Lacquer Cabinet by ‘Tini Beauty

#Nailtini #NailPolish #NailPolishSubscriptionBox

For those of you with Ipsy subscriptions, you’re probably familiar with Nailtini polishes by ‘Tini Beauty. Well guess what! ‘Tini Beauty has launched their own nail polish subscription box called The Lacquer Cabinet.

From Tini Beauty’s blog:

Feeling inspired? Shake things up by trying your own hand at mixology. Each package also includes two empty mini bottles with brushes and mixing beads so you can step behind the bar and create your own custom concoctions. Use lacquers you choose from your personal collection to whip up a perfect signature blend or whatever adventure in alchemy you feel like stirring up.

The Lacquer Cabinet by Nailtini debuts its first collection in February 2014 at rates of $25 per month, $23/month for a 6-month subscription, or $20/month for a 12-month subscription. A true happy hour for hands, each collection offers an over- $44 retail value plus free shipping, and members enjoy up to 15% off all ‘Tini Beauty products at http://www.tinibeauty.com for the life of their subscriptions.

From ‘Tini Beauty’s website:

Hand-mixed by beloved beauty blogger Faith Roxas of loveroxie.com, the February Lacquer Cabinet serves modern femininity with flair, featuring these perfectly-balanced shades inspired by love… and classic pink drinks:

Pink Clover Club – flirty, creamy petal pink with a hint of heat

Valentini – sophisticated, plum-kissed berry cream

Head over Heels – sassy fuchsia jelly brimming with multi-colored, multi-shaped glitter

Three full size (0.5 oz) lacquers and two mini (0.25 oz) empty bottles. Cruelty-free, vegan and 5-free: no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toulene, dibutyl phthalate or camphor. Made in the USA.

Left to right: Pink Clover Club, Head over Heels & Valentini
My thoughts: I’m thrilled that there is another nail polish box subscription service out there BUT I’m not crazy about the price. I think that the price is too expensive especially when you compare it to Julep at $19.99 per month (plus applicable tax) and Square Hue at $14.99 (plus shipping & handling). If the monthly subscription was between $15 to $20 with free shipping I would probably sign up for it but at $25 per month it’s a pass for me at this time. What about you? Signing up or did you sign up for it already?

Disclaimer:
Ipsy referral link. Information and images from ‘Tini Beauty.

Influenster: J’Adore VoxBox

#Influenster #JAdoreVoxBox

The J’Adore VoxBox from Influenster arrived a few days ago and I’m loving the big bag of chocolate! It actually was a pretty good box filled with things not only for me to try but essentially for the whole family.

For those unfamiliar with the VoxBox here’s some information from Influenster.

VoxBoxes are boxes filled with complimentary products from your favorite (or soon-to-be-favorite) brands. Not all Voxboxes are created equal: some programs feature an assortment of products while others will spotlight one awesome brand. But make no mistake: All VoxBoxes are created awesome!

Best of all, it’s FREE! You don’t have to pay a penny to join Influenster and you don’t pay a penny for a VoxBox. There are some requirements though such as you do need to talk about the products on a blog, Twitter, Facebook, Vine or any other social media platform.

So what was in my J’Adore VoxBox?

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes
When I opened my box and saw the lashes I literally laughed out loud. I received lashes in my Ipsy February Glambag and said I was “lashed out”. Isn’t it ironic that I would get yet more lashes in my J’Adore VoxBox? LOL

The Kiss Nails brand I’m familiar with but these lashes are new to me. I will eventually use these lashes and would consider purchasing these again since the lashes are subtle and look short enough to wear with glasses. I really like how subtle these lashes are and for teens who want to wear lashes, I think lashes like these from Kiss would work well.

