September 2011 Birchbox

So, I am currently testing out the products that came in my Birchbox for September.  Can't wait to share my review of each product with all of you!

Included in my Birchbox this month:
Blinc Mascara
Harvey Prince fragrance Eau Flirt - Lavender Pumpkin
Incoco Nail Polish Applique
Jouer Lip Enhancer
Lash Card
Birchbox Friendship Bracelet (a cute little extra!)

Up first will be my review of the Blinc mascara, stay tuned!

Trader Joe's Honey Mango Moisturizing Cream Shave [review]

[image source]

I just tried this shave cream at the recommendation of a coworker.  Shaving cream isn't one of those things that I love to buy and I often will just use hair conditioner as an aid when shaving.  Nonetheless, when I was at Trader Joe's the other day, the fact that this shave cream was honey mango scented caught my attention.  The price will vary most likely from store to store, but you can get this shave cream for pretty cheap!  I think I picked mine up from my local store for $3.99.  I was sold!

Pros:

• reasonably priced, probably varies from store to store
• lightly scented, not overpowering
• moisturizing
• allowed for a smooth/close shave, my razor moved along easily
• contains aloe vera and vitamin E (great for the skin!)
• vegetarian, cruelty free and paraben free

Cons:

• I don't like bottles that are designed like this in the shower.  Water collects in the cap and it gets all gross after awhile.  If this was an upright container, that would be awesome.
• Hard to acquire for people that don't live near a Trader Joe's, expensive if you have to order it online.

Overall, I am glad that I purchased this.  I can see myself purchasing it again and I definitely would if they redesigned the bottle so that water can't collect in the cap if you keep it in the shower.  I love that it has aloe vera and vitamin E in it, these are wonderful for the skin.  Definitely give this a try if your skin is upset with you after all of the Summer-time shaving you have put it through!

Clinique [skin supplies for men] age defense for eyes

After trying Benefit's EyeCon Eye Cream and not being that impressed, I decided to give Clinique's 'age defense for eyes' a chance.  Clinique states that this:

Multifunction treatment instantly hydrates the vulnerable eye area. Works to repair the look of lines, wrinkles. Reduces dark circles, puffs, and brightens dull skin for a younger look. Strengthens the moisture barrier for skin that’s smooth, firm. 

 As of right now, I don't have a problem with fine lines or wrinkles but I do feel that my fair skin show dark circles rather easily.  After applying this cream, I find that is soaks in easily and absorbs quickly without leaving behind any greasy feeling.  A little goes along way and I know that the $24 tube (which I received as a Christmas present from my sister!) will go a long way.  This makes the rather steep price tag a lot easier to handle.

I don't notice a brightening effect like it claims but that wasn't what I was going for anyways.  As for dark circles, they don't dissappear but the extra moisturization really helps me to be able to layer concealer on top without it caking throughout the day.

Pros - sinks into skin easily, moisturizes and hydrates well, my dark circles don't disappear but the moisturization seems to help camouflage them (and makes it easier to apply concealer).  A little goes a long way - the tube will last a long time.

Cons - expensive, not easily accessible for everyone (can find online, at department stores or Ulta)

I don't care if this is from a men's skincare line.  It's more affordable than the women's line and does the job that I need an eye cream to do.  I'd definitely recommend this eye cream to someone who is looking to really increase the hydration under their eyes in order to allow concealer to apply more evenly.

What eye creams have worked the best for you and your skincare needs?

Maybelline 'The Falsies Volum'Express Waterproof Mascara - Blackest Black

Honestly, I am not that hard to please when it comes to mascara.  If it coats my lashes well, lengthens a fair amount and stays put - I'll generally like it.  I saw mixed reviews about the Falsies online when it first came out, but I still wanted to try it.  Two words: big mistake.

This is the worst mascara that I have ever tried.  It doesn't allow you to layer it and put on multiple coats, it creates spider lashes and it refuses to come off - even with a good oil-based makeup remover.  I can use a makeup remover, wash my face and take a shower and this is still clumped onto my lashes.  It feel dry and untouchable while wearing it and I don't think it makes me look like I am wearing false lashes in the slightest.

