March Beauty Favorites

          It's that time of month again for favorites! Not too many this month. I rarely use new products because I am working on finishing some of my already opened products. I'll try a little hard next month since I have been hauling and hauling and hauling. Anyways, enjoy!

Wet n Wild Fergie Holiday 2013 To Reflect Shimmer Palette

With all the sunshine I've been wearing less sweaters and more blouses. Since it's been winter and I don't have a tan (yet) this powder is perfect for that sun kissed glow! I slather some on my neck and chest and it's an instant glow.

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow in Nude Compliment (#90)

I know spring is here, but for those rainy days this makes the perfect look. I do a smokey look with this as my base, and it is completely wearable during the day due to the shimmer that takes away from how dark the color is. It's also extremely creamy and easy to apply, and also works great for those running late days! This is limited edition so I would recommend picking it up sooner.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Collection in Comfort Zone (738)

This palette has been such a time saver for me! (Can you tell it's been getting hard for me to wake up and get ready on time? lol) The colors are so pigmented and so easily blended that getting ready takes only a minute (well getting my eyes ready lol).

These are by far my most used because they are neutral for work!

Maybelline ColorSensational The Buffs Lip Color in Nude Embrace (970)

I am so very in love with this lipstick. It's not your typical nude and it has a very strong purple undertone. However, it gives you that edge like if you were to wear blue lipstick. It is limited edition, so go out and grab it quick!

E.L.F. Hypershine Gloss in Merry

If every lip gloss came like this it would be amazing. It's glossy, not sticky, and surprisingly pigmented! Not to mention it smells and taste great. I've been topping every bright lipstick with this gloss because it tones down the color, but still gives you a great look.

Olay Foaming Face Wash Combination/Oily

Of all the face washes I have tried, this is by far my favorite. I feel like it really cleans my skin and removes all my makeup so easily. It also foams up with is a definite plus!

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer in Lime Coolada

This lotion is so amazing for when you just get out of the sun! It's been getting hot lately, and I find that my drive home from work involves a good 15-20 minutes exposed to the sun and it's burning rays. This lotion gently soothes the skin and it smells great!

          I hope you enjoy, as always! If you have any favorites for this month, I would love to hear about them!

Until next time...

-Cindy

Review: NYX Roll on Shimmer

NYX Roll on Shimmer in Pink and Nude

          Hi everyone! This will be my review on the NYX Roll on Shimmer. The colors I have to show you today is in Pink (RES02) and Nude (RES14). You can purchase NYX at Ulta, select Target stores, select CVS stores, and online at the NYX website. There at 16 colors in the line and they retail at Ulta for $3.99. You can usually get NYX at Ulta buy 1 get 1 50% off. (Pssst.. I was just on the NYX website, and these are going for $2.80 as of March 20, 2014!)

NYX Roll on Shimmer in Pink and Nude Swatches

          According to the NYX website, these are the claims on the product:

"Brighten your face and body with Roll On Shimmer! Add lustre to your look with our brilliant shades that roll easily onto eyes, face and body. You control the intensity of the pigment yourself! Easily blend the shimmer powder using a brush or fingers, then pop it into your purse for on-the-go sparkle."

          Do I believe it rolls on easily? Yes, but it can get messy.
          Do I believe you can control the intensity? In a way
          Do I believe it is easily to blend? A little

          Some interesting facts about this product:

1. NYX is cruelty free. 
2. There are parabens in this product: Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben. 

          As for my thoughts on this product, I think it's beautifully glittery! You can sheer it out to have a dust of glitter on your lids or add a second layer for some glittery color. They also look stunting foiled! The fact that it's a rollerball makes it less messy than other pigments in just twist off containers or in wand form. I like that with a few rolls you can build the intensity up to what you see in the bottle/tube. Now, I do have to say, I have a few cons on this product. This product comes out of a rollerball, but it comes out very unevenly on your not flat eyeball. As you can see from my swatch above, it can be patchy. The product itself is very powdery and without a base, the color wears off very easily. Part of that is because of all the glitter and sparkle. I believe every color in this line is glittery, and none are matte. So for you matte fans out there, this product may not be for you.

So to summarize:
Pros:

• Great color selections
• Less messy than other pigments
• You can build up the intensity

Cons:

• Comes on unevenly
• Can be patchy
• Very glittery and may not suit everyone
• Wears off easily without primer

My Overall Rating: 78/100... a high C

If you have tried any off these out, I would love to know your thoughts!

Until next time...
-Cindy

Unboxing PINCHme #5 and #6

          Hi everyone! Another PINCHme box! This time only 2 samples from 2 separate boxes. PINCHme has really grown since I signed up and getting samples are hard these days! So since I only received 1 sample each time I get a box now, I figured I would just combine them! Enjoy!

