Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Hawaiian Tropic Review

I just recently received the middle sunscreen as a sample in a beauty box and my best friend purchased the other two for me so I figured I would include them all together in one post. 
I am very fair and burn very easy so I am using sunscreen a lot in the summertime. 

The first product is Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face. I have been using this daily for two months now. It is $9.99 at Ulta. This sunscreen has SPF 30. It is oil free, non greasy, hypoallergenic, won't clog pores, and has a weightless matte finish. It is infused with silk protein and shea butter. It claims a 12 hour moisturizer with a warm tropical fragrance. It is water resistant for 80 min and is dermatologist tested. I really like this sunscreen. Its just as moisturizing as my regular moisturizer. I have not had any break outs with it and it smells really nice. 

The second product is Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport. It is $7.99 at Target. This sunscreen is fast absorbing, sweat resistant and 80 min water resistant. It has an SPF of 30 and a light tropical scent. It is a breathable, ultra light formula that is oil free and dermatologist tested. I honestly have not had a chance to decide if it will prevent me from burning because our weather has been nothing but rain for the last few weeks. It went on very easily and rubbed in quickly with no greasy residue and no heavy sunscreen scent. The tropical scent smells really nice and is not strong at all once it is on your skin for a few minuets. I liked the fact it did not feel like sunscreen when I put it on either. Now if only our weather would actually be nice so I can put it to the test!

The final product is Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun. It is $9.99 at Ulta. This after sun lotion combines ribbons of gel and lotion infused with silk protein and shea butter. It claims to have 24 hour moisturization. It also has aloe for cooling benefits and your skin is left soft and refreshed. It has a coconut papaya scent. I really like this product. I use it often after getting out of the hot tub. The consistency is so different with it being both a gel and lotion. It is very refreshing on the skin and smells very nice. The only thing I don't really like about it is that it is very tacky for a few minuets after putting it on. After those few minuets it just leaves your skin feeling very moisturized. 

Would I purchase? Yes, I would purchase the face lotion and the after sun for sure and will decide on the sunscreen once I can actually test it in the sun. 

Monday, May 30, 2016

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Eye Patch Review

In this Mask Monday post I am excited to try these Tony Moly Eye Patches. I just recently purchased these at Ulta for $3.
These eye patches are infused with bamboo extract to help brighten skin and diminish fine lines, and dark circles. It also promotes moisturization. 
I found that there was no scent to these patches. They are black patches so you do kind of look like a panda when you use these. These patches are very saturated. You can leave them on for 10-20 minuets so I left the patches on for 15 minuets. They pretty much got rid of all dark circles and they even depuffed my under eye. My eye area was so soft and moisturized for the entire day. 

Would I purchase? Absolutely! They worked a lot better than I was ever anticipating. 

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Sample Source Unboxing

I just received my most recent Sample Source box and I must admit I was really happy with how much was in this box. 
In the box I received:
- Bona Hardwood Cleaner
- Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste
- Colgate Total Daily Repair Mouthwash
- 2 Colgate coupons
- Chia Plus Coconut Chia Granola
- Sundown Naturals Adult Multivitamins
- Breathe Right Strips
- Natures Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies
- Garner Grow Strong Shampoo and Conditioner
- Garner Curl Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner and Curl Stretch Loosening Pudding
- Avalon Organics Intense Defense Cleansing Milk, Antioxidant Oil, Sheer Moisture SPF 10

As always if you would like to see a review on any of these products please leave me a comment and let me know!

Friday, May 27, 2016

Nude Detox Gentle Brightening Fizzy Powder Wash Review

I was very curious when I received this sample. I have never used a powder wash before. 
I found a full size on Amazon for $79.99 so it is quiet pricey. 
This is a powder to foam treatment wash that polishes and brightens with gentle enzymes and Vitamin C to leave your skin smooth, soft and luminous. 
In addition to vitamin c it also contains Omegas 3,6, and 9 and acerola. 
I really enjoyed using this cleanser. Its totally different from anything I have ever used before. It did not have any scent and it only took a couple drops of water to activate the powder. It has such a gentle exfoliation that you do not even notice it is exfoliating. It was very refreshing while massaging it into your face. I found it really did brighten my skin and my skin was left very smooth and soft. 