I think there are definitely other mascaras out there that are much more worth the money -  Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara comes to mind (love it still!)  Don't waste your money on the Falsies and don't accidentally damage your lashes trying your hardest to remove it at the end of the night.  I might have had a different experience if I was using the kind that wasn't waterproof but I like a waterproof mascara most of the time (in case I cry or my eyes water, I don't want it all over my face and hands!)

Have you tried this mascara?  I have seen such mixed reviews over the months and am curious to know if you have had the same experience?

Yes to Carrots Repairing Night Cream [Review]

When Winter comes, I feel the need to reach for a stronger cream or lotion.  Since I enjoyed the Yes to Carrots Shampoo and Conditioner so much, I thought I would try out there night cream.  This night cream claims to:

promote moisture retention, it softens, smoothes and firms your face, leaving you emanating a gorgeous, soft, healthy glow .

Overall, I am pretty impressed with this night cream.  It is very moisturizing, I feel like it plumps up my skin and the scent is great as well.  I haven't had any problems with my skin breaking out or anything along those lines.  I can tell that this differs from a regular lotion that I would use and falls into the cream category because of the thickness of it.  It has a fluffy, whipped texture to it and this feels nice on my skin.

Pros - moisturizing, absorbs well, wonderful scent, non-greasy.  Yes to Carrots does not test on animals, which is great as well.

Cons - somewhat odd package design, contains a lot more plastic than it needs to.  Therefore, the 1.7 fl oz. that this contains seems like it will last for about a month or so.  I was kind of surprised when I opened the lid and I realized the amount that I actually got.

Do you have a favorite night cream?  What do you suggest for me to try?

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel [Review]

I got a sample of this from Sephora and I finally tried it out.  I have to honest, I don't have much experience with "gel-based" lotions.  I guess I always reach for something creamier when I am browsing the shelves.  Nonetheless, it was fun to try something different.

Pros - soaked in well, left my skin feeling moisturized but it did not feel like I was wearing anything afterwards.

Cons - Expensive (around $100 for 1.7 oz., depending on where you buy it from) and not easy to acquire (have to go to Sephora, buy online, etc.).  I also didn't feel much of a moisturizing difference compared to any other moisturized I am currently using.  I think the pricepoint is a big deterrent from keeping me from ever going out and buying this. 

Overall, if you just have to have something expensive, then this would be your pick.  But honestly, I would much rather buy something more affordable with which I would get more for my money.  I definitely think there are other facial moisturizers that do a much better job, that are more readily available to the consumer and that don't gauge the paycheck so bad.

AmorePacific Natural Protection SPF 30/PA+++ [Review]

I got a sample of this from Sephora and I finally got around to trying it out.  I really wish this sunscreen wasn't so expensive, it was a dream to wear!

Pros - soaked in quickly, lightweight, non-greasy, doesn't leave a white cast to the face, did not make me break out.

Cons - expensive (approx. $65 depending on where you buy it), only available at certain places (Sephora, online, etc.)

Biore Dual Fusion Moisturizer + SPF 30 {Review}

As you might know by now, I am always on the search for a great sunscreen to use on my face everyday.

I tried Biore Dual Fusion Moisturizer last month and overall, I really liked it.  The lotion sank into my skin with ease, it didn't leave a white cast to my face and my skin didn't break out from it.  I like the idea of the benefits of a dual lotion and sunscreen dispenser:

By keeping the moisturizer separate from sunscreen, the unique Dual Fusion^® Moisturizer dispenser preserves the power of each formula. That means maximum effectiveness and protection for you.

The sunscreen has a powerful zinc oxide base and yet isn't heavy and white like traditional zinc oxide. The product feels light on your skin as it offers superb UVA and UVB protection.

