Tag Archives: cosmetics

May Hits List!

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Happy Tuesday, everyone! I hope those of you in the States had a lovely Memorial Day weekend. Mine was mostly rained out, unfortunately- but I still managed to have my share of fun with friends and family while paying respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while they were defending our country and our freedoms.

I’m back at work this morning bright and early to get a jump start on anything that may have accumulated over the long weekend and to assist with training a newcomer to the team (and she’s an absolute doll! I’m so excited to work with her!) but I wanted to take a little bit of time to share some of my favorite things from the month of May. Some are helping me prep for this Summer, others were the breakout stars during my recent trip to the West Coast- but I’ve put them (and some other things!) all right here to share.

Let’s take a look!

I had previously showed off these holograph sneakers from Primark in my pre-vacation haul/shopping spree post a couple of weeks ago- and while I am still completely smitten with how cool they look- I also just want to comment on how unbelievably comfortable they are, too. I was sporting these in the airport, around the Las Vegas strip, and throughout downtown San Diego last week and not once did my feet ever feel sore or stiff.

Considering I paid less than $20 for these- I wasn’t expecting long-term comfort or style- but these made it to and from the West Coast and are still in great shape. I’m so, so thrilled about this purchase that I had to share them again!

Last month, an Aveeno face wash had made my “Hits List” for being my g0-to cleanser when I was freshening up post-workout at the gym. This month, the brand returns- but in the form of a really incredible nighttime repair cream that I’ve been swearing by in recent weeks. I brought this with me to California and it’s a lifesaver, to put it plainly.

Between the climate change, staying out late with my friends out West and having one too many drinks (more than once)– I was pretty much expecting to wake up every morning of my vacation looking rough and tired- but after generously smearing this cream all over my face and neck every night when I got back to where I was staying/crashing- I THANKFULLY always looked fresh-faced and radiant. The multi-vitamins and soy complex loaded into this fluffy, lightweight moisturizer worked wonders at repairing, hydrating, and protecting my skin while I slept. I’m a believer now and I can’t recommend it enough.

I’ve also been using this incredible color-changing/complimenting lipstick from Lipstick Queen I received in a recent POPSUGAR “Must Have” box pretty much non-stop. While the lipstick appears yellow in the tube, it quickly transforms into a flattering coral shade once it hits your lips. It brightens me up in the mornings when I head to work and is perfect for that no-fuss “beachy” look I covet around this time every year. I always keep it nearby in my bag for quick touch-ups!

As much as I love the latest Vegas key chain I picked up for my collection during last week’s visit- the key chain itself isn’t the only thing that made the “Hits List!” this month- but the overall memories, really.

I went to Vegas with a bit of an agenda- one, was to visit some friends I wish I got to see more often (which was also part of my agenda when I went to California shortly thereafter) and the other thing was to give a serious look and some consideration into the real estate options out that way.

I would love to live in San Diego- anywhere in SoCal, really- but the truth of the matter is that it is obscenely expensive. What I pay now for a lovely enough place that suits me and my present lifestyle where I’m currently located is barely enough to afford a decent studio (or even a basement apartment) in that region. Finding good condos or a suitable house is like winning the lottery- and I’m not getting any younger. I have to be realistic- and while I continue to take some roommate offers into consideration- the possibility of moving to the slightly-less-West-but-still-West-enough and infinitely cheaper Las Vegas/Henderson region has piqued my interest.

I did look at a couple of homes in the desert during my stay- still close enough to civilization so I’m not cut off but far enough away from the bright lights and the noise where I can get a full night’s sleep. I haven’t made any definitive decisions yet- but this entire trip really felt like a step in the right direction for a lot of reasons (some very personal) so that is a hit as far as I’m concerned.

On Mother’s Day, while out in Western Massachusetts for a day of shopping with my darling mom- I picked up a couple of packets of these punch mixes at a farmer’s market/general store to make on the hotter days this Summer. I ended up making them as soon as I got home- and yeah, I’m addicted. So much, in fact- that I went back and bought a few more during one of my recent days off- some for myself and some to gift to friends for their respective cookouts and BBQs.

These things are refreshing, and can be made with or without alcohol (guess which I prefer!) I have a feeling I’ll be including a couple in an upcoming giveaway I have planned for the Summer and a blogging milestone.

Finally, I’m in the process of compiling a list of my favorite burger joints around the New England area (the most fun part being the field research, of course)– but I’ve also been actively working on perfecting the art of the burger, myself. I recently picked up this cookbook featuring some of Shake Shack’s most famous recipes and it. is. awesome. Seriously- they have everything. Burgers. Fries. Breakfast sandwiches. Milkshakes. I’ve been working my ass off all Winter/Spring to get into shape and I’m going to blow it for the sake of trying everything in this book- but it’s gonna’ be worth it.

I’m actually thinking of sharing one of my recipe attempts a little later on this week/over the weekend- so stay tuned!

And now, for a couple of things that couldn’t quite be photographed so easily:

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

– WWE: Okay, hear me out. When I was a kid- I desperately wanted to be like my two older brothers- who were the coolest as far as I was concerned. That included getting into what was then called the WWF and keeping a brave face on whenever either one of them would attempt to throw me in a figure four leg-lock or a Sharpshooter after every installment of Monday Night Raw or SmackDown! we’d watch together (I always tapped out, for the record. That shit is PAINFUL.)

My favorite wrestlers back then were undeniably Matt and Jeff Hardy- who recently made a triumphant comeback and thus caused me to sit down and tune in again. A group of my friends are still really into it, and have been giving me lessons on all the new faces and feuds I didn’t recognize- and I gotta’ say- it’s still wildly entertaining. I’ve been having a ball watching along- and now my brothers may be jumping back into it, too- which means I need to learn how to get out of a chokehold ASAP.

– “Wonder Woman”: While the movie hasn’t officially hit theaters yet, the early reviews are all fantastic so far- and I’ve been anticipating it’s release for a long time now. Coupled with some recent controversy over some “Women Only” screenings scheduled across the country- WW is looking to be the feminist movie us ladies need right now and I couldn’t be more excited about it. I might even go see it twice- just because.

I think that’s pretty much everything for May 2017’s “Hits List!”- it might not seem like much- but it’s all been helpful/fun.

Feel free to share your own favorites for the month of May!

xx

April Hits List!

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Good Morning! It’s FINALLY Friday, and what a tiring week it’s been! I’ve been so preoccupied with training on new software at my job and preparing for an extended weekend on the West Coast in a couple of weeks that I haven’t had much time for anything else apart from working out and sleeping as much as I can- and don’t even get me started on the never-ending April showers that have plagued New England these past few days.

I did find some time to put together a few of my favorite things from this month, however- and while it isn’t a ton of stuff by any means- they’ve mostly been lifesavers leading up to now.

As always, I thought I’d start with the items/objects that were easier to photograph before jumping right into some of the other miscellaneous things I’ve been loving throughout April- so without further delay- here’s my “Hits List” for April 2017:

I’ve been hitting the gym pretty hard in the past few weeks- not only because nicer weather makes it easier to exercise and savor the outdoors- but because I want to look good when I head out to Vegas and California next month. So far, my results have been really great- and there’s no lack of motivation to keep going because of it!

Of course, after working up a sweat- the first thing I want to do after I get out of my gym clothes is wash my face. I have a couple of different cleansers that I use in the mornings and the evenings- but I wanted something mild for a post-workout refresher that would clean any dirt/oil/sweat from of my pores without drying me out. I’ve really, really, REALLY been liking this brightening face wash from Aveeno lately. It cleanses and conditions my skin- and I have actually noticed a visible difference in my complexion’s clarity and overall texture since I started using this, too!

