January 2014 Empties

One of my New Year's resolutions is to decrease my Beauty Inventory by at least 50%. Having 800+ products is not manageable, practical, or affordable. To do this I am trying really hard to use up my sample and deluxe sample products first, because they take less time to use up. As a way to keep myself focused on this goal I have attached a few other resolutions to it. Every month I am going to write an Empties post. This makes sure I will actually use products, and it will get me reviewing more. Also, the more products I use, the more money that will go into my "beauty bank", and this money can be used towards new beauty purchases.

Now onto my January Empties.

Clarins Super Restorative Replenishing Comfort Mask

There was enough in this sample for one use. I found that it hydrated my skin, but I didn't notice any miraculous results. Repurchase: No

The Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash

I bought the sample size of this cleanser to try before committing to a full size. When used with the complete seaweed system I found my skin clean, clear, and less oily. It didn't cause me to break out and it wasn't too drying. Repurchase: Yes

Mario Badescu Strawberry Tonic Mask

I quite enjoy when I receive this mask sample. My skin always feels extra clean after using it, but not like all of the essential oils have been stripped away. It also helps with oil control. Repurchase: Yes

Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask

It's hard to tell by a one-time mask if it is going to do wonders. I had a hard time getting it to fit my face. My skin felt moisturized after, but I saw no major effects. Repurchase: No

Biore Pore Strip

I like to use these pore strips every once in a while when I feel like my pores are getting extra congested. I may use them once a month. They do a good job at clearing out my pores. It's always so gross seeing what comes out of my pores with these. Repurchase: Yes

La Fresh Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wipes

I wasn't a huge fan of these makeup remover wipes. I found them to be thin, and too small to cleanse my entire face. They also were not saturated with enough product. Eyeliner had to be scrubbed off and it felt like I was scratching my skin. I did enjoy the pomegranate scent though. Repurchase: No

Delon Exfoliating Cotton Rounds

I don't normally review/include these in empties posts because I am always going through them. These are my go to cotton rounds. I buy them in bulk at Costco and they work great. The soft side is good for removing eye makeup, and the exfoliating side is good when using toner. I go through about a pack a month. Repurchase: Yes

Bourjois Paris Volume Max Mascara

I loved this mascara! It both lengthened and voluminized my lashes, with no flaking or raccoon circles throughout the day. It also held a curl really well. Repurchase: Yes

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Light Plus

Did I like this powder? Yes. Did I love it? No. It gave pretty good coverage, and it worked well at setting my foundation. I just wish it did more for oil control. Repurchase: No

February 2014 "The Look of Love" Ipsy Review

For February, Ipsy brought us an assortment of products to achieve the look of love. My bag came complete with a cleanser to prep my skin, eye shadows to play up my green eyes, and flirty eyelashes to bat at my love. Once again Ipsy delivered an assortment of new brands and products for me to try, all in a convenient pink and leopard print makeup bag.

If you are interested in signing up for your own Ipsy bag, you can do so by clicking here. Each month, Ipsy will send you 5 full or sample size products in a cute fashion forward makeup bag; all for $10USD or $14.95CDN.

J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes in EL13

Value: $3.99
"Cause a ruckus as you bat your voluminous faux eyelashes! Take your pick from 30 styles that you won't be able to resist. Each includes an individual eyelash adhesive for endurance through a night on the town!"

These are the second pair of J.Cat lashes I have received through Ipsy. I gave the first pair to a friend and I might do the same with this pair. My eyelashes naturally look like falsies, so I don't really have a use for these. However, I do have a wedding next week, so I may use these then. 

Zoya Professional Lacquer in Dot

Value: $9.00
"Zoya nail polish in Dot can be best described as a full-coverage pink petal cream (originally released as Dot for fashion designer Zang Toi's SS14 Collection.)"

Of the two polishes available this month Dot wasn't my first choice, however, I am always happy to add another nail polish/Zoya to my collection. I found this polish to be somewhat sheer, with two coats being only slightly opaque. This polish is definitely going to be a 3 coater. The colour is very pretty, albeit somewhat boring, it is a very nice work appropriate pink polish. 

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay

Value: $5.11
"Ideal for oily/combination or problem-prone skin, or anyone looking for an extra deep cleanse. Cleanses and detoxifies the skin. Unclogs and minimizes pores. Balances the skin and controls oil production."

I was so happy to receive this sample! I have been seeing/hearing great things about this brand on YouTube. Missglamorazzi raves about this line, so I cant wait to try it. I have been breaking out like crazy lately, and have had excess oil production out the wazoo! Although this cleanser is on the pricier side, if it works wonders I may consider purchasing it. 

