Saturday, September 20, 2014

Total Beauty Collection - Grab Bag

I purchased the Total Beauty Collection Grab Bag, during the specials when it was 2 for $20. I got the Summer Prep Collection and the Bombshell collection. They were out of most of the others by the time I got around to looking at them. Since not all of the items were revealed, I can't even tell you which was supposed to belong to which collection. If you aren't familiar with Total Beauty, they are not a regular re-occurring subscription box. Instead, they put collections together and post every so often. They generally reveal the items slowly, until they are all eventually revealed, so there is some surprise element to it, but you also have some idea of what's included as well. Unless they are all open, and then you know already what's included.
 First Look! Looks promising!
Coupon for 25% off entire purchase to myKitsch.com. Nice. They have some super cute hair ties.
Kitsch Hair Ties $12 - I know this one is from the Summer Prep Collection, as it's one of the items that were revealed. I'm thrilled to get these, I'm always looking for a hair tie. These are really nice because they don't pull at your hair. These are plain colors, and perfect for me. If you have not seen the Kitsch hair ties before, I encourage you to check out their website because they have some really super cute ones.
Cotz SPF 40 face sunscreen - $24 for full size. This was perfect timing. I love having a small sample size sunscreen in my purse, you never know when you will need it. I just gave my last one away at lunch today, to a bald coworker who's head was getting red during lunch.
Revlon Colorstay 585 Sea Mist FULL SIZE Included $8 - Must be from the Bombshell collection. This is going into the gift basket because I do not have any use for any more Eyeshadow, I barely have use for the ones I keep.
Elan Veda Youthful Skin in a bottle $46 for full size - Must be from the Bombshell collection. This is also going into the gift basket because it has too many flower based ingredients that I can't use.
 
Gleam body Radiance by Melanie Mills - $15. This was a revealed product so this is from the summer prep collection.The color I got is Bronze Gold. This is body makeup. Which means you can use it to even out your spray tan if you had gotten streaks. You apply like a lotion to even out the skin tone. You can also use as a highlighter or bronzer. The reviews online look pretty good.
Neutrogena Naturals Vitamin E Lip Balm - $3. The Neutrogena Naturals line has no harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrolatum, dyes or phthalates. I'm always looking for lip balm and I like that this was included.
Purlisse SPF 30 Sunscreen - full size is $55. It's sunscreen so this must be from the summer prep collection. I have so much Purlisse from these boxes, that I don't see myself ever making a purchase. I get at least one a month. Sometimes sunscreen and sometimes moisturizer. It's a good brand. I just feel like the subscription box market has been saturated with it this year.
nelson j Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Styling Conditioner - $15. This works as a detangler, heat protedctor, volumizer, color protector, hair thickener, sunscreen, and adds shine. Natural Green Tea. Directions say to spray on the roots and style as usual. For all hair types, but is best for dry or frizzy hair. This is Paraben Free.
Alfaparf Milano Cristalli Liquidi Illuminating Serum - $22 Hair Serum, designed to add shine to your hair. Must be from the Bombshell collection. I've received this before but never tried it. I don't use a lot of oils on my hair, and I don't have an issue with shine. But the reviews for this are very good. It's lightweight and people are saying they use it later in the day and you only need a drop or two, and it works wonders at detangling and managing frizz. Might be useful to try out when the weather changes around here. 
Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter #047 Pink Lemonade - $5 I wasn't overly excited to see this, since its a drugstore brand, and the color is just too light for me. However, it is a somewhat new line for Revlon and I really like that it's a lip butter. Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula provides lots of moisture.
NYX Roll on shimmer in Platinum - $4 - I'm not big on wearing a lot of sparkle. However, with the Holidays coming soon, ok, eventually, this is kinda fun. I like that it's a roll on, and can be used for eyes, face, or body. Can be used to add a little sparkle over any type of eye makeup. Must be from the Bombshell collection.
nelson j Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Masks - full size is $59. I love that there are three sample packs included, in the flavors Rosemary Mint, Pomegranate, and Coconut. I will be trying them all! This protects hair from Chlorine and Salt damage. Would have been great to receive earlier in the season, so I may just save for the next time resort season come around for me. You apply before swimming and don't rinse. I'm guessing this was also summer prep collection.
Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face sunscreen and primer SPF 30 - full size is $45.  This has to be the summer prep collection.This is a Best of Beauty Allure 2013 winner. What caught my eye the most was the quote on the package from Tricia T, "Suntegrity was made in honor of my Mom and all of those who lost their lives to skin cancer. May you wear this sunscreen and smile in their memory".  I can support that!  - Free of: Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oils, Synthetic Dyes, Sulfates, Paba, Titanium Dioxide, Nano-Particles and Chemical UV Absorbers. I also want to point out this is a natural product, which means keep an eye on the shelf life. My packets are set to expire in four months.
 