And I can’t wash my face without a follow-up moisturizer. Again, I didn’t want anything too heavy like my morning and nighttime creams- so I turned to Neutrogena’s lightweight and oil-free face lotion to help me out. I like that this formula not only keeps my skin soft and doesn’t clog my pores- but my skin actually feels a little firmer, too. It’s a pretty good feeling after a long workout- and the price of both the face wash and the moisturizer don’t break the bank, either.

When it comes to makeup and cosmetics- I never shy away from experimenting or trying different brands and products- but when it comes to reliable foundation? I almost always turn to Tarte Cosmetics. Their coverage is amazing and their cover-up actually matches my skin tone perfectly!

I’ve been wearing their Rainforest of The Sea water foundation (with SPF 15) lately- and although the eyedropper applicator can be a little tricky to those with even the steadiest hands and strongest of Beauty Blenders- I’m in love with this! It covers any blemishes/imperfections completely, but it still feels so light on my skin- like I’m not wearing anything at all- and it doesn’t budge!

Even after a long day at the office- my skin always looks radiant.

I have a sweet tooth- which isn’t always a good thing when you’re dieting and trying to reach a fitness goal you’ve set for yourself- so I was pretty excited when my co-worker introduced me to the gourmet candy shop Sugarfina, and specifically their champagne and Rosé-infused gummi bears. These things taste ridiculously good and aren’t loaded with fat- which means I can eat a handful at my desk guilt-free!

I’ve personally developed an obsession with their “Bubbly Bears”, which are dusted in a thin coat of sour sugar to give each bear that fizzy feeling on your tongue- but I recommend trying pretty much anything from Sugarfina. They have something to satisfy everyone!

I’ve heard of copper-infused water bottles before, but only recently discovered their magic and wonder courtesy of this sky blue bottle from PURE. I was skeptical of the notion that this bottle could keep a beverage cold (or hot!) for 24 hours- so it pretty much blew my mind when it actually did and the water I sipped after work was just as cold as it was when I’d first poured it into the bottle that morning. It’s awesome.

I hear there’s a lot of health benefits to drinking water from a copper bottle, too- although I don’t know how accurate those statements are. All I know is that my water is always ice cold and it thankfully doesn’t taste metallic- so I’m sold!

Finally, I couldn’t resist picking up this “New Phone- Who Dis?” Ouija pin from Gimme Flair. It’s currently tacked onto my leather jacket and so many people crack up whenever they lean in to catch a glimpse of it. The photo above doesn’t do it justice. It’s really such a great accessory and one I’ve been truly having fun with over the past few weeks!

And that’s it for the photogenic favorites- but a couple of other things made the list,too!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

– “Archer: Dreamland” – I’ve loved this series since day one, and each season just gets better and better- but “Dreamland” (set in 1940’s noir while Archer is in a coma from the events of the last season) is side-splitting funny. Krieger and Pam remain my favorite characters!

– “Mystery Science Theater 3000” – Netflix is bringing me all things wonderful and pure lately, including the reboot to one of my favorite shows! I’ve been binging on this when I have the time- usually at night after a long day- and it’s just as fantastic as ever. My love of bad movies with sarcastic commentary by robots knows no bounds.

Alright everyone- I think that’s pretty much it for the month of April. My look back on these past few weeks will be up this weekend before we launch into May- where I’m sure I’ll have more favorites to share!

Enjoy your Friday!

xx

January Hits List!

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Happy Saturday and Chinese New Year, everyone! If you didn’t know, today marks the beginning of the Year of The Rooster (specifically, the Fire Rooster)– and if that’s not another reason to get out there and have yourself a wonderful and celebratory day/night- then I don’t know what is! The Chinese Zodiac is fascinating, and if you haven’t checked out all the associations with this coming year (or even your birth year) like lucky numbers, colors, etc., then I highly recommend it. You just might learn something new about yourself!

I’ll be celebrating with friends tonight, more than likely digging into some Chinese food (as is tradition) and snapping some sparkler and Chinese lantern selfies- but before I get going on my day- I wanted to share some of my favorite odds and ends from this past January. In what has become a monthly tradition here on “Legally Redhead”, it’s my Hits List post: a re-cap of all the things I’ve been loving/using/wearing/watching/eating/etc. over the last few weeks.

I always start these posts off with the things/items I could easily photograph before I divulge other random and assorted bits and belongings that aren’t quite as easy to capture with a snapshot. January was chock-full of great stuff, so this post might be a little on the long side. Sorry in advance!

Without further delay- here’s what I adored in January 2017!

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January was all about self-care- inside and out- and that included freshening up my skincare and makeup, too. I’ve been sticking to and continually using some of my long-time favorite scrubs and cleansers, but I also integrated a couple of newer products into the mix to keep my complexion looking bright and radiant during these harsher Winter months. Without a doubt, my new favorite face mask is the Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask- which I reviewed earlier this month HERE. I use it once a week and still get the same, amazing results- and it’s just as fun to use as the first time I tried it!

At night, I’ve swapped my more oily, plant-based serum for something that will moisturize and tighten my skin without ruining my pillowcases. I’m really liking the ‘Rejuveness’ cream from POND’s lately. My mom had given me a jar of the stuff a little while back when I was in-between moisturizers and needed something to keep my skin hydrated until I could make it to Sephora- and I really liked it. Loaded with Vitamin E, collagen and AHAs- this cream is lightweight, non-greasy and doesn’t clog my pores. I wake up with softer, smoother skin every morning.

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Of course, self-care also includes getting a good and undisturbed night’s sleep, too- so I’ve been utilizing this eye mask from Pier 1 Imports to shut out any light while I’m snoozing. I know there are super fancy masks available out there that help reduce puffiness around the eyes or offer cooling sensations and whatnot- but this one does a fine enough job for me. The elastic is adjustable so it’s never too tight or loose, the satin fabric is soft on my skin- and I’m a sucker for zebra print.

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I picked up some new makeup in January, too- bold shades to brighten up my more neutral-toned wardrobe pieces this time of year. One of my favorite new additions to my collection is this golden/brown long-lasting liquid lipstick from Sugarpill. Accurately named “Pumpkin Spice” (with the matching scent to boot!) this color glides on effortlessly and dries to a smudge and fade-proof sparkling finish that doesn’t budge for hours. I am absolutely in love with the shade, and often pair it with my copper-colored eye shadow I’ve been wearing on the regular.

When MAC Cosmetics announced they were creating a line of makeup inspired by the Queen of Tejano- Selena- I knew I was all in. I loved Selena growing up, and wanted to get my hands on some of the collection (if not all of it!) After browsing the makeup- which was GORGEOUS– I settled on three products that I felt would better compliment my fair skin tone. There’s the purple “Selena” eye shadow- which is a spot-on match to the singer’s purple disco outfit from her last concert at the Houston Astrodome. Then there’s “Coma La Flor”, a vibrant red lipstick with a shiny finish- and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”- a bubblegum pink lip gloss that doesn’t feel sticky or tacky on my pout.

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It’s a weird New Year’s resolution- but I’ve wanted to start wearing some of my perfume collection more often in 2017. So many friends and family have bought me gorgeous bottles of lovely fragrances- and I’ve worn them maybe once or twice before tucking them away where they have unfortunately been overlooked. One of those perfumes, which has stayed in mint condition- is a Prada fragrance (the “Amber” Eau de Parfum) my father bought me while he was away in Las Vegas a few years ago. It’s heavy with sandalwood and Patchouli- and perfect for this more frigid time of year. I forgot how much I loved it and cannot stop wearing it.

