October Favorites (no flunkies!)

 Please excuse my tardiness in posting this month's favorites a few days late. I have been insanely busy this month (such is the life of a grad student), and thus my makeup routine has really simplified. My main concerns have been concealing dark under eye circles and adding some color to my cheeks to mask just how sleep deprived and crazy I feel. These past few weeks I have forgone eyeshadow almost completely, but have discovered that the trick to fooling people that your look is really put together is a quick swipe of red or berry lipstick! No flunkies to report this month, because I have really buckled down on spending.

Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer

Using this again after a few months of being out has reminded me of why I adore this moisturizer so. It is a must for oily skinned folks, but is moisturizing enough to suit normal skin as well. This soaks in quickly, making for a great morning moisturizer. Read my full review here.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Sand

Bloggers the world wide web over have raved about this product, so when my last setting powder was nothing but pan I picked up this budget friendly powder. I have been really impressed so far- it sets my foundation without making me look cakey, and adds a little extra coverage on days when I opt for just a tinted moisturizer. I still need to blot every once in a while and I don't think this is heavy-duty enough for my super oily summer skin, but for the cooler months it is fitting the bill. Review coming soon.

Revlon SuperLustrous Lipsticks in Black Cherry & Really Red (matte)

There is no better time than autumn to bust out the berry lippies, and this month Black Cherry has been my pick. I picked this up because I heard this vampy, glossy burgundy red shade is a MAC Media dupe, and I have been loving this for evening looks. During the day, I have been gravitating towards Really Red, a true red matte shade, for a clean and classic pop of color. See Really Red in a lineup of some of the other Revlon matte shades here.

Maybelline SuperStay Makeup in Natural Beige

A friend of mine passed this along to me after she accidentally selected a shade too dark for her, and this baby has been sitting in my makeup collection untouched and unloved since then. Now that the weather is cooling off, my typically oily skin is balancing out (dare I say it is almost normal?!) so this foundation has replaced my usual matte finish formulas. SuperStay is a creamy, natural finish foundation with a great wear time.

NYX Cream Blush in Natural

Last month the shade Boho Chic made it on to my favorites, but this month I have really been reaching for Natural. It is a no-brainer shade that goes with every look, and it gives me that 'I'm alive although I only got 2 hours of sleep' flush that I need. Check out swatches of this shade and other NYX Cream Blushes here.

wet N wild ColorIcon Eyeliner Pencil in White

To keep my tired peepers looking bright, I have been applying this liner to my lower waterline. There are tons of white liners on the market, but this one is creamy, easy to apply, opaque, and best yet, super cheap! It also was essential in my Adele inspired look.

Urban Decay Glide-On 24/7 Eyeliner in Whiskey (on double-ended liner from Naked Palette)

Since I have been enjoying more natural and subtle eye looks this month, brown eyeliner has been an October staple. I loved it so much, in fact, that I used it all up!

Zoya Yara (not pictured above)

I am usually not into green that much, but this polish blew me away. How could you not love this olive green with gold flakies?! It was also a perfect base for my Frankenstein nail design. 

What have you been loving this month?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Favorites and Flunkies , Maybelline , NYX , Revlon , Urban Decay , Wet n Wild , Yes to Tomatoes , Zoya

Basic Essentials Haul

You may have noticed that I haven't been hauling a lot lately. While I am certainly not on a no-buy, I have somehow managed to rein in my impulse to spontaneously splurge. Now, I thoroughly research cosmetics before I open my pocket book and focus on using and appreciating what is currently in my collection. However, this lack of hauling means that I am using up products, makeup and otherswise, like a mad woman. The other day I discovered that my stock of everyday skincare and cosmetics essentials was depleted! Here is what I broght home from a quick trip to Target- no unessesary buys jumped into my basket either!

Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover

This stuff is cheap but it gets the job done. After I finished up my last bottle of this I started using coconut oil to remove my eye makeup, but I ran out of that, too!

St. Ives Skin Renew Collagen Elastin Lotion

I started buying this product way back when it was sold in tubs as a face cream. It appears that the formula is still the same, though it is now marketed as a body lotion. This body lotion is not fragranced, sinks into the skin lightening fast, is incredibly hydrating, and is slightly firming. I feel like my skin is in good condition when I use this stuff, and I use it on both face and body. Bonus: it is very affordable, and my partner loves it, too!

