Saturday, October 4, 2014

August in October!


So Julep's shipping is terrible. Their nail polish is wonderful. It leaves me in a dilemma as a new Maven. So far, I am sticking it out, but that could change if it doesn't improve.

With that note, it should make sense that I am just now reviewing my Julep August box, since I received it in September.



August's theme was Wanderlust, very global and rich colors.


Nice presentation, love  love love the glittery gold tissue paper. Fit the theme very well.


Well, at least my delayed box had one....



I can always find stuff to add on, it's a sickness really. My freebie was the Blank Canvas Mattifiying Eye Primer. Julep doesn't note what your freebie is, but since I know it didn't order this, I made an educated guess. It can be confusing on months you get nail polish and forget what you ordered. (I can't be the only one who does that *crosses fingers*)

Julep says

"Prime for success

What it is:
A reparative eye primer that creates a smooth, flawless base for long-lasting eye looks.

What it does:
Light-diffusing diamond powder minimizes shine and lid discoloration.
Julep's exclusive Power Cell Complex™ blends the benefits of three age-defying, skin-boosting, ultra-hydrating ingredients:
Rosehip seed oil delivers essential nutrients to soothe and repair.
Malvaceae Lipid Extract™ improves barrier function so skin retains moisture.
Green coffee bean oil invigorates skin & promotes cell turnover."

Unblended

The primer has a nice finish, and is good for camouflaging veins and other eyelid discolorations. It doesn't feel too tacky, and is very neutral so the color of your shadows won't be affected. 















Blended. Almost imperceptible. 

Tazeen

Full Coverage Gold Glitter, part of the August Wanderlust Collection.

Bombshell Color

(Courtesy of Julep)

Tazeen is no longer available on Julep.com.


This polish was an add on to the regular collection.



Cameron


It's a Stardust Finish, which means it is a special effects polish. Stardust finish polishes are matte glitters.


(Courtesy of Julep)

Cameron is available on Julep.com for $11.20 for mavens and $14 for everyone else. 



Avni


Classic with a Twist polish. Violet shimmer. Part of the August Wanderlust collection.

(Courtesy of Julep)

Avni is sold out on Julep.com

Sushmita

Oxygen Breathable Polish


Sushmita is a pink satin polish. It is a Classic With a Twist from the August Wanderlust collection.
(Courtesy of Julep)

Sushmita is sold out on Julep.com.

Joyce

Joyce is an It Girl dark ruby red shimmer from the August Wanderlust Collection. This was another add on for me.



Polish murder site. I knocked it over photographing it. What a tragic sight.

(Courtesy of Julep)

Joyce is sold out on Julep.com

Katie

Katie is an orchid chrome polish from the August Wanderlust collection. 


(Courtesy of Julep)

Katie is sold out on Julep.com.








Wednesday, October 1, 2014

September Empties! All 5 of them ;)


So this month I was bad and busted into so many new things that I didn't go through a lot of products. :/ And the ones I did were deluxe sizes and minis, etc. So nothing exciting, but I like to journal my thoughts on what I like and what I didn't, and if it helps someone out, then yay!

The Good!


Yu Choo By Me Steam Silk Hair Pack-
My first hair pack! I had never used any before, and Memebox had a great sale in their Memeshop on these, so I grabbed a set.  You use it on damp hair. You cover all your hair with essence coated cap, and massage your scalp through the cap to get the essence all over your hair. You leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, I did 15, and then rinse off with warm water. This made my hair feel so soft afterwards. I kept touching my hair all day. Love it, will look to doing a hair pack/mask weekly.

You can get them here! On sale for $15 for 3 masks. You can use my coupon, UIZV, to get $5 off any purchase, as well as click through my affiliate links below to get an automatic $5 off, or $10 off an order of $150.






Garnier Hydra Recharge Conditioner!

Part of my PinchMe sample box. (Anyone else been disappointed with the last two PinchMe boxes? So disappointing). This conditioner is very lightweight and moisturizing. It also smells amazing, very fruity, like kiwis and berries. 

The full size is $2.99 at Target, here and in stores. Target is currently at 2.5% on ebates. (Ebates is free money for shopping. If you aren't using it, what's wrong with you!!! Sign up here!)

The Bad! There are more bad than good this time :(



On a Clear Day Acne Treatment from Philosophy

This treatment felt sticky and didn't sink in well. Didn't help heal blemishes either. The Clean and Clear version is better and cheaper. And the Mario Badescu Healing Powder is the best.



