Caboodles

I finally found a Caboodle in store that wasn't the new variety with the train case. I wanted something as similar to the old school 1980's Caboodle I rocked back in the day. I even went on Ebay in search of an old one, but people were trying to rape on shipping. $15 for the Caboodle, sweet. $15 for shipping, ahhhh no. Not spending $30 on some plastic. Especially old used plastic. So I FINALLY found a brand spanking new one at Target for only $12! Had to have it! It fits all my make up in there perfectly. So excited. Best part is now my make up won't be hap hazardly scattered all over the bathroom, and my oldest tween who has discovered make up can't "borrow" my items if I keep them in my bedroom. Winning!

Cafe Escapes

Apparently I entered Ken and myself into some contest for Café Escapes because we wont 2 packs of their samplers. I don't remember, but I enter a lot of contests so it's not surprising. This comes with Chai Latte, Caramel, Vanilla & Mocha  varieties. They retail for $11.99 for a 12 count box at your local grocery store/ chain retailer. They are about 70 calories per k cup, because the flavoring/creamer is already built in. As far as the taste goes... it's okay and that's being generous. It doesn't taste bad, but it's a weak cup of coffee with just a hint of flavoring. I much prefer my dark roasts with half & half and a packet of Stevia. I can't say that I am going to rush out and buy these but I am happy I got to try them in the sampler pack. If I was  giving a 4 star rating, this would get 2 maybe 1. The price is bull crap for the taste.

BB Creams Reviewed

I thought I would review some of the bb creams I have tried recently.

Boscia BB Cream retails for $38. It comes in one shade. It is self adjusting. It gives a slight sheen to the face for a really natural, illuminated finish. Oil free & spf 27. It also has a botanical base. I got the most compliments from wearing this cream. 

Dr Jart Premium + BB Cream retails for $39. It also comes in one self adjusting shade. It contains an spf 45. It is antioxidant rich, and contains a lot of collagen. It's mean to be a restorative anti aging wearable treatment. The smell is not the greatest, but it's still a nice finish. Not too illuminated, but not a matte either.

Tarte Tinted 12 Hour Treatment BB retails for $34 and is available in 4 shades from pale to tan. It contains spf 30. What I like about this one is it is indeed a more matte finish than any other beauty balm. It's probably because I think it has more coverage/priming capabilities than any other. When I didn't want to wear foundation, but needed more than traditional bb creams this is my go to.

Jolly Vox Box

I received my Jolly Vox Box today from Influenster. If you're not signed up, I really urge you to. By completing surveys, and reviewing products you can qualify to become a product tester for certain boxes they put together.
This box is pretty exciting. It contains:
Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong To Go tissues. Retail value $0.50. These are super strong, and perfect to toss in your purse, car, or anywhere you'll be on the go.
NYC Color HD Trio Eyeshadow. Retail value $2.99 It's a silky, light weight shadow in a wonderful neutral Long Beach Sands 781 variety. It's perfect for that smokey eye look. Has the highlighter for under the brow bone, your all over the lid shade, and then your crease. Pair it with a nice chocolate or coffee liner, and you have a fantastically inexpensive look!
Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer. Retail value $5.99. This is absolutely amazing. The color is rich and intense. It has the feel of a lipstick but the shine of a gloss. There is a good amount of shade selection as well. This particular color is a nice rosey pink. Celestial 101.
Ducklings Mini Duct Tape Roll. Retail value $2.00. Excellent for crafting. My children LOVE making things out of duct tape. Tears easily by hand, and is easily pliable. Great at adhereing as well.
Skinny Cow Divine Chocolates. Retail value $3.99 per box. There are 6 single serving pouches per box of almost too good to be true candy. There are only 130 calories per snack pack, so you don't have to feel guilty enjoying a sweet treat.

Update On Secret Clinical Kit

My Secret Clinical Kit arrived today. I received a full size deodorant solid, a sample of Olay's Fresh Effects Shine Free face wash, a coupon for an additional full size deodorant ( my choice solid or gel ), a coupon for a free Venus razor, and some higher value coupons for other P&G products ( Pantene & Covergirl ). Totally worth the $4.99 shipping charges. I've used the deodorant before, and I like it. Especially with my work out routines. This really does work!

Sephora Eyeshadow Palettes

I know I've posted a couple of different Sephora eyeshadow palettes because they are my absolute favorite. Nice color selection, great staying power, and fantastic price. This is my current favorite. I swear it was crafted by black baby Jesus himself for my green eyes. Sephora IT-Nude retails for $32. Comes in a cute faux leatherette case, with a brush ( has both eyeshadow & eyeliner applicator ) plus a kohl eye pencil, 10 eyeshadow shades, and 2 powder liners. The shades are a range of neutrals some with varying shimmer, and some matte in finish. Absolute favorite palette to date!