POP Beauty Plump Pout in Peony Petal

Value: $7.53
"This plumping put perfector combines the high-shine of a lacquered gloss with the long wear of a stain, and is packed full of lip-plumping peptides and avocado & jojoba oils. Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips and delivers intense glossy colour for an extremely long-lasting finish."

I haven't loved the POP Beauty products I've received from Ipsy in the past, but I am totally digging this gloss! The muted rose colour is perfect for any day and will compliment any makeup look. The product applies smoothly and provides full colour coverage, that lasts all day. I don't get that painful plumping feeling which is nice, but my lips do look fuller. I am not a fan of the scent but it's something I can get over.

Jesse's Girl 9-Pan Palette in The Eyes Have It

Value: $3.99
"Nine coordinating eye shadows in a sleek plastic case."

This is my first experience with Jesse's Girl cosmetics, and I am neither wowed nor a I disappointed. Although this isn't my first choice colour selection wise, it's nice to add some variation to one's collection. The darker colours in this palette were more impressive than the lighter shades for sure. Overall though, the quality of these shadows are lacking compared to other drugstore alternatives. I will use this palette in conjunction with other shadows, however, I cant say I will be grabbing for this consistently over other shadows in my collection. 

L: Jesse's Girl Palette - Swatched L-R/ R: POP Lip Plumper

Beauty Blender & Mini Cleanser

Value: ????
"The Beauty Blender is the ultimate makeup sponge applicator that lets you look like a movie star without the pricey services of a makeup artist."

It's hard to put a value on this bonus, but I think it is totally worth 1000 Ipsy points. I could never allow myself to dole out the money or one of these, so it's great to try it out for free. I believe this is a mini blender, but I'm not thinking that will affect the results. I'm going to use this when I use my makeup for the wedding next week, and see what sort of results I get.

Total Bag Value: $29.62 w/o Beauty Blender

Although this isn't the highest value bag, I received 3 full size and 2 deluxe sample products. Again, Ipsy proves why they are the bomb dot com of the beauty box world. All of these products will last a long time and give me enough product to test whether I would really purchase the full size.

Influenster #MysteryBrand Revealed! Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser

A week ago I posted about Influenster's most recent Canadian Campaign: The L'Oreal Mystery Brand VoxBox. If you would like to see that first impressions post click here. 

Based on product smell and some Google sleuthing, I had guessed that the mystery product was going to be Garnier's new Damage Eraser line. Yesterday, a big white box showed up in the mail which confirmed that I was correct in my guessing. Inside the box was the complete, full-size line of Garnier Damage Eraser products. The line includes: fortifying shampoo, fortifying conditioner, split ends bandage serum, and strength reconstructing butter.

This line boasts that it is great for dry, damaged hair, which is exactly what I have. However, my hair also gets extremely oily, extremely quickly at the scalp. I like to say I have combination hair. Read below to learn more about this line, and my thoughts on each of the products.

Fortifying Shampoo

"Want to bring back strength, vitality & shine to damaged hair? Reconstruct hair's strength for strong hair that looks rejuvenated. The formula contains Phyto-Keratin complex, with plant-based proteins and active fruit concentrate, and cupuacu butter, with natural lipids. It works in two ways to strengthen and rejuvenate the look of hair."

This shampoo smells amazing, the whole line does! It lathers quite well, and my hair feels clean once I rinse it out, but not dried out. Although it is a good shampoo, it is nothing miraculous. I get similar results from Herbal Essences and other drugstore shampoos.

Fortifying Conditioner

"Want to bring back strength, vitality & shine to damaged hair? Reconstruct hair's strength for strong hair that looks rejuvenated. The formula contains Phyto-Keratin complex, with plant-based proteins and active fruit concentrate, and cupuacu butter, with natural lipids. It works in two ways to strengthen and rejuvenate the look of hair."

The real magic happens with this conditioner. It has quite a thicker consistency than most other drugstore conditioners, and works well at replenishing the moisture that my dry, damaged hair needs. I use this only on the ends of my hair. It rinses out easily, and leaves my hair feeling soft, manageable, and tangle free.

Split Ends Bandage Serum

"Formulated with Phyto-Keratin complex and cupuacu butter, each drop helps prevent split ends and reconstructs and preserves hair's strength. Apply on towel-dried hair to fragile or damaged areas. Do not rinse out."

This has been the magic step for me within this line. Once I am out of the shower, I brush through my hair, ring out any excess water, and apply a nickel to quarter sized amount to the ends of my hair. I find this serum is too moisturizing to use on my whole head. My hair dries, and I am left with soft, shiny, frizz-free hair. Most days I don't style my hair, but it looks great with this product so I don't have too. When I straighten my hair I have less fly-aways and frizz.