Yes to Tomatoes Perfect Balance Facial Set

 This is my second time buying this set, though I have also bought sever of the items included individually. My main love from this kit is the Yes to Tomatoes facial lotion- oily and combo skinned babes, you need this in your life. The whole kit, which also includes a facial wash, mask, and headband, was on clearance for $13 (each product is usually around $10) so in the cart it went.

Goody Ouchless Hairties

Basic necessity for long haired ladies.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

I have been reading rave reviews about this product for ages, so once I used up all of my setting powders I made sure to pick one up. A full review is coming soon, but as of now it is living up to reputation! 

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

This past month I also finished up a tube of clear mascara, which I use to set my brows. My rationale in picking Great Lash was simply that it was the cheapest clear mascara I could find at Target. However, I am really glad I got this one because the wand is very small- perfect for sorting out my wild brows. 

Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush

My previous eyeliner brush was legit crap- but what can we expect for a no name $2 cheapo from the grocery store? I have now repurposed it as a nail art brush to make way for this Sonia Kashuk Bent Liner Brush. This has been working beautifully with cream liners for me, and makes winged liner effortless.

Despite this essentials haul, I am still on the market for a few basics! I am on the market for a good primer, tinted moisturizer, and foundation as well.

High end or low end, what are your suggestions?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Bath/Shower , Goody , Hair Care , Haul , Maybelline , Skin Care , Sonia Kaschuk , St. Ives , Yes to Tomatoes

September Sayonara Products

As I say goodbye to September, I also bid 10 emptied products farewell! And *drum roll please* three of them are makeup items! Here is what I finished up this month:

Yes to Tomatoes Volumizing Shampoo

Read the full review here. This is the best natural shampoo I have found yet, but I apparently didn't love it enough to repurchase because I am still on the hunt for my HG hair care products.

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

I was excited that a mainstream brand like Neutrogena was releasing more natural products, but this was really just ho-hum for me. It got my skin clean, but it didn't offer a lot in the way of oil and acne fighting. Also, it had an odd medicinal, herbal smell that I wasn't too fond of.

Yes to Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask

This is the second tub of this I have used up, and I actually quite like it. The jars are a bit small and a bit expensive, but it is a natural product and smells just like cucumbers. Read my full review here.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

As a busy graduate student, sometime showering just doesn't take priority over finishing my bajillion pages of reading. On those days, a blast of Batiste keeps me looking fresh. I cant be without this stuff.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

This cleanser contains glycolic acid, which is supposed to exfoliate the skin and breaks up gunk in your pores, and is only meant to be used twice a week. Though I did find that my skin was a bit smoother and brighter after using this, I didn't see much improvement with my blackheads. Not bad, but not worth the price tag either.

ELF HD Powder

This was my HG setting powder over the summer, and made it on to many of my favorites lists. The finely milled, silky white powder controlled oil like no other on my skin and delivered an airbrush finish. I will certainly repurchase this.

Yes to Carrots Eye Contour Cream

Just your run of the mill eye cream here. I wasn't impressed with it, so I ended up using it was an eye makeup remover just to finish up the tub.

Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk

Pillow talk is a natural looking gloss with very subtle mauve undertones, and the formula is slightly plumping. I did find it a bit thick and sticky though. I enjoyed it while this deluxe sample lasted, but not enough to invest in a full sized tube.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (deluxe sample)

Read my full review here. To use this up, I mixed with with tinted moisturizer to create a more natural finish foundation. The combo offered the coverage, staying power, and oil control I needed without looking like I was wearing a mask. However, I am looking for a foundation that can deliver all of those benifits without me having to make a cosmetic cocktail every time I do my makeup.

TRESemme Non-Aerosol Hair Spray

After I finished up a big can of hairspray, this little travel bottle was all I had around so I just used it up. It did its job, but I don't have anything to rave about. 

What did you finish up in September?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Batiste , E.L.F. , Estee Lauder , Mario Badescu , Neutrogena , Sayonara Products , Too Faced , TRESemme , Yes to Carrots , Yes to Cucumbers , Yes to Tomatoes

August Sayonara Products

 By the end of each month, I am astonished by how many products I finish up and it always seems that I run out of everything at once. On one hand, empty bottles assure me that I am actually using the products I spend my hard earned cash on; on the other, it can be a little overwhelming to need to replenish my stash of products all at once. I said sayonara to a whopping thirteen products this month!