Aqualina Pink Sugar

More Christmas gifts arrive. My husband every year pretty much says pick out what you want, and here is my credit card to pay for it. Best arrangement ever because he knows he gets one extremely happy wife! So I picked up this set from Ulta. Aqualina Coffret~ Pink Sugar, Simply Pink & Gold Sugar ( all that's missing is Sugar Noir ). This set is amazing because they are full size bottles ( 1oz each ). It retails for $65, and worth every penny. Plus right now Ulta is giving away their holiday robes with any fragrance purchase. I can't tell you how many of these I own. They are awesome. Soft,  velvety, and keeps me nice and toasty.
As for a review of the scents. Gold sugar is like crème brule topped with coconut and a hint of orange. Simply pink is vanilla & strawberries. Super and I mean SUPER sweet. Pink Sugar smells like cotton candy. I love them all, and so does my husband, if you know what I mean.

Thirty-One

I just have to take a moment to talk to you about Thirty-One. Now I've been to a couple parties that friends or friends of friends have hosted. I never really got into all of it, and I was guarded with my purchases given their prices. I wasn't impressed over all with the quality of their products that are featured at the parties, and fabric purses with skirts aren't my thing. However, when I saw they had flat iron cases I was game. I purchased one about 12-18 months ago. At first it was great. It did exactly what it said it would. Protected my flat iron, and other surfaces from said flat iron. Then it just started to crumble. The liner separated from the case. The print of the fabric actually transferred onto my countertop. To say that I was unimpressed is an understatement.

 

 

 

I wrote Thirty-One on multiple occasions and got no response. Their customer service was equally as horrid as their product. Finally, after a final attempt Elizabeth from customer relations sent me an email to see if my issue had been resolved. No, Elizabeth, you're the first person to help me. She informs me that if it had been under 30 days they would have refunded me 1/3 the cost of the case in credit towards other merchandise with their company. That's ridiculous and just not acceptable to me. I didn't think I would get a whole new case, but honestly that's only telling me that they know they make  crappy products and it's not going to last me more than a month. I paid $25 for the case, and the cheapo $10 case I had to go out and get at Target worked better. I informed her of my displeasure with the entire situation and she was shocked. She became very apologetic, and offered to replace the case for me entirely. I guess they had a lot of complaints over it, and they completely redesigned it.
So today my new case arrived. Elizabeth was completely correct in saying she thought that I will be pleased and love this case. It appears to be well constructed, made of completely different materials. Here's to hoping that I can let you guys know in a year that it's still going strong.

Bodycology Holiday Sets

My youngest daughter is such a sweetheart. She asked me for $5 because she wanted to buy me a present for Christmas. Now I'm aware this means I bought my own present, but she's 8 years old, and has a heart of gold. So I gave her $5, and we went to Target. This is what she picked out for me.

It smells fantastic. She has good taste. I think she might be a future beauty product addict just like her mother. Not to mention the experience of shopping with her was a blast. Thanks lil Mac. In all honesty though these are great sets. They have so many to choose from everywhere ( Target, Walmart, Meijer, CVS, Walgreens, ect ). I'm considering going back and getting a couple more sets ( if not now, definitely when they start to clearance out the xmas items ) because for the $2-10 each set costs ( depending on content ) that's a steal! XOXO is really light, and smells like raspberry lemonade with a hint of musk.

Benefit Cosmetics Complexion Kit

 

Normally I am a HUGE advocate of just wearing a bb cream. However I wanted something more for the times when I know I will be photographed, like the holiday season. My husband told me to pick out my Christmas gifts, and of course that meant beauty products! I picked up this lil trial kit at Sephora. Benefit Cosmetics: How To Look The Best At Everything in Light retails for $30 ( they have three color varieties ). First in the kit is Pore Professional. It's a lightly tinted beauty balm that smoothes over pores and helps prep the skin for foundation application. Next is Hello Flawless Oxygenated foundation. Light, creamy, and easy to apply. After smoothing over the foundation I applied a tiny bit of the Boi-ing concealer. They include two colors and I used the lighter one to highlight, and the darker one to cover circles under my eyes. Then swept the powder across the face for a finishing touch. Love it! Makes my face look flawless and completely airbrushed. So happy with this purchase and will definitely be getting the full size products!

I' m adding the close up of me. You can see it better, plus my hair is actually done which I think lends to the entire look. I honestly can't wait to get the full size products.
*Update*
People inquired how long the airbrushed finished lasted. I have to preface this by saying this is going to vary depending on your skin type. I have NEVER EVER had ANY make up last more than 4-5 hours on me without having to reapply. This is in line with that. I applied it at noon, and it lasted through dinner and a little after ( we ate at 3pm... so I would say I touched up around 5ish ). I know some people feel that's a horrible time frame, but I think those people are unrealistic. That's a great time frame for me! Still thrilled with the purchase!

Double Secret Deal

Head over to Secret's website  and take advantage of their Double Secret Deal. For $4.99 shipping you get 1 Secret Clinical Strength deodorant, a coupon for a second one for free, an Olay Fresh Effects face wash, and some other P&G  high value/freebie coupons.