Strength Reconstructing Butter

"This rich, indulgent butter is designed to intensely reconstruct hair's strength for strong, rejuvenated and shiny-looking hair. After shampooing, apply to wet hair from root to tip. Leave on for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse."

This was a surprise item in the box, as we hadn't previously received a sample of this product. I am not normally a fan/user of hair masks, because I am too lazy to take the time. However, I am willing to try anything to hep with frizz, so I am going to be using this during my next spa day routine. I will report back with my thoughts once I have used this product.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this Influenster Campaign, and I'm so excited to bring life back to my hair with these products. If you would like to sign up for Influenster, for a chance to be part of the next Campaign, then email me at mybeautyfulladventure@hotmail.com and I will send you an invite.

First Impressions - The L'Oreal Canada Mystery VoxBox

About two weeks ago I received an email, informing me that I was selected to possibly be part of the next Canadian Voxbox, from Influenster. Influenster is a word of mouth marketing website that sends out free products, to its most influential members, in exchange for reviews shared over all aspects of social media. The more you share the higher your meter climbs. The higher your meter the more likely you are to get the next Voxbox &/or extra goodies to try.

I completed the hair care survey, but was told that unfortunately I had not qualified for this Voxbox. Just a few days ago, however, I received a red Influenster box in the mail. Inside were three unmarked L'Oreal products: a shampoo, conditioner, and split-end serum.

The card states that this is a two part Voxbox. First, we are to try the mystery products for one week, and complete a series of social media tasks trying to guess what the #MysteryBrand could be. Then in a weeks time we will receive the next box which will include the full size products, and the brand will be revealed.

After smelling the samples (for 10 minutes) I took to Google and searched key words/ingredients from the info card. My guess by smell alone was Garnier and Google confirmed that I had guessed correctly. I am 99% sure based on wording and ingredients that these are in fact products from the Garnier Damage Eraser line.

The line seems intriguing but I was a little skeptical, as I have yet to find a Garnier hair product I actually like. These samples blew my expectations out of the water! Not only do they smell great, and that scent lingers in my hair, but they leave my hair feeling smooth, and feeling silky. All without weighing it down. I have noticed a visible difference in the texture and amount of frizziness in my hair with only a couple uses.

I can't wait for the full size products to get here so that I can test out long time use. If is continues to impress me like it has, I will be buying this over and over again, whether it is Garnier or not.

Were you chosen for this #MysteryBrand Voxbox? If so, what are your thoughts on the products, and guesses as to what the brand is?

 

January 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

January's Ipsy Bag had us ringing in the New Year with 19 reasons why 2014 will be amazing. Everyone's bag came with an assortment of five sample products from a possible 19 different products. The theme of this month's bag was more skin care oriented than past bags, but I was lucky enough to receive a couple makeup products in mine. I subscribe to Ipsy because it continually send out more makeup then other subscriptions on the market. Here is hoping that next month provides more of a makeup selection.

If you would like to sign up for your own Ipsy Bag, I would love if you would use my referral link by clicking here. Ipsy cost $10USD or $14.95CDN per month and you are guaranteed 5 samples a month that can be either full size or sample size.

Willa Naturals Lavender Face Towelettes 

These cloths reminded me of the LA Fresh makeup removing cloths. These were thin, small cloths, not big enough to cleanse my whole face with one cloth. They did remove my makeup fairly well, however, waterproof/long wearing makeup was too much for these cloths. They have an earthy lavender scent which isn't my favourite, and I found them to be on the drier side. I would purchase these.

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo comes is a white powder, that has a slight perfumed scent. It did absorb oil, but not any better then drugstore dry shampoos that I have used before. Because my hair is so dark, I found that this product left a white cast in my hair, and it was very messy to work with. I think the mess was due to the packaging of the sample. I would not purchase.

Marula Pure Marula Oil

This is a tiny sample, but a little goes a long way with this oil. It has a woodsy, earthy scent. The scent actually reminded me of walking down the lumber aisle at The Home Depot. It absorbs fairly quickly into my skin, but leaves a greasy look and feel. I probably wont use this on my face, but on my hands or other dry areas of my body for extra moisture. I would not purchase.

Mica Tinted Lip Balm in Fiesta

This is my favourite product of the bag! This is a highly pigmented lipstick (not balm), that goes on smooth and dries to a semi-matte finish, that lasts all day. It starts out as a bright berry pink and fades to a light pink stain as the day goes on. It is a little drying, but with a balm under or over it, you are good to go. I would purchase.

Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow Eye Pencil in Penny

This creamy, pigmented pencil works well as both an eyeliner and cream eyeshadow. The colour reminds me of Maybelline's Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. The product is very long lasting and takes quite a bit of cleansing to remove the product once it sets. The only thing I don't like about this pencil is that it's made of plastic and I have to sharpen that plastic to use it. I would purchase.