Herbalism from Lush

A rare miss from Lush. I love Lush for having cruelty free, effective, mostly natural and great smelling products. But this one is a pass. As a face cleanser, it didn't make my skin less oily. As a body wash, it didn't leave me feeling clean, or help my skin in any other way, aka help the occasional body blemish. Plus, on a personal level, I am not a fan of the smell, it's too green and mossy for me, which should be apparent from the description as a herbal wash.


Bath Fizzer

This was some no name brand thing I had laying around. It was supposed to have rose scent and petals, but it just left little dirty dried out specks of stuff floating in my bath. Not appetizing at all. Plus, no good rose smell or skin softening benefits. 


Fresh Life Eau de Parfum

Now perfume is something that is personal and individualized, so what works or doesn't work me is not going to be the same thing for everyone.  I was getting too much of the grass, leaves, cucumber and moss smell. I don't like very green scents, so this smell doesn't appeal to me. I didn't really get the citrus notes that Fresh lists.


Smashbox Photofinish More Than Primer Blemish Control

I love Smashbox's eye primer, but their face primers do nothing for me. This one claims to fight acne with salicylic acid, but I noticed no improvement. I also don't think it improved the longevity of my makeup nor smoothed the application process or finish.


Lancome Bienfait UV SPF 50 Sunscreen

Just meh. 


Missha Cleansing Tissue

This felt like wiping my face with a diaper wipe. It had a diaper wipe smell and a diaper wipe texture. It was really ineffective at taking off makeup, there was a ton of product left on my cotton ball after applying toner. The texture was really unappealing, it was rough and overly moist. 


On a blog related note, would you guys like me to list out ingredients? I know some people care, and some people don't. Anything for my readers.

XOXO 

CC



Sunday, September 28, 2014

Superfoods to make you feel like Supergirl!


(saddened by how long it took me to find the least sexist depiction)


Today I've got Memebox Special #20 Superfood box up for review!

Today's memebox is focused on food ingredients that are touted for their health benefits!

Memebox says

"Food for your soul? Nope! Food for your skin!

Super Foods such as broccolis, tomatoes, blueberries and yada yada yada being great for health is old news! It’s now time to share a little of these nutrition rich super power foodies with your skin! This Super Food Box is packed with internationally renowned Super Food infused skin care products that provide a holsitic approach to healthy, glowing skin! Slather on these uber antioxidant rich foods to amp up your beauty and confidence!"

The Packed Box


Memebox's handy info card with instructions and descriptions.

Backside of the handy info card.


1. Ladykin Elmaju Broccoli Essence Toner (150ml/$14)

This is a hydrating toner made from 90% broccoli extract. It is good for irritated, sensitive skin, and has anti-inflammatory effects for healing acne. The toner also claims to brighten. You would apply this after cleansing with a cotton pad.


Blurry Ingredient/Direction picture


2. The Skin House Aloe Soothing Vitamin Gel (50ml/$19)

The superfood in this product is aloe and tomato! The gel brightens with vitamin C capsules that are in the gel, and the aloe soothes and moisturizes dry and damaged skin. You massage this gel into your face until all the capsules have dissolved into your skin.


The directions say to apply before your skin care regimen, but I still take that to mean after cleansing and toning.


It's a generous size.


3. Secret Nature From Jeju Peeling Gel (150ml/$26)

I have never tried a peeling gel, but I am excited to! I love trying new product formulations.  However, I don't get what the superfood in this product is, people generally don't eat clay. This gel is made from clay and jeju, and is pesticide free and contains all natural ingredients.  The gel exfoliates dead skin cells and impurities away, and brightens the complexion.


You apply after cleansing, by massing onto skin with finger tips. Only use 1-2 times a week, so you don't over exfoliate and irritate your skin.


4. Ladykin Phytoplan Broccoli Wrinkle Radiance Power (50ml/$50)

Oh my word, I love this stuff. It feels so soothing on the skin, and leaves my skin smooth and moisturized. I don't have deep wrinkles, so I can't speak to the wrinkle fighting properties. This serum sinks in fast, and doesn't leave my oily skin feeling greasy. It's not too heavy feeling on my skin either.


I love brands that put thought and design into making their packaging beautiful.



You apply this ampoule after using cleansing and using toner, but before moisturizing.

Ingredients



This ampoule fights wrinkles, and contains turmeric to help with tone and radiance. I do believe my skin tone is improved and less red while using this. 