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Also new this month? My weekly planner. This coral and gold colored notepad is a lifesaver and is already filled from cover to cover with my appointments, engagements, meetings, blog post schedule, vacations, trip details, etc. etc. I check this thing nearly every other day to keep track of all the important happenings and due dates in my life- and I cannot thank my mom enough for picking it up for me. It was a lovely Christmas present last month! She knows how busy I can get.

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And finally- I am so, so SO excited that chokers are making a comeback. I used to wear them all the time with my friends in the 90’s and then during their brief resurgence in the early 2000’s. I have to admit that they are much prettier now than they were back then- and lately I’ve been sporting this ultra-sparkly one I picked up at H&M recently. It goes with pretty much everything and adds a nice touch of bling to even the most basic of ensembles. Here’s to recycling more trends in 2017!

That’s it for the stuff I was able to take photos of. Time to get into the random things that also made the list this month!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

  • “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia…” – One of my favorite shows of all time, the latest season kicked off earlier this month and it has held no punches. It’s been brutal, offensive-and-funny, and just as hilariously over-the-top. How I needed these five awful, terrible characters back in my life to make me laugh so hard I cried again.
  • Dropkick Murphys: “11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory” – I am always going to have a special place in my heart for the Dropkick Murphys. The guys are gracious, funny, and have given so much back to their communities and to the city of Boston over the years. I was thrilled when they released their ninth studio album earlier this month. It’s got the fast-paced and clever stuff I know and love, like ‘Rebels with a Cause’ and ‘Kicked to the Curb’- but there’s also a couple of slower and more somber songs, too- such as ‘Blood’ and ‘4-15-13’. My favorite so far has been the closing track, ‘Until the Next Time’- and I’m hoping to catch them live soon!

– TECH/APPS/GAMES –

  • “Resident Evil 7” – Out of all the video game franchises, the ‘Resident Evil’ and ‘Silent Hill’ series are by far my favorites- even when the games get ridiculous with their plot lines and character development or when they inspire awful movies. While I don’t personally own a VR headset (yet…), some of my friends do- and we have all been waiting anxiously for the latest installment in the RE series to be released. I’ve played a bit of the demo- which was absolutely terrifying- and later on tonight my friends and I are going to attempt our very first run-through together. If you follow me on Instagram– expect our results to wind up in my feed/story!

– MISCELLANEOUS –

  • My “2017 Keep Calm and Quote Movies Daily Desktop Calendar” – Another Christmas present to keep me organized, I had actually wanted to snap a photo of this tear-away daily desk calendar that I’ve been using at work- but accidentally forgot it in my office for the weekend. You can see some of the calendar HERE through Amazon- but basically every day features a different and popular movie quote, all designed similarly to the famous “Keep Calm and Carry On” posters. I’ve been having a blast reading each one every day- and some of the quotes have inspired me to re-watch some of my favorite classic movies or seek out the ones I haven’t seen yet.

And I think that’s pretty much it for this month. There were so many new and exciting things to make these first few weeks of 2017 wonderful and I can’t wait to see what I discover in February!

As always- if you have any of your own personal favorites for January 2017 to share, feel free to leave me a comment or drop me a line!

xx

Review: Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

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For 2017, I made a list of products- skin care, hair care, makeup, nail polish, etc.- that I’ve been meaning to try and review in detail as part of my resolution to blog more often and include more content. For inspiration and assistance with compiling my “To Try” list, I turned to my social media and fell down the YouTube beauty blogging rabbit hole. If you ever have a snowy or rainy Sunday afternoon to get lost in that part of the limitless (and sometimes downright weird) vlogging world- I highly recommend it. There’s definitely a lot to see.

I digress. One product has been on my radar for a few months now- arriving at my door from Amazon last week- and I finally got to try it this past weekend in-between shoveling my way out of the aftermath of Winter Storm Helena (and I’ll post about that later on this week!)

Elizavecca, a South Korean skincare company- has a long list of masks/serums/creams/SPFs to detoxify, nurture and brighten the skin- almost all of which feature an adorable cartoon pig on the packaging. I’ve been fascinated by Korean skincare products for quite some time now- especially since they seem to work really and ridiculously well based on every review I’ve read and every video I’ve watched.

Out of all of Elizavecca’s products, however- the “Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask” was the one that not only looked the most effective for someone with occasionally problematic skin like mine- but the most fun, too!

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I can’t speak/read/write Korean, so figuring this out for the first time could have been intimidating to someone like me had I gone into this without doing any research, first. Thankfully, though- Amazon’s order page included detailed instructions on how to use the mask- and I felt confident enough after watching countless YouTube reviews/tutorials on the product that I knew what I was doing and could pull this off without incident or injury.

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I didn’t want to leave the product uncovered for too long, since I think part of it is activated by being exposed to the air- but the texture was definitely bizarre. It was almost like tapioca pudding in that it was bouncy and jiggly- but had little bits of coarseness mixed in it, as well. The mask came with a tiny spatula to apply it with so that potentially germ-ridden fingers wouldn’t contaminate the product that remains in the jar in-between uses- although I did find the spatula a bit tricky to use at times- especially when it came time to get the mask around my nose and temples (where I usually see the most blackheads/breakouts).

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The mask should be applied to a cleansed, dry face. It might be hard to tell by the picture above since I don’t have a lot of visible acne- but prior to putting this mask on, I had some serious blackheads around my nose and forehead. Winter has been pretty brutal with my skin these past few weeks, especially in New England where the weather is just as unpredictable as our driving- drying me out with frigid temperatures and causing my skin to overcompensate with excess oil one day and then the next day leaving my face dewy and shiny from humidity and even warmer weather- and when combined with my heavier serums and moisturizers I typically use this time of year? I see a lot of little blemishes and pimples spring up and they drive me absolutely crazy.

I washed my face as usual and patted it dry with a towel before I slicked my hair back and began applying this mask. I’ve heard different amounts of time to leave it on- ranging from anywhere to 10/15 minutes to 45 minutes- so I decided to settle halfway and use the Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask for a half hour.

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Immediately, this stuff started bubbling up- even as I was still applying it! Once I had it covering as much of my face as possible (where I could still breathe normally, of course)– I set the timer and sat down to wait it out. The mask definitely tickled as it fizzed, but it didn’t hurt or itch or anything. As the minutes ticked away, I did have to use a cotton swap to move some of the foam away from my eyes and nose since the bubbles were starting to overtake vital senses and functions- but I admit I was having a lot of fun watching my face look more and more like the moon emoji.

And you bet I took selfies. How could I not? Look at it! For those who follow my Instagram– you may have caught my Insta-Story where I was laughing so hard that the bubbles went all over me.

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After 15 minutes, I rubbed the foam/bubbles into my skin to let the product set and further clean my pores. It began bubbling again- just as big as the first application in certain areas- but already my skin began feeling very refreshed and thoroughly cleansed. My face tingled, but there was no discomfort at all. It actually felt really nice.

I let the mask bubble and set for another 10 minutes before I finally rinsed it off with lukewarm water and patted my face dry with a towel.

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To my amazement, my blackheads were gone. Not smaller, not “less noticeable”- but completely and totally cleaned out. My skin felt INCREDIBLE and had a really nice glow to it. It was soft, refreshed, and not dried out at all. I followed up with a quick sweep of my micellar water on a cotton pad to take away any of the mask I might have missed while rinsing my face and a couple of pumps of a lightweight moisturizer/sunscreen so I could go out and face the day and the post-snowstorm temperatures- but I was head over heels in love with this mask and blown away over how well it worked. So much, in fact- that I raved about it for a good ten minutes during brunch later that day.