Maxwell House Suisse Mocha

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Nourishing Shampoo

          So just 2 items. Samples are getting harder and harder to come by these days! Hopefully you still enjoy these, and there will be more to come?

Until next time...

-Cindy

Review: Red Rose Simply Indulgent Tea

Red Rose Tea #SimplyIndulge

          Hi everyone! Today will be my review of the Red Rose Simply Indulgent teas. The ones I was able to try were Creme Caramel and Decaffeinated Lemon Chiffon! I received both of these favors courtesy of +Influenster and @ShareRedRoseTea in my #JAdoreVoxBox. This products retails for $4.99 for a box of 20 tea bags on the Red Rose website. If you are looking to pick this product up in stores, you may locate one with the Red Rose Store Locator.  

          According to the Red Rose Website, Creme Caramel is described as:

"Leaves from the world's finest tea estates are masterfully blended with the luscious and natural flavor of sweet caramel. In one sip, your taste buds will experience the layers of rich flavor and an aroma that will comfort through the very last drop."

          According to the Red Rose Website, Decaffeinated Lemon Chiffon is described as:

"The fresh, crisp and natural flavor of Lemon Chiffon is the perfect complement to the rich undertones of carefully selected tea leaves, sourced from the finest tea estates. This naturally decaffeinated blend delivers both depth and the precise hint of sweetness to unveil sheer decadence and endless aroma."

         As for my thoughts on this product, I have different thought based on the flavor. For Creme Caramel, it taste exactly like the flavor mentioned. Sometimes I find that when a tea has a certain flavor, especially unnatural flavors like desserts or fruits, it tends to have a subtle taste to it. However, there is nothing subtle about this flavor. While I was drinking the Creme Caramel, the flavor definitely over powered the taste of "tea," as in the herbal taste most tea gives off. It is extremely sweet. So even though it is a black tea, there is no need for you to add sugar. If you don't like sweet teas, these are definitely not for you, especially the Simply Indulgent Creme Caramel from Red Rose. As for Lemon Chiffon, I felt like this was a lot more tone down than Creme Caramel. It was definitely less sweet and less flavorful than the Creme Caramel. I could taste more of the "tea" than I could of the Lemon Chiffon. With Creme Caramel I don't recommend sweetening it up with sugar or honey, but with Lemon Chiffon you may sweeten it up without over doing it. 

My Overall Rating: 90/100 for Creme Caramel, 85/100 for Lemon Chiffon

Honestly though, tea is a very personal thing because it all depends on what you like to drink and taste. For more information, visit Red Rose Tea Website, Facebook, Twitter.

If you have tried these out, let me know your thoughts!

Until next time...

-Cindy

Review: John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Flat Iron Spray

John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Flat Iron Spray

          Today will be my review, or I guess just break down of the John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Flat Iron Spray with Keratin. I received this product courtesy of +Influenster and @JohnFiedaUS in my #JAdoreVoxBox. According to the Target website, this product retails for $8.99 for 3.5 fluid ounces. Though I am very humbled I was sent this product I am unable to properly review this product because of three reasons. One, this product calls for a blow dryer, which I do not own. Two, this product calls for a flat iron, which I do not own. Three, this product is meant for everyone with a slight wave to curly hair, and my hair is as straight as paper no matter what. Even though I am unable to fully review this product, I did test it out without the blow dryer and flat iron to see if this spray had any effects just as a spray. 

          According to the John Frieda website:

          "Transform curly, frizzy hair into a straight, smooth style that lasts up to 3 days*.

Revolutionary heat-activated formula wraps each strand to seal in longer-lasting straightness without weighing hair down. Protects against heat damage and blocks frizz. 

Keeps hair glossy, smooth, and swinging with body. 

With Keratin. 

*or until your next shampoo if less than 3 days."

          From what I experienced from this product, it does not live up to these claims without a blow dryer and flat iron. One the packaging there are very specific instructions that go like this:

"Spray throughout DAMP OR WET, not dry hair. Start with 7-15 sprays. Use more or less depending on amount of curl, hair length and thickness. Comb to distribute evenly and blow-dry hair straight. Finish by FLAT IRONING hair in sections."

          Some interesting facts about this product, according to the ingredients list:

1. There are parabens in this product: METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN
2. There is alcohol in this product.
3. There is fragrance in this product.
4. There is keratin in this product.

          As a stand alone spray, I think it has a nice smell. It didn't feel heavy in my hair. When my hair dried, I didn't feel any product in my hair. I will say, if you spray a very concentrated amount of product in one area, your hair will feel crunchy after it dries (similar to hair spray). As for the claims on this product, none of them hold up as just a stand alone spray. I don't notice it keeping my hair any more straight than it already is. My hair didn't seem any more glossy, smooth, or swinging with body than normal. So I do believe the key to having this product work is to follow the instructions!!

