“She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes…” ― Lord Byron
Hello hello! and Happy Middle-of-October to everyone here! I’m back on here to show you what I got in my October Birchbox this month! I chose the Curated Box #1 and I was really excited about the products inside! Come on along and I’ll show you what I got!
Really cute Halloween-Themed box this month. It’s called the “After Dark” box. Inside everything was wrapped securely with orange tissue paper to add to the spooky theme.
Look at all those cute little products! Aren’t they adorable? I love trial size things…
A little goes a long way for me! It’s a very thick conditioner, but makes my hair super smooth and shiny. I usually just use it on the lower half of my hair to keep the grease down, but it works wonders. Plus, its plant-based, cruelty-free, and made without dye, parabens, or silicones.
This one is easily my second favorite. It’s lightweight, leaves my hair slightly more volumized, and also leaves it feeling soft and shiny. My only complaint are the bottles: they are on the harder side so squeezing is difficult. I wish they would have made it a little easier to get the product out. But, beggars can’t be choosers!
This is probably my favorite item in the box! It’s a FULL SIZE tube of Love of Color Liquid Shimmer Shadow in Moonlight, 0.03 oz. – Retail Value $10.00 This is an interesting color! At times it comes across as a copper color, sometimes I catch glimpses of silver, sometimes a delightful nude/brown.
It has a smooth consistency and is easily buildable; so you can use it to add a touch of glam or layer it on for a bold look. I applied this easily with my fingertips and smoothed it across my lids without any effort! I think it actually works better that way than with a brush! Once it dries, it stays put, too, so there’s no fallout like you’d get with a powder.
Next up is the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser, 1 oz. – Estimated Retail Value $4.60 (Buy a full-size 5 oz for $23.00). I thought when I first used this that it would be on the thicker side like a mud mask, but it wasn’t! This was a really nice, white-colored cream. It had a natural, earthy smell to it and was absolutely beautiful to use!
It has this soft and silky feel to it which reminds me of being at a spa! It’s made with Brazilian clay so it naturally exfoliates and draws out toxins. I didn’t feel like my skin was tight or dry after using it; which can easily happen with some clay products. Overall, I was immensely satisfied with this product and could see myself buying a full size in the future.
Last, but not least, is the amika Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream, 0.67 oz. – Estimated Value $5.08 (Buy a full-size 3.3 0z for $25.00) Amika products never seem to let me down! I have enjoyed each one that I’ve tried and I love that their signature scent is always there and never overpowering.
This product has a cream or lotion-consistency. I put it in my damp hair after washing to add shine and help tame frizz. It was light in my hair and it didn’t feel heavy or weighed-down after I blow dried it. I could totally see the shine after drying! I couldn’t believe how smooth and healthy my hair looked. Good job again, amika!
As usual, the monthly detailed card which described the products, how to use them, and the cost of the full size. I really appreciate this every month because it’s an easy and quick way to see what I got and how I need to use the products.
So, this curated Birchbox included five items and has an estimated retail value of around $23.68 which isn’t bad for a $15 box! I have definitely had better boxes price-wise, but I enjoyed all the products which to me is almost as important. Although it wasn’t my favorite, I did enjoy everything –especially the full size LOC eye shimmer which was the big-ticket item of the box.
So, did you get a Birchbox this month? Which one did you choose — or did you go with the mystery box? What products were your favorite? Let me know in the comments! Would love to hear what you thought about your October box!
Happy late September, everyone. Okay, okay, I know it’s technically October now, but this is September’s Sephora box, okay? So for the sake of this review can we at least pretend it’s still September? Thanks.
Really cute theme this month for the September box. It was called “The Adventures of PLAY! Bae.” As usual, each box comes with a PLAY! Pass, which is a card you can use at Sephora (in-store AND newly online as well! Woo!) to get 50 extra rewards points, and you can also get one-on-one tutorials and tips on products from a Sephora consultant.
Got a really fun line-up this month! I can’t wait to show you everything!