Would I purchase? Yes, but I doubt I will ever be able to afford it!

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Review

I received this shampoo in a Beauty Box and I was trying to figure out how to do a review on it, I have blonde hair. So, my mom was kind enough to use it and tell me her opinion on the shampoo. 
This shampoo claims to gradually create naturally glowing color with the color depositing system. It is ammonia, and peroxide free. It is safe on color treated hair and safe for highlights and lowlights. 
You can purchase the full size at Target for $8.99.
Mom said the shampoo had a very nice, light, clean smelling scent and made her hair very soft and easy to manage. She did not notice any difference in the color of her hair. 

Would I purchase? Not for me since I am blonde. 































disclaimer* received in a beauty box, opinions are my own

Monday, May 23, 2016

Cera Ve Healing Ointment Review

I received this Cera Ve Healing Ointment in 2 beauty boxes recently. 
You can purchase the full size at Ulta for $3.99.
It is a non-greasy ointment that soothes and heals extremely dry, chapped, chafed skin including excema. 
It also temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Also, helps protect from wind and cold weather. 
I really liked this ointment. It reminds me of the aquafor ointment but I actually liked this one better. It is not super greasy and worked really well for chapped lips and dry hands. It also did not have a smell. 

Would I purchase: Yes I will be purchasing this 

BioRepublic Green Tea Detox Mask Review

Welcome back to Mask Monday! This is my second mask I have tried from this brand. For this particular mask you can purchase it on Biorepublic for $4.99. This is a purifying mask with Vitamin E and is good for all skin types. It is designed to reduce the appearance of blemishes and imperfections.
I found when I used this it was very saturated with a very light, pleasant scent. My face was sticky for about 2 hours after I used it but then it did even out to being very soft. I did not notice any change in blemishes though. 

Would I repurchase? I doubt it, there are other masks I like more. 































disclaimer: I received this in a beauty box, all opinions are my own. 

Saturday, May 21, 2016

RachhLoves Spring Favorites Topbox Unboxing

This box was designed by Rachhloves on YouTube and I was very excited to receive mine the other day. It is $19 and you are able to customize the shades of nail polish and the shades of the lipgloss. The following is what I received in my box. 
- NYX Butter Gloss in Sugar Cookie
- Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara
-Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment
-Delectable Everything Balm
-2 mini Essie Summer Collection Nail Polish in Loot the Booty and Viva Antigua. Only the first 4000 (I think) boxes got the mini summer collection polishes. After those boxes were sold you get to chose a full size Essie best seller polish.

Keep a look out for upcoming reviews on several of these products. :)

Tarte Tartiest Lip Crayon Review

I received this Tartiest Lip Crayon in the color Latergram in my recent Sephora Play Box. 
A little bit about this liner is there are 10 matte finishes and 1 satin finish. You can buy the full size at Sephora for $18. This liner claims to prime and line lips for a perfect contoured look. It claims to be an easy, glide on formula that is highly pigmented in one swipe. It is a twist up so you don't have to worry about sharpening. It is free of paraben and phthalates. It is also vegan and dermatologist tested. It contains Vitamin E to nurture dry skin and mineral pigments to produce long lasting color and help soothe the skin. 
I was extremely disappointed in this product. I loved the color and I love that it is a twist up liner. However, to use it on my lips it was super dry, no pigment and kept breaking off. To achieve the small swatch shown in the picture it took me pressing extremely hard to get the color and it broke multiple times while I was attempting the swatch. 
I do not know if this is a problem with just the sample size or if it is a problem with all of them. I do know there are multiple people with the same problem as I have with the liner they got in their play box. 