HERSHEY KISSES Milk Chocolate
I’m not a chocolate fiend like my kids but I do love Hershey Kisses from time to time because it’s the perfect bite of chocolate. Once my kids saw the bag of chocolate that was it, I’m actually surprised that the bag made it through the weekend! LOL While Valentine’s Day is long gone and finding the Valentine’s Day themed bag is probably going to be hard to find now, the Easter bags should be out now. These I’ll definitely buy again but I need a new hiding place. lol

Vaseline Men Spray Lotion
For the hubby and my boys came a Vaseline Men Spray Lotion. I actually had my twin sons try it this morning and there is a very subtle masculine scent. It’s actually a pleasant smell, which I was surprised since I thought it’d be one of those heavily scented men’s lotions and it’s not.

I’ve said it so many times in the past, the health and beauty industry complete ignores the tween boy market. While this product is aimed at men it’s not bad for a tween boy who does not want to use products meant for children and who can’t use products for adult men because the scents are just too strong. My twin boys love lotions, they love lip balm, they love certain bath products. All three of my boys love to take showers and use various products but what I find difficult are finding products are not feminine smelling yet not overpowering. With body wash I’m loving the Ivory body Influenster sent out last year and it looks like I’ll be adding this lotion from Vaseline Men to their routine. Now if only I can find a deodorant that’s not overpowering yet strong enough for their tween boy odors.

Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask
I’m familiar with the British line Boots but the Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask is completely new to me. From Boots website:

Suitable for all skin types but particularly good for oily skin to combination skin, this face mask actively removes impurities and deeply cleanses. Enriched with clarifying willowbark.

I can’t wait to try this since I have combination skin that sometimes leans towards the oily side. I love products that help take the shine away so I’ll be giving this a try tonight.

John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray
John Frieda is another company I’m familiar with but the Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray is a new product for me to try. I don’t flat iron my hair often but my eldest and youngest daughters do. I’ll pass this along to one of them since this is suppose to help keep hair straight and smooth up to three days. Maybe I’ll get more sleep since it means Kat won’t be in and out of my bedroom at six in the morning looking for hair products to use when she’s flat ironing her hair.

• 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.

Red Rose Simply Indulgent Teas Red Rose Tea
Tea! I love tea and I’m familiar with the Red Rose brand but I typically don’t buy Red Rose since I’m so picky about the flavors I drink. I’m more of a black tea or mint tea or apple tea girl but I do drink almost any type offered. Creme Caramel and Lemon Chiffon are two flavors I’m not familiar with but I’ll give these a try.

Overall, it was a great box with something for everyone in my family. There are two things in this box I know I will purchase – Hershey Kisses and the Vaseline Men lotion. I’ll probably buy more Kiss Lashes since I love lashes (just tired of getting them in my Ipsy Glambags) and these look like lashes I can wear with my glasses. The rest… well the rest are a wait and see.

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Birchbox US Weekly Collaberation

#Birchbloggers #Birchbox #UsWeekly

Birchbox subscribers who received the “Step and Repeat” themed box this February should be getting their boxes now.

If you’re not subscribed to Birchbox if you subscribe by February 23 you will not only get a Us Weekly + Birchbox collaberation box but also, “for new subscribers, a 12-issue subscription to Us Weekly (a $9.95 value) PLUS get 100 extra Birchbox Points—good for $10 off anything in this Shop!*“

On March 2nd, immediately following this year’s Academy Awards®, Us Weekly and Birchbox will give customers the chance to shop Sunday’s hottest red-carpet looks first with a “Get the Look” shop featuring a selection of products straight from Gwen and the celeb insiders at Us Weekly. The Oscars®-inspired products and tips will also be featured in the March 12th issue of Us Weekly.

Beauty Protector Protect Oil, sample size unknown I already love the Beauty Protector Protect and Detangler spray, smells amazing, and this oil smells exactly like the detangler spray! While I’m not crazy about the sample bottle (wish it was in a glass spray bottle) the sample size actually is pretty large and since you don’t need that much oil this should last a very long time. I might have to order a full size bottle of this one since I already love the detangler spray. “Smooth one to three drops into damp hair, working from the roots to ends. Or, you can apply a small amount to the ends of dry hair to tame frizz and provide light conditioning.“ Full size is $21.95, 4 oz Sample value: unknown

