Haul – Sephora Online (January 2019)

This whole purchase started with finding out Sephora had another lip themed favorites collection. I love the Sephora Favorites lip collections because you get a great value. With the purchase of that and the travel size Clinque, I was able to snag as my promo a nighttime skincare kit.

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Nude Lip

These sets are such a great value. In this $28 set (which I grabbed while on sale for $19) you get two full size lipsticks and three samples, all in nude shades. The Huda Beauty Lipstick paid for the set by itself. The lip collections are different sizes (different numbers of lipsticks at different prices). I haven’t tried these lipsticks yet but will swatch and review once I’ve had a day or two to wear each. I do have the Huda Beauty Lipstick in another nude color and it wears well but feels drying. Usually after several hours I slap a gloss over it.

Included:

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte in Trendsetter (full size)

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Carmello (full size)

Buxom Lip Polish in Dolly (mini)

Make Up Forever Artist Liquid Matte in 105 (mini)

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick in Beach Babe (mini)

Clinique Dramatically Difference Moisturizing Gel

Normally this formula is too greasy for my skin (face in particular) but I like keeping a travel size handy for when I fly. I find flying, especially during the winter, to be very dry and this product is a great emergency treatment for that.

Nighttime Skincare Set

This was the freebie set I selected for hitting a certain spending level on this purchase. While these are all small samples, I appreciate the ability to try all of these products. I do already own the Laneige lip mask but this sample size will be nice for an overnight trip. Also, in the center of the photo, are supplements that contain melatonin, which I can’t have. So, those will be saved for a friend. Aside from the Origins and Murad samples I haven’t tried the other brands and these samples will provide a great opportunity to do so.

Unboxing – Target Skin Care Box (January 2019)

The Target beauty boxes aren’t subscription boxes (or even mystery boxes) but they do contain a variety of curated boxes and I thought they would be fun to unbox. Each box contains sample sizes and costs $7. These boxes are not carried in store and have to be ordered online (shipping is free). If you’re interested you will want to sign up to be notified when the boxes are available as they sell out fairly quick.

There are actually two different boxes, although both are referred to as “beauty boxes.” One box contains skin care products and one box contains general beauty items (makeup, body wash, deodorant, etc.). To avoid confusion (hopefully) I’m going to refer to one as the skin care box and one as the beauty box.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing! Let’s start with the skin care box.

Overall Box Impressions: For $7 this is a great box. There is a WIDE variety of items and brands you can receive but that’s part of the fun. I figure if I get something I don’t like or won’t use, I can donate it a local domestic violence shelter or add it to a future giveaway. You also get a coupon for $3 off a skin care purchase (facial skin care, hand and body lotion, natural skin care) of $15 or more. In this box I was impressed by the higher end products from Vichy, CeraVe and La Roche-Posay.

Vichy Mineral 89

According to the product description, this contains mineral rich water and Hyaluronic Acid and is intended to hydrate the skin and make the skin glow. The card from Target recommends applying two drops onto skin after cleansing in the morning and evening. I will be giving this a try.

Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub and Moisturizing Cream

Historically Cetaphil products have been drying for my skin but they have worked well for my brother so I will be providing these to him. I do like receiving cleansers and moisturizers though, especially smaller sizes I can travel with.

La Roche-Posay Toleraine Hydrating Cleanser

So excited to try this cleanser as it is labeled gentle. I will likely save this for when I travel since it is the perfect size.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R

This is a retinol cream to reduce wrinkles, smooths texture and can also help with skin tone. The Target card does have the hint to apply a moisturizer FIRST to water down its potency. I’m planning to use this on my t-zone where I have some acne scars to hopefully smooth the texture.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

This is a teeny tiny sample. So I might only get one application out of this, which makes it hard to ascertain if its helpful to my skin. Anyways, the product is intended to restore your skin’s barrier overnight and should be used nightly before bed.

Unboxing – Target Beauty Box (January 2019)

The Target beauty boxes aren’t subscription boxes (or even mystery boxes) but they do contain a variety of curated products and I thought they would be fun to unbox. Each box contains sample sizes (although I did get one full size product) and costs $7. These boxes are not carried in store and have to be ordered online (shipping is free). If you’re interested you will want to sign up to be notified when the boxes are available as they sell out fairly quick.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing! Let’s start with the beauty (non skin care) box.