• Botanamide^® Technology
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• Dermatologist tested
• Hypo-allergenic
• 100% PABA free

Pros - affordable, absorbed easily into the skin, moisturizing, high amount of SPF, did not have a real strong scent, does not leave a white cast to the skin, the dual pump of moisturizer and sunscreen worked well.  Sometimes I feel like sunscreens sit on top of my skin but I didn't experience that with this one. 

Cons - I wish it came in a larger container, I feel like I ran out of it quickly.

Overall, I think this would be a great moisturizer with sunscreen to use during the Winter months.  I think that the moisturizer half worked well and I am glad to see such a high SPF in this lotion, I have found that it is a bit difficult to find a face lotion with an SPF higher than 15.  I like the idea of a higher SPF for use on the face.

Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner {Onyx} [swatch & review]

According to Sephora:

This waterproof, long-wearing eye pencil provides bold color that won't smudge or budge for up to eight hours. The creamy, easy-to-apply formula contains Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil to moisturize and protect. The cap houses a unique built-in sharpener—so you'll always have the most precise application.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens

Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx

I think that I've found it.  This is the BEST eyeliner that I have ever tried.  It is incredibly long lasting, stays put and smudges in just the right way.  I have been wearing eyeliner for years and even when I am partially happy, I am always turned off about something when it comes to an eyeliner.  A lot of the time, it is too smudgy and doesn't stay where I want it to or it isn't as dark as I want it to be.  However, I keep reaching for this Smashbox eyeliner because it has yet to dissapoint me.

Pros - long lasting, rich color payoff, creamy and smudgable but stays put after setting, easy to apply (I don't have to tug on my skin), stays on waterline nicely, a pencil will last you a long time.

Cons - expensive (approx. $19), might be hard to find if you don't have a Sephora or an Ulta near you (order online!), only five shades to choose from.

Disclaimer: I received this eyeliner as a gift.

iVi Scents Soap and Soft Drop Bath Candies {Review}

I ordered from iVi Scents after I read about them on Kandee Johnson's blog.  I figured they sounded like a great product to try out.  So, I ordered myself three soaps (Birthday Cake, Ozone and Milk & Honey) and a bath bomb (Pillow Fight).  My order arrived very quickly and was packaged well. 

iVi Scents products contain NO sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, triclosan, GMOs or phthalates AND they are a Cruelty Free company!  I think that when a company is able to offer products that are free of harsh chemicals, cruelty free and have something that truly competes with what a person is able to find in a mainstream store - that is a great thing and a company that I would personally love to support.

Pros - soap comes wrapped in adorable zebra print tissue paper, moisturizing, lathers well, soap seems to last a long time (like it won't need to be replenished for awhile), smells accurate, wonderful and delicious (all the soaps do, the scent emanates from the packages and smells lovely)!  The Birthday Cake soap is such a treat!  Honestly, I think a huge appeal of the soap is that the experience of using it, it makes you feel so good!

Cons - only available online, more expensive than a commercial brand soap (but if the soap lasts longer, you are not replacing it as often).

I would love to see even more scents available.  I am impressed with the speed that my order arrived, how wonderful the soaps smell and how I feel once I get out the shower after using them.  I think that iVi Scents is a wonderful company to support and I think the products, at lease the ones that I have tried, live up to what they say that they do.

As for the Soft Drop Bath Candies, I ordered Pillow Fight.  For a bath bomb, I think it was just OK.  It turned the water a murky, cloudy color and it wasn't as scented as I like bath bombs to be.  I think the formula needs to be improved upon.  It smelt good in the package but it didn't translate to the bath water.

These products, especially the soap, would be great to treat yourself with or to buy for giving to someone else.  I think that they would be great for people with sensitive skin and for people that are trying to limit the number of chemicals that they expose themselves to.