 Yes to Tomatoes Daily Volumizing Conditioner

Of all of the natural conditioners I have tried, this one is by far my favorite (read my full review here). However, I wouldn't say it is a miracle product. In fact, I was seduced back to the dark side, at least temporarily, and picked up non-natural shampoo and conditioner (from the John Frieda Sheer Blonde line, which made my August favorites list). I am still on the hunt for a superior natural shampoo and conditioner- suggestions?

Macadamia Healing Oil Healing Oil Treatment

This small 1oz. bottle lasted me about 3 months- while I didn't use it daily at first, I really started to fall in love with this product just as it was getting low. It smells divine and keeps my hair hydrated and frizz-free. I am not sure I want to invest in the full sized, $25 bottle just yet, so I am on the hunt for a cheaper alternative. I am curious about VO5 Miracle Concentrate. Or should I bust out some cash and try out the classic Moroccan Oil? What do you all suggest?

 

 Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara

There are things I really like about this product: I can layer and layer and layer this mascara without it getting clumpy, it doesn't flake, and it offers nice length and respectable volume. However, it doesn't hold a curl very well and can leaves my lashes a bit heavy and stick like if I apply too many coats. I just opened a backup of this that I need to move through, but I don't think I will repurchase after that.

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black

As of now, this is my HG mascara although I am still curious to try others. Voluminous Carbon Black offers incredible volume, but the formula is a bit finicky- one coat too many can leave you with clumpier lashes than the late Tammy Faye Baker. I wish this was a bit more lengthening as well, but I would still buy this again.

Sephora Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer

I have a full sized bottle of this and just wanted to get this little deluxe sample out of the way. On its own, this is a ho-hum tinted moisturizer- but then again, I prefer more coverage and oil control than a tinted moisturizer can typically provide. However, I mix this daily with matte finish full coverage foundation (either Revlon ColorStay or Estee Lauder Double Wear) to achieve a lighter, more natural finish. 

Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer

 I received this in my Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic kit. "That Gal" is a thick, creamy pink primer that initially made me very hesitant. I assumed a brightening face primer with thick, creamy formula would clash with my oily skin and exacerbate the appearance of shine. However, I really grew to love this primer. It gave me a non-shimmery, lit from within glow that made my matte foundations look more natural, and I never noticed a problem in terms of oil-control. I have a hard time dropping the cash for a full sized bottle of this, but I would consider it in the future.

Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil

By now we have all been informed enough times about the miraculous benefits of argan oil, so I figured this product would blow me out of the water. I received this in a Sephora kit in the winter, but couldn't imagine using it any other time of year except the summer. Since I couldn't imagine applying this to my  face, I rubbed this onto my legs when wearing skirts and shorts. It left a nice sheen but nothing that I couldn't achieve with a bit of my standby coconut oil (which smells way better anyway). Once rubbed in, the bronzing effect is not even visible. This one isn't worth the investment for me.

 AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask

As an oily skinned babe I love a good mud mask, but this one didn't wow me. I was really perplexed by the instructions, which insist you wash off the mask only 2 minutes after applying it. I liked that this has a slight exfoliating effect while rinsing it off, but I wouldn't seek this out in the future.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Hydrating Lotion

This is some good stuff. My partner and I have moved through several bottles of this natural facial lotion- it is gentle enough for his hypersensitive skin and light enough for my oily prone skin. It is incredibly hydrating, quick to soak into the skin, and has a lovely cucumber scent.

Pangea Organics Facial Toner

Love love love this product, but I don't love the price. I received this deluxe sample in a Birchbox and quickly used it all up. It is an amazing organic toner that helps remove any grime my cleanser left behind and preps my skin for my lotion. Also, a quick mist sets makeup and refreshes skin. However a full sized bottle is $28, which means I will be searching for a more affordable option.

fresh Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum

I have complained here before on how difficult it is to find women's fragrances that are warm and earthy or aren't cloyingly fruity and flowery.  This one is different, and venture I say this may be my "signature scent." It is an alluring citrus scent with notes of wine- yum!