Anything that causes me to stop stuffing brunch into my face long enough to discuss it at length is worth the attention. Trust me. I take my brunching very seriously.

While I typically use sheet masks 1-2 times a week to replenish and treat my skin after a long day at work, I think I’ll be keeping this mask’s usage to a once a week minimum- because it cleans SO well that I wouldn’t want it to dry out my skin by applying it more than necessary.

I give this mask two thumbs up for sure and cannot recommend it enough to those of you out there who have blemish-prone skin like mine or are just looking for something quick, fun, and easy to give your face a really deep clean and get any and all oil, dirt and makeup out of your pores.

I think I’ve found my new Sunday morning beauty ritual!

You can purchase Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask HERE

xx

October Hits List!

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When I said this past October was insanely busy, I wasn’t kidding. My days were so packed, in fact- that I’m only just now getting around to sharing a few of my favorite products/items/odds & ends from the past few weeks before I go and do my part as an American citizen and vote in this year’s election and then spend the next few hours fighting nausea as I wait for the results to come in. I’ve honestly never been more terrified of politics than I have been this past year- and it all comes to a head tonight.

I fully plan to talk about this bizarre, ugly and embarrassing Presidential race and election for my end of the year wrap-up post- but for now I want to focus on the good things I liked throughout last month while I try to avoid the sobering realization that my country could very well be heading into an actual apocalypse within the next few hours.

As always, to start things off- here’s the things I was able to photograph, first:

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The first two items are those accidental finds we’ve all come across when we’re on the road or away from home and realize a little too late that we forgot to pack something. In this instance, it was makeup remover and concealer- which resulted in a pit-stop at a local pharmacy to see what I could scrounge up on short notice. The first things I picked up were these black-colored charcoal wipes from Yes To! I love this makeup remover- because it takes everything off with  couple of swipes and purifies my skin without drying me out or feeling too harsh. My skin is left feeling super clean and really refreshed.

Next, I snatched up this full-coverage, but lightweight in texture “Age Rewind” concealer from Maybelline. I know, I know- the sponge applicator is kind of gross after a few uses- but I typically dab this stuff onto my ring fingers and gently tap it around and under my eyes to give myself a more “I actually got some sleep last night” look. This stuff blends with my skin tone perfectly (no discoloration or creasing!) and lasts all day. What I like most, though- is that it hydrates my eye area so they stay soft and smooth even after I remove this at the end of the day.

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October marked another year at my hometown’s ‘Rock & Shock’ convention- where I spent the weekend with friends stocking up on all sorts of horror gear and getting the opportunity to meet and talk to some of my favorite horror actors/actresses- including the talented, funny, and very kind Matthew Lillard (Scream, 13 Ghosts). I also got to see one of my all-time favorite actors/artists again for the first time in a few years- the always amazing Malcolm McDowell.

Naturally, I got a signed photo and picked up the cutest “A Clockwork Orange’ figurine from FUNKO while I was there, too. I couldn’t resist. I’m a sucker for those toys and Alex DeLarge is the character I adopted my pen name since he is one of the worst villains in literature and cinematic history (and doesn’t have to do anything supernatural or magical to pull that off.)

He’s currently sitting proudly and deviously on my desk.

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And finally- Halloween night is hit-or-miss in my neighborhood when it comes to Trick Or Treating. Some years, I get a CRAZY amount of kids at my door, to the point where I worry that I’m going to run out of candy and will have to hand out random things like staplers or Yankee Candles I have around my home- and then other years my street is like a post-apocalyptic wasteland where there isn’t a soul in sight.

Regardless of the outcome, I always stock up on candy in case it’s the former so I won’t be caught off guard- but this year was pretty quiet. Whether it’s because it was chilly, a little damp out from the previous days’ rain- or because Halloween fell on the much dreaded Monday night this time around- I’m not sure. All I know if I have a bunch of leftover candy and it’s been pretty awesome because I have an undeniable sweet tooth.

I’m running low on peanut butter cups, though- which is cause for concern.

And now, onto the other random things!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

  • “The Walking Dead” – This one goes without saying. This season started off BRUTALLY and it’s just been picking up momentum and intensity ever since. I’ve been loving it. Jeffrey Dean Morgan was the perfect casting choice for Negan and the recent introduction to King Ezekiel and his Kingdom had me so moved that I’m just waiting on edge for more episodes featuring him. There are still so many unanswered questions from the premiere, of course- like where the hell is Maggie and is she okay- but I’m looking forward to the coming confrontations between the different groups and communities.
  • “HarmonQuest” – Sean got me into this one-season-so-far show from Amazon that I’ve nearly finished watching. The premise is simple and silly- three comedians and a weekly guest star play ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ in front of a live audience. Their story is animated as it unfolds. Think “Drunk History”meets an intricate dice game and the results are golden. I’ve never played ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ before but honestly this show has me tempted to give it a try. It’s really funny.

– TECH/APPS/GAMES –

  • “7 Days To Die” – This is another thing Sean got me into when he failed to entice me into playing MineCraft with him since this is essentially MineCraft with better graphics and zombies. We’ve been playing this on PS4 lately and as frustrating as I find most first-person-anything- I’ve been enjoying this. The story is easy enough to follow: the world is overrun with zombies and every 7 days they hunt and attack you in hordes. In-between those attacks- you have to find food, sew clothing/armor, and build shelter and weapons to defend yourself. It includes a fair amount of tree-punching to pick up wood like it’s blockier and less-zombie-filled counterpart- but it’s still fun.

– MISCELLANEOUS –

  • MY NEW CAR!!! – Have I mentioned how much I love my new car? Because I really, really love it. It’s sleek and clean and quiet and beautiful and I absolutely adore driving it. Definitely a highlight of my October and in 2016 in general.

And that, I think- was it for the month of October. Short and sweet! I’m already putting things together for November now that I’ve had some time to stop and breathe for a bit while I catch up on everything I’d inadvertently fell behind with- but we’ll get to that when it’s closer to the end of the month.

I’m off to vote. Good luck, America! I think we’re gonna’ need it.

xx

Mini Sephora Fall Haul!

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Now that Fall is in full swing and I am leaving for the West Coast in a couple of days- I took the time to completely clean out my makeup collection and downsize my necessities considerably. So much stuff got tossed- expired mascara, shadow palettes that were used down to the bare tins, and lipsticks I was scraping at with Q-Tips to get the very last bit of color I could.

Needless to say, I was long overdue for a restock and replenish trip to Sephora– but I also didn’t want to break the bank by purchasing a bunch of products that would either expire before I got a chance to finish them up or be considered out-of-season or style by the time I got around to using them.

So I did the responsible thing: I made a list of what I needed versus what I wanted, I set a budget, and after browsing the store for a good hour- I got some really nice, new stuff- and only went over my budget by a little.

I swear, it was only by a little bit.

So here’s my mini “Fall Haul” post to showcase what I’m loving and what I’ll be wearing through the remainder of the Autumn and into the Winter!

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For my face, I only needed a re-stock of my favorite medium-to-full coverage foundation from Tarte ($39). I love this stuff. It gives me SPF15 protection and is hypoallergenic (and vegan!) while still being efficient enough at hiding my pores and giving me a flawless finish.

I also wanted a pressed powder that I could use for the days I didn’t feel like wearing a liquid foundation or to keep in my bag for quick touch-ups (which I’m sure I’ll need while I’m in the desert!) I turned to Sephora’s own brand of cosmetics and tried their Matte Perfection Powder Foundation ($20)- which feels lightweight on my skin and is perfect for evening out and balancing my more troublesome and oily areas.