COUPON CODE:  Because I appreciate all of my readers, I wanted to share with you that my order came with a coupon code that is good for $5 off a $25+ order.  Try/use coupon code: iHeartYou

Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion, SPF 30 [Review]

I feel like I am a constant search for the best daily facial lotion with sunscreen in it.  I have tried a lot of different kinds.  Many of them only come with an SPF 15 level so when I saw that Eucerin had SPF 30, I immediately knew that it was my new one to try out.  Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion claims to be many things: good for sensitive skin, offers sun protection, fragrance free, etc.  Here is my opinion:

Pros - affordable, lasts a long time (both the amount of product that you purchase and the moisturizing it provides throughout the day), container dispenses a good amount, effectively moisturizes without clogging pores, provides an SPF level you don't find in a lot of face lotions (that are intended for everyday use), fragrance free, felt lightweight and my skin is never irritated by it.

Cons - if you apply it too thickly, it will leave a bit of a white residue, you can feel an almost gritty-like texture if you apply too much and don't rub it in well enough or don't let it soak in.

Overall, I really liked this face lotion.  I am a believer in wearing a lotion with SPF on your face everyday (regardless of if you are going to the office, school or elsewhere).  I would definitely buy this lotion again (and I probably will at some point) and I think it is incredibly priced and efficient at what it claims to do.  Once you learn how much to apply and what works for your skin, I do not think you would have any problems that I listed unders the cons section.  I found I encountered these cons the most, when I was in a hurry and haphazardly getting ready or when it was really hot and I already felt like I was melting from the heat outside.

I love that so many product lines are coming out with a variety of products that include sunscreen and protection from the sun.  What are your favorite face lotions with SPF?  How about other makeup or skincare products?

'Yes to Carrots' Shampoo & Conditioner [Review]

Yes to Carrots website

I picked this shampoo and conditioner up at Target last week and I have been using it all week long.  I am in love with it!  It just might be my new favorite shampoo and conditioner ever!

Yes to Carrots describes this set:

The shampoo cleanses, nourishes and moisturizes your hair and scalp with Dead Sea Minerals, revitalizing and protecting it and leaving you with luminous, luscious locks. The Pampering Hair Mud Conditioner nourishes, conditions, softens, smoothes and tames even the wildest of tresses.

The scent of both the shampoo and conditioner is amazing!  It is a light, airy and fresh scent.  Kind of like carrots but not, at the same time.  I feel like these products have left my hair (which is notoriously weird) feeling healthier and cleaner than other shampoo/conditioner's that I have been using recently.  I also feel like my scalp feels more refreshed than usual.  I feel good when I use this shampoo and conditioner.  I know that I am supporting a good cause (by choosing to use something cruelty-free) and I like that I am surrounding myself with less chemicals.

Pros - cruelty free, paraben free, natural, organic products.  Cleanses well and rinses clean without leaving behind a residue.  Left my hair smooth, soft and moisturized.

Cons - could be difficult to find for some people. 

Click here and you will be brought to the 'Yes to Carrots' website, where you can save 10% of the retail price.

Have you tried anything from this product line?  What did you think?  Any other suggestions for me to try from this line?

'Redken Color Extend Shampoo & Conditioner' Review

I got this shampoo when I dyed my hair dark brown (with some blue and a few highlights), a few months ago.  I needed something that would help my color to remain vibrant (for a reasonable period of time - it always fades over time) and I also wanted to maintain as much moisture as I could.  The salon I went to used Redken products so I opted to try some of the Color Extend shampoo and conditioner.

Overall, I have to say that I like this Color Extend line from Redken.  It smelled light and delightful, cleansed and moisturized my hair and I feel that it made it more manageable while styling it.  The shampoo successfully removed any product buildup from my hair and the conditioner replaced any lost moisture and smoothed the cuticle, making it easier to comb through after bathing.  I also feel that there was some slight protection from sub damage and fading that can be caused from being outside.

The great thing about these salon products is that you can get value sets a lot of the time.  This makes the cost more affordable and you can try it without spending full price, most of the time.  Be sure to check places like Ulta, beauty websites or click here to go to Amazon to find specials on this value set from the Redken line.

eos (Evolution of Smooth) Lip Balm

I just picked this lip balm up at Rite-Aid the other day.  It comes in a variety of flavors including lemon drop (spf 15), honeysuckle honeydew, summer fruit and sweet mint.  I picked up honeysuckle honeydew and summer fruit (since that is all the store had). 