First up is the BRIOGEO “Don’t Despair, Repair!” Conditioning Mask. Really smells amazing. Like a tropical island. It’s a very light and natural scent, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming in your hair.
I used it a few times already and it’s makes my hair super soft and smooth. I don’t use it every time I wash my hair because I don’t need that much conditioning, but I use it maybe once a week and it feels like it gives my hair a boost.
I also love how natural the ingredients are! Always makes me feel good about the products I’m using when they’re more natural. Seems like Sephora is doing a really great job at picking things like that, too.
Next I got the FRESH Sugar Rose Lip Treatment. I love a good tinted lip balm sometimes when I just want to have a natural makeup look and this fits the bill! It’s a soft pinkish/red color that gives your lips just enough color, but doesn’t come across as bold.
It smells wonderful — like strawberries! And the formula is really easy and carefree. Super soft on the lips and lasts a few hours before you have to reapply. I love the packaging, too! It’s like this satin-finish metal which twists up from the bottom. Really beautiful.
Next up, the BELIF “True Cream Moisurizing Bomb.” I’ve had several Belif products come in my boxes over this past year, but I’m never sorry. They are great moisturizers that also smell amazing! This one smells a little like citrus, but also just has a really clean scent.
The formula is a medium thick cream and goes on quickly and smoothly. I’ve also worn this under makeup and it never causes me any problems. It’s heavy enough for me to use in the winter, also. Sometimes I get moisturizers which are either too heavy and I save them for winter, or too light and I save them for summer. This works for both.
Then there’s the MAKEUP FOREVER “Mist and Fix Setting Spray.” I have heard so many amazing things about this product and I’m happy to report that they’re all true. This spray gave my makeup a beautiful finish! It wasn’t too matte, yet it wasn’t too shiny. Just the perfect in between.
My makeup looked flawless all day with this and really helped to tone down that “powdery” look that often happens.
I am sorry to say, however, that the spray nozzle is terrible! Mine came out in thick streaks and didn’t distribute on my face evenly at all. I’m not sure if it’s their bottle, just the sample bottle, or if it’s just MY bottle that did this. Luckily, I had a back up empty bottle that has a mister I love and I just put it in there. No more problems!
Next, we have a product that I’ve always wanted to try, but never got around to buying it. It’s BAREMINERALS “Endless Summer Bronzer” in “Warmth.” I love so many of Bareminerals products. I’ve had their classic powder foundation, their mineral veil, some of their lip products — they’ve always been amazing and I have loved them. I never got around, however, to trying their bronzer.
It’s honestly just a really good basic bronzer. I feel like I can use just a little to warm up the face, or add another layer for more color. It went on well over my makeup and was just the right color for me. I can definitely see myself using this up. Would I buy the full size version? Probably not. Although I love it, I don’t feel “wowed” with it and I think I could find something just as good at the drugstore.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Sì Passione Eau de Parfum (estimated price $2.16)
Last but not least is this month’s perfume sample: Si Passione by Giorgio Armani. This scent boasts of fruity florals, including notes of blackcurrant, rose de mai, and musk. I’ve honestly never tried and of the Armani scents, so this was a completely new smell to me. However, I have seen this scent around for a long time and I can see why it’s kind of a classic.
I feel like this scent would be a little heavy for hot and humid summers, but now that the temps are dropping, I think this spicy scent will be great for fall and winter!
As mentioned, the Play! theme this month is “Play Bae” and has a bunch of spoofs on timeless shows on TV such as: “SNE — Saturday Night Eyes” and “Game of T-Zones.” Super cute! I love the thoughtfulness that goes into these.
So, what did you get in your Sephora box? Are you happy with your products? Which ones were you hoping for and didn’t get? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear.
Guys, Sephora has been KILLING it lately with their subscription boxes. No kidding. The last three I have received have been full of amazing brands, amazing sizes, and new products! I swear, this box was so awesome. I have been using the products for about two weeks and I can honestly say I’ve loved everything 100%. Come take a look with me…
This Lip Gloss smells SO GOOD. It smells like something I want to eat: vanilla, brown sugar, yum! I have wanted to try this product before but never got around to it, so I was really excited to see it.
