Holiday VoxBox Review

I recently received an invitation to Influenster, and I was thrilled when I found out that I was getting a Holiday VoxBox full of free goodies to review...

A photo of some of the products sent to me...

I love my new NYC liquid lipshine gloss! It's really subtle right? <3

Let's take a closer look at the products they sent me:

SOLE SOCIETY:  I was really happy to see a coupon for Sole Society included in my package. I've never shopped there before, but now I definitely will since I'm getting $25 dollars off my first purchase. CHA-CHING.  Here are some of my favorite picks:

1.  Kacie Round Toe Pump - $49.95

2.  Noah Mid-Heel Pump in Jungle Green - $49.95

3.  Madeline Mary Jane Pump - $49.95

4.  Margie Stud Pump - $49.95

QUAKER REAL MEDLEYS OATMEAL:  I love having oatmeal for breakfast, so I was excited to see Real Medleys included in the Holiday VoxBox.  I actually had no idea disposable individual cups were available; I usually buy Quaker Instant Oatmeal packets!  I'll be purchasing these in the future for sure though.  It'll be nice to mix it up!  This was seriously delicious.  There were chunks of apples, cranberries, and walnuts ::drools:: Anyways, there are three other potentially awesome flavors available as well:  Cherry Pistachio, Peach Almond, and Summer Berry.  I can't wait to try these out!

PRICE: $1.79 per cup

EBOOST:  I honestly liked everything in the Holiday VoxBox EXCEPT this.  EBOOST is marketed as a natural energy drink full of vitamins. I reallly wanted to like this because Jillian Michaels endorses the product (I'm a huge fan of hers), but this drink was just too gross for me. I don't know how the other flavors taste - there are three other flavors available - but pink lemonade had this weird, bitter aftertaste.  I had to throw it out after a couple of sips.  I wouldn't buy this again unless I heard magical things about the other flavors.

PRICE: $28 for 20 powders, $39 for 30 powders, $39 for 12 shots

GOODY QUIKSTYLE PADDLE BRUSH:  To be honest, I haven't used a hairbrush in ages; I've been using a comb for the last few years. I really love this brush though.  It's like a crazy awesome towel/brush hybrid.  Goody claims that "super absorbent bristles remove 30% of water as you style".  I've been using this diligently for the last few days because I like to shower before bed and waiting for my extremely long hair to dry is such a nuisance. Try it out guys, I think it helps!

PRICE:  $11.99

KISS NAIL DRESS:  I've never been big into getting manicures.  I've been playing piano ever since I was a little kid, so I never had the chance to grow out my nails.  Regardless, I thought these nail stickers were pretty cute - I had a lot of fun trying them out. Also, they can be used on your toes for pedicures.  There are 21 super-cute designs available, but I probably won't be buying this product again.  The stickers are supposed to last for a week, but mine started to fading the next day.  Boo...

PRICE:  $6.99

NYC NEW YORK COLOR LIQUID LIPSHINE:  This was definitely one of my favorite products included.  There are ten different colors available in stores, but the shade I received was "Nude York City".  The color was a gorgeous subtle nude that enhanced the natural color of my lips.  Also, I loved how this product smelled.  I definitely recommend this gloss, especially since it's so affordable.  For the price, this product is an A+ in my book.  I'm excited to check out the other shades.  Click here to check out the other colors for yourself!

PRICE:  $2.49

December Favorites

Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand - $32 

I bought this highlighter after trying it at my cousin's wedding - I was her maid-of-honor =).  There are two colors available:  pearl & gold.  I bought the gold.  I like to use this product on my cheekbones, above my eyebrows, and down the bridge of my nose.  Click here to purchase.

Pros:  

*easy to use; just click the bottom and apply

*gives off a very subtle glow

*lasts all day

*goes on silky smooth

*perfect for photo shoots

BE CAREFUL:  Don't use too much.  If used in excess, the product can potentially leave shiny streaks.  Remember, a little goes a long way.  

NYX Eyeshadow Base - $6.99

I've been looking for an effective yet affordable eyeshadow base for quite some time now.  My friends all love using Urban Decay's Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion, but I think $20 is too pricey for an eyeshadow base, so I was thrilled when I discovered a cheaper alternative.  

Pros:  

*helps sustain color all day

*blends well

*doesn't fade

*three shades available: white, pearl, skin-tone

I like using the skin-tone eyeshadow base.  Personally, I think this product works just as well as any "expensive" primer on the market.  Plus, Ulta's currently having an online promotion for NYX products - buy 1 get 1 50% off - so you have an extra excuse to check it out! Click here to purchase!

NYX Lip Gloss with Mega Shine - $5.49 

I fell in LOVE with this lip gloss the moment I applied it.  There are 26 different shades, but my personal favorites are "Sweet Heart" and "Frosted Beige". 