According to eos, this lip balm:

•provides Long-lasting moisture


•Shea butter & vitamin E

•Smoothes on clear

•New smooth sphere precisely glides on to lips

•Twist-off top

•Gluten-free

•Paraben-free

•Petrolatum-free

•Phthalate-free

eos lip balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth.

This lip balm is fun, perfect for Summer (or any time you want to indulge in cute packaging) and I highly recommend it!  The container is forward-thinking, it's affordable (price ranges depending on where you buy it from), you can get it at many different stores, the flavors are delightful and it is a joy to apply.  I like the feeling on my lips, it's not too thick but it lasts and doesn't come off right away.  Plus, it's not tested on animals which is great as well!  I am sure that when I take this out in front of friends, it will be sure to be a conversation starter.

Just click on this picture and you will be brought to Amazon! 

I am definitely going to check out the lemon drop (with SPF 15 ) next.

Village Naturals 'Restless Nights' Foaming Bath Oil

I just got myself this bubble bath a few weeks ago and I am totally in LOVE with it.  It foams up incredibly well and the scent is great!  It has the essential oils of Lavender, Passion Flower & Chamomile, which I find to be incredibly soothing and relaxing.  Just pour a generous amount under running water and it foams up in no time.  I also liked that the bubbles lasted a long time, unlike so many other bubble baths that I have tried.  When I stepped out of the tub, I felt like my skin was moisturized and my muscles were relaxed.

Additionally, Village Naturals Therapy products are cruelty-free and based out of my home state of Minnesota (specifically Chaska, Minnesota)!

If you like bubble baths, definitely check this product line out.  I think it's affordable and does exactly what it claims to.  I know that once I am through with this bottle, I will definitely be ordering some more of their products, they offer a variety of "bath therapy" products that I would love to review in the future!

What's your favorite bubble bath product?  Any suggestions?

Shower Busters/Shower Steamer Review

I went to Bubbles of Laguna in Laguna Beach, CA this past week and picked myself up something called a Shower Buster or a Shower Steamer (depending on where you look).  It's an item that is similar to a bath bomb, only it's meant for the shower.  The directions according to Bubbles are:

Place one Shower Steamer on a flat surface in your shower. As it dissolves in the indirect spray, aromatherapy oils mix with the rising steam to provide a true spa experience.

You can also get these on Amazon, click on the picture above to check them out!

I tried out a grapefruit scented one last night and I have to say that I really liked it.  The half sphere shape sits where you put it and lightly bubbles from the steam hitting it.  These shower busters/shower steamers are inexpensive and the entire thing didn't dissolve in the shower that I took, so I will be able to use it again!  I let a light mist hit it and the whole bathroom filled with the scent of grapefruit.  After my shower, I took it out and put it in a dish to dry so that I will be able to continue using it when I want to.

I think that these are great for when you want some "spa therapy" but do not want to take the time to draw a whole bath.  I highly recommend them!  And if you are ever in Laguna Beach, check out Bubbles of Laguna, they are right on the Pacific Coast Highway as it goes through Laguna Beach.

'Baronessa Cali' Lotion Recommendation & Review

I got a sample of this lotion at a hotel that I went to with my friends in Hollywood.  I have gotten around to using it now and let me tell you, you have to check this lotion out!  It might be pricey but with the internet, there are always ways around that! Check eBay or other websites that might be offering it for less.

This lotion moisturizes beautifully, leaving the skin delicately soft.  The scent is light and slightly floral/sweet but definitely not like a bouquet.  The scent of this lotion is something that keeps me reaching for it.  I like when things are "scented" without have a particular named scent.  I am also impressed with how it sinks right into my skin and doesn't leave a layer oil like some lotions I have tried do.  I have found that this lotion has really help my cuticles to calm themselves and they have had time to heal while I am using it.

If you go to Baronessa Cali's website, you can get a 50 mL size of this lotion for $4.  A great way to check it out and see if you like it!  If you want to take the plunge and splurge, click on the link of the left and it will take you straight to Amazon to give it a shot.