I’ve honestly never used a lip plumping gloss before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But it really just feels like you put peppermint on your lips. It has that same ‘tingle’ as mint.
It’s an absolutely beautiful pink shade. (Swatched below) My favorite color in lip products. It’s a little deeper than a pink, but not so deep that it’s bold. Just beautiful! *throws chef’s kiss.*
Again, this product is all it claims to be. When you see the 5-star ratings online, they’re true! I have never used a product quite like this.
It’s a really thick cream and a little goes a long way. If you use too much, it can make your face greasy, but I find just a little and it makes my makeup look flawless. Usually, when primers say they double as a moisturizer, they never seem to really hydrate my skin, but this cream really does. It seriously is a moisturizing primer. You don’t have to use both at the same time before putting on makeup.
I also really like it scent. It’s lemony, but sweet. Smells like a lemon bar! But if you’re worried about the smell, don’t worry. It fades as soon as you put it on. Bobbi Brown is such a classic line. I remember this was one of the first “high-end” brands I came into contact with.
It has shea butter and vitamins C & E which provided my skin with all-day moisture without causing any makeup smear or slide. I don’t know if I would ever invest $60 for a full size pot, but if I were a wealthy millionaire, I certainly would. This cream is so unique!
I have never tried this skincare brand, but I’ve heard amazing things about it, so when I saw one of their products in my box, I was super excited to try it out. Now I see why it get’s such good reviews. It’s got a whipped-like texture and it’s lightweight, but very moisturizing. It has a subtle, but pleasant herbal scent which I really liked.
I see why this is a bestseller! My skin soaked it up and felt so soft and smooth in the morning.
I also got a sample from one of the brands which have recently become a favorite: Algenist. I got to sample the Algenist GENIUS Sleeping Collagen, 0.27 fl oz – Estimated Value $13.23 (Buy a full-size 2 oz version for $98.00) .
Again, Sephora has really been packing some great brands in their boxes! I was so excited to try this.
It’s also a really thick cream that feels a lot more like a balm. I think it has a more “cream-to-oil” feel when I put it on my face and it seems to melt with the heat of my skin. Super soft, super moisturizing and my skin has never looked so good. The next morning it was smooth and soft and was the best I had ever seen it. It’s pricey, but I can see why. Amazing! It felt a little heavy for me for the summer, but now that cooler weather is on the horizon, I think I”ll be putting this little pot to use. Luckily, a little goes a long way.
Then we have a sample from the current popular brand: Sunday Riley. It’s the Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum, 0.17 fl oz – Estimated Value $14.45 (Buy a full-size 1 fl oz version for $85.00)
I can’t believe my luck with all these super brands! I mean, jackpot, anyone? I was a little nervous to try a retinol product because I heard it can sometimes be hit or miss, but I started using it slowly as directed, and honestly I can see a difference. I’m not sure I would ever go out and buy it, but it’s been fun to try it.
Works well for fine lines, but luckily I don’t have any wrinkles or dark spots yet. I think I’ll wait until after I’m 30 to start a regular regimen with retinol products. Just because I don’t want to admit how old I am yet. 😉
The last product was actually the “bonus” item for this month. Instead of getting another perfume sample or small shampoo packet, I actually got an amazing sample: the CAVIAR Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter, 0.85 fl oz – Estimated Value $5.67 (Buy a full-size 5.1 fl oz version for $34.00)
I have tried several items from the Aterna hair care line and I have loved them all so much. I especially love their hair volume mist! SO lovely. Always smells like grapes. I love finding their hair products at TJ Maxx. The discounted price helps me justify the purchase. 😉
Since I usually blow dry my hair 3-4 times a week, I was really glad to see this. It smells amazing, is a thicker cream-to-oil formula, but isn’t heavy or weights the hair down. My hair felt really smooth and soft after I dried it. This is def going on my future purchase list!