My Overall Rating: N/A, since I was unable to use this product it is hard to say what I would rate it. If you have paper straight hair like me, you can most definitely live without this product.

If you were able to try this product, I would love to know your thoughts! #3DayStraight. For more information check out John Frieda's Webiste, Facebook, Twitter

Until next time...

-Cindy

Review: Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

          Hi everyone! This will be my review of the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in True Ivory (#103). This is foundation has a yellow undertone and actually match my skin perfectly! When this foundation first came off I was holding off on getting it because I have so many foundations and BB creams (including this one, it makes 8). However, Walgreens had these at 50% and I also happen to have a $1 off coupon for Rimmel products, so for 1 fluid ounce of this foundation, I paid $1.74!!! Please keep in mind, I have combination to oily skin. What may work for my skin may not work for your skin or skin type.
          Let's take a look before we jump in!

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation Swatch

          According to the Rimmel website, the product is described as:

"A feather light, oil free formula with an airy mousse texture that won’t feel heavy or greasy. Delivers all day shine control and blends flawlessly for a natural looking matte finish. Minimizes the appearance of pores. The weight is over – finally, shine has met its matte."

          According to the packaging, the product is described as:

"Lightweight shine control. Feather-light, liquid mousse blends flawlessly for natural-looking, all day shine control. Silky smooth formula leaves a perfectly matte, baby-soft finish. Lightweight texture won't feel heavy or greasy."  

          Do I believe this product is feather light? A little
          Do I believe this product does not feel heavy or greasy? A little
          Do I believe this product delivers all day shine control? For most of the day, but not all day
          Do I believe this product blends flawlessly for a natural looking matte finish? Yes!
          Do I believe this product minimizes the appearance of pores? Yes!
          Do I believe this product leaves a baby-soft finish? Yes!

          Some interesting facts about this product:

1. Rimmel does test on animals.
2. There are no parabens in this foundation. 

          As for my thoughts on this product, I actually like it. I have heard some mixed reviews on this product and passed on picking it up, but like I said, when it went 50% off, I had to. Fortunately for me, this product was a hit! When you first apply this product, it looks absolutely flawless and matte on the skin! It's a very full coverage foundation, and any blemish you have this foundation will cover that right up! In fact, it's so full coverage that it just goes right over my pores, and conceals them perfectly. It just gives you the most gorgeous smooth finish like how a doll looks with no pores (and this is without primer). The reason is that it's a pretty thick foundation for a mousse. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot lighter (in weight) than most foundation, however it does come off a little thick and heavy. Just be careful to apply no more than a pea size and blend! This will really help it feel light on the skin! After applying the foundation, it does take a few minutes to set. I feel like it never truly sets, like it's still a tad tacky, but once it gets good enough you do feel as if your skin feels quite soft. Staying power is about 4-5 hours before I start looking a little shiny, but if I set it with powder, this foundation can stay 10+ hours with no shine.
          Though I really like this foundation, there are a few things that would turn this good foundation to great foundation. First off, the foundation is a little thick. If you blend its not a problem, but it definitely threw me off in the beginning. Also, the foundation never truly sets. It doesn't feel greasy, but slightly tacky and never really set to a dry feel. However, if you have dry skin, but foundation may also work for you because it doesn't "dry". I also don't see this product lasting for people with oily skin. I have combination to oily skin and after 4-5 hours, I see some shine peaking through around my T-zone. Overall, if Rimmel just tweaked the formula just a tad, this could easily be the best drugstore foundation out there!

So to summarize:

Pros:

• Matte finish
• Full coverage
• Light weight
• Hygienic packaging
• Very affordable

Cons:

• Only last a few hours (needs a setting powder)
• Can feel thick
• Doesn't totally set

My overall rating: 88/100

If you have tried this product, let me know your thoughts!

Before I leave you, I cam across something very interesting. See for yourself!

Are you seeing double? Loreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream and Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation look very similar in packaging....

Until next time...

-Cindy

Review: Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask

Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask

          Hi Everyone! Today will be my review on the Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask. I received this product courtesy of +Influenster. According to the Boots website, this product retails for $9.39 for 100 grams. You can buy this product directly from the Boots' website, or Target (I believe). Please keep in mind I have combination to oily skin and what works for me may not work for you!
          Lets see some pics and get on with the review!

          According to the packaging, the product is described as:

"Oceanic minerals help draw out deep-rooted impurities and oil without overdyring. Skin is left clearer, softer, and smoother. Active plant extract, Willowbark, is a natural souce of salicylic acid, which helps refine skin texture and actively target imperfections." 

