Is SK-II worth the hype? Influenster's SK-II campaign

Hello, friends! I am beyond excited to tell you about the SK-II Influenster campaign. These products were sent to me for free to review. I got the Facial Essence and a sheet mask to try (approx value of $56.50). If you are into Asian skincare and/or watch Youtube videos, you probably know how expensive SK-II is. It is for this reason I have never tried the products. The pictures below show the products and my skin before the products. Don't mind the tired look on my face, I was finishing my thesis. 

I started using the essence daily. According to Sephora.com, "Facial Treatment Essence is enriched with more than 90 percent pitera—the main ingredient used to support the skin's renewal process—plus nourishing vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids to promote a healthy, natural skin cell renewal cycle. With daily application, this essence moisturizes, improves texture and clarity, and contributes to a more beautiful, balanced, and glowing complexion." I do not wholeheartedly agree with these claims. I have uneven, oily skin, but this made my face soft and smooth after cleansing. While this worked well on my face, I broke out horribly around my neck as I tried to use this product.  This was the only change in my skincare so I know unfortunately it was from the essence. While I liked the texture of my skin, I did not notice a new glowing complexion.

I decided to try the mask after I finished my thesis. Needless to say, my skin needed some hydration and comfort after the immense stress. Sephora's webstite states, "This 100 percent cotton mask drenches the skin with pitera’s fusion of vitamin, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids, while working to revitalize, comfort, and provide intense hydration. It immediately replenishes dehydrated skin, leaving it refreshed and cool." These claims are absolutely true. You can tell from the picture above I was ready for some relaxation! I cleansed my skin, then applied the sheet mask. As you can tell from the pictures below, the mask was too big for my face so I couldn't get the fit I wanted (not a big deal). I feel comfortable saying that this mask would fit almost any face shape. The mask itself was drenched with the pitera essence. I left the mask on while I painted my nails and read  some magazines.   I included the picture with the flash on so you can see how saturated the mask is. The packet itself had enough essence for me to moisturize my legs and arms. I'm a horrible blogger and forgot to take a picture of my "after" skin. Please forgive me. My skin felt cool, hydrated, and replenished! 


















My overall grade for this Voxbox would be a B-. The essence lasted a long time and made my skin feel soft, but didn't live up to all of the claims. The mask was amazing! If my skin needed extra hydration in the future I would definitely spend $17 on another SK-II mask. Thanks for reading! #myessence #skii

YSL Touche Eclat Primer and Blur Perfector review

Hello, readers! I have an interesting post today regarding the NEW YSL Touche Eclat products. I got this free to review courtesy of Influenster. The first pictures show the beautiful packaging. I got the full size Blur Perfector ($55 at Sephora) and a deluxe sample of the primer (full size $52).  

Can we talk about the packaging?! The Blur Perfector is stunning! The outside box is the signature YSL gold with black writing. The compact is a feminine pink with the signature logo. It also comes with a black velvet purse to keep the compact safe. It's to the right of the compact. I. Was. Sold. 

This is the inside of the compact. The silicone/gel texture is a pale pink to help minimize imperfections. I do think the product follows through on the promises. I did see a difference in my pores on my nose when I applied the product. Unfortunately, the product also made me oily. Another downside is applicator. The compact does NOT have a space for the applicator. I assume this was an oversight/mistake that is inexcusable.

 The star for me was the primer. I like the doe foot applicator because I get just enough for my skin. It is a silicone based primer, which does not typically work for my skin. The gold glitter did not show up on my skin as glitter. Instead I got a decent glow from the gold and silicone. I used this just on my cheeks and forehead to fill in my fine lines and imperfections. I saw a different in my makeup application in both areas. I thought this gave me a strobing effect that is a trend right now. Both areas were luminous after applying the rest of my makeup.

The downside, I did not see my makeup lasting longer than normal. In fact, my makeup wore off sooner on my cheeks and forehead; the two areas where I used the YSL primer. However, I do not just fault the primer. It was 110 degrees when I tried the primer.