So, this box was for sure on my top 10 list. All the sizes were amazing and I can get many uses out of them. I really liked my assortment this month. The brands were some of their best selling ones and the variety was on point with my needs and profile. Sephora, I say GOOD JOB to you! You nailed it this month. Not to mention, this box has an estimated value of $66.73 which is pretty durn good for a $10 subscription box. I call that a win-win.
Who else got this version of the August Sephora Play box? What did you think of your items? Which ones were your favorite? As usual, sound of in the comment box before for any reason! And stayed tuned, all my September boxes finally arrived, so those reviews will be up shortly! Love you, guys!
I recently decided to try the Cleanser Kit from Birchbox. I had used up several samples and face cleansers that I had and needed something new since I wasn’t satisfied with anything I had tried, but I also wanted to try a few things before buying a full size of anything. I like something that takes my makeup off along with cleaning my face. That way it completes multiple steps in one. Enter the “Birchbox Cleanser Try-It Kit.”
Online, it says this kit is specially curated to address all skin needs, from aging to acne to sensitivity so you can find your #1 for your Skincare Routine. I got a really cute clear pouch with metallic sides and 10 different cleansers; each one claiming something different. This was a really awesome value at only $18 — it has $44 worth of products! And the sizes are nice. They aren’t a “use-twice-then-the-bottle-is-empty” size. You actually get several uses out of them, that way you can see the results.
So, let’s see what we’ve have, shall we?
$35 for a 5oz tube.
First item on the list is the “Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser.” This is a gel-like cleanser that removes makeup and grime and has purifying clay in it.
It was a lot more of a loose liquid than I expected from something that claimed it was a “gel.” It doesn’t have a fragrance smell, only a soap smell. It smells like a lot of the clay products on the market. Earthy.
I honestly wasn’t a big fan of this cleanser. It was just “meh” for me. It didn’t take my makeup completely off (I don’t wear waterproof) so I had to go over it again to get the residue off. However, I think it would be a good choice for someone who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup or who is just looking for a cleansing face wash. It does tend to be on the drier side, so if you have normal to dry skin, I would try a sample before getting a full bottle. I have oily/combination skin an my face felt tight each time I used it. If someone gave me a sample, I would use it up. But I wouldn’t go out and buy it on my own.
So, then I have the MALIN+GOETZ “grapefruit face cleanser.”
$36 for 8oz bottle.
I really liked this! It doesn’t work at removing makeup, so if that’s what you’re looking for, skip past this one. But as a face cleanser on it’s own, it’s great! My face felt so clean and fresh when I used it, but not stripped down or taut. It has an amazing grapefruit/clean smell that I loved. Very natural – not like a fake fragrance.
It has a clean, gel-like consistency. And when mixed with water lathers well. Which I like. I personally don’t have bad acne, but my friend uses this with her acne and she loves how well it works with her skin. If you’re looking for a face wash for sensitive skin that dissolves dirt and oil, clears acne, and balances skin’s pH, I think you’re safe with this one. It works well to clean your face without a harsh reaction.
So then there’s Clarins “One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract.” Guys, this stuff smells SO GOOD! It honestly smells like oranges! So clean – I love it for summer. I don’t use exfoliants every day, but I do use them 2-3 times a week and I have found myself reaching for this over and over — and sad that it’s almost gone!
$38 for a 4.2oz tube.
This formula is also a gel-type liquid. It contains silica microbeads that gently clean pores and dead cells off the skin. It also has a combination of orange extract and moringa seed extract which helps keep the skin moisturized, so you don’t get that tight, “squeaky-clean” feeling that other exfoliators can give. And, it removes makeup! This one is a winner for me. I will probably purchase a full size at some point in the future. Did I mention I love the smell? If you’re looking for a natural, clean-smelling exfoliator that works for all skin types and also works on sensitive skin, this is a good choice for you!
This next product is 5 stars for me! I honestly think it’s probably one of my favorite products of this whole kit. It’s the PETER THOMAS ROTH “Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel.” This stuff is AH-MAZING! It has a light, citrus-y smell that is heavenly. I love the gel-formula. Takes my makeup off and makes my skin soft and smooth.