L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector

I've always been a big fan of L'Oreal skincare. I have sensitive combination skin ( oily t zone, drier cheeks ) with the occasional break out ( usually hormonal ). My main concerns are fine lines & wrinkles, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone/texture. I also want a product that has some type of SPF because while I try to avoid the sun at all costs, it's unavoidable.
So with all those requirements I chose L'Oreal Youth Code. I use their daily foaming face wash. It gently exfoliates the skin, plus removes all make up residue. It's oil free too. This retails for $7.99.
Then I go on to using the serum concentrate. It's main ingredient is  LR2412 which honestly I have no idea what that is, but it makes my skin feel amazing. Instantly and visibly tightening pores, diminishing fine lines/wrinkles and revealing soft, even skin texture. This retails for $24.99.
I follow up with their day & night cream. It's main ingredient is Perline-P, and again I don't really know much about the chemistry behind this, but I do know that it works. This cream is non greasy, has a great clean scent, and does exactly what it promises. My skin feels like velvet and looks radiant all at the same time. This retails for $24.99.
I repeat this regime twice a day. In the evening I also use a sensitive skin baby wipe ( Pampers ) to take off my make up first ( especially waterproof eye make up ). The baby wipe is a great alternative to those expensive make up removers. It's gentle enough for a newborn, and a fraction of the cost.
The quality is great too and the products really last. I generally can use these for about 2-3 months before having to rebuy. I usually find them on sale either for $5-10 off ( plus check for coupons in the paper ), or buy one get one 50% off. Target, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, Ulta, ect always have these on special. There are other products to this line too that I haven't explored, but they aren't targeted towards my skin type. They have Youth Code for dark spot correction, and they also have a try me kit (3 most popular products in travel size  for $24.99 ) of their basic line ( is not aimed at tone &  texture, but is more for the anti aging aspects ). They also carry various BB creams which I haven't tried, yet. I encourage you all to give it a try. You will notice results within a week.

FREE Essence Of Beauty Body Spray

Hurry over the Facebook and like CVS Minute Clinic Page. Then click on  their body mist offer, and print yourself a coupon for a free 2oz body spray. Limit one per Facebook account, so I used everyone in the house's to score all three.  It's a $2.99 value. Reminds me slightly of Bath & Body Works but with far less scent options ( I believe there are only 5 scents to choose from ). It also doesn't last as long as their fragrance mists do. However it's free, and perfect for a quick touch up through out the day. I like their Secret Woods which is similar to Twilight Woods.

Free Essence Of Beauty Body Spray

Black Friday Shopping Score

 I received the $15 gift card in the mail from Ulta for their horrible customer service and website issues with my account. Thanks again to Michelle for her ultra quick and friendly help in fixing the situation. A couple days later I received an email notifying me that I had a little over $9 in rewards from prior purchases, and I had a $3.50 coupon. So armed with my almost $30 I thought let's go shopping! Then it dawned on me. Black Friday/Cyber Monday is right around the corner. Lets wait and see what sales we  can take advantage of.

                                   
First off Organix Hair Care. I know that it's a drugstore product. I know that there is supposed to be some huge taboo against a professional stylist recommending, let alone using something outside of the salon. Well boo f'n hoo cosmetology police. I love it. My hair has never ever looked nor felt better. I've tried just about every single one of them now ( Coconut Oil is great, as is the Biotin & Collagen ) . They retail for about $6.99 each, but you can always find them on sale, usually buy one get one free like Ulta had on Black Friday and if you can find them in the 50% more free bonus sizes even better.

Secondly I bought the NYX Stick Blush in Tea Rose & Mineral Setting Powder in Light/Medium Matte for bogo. I have yet to use either because they just arrived today. They came highly recommended from another fellow beauty product lover. They retail for $9.99 each normally. I'm a huge fan of cream/gel blushes so I can't wait to apply this and see it's results. Plus in purchasing the hair care and face make up I got this lovely Ulta gift  called Here Comes The Sun. It contains an Ulta Collection foaming face wash, eye shadow in Flushing, lip color in Perfectly Nude, Amped Lashes mascara, Super Shiny lip gloss in Flirtini, nail polish in OH!, and some cheap pos brushes ( but hey they were free and now my kid can play make up with them )  packed into a cute lil bag. Estimated value is $40. I've tried their mascara before and it's okay. Not my favorite, but still leaps and bounds better than it's drug store counterparts ( see sometimes I am a product snob ). I LOVE LOVE LOVE their lip glosses though. I would say out of all the lip glosses I own, probably 80% of them are from this line.  You really couldn't ask for more from a lip gloss. True to color glossy finish. Super moisturizing. Pleasant scent & taste. They have so many colors to choose from. They are only $8 a tube, but they are ALWAYS on sale for far less. It's slightly sticky ( incase you don't like that ), but I prefer it because I think it makes it adhere better. I use it alone, or layered on top of my lip sticks.
So thank Ulta again for all the great deals! You're A-Okay in my book... for now.