Pros:

*even coverage

*great consistency

*pleasant scent

*cute packaging - there's an adorable bow on the cap  

Although I seriously heart this product, there is one con.  When you close the cap, gloss sometimes gushes out of the sides.  I just wipe off the excess with a tissue though.  It's not a huge deal, but I thought I'd inform you regardless.  I can't wait to try the other colors ::squeals::  Click here to buy...

Bed Head Small Talk - $17.50

Every year, I head to a Korean hair salon for a digital perm.  I love having wavy hair because it's so easy to take care of.  I literally take a shower at night, scrunch my hair with product, magically wake up with beachy waves, and walk out the door.  Seriously.

Of all the hair products I've used thus far, "Small Talk" is definitely my favorite.  It holds my curls in place, while adding a good amount of body and volume.  Bed Head markets this product as a hair thickifier.  Since my hair is really long, I need about 2 pumps to properly coat my mane.  

Pros:

*thermal protectant

*holds curls in place

*works as a faux-gel

*thickens, while adding shine

*smells like candy

Seriously guys, check this product out!  Click here to buy...

What are some of your favorite beauty picks this month?  Also, check back in a few days to see my review on Influenster's Holiday VoxBox!  =D

November Favorites

My favorite hand cream

I've always been a huge fan of L'occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream ($10 for 1 oz - travel size), but a good friend of mine introduced me to this Herbacin hand cream a few months ago.  She discovered this product while she was shopping at Whole Foods and generously bought me a tube as well.  I love my friends <3.

Pros:  

*absorbs very quickly 

*leaves hands silky smooth

*extremely moisturizing

*nice, clean scent

*reasonable price

Although this lotion is available in most drugstores, Amazon has the cheapest price (at least that I could find =P) - $5.23 for 3.3 oz .  Click here to purchase.  If you're eligible for free shipping there, I suggest you give it a try! =)

Aussie Leave-In Conditioner

I bought this product a few weeks ago because I was in desperate need of a hair detangler (my mane's getting obnoxiously long, therefore, substantially harder to take care of).  I love how this product smells, and the price ($4.29) is a total plus.  This conditioner contains tons of vitamins and minerals, including Australian tea tree oil.  Click here to purchase.

I bought this online at Ulta while it was on sale a few weeks ago.  Unfortunately, the sale's now over, but there are other deals/coupons available:

1.  $5 off any purchase of $15 or more.  Valid until Dec. 24th.  Code:  83254.
2.  $3.50 off any purchase of $10 or more.  Valid until Nov. 30th.  Code:  72477.
3.  $10 off any purchase of $60 or more.  Valid until Dec. 21st.  Code:  80351.
4.  Free holiday shipping over $25 dollars.  Code:  HOLIDAY2012

*You can only use one code per order.  Coupons exclude the more expensive brands (ie. Smashbox, Urban Decay).

Forget chapstick, ladies! Use Babylips =P

I'm totally loving Babylips by Maybelline.  I have three of the available shades: Cherry Me, Pink Punch, and Peach Kiss.  My favorite is Peach Kiss.  The shade is very subtle, enhancing the natural color of my lips. 

Pros:

*super moisturizing

*contains SPF 20

*lasts for hours

*smells/tastes delicious

*even application

*subtle shade

*affordable (3.99)

Ulta has a promotion going on right now:  Buy 1 get 1 50% off.  You could also use the coupon codes above to get an even bigger discount ;).  Click here to purchase.   

My current favorite mask:  Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra Cleansing Mud Mask

I've been having some issues with my skin as of late, and this mask has really helped clear my skin up!  You leave the product on your face for about 15 minutes then rinse with warm water.  The directions say to use the mask 1-3 times per week, but I'd definitely stick to using it once a week because the product could dry out one's skin. However, I really do believe this mask successfully detoxes my complexion.

Pros:

*helps with break-outs

*extremely affordable (5.99)

*pores feel tight

*face feels substantially smoother

Click here to buy!

*photos are not mine*

October Favorites

Stila Sun Bronzing Powder

This compact is available in two different shades.  I bought "Shade 1 - sheer golden matte bronze", which is the lighter of the two.  I'm not crazy about glittery bronzers so I was pleased with the matte finish.  I loved how natural the shade looked on my skin, and the product lasts all day.  I use the ELF studio blush brush for application.  

Price:  $28 
Overall:  This product is worth every penny!

Click to buy...

Smashbox Master Class Palette

I bought this palette on Sephora.com a few weeks ago.  It comes with 28 Photo Op eyeshadows, four brow powders, eight cream eyeliners, two blushes, three soft lights, and four lip glosses.  