$38 for a 8.5 fl. oz. bottle.
It’s formula has mild exfoliating acids that help clarify skin, detox pores, and reduce fine lines. I have only used it a handful of times, but I can say I already love it. One of the best face cleansers I’ve ever tried. I feel like it’s not just removing my makeup, but is working with my skin and helping it be clean, clear, and fresh! Would 10/10 recommend.
Next up is a product that really didn’t do anything special for me. It’s the “Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water.” This is stated as a “power cleanser featuring Hydrogen Bio Water” which gently removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil to cleanse skin without water. I honestly didn’t think this was worth it. I had to first have cotton pads or cotton ball to apply the product (I’m not a fan of the extra step – the other cleansers I can use with just my hands). It didn’t remove my makeup well at all!
$32 for an 8.4 fl. oz. bottle (currently out of stock).
I had to get a fresh cotton pad and wet it three separate times before I could get most of my eye makeup off. And after so many times, I just gave up and washed my face with something else to get it clean. I would much rather used Garnier’s Micellar water! The smell is also something that turned me off. I like the natural smells but this smells like a kitchen cleaner: Pinesol or pledge furniture polish! I probably won’t even finish this sample.
I had a lot of the same reations with the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water as I do the Huxley “Secret of Sahara Be Clean, Be Moist Cleansing Water.” Besides the name of this product taking five minutes to say, the formula also didn’t work. This one took my makeup off better than the Dr. Jart, but it left a strange, greasy residue on my face. It also didn’t have a good smell. It smelled like dried grass that was sitting outside wet.
$30 for a 6.76 fl oz bottle.
I think one of the things I hate most about these “water” products is that there are so many steps to them. Find a tissue or cotton pad, wet it, wipe off makeup, doesn’t work, wet again, wipe again, etc. It’s so much easier to just use a wipe or a gel/foam cleanser with just my hands and that’s it! This not only smelled odd, but it was not effective.
Then I got the Whal Myung “Meltaway Cleansing Balm.” Guys, this stuff is awesome! It’s got lots of natural ingredients like citrus peel, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon that helps remove makeup and impurities. And you can see it! When you open the jar to use the product, there are little specks in it!
$40 for a 3.52oz jar.
See the lid? The cream inside looks just like that! But the best part? The smell! Ahhhh! It’s just like something from a spa retreat. When I use it I feel like it’s a mixture of soft rain, sea shells, the beach, and clean laundry. I know that’s an odd combo, but you have to smell it to understand. I’ve really been into cleansing balms this year — I first got addicted when I tried Clinique’s “Take the Day Off” Balm (one of the best). I also love Pond’s new cleansing balm!
This formula is soft and creamy. I fee like after I use it, the result is clean, nourished, and moisturized skin. It’s cooling and gentle. Cleans beautifully! I would really recommend this for just a daily makeup remover. Between the smell and how well it works, I love it! I can see myself buying a full size in the future.
But this next product is probably my favorite out of the entire kit. It’s the Georgette Klinger “Coconut Cleansing Milk.” Guys. GUYS! I can’t say enough about this face milk. It’s formula is silky and hydrating and feels soothing on sensitive skin as it removes all the makeup and impurities from the day.
$22 for a 6.7fl oz bottle.
And the smell? OH MAH GOSH! It’s everything you can imagine from the name: creamy coconut, tropical island, vanilla, Mmmmmm! It also has a hint of cucumber which you think would smell odd with coconut, but it really isn’t that strong. I love it!
If you’re looking for a light face cleanser or makeup remover, I recommend this one! Or, if you’re looking for a good product to start you out in the cleanser work, I recommend this one. If you need something soft but effective for sensitive skin, this is the one for you. I guess what I’m saying is: guys, get yourself a bottle of this. I’m totally going to be buying a full size when I’m done with this sample. And I might buy a backup… and a backup for my backup. It’s totally worth all $22!
As much as I recommend The Coconut Cleansing Milk, I don’t recommend at all the Real Chemistry “Fresh-Start Foaming Cleanser.”