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner, 0.25 oz I’ve used this in past and am glad to get another sample of this. I also like the Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner mask.  The Refiner is a primer and it’s applied before you apply your makeup. It not only helps minimize the appearance of pores but also mattifies the skin. Work a thin layer into your face after completing your morning regimen. Pay special attention to cheeks and the tip of your nose. Full size: $45, 1 oz Sample value: $11.25

Juicy Couture Couture La La Malibu, 0.05 oz Two of my daughters really love the Juicy Couture perfume samples and every time I get a sample, one of them makes off with the perfume! LOL I’m sure my eldest will love this sample since it has a very sweet sugary smell like her favorite perfume Aquolina’s Pink Sugar. Meet me in Malibu! Couture La La Malibu embodies the effortlessly glam California attitude while embracing the bold and colorful spirit of L.A. Sparkling mandarin notes are highlighted with sweet pink sugar, creating a radiant fragrance that captures the casual-luxe spirit of Los Angeles, California. 2.5oz. EDT. Full size: $72, 2.5 oz Sample value: $1.44

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish, 0.25 oz I have two other Ruby Wing Color Changing polishes and I still think these are fun to have since it changes colors. It still reminds me of the color changing t-shirts we use to have back in the early 90s. lol The color I was sent is a very hot pink called Kitten Heels, when exposed to the sun it turns red! The cat lover in me loves the names though I do know it refers more to the shoe style than to actual cats. lol If more products were named after cats, I’d be broke. After applying your favorite base coat, apply two thin coats of Ruby Wing polish. Add a topcoat for shine and protection (don’t worry, it won’t impact the color-changing technology). Step out into the sun and admire your shade-shifting mani. Full size: $10, 0.5 oz Sample value: $5

32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy Ok, I’m so on the fence about these. They remind me of Pop Rocks candy because they pop in your mouth but what throws me for a loops is you’re suppose to swallow it! I guess you can think of it as a Pop Rocks meets a Lifesaver breath mint. LOL I’m not sure if I’d buy these or not because it’s so radically different from products I’m use to but I’m sure my kids would think these were fun to try. Pour the contents of an individual pack into your mouth and swish the crystals around, rubbing them against teeth and tongue. Let them dissolve or swallow and enjoy peppermint-fresh breath! Full size: $9.99, 15 packets Sample value: $1.33

Overall thoughts of this Us Weekly + Birchbox collaberated box. Looking at the 63 box variations for the month of February and most of the items are things I would enjoy sampling. While this particular box, box 9, was not a “makeup” box I think it’s a pretty good box. I know I’ll be using the vast majority of items from it and will most likely purchase at least one of the items. I know my girls will probably make off with the nail polish and perfume.

Subscribers can also review the items they receive for 10 points each and once you reach 100 points you can either save the points or use the 100 points for $10 off your next purchase. I like hoarding my points and use the points with a promo code to get more bang for my points.

Disclaimer:

Press samples + press release. Information from Birchbox PR.

Affiliate links.

*Offer details: Receive 100 extra Birchbox Points on Birchbox subscription purchases. When your Birchbox subscription is ready, they’ll email you a promo code to apply at checkout. Please note that promo code can only be used 1 time per customer, is valid on new Birchbox subscriptions only, and cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer available through Saturday, February 23, 11:59 pm EST. **For Us Weekly subscription and rebate details, click here.

Julep: The Riviera Collection

#Julep #nailpolish #March2014

It’s the 20th which means for Julep Mavens it’s time to select (or skip if you’re grandfathered in) the March 2014 Julep selections! Not a Maven? You can join now for $19.99 per month (plus applicable tax) but get your first box for free using the promo code FREEBOX. (Note: If you join now your first box will not be the March selections.)