Korres Fig Shower Gel

My partner and I both love the earthy, dark, and slightly sweet scent of this shower gel, and the fact that it is all natural makes me even more excited. I cashed in my Birchbox points before I canceled by subscription and picked up a full sized bottle of this.

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails

 This got a bit thick towards the end, but overall I love this stuff. I apply it on clean nails underneath a base coat and it keeps my nails incredibly hard and strong. Try it out!

What did you use up in August?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Ahava , Benefit , fresh , Josie Maran , Korres , Loreal , Macadamia Natural Oil , Pangea Organics , Revlon , Sally Hansen , Sayonara Products , Sephora , Yes to Cucumbers , Yes to Tomatoes

July Sayonara Products!

Can you believe it is the last day of July? Where is our summer going? As we say goodbye to this month, I am also saying goodbye to a handful of products. Once again, for some empties it is good riddance and for others it is a regretful goodbye (until I repurchase, that is!). Here are the products that I finished up this past month.

Too Faced Lash Injection

I bought this mini from Sephora just to try it out, and I am glad I never invested in a full-sized tube. For me, this mascara was nothing special. The bristle brush is big, fat, and dense, which I like, but it took too much work and too many coats to achieve the length and volume I seek. On top of that, it left my lashes stiff and had an unpleasant flowery scent. Goodbye!

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Burt's Bees is notorious for making great lip balm. I love that this is all natural and that it leaves my lips tingling a bit. The only thing I wasn't fond of was the tin packaging- next time I will opt for a stick instead for easier, more sanitary application.

fresh Cannabis Santal

As I have mentioned before, I really dislike traditionally feminine and flowery fragrances for myself. Instead, I opt for more earthy and spicy scents, and Cannabis Santal is right up my alley. No, it doesn't smell like what you are thinking of, naughty girls! Cannabis Santal smells like incense but isn't over powering. 

Yes to Carrots Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser 

For intensive exfoliation this is too gentle for me. It is better as a daily cleanser, but as it is cream based it is not best suited for my oily prone skin. I love the natural Yes to brand, and I think this is a good product for someone with very sensitive, or normal to dry skin. For myself, however, I'll pass. See my full review here.

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo

This is the first dry shampoo I have ever tried, and I don't know how I lived without it! This summer essential has been great for sprucing up oily roots and adding volume.

EOS Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss

Another product I am sad to see go. This shave cream is incredibly moisturizing and smells divine. Plus, EOS is a natural brand! Read my full review here. 

Suave Max Hold Hairspray

This can lasted me more than a year because I don't use much product on my hair. Nothing special, but this hairspray got the job done and was really cheap.

Yes to Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion

Panic struck my heart when I pumped out the last of this lotion! I reviewed it here, but in short, this is the first lotion that I feel was formulated with my skin type and needs in mind. It sinks in quickly, hydrates and balances well, and doesn't leave a greasy residue. Oily prone divas rejoice!

Yes to Blueberries Intensive Repair Serum

This product is part of Yes to's anti-aging line, so this was a preventative product for me. Although I don't yet have wrinkles to tackle, nightly use of this product really improved the condition of my skin. It was more radiant and smooth, and I could tell that it was helping to repair damaged tissue and increasing surface skin cell turn-over.

philosophy purity made simple one-step facial cleanser

I thought I would hate this cleanser, but it wasn't half bad. My skin needs a product that is better at oil control, but I can say that this made my skin baby smooth. Read more on it here. 

Maybelline Define-a-Brow Pencil

At first I was really disappointed in this product; so much so, in fact, that it made it into my May Flunkies list. Although the shade is a great match for my brow color, the pencil crumbles easily and is difficult to keep sharply pointed. Over time, I learned to work with enough to use it up, but I won't be repurchasing.

What did you use up this month?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Batiste , Burt's Bees , EOS , fresh , Maybelline , philosophy , Sayonara Products , Suave , Too Faced , Yes to Blueberries , Yes to Carrots , Yes to Tomatoes

Review: Yes to Tomatoes Facial Starter Kit

As I gradually transition to natural products, I have been most adamant that my skin care regiment be paraben, preservative, and chemical free. However, as an oily skinned and acne prone lady my face has traditionally responded well to non-natural brands (like Proactiv). As I get older my face has gotten more sensitive so I have been eager for an all natural skin care routine, but nervous about whether natural products would pack the acne and oil fighting punch I need. Yes to Tomatoes Facial Starter Kit was a great way to try out a few new natural skin care products formulated specifically for oily and combination skin. Retailing at $19.99 on the Yes to Carrots site, you save about $10 purchasing the set compared to buying each product individually, and you get a free spa headband to keep your hair out of your face! From the trio of products I discovered a hit, a miss, and a maybe- read on to figure out which one is which!