Would I purchase? No, only because I don't want to spend the money not knowing if it will be any better. 

Friday, May 20, 2016

Colgate Optic White Review

It was nice to get this sample in a beauty box. My boyfriend currently uses optic white but not the express white. 
This can be purchased at Target for $3.99. 
This toothpaste claims whiter teeth in 3 days. It contains 2x's the whitening ingredient, hydrogen peroxide. It is safe for daily use and it protects enamel and provides anti- cavity fluoride protection. 
Its a very nice mint flavor and doesn't just taste like a whitening toothpaste. 
After 3 days of use we 

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser Review

For the last couple of months I have been breaking out more than usual. I was excited to try this sample I received in my beauty box. I like getting skin care samples to try before buying a full size. 
You can purchase this at Walmart for $6.12 for the full size. 
This cleanser penetrates pores and gently exfoliates your skin. It also uses a skin purifying technology. 
It is best for combination skin.
This facial cleanser had a really nice light almost fruity scent and my face felt very clean after using in. It felt very refreshing while it was on my skin. The only downside is that my face felt super dry after using it. 

Would I purchase? Probably not. I would rather have a face wash that makes my skin feel moisturized. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Sephora Play Box May 2016 Unboxing

I got my first Play by Sephora box today. I have been anxiously awaiting it to arrive and I was not disappointed! The card on the little booklet is for 50 extra beauty points with a purchase at Sephora. 
Every month you get 5 deluxe samples as well as a perfume sample. This is what I got in this months box:
1. Origins Maskimizer + Drink Up and Clear Improvement Masks
2. Atelier Cologne in Orange Sanguine
3. Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial
4. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
5. Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram
6. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in Kimchi

I am very excited to try out all these products. Keep a lookout for reviews on these products coming up! 


St. Moriz Self Tanning Review

I have been asked multiple times to review this product. I am extremely fair and do not tan very much at all but I have always been scared of trying self tanners because I do not want to look like an oompa loompa. With summer coming quickly I decided to give this a try. 
You can purchase this at Ulta for $12.99. 
St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse claims to be instant bronzing, longer lasting, fast drying, no streaks, a professional flawless tan and suitable for all skin types. 
To apply you should exfoliate, shave and shower and moisturize and allow your skin to dry completely. Put on your rubber glove and tanning mitt and apply to skin in circular motions. 
I got the Medium shade because I was afraid the Dark would be to dark. I found out though that the Medium is not very dark at all. It looks very natural on me without much tan at all. 
I did forget to take before and after pictures unfortunately. 
I found that it was very easy to use with no mess and very easy to blend. It does have a color guard so you can see where you are applying so you do not miss a spot. It does have the fake tan scent after its on your skin, so if you do not like that, than this product is probably not for you. I was very happy to see that it dried very quickly and did not transfer any color to my clothing or bed sheets. It did take me a couple of applications to get the color I wanted. 
I really do like this tanner but I think if I repurchase this I will get it in the Dark color. 

Would I purchase? Yes I would

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Burt's Bees BB Cream Review


I received this very tiny sample in a Beauty Box. I was excited to try it though, I have heard a lot of good things about the Burts Bees makeup line but have never tried anything by Burts Bees. 
You can buy the full size at Target for $14.99. 
This BB Cream claims to smooth and even appearance of skin tone, visibly firm and reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It moisturizes, smoothes and perfects. It also creates an illuminating glow. 
It has SPF 15 and it contains Noni Extract. There are 3 shades, light, light-medium, and medium. 
When I used this BB Cream I noticed it had somewhat of a mint scent. It went on very smoothly and did even out skin tone. I did find that I had a burning sensation on my skin so I did wash it off quickly. It also did not match my skin tone. 