March Boho Glam Box Elisa – Boho Glam: Soft wisteria shimmer Harriet – Boho Glam: Guava coral crème Julep Lip Gloss (default gloss is Enchanted) Jules earned: 300

March Bombshell Box Lilou – Bombshell: Lemon chiffon crème Monaco – Bombshell: Dazzling mariner blue crème Julep Lip Gloss (default gloss is Awestruck) Jules earned: 300

March Classic with a Twist Box Myriam – Classic with a Twist: Casino red crème Soraphine – Classic with a Twist: Classic sheer white crème Julep Lip Gloss (default gloss is Graceful) Jules earned: 300

March It Girl Box Lizanne – It Girl: Sea green shimmer Margaret – It Girl: Light periwinkle crème Princess Grace – It Girl: Rich papaya crème Jules earned: 300

March Modern Beauty Box Luxe Lip Conditioning Treatment: A silky-smooth balm with omega-rich pumpkin seed oil and a cooling metal tip that soothes lips and stimulates microcirculation Buff Lip Scrub: An exfoliating sugar scrub enriched with nourishing shea butter and vitamins E & B5 Jules earned: 300

March Core Classics Box Cleanup Tool: A Teflon-coated pro tool designed to clean under nails and fix polish mistakes Freedom Polymer Top Coat: A high-gloss top coat that dries smudge-free in five minutes Oxygen Nail Treatment: A perfecting pink tint and strengthening treatment that lets nails breathe Jules earned: 300

The Riviera Polish Lover Upgrade (+$25) Need all nine Riviera colors? We’ve got you covered. ($126 value) Set includes: Elisa, Harriet, Lilou, Monaco, Myriam, Soraphine, Lizanne, Margaret, Princess Grace Jules earned: 650

The Riviera Deluxe Upgrade (+$35) Prepare for spring with all nine Riviera colors and one new Julep Lip Gloss of your choice. ($146 value) Set includes: Elisa, Harriet, Lilou, Monaco, Myriam, Soraphine, Lizanne, Margaret, Princess Grace, and one Julep Lip Gloss Jules earned: 750

The Riviera Collection: Ultimate Upgrade Box (+$55) Treat yourself to all nine Riviera colors, plus Buff Lip Scrub, Luxe Lip Conditioning Treatment, and one new Julep Lip Gloss of your choice. Your nails and lips will thank you. ($190 value) Set includes: Elisa, Harriet, Lilou, Monaco, Myriam, Soraphine, Lizanne, Margaret, Princess Grace, Buff Lip Scrub, Luxe Lip Conditioning Treatment, and one Julep Lip Gloss Jules earned: 1200

The Add Ons

So what’s nice about the main choices is if you don’t like the default lip gloss color you can pick one of the remaining four colors.

I’m actually disappointed by the Ultimate box. Only one of the five lip glosses are in this box, if you want more glosses you can add up to three via the add ons ($13.99 each or 1650 Jules each) which means you’re still out one gloss if you want all five glosses (like me). So for me I’m thinking of sticking with Classic with a Twist and selecting either Enchanted or Fearless instead of the default OR just the Polish Lover collection and just not get any lip glosses.

My Thoughts: My Spring 2014 Soap Box

#FortuneCookieSoap #spring2014

My Fortune Cookie Soap Box came a few days ago and I was so excited about it arriving!

As I removed the box out of my mailbox I immediately realized that at least one item came broken. The reason why I realized this was because there was a “scratching” sound as the items shifted in the box. This led me to think it was going to be either the bath bomb or the Steam Me Up that came broken, it turned out to be both but more that later one.

The items came in a small cardboard box and as I opened it the first thing I saw was the card describing each of the items. I actually like their cards since those are typically really cute on it’s own. There was yellow crinkle paper and pink faux flower petals inside the box.  Eight items were sent out in the Spring box, unfortunately two of those eight did arrive damaged with one severely damaged that I won’t be able to use it at all. I will email Fortune Cookie Soap about it, not to seek a replacement but just to let them know of the damage since it may have been a bad batch since the Shower “Steam Me Up” was very crumbly as if it were too dry.

The Goods:

Native Nectar Body Wash

Described as “fresh, crack coconut” this body wash smells really yummy, like a Piña Colada. This I would love as a body lotion.