I rarely wear bronzer in the Fall/Winter- instead embracing my porcelain complexion- and I already have a brand new blush courtesy of Cargo Cosmetics and my recent POPSUGAR Must-Have Box, so I saved a little money there!

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I also stuck to Sephora’s own makeup line when it came to selecting a couple of new eye shadow singles. I wanted two fairly neutral shades that I could gradually build upon to make into a dramatic smokey eye- or keep subtle and play up with a bold lip color, instead. I didn’t want any blues or deep purples this time around- and instead opted for a shimmery rose gold tone (“What Happens in Vegas”, a fitting name- and $10) to highlight my eyes, and a slightly darker mauve tone for my lids (“Free Hugs”- also $10!)

Both of these colors really bring out the blue in my eyes and are sparkly and noticeable without being overwhelming. They’re tame enough to wear to work and can be accentuated with liners and mascara (that’s next!) to create a more “night-friendly” look, too.

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For eyeliners, I had some difficulty making up my mind between two different shades and types (both from Sephora’s collection)– and I just decided to splurge a bit and get both so I could mix and match. The first shade, “Cappuccino”, is a shimmery brown that glides on easy and stays in place all day. It’s from the Contour Eye Pencil 12-hr Wear Waterproof line and is only $10.

The second, a $14 liner from the Contour Brushed Metal Gel Eyeliner Waterproof line- is a coppery/reddish shimmer shade called “Moscow Mule”. This is another long-lasting formula that really makes my eyes pop. Out of the two liners I picked up, I think this one might be my favorite- but it’s a close call!

Finally, to wrap up my eye looks- I wanted to get a re-fill of one of my favorite mascaras to date- the waterproof “Lights, Camera, Splashes” formula from Tarte ($21). I LOVE the shape of the brush on this mascara, and it really does last forever and a day! It’s wonderful.

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Finally, I wanted to get a couple of new lipsticks for the Fall/Winter- and I went with my trusted and true company- Urban Decay. Both shades are from UD’s Vice line ($17 each)- and both are a creamy texture (but with a matte finish!)

The first shade, “Safe Word”, is a light and neutral nude-pink that I typically wear every day for a more natural look. The second- reserved for those special nights out- is called “Hex”, and is a deep cherry/red wine hue that gives me that vampy look I covet so much this time of year.

After taxes, my total purchase came to $167 and some change. Not bad considering these products are going to carry me through the next few months until my next trip to Sephora. I’m in love with everything I picked out- and I’m sure you’ll all be seeing it make appearances in any upcoming photos I post on here or my social media accounts.

Did any of you splurge on any makeup for the Fall season? Are there any must-have Autumn beauty items you’re getting ready to break out?

Feel free to share!

xx

June Hits List!

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I’ve reserved a few words to describe this month of June 2016, none of which are particularly kind (I’ll get to that in tomorrow’s ‘In a Nutshell’ post,) but one word that stands out- especially this week- is “scorching”. This month was ridiculously hot! I’m not complaining, since I’ll take middle-of-the-desert-like temperatures over snow any day of the week, but I did have to adjust a few things- namely my makeup and my wardrobe- to keep either of them from sliding off of me in my perpetual state of sweaty-ness.

Because of that, my June ‘Hits List’ is filled with mostly necessities and/or odds & ends I’d picked up over the past few weeks to help me beat the heat and decompress as much as possible after some stressful situations I took on and tackled this month.

As per usual, I thought I’d show the material things that are easy to photograph, first- before I dove into music/movies/apps/tech and miscellaneous things that require more of a words-only description.

Let’s take a look!

Last week, during a day of cycling through downtown Boston, grabbing lunch at Paul, and lounging poolside back at the apartment, Sean and I also stopped by my new favorite store- Primark– for an impromptu mini-shopping spree. For those not familiar with the glory that is Primark: think Forever 21 prices meets H&M-but-better quality- add five stories of limitless clothing and accessory options in the heart of Downtown Crossing- and you’ll understand why it’s so appealing and why I could spend hours and hours in there on any given day.

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From our most recent haul, these are three of my favorite finds (not pictured are the two swimsuits and the cover-up I also bought!) The first is this really big, really Summer-y navy blue, tan and gold bag that can hold pretty much all of my work and beach necessities and then some- and which has really cute, very sturdy rope and faux-leather handles that gives it a sort of nautical feel- which we all know I’m a huge fan of. The price of the bag? $14.

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I also picked up this adorable and oversized cream-colored lace hat with brown suede accents for when I’m heading to the pool/ocean/out for a stroll in the sun. At $6- this was a steal- and it matches pretty much everything in my Summer wardrobe. I’ll be getting a lot of use out of this and I’m so excited because it looks great on- and that’s coming from someone who never thought she could pull off the “floppy hat” look properly.

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Finally, when I laid eyes on these $7 canvas sandals with flamingos printed all over them- I knew I had to have them- and considering they are SERIOUSLY SO COMFORTABLE- I’m thrilled I picked them up. If I’m wearing black? I put these on. Pink? I’m sporting these. Any color? These are my new go-to’s. I’m in love.

Good God, I love Primark so much.

Next up is my makeup selections for June- which, given the soaring temperatures- I kept as light and minimal as possible. You’re crazy if you think I’m dropping serious dough at Sephora for products that are going to be melting off of me the second I step outside. I’ve found decent enough dupes/substitutions in my local drug pharmacy- and both my wallet and my face are quite pleased.

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For example, I rediscovered my love of Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Cream, which matches my skin tone perfectly and gives me just enough coverage where I look refreshed (and not like I’m wearing a mask) and I have been coveting my #113 shade of Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick from Kate Moss’ collaboration with Rimmel since it gives me a subtle, natural pop of color that compliments my complexion and doesn’t feel sticky/tacky/drying. Most importantly? It stays in place- even when it feels like the rest of me is roasting in the sun.

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In regards to my skin care, I haven’t really changed anything up too drastically this Summer. I’m still using lightweight and oil-controlling moisturizers (and plenty of SPF!) as well as light cleansers and gentle toners- but one addition I’ve made is implementing this gentle grapefruit-infused daily scrub from Yes To into my routine. I like that this scrub cleans out my pores without being abrasive- and it smells really nice, too.

And in the spirit of all things fruit/citrus-scented for the Summer- I’ve also been obsessively slathering this Sparkling Limoncello hand cream from Bath & Body Works all over my palms for the past month. I love citrus scents/flavors in general- but especially in the hotter months (I think it’s because they remind me of my home away from home in Southern California and it’s comforting in a way.) This hand cream is super softening and moisturizing- which is nice after I’ve been in the pool or out on the sand for a while and my skin gets a little prune-ish and dry.

And now, onto the other stuff!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

  • ‘O.J.: Made in America’ – Not since ‘The Jinx’ has there been a documentary that has been so gripping, so chilling, and so revealing. I was a kid when the “Trial of the Century” went down- but I remember watching the Bronco chase in my parents’ living room, and the big glove-don’t-fit moment- and sitting in my fourth grade classroom listening to a radio broadcast of the verdict and not fully understanding exactly why it was so important but knowing that it was. ESPN’s five-part documentary: detailing O.J. Simpson’s rise to fame, his repeated abuse of Nicole Brown, the murders, the trial- and then his downward spiral  post-acquittal- all with the backdrop of rising racial tensions in Los Angeles at the time O.J. was charged- really shined a light on so many factors to the case that I don’t think a lot of people who tuned in every day saw for themselves or took into consideration.

Featuring interviews with/commentary by Marcia Clark (LOVE HER), Mark Fuhrman (still a piece of garbage), Carl Douglas (still awful), O.J.’s former friends and colleagues, and members of the L.A.P.D. and surviving members of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman’s families- the documentary is definitely worth a binge-watch on your next day off. It’s fascinating- even if there are no real winners by the end of it.