I have to say, I am still getting used to the strobing trend. It is not ideal for hot weather, as in 110 degrees, which was when I took this picture below. I took this after using both products and running errands for two hours. Again, I think this dewy look would be better for me in the fall/winter when I'm not as oily. I can't wait to report back when I revisit these products.

Birchbox July 2015 review

 I absolutely love everything about this box design! I enjoyed using most of the products in this box for July. I found I got a great mix of fragrance, skincare, haircare, and makeup. First, I tried the Stila Liquid Lipstick in Venezia. This bright coral made me try something new for summer. I love the scent and I am getting used to the bright color. Unfortunately, I am having a hard time with the formula. While it is long lasting and smells like vanilla, the formula is patchy and drying on my lips. I am still experimenting since most people love this formula. Don't mind the full face of makeup. I was piling on makeup for my next post. Can you guess what it is?

The Bumble and Bumble cream is hydrating without weighing my hair down. I like using this to blow dry OR air dry my hair.

The Cartier sample is a beautiful fragrance for summer with notes of rose.

The Supergoop serum ties the Clarisea as my favorite sample. I love the lightweight feeling of the serum/moisturizer/sunscreen.

Last, the Clarisea Charcoal Exfoliant left my skin soft and smooth. I tried the powder with my First Aid Beauty cleanser and charcoal face soap. The product worked well with both cleansers.  I appreciate the large sample size since I got at least six uses out of the product.

Now I need your help. What Birchbox products should I try from the shop? Recommend your favorites please!

Tombox/Swaagbox Review

Hi, everyone! 

I received a free Tombox to review for my blog. I'm so happy I was chosen as this box is a fantastic deal! Get your first box for $8 when you click here.. To begin, subscribers take an in-depth quiz to determine the best products to be sent. Here are the payment options for Tombox.  

Let me take you through what I received in my box! First, I love the packaging. The box labeled "beautiful" contained all of the products. Nice touch, Tombox.

 My first item was this delicate lip brush. The bristles are so soft. I couldn't find the brand name, but I do appreciate getting the brush.

 This is why I love subscription services like Tombox. I get to try items I would normally never buy for myself. The ring came packaged in a bag to keep it safe. This silver ring is fashionable and goes with many outfits. I like that the ring itself is flexible so most ladies will be able to wear it.

 For me, the ring fits best on my middle finger. Please excuse the grown out nail polish.

 The next item is an ankle bracelet with summer-inspired charms. Again, this is a piece I normally would not choose for myself, but it is a perfect accent to a summer outfit.

 I chose these because they are my favorite brand of tampons. Subscribers may choose to get tampons or pads when they subscribe.

This Cargo shadow retails for $16; that's the cost of one box! The shadow is silky and blends easily.  This full size is quite a large size for an eye shadow. I blended out the shadow, but you can see how pigmented it is.

 The next item is a liquid liner from Skone in black. The retail value is $15. I love the way it glides on and stays in place.

The Real Chemistry Peel is a fabulous product. I love getting samples of this because the full size retails for $48 on their website. The peel is interesting because you apply it, leave it on for 20 seconds, then rub your face. The product will ball up, essentially taking off dead skin and impurities. My skin is soft and not irritated after this peel.

This Be a Bombshell lip crayon is in the color Shameless. The retail value is $16. I did not swatch this because I already have one. The color lasts a long time without drying out my lips. 

Styled by Hayadi Pure Happy Smooth Smoothing Keratin is the next product in my box. According to the Styled by Hayadi website, this product Weightless smoothing Keratin infused styling lotion. Seals the cuticle and controls frizz, visibly improving the appearance of hair immediately. When used with heat, shine and smoothing are intensified. "

The last item is a Maybelline New York Color Show nail polish in Urban Utopia ($2.99). I am a sucker for limited edition items, and this one is no different! The color is unique and beautiful for summer. I do not have any other color like this one. Again, thank you, Tombox for breaking me out of my everyday routine!

Overall, Tombox is an excellent value! Not only will subscribers get feminine products, they also get an assortment of jewelry, skincare, haircare, and makeup products that well surpass the subscription price! Thanks for reading! Please comment below with what you think of Tombox!

Influenster #frostyvoxbox

This is my second favorite Influenster voxbox of 2014. My first was the Victoria's Secret voxbox. This Frosty box has everything for a woman to be ready for 2015. As always, I was sent these free products to test and review.

 This is an overview of all of the products that came in the box.

These Fruit Vines didn't last a day in my house, lol. These bite sized, chewy snacks were delicious without being overly sweet. These retail for $1.79. 

The McCormick brand of seasonings is a trusted name brand of seasonings. Thyme is not purchased in my house, but I'm not sure why. It goes with most meats and smells like the holidays. I would recommend rubbing any dry seasoning in between your hands before using it to "wake up" the flavor. I'm excited to see a quick search brought up 89 recipes! I am also a part of their consumer panel. I've only been invited to try one product, but it was free! This full size product retails for $4.79.

I love this tea! The minty flavor soothed my overworked voice from the end of the school. This is perfect for the times I want a hot drink besides coffee and hot chocolate. The two packets didn't have a price.

 The No. 7 serum serum packet is supposed to provide the best anti-aging results. My skin is acting up right now so I will keep you posted when I try this. The full size retails for $22.99.

This Ecotools brush is effective with most of its claims. My hair took less time to blow dry and was less frizzy. Unfortunately, it isn't as soft as my Wet brush. 

 Very flexible bristles against the open base. This retails for $11.99.

These next three products are makeup products! I never tried these products, but I have different NYC and Rimmel products. I love trying new makeup!

 These are the swatches of the lipstick and liner in natural light with no flash.

 This is a full size lipstick from NYC in Sugar Plum. In the tube this looked extremely frosty (old lady), but the color is actually complementary to my skintone. I cannot get over the level of moisture and shine. It is perfect for an everyday look or a night out.  For $1.99 I can't wait to try more colors!

The last products from the voxbox are both from Rimmel London. The Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal liner in black is raved about on Youtube. The swatch above was one pass on my hand! Not only is this affordable at $4.49, it also is long lasting. I have trouble with liners staying in place. This one did not fail me. It is just as long lasting as my Stila liner. 

 Because the liner is so waterproof, you do need an effective remover. This Rimmel Just Let it Go remover is perfect. My HG remover is the Clinique Take the Day Off balm, but this is my new favorite liquid remover. It's safe for contact wearers and sensitive skin. I dab a little on a cotton round, place over my eye for 10-15 seconds, then begin gently swiping away my eye makeup. This is perfect for my gym bag! The remover costs $7.49.

The retail value of the box is about $33. I am extremely pleased with the amount of full size products and the fact that I will use all of these products. Please use this link if you are not a part of Influenster nation!

Baybeezmomma's giveaway winnings!

If you are not a fan of Amy's  blog, GO follow her now. I'm not a mother, but I love the variety of her blog posts.  I am honored to be the winner of her first giveaway. I won the Cynthia Rowley set. These pictures are courtesy of Amy's blog.

The colors are gorgeous, creamy, and blendable. I didn't experience a terrible amount of fallout either. I used all of the colors and the liner with no issues. I didn't use a primer because I wanted to see the actual colors and staying power for myself.

This picture is with the liquid liner. I like the color and the ease of application. I'm not a pro at liquid liner, but this product was easy to apply. Please don't judge my hair, lol. It's my weekend.

This is my finished looks. I think a primer would help blend these, but the application was easy due to the pigmentation.  I like that I can use one palette to create day or evening looks.

 Overall, I couldn't be happier with Amy for this giveaway! Cynthia Rowley made beautiful packaging for beautiful makeup products. I will be purchasing more of her products in the future! What have you tried from her line? Thanks for reading!