Afternoon Delight OCD

Described as “pink watermelon dancing with fresh apricots, crowned in white florals“. Since OCD is a hand sanitizer it has a heavy alcohol scent to it, the alcohol really overpowers the scent but once the alcohol wears off the watermelon, apricot, floral scent remains behind. I’m not a fan of hand sanitizers but I do use it on occasion and this will be one I’ll toss in my purse. My middle daughter already has plans to make off with this one, she loves the hand sanitizers from Fortune Cookie Soap and has stolen each and every one I’ve ever received in a FCSB. lol Strike that, she’s made off with it. LOL

Marshmallow Dreams Cuticle Butter

You can see on the black packaging the remnants of the “Steam Me Up Scotty!”

This is described as “lavender sprigs draped over sage, basil, livened with a splash of vodka, and a swirl of sticky, sweet marshmallow fluff“. With a description like that it makes me want to eat it rather than use it on my cuticles! LOL I’m not entirely sure if I can smell the lavender in it but I can smell the sage, basil and marshmallow scents in it. I’m on the fence with this one.

The Evils:

Make It Rain Whipped Cream

Oh now THIS I LIKE! Described as, “Sparkling droplets of citrus & jasmine dripping with must, clutched by bloated cedarwood boughs.” I can really smell the jasmine in this and jasmine is one of my top favorite scents. I can also smell the sandlewood but it’s not as strong as the jasmine. This may be one I’ll have to purchase full size if it’s sold full size.

Forbidden Fruit Fortune Cookie Soap

In person it’s a very vivid neon green with blue.  Described as “Dusky verbena creeping over fresh blueberry skins and lemon zest” it smells like a blueberry muffin and while I love blueberry muffins I’m not sure if I like the scent on my skin. This will be passed to one of my girls.

Me So Thorny Steam Me Up Scotty!

So this was the item that was very damaged and all over my box. In the top picture you can see it inside the wrapper. That is exactly how I removed it from the box and I didn’t unwrap it. I ended up just taking it out of the wrapper completely and putting it into two small plastic containers. I think I can repress it to use as a shower steamer but I’m not entirely sure.

As for the scent, it’s described as “Citrus, lavender and French Vanilla corrupted by a dark shadow of patchouli & sandalwood.” The patchouli is very strong in this and it reminds me of Tenzing Momo at Pike’s Place Market in Seattle. Part of me likes it, part of me doesn’t. Not a big loss for me that this arrived broken.

The Bloom Bloom Room Bath Fizzy

The other item that came damaged was The Bloom Bloom Room bath fizzy. I love the name! I also like the scent from this one but I don’t take baths! My bathtub is a tiny standard bathtub but if I had a clawfoot tub or one of those deep soaking tubs I’d use this in a heartbeat. This one is described as, “A sinfully sweet combination of Jasmine, Lilac, and Lily of the Valley darkened with throbbing musical notes of fresh peach & citrus, all swirling around poles of decadent spun sugar.” I can smell the jasmine in it along with the peach and citrus. This I may have to purchase as a bar soap if the scent is available as a bar soap.

Venus Fly Trap Perfume Oil

This one was an absolute pass for me as I’m not fond of scent. Described as “Bergamot, narcaisse & must lurk beneath delicate notes of water orchid, sparkling lemon and pink jasmine” the bergamot is just too overpowering for my liking. My youngest daughter does like it and claimed it for her own which is fine by me since it’s just too strong for me. lol

Overall, I liked the items that came this month, disappointed by the broken items, but there were a few scents in the box that I would most certainly buy as either an air freshener, soap bar or lotion.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUGARPILL!

#Sugarpill

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUGARPILL!

Sugarpill is celebrating their birthday!  On Valentine’s Day in 2010 a new indie company launched. I feel in love with their products later that year and my first purchase was Asylum in October 2010. I’ve been a huge fan and am excited that they are celebrating their 4th birthday!

Party time! It’s our 4th Birthday, and to celebrate we’re having a 20% off sale! Come get your shop on and stock up on your favorites at http://www.sugarpill.net.

Due to high volume of sales, some orders may not ship until Friday, 2/21.