After I use up some of the other stuff that I have, I am definitely going to try out some more products from Baronessa Cali in the future.  I want to see if their other products live up to what they say it does.

'essence XXXL shine lip gloss' swatch and review

essence is a cosmetics line that I recently saw at Ulta. The products are inexpensive so I thought I would give one of their lipglosses a shot. My first impression is that this company is kind of the like the European Wet N' Wild. Inxpensive cosmetics that a lot of people can try out and see if they like what they have to offer.

essence describes this gloss:

the XXXL shine lipgloss ensures outrageously shiny and pampered lips. shimmering color pigments conjure-up an amazing volume effect while a rich complex containing vitamin e and panthenol ingredients prevents your lips from feeling dry.

 essense XXL shine lip gloss in Pick Me Up

This lip gloss is not amazing but it isn't so bad either.  It's very sheer, you can see from my swatch above that it doesn't add any color to my lips, I might as well have bought the clear version.  The formula feels moisturizing and smooth on my lips, not sticky or tacky.  It also has a scent that I can't quite place.  It is kind of a fruity scent but has a bit of something else as well.  I like it.

Additionally, the brush is unique.  It is like a long, thin paddle mixed with the doe foot applicator.  I thought that was interesting when I first opened it.

Pros - very inexpensive (approx. $1.99), variety of colors (haven't tried any others to know if they are sheer or not), nice scent, moisturizing, not sticky, no taste.

Cons - not pigmented, comes off after a bit (you will have to reapply often).

'Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place ShadowCreme (in Vintage Violet)' Swatch

 

CremeShadow in Vintage Violet (with primer on top, without on bottom)

Estee Lauder describes: 

Creme eyeshadow delivers intense color that lasts up to 15 hours and goes on fast.

Long-Wear, Stay-True Color
It's stay-true color at your fingertips with matte to demi-pearl finishes.
Creamy formula goes on smoothly, blends easily.
Seamless coverage won't crease or fade.
Can be worn alone or layered under powder eyeshadow.
For all skintypes & ideal for mature skin as it minimizes pulling & tugging of the delicate eyelid.

This  creme shadow is AMAZING!  It has taken me some time to get used to creme shadows but once I figured out how they work with my skin and what I can do to make them look good, I love them!  This Estee Lauder ShadowCreme seriously will not move after you put it on and let it set.  When I was doing the swatches, I went to wash my hands afterwards and the was just going to rub the shadow off and it wouldn't move!

Pros - color true to what you see in container, stays in place after it sets (will not budge, must use cleanser and water to remove), feels good upon application, dries to a nice finish (doesn't stay tacky or anything like some creme shadows do), variety of colors to choose from, easily available, a little goes a long way.

Cons - expensive (approx. $17.50), have to get used to working with a creme eyeshadow.

After a whole day of wear.

Overall, I really recommend Estee Lauder's ShadowCreme.  It does everything that I was looking for a creme eyehadow to do and I am very impressed with it.

Has anyone ever tried any other creme shadows that they really liked?  I would like some additional recommendations if you have any.

'Fizzy Baker Raspberry Cupcake Bath Bomb' Review

I received this bath bomb as a birthday present and I just got around to trying it out.  Overall, the cuteness factor of this bath bomb rules out most of the bad feelings I had towards it.  I have never seen another bath bomb like this so it looked very cute in my bathroom!

However, it did not deliver when I put it in my bath last night.  I was hoping for a stronger raspberry or cake scent, which it ended up not having.  I didn't feel that this bomb softened the water in any way or that it really did anything to change my bath water (like a bath bomb should do whether it be changing it in color, scent, creating bubbles, softening the skin, etc).  The top of the cupcake is supposed to be able to be used like soap but it just felt plastic.  It didn't feel like soap at all so I couldn't really use it.

So, if you have a friend, significant other, mother, sister, etc. who like cupcakes (as many people do), get this for them.  But get it for them with the understanding that it is pretty much for looks and not for what the bath bomb is going to do to enhance the experience of their bathtime.