Friday, September 12, 2014

Sample Society Box - September 2014 Review

I was happy to get my Allure Sample Society Box today! I know I haven't been blogging much lately, I'm a little behind, But frankly, I've been a little busy. I was so excited I literally ripped apart the brown box it came in, hahaha.
 
 I'm still really liking the new red boxes with Allure prominently displayed across the cover. 
 
Tarte Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Face Towelettes - $21 for full size. Brazilliance. I'm thrilled to receive more tanning Towelettes, they are so easy to use. I'm also thrilled to try the Tarte ones because I'm a fan of the brand. Maybe this will help my summer tan last just a little longer. And since I didn't really get much color this year, here's to hoping I don't turn out orange.
Alterna Caviar Repair Re-Texturizing Protein Cream - $35 for full size - I definitely feel as though I've received this before, but couldn't tell you from where. I'm assuming, since I get so many hair care products, that I tossed it straight into the gift basket.
 
 
LORAC Porefection  Matifying Face Primer - $32 for full size. Oil Free, Paraben Free, Fragrance Free, all of those things are a hit with me. I'm currently using up another face primer, but will definitely be trying this. I placed a quarter in the pic for scale, but I'm a little disappointed the size is so small. What can I say? I'm a girl.
 
Givenchy Dahlia Divin Eau Du Perfume - $110 for full size. What can I say? Fragrance is such a waste for me, I sincerely wish sub boxes would not ever include them. I can't even give them away faster than my collection builds up.
Restorsea Revitalizing Eye Cream - $85 FULL SIZE was included -  I've been waiting for a new eye cream, so this is exciting for me. This brand has NO parabens, PEGs, phthalates, silicone or mineral oil. It's also said to reduce puffiness, minimize the appearance of crow's feet, and brightens dark circles. This is definitely my favorite item in the box this month.
~A


 

New Beauty Box - Walmart Monthly Subscription

Walmart has a new Beauty Box. I have to check it out because if it's anything like Target's, it's worth it. They are $5/month, Correction: $5/quarter. and it's a reoccurring subscription. Technically, they say the box is free and the charge is a flat  rate for shipping charges. Either way you look at it, it's $5/month. Check it out here,
OR, you can find the website at: https://beautybox.walmart.com/



Update: Thanks Joanne for pointing out this is seasonal and not monthly! I didn't catch that!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Allure Fall 2014 Box Review

So excited to see my Allure box today! This is truly one of our all time favorite boxes. Not because you get the top of the line cosmetics, but just because you get such a big packed box, and there is always something useful we can use. This time we divided up as we went along.

HAIR
Aloxxi Dry Shampoo - $12 -  K-I love dry shampoos so I am excited to try this.
Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Oil Nourishing Styling Treatment - $11.50, K- My hair is so damaged lately so I am excited to try new treatments.
John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Protecting Shampoo - $6 I grabbed this one. I'm running a little low on my current shampoo, so I'm actually happy to see this, especially since is colour protecting. I wish they had included the conditioner as well.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Go Curlier Heat Activated Spray - $9 This is going to my sister, as we have already told her about it and she loves wearing her hair curly.
 
John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Intense After Colour Conditioner - $12 I am thrilled to have an after coloring conditioner. I didn't even know this was sold outside of a coloring box. Really, had no idea.


Make It Straight - $16 I will be trying this. I was warned by the girls on MUT that it can take a long time to get the smell out of your hair, even with multiple shampoos. I'll still going to try it.