Disclaimer:

Affiliate link

My Thoughts: Ipsy February Glam Bag

#Ipsy #Glambags #February2014

So my Ipsy bag arrived yesterday but not in the normal pink bubble mailer but in a large yellow envelope. I did use up 1,000 of my Ipsy points to redeem on the Kiss Nail Kit but it was too late for it to come in my January Ipsy bag so instead it came this month. I spent another 1,000 right at the end of January for the Benefit High Beam.

Before I go into what I actually got and my thoughts on the items I received let me say that Ipsy is quickly becoming like Birchbox with variations. Unlike Birchbox, Ipsy does not publish all the variations on their site however on the bag they ship out there is a bag number located on the shipping label. This number may be hidden under or by a smaller label. This month my label # is partially hidden by the smaller label but you can see it clearly states, “IPSY BAG17LAX&Bea”. The whole label includes “BEAMKISS” which are the two redemption items I received.

So I opened my bag and saw the plain pink bag with the white zipper. The white pull says IPSY on it. I’m not a fan of pink but it’s simple with no designs on it and I’ll use it. I opened up the bag and pulled out the items and quickly realized I didn’t get the bag I was expecting.

What I was expecting	What I received
POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini	POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini
Zoya Nail Polish	Zoya Nail Polish
Tini Beauty Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base In One	Tini Beauty Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base In One
J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue	J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue
First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay	skyn ICELAND Fresh Start Mask with Ice Age Mud

I checked my Glam Room and it still shows that I was to receive the FAB cleanser but I didn’t get that and instead received the Skyn Iceland mud mask which I’m actually happier about since I didn’t want the FAB cleanser in the first place. Granted the FAB cleanser has a higher value than the mask but for me the mask is a better item. No idea if Ipsy has been reading my posts and had their shipping facility substitute the item OR if it was mistake on the shipping warehouse part. I’ve emailed Ipsy and should hear back from them by Tuesday.

POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini

The color in person is pretty and it’s a shade I would pick out for myself so I’m happy to try this. 

Zoya in Odette

I like the muted purple color. I actually was waiting to see if I was getting this color or Dot because I wanted to go to ULTA and see if they still had that sale going for the gift with purchase on two of the colors from the collection that color came from. I’m happy with this color.

‘Tini Beauty Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base In One in Ambrosia

Meh. LOL Ok, so sometimes I’ll go “meh” on something and once I tried it I’ll end up liking it or loving it… or hating it. lol So while the item is something I wouldn’t pick out for myself, I’ll give this color a try. I had a pending trade on this if the color wasn’t Ambrosia which it is so that trade fell through. So since it did I’ll give it a whirl.

J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue

I’m a lash lover. I love lashes and I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m lashed out! LOL I received lashes in my December (2013) Glam Bag and my daughters also received lashes in the December and June Ipsy bags. While I will go out and buy more lashes I would love to try other products besides lashes.

These are 747XS from J.Cat are actually very natural looking so it looks like I will be able to wear these with my glasses.

skyn ICELAND Fresh Start Mask with Ice Age Mud

 So, as I mentioned above I was expecting the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay but instead received the skyn ICELAND Fresh Start Mask with Ice Age Mud. I’m actually thrilled with this mistake the shipping did OR if it wasn’t a mistaken then I’m thankful that the folks at Ipsy substituted the item I didn’t want. Granted it caused my pending trade to fall through since I was going to trade the FAB with another member at MakeupTalk for her mud mask but that’s okay for me. I love the eye gels from Skyn Iceland so I’m excited to try this out.

As for the bag itself, I like the plainness of the bag, not a fan of pink but like how plain it is. I also like the interior pattern with the pink cheetah print inside. I wouldn’t mind if they revisited this style again but in PURPLE. lol

Overall, I ended up happy with what I received this month from Ipsy. I wasn’t at first but a simple “oops” or “substitution” for something I wanted did make me happy. Now had a second substitution been on the lashes… well I would have been ecstatic. I love lashes but out of everything else they could have sent out… I would have liked to try something different. Oh well, it is what it is. lol

Disclaimer:

Referral link 

Skyn Iceland: Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

#Skyn Iceland #Ipsy #Facial Masks

So this is “part 2” of my Skyn Iceland order that I posted about yesterday. I took advantage of the Ipsy promo code (see the other blog post) and bought the Saving Face Kit and the Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels.

The first time I received these were through a Beauty Army box and I loved them, I loved them so much that I picked them two more times so in all I had tried three pairs from Beauty Army. I later received a pair in my September 2013 Ipsy bag. I’ve been wanting to buy more but at $30 a bag (of 8 pairs) well, what can I say? I’m cheap. The newest Ipsy promo code that Skyn Iceland has broken me down and so I order this along with the Saving Face Kit.

To apply simply peel off the plastic backing and stick under your eye area and wear for 10 minutes. I love these on the days my eyes are all puffy and I’m feeling exhausted. For me on those days the product reduces the puffy area and I feel much more alert and awake. Now I have heard from other people this doesn’t work well on them or that it irritates their skin, I never had any problems with irritation (at least none I can remember) but I do know that if I use it on days the under eye area is not puffy that I don’t feel like I have the same results.

I absolutely loves these eye gels that I’ve been begging Skyn Iceland to make these as a face mask and coming in April they will be releasing a facial mask akin to these eye gels!

So am I happy with my order? Absolutely! Will I buy more Skyn Iceland products? Absolutey… but on a sale or promo code. lol While I love the products and think the products are worth the price I like saving money and getting more bang for my buck. 

Skyn Iceland: Saving Face Kit + Ipsy promo code

#Skyn Iceland #Ipsy #Facial Masks

So I’m still waiting for my February Ipsy #glambag but I already know from looking at my #glamroom that I’m not getting the Skyn Iceland Fresh Start Mask which while disappointing isn’t a complete surprise since it was one of those items that “some subscribers” may get. BUT!! Skyn Iceland is working with Ipsy this month and provided Ipsy subscribers with a FANTASTIC promo code which I took advantage of!

I ordered two things from Skyn Iceland, the first was the Saving Face Kit (retail: $50) and the Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels with Elastin and Peptides (retail $30) however in this post I’ll just talk about the kit. I paid $25 for the kit (50% off) and $24 for the eye gels (20% off) and if it weren’t for that Ipsy promo code I wouldn’t have placed this order.

(More info on the promo code at the bottom of this post.)

Saving Face Kit

The Saving Face Kit helps prep skin for life’s big moments with skyn ICELAND’s essentials to keep skin healthy, glowing and younger-looking.

Nordic Skin Peel 3 fl oz (60 pads)
Retail: $45 (Full size!)

Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels with Hexapeptide Technology 0.11 oz (2 pairs)
Value: $7.50 for 2 (Full size: $30 for 8 pairs)

Icelandic Relief Eye Pen 0.14 US oz
Retail: $20 (Full size!)

the ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion 0.5 US fl oz
Value: $12.78 (Full size: $45.00 52ml/1.76 US oz)

Glacial Face Wash 1.0 fl oz
Value: $6 (Full size: $30.00 150ml/5.0 US oz)
NOT listed on the site or even on the bag but it DID come inside my sealed bag was this item:

Arctic Face Mist with Multivitamin Complex, 1.0 fl oz
Value: $7.27 (Full size: $29.00 118ml/3.99 US fl oz)
They retail this kit for $50 but according to their site it has a value of $87.50 which is less than the $98.55 value I put on this kit. As I mentioned above, the Face Mist isn’t even listed on the bag or on the site but it did come inside my sealed bag so I know know if it was a manufacturing mistake or a mistake on the site/packaging to exclude the Face Mist. It’s a fantastic bonus! Overall, I’m thrilled with my order, absolutely thrilled! Best Ipsy promo code ever in my book.

Skyn Iceland: 50% off ONE item then 20% off anything else using the promo code –  IPSYFSM – valid until March 15, 2014. (US & Canada Only).

*Offer is valid starting on February 10, 2014 from 10 a.m. EST through March 15, 2014, 11:59 p.m. EST. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or promotional gift cards. Offer is valid only in the U.S. and Canada. Limit one per customer.