$24 fo a 4.2oz tube.
First, this product smells awful! It smells like an old soap that was left in a hot warehouse for years then shipped out. It’s a sour/stale smell. Second, it’s extremely harsh. I don’t have sensitive skin, but this did not react well with my skin. I’m also oily, but it dried out my skin so badly that it took me almost a week before I got it back to normal.
Lastly, is the odd texture of this product. It’s got a grainy texture, but not like an exfoliator. It’s as if coconut oil got hot and melted, then solidified again. It’s lumpy. Just overall a strange wash. I threw mine away after a few uses. Sadly, it just didn’t make the cut. Very drying, odd texture, and not a good smell.
Last but not least is the Marcelle “City Anti-Pollution Micellar Foaming Cleanser.” I really liked this! I honestly didn’t think I would based on my distaste for Micellar cleansing products, but this was a nice product. This is a foaming “antipollution” face wash deeply cleanses, but it didn’t strips my skin and leave it tight.
$15 for a 5oz bottle
After using it, my face felt satisfyingly fresh and clean, I felt like it had gotten rid of all those impurities that can sometimes still feel trapped in the skin. It didn’t leave a trace of makeup on my face! Which, for me, is unusual for a Micellar water.
I love that this is a foam! It was so easy to use. Just a few pumps into my hands, wash my face, and voila! All clean. It has a very light smell — like a very soft soap. It’s not strong, just enough to make it smell pleasant. It’s HOT and HUMID here in the midwest now that it’s July, and I find that I like this more now that the humidity’s hit than I did when we were in the coolness of spring. It makes my skin feel so fresh and clean!
I hope this review is helpful! I really enjoyed trying all these products. Out of this 10pc kit, my favorites were: the “Malin+Goetz Grapefruit Cleanser”, the “Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Cleanser,” the “Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Gel”, the Whal Myung “Cleansing Balm”, and the “Georgette Klinger Coconut Cleansing Milk.” I would highly suggest all of these if you’re looking for the right face wash or just want to try something new.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment! Let me know what some of your favorite face washes are!
Well! I’m excited to report that my Ipsy Glam Bag for June arrived last week! I’ve been so excited to try everything and, although this month I did peek at what I was getting (sorry! couldn’t help myself!) I was still so excited to get my bag and samples!
So, Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month you get 5 full-size or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag. It’s $10 a month for the basic Glam subscription (plus free shipping!), or, if you do the Glam Bag Plus, it’s $25 a month and you get 5 FULL SIZE products! There are all different variations of each Ipsy bag, so my bag won’t necessarily be the same as another, but could have some products that are the same.
Without further ado, let’s see what I get to try this month!
This is my June 2019 Ipsy Glam Bag
So, it’s pretty awesome to see this Tetris-themed bag! Although I’m a 90’s girl, I still easily remember this game… you know, back when your computer only played a few things, like minesweeper? (Am I taking you back a few decades with this?) Anyway! Cool bag. Tetris themed; along with the brush.
The bag is a mixture of oranges and reds and has a “blocked” look.
It’s a textured canvas material on the outside and is lined in a satiny material on the inside. I love that it zips on the top making sure nothing inside will fall out. And the cutest part is the tetris zipper pull! So cute and nostalgic!
I love this Tapered Blending Brush that I got this month in my bag. Super easy to hold and use and the bristles, although synthetic, are really soft and do the job well. With the tetris theme, I feel like such a nerd when I use it and that’s what makes it even better!
The tapered bristles are soft and smooth, perfect for spreading out color easily and evenly. Although I have mainly used this for eyeshadow, it also works great for contouring hard-to-reach areas like the bridge of your nose.
So, next up is the FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Hyaluronic Hydrating Primer. Guys, this stuff is DA BOMB!
It says that it helps your makeup last longer (and look better), locks your look in place all day long, has Hyaluronic acid which helps skin appear smoother and plumper, and contains colloidal oatmeal helps to calm and soothe.