Overall Box Impressions: For $7 this is a great box. There is a WIDE variety of items and brands you can receive but that’s part of the fun. I figure if I get something I don’t like or won’t use, I can donate it a local domestic violence shelter or add it to a future giveaway. You also get a coupon for $3 off a beauty purchase (cosmetics, skin care, hair care) of $15 or more. In this box I was impressed by the full deodorant product and the micellar water. We also got to cotton rounds (maybe to go with the micellar cleansing water) but I didn’t include those in the items below.

Garnier Micellar Water

For the longest time I didn’t understand (or really believe) the hype around micellar water but once I got some (I use the Simple brand) I discovered micellar water removes makeup, in particular waterproof makeup, much better than regular cleansers. While I love the Simple brand, I will give this Garnier product a try.

Schmidt’s Naturals Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

This product is supposed to help freshen breath and combat plaque, playing on the current activated charcoal hype. However, this product does NOT contain flouride so I will be donating it to someone.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil

This skin oil is intended to improve the appearance of scars and help even skin tone. I’d like to try this on my face but I’m a little worried it will be too greasy and cause a breakout. I will be doing some additional research to see if it is safe for acne-prone skin.

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise All Day Liner

Eyeliners. . .a common staple in boxes. This eyeliner has a brush tip and appears to be fairly thin. However, I normally use an eye pencil, not a brush tip. I was on FaceTime when I opened this box and my friend has already claimed this item since it’s not something I’ll use.

Method Body Wash Pure Peace

A body wash from Method with peony, rose water and pink sea salt. I use bar soap so I’ll be setting this aside for donation. The smell is not overwhelming but definitely feminine.

Love Beauty & Plant Deodorant

Lastly, I got a full size stick of deodorant in the scent lavender. It should be noted this is deodorant, not anti-antiperspirant and does not contain aluminum. I’m not sure I would want to use this for a workout or for a full day at work but I think it would be ok to use when at home or running a quick errand. It does smell great!

Motivational Monday (January 14, 2019)

Unboxing – BoxyCharm (January 2019)

BoxyCharm, which I’ve only been getting for a few months, contains four to five full sized products, per their website. However, I have heard some beauty YouTubers mention that sometimes travel size items are included and this is the first month it appears I have received a trial size item. The subscription is $21 per month and will have a retail value of over $100.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: I was hesitant to subscribe to a box with full sized items because I was worried I would be left with full sizes of items I didn’t love or wouldn’t use. THat hasn’t been the case though – the curation of items in BoxyCharm it top notch. My two favorite items are the Tarte eyeshadow palette and the OFRA liquid lipstick. I received variation 4 (as noted in the corner of my card). If you get this box, which variation did you receive? What was in your box? The total retail value of the box, as noted by BoxyCharm, is $115. That’s a little lower than last month but I will use more of these items than those received last month.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette Vol. III

Full confession: I actually saw spoilers for this product. I was so excited for two reasons – one, I don’t own any eyeshadow from Tarte and two, I love nude shades.

There are eight shades, seven of which are shimmer/metallics. I’m actually ok with only one matte shade because the shimmers are very subtle. My first impression is the shadows have good pigment and go on smooth. I swatched the darkest and lightest shades below. The shade closest to the eyeliner is malibu and the shade below it is treasure.

I will review this product in detail, and swatch all the shades, at a future date after I’ve had a chance to use the palette several times. MSRP: $36. Website: https://tartecosmetics.com/

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Face Mask

I’ve never had the opportunity to try a Tatcha product before but my opportunity is here! These are the luminous dewy skin masks and are intended to be restorative and radiant. I’m excited to use one soon given the dry winter conditions. MSRP: $24 (for two). Website: https://www.tatcha.com/

Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Pencil

Eye pencils. A common inclusion. . .appears in almost all subscription boxes. I mean, has anyone who receives subscription boxes had to buy an eye pencil? That said, this one from Starlooks is brown, not the usual black. I prefer a brown liner as it produces a bit softer of an effect, so I’m actually happy to receive this pencil.

It went on my hand creamy and consistently, so I think this will be a winner eye liner for me, especially on my waterline. MSRP: $19 Website: https://starlooks.com/

Briogeo Leave-In Hair Mask

This brand is another common inclusion in subscription boxes. This leave in mask is supposed to moisturize and strengthen damaged hair. I’m going to give this product a try, and will report back later. While I don’t have heat damage, I do have very tangle-prone hair and my ends sometimes become split. So, I’m hopeful this will help with that without weighing down my hair. This does appear to be a travel size as I cannot find a 2 ounce bottle of this product on Sephora or the Company’s website. MSRP: $16 (for 2 ounces) Website: https://briogeohair.com/

OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick

I’m a lipstick hoarder. I admit this. Even moreso if its a non-drying matte lipstick. While this will be the first opportunity to try OFRA liquid lipstick (my Ulta does not carry it and I hate ordering unknown shades online) I have heard so many wonderful things about this product from beauty YouTubers.

