfume for their mother called Ageless. Every single perfume they make has it's own spirit and story. Ageless is a scent that defies age, whereas Skinny Chic (pictured above) is energizing and zesty.
Here's what the website says about it: "For the trendy woman on the go, Skinny Chic will keep your energy up and
your cravings down. With inviting notes of crisp green apple, sweet
mint, and gentle lotus blossom, this light, aromatic mix will exude
confidence and turn heads." I wore it at work today, and although it didn't really keep my cravings at bay (nothing ever would) it definitely kept me energized and lasted for most of the day!! I absolutely LOVE this scent...it really does smell like a fresh, crisp apple. I'm majorly tempted to buy the roller-ball size to keep in my purse.
MY GRADE: A-
AVAILABLE AT: Their website (They have a ton more fun fragrances like Eau Flirt and Eau Fling)
PRICE: Ranges from $21-55
Notes: Green Apple, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Marine Mint, Lotus Blossom, Fennel, White Cedarwood, Warm Amber, Iris
LASHEM Measurable Difference Lash Gel Serum
I had also never heard of this brand or tried a product like this. I am a little wary about trying this product, because my eyes can be a little sensitive...but I'm sure my curiosity will win! This product gives you longer and lusher lashes. This formula is a little different than most, because it continues working long after application...it permanently infuses your lashes with potent active ingredients. A blend of soothing actives gets rid of irritation, and all-natural green
tea, cucumber, goji berry and grape-seed extracts keep lashes glossy and
healthy. This is also a double-patented formula which makes me feel a lot better! You can also use this on your eyebrows!
AVAILABLE AT: Their website
PRICE: A whopping $69.99 for 3.5 ml
Granted, that amount would probably last you for a very long time, but this will have to be a miracle product for me to purchase it!
Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo
Yet another brand that I had never heard of! This shampoo restores health and shine to our over-worked strands. It is packed with a ton of vitamins and antioxidants:
-Black currant and soy restore vibrancy
-Acai berry and vitamin C deliver youth-boosting antioxidants
-Oolong tea and Irish moss defend against environmental damage
-Lemongrass and oatmeal gently cleanse and purify
This shampoo is also vegan friendly and free from sulfate/sodium chloride and parabens. I used it this morning, and unfortunately my hair feels dry...which I think is the opposite of how it's supposed to feel. The formula is very thick so I was afraid to use too much, but maybe I didn't use enough. I will keep testing it! The smell is very nice: it's scented with white freesia, golden amber, and warm musk.
AVAILABLE AT: Their website
PRICE: $32 for 250 ml (I received 52 ml)
theBalm Cosmetics Hot Mama Blush
I absolutely LOVE theBalm and have heard their blushes are to die for, so I was insanely excited to receive this in my box! I thought for sure this would be the one full-size product...sadly, not the case. This is teeeeny tiny, but still cute I guess. This shade combines subtle color with light-reflecting silica particles, to give you that peaches n' cream glow that every girl wants. You can wear this on your cheeks, your lids, or anywhere else that you would want a shimmery glow. I'm almost positive that I will love this and will end up buying the big version. theBalm always wins me over with their insanely cute packaging and quality products!!
AVAILABLE AT: Sephora, or here
PRICE: $20 for 7.08 grams (I received 1.0 grams. Sighhh)
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
I have heard of Fresh before and tried and loved their Sugar Lip Treatments (seriously. check em out) so I was excited to see these samples in my box. This is also a brand new product from Fresh so it's cool that I can try it out without having to buy it. This brand-new moisturizer is
made with a blend of seven actives to prevent and treat all
the signs of skin aging while keeping skin moisturized day and night. -Lotus Flower extracts and blue-green algae firm skin and prevent wrinkles -Hibiscus fruit extract hydrates skin from the inside out -Fig fruit extract helps skin retain moisture -Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants -Vegetable glycerol creates a natural moisture barrier on skin Sounds pretty promising right? I am definitely excited to try this!! AVAILABLE AT: Sephora, or here PRICE: $42 for 50 ml (I received 6 ml total) That was it for the samples, and then Birchbox also included this booklet on 25 ways to maximize your happiness this year, and the products you can use to achieve it. I thought it was cute:
Overall, I was happy with the samples I received this month. I love trying things from brands that I've never heard of, and I feel that everything in my box is extremely functional and something I will actually use. The only thing I'm frustrated about (yet again) is that there were ZERO full-size products in my box! Normally I wouldn't care, but compared to ipsy, there's really no excuse.
Now for some Justice...
I realized I talk about The Bullycide Project a lot, but never really explain what it's about! The Bullycide Project is based on the book Bullycide in America, compiled by Brenda High and written by mothers who have lost a child
to suicide due to excessive bullying. The Project tells the true
stories of ten individuals who committed bullycide, as well as personal
stories of members in our cast on subjects ranging from isolation to
cutting. We perform for grades 6-12 and have performed in: -over 40 school districts in the state of Michigan
-Las Vegas, Texas, Minnesota, Georgia
-Canada
We've been on CNN, CBS: 48 Hours, and we now have a brand new trailer out! I'm sharing it with you here; it really encompasses everything we do and what we're about. This production has completely changed my life, along with the thousands of people who have seen and experienced it. Enjoy, and SEE IT, HEAR IT, STOP IT!!