I was a little hesitant when I first used it because it’s infused with “light diffusing micro-pearls for a subtle luminous glow.” Well, for this combo-skinned girl, that usually spells disaster. So, I gave it a try on a day I would be at home all day and, O.M.G. this stuff was amazing!
It smells like one of the oat-based Aveeno products. Sweet and milky. It glides on well, helps my makeup stay put, and gives me just the faintest glow — a good glow, though. Not a greasy looking one. I looked healthy and plump! Now I’m using it sparingly so I don’t go through it too quickly!
From Purlisse I got their Watermelon Energizing Marshmallow Peel Off Mask.
This product claims it will give your skin an “energizing, tightening, and brightening boost” with this marshmallow-y textured mask. It’s also infused with antioxidant and vitamin-rich watermelon, renewing blackberry and cranberry, healing aloe, soothing chamomile, and revitalizing elderberry.
Sooooo, I wasn’t terribly impressed with this product. I have the Watermelon Moisturizer from Purlisse which I love, so I was super excited to give this a try. But it was just a no-no for me. For starters, the formula is super thick and it doesn’t spread well. Also, you have to use a lot of it to get a full face which is the only way it peels off well. If you spread it too thinly, it’s like trying to peel off Elmer’s glue from your face. It’s leaves patches all over your face.
With that said, the way I found I like to use it best is where my black heads are. I find it works well on my nose and chin and when I peel it off, I can see a big difference! So, although I didn’t use this product for what I originally thought, it will ended up working. 50/50! I will say, it has a strong fake-watermelon smell, so if you’re sensitive to that, I would think about giving this a try. I felt like I put candy watermelon syrup all over my face.
I also got the NEOGEN CODE9 Black Volume Cream in my bag.
I honestly have never heard of this brand before (Thanks, Ipsy, for helping me branch out!) It’s a lightweight gel-type moisturizer which has a formula that delivers 119 natural ingredients, including ceramide and hyaluronic acid. It also has Alpha lipoic acid helps keep your skin plump and firm. It is an oil-free formula which I like, because in the Midwest humidity, this girl can work up some oil quickly!
I found this doesn’t work well *for me* under makeup. I felt like it helped my foundation oxidize and made me look orange. However, when I take my makeup off in the evening and use it by itself, I like it a lot better! It’s got a darker “Charcoal” tint when it comes out of the tube and applies like a typical gel moisturizer. It dries down pretty well and makes my skin feel plump and soft. It does have a fragrance (a clean scent), but nothing too strong. It didn’t seem to bother me and faded pretty quickly.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s worth the price for me. I use Neutrogena’s Hydro-Boost Water Gel Moisturizer and I feel like it does the same thing. However, if you’re looking for a more natural product, this does check the boxes.
The last thing I got was Benefit’s “Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel.” I got the color 4.5 – Neutral Deep Brown.
It’s hard to say how I feel about this because the sample is so small it’s hard to know. The brush is micro small and short — so using it is though. Also, there doesn’t seem to be much formula inside so it’s a little dry when I put it on; making me dip into the pot several times to cover my brows.
Still, what I could get out of it, I liked. The formula was creamy but not too thick. I feel like I could get a bold brow if I wanted using multiple coats, but also just lightly tough up my brows for a more natural feel. The color was a little dark for me, so I think I would try one shade up. I love the ease of just pulling out a wand and quickly running over my brows. It’s like mascara, but for my eyebrows!
All in all, I would easily say that this was one of my favorite bags I’ve gotten from Ipsy (I’ve been a subscriber for a year now). I feel like the products were all something I would use and they were honestly chosen based on my profile. I loved the sizes, they were all a little better than “samples” and I got/will get several uses out of them.
I loved the theme for this month and, although I’m sure a lot of customers won’t quite understand it, I feel like it was really cute and 90’s-looking. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next month!
Thanks everyone for reading my humble review! Please send me any questions you have and I’ll try to answer them. Or leave me a comment! I’m just getting started here in the blogger world, but I get so many products in my subscription boxes (paid for myself) that I want to share and help in any way I can. Talk to you guys later!
All the World with Beauty Fills 