Neutrogena Triple Repair Fortifying Leave in Treatment - $6, K-I love the regular deep conditioner so I am excited to try the leave in treatment.
Redken Blonde Idol BBB Spray - $19 Since this is for Blonde hair, it's going to straight to my blonde sister. Even though we can't use it in this house, I'm still pleased they included something for both brunettes and blondes this season.
Organic Doctor Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Restorative Treatment Conditioner - $12, K- I love that this is certified organic!!! I love morroccan treatments so I can't wait to test it out.
Tresemme 7 Day Keratin Smooth Heat Activated Treatment - $8 I will be trying this as well. I like keeping my naturally curly hair straight, so it's great to get a little help.
SKIN
Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer - $8 I Love Jergens, but I really detest Jergens tanning lotion. Really. It smells awful and I can't recommend this to anyone. I also can't give to anyone I know because then they would smell around me.
Clean & Clear Advantage Soothing Acne Scrub - $5, K-I am having really bad breakouts lately so I grabbed this one up.
BAN Total Refresh Cooling Body Wipes - $3 I'm tossing this in my emergency makeup kit in my car. Mostly because I don't know what else to do with it.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - $11, K-This is such  huge bottle!! I am excited to try it out with my MIA.
Curel Rough Skin Rescue - $8, K- I can never have enough lotion, plus with fall season coming up this is great to see.
Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash - $9 I kind of wish this was a scented body wash, but this will work just fine. I don't need this, but I will use it.
Organic Doctor Organic Dead Sea Mineral Bio-Plasma Mud Mask - $10, K-Another certified organic product! I needed a new mud mask, so this dead sea mineral is awesome to see!
Organic Doctor Organic Tea Tree Face Wash - $10 I ended up with this one. We both really wanted, but K got other stuff so this one went to me.
MAKEUP
ELF Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths - $3 Neither of us have any use for this, I already have at least 5 unopened packets, so this is going into the gift box.
Burts Bees 100% Natural Lip Crayon - $7 We almost didn't see this. We realized it was missing, and K went and grabbed the box to check, and sure enough it was in there. I should also add I had already taken the box out to recycling, and had also moved out to the curb already. Way to go K, good save! Guess you'll be getting this one.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish Duo - $15, K grabbed this one. I am pretty excited to see this on her, the color is so pretty. I'm also curious how Gel Color will work without needing the lights.
Real Techniques Blush Brush - $9 This is going into the gift box, as neither of us have a use for it.
Teeth
Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Toothpaste - $4 I can actually use this, I like anything that strengthens enamel.
Arm & Hammer Spin Brush Truly Radiant - $9 This was my favorite item and the thing I was most looking forward to. I almost bought a toothbrush this weekend, but I knew this was coming soon. I'm going to try this and I could potentially end up switching brands, who knows.

 I really like how there is a lot for hair this time, which will be necessary going into the fall/winter seasons. This was not my favorite Allure Box, and if I hadn't done the pre-pay thing earlier this year, it's quite possible I would have skipped this.
~A

Monday, September 1, 2014

Third Love August 2014 Review

PopSugar sent a code to purchase a pair of undies from Third Love. So we went ahead and sent in for it. Thanks PopSugar! They came nicely wrapped. They say they are one size fits all. They are super stretchy so I believe it.
 
`A

Macy's Thanks for Sharing Campaign

Macy's Thanks for Sharing Campaign

September 2 - December 31


It's that time of year again! For those of you who are Macy's cardholders, and regularly shop Macy's, The THANKS FOR SHARING campaign is starting September 2 - December 31st.

If you aren't familiar with the program, it costs $25 and $10 of that fee goes to charities. The first 3.4 million raised will benefit Go Red For Women. In January, Macy's will send you a gift card for 10% of your total purchases during this time period. I'm signing up for sure!

Sunday Treats - Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

What I'm raving about this week!


You know how we love our Sunday treats around here. K found these Limited Edition Pepperidge Fam Pumpkin Cheesecake cookies at Target. I do not have a price as K picked them up. These are soft cookies. They taste like pumpkin bread. They have cheesecake bites mixed in, that are sort of like chips. Those are really sweet, but the pumpkin spiced cookie balances that out nicely.
~A