          According to the packaging, the claims of this clay mask are:

"Actively removes impurities and deeply cleanses with clarifying willowbark"

          Do I believe this product draws out deep-rooted impurities and oil without overdrying? Yes
          Do I believe this product leaves skin clearer, softer, and smoother? Yes!
          Do I believe this product removes impurities? Yes
          Do I believe this product deeply cleanses? Yes
       
          Some interesting facts about this product:

1. There are no parabens in this product.
2. Made with only 5 ingredients! 
3. Boots does not test on animals according to this blog post.

       
          As for my thoughts on this product, I really like this product. I had quite a few clogged pores and blackheads, and this mask cleared about 95% of that up! Not to mention, it left my skin super smooth and soft right after I removed it. It definitely did not overdry my skin, but for those of you with dry skin, I would be careful. If you find that this mask breaks you out, I have heard that face masks are meant to break you out because it draws the impurities to the surface. (However, I don't know how to distinguish an allergic break out from a clarifying break out, I will leave it for you ladies and gents to know your skin). I am also SO in love with the formula of this clay mask. It's not too thick and not too thin. It's such a breeze to apply and remove, unlike other clay masks I have to scrub off my face. It kind of wash off like face wash. However, the consistency is also a con because if you don't shake up the tube it's extremely runny and messy. I would recommend putting this mask on over a sink. There's also a smell that comes off the mask after it dries (which is somehow not there in liquid form). It's not super noticeable, but it is also not the most pleasant of smells. For that I recommend not putting this mask under your nose, or just removing it quickly.

My Overall Rating: 90/100

If you have tried this mask, let me know your thoughts! Do you love it as much as I do or just the opposite?

Thanks +Influenster and +bootsbeautyusa for sending me this product in my #JAdoreVoxBox! #PowerofPlants!

To find out more about Boots Beauty, here are some helpful links
Boots' Website, Facebook, Twitter

Until next time...
-Cindy

Review: Milani Rose Powder Blush

Milani Rose Powder Blush in Love Potion (#07)

          Hi everyone! Today will be my review on the Milani Rose Powder Blush in Love Potion (#07). Love Potion is a matte, bright hot pink blush with blue undertones. There are 4 colors in this line, and 3 of the 4 colors are bold blush colors. I picked this up from Walgreens for about $7.29 and you get 17 grams of product. You can also purchase this blush from the Milani website for $7.99. Since this is limited edition, I would recommend picking this up sooner rather than later. 

          Let's take a closer look at this product before we get into it!

A very light swatch of Love Potion

          According to the Milani Website, the blush is described as:

"A luxurious matte powder blush that features rose petals micro-milled into the powder to bring out the natural rosy tones. This blush is multi-purpose: use to shape, contour, and highlight your face. It is easy to use and streak-free. Suitable for all skin types and tones. "

           According to the packaging of the blush, the product is described as:

"An ultra silky-soft powder blush that delivers the perfect amount of color and easily blends onto cheeks."

          Do I believe the blush brings out natural rosy tones? Yes
          Do I believe this blush is multi-purpose? Yes to shape, contour. No to highlight.
          Do I believe it's easy to use? Yes!
          Do I believe it's streak-free? Yes!
          Do I believe it's suitable for all skin types and tones? Yes
          Do I believe it's a ulta silky-soft power? Yes!
          Do I believe it delivers the perfect amount of color? Well with some help form the user.
          Do I believe it easily blends onto cheeks? Yes!

          Some interesting facts about this product:

1. There are parabens in this product (i.e.methylparaben, propylparaben)
2. The website claims there are rose petals micro-milled into this product. (Though its not on ingredients list).
3. Milani does NOT test on animals.

          As for my thoughts on this blush, I am absolutely in love with it! I only picked up one color, but I really want to go back and pick up more! This blush is extremely pigmented and very easy to pick up with a brush! All you need to do is tap your brush into this blush and your cheeks are set! Though it is very pigmented, it does blend out easily, streak-free. When I tapped my brush into the blush, the imprint of the rose transferred onto my brush. The same imprint transferred to my cheeks. Within a second of blending it out, you could not see the imprint anymore. After a few seconds, the color was evenly distributed on my cheeks. If you use a light hand like I did, you do walk away with a slightly rosy version of this blush. If you use a slightly heavier hand, like in my swatch, you will get the exact color you see in the pan. The intensity of the blush depends on how much you pick up with this product. Since this blush is so intense in color, I do see this blush working for all skin types! As for the claim this product can be used as a highlight, contour, and to shape, I think it can do everything but highlight. For very light skin tones, this may work as a blush contour (see Michelle Phan's No Mirror Makeup Challenge). For everyone, this blush can be used to shape your cheek (starting the apples of your cheek and blending up). However, I do not think such a bold color and be used as a highlight (or maybe I just don't know how). Regardless, this is probably the only product I have reviewed that I have not found any flaws with!!! It also has lived up to it's claims! So with that....

My Overall Rating: 100/100!

If you have tried this blush, let me know your thoughts! Do you love it as much as I do?

Until next time...
-Cindy