Would I purchase? I doubt it, there are other BB Creams that I like better

Monday, May 16, 2016

Curél Itch Defense Body Wash Review

I received this in a Beauty Box. It was the perfect time to receive it, especially with allergies. 
You can purchase the full size for $6.99 at Target.
This is a Calming cleanser for Dry, Itchy skin. It claims to relieve itching with just 4 days of use. 
It has no added fragrance and soothes eczema- prone skin and contains jojoba and olive oil.
It is also soap free. 
When I tried this out I was having a bad day with allergies and this took away the allergy itch. There was no scent and it made my skin so soft!

Would I purchase? Yes I would

Nügg Anti- Aging Face Mask Review

This is the first "Mask Monday" post! For the next several weeks I will be reviewing different face masks. So, if you are as excited about face masks as I am, make sure you come back every monday. 
I do not remember where I picked up this mask but you can buy a 5 count of them at Target for $15.63. 
This mask has vitamin B3 and White tea extract to help improve skin elasticity and neutralize free radicals. It also has Wheat Germ Oil. 
It is best for Mature and Aging skin. 
You apply to clean, dry skin and leave it on for 5-10 minuets and wash it off. 
I found when I used it that I could get 2 applications out of the container. It was really refreshing when I applied it and it smelled like tea. It went on very creamy and smooth and left my face very smooth. I did not notice any other difference with this mask. 

Would I purchase? Possibly, I still like face masks the best. 

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Pump up the volume


I just went to my local Ulta yesterday and was so happy to find these boxes. I believe there were 3 different boxes. I picked the one for Volume. This box was a $40 value and cost $9.99. 
It contained 6 deluxe size samples and a foil package sample of shampoo and conditioner. 
Have you tried any of these boxes?
Keep an eye out for reviews on many of the products in the coming weeks!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Benefit Dew The Hoola Review

I got this as a sample with a purchase from Ulta. I really enjoy the Benefit Hoola Bronzer in the powder form so I am excited to try this. 
You can buy the full size at Ulta for $28. 
This bronzer is liquid with a matte finish. It is buildable, and lightweight. 
I found when I used this bronzer that it blends really nicely with your finger or a brush over foundation or just on your skin. There was no harsh lines and it looked so nice! There was no noticeable scent. 
I really liked this bronzer!

Would I purchase? Yes I would

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Tony Moly Panda's Dream So Cool Eye Stick Review

I picked this up at Ulta for $12. My best friend and I really just got them because of the packaging to start with but I am so glad we bought this!
This is a portable serum in a stick form that moisturizes and cools skin around the eyes. It depuffs tired eyes and minimizes fine lines. 
It is infused with hydrating bamboo extracts.
It has a really light fresh scent and it does everything it claims to do. It feels so cool and its very smooth when you apply it. 


Would I repurchase? Yes I will be repurchasing, this has become part of my daily routine. 































disclaimer* I purchased this with my own money, all opinions are my own

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

May Target Box Unboxing

I must admit I am not all that excited about this box. I received two products that I had already received in previous boxes. The following is what I received this month. I do believe this box is already sold out. 

Foil sample packets:
- Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
- Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Towelettes- Honestly I have not heard anything good about self tanning towelettes so I am pretty sure I will not be using these. 

Deluxe Sample Products:
- Hair Food Dry Shampoo- I received this in a beauty box before but I really like this product
- Andalou Naturals Night Repair Cream
- Cera Ve Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream- I received this in a prior beauty box
- Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil
- Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer

Full size:
- Loreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Pen

I will be doing full reviews on some of these products in the near future.

Everyday Make-up and Skin Care

I get asked often what I use on my skin and what make-up I use when I am rushed and need to just get it done and not get to play around. So the following is what I use. Please remember that what works for me might not work for you. We all have different skin and preferences.

Skin Care:




Now I am sure I am going to get a bunch of comments telling me why I should not use the products I am using but thats ok. They work for me and thats what matters to me. 
In the morning I use the following:
1. Stridex Sensitive- my Mom got me these when I was first getting acne and to this day (I'm 34) they are the ONLY thing that works for me when I get acne. My skin is pretty good most of the time though. These also work good to get any make up off that you may have missed the night before. 
2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 70- everyone needs to use sunblock and I just like this one under makeup
3. Biossance The Revitalizer- I use this as my moisturizer in the morning regardless of if I am wearing makeup or not wearing make up.
Thats pretty much all I do for skin care in the morning. In the evening I use everything else. 
1. The first thing I use are make up wipes to get my makeup off, I have a bunch that people have given me, or I have gotten in beauty subscriptions. This month I am just using up the Equate Night Time Soothing. 
2. Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover- this gets rid of all eye make up. I will be buying a full size when I run out.
3. I use my Clarisonic Mia 2 with Peter Thomas Roth Anti- Aging Cleansing Gel- these are most likely the most expensive skin care products I own. I am in love with my Mia and the cleansing gel works so well with it. 
4. Clinique All About Eyes- This is my favorite eye cream. I have tried many but always come back to this. I use it every night.
5. Biossance The Revitalizer- Yep, I use this twice a day. What can I say? Its awesome!
6. Sephora Instant Moisturizer- I really like this moisturizer. It is just the right formula and it smells really nice. I use this as my last thing every night.
The only thing I forgot to post a picture of is my lip product, but that changes pretty much every night to whatever I am feeling like using that night. 

The following is what Make-Up I use when I am just doing a quick daily look. Now, it may seem like a lot of products but I can have it all put on within 15 min. in the morning.


The following is the order that I use the products. Yes, there are a lot of Urban Decay products but that is my favorite brand. 
1. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion- this is my favorite eyeshadow primer
2. Elf Tone Adjusting Face Primer- I have a ton of face primers, this is just the newest so I am reaching for it more frequently
3. Urban Decay Naked 2 The Basics Eyeshadow Pallet- These are really neutral colors that work well for any look.
4. Maybelline Brow Drama in Soft Brown- This is just the perfect color for me
5. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara- This is by far the best mascara I have ever used, it makes my lashes look amazing every time I use it. 
6.Cover Girl 3 in 1 Liquid Foundation in 810 Classic Ivory- matches my skin tone perfect, doesn't need a ton of blending or mixing colors. 
7. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles in the color Fair- works awesome!
8. Urban Decay 24/7 concealer pencil- this covers up any and all blemishes
9. Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Untouched- this is the perfect bronzer for my skin tone and I can not find it at any Target near me. So, if you know where it is available, let me know!
10. Nars Blush in Orgasm- This is my go to blush no matter what I am doing with my make up
11. Benefit Watts Up- this highlighter is just the right amount of shimmer
12. Urban Decay Lipstick in Naked
13. Urban Decay Lipgloss in Naked
14. The last thing I might not always use is my Mirabella Perfecting Powder. 

Thats all that I use regularly. What are your beauty staples? Let me know!






































disclaimer* I purchased these products with my own money unless they were given as gifts, this blog post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. 

Monday, May 9, 2016

Not Your Mothers Beach Babe Texturizing Spray Review



I received this in a Target Beauty Box. I was pretty excited. I have used the Not Your Mothers aerosol  texture spray in the past so I was excited to try this one. I really enjoy texture sprays to give my hair a little lift and thickness as my hair is so fine.
The sea salt and kelp in this Beach Babe spray give hair texture, hold, and shine for tousled beach waves without frizz or flyaway. It also adds a light matte finish to your hair. It is good for all hair types.
You can use this product on clean damp or dry hair and for best results let your hair air dry naturally.
You can purchase the full size at Target for $4.79.
This texture spray has a really nice light fresh scent that reminds me of being on the beach. It was slightly sticky but not to the point my hair felt crispy. It really held my waves in place for quiet awhile.