– TECH/APPS/GAMES –

  • ‘Death Stranding’ – Okay, so even though the game hasn’t been released (yet)– can we talk about the weird, semi-creepy trailer from the latest collaboration between Hideo Kojima and Norman Reedus after the game-changing demo ‘P.T./Silent Hills’ fell through? Revealed at this month’s Sony E3 Conference- I have so many questions, no answers- and nothing more than “Norman Feetus” jokes to get me through this until we get a tentative release date and more information. Even still- this looks incredible and I can’t wait to dive into it.

I think that’s pretty much everything for the month of June! I plan on recapping this shit-show of a month tomorrow, but I’ll have more favorites in July!

And as always- feel free to share your own hits for June. I’d love to hear about them!

xx

GLOSSYBOX: May 2016 Review.

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I’ve been a loyal subscriber to GlossyBox for a few years now, having first opened up my account back in the beginning of 2013 when the company collaborated with blogger Man Repeller for a special curated box. I had been so pleased and impressed with everything that I had received that I couldn’t wait to see what would come the following month, and the month after that- and the month after that.

And now, just a little over three years of samples, coupons, and reviews- my relationship with GlossyBox has sadly come to an end. I still think very highly of the service, and recommend it to anyone looking to test out new products from different brands- but for me, it was starting to get a little stale. There’s only so many black eyeliners and rose-hued lipsticks a girl can need/want- and coupled with my new budgeting plan for 2016- it was finally time to sever ties and bid a fond farewell to my very first beauty box subscription.

Last month’s box, which arrived free of charge since I cashed in my accrued GlossyDOTS (collected by answering survey questions about the samples received in past boxes)– arrived right on time- however I only recently finished trying everything out.

WHAT I RECEIVED:

Adore Cosmetics Cellmax Elite Facial Serum

RITUALS Cosmetics Shower Foam in ‘Zensation’

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara

NIOXIN System 3 Cleanser & Scalp Therapy Conditioner

TALIKA Photo-Hydra Day

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Product # 1: Adore Cosmetics Cellmax Elite Facial Serum ($749.95. Yes, really.)

Have you ever held something in your hand that was so obscenely expensive that you had a mild panic attack at the very thought of dropping it while you clutched it in your sweaty palm? WELL DO I HAVE A PRODUCT FOR YOU TO TRY. This is Adore Cosmetics’ facial serum- and it’s price tag is one of the most bonkers things I’ve ever seen in my entire life. For just under $750 for a full-sized jar, I wanted this serum to make my face look the way it did when I was seven years old. I’m talking giving me my flawless elementary school skin. If I’m spending what could easily be a month’s rent- then I want miracles.

Well, after using this serum for a few days- morning and night- I gotta’ say it’s pretty awesome. My skin has been significantly brighter, clearer, softer and smoother. The difference is really, really noticeable- and a little goes a long way- so I’ll be milking this deluxe sample for as long as possible.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Listen, if food, shelter and clothing were not a necessity- I would buying this stuff in bulk. While my skin doesn’t look the way it did while I was in elementary school- it still looks and feels great- and that’s good enough for me. This serum seriously packs a punch and I’m going to be sad when I’m left scraping this little jar for the last bit of it!

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Product # 2: RITUALS Cosmetics Shower Foam in ‘Zensation’ ($15)

I’d received a full-sized RITUALS shower foam in a past GlossyBox before, which I had really enjoyed. The fragrance was divine- and the foam-on-contact aerosol can made for a mess-free shower experience. This miniature version, with a different scent that still smelled light, fresh, clean and only a little floral- was just as good. It left my skin feeling truly cleansed and moisturized throughout the day- and I personally loved how conveniently-small the canister is. This would be perfect to travel with since it beats the drying and over-perfumed hotel room bar soaps or body washes any day.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I looked at RITUALS website, and it seems they do have these smaller-sized containers of shower foams available for sale- which means I can stock up for my upcoming travel plans (and keep one in my gum bag for my post-workout shower, too.)

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Product # 3: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara ($24)

Speaking of travel-sized necessities- I love receiving small tubes of mascara because for me- they never go to waste. I always use them up before they expire, they’re more convenient to carry with me, and the fact that they’re free isn’t a bad deal, either. I also love Benefit Cosmetics- so getting to try a tube of their Roller Lash mascara was really enjoyable for me.

This mascara had a really unique shaped brush which helped coat my lashes evenly and without any clumping or flaking. Theproduct definitely lengthened my lashes- although I didn’t really notice any difference in how they curled up (but mine tend to do so naturally, so that might be why)– but this stuff stayed in place all day and well into the night, even when it was getting hot and humid outside- without giving me the dreaded raccoon look by the time I got home.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. I liked the longevity of this mascara, and I liked how it lengthened my lashes- but there was a certain “wow’ factor that was missing that I usually find in my Tarte and Too Faced mascaras. This one is nice for sure- but I’m not 100% sold on it.

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Product # 4: NIOXIN System 3 Cleanser & Scalp Therapy Conditioner ($49 for kit)

I was unfamiliar with the brand NIOXIN prior to receiving these two samples of shampoo and conditioner- but apparently the products are designed to aid those with thinning hair. Since my hair is pretty thick and curly naturally, I had a feeling I wouldn’t see much of a difference- but decided to try these anyway for the sake of a review. Despite being for chemically-treated hair- both products are loaded with sulfates and hard-to-pronounce artificial ingredients- so I went easy on the usage as to not strip my red.

Both the shampoo and the conditioner smell STRONGLY of mint (and getting a little in your eyes is not a fun experience- trust me), but while the shampoo didn’t lather up all that well and didn’t make my hair feel any cleaner- the conditioner worked well enough at de-tangling my curls and softening my scalp. I just needed to use a lot of it to work through my hair. By the time I was done, my hair didn’t look or feel any different in terms of thickness. It looked about the same.

Would I Purchase?: No. I can’t say for certain if this product would work wonders for thinning hair, but for me- it was okay. My hair didn’t feel particularly clean after I used the shampoo, and I needed a lot of the conditioner to get my curls soft and manageable. The overpowering mint fragrance didn’t really help much, either. I’ll pass on this stuff.

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Product # 5: TALIKA Photo-Hydra Day ($49)

I’m always a little weary when it comes to trying serums/oils/moisturizers from brands that I’m not too familiar with. I have sensitive and combination skin- and one unusual ingredient or too much added perfume and my face turns into a war zone of bumps, blemishes, and redness. I’d never tried TALIKA products before- at least not any that I can remember easily- but this lightweight, anti-aging “plumping” moisturizer seemed tame enough.

While this product does have a little bit of a fragrance to it- which kind of reminded me of the beach for a reason I still can’t quite explain- it was harmless on my face. It softened my skin, and even brightened my complexion a bit- but I didn’t necessarily notice any changes to the “plumpness” or firmness to it. It was just a nice, lightweight daily moisturizer that I didn’t mind having within reach after I washed my face.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. If you’re looking for something to seriously firm, tighten, or tone your skin- this might not be the perfect product for you- but it’s a decent daily moisturizer to apply in the mornings before my makeup- which is a nice, convenient thing to have in the Summer. Really the only thing that’s still got me on the fence about this product is the price point- since $49 is a lot to spend on something that doesn’t do every single thing it’s supposed to, after all.

My final GlossyBox consisted of two YES (“YASSSS”) products, two maybes, and one definitive no. Not the best assortment of items- but also not the worst, either.