Facial Wash
I just finished my bottle of this and I do like it, but I am torn over whether or not I will repurchase. The scent certainly is not for everybody. As I mentioned in my review of the Yes to Tomatoes shampoo & conditioner, I really love the scent of the Yes to Tomatoes line. This facial cleaner is slightly fruity and earthy like those products, but is very sweet smelling. I have heard from some people who can't get over the scent of this product, but I quite like it. In terms of performance, I have been pretty impressed. Despite lacking the acne-fighting chemicles of my previous skin care products, it did a nice job of controlling my oil and keeping my skin clear. My face never felt tight and dry when I washed it off, but clean and fresh. My biggest gripe is that it does not foam or lather very well. If I really work it I can get some suds, but it is mostly like massaging a sticky gel into your skin. I prefer liquid cleansers that lather a bit more so I might explore some other brands, but this is overall a nice cleanser.

Facial Hydrating Lotion
How did I live before this lotion?!?! Of the whole set, this is the only definite keeper for me.  This lotion is more of a paste consistency, and does not have as strong of a scent as the cleanser. A small amount of this is all you need, and it soaks into the skin very quickly. No greasy lotion residue here! I can apply my makeup within just a few short minutes of applying this and my sunblock. I wear this only in the morning, as I prefer something a bit thicker at night. This lotion has done a phenomenal job of hydrating and balancing my skin, and I highly recommend it to those with oily and combo skin. I feel like this is the first lotion I have ever used on my face that is truly formulated for my skin's needs.


Facial Mask
This is the dud of the trio in my opinion. I really love clay masks that you let dry on your face, particularly those formulated for oily skin, but this is not something I would consider repurchasing unfortunately. When I applied this mask my face was initially tingly, but this tingle quickly progressed into a hot burning sensation. I stuck it out, hoping that my alarm actually meant that the mask was working. I rinsed off the mask to reveal splotchy, red irritated skin. Ouch! If your skin is not sensitive, you might like this but it was too intense for me. I prefer the Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Face Mask.


Have you tried these products? What did you think of them? Do you have any recommendations for natural skin care products suitable for sensitive yet combo/acne prone skin?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Natural Products , Skin Care , Yes to Tomatoes

Review: Yes to Tomatoes Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

My first blog post ever was a Walgreens Haul jam packed with Yes to goodies found in the clearance section. I was able to snag half-priced backups of some of my favorite products, and the lowered price tag allowed me to take a chance on new products such as the Yes to Tomatoes Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner. Let me first say that I do not have a good track record with natural hair care products. I have tried quite a few different brands, including Burt's Bees and others from the Yes to line, and abhorred each and every single one. The shampoos were hard to work into my hair, felt drying and caused dandruff, and didn't do the basic job of getting my hair clean. And the conditioners never detangled my long locks or repaired my damaged ends. I have been really eager to get away from shampoos and conditioners loaded up with detergents and parabens, but I was hesitant to give these a try based on my history with crappy natural hair products. Did this YTT duo stand up to the test, or did I add their names to the list of natural hair product flunkies?

Prouct
While I would not say this is the best shampoo and conditioner I have ever used, they are certainly the best natural shampoo and conditioner I have tried. Unlike the duds I mentioned above, these products actually do their job. The shampoo actually lathers (Thank the goddess! A natural shampoo that lathers!) and gets my hair clean (that is the point, ain't it?). Likewise, the conditioner gets the knots out and does a decent job repairing damage. My hair craves a little more moisture than this can give me, but it isn't anything that a weekly deep conditioning hair treatment can't take care of.  I don't feel like my hair is any more voluminous than before I started using these products, so if you are specifically looking for a great volumizing shampoo and conditioner then these probably aren't your best bet. However, I have naturally wavy hair so the fact that these don't add extra volume doesn't bother me; perhaps these volumize better for people with different hair types. I have heard that some people hate the smell of the Yes to Tomatoes line, but I loooove it- it doesn't immediately strike me as tomato-ish, but is simultaneously fruity and earthly like vine tomatoes. For those who try this on a whim and compare this to their non-natural products, this shampoo and conditioner probably won't seem like anything special. But for those who have a rocky history with natural hair care products, these might pleasantly surprise you!