I got the color Havana Nights and it is a deep dark saturated red. What colors do you like and think I should try? I will wear this for a full day and report back in a review. MSRP: $20 Website: https://www.ofracosmetics.com/

Unboxing – SinglesSwag (January 2019)

SinglesSwag was my very first subscription box and while I almost considered cancelling it at one point, it is now my favorite box. Their curation of items is on point and unique.

There are two subscription options: $40 per month for 6-7 full size products or $25 per month for 3-4 full size products. For the larger box you generally you get a piece of jewelry, a tasty treat, at least one beauty or skincare item and more.

Time to stop yacking and start unboxing!

Overall Box Impressions: This might be my favorite box from SinglesSwag yet. We got silver toned jewelry which I’m excited about and the liquid lipstick is in a shade I frequently reach for. The total retail value of the box, as noted by SinglesSwag, is $213.

Spongelle Pedi Buffer

The Spongelle Pedi Buffer is a buffer with built-in cleanser and soothing extracts for your feet. I’ve never tried one of these before but I’m excited try this out since my feet are so dry this time of the year. I will review this product in detail at a future date after I’ve had a chance to use it repeatedly. MSRP: $16. Website: https://spongelle.com/

Purlisse 6 piece Blue Lotus and White Tea Sheet Mask Set

One of the reasons I love SinglesSwag – when they say full size, they don’t skimp. Another box that includes full size products sent two face masks and while the dollar amount was there, it still didn’t feel like a full size product. SinglesSwag doesn’t skimp – they included six masks. These masks from Purlisse are infused with Blue Lotus, White Tea and other botanicals and says it is moisturizing, nourish and renewing. I used one today after spending large chunks of time outside shoveling snow in the wind so my skin needed some TLC. I felt like the mask was very hydrating and I liked the subtle smell. I will definitely reach for this again when my skin is dry. MSRP: $38 (for six). Website: https://purlisse.com/products/blue-lotus-white-tea-treatment-sheet-mask

Nico New York Silver Bar Necklace

Silver tone bar necklace from Nico New York

Historically the jewelry pieces have been gold toned so I’m very excited by this silver piece. The chain is about 18 inches long and there’s a short extender. I do wish SinglesSwag would put on the information card what the content/coating of the jewelry is. I emailed them previously when we got jewelry in a prior box and they said that gold tones necklace was “brass and gold plated.” So I would assume this one is silver plated. Given the stated retail price though I would expect this to be sterling silver. I did suggest in my email to them that they start adding the content information. MSRP: $64 Website: Not Found

Socada Milk Chocolate

Very soft taste. For a while we’ve been getting cookies so I like this change up. MSRP: $5 Website: Not Found

Headbands of Hope Black Confetti Beanie

A slouchy style beanie that is pretty thick and I love the flecks of bright colors against the black. Even more cool, for every product sold, Headbands of Hope donates a headband to a child with cancer. As a knitter I can tell the hat is made from an acrylic yarn so I don’t expect it to be as warm as the wool or alpaca hats I usually wear, but I think the thickness will keep it warm. MSRP: $32 Website: https://www.headbandsofhope.com/

Real Her Matte Liquid Lipstick

This is by far my favorite item of the box. I’m a lipstick junkie but I’ve never used this brand before. This is a lightweight matte liquid lipstick and each lipstick has an inspiring message.

I got the color I Am a Rockstar and it is a deep dark saturated red (almost burgundy). I will wear it for a full day and report back in a review. MSRP: $18 Website: https://www.realher.com/

Zoe Ayla Classy Rose Gold Eyelash Curler

Zoe Ayla is capitalizing on the popularity of rose gold with these eyelash curlers. I’ve never heard of this brand so will have to try them out to comment on their effectiveness. The MSRP seems a bit high for eyelash curlers – the Tweezerman pair my friend has are only $22 at Sephora. I also can’t find any eyelash curlers on Zoe Ayla’s website. MSRP: $40 Website: https://zoeayla.com/

The Journey Begins . . .

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

moose with makeup

MooseBeauty

A beauty and lifestyle blog featuring unboxings, new products and reviews