I’ve had a lot of fun with the company- and I recommend them to anyone who is looking to try new beauty products every month for a reasonable price- but I needed a break.

xx

GLOSSYBOX: April 2016 Review.

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After last week’s unforeseen and unfortunate loss of a cultural icon- I wanted to work through the mourning process and get back to schedule and to the basics. Namely: my monthly subscription service reviews.  Having only recently received my April POPSUGAR ‘Must Have’ box and Loot Crate over the past couple of days due to late and/or delayed shipments, I thought I would write and post my reviews based on the order the boxes were delivered to me and kick off this installment with the first to arrive at my door this month- my April GlossyBox.

April’s GlossyBox contained two full-sized products and three deluxe samples that predominantly covered skincare but also included a hair styling product, a makeup product, and a nail polish (always one of my favorite things to receive!) The selection of items and the box itself did not have a specific theme- but with the Summer months approaching- I’m hoping GlossyBox will have some fun collaborations to liven things up a little.

WHAT I RECEIVED:

ALTERNA Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Complete Correction

Studio | 10 Brow Lift Perfecting Liner (*Full Size!*)

Biossance ‘THE NOURISHER’ Precious Rose Face Oil

Leighton Denny Expert Nails Nail Polish in ‘Pillow Talk’ (*Full Size!*)

Unani Dermo Defense Face Mask

Let’s take a look at everything one-by-one.

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Product # 1: ALTERNA Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Complete Correction ($25)

This actually isn’t the first time I’ve tried this product through GlossyBox. Back in 2014 when the company teamed up with BERGDORF GOODMAN, I had received a deluxe-sized sample tube of this very same styling cream- and I had absolutely loved it.

Nearly two years later and despite the packaging looking slightly different- I’m still as big a fan of this product as ever. It makes my hair ridiculously soft and frizz-free, tames my curls to give them a beautiful and effortless wavy appearance, and it doesn’t require using a TON of product since a little bit of the cream goes such a long way-  even with my thick hair- so having to buy in bulk isn’t really necessary (just a life choice since I like this stuff so much.)

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I continue to swear by this cream. No matter what type of hair you have- this product is a must-buy game changer. It has completely simplified my morning styling routine and whenever I use it- my hair always looks and feels incredible. On most days, this is the only product I need/use in my curls!

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Product # 2: Studio | 10 Brow Lift Perfecting Liner ($20)

I’ve been getting experimental with my brows lately- and by “experimental”- I mean I’ve been too lazy to pluck or wax them properly so I’ve just been letting them grow out until my next appointment at the salon where I’m sure I’ll clean them up a little. Until then, all I really do is use a brow gel and brush to keep them even and in place and go about my day. I’ve never really been in need of a pencil- especially a hard-tipped one like this brow pencil/highlighter duo I received from Studio | 10.

The cool thing about this product (and this brand in general) is that with every one of these brow pencils sold- the company donates one to a person undergoing cancer treatment who may need a pick-me-up from the side effects of their treatments/medications and who could use a boost in morale and self-confidence. Having known a few people who have courageously battled cancer throughout my lifetime- I think it’s the little things that make all the difference- and sending someone something as small as a little makeup is a sweet gesture.

Despite being hard-tipped, both ends of this pencil actually applied pretty smoothly. Unfortunately, the colors didn’t look quite “right” on my skin tone (the brown was too noticeable and the highlighter wasn’t noticeable enough) and I couldn’t get either end to blend to look more subtle and natural. I think I’ll be sticking to my brow gel and brush for now.

Would I Purchase?: No, not for myself- but given the buy one/give one aspect of this liner- I wouldn’t be opposed to picking up a few for some of my girlfriends’ makeup collections. It would be supporting a nice cause and they’d probably have more luck getting this pencil to look right on them than I did!

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Product # 3: Biossance ‘THE NOURISHER’ Precious Rose Face Oil ($72)

In a past GlossyBox, I had received a multi-purpose Biossance oil that I had enjoyed very much as I slathered it on my cuticles, the ends of my hair, and my face and neck. This oil- a face-only formula that smelled strongly of freshly picked roses whenever I uncapped the bottle- was obviously a little different. I used this oil as directed- applying with a cotton ball in the morning before my makeup and at night after thoroughly cleansing my face before bed. Although it took a few minutes to fully absorb, I noticed that my skin gradually became softer and smoother with each passing day- and I didn’t have any sort of bad reaction or breakout from this oil- even with the fragrance and even when I applied sunscreen after using it in the mornings. Not bad at all!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Much like the last oil I received from Biossance- the price tag on this product is a little steep- but it’s worth it given the results that can be achieved. I think when it comes time for me to splurge a little bit on myself and replenish some of my skin care- I’d consider ordering a full-sized bottle of this oil to keep on hand since it worked wonders for me. It made my skin look and feel hydrated and supple all day & night long- and I believe it would be suitable for any and all skin types, too.

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Product # 4: Leighton Denny Expert Nails Nail Polish in ‘Pillow Talk’ ($16)

Whenever I receive a nail polish in any of my subscription services, I typically take a photo of how the polish looks on my nails since it can turn out much different than how it appears in the bottle. Unfortunately, shortly after my last manicure- I headed off to New Hampshire for a weekend in nature- and by the time I got done hiking/rock climbing/zip-lining (that recap is coming up shortly)– my nails weren’t exactly the most photogenic things. In fact, my hands pretty much took a beating- and I’m trying to get them back into nice condition again.

I digress! The color of this long-lasting lacquer was lovely (say that three times fast.) A bright combo of pink/red- this polish really stood out on my nails pre-trip to New Hampshire and is going to be a nice addition to my Summer colors when it comes time to get pedicures again.

Also? I just love the name of the color, too.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! It’s hard for me to locate a nail polish I don’t like (it’s happened, for sure- but those instances are far and few between) and this shade is another winner for me. I love the color and the longevity- and I’ll hopefully have a photo of how it looks on my fingertips up on my Instagram once my hands are healed up!

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Product # 5: Unani Dermo Defense Face Mask (N/A)

Finally, the last product in April’s GlossyBox was this gel-like face mask for sensitive skin from Unani, which I unfortunately couldn’t find a price listing for. The mask, lightweight and meant to be used 2-3 times a week, sank into my skin with ease and rinsed off with no complications after I’d kept it on for approximately ten minutes- briefly leaving my skin feeling soft and conditioned- although not necessarily “clean” the way most face masks do.

The issue with this mask arose shortly thereafter- when a series of bumps along my cheeks appeared- followed by more bumps along my forehead and chin. This mask made me break out- badly- and some serious extraction and salicylic acid application was required to clear up the damage.

Just to make sure that the reaction was a result of the mask itself and not the side-effects of my period- I tried the mask again a few days later- and the same exact thing happened (although not as badly the second time around.) Once again, I had to scrub and nurture my skin to clear up the blemishes- and some of them still haven’t gone away.

Would I Purchase?: No. Out of all the products in April’s GlossyBox- this one was the worst. This mask temporarily ruined my skin- and I’ll be steering clear from it while I wait for the reaction it caused to eventually clear itself up and my face can return to it’s normal oily/combination state.

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April’s GlossyBox also included an additional voucher for 50% off (the code was edited out in the above photo) a kit from the company Doorstep Desserts– who make weekly deliveries of ingredients to bake/cook different types of desserts depending on subscribers preferences and pay plans. The concept is pretty neat, and we all know how much I love to bake a good dessert- so I think I’ll be using this one in the future to see if the company is as good as it sounds!

Overall, April’s GlossyBox was a pretty good composition of different products- and although two of them were just not for me at all- overall I was pleased with what I received (especially another sample of the CC cream for my hair!)