Packaging
Nothing especially negative or positive to report. Just your standard shampoo and conditioner bottles!


Price
I caught these on a sale at my local Walgreens, but the two products retail as a set on the Yes to website for $15.99. They are more expensive than some other drug-store brand hair care lines, but not unreasonably priced for natural products.


Have you tried the Yes to Tomatoes Shampoo & Conditioner? Have you tried natural hair care products? What is your favorite natural shampoo and conditioner?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Hair Care , Natural Products , Yes to Tomatoes

April Favorites & Flunkies

Where did April go? I spent most of this month in front of a computer screen finishing up my MA paper (and taking a blogging break every now and then, of course). This past few weeks I was introduced to a few fantastic products, as well as a few disappointing ones. So what have I been loving and regretting?

Favorites:

 

•  Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 674 Coral Berry- I have been wearing this shade all month. Coral Berry is a rich creme orange coral that leans towards a strawberry pink. It definitely isn't a subtle lip,  but it is totally wearable, especially when paired with neutral eye looks. This coral has ushered in my spring in a sophisticated, juicy way!

•  Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gash- Metallic rust red might not sound like the most flattering shade for your lids, but I am finding this shadow really versatile. I have rocked a few smokey eye looks with this, but it is also nice blended into the crease for an interesting contour (check out my Fierce Femme FOTD for an example). More detailed images and a swatch can be found here. Green eyed babes like me will particularly love this.
• Slathin & Co. Candle in Salty Carmel from Bath & Body Works- We all know that Bath & Body Works sells some awesome candles, but in my opinion this one tops them all. Salty Carmel is an fantastic scent to start your warm season with. It smells just like going to the fair as a kid! Absolutely delicious!
• Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge- I had heard raves about the Beauty Blender, and while I do not know how this compares, I have been loving this blending sponge. It doesn't eat up much product and gives me a natural finish without compromising on coverage. The little pointed end makes it ideal for applying foundation around the nose or concealer under the eyes. This has totally replaced my old foundation brush.
•  Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment- A dime size of this on my wet hair keeps my long locks manageable and fizz free. With continued use I can tell it is improving the texture of my hair and keeping it moisturized. It doesn't leave me feeling greasy, and smells divine. The price tag for the full bottle of this is steep, but a little goes a long way and for the quality seems completely worth it.
• LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender- This came in my April Birchbox, and I am definitely going to invest in a full sized bottle of this. It is moisturizing and soaks into my skin quickly. Also, I love that LAVANILLA is natural and packages their body butters in sanitary tubes instead of tubs like other brands. I associate lavender with sleep, so I keep this by my bedside table to apply at night. I am interested it trying out other scents as well.
• Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum- This stuff has totally transformed my foundation. This combo skinned babe now can have longer-wearing foundation, oil control, and a subtle luminous finish. Check out my full review here.
• Zoya Pasha- This month I have picked up quite a few polishes, but I can't help but come back to this one. It is a gorgeous silvered taupe with mushroom, almost purple undertones. Check out my full review and swatches here.
• E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner in Black- I wasn't too fond of this at first, but have really gotten into this liner this month. It is creamy and easy to apply, and once it dries this stuff doesn't budge or flake. I have been using it to line my upper waterline and it lasts all day.
• EOS Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss- My legs and underarms have never been softer or more closely shaved. I can't find anything to dislike about this natural, deliciously scented, smartly packaged product. Check out my full review here.
• EOS Lip Blam Smooth Sphere in Summer Fruit- This lip balm makes me want to abandon all of my others. Clever packaging, hydrating, natural, great taste- I love it! Check out my full review here.
• Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy- I am not even tempted to buy another blush in the near future, unless it is other shades of this Tarte blush. The formula is that amazing, and Tipsy is an awesome coral for spring. My full review and swatches can be found here.

 Flunkies:

•  Revlon CustomