Honest Company August 2014

I received my Honest Company Essential Bundle this week. I had to get a replacement body wash and shampoo as I ran out. This is my favorite body wash by far, it has a very light tangerine vanilla scent and has a great consistency. I heard that Costco has an amazing deal for a huge bottle for $15, I need to find it at a nearest Costco. I also needed new spray sunscreen as I go through a lot during my summer jobs. I need to update once I get to test it out. I also ordered the bubble bath, as I ran out and I love taking relaxing baths. Thankfully they have changed the formula, as the old formula was very watery and the new formula is thicker. They also included a cute bubble wand, though it is geared for kids I love it! My bff got the chap stick set so I was very excited to add it on because I loved it. The vanilla orange and lavender mint ones smell amazing. I read the honest company blog and they recently did an article on 7 uses for baby powder that I found pretty interesting. You can use as a finishing powder for setting makeup, an after shave, use to absorb sweat, use to absorb the smell in sneakers, to repel sand, and can sprinkle on sheets to keep them cooler at night. I also received rinse aid and vegetable wash that I can't wait to use and test out. This month they announced they announced the new organic shave oil. I LOVE this stuff soo much. I was a little dissapointed at the size, but I am noticing a little goes a long way. This stuff is certified organic, hypoallergenic, prevents nicks, cuts, and razor burn. When I  used this I was not expecting to be cooling so that was surprising but I loved it. It was very soothing and conditioning and my skin felt great afterwards. I already added it to my next bundle.

-K

Allure Fall Beauty Bag 2014 - SALE ALERT

The Allure 2014  Fall Beauty Bag is going on sale August 26th, at 12:00 PM EST. This box sells out in minutes, so you do not want to be late. Just go to Allurebeautyboxpromo.com. The site isn't open yet, but should be when it comes closer to the sale time. The cost is $44.95 + Shipping. This is more than in past years, but still worth it. The box generally ships fairly quickly after the sale ends!

Hair
Aloxxi Dry Shampoo - $12
Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Oil Nourishing Styling Treatment - $11.50
Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer - $8
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Protecting Shampoo - $6
John Frieda Frizz Ease Go Curlier Heat Activated Spray - $9
John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Intense After Colour Conditioner - $12
Make It Straight - $16
Neutrogena Triple Repair Fortifying Leave in Treatment - $6
Redken Blonde Idol BBB Spray - $19
Organic Doctor Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Restorative Treatment Conditioner - $12
Tresemme 7 Day Keratin Smooth Heat Activated Treatment - $8

Skin
Clean & Clear Advantage Soothing Acne Scrub - $5
BAN Total Refresh Cooling Body Wipes - $3
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - $11
Curel Rough Skin Rescue - $8
Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash - $9
Organic Doctor Organic Dead Sea Mineral Bio-Plasma Mud Mask - $10
Organic Doctor Organic Tea Tree Face Wash - $10

Makeup
ELF Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths - $3
Burts Bees 100% Natural Lip Crayon - $7
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish Duo - $15
Real Techniques Blush Brush - $9

Teeth
Arm & Hammer Spin Brush Truly Radiant - $9
Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Toothpaste - $4

This is one of the most fun boxes out there, because there are just so many different products. I really like how there is a lot for hair this time, which will be necessary going into the fall/winter seasons. I'll let you know my thoughts after it arrives.
~A

Allure Sample Society August 2014 Review

Allure has recently taken over Sample Society. The box is still $15 a month, plus shipping. It's very similar to the cheaper versions of BirchBox and Ipsy. This months theme is the Big Easy, and was designed with the thought of creating an effortless style. That's inspiring.

 I'm loving the new Red Box. It debuted last month, but I'm still liking it.

We now get info booklets, that talk about the products in the box. Instead of the mini magazines that discuss things unrelated to what's in the box. I miss the mini mags, but I much prefer info on the actual items. I am thrilled that Allure gives tips on what they discovered about the items. Very helpful and much appreciated!

 First Look!

 

 

Kate Somerville Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment - I'm still too nervous to actually put oil on my T-zone. I don't care how expensive or fancy you are, or even who thinks it cool, I am just not there yet. It supposed to only take a drop or two, but Allure says you will need more to actually cover the face.

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Peony - I really like Too Faced products, so I'm happy to see another one. I was trying to figure out if this was more lipstick, or lipgloss. It goes on wet, but is very matte. Allure gives the tip that it's a bit drying, so be sure to use a lip balm first. It's already sounding like work.

Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara in Black Ice - This is another brand I'm really liking lately. I'm pretty picky about mascaras, but I do like trying different kinds.

Ciate Paint Post nail polish in Cha Cha Cha - Love the cute mini bottle. Seriously, who ever uses up an entire bottle anyway? Mini's are perfect. I love this color for toes in the summer. Allure agrees with me.

Oribe Surfcomber Touseld Texture Mousse - I don't use mousse, but I'm keeping this on hand for when my sister visits and always asks if I have any mousse. The scent is citris and jasmine, so I don't know yet if it will be too strong for her. I like the bottle though. This is supposed to be a good alternative to using the surf spray. It is recommended to use on dry hair, because when used on wet hair it can have a crunchy feel.

 

`A

Whish Shave Cream and Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum - August 2014 Review

What I'm raving about this week!

I love Whish Products. If you aren't familiar, they are Luxury line made up of naturally sourced and organic ingredients. No harsh chemicals. I just picked up a combo pack at Costco this weekend $19.99. It came with two shave creams and one flawless shave serum.

 

No harsh chemicals. Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, DEA and TEA free, and Petrochemical Free. No animal testing.

 

Whish Shave Cream - $20. It's best described as a whipped lotion. It comes in seven different flavors, I've got Pomegranate here. It is not too thick and it also does not lather like a gel with sulfate. It's applies smoothly like a lotion, and provides a close shave. It left my legs feeling moisturized. It does not take much, which is a concept I'm still getting used to since I'm used to gels. The Pomegranate fragrance is understated, which is important to me since I don't like things overly fragranced. I love the fruit flavors and Pomegranate is one of my favorites.

 

Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum - $22.50 It's designed to use post shave or wax, and combats those pesky razor bumps and ingrown hairs. It just takes a really small amount, and you can rub into your bikini area or underarm. I tried this years ago, when I got it at a day spa. I have not run across it since, so I'm actually pretty thrilled to find this. If you have not tried this stuff, you are missing out!

 

At some point, I intend to try some of the other products with the flavors Blueberry and Lemongrass. If you would like to read more about the Whish product lines, click here.

 

`A

 

 

Blush Beauty Mystery Box August 2014 Review

Blush Mystery Beauty Box is truly one of my favs. It's $24.95 +shipping a month. Each month blush mystery box features travel-size and full-size beauty products worth at least $100. If you are interested, please email me at brierreview@gmail.com and I will send you a referral code from their website. You will receive a $10 gift card to use at DermStore.com, blush.com and hairenvy.com.

 Blush Mystery Beauty Box always comes in a simple black bag.

You also always receive a few samples. The Blue Lizard sunscreen looks like an Australian brand, but I discovered they are based out of TN. Products are Paraben Free & Fragrance Free.
GloMinerals Face Primer is also a brand I've never tried. I really like face primers, because they help keep your foundation in place for a longer period of time.

Neuma Texturizer styler - $21.95 This is made from renewable, beneficial plant-based ingredients. Their motto, because, like you, we care for earth and hair. It says it's lightweight and creates a frizz-free look, which I am always in need of in this weather. I'm currently using an Aveda product, so I can't exactly try this anytime soon. But I may take a break from that just to give this a whirl.

Nailtiques Color Lacquer in Milan - $10 I LOVE the color, completely perfect for me. I am not familiar with this brand. My Blush Mystery box was delivered on a very hot day. It sat in my stuffy mailbox all day long in the very hot heat. Still, I was very surprised to find the product leaked right out. By the time I got my mail, this nail polish was completely stuck on the box of the BB cream. I had to pull it off and a little bit of the paper is permanently attached to the bottle, hahaha.

Dr. Brandt BB Matte with shine erase - $39. I'm a huge fan of Dr. Brandt products. This is in Light to Medium, which is perfect for me. This is by far my favorite item in the box. I've been using dermaC BB cream and I'm almost out, so perfect timing! The color I got was light to medium, which is perfect for me! Very happy to get this! My favorite item in the box, and it made this months box for me.

Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen in Graphite Glint - $18 Glides on like a cream, dries like a powder. This is like a crayon for Eyeshadow, and can be sharpened like an eyeliner. This can be used as a shadow, liner and highlighter - all in one.

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump 'N Thick Shampoo - $20. I was looking to try a different shampoo this week, so I will be trying this. I just want to give my hair a break from what I have been using for such a long time. I don't really need thickening shampoo, but I do want to see how this works for me as my hair is feeling a little lifeless lately.

 

Skinmedica Dermal Repair Cream - $124, for 1.7 oz and we received .25 oz. Still pricey. I'm thrilled to get this. Firms and defends climate-stressed skin. I don't know what's going on with the weather lately, I feel like we went from burning hot at the beginning of this week to muggy and slightly cold by the end of this week. My skin is not loving it. What I do love is pricey face moisturizers that I wouldn't normally buy. This is a hit for me.

Great value this month, as always. See ya next month, Blush Bag!
~A

Sunday Treats - Lemon Oreos Review

What I'm Raving about this week!

Lemon Oreos! I just LOVE trying the different Oreo flavors. I have seen so many lately, but we don't seem to get that great of a variety in our area. Lemon is definitely my favorite so far!!! I don't know if you have ever tried to find Lemon Cookies before, but they are rather scarce.

This tastes just like a regular oreo in a way that it's two cookies with crème filling in between. The texture of the filling is the exact same, but it's the flavor that sets this one apart. It's bursting with lemon flavor crème and the cookies are the standard golden cookies. LOVE. Also, can I just say that the new lift tabs that seals and helps keep the Oreos fresh is pretty awesome.

I am on the lookout for Pumpkin Spice! Root Bear Float and LimeAde never came to any of the stores near me. But, I'm hoping the Pumpkin Spice is here by fall.

BirchBox August 2014 Review

Hi BirchBox! Feel like I haven't seen you in a month!

 

 

First Look! I already knew what I was getting, because I already peeked ahead of time. Even when I do that, I'm always still curious.

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional - I've been absolutely wanting to try this for some time, so I'm very thrilled to get this sample size this month.

 Quarter for scale.

Harvey Prince Ageless Body Cream - This is grapefruit vanilla shea butter. The scent is stronger than I would have liked, but not too bad. It would be too strong for hands, but for legs, I think it's great.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate - This seems to be a serum booster. It works with your regular facial skin care routine to boost it, regardless of your skin concerns. I'm currently using a Dior serum booster, which I love, so I'll probably just toss into my travel bag.

 

Ojon rare blend oil Moisture Therapy - This oil is something you use very sparingly, one drop is all it takes. It is supposed to work well on end, but can also be distributed throughout to provide shine.

LAQA & Co - Sheer Lip Lube Pencil - Bees Knees, in Coral - This is a high-gloss semi-sheer lip color that perfect for summer. I did not open this, but I read that it's supposed to smell like mint. This is supposed to be a light color, which is perfect for the summer months.

If you are interested in BirchBox, then you can email us BrierReview@gmail.com and we will send you a referral code!
~A