Eyeshadows:

This palette has a nice combination of matte and shimmery shadows.  I love the featured neutral shades in particular. I'm not a huge fan of the more colorful colors - they're a bit too bold for everyday wear in my opinion. My favorite hues are the following:  "Flirt" (shimmery nude), "Cinnamon Toast", "Chestnut", & "Roast" (shimmery browns), and "Opal" (shimmery pearl; great highlighter).

Eyeliners:

Smashbox has great cream eyeliners - they don't smudge at all, and they last all day.  I usually stick to basic black liner, but I've been experimenting with other colors since I have options now.  I really like using "Gilt" (gold) to line my lower lids.

Blushes:

I'm not a huge fan of the featured blushes.  "Warm Apricot" is ok, but "Posy Pink" seriously makes me look like a clown.  I prefer subtle blushes like this Nars Blush in Orgasm.

Soft Lights:

All three shades are absolutely gorgeous.  "Lens" is a shimmery peach, "Prism" is a shimmery light pink, and "Shimmer" is a shimmery (redundant much? =P) nude.  I use all of these colors as highlighting powders/blushes.  

TIP:  Shimmer can visually enlarge your pores so make sure you apply in moderation.  Also, if you decide to use both highlighting powder and blush/bronzer, make sure one is matte.  Too much shimmer can make you look like a disco ball.  Trust me, I speak from experience.

Lip Glosses:

The included glosses are pretty cute - the only color I don't particularly care for is "Mulberry".

Price:  $59 (a $250 value) on Sephora.com + Free Shipping

Overall:  This purchase was a bit of a splurge, but you're really getting a lot of bang for your buck.  This palette is PERFECT for travel.  All you need to do is throw in a few make-up brushes and you're good to go.  I was looking for a new eyeshadow palette when I bought this value set.  I was going to order Urban Decay's Naked Palette, but I thought this would be a better deal.  I'm really pleased with my decision, and I definitely recommend checking this out!

Click here to buy...

Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Mascara

I've always been loyal to Christian Dior's Diorshow mascara ($25), but in order to save some cash, I decided to try some drugstore alternatives.  I bought this mascara on ulta.com a few weeks ago.  

TIP:  Save your designer mascara wands.  The wands are what "distinguish" the designer from the drugstore =P Use them to apply "plain" drugstore brand mascaras.

Price:  $6.99
Overall:  All in all, I like this product.  I can't say it's the greatest mascara I've ever used, but it gets the job done! It does a good job lengthening and volumizing, but it does have a tendency to clump a bit, but then again, what mascara doesn't. I use a toothpick to remove the clumps.  

Click here to buy.  Ulta.com is having a promotion right now - buy 1 get 1 50% off.

NYX Super Skinny Marker

I'm totally obsessed with this eyeliner.  I usually SUCK at applying liquid liner, so I was hesitant to try it out at first, but Ulta was having a promotion - 40% off all NYX products - so I couldn't resist.  

I apply this over my cream/gel eyeliner to give a crisper, cleaner line.  I'm so happy I discovered this product - it's so easy to use!  I will definitely be re-purchasing this for years to come.

Price:  $8.99

Click here to buy...

What are some of your favorite products this month?

Estee Lauder Shimmer Powder Review

For today's post, I'll be reviewing Estee Lauder's 5-Tone Shimmer Powder for Eyes, Cheeks, and Face.

I tried to take a photo myself, but the picture quality wasn't very good.  I jacked this image from the Estee Lauder site.

*Two available palettes:  Pink Shimmer & Bronze Shimmer

*Retail Price:  $40;  However, Pink Shimmer is available at the Cosmetics Company Factory Outlet.  I bought mine there for a discounted price.

*Staying Power:  Lasts pretty much all day; 7-8 hours...

*Would I re-buy this product? Although I do really like this powder-blush, it's a bit pricey for me. If you don't mind spending some extra cash though, I'd definitely recommend checking this product out, especially if you're interested in using this as an eyeshadow palette as well.

Clicky HERE to buy...

PM Skincare Routine

These are the products I'll be reviewing today.

Hey everyone! For today's post, I'll be sharing my PM skincare routine with you all.  My regimen consists of four crucial steps:

1.  Apply a mask (once a week)
2.  Pat on toner (daily)
3.  Apply lotion (daily)
4.  Apply a face cream (daily)

It's tough to maintain this regimen especially throughout the school year.  If I feel overwhelmed with work, I just pat on toner and apply face cream.  Personally, that's all I really need to maintain my skin, however, when I really want to relax and pamper myself, I follow all four steps.

A closer look at the products above: 

1.  Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover ***** 

It's so important to wash your face at night.  Never sleep with your make-up on, you'll seriously ruin your skin.  With that said, it's really difficult to get all your eye make-up off even if you wash your face thoroughly.  I've been using this product for years; in my opinion, it's the BEST make-up remover out there.  

2.  Yes to Cucumbers Calm Care Soothing Facial Mask ****
I did a review of this product in a previous post.  Clicky here to read.

3.  Estee Lauder Soft Clean Silky Hydrating Lotion ****
4.  Estee Lauder Swiss Performing Extract **

I bought both of these products at the Cosmetics Company Outlet.  I would never pay full price, being a bargainista and all =P  Anywho, the toner is quite nice. The product really moisturizes and soothes my skin. In addition to the aforementioned perks, the toner smells really good.  

On the other hand, I'm not crazy about the Swiss Performing Extract - it didn't really do much to improve my skin. Also, I wasn't a fan of the consistency... it's super watery. I was disappointed that this product didn't live up to the rave online reviews.  I'm glad I'm almost out.  

5.  Olay Regenerist Micro-scultping Cream *****

I'm totally obsessed with this face cream.  It's so rich and moisturizing.  I apply it at night and wake up with baby soft skin in the morning.  This product really DOES work just as well as a $500 night cream.  I definitely recommend it.  I used to buy this product in bulk at Costco, but it seems to no longer be available there.  I hope they re-stock soon *crosses fingers*

6.  Yes to Blueberries Overnight Hydrating Cream ***

I get bored using the same products every night, so I switch it up =)  Read my review on this cream by clicking here.

E.L.F. Beauty Haul

In today's post I'll be reviewing products from E.L.F. Cosmetics.  

From left to right - click to purchase:

1.  Small Angled Brush

2.  Blush Brush

3.  Powder Brush

4.  Eyeshadow C Brush

5.  Eyeshadow Brush

6.  Fan Brush

7.  Blending Eye Brush

The first four brushes are part of the E.L.F. Studio collection - they each cost $3.  I definitely recommend these tools for everyday girls like myself.  They shed a bit, but washing the brushes helps a lot - it eventually gets rid of the issue more or less.  The small angled brush is perfect for applying gel/cream eyeliners.

Brushes 5-7 are part of the E.L.F. Essential collection - they cost $1 each.  I was really disappointed with the quality of the product, but then again, they only cost a dollar each.  With that said, they're "ok" for the price.  I'd definitely cough up a few more bucks and purchase brushes from the Studio collection.  

1.  Essentials Plumping Lip Glaze in Baby Doll

2.  Professional Studio Cream Eyeliner in Black

I initially bought the lip glaze ($1) because of the great online reviews.  Overall, this product is pretty awesome considering the low cost.  I'm really glad I bought the glaze in Baby Doll.  The shade is subtle and natural, and I love the way the plumper tingles on my lips!  Be warned though, the color wears off quite easily, and the tubes don't hold much product.

Rating: *** out of *****

The cream eyeliner on the other hand ($3) is AMAZING!  The color stays on for such a long time, and it doesn't smudge at all. I'm definitely going to experiment with the other colors.  This product also comes with a cute mini-brush that works really well.  

Rating:  ****

How do you guys like E.L.F. Cosmetics?  Have you tried any of these products before?  

Product Review - Skincare

Here are the three beauty products I'll be reviewing today.

The Trifix Acne Clearing Lotion from the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Line is amazing to say the least.  I've been using this product to zap zits for the last two years.  Although many people use this lotion all over their face, I tend to use it just for spots; this product's pretty strong and my skin tends to peel if I apply it all over.  Warning: if you're super sensitive to smells, this product may not be right for you - the lotion has a distinctive smell due to its active ingredient, 3% Colloidal Sulfur. It doesn't bother me though.  I apply a thin layer to affected areas overnight and by the next morning, I see a big difference in redness and size.  Clicky here to purchase this product!

I recently started experimenting with Yes to... products.  I use this hydrating creme after applying toner and lotion or simply slather it on when I'm feeling lazy.  This creme really hydrates your skin, but it takes a long time for it to absorb. Try it out if you don't mind looking like a ghost for an hour or so.  With that being said, I do like this product, although it's not my favorite hydrating creme. It costs about 20 dollars, but places like Ulta usually have promotions like "buy one get one half off". Clicky here to buy! 

I've been on a mission to find good face masks.  I was hesitant to buy this product at first though.  There were wayyy too many bad reviews.  A lot of people claimed that this product irritated their skin, leaving it bright red.  Since I have sensitive skin, I was terrified that this mask would make me look like a tomato, but I decided to take a chance.  I'm SO glad that I did.  I LOVE this product.  It purifies my skin without drying it out. Think Queen Helene's Mint Julep Masque (about $3) but WAYYYY better.  Although the Yes to Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask is a bit more expensive ($14.99), it's definitely worth it!  You only need to keep it on for about 5 minutes for it to work, so it's quick as well. Clicky here to buy!