Next month’s GlossyBox will be free thanks to my cashing in my accrued GlossyDots- and I’m going to take the opportunity to determine if I want to stay a subscriber or not since I’ve been on the fence with the company for quite a while now.

We’ll see how it goes in May!

xx

GLOSSYBOX: March 2016 Review.

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Next up while I’m making the rounds with my monthly subscription services is my review of March’s GlossyBox. I’ve been on the fence with this company for a few months now (I feel like I say that every month, really) since the service is often hit or miss and I’ve been finding the assortment of products I receive each month is starting to feel repetitive- which is ultimately what led me to cancel my Ipsy subscription a while back- but I’ve been trying to tough it out since reviewing these pretty pink boxes every few weeks has been a tradition since I first started writing ‘Legally Redhead’ back in 2013.

March’s GlossyBox did not have a particular theme/collaboration this time around, and featured two full-sized products with three deluxe-sized samples

WHAT I RECEIVED:

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in ‘Chihuahua’

I Love…Cosmetics Super Soft Hand Lotion in ‘Raspberry & Blackberry’ (*Full Size!*)

Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush 504 (*Full Size!*)

Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner

Vine Vera Resveratrol Merlot Moisture Day Cream

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Product # 1: Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in ‘Chihuahua’ ($21)

I wanted to start this month’s review with what was hands down my favorite product in March’s GlossyBox. I’m a big fan of Too Faced cosmetics, and although I’ve seen the tubes of their Melted Lipstick staring up at me each and every time I’ve gone into Sephora recently- I never got around to testing the product- let alone buying a full-sized one. I’ve heard mixed reviews, and was very happy to receive a rather large sample size of their rose/neutral shade, ‘Chihuahua’ to play around with- and from the first time I applied this shade with the sponge-tipped applicator- I was in love.

I love how this formula feels on my lips. It’s creamy, not greasy- but dries to a beautiful and long-lasting finish that stays in place for a long time until it eventually fades out into a non-drying stain. The color is flattering, but what makes me even happier is the price point. Similar highly-pigmented lipsticks like this one tend to break the bank. $21 for a tube that will last a long time seems pretty reasonable to me- and Melted Lipsticks come in so many shades that I can find a perfect one for any season/occasion.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! While ‘Chihuahua’ complimented my skin tone for sure, I’d actually really like to try some of the other, bolder colors this formula comes in- like a nice poppy shade or a deep violet. I think I’ll be adding a couple of these to my basket the next time I’m in Sephora!

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Product # 2: I Love…Cosmetics Super Soft Hand Lotion in ‘Raspberry & Blackberry’ ($6)

I love the smell and taste of both raspberries and blackberries- so combining the two in a product I will never, ever say no to (any type of hand cream) is pretty much an automatic win in my book. Not only was the packaging to this $6 intensely hydrating and quick-absorbing hand lotion bright and fun- but the product smelled so delicious and so convincing that it immediately made me crave a smoothie while I was vigorously rubbing it into my hands and cuticles. While my skin is nowhere near as dry as it was about a month or two ago when I was in the thick of frigid Winter temperatures- I still try to treat the rougher patches of my body (including my hands) to some TLC as much as possible. This lotion definitely helped get the job done.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I really enjoyed this hand cream- and after doing some research into I Love… Cosmetics- it looks as though the company offers an assortment of other creams/body washes in different fragrances, too. I’m currently eyeing the coconut one since that is my favorite scent of all!

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Product # 3: Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush 504 ($16)

Typically when I receive any type of makeup brush in a subscription service, I pass it along to my other makeup-fiend friends or family members since I’ve been more than content with my longtime collection of brushes, sponges, and tools. However, I’ve recently been playing around with contouring lately- and having misplaced a couple of my brushes during some light travel over the past couple of months- I found that this one arrived just in time to help me get a defined and radiant look with my blushes and highlighters. Apart from the fact that this brush is pink (!!!), it’s bristles are also incredibly soft and deposit the colors I choose evenly on my skin as opposed to causing any colors/powders to look chalky or caked on.

Sorry, friends and family- I’m keeping this one for myself!

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. I highly doubt I’ll be in need of a replacement any time soon since this brush seems pretty well-made and durable, but if I find myself in a bind and need to re-order- I might consider picking up another one- especially for only $16, which is a steal compared to similar brushes from other high-end companies.

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Product # 4: Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner ($20)

Typically the words “liquid” and “eyeliner” put together makes me cringe and/or recoil in horror, since I always end up looking ridiculous whenever I try to apply a decent cat-eye with my shaky hands- but this black eyeliner from Eyeko is actually the “marker” version of liquid eyeliner that I enjoy since it has a fine point applicator and is easier to control than a sopping wet brush.

Sure enough, when I first tried this liner pen, I was able to create a subtle lined look that didn’t require multiple do-overs or corrections, and for the most part- this product stayed in place. I say “for the most part” because on a couple of separate occasions, I had noticed that the outer corner of my eye where I had flicked the liner up to create a cat-eye was starting to look a little dark- like the product was in the early stages of smudging/fading. A touch-up with my concealer and highlighter later and it was gone- but I dread to think of how I could have easily resembled a raccoon had I not noticed it in time.

Would I Purchase?: No. I didn’t hate this liner by any means, and for someone like me who typically can’t line their eyes to save their life- it was easy to hold steady and apply evenly. I think I just need something that has a bit more staying power for those days/nights I don’t have time for touch-ups- and that’s why I’ll be sticking to my gel liners and other tried and tested brands of “marker” style liners, instead.

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Product # 5: Vine Vera Resveratrol Merlot Moisture Day Cream ($146)

For years, I’ve heard about the benefits of wine when it came to heart health (… or stress relief), but never once thought about it being beneficial in skin care. I suppose it was only a matter of time before someone tried it out and created a skin care product out of a chardonnay or Merlot- which is where Vine Vera comes in.

When I first saw the two very small containers from the brand in March’s GlossyBox, I thought for a second that maybe one cream was a day cream and the other was a night cream- but they were both day creams- and I have to say I wasn’t a fan of the way it was packaged. For a product that costs $146 for a full-sized version, I’d have hoped to receive something that didn’t look like it had been an afterthought/last minute choice to add to this month’s assortment of items and placed in something that resembled one of Sephora’s small take-home tester containers.

My dissatisfaction with this product unfortunately didn’t end with it’s packaging. While the cream was lightweight and made my skin feel nice at first- it was temporary. After each use of this product, I noticed a series of bumps and blemishes appearing around my face that required a mask and a bit of extraction to get rid of. I had to stop using this after the fourth time it made me break out along my chin.

Would I Purchase?: No. Apart from the weird reaction I had to this cream, I’m also at a loss for it’s price tag. I’m aware that anti-aging products can get a little expensive- but I don’t even see any indication, anywhere, that this cream has any type of SPF in it or how it’s even supposed to work. A peek at Vine Vera’s site shows multiple (and oddly vague) 5-star reviews for this cream- but again- no truly specific information. I’m gonna’ pass on this one.

Although I loved the lipstick and the lotion (and didn’t have any problems with the brush) in March’s GlossyBox- the eyeliner and especially the day cream left a LOT to be desired. This wasn’t the worst box I’ve received- not by a long shot- but I wasn’t exactly blown away by it, either.

I’m currently accruing GlossyDots in order to receive one of my upcoming boxes for free. I’m hoping to be dazzled and wowed again by the company before then so I’ll have incentive to keep subscribing- because with the exception of a couple of recent themed/collaboration boxes- it feels like they’ve been falling a little flat.

‘Til next time!

xx