Would I purchase a full size bottle? Yes I would. I really liked this texture spray.































disclaimer* I received this as a sample, all opinions are my own

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Review


I was very excited to get this mask in a Target Beauty Box awhile back. I love this brand and I always look at it all when I am at Target. I just never purchase it because I feel it is just to expensive for me. 
This Water Sleeping Mask is light weight ionized mineral water to hydrate and restore skin overnight with a subtle calming scent. You should wake up to soft, glowing skin. 
You can purchase the full size at Target for $24.
I have used this several times. You put this on at bedtime and wash it off in the morning. It has a really nice fresh scent. The consistency is like a watery gel type mask. It dried very quickly and didn't leave my face sticky or anything. I noticed after washing it off my face felt very dry and I did not notice any softness at all.


Would I repurchase? Probably not. I just was not a huge fan.































disclaimer: I received this in a beauty box, all opinions are my own

Friday, May 6, 2016

You Are Amazing Hello Beautiful Skin Lotion Review


I received this lotion in a Target Beauty Box. I was pretty happy about it because I am looking for a summer body lotion. This is the Juicy Grapefruit lotion. It claims the keep skin hydrated all day. It is paraben and phthalate free and is not tested on animals. It is also made in the USA.
One thing I really like was the fact that with each Amazing product purchased it assists in leadership development to empower girls to change the world. 
You can purchase the full size at Target for $3.99.
I really liked this lotion! It has a really nice fresh grapefruit scent and it is very moisturizing. It was a little greasy at first but that went away quickly. My hand are still very soft, 24 hours later!

Would I repurchase? Yes, I definitely would!






























disclaimer* I received this in a beauty box, all opinions are my own

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Hair Food Shampoo and Conditioner



Another drug store shampoo and conditioner for this review. What I do for you guys lol. 
The packaging says to use together for moisture and nourishment for healthy looking hair. They are paraben, mineral oil and silicone free. 
You can purchase a dual pack at Target for $15.99
I did not like this shampoo and conditioner at all. The smell is like a chemical fruity scent that my boyfriend said it smells like walking into a hair salon. This shampoo and conditioner really weighed down my hair and it made my thin hair even more tangled than it normally is. The smell was actually so strong that I ended up rewashing my hair to get rid of the scent.

Would I repurchase? No I would not. If you have thicker hair and don't mind the strong scent this might be a good shampoo and conditioner for you.































disclaimer* I received this as a sample, opinions are my own

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

TrèStique Matte Lip Crayon

I received this in an Ipsy Bag. 
This is a mini Trèstique matte lip crayon. You can purchase the full size on TrèStique for $28.
The full size says it is a creamy lightweight, natural matte finish lip crayon with a bb lip balm. My mini one does not have a lip balm. 
I got the color Florence Fig. It is a beautiful natural color. I glides on so smooth and was very matte and lasted quiet awhile. It is also retractable which I really enjoy.

Would I purchase? Maybe. Its a little pricy and I would rather see them in a store somewhere instead of just on the website. If you know any stores they are sold at let me know if the comments!

































disclaimer* I received this in a beauty subscription, all opinions are my own

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Hikari Lipstick Review

I received this lipstick in one of my beauty subscriptions. You can purchase these lipsticks on Hikari for $13. The website says they are long lasting, vivid color lipsticks. 
I got the color Cabernet. I think it is a really pretty berry color but as you can see from the swatch it is very splotchy and not a good color pigment. It really pulled my lips when I put it on and the color did not last long at all. 


Would I purchase? No, I have better lipsticks I could buy for the same price.
































disclaimer* I received this in a beauty subscription, all opinions are my own

Monday, May 2, 2016

Hey Honey Open Your Eyes Review

 
This is the second product I have tried from this brand and I have to admit I am pleasantly surprised with how nice it is. 
This is the Open Your Eyes eye contour lifting fluid. You can buy it for $31 on Hey Honey. It is a super light lifting fluid that wakes up your eyes. It is hydrating and it depuffs your eye area. 
I really liked this product. It is slightly watery but it goes on very smooth and made my eye area very smooth. I did notice a big difference in the puffiness as well. 

Would I repurchase? Yes, It is worth the money.

































disclaimer* I received this in a beauty subscription, all opinions are my own