Shipping Costs:
Free ground shipping on orders over $25.00 (before tax) within the continental US. $5.00 flat rate ground shipping for all orders under $25.00 within the continental US.

Disclaimer:

Ipsy referral. Not compensated for this blog post.

PopSugar Must Haves: My thoughts on the February 2014 box

#Popsugar #February2014

I absolutely blame the ladies at MakeupTalk.com on this. I didn’t plan on subscribing to PopSugar, mainly due to the cost of almost $40 per month ($39.95), but someone on MUT posted a 50% off promo code which brought the price down to a little under $20. The price point appealed to me and so I subscribed. They got me hook, line and sinker! LOL

My box came quickly so I was excited and I already knew, again thanks to the ladies at MUT, what I was getting. I’ll admit, if I paid full price for this particular box I’d be a little let down since nothing is really a “Must Have” in my book but at under $20, I’m loving the contents. So what did I get?

Must Have Fashion

First item was the Gorjana-Griffin Brooks Jewelry Roll which retails for $45. Unfortunately for me I have no use for it only because I already store my jewelry in similar rolls but those rolls don’t tie and instead have a snap closure. Still, it’s a nice item, no use for me so I’ll put this up for sale on PoshMark.

Must Have Beauty

Next item was Nourish Organic Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum ($23.95). The first time I’ve tried their products was via Ipsy and while I wasn’t crazy about the Coconut & Argan Body Lotion I did eventually use it all up so I’m absolutely willing to give this a try. Unlike the body lotion, I do like the scent from this one.

Must Have Home

Next up was the K Hall Designs Peony Travel Candle ($11). While it’s a tiny candle I do enjoy the scent. I’ll use this as I do the one from Illume (can’t recall which beauty box it came out of). I don’t burn this by lighting it and instead place it on a candle warmer which melts the wax without really wasting it.

Must Have Beauty

Now this ModelCo Lip Pops Duo Lip Gloss and Lipstick did eventually “wow” me. I thought, at first, it was strictly lip gloss (wasn’t wowed because I have so many glosses) until I looked at the booklet and saw it has a built in lipstick (then I was wowed)! How cool is that?! The downside was there was no sticker on the bottom telling me which color I got but I do know that it’s not Showgirl Red. Unfortunately, these are not sold individually and are only available (as of this post) in a Lip & Lash Duo Kit Set which contains three different Duo Lip Gloss and a mascara for $49.

(Edit: ModelCo rep had this to say about the color, “The colour of the nude shimmer gloss is “Strip Tease”, whilst the brownish pink lipstick is called “Dusk”“)

Must Have Food

I’m not overtly fond of candy though there are times I do get a craving for gummy bears so these Sugarwish Mini Red Cinnamon Hearts will be passed onto my kids. Not entirely sure of the value on these since there is no weight listed but according to my scale I received 0.5 oz and the Petite Sugarwish box is $25 for four 1/4 pound of candy so this has an approximate value of $6.25.

Must Have Beauty

The NCLA Rodeo Drive Royalty Nail Polish ($16) is a really pretty dark shade of red. I like the color but unfortunately the cap was loose so the polish leaked into the cap and onto the threads and the polish is the state of drying up because the polish happens to be very thick. I’ve contacted PopSugar about it since I have no idea if they’ll replace it or what.

(Edit: I contacted PopSugar and they’re sending me a replacement. Super happy about that since the polish color is very nice and a color I would wear.)

Special Extra

Meh. The Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash ($5.79) will be used here and it does smell nice but not exactly what I was expecting in a PopSugar Must Have box and it most certainly didn’t “wow!” me at all. Still, we’ll use it since the scent isn’t overtly feminine and not overtly masculine either so it’s perfect for my boys to use.

Overall, not bad for about $20. Like I said before, if I paid full price of almost $40 I wouldn’t be too happy having paid $40 for all this but it was less than $20 so it’s not too bad.

I’ll continue another month with PopSugar and see how it goes.

Disclaimer:

Referral links.