5. Pure Smile Strawberry Milk Essence Mask ($1)

What's a memebox without Pure Smile? I'm sure this will smell good though, yum strawberry milk. This mask claims to give you a baby face because it will hydrate and smooth, along with evening skin tone. It contains milk proteins, wild berry extracts, Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and collagen. You apply the mask and leave on for 15-20 minutes, after cleansing.



6. e choice Red Ginseng Eye Wrinkle Solution Treatment (30ml/$6)

This eye cream contains 33% pure ginseng extract to fill lines and wrinkles along your eye area.  Apply under and around the eye area with ring finger, and pat in.


I'm happy with this box, especially for the broccoli ampoule, which is not something I would have purchased on my own. 

This box costs $23 with a total value of $116, pretty great return.

The box is sold out now, but here are some awesome boxes I am looking forward to.



"Poor Cinderella was covered in cinder and dust, and was so busy that she had no time for beauty! But with a little bit of bibbity bobbity boo, a Fairy Godmother, and a glass slipper, she was able to recreate a whole new look (and also snag her prince hubby!)

But, get real. We’re real women, with real problems, and most importantly, we don’t have a Fairy Godmother. So how do we get achieve this Cinderella-esque transformation? With this Cinderella Box of course! Although we can’t magically pop out a pumpkin carriage, we CAN give you a chock-full of hair, skin, and makeup essentials that will instantly transform your look, the moment you apply!

So, stop waiting for your Fairy Godmother to save you from your beauty distress, and take this Cinderella Box for a magical beauty makeover that even Cinderella will be jealous of!"



"All countries have those strange beauty products that make you go huh and hmm, and Korea is no exception.

This 4th OMG Box is bursting with a range of bizarre and brilliant to “WTF?!” but we promise that these beauty befuddlements will provide a wide range of beauty benefits.

We admit, these beauty innovations may look slightly intimidating at first, but we know that you secretly want to give these crazies a try!"


Is Tinkerbell really a princess? I mean, I still bought the box, but...

"We’re spellbound by the prettiest pixie, Tinkerbell!

She cast a magical spell on us to create this Tink inspired beauty box, full of all things shimmery and glittery from head to toe! Adorn yourself with sheer, lightweight shimmery makeup and body goodies that will give you a subtle fairy-dusted look!

Add a touch of glitter to eyes and lips for an understated, yet beautiful eye-catching shine, or go all out and amp up the intensity with sparkle flecked shimmers! You choose! Follow the fairy trend and highlight and illuminate your body and face (minus the excessive shine!) with pearl-based luminizers that give you an enchanting glow!

Shimmer and glitter in makeup can be overwhelming, but with the help of our fabulous Memeboxers and Tink herself, we created this Tinkerbell Box for all day, everyday wear!"

I am super excited for this box, since it comes with Memebox cult favorite Bounce Cheese Cream from Dear By Enprani!

"We love wine and we love cheese, but wine and cheese beauty products in a Wine & Cheese Box?  That’s just a match made in heaven!

Wine and cheese have gone hand in hand for centuries, but this is probably the first time you’ve seen a wine and cheese beauty box. Leave it to Memebox to cook up the weirdest, yummiest beauty box that will amplify your beauty! 

Wine, famously known to be rich in antioxidants and essential minerals, speeds up the cell renewal process and stimulates the blood circulation for the look of rejuvenated, brighter skin! Cheese, considered an excellent source of Vitamin B for the skin. supports the look of supple, bouncy and glowing skin. 

*Plus, here’s a spoiler! Bouncify your skin with a FULL SIZEDMemebox cult classic Dear by Enprani’s Dreams Come True Bounce Cheese Cream! This innovative facial cream has a unique ooey-gooey, bouncy texture that comes from a high concentration of protein-rich whey. The fun melted mozzarella cheese texture will adhere to the skin perfectly, and hydrate and firm the skin for the plumpest, youngest cheeks ever! "


I am still debating over the Second Cutie box. Some of the things look cute, but I am not sure if the value is there. Here's an unboxing picture.


Right now, if you buy the Cutiepie box, you get a free surprise gift. Still debating, let me know if anyone can sway me either way!

I also have a code for my lovely readers. If you use DAV2, you will receive $5 off your purchase. You can combine that with my affiliate banners to receive $10 or $15 off your total purchase, depending on how large it is. It expires at the end of September, so get your boxes now!



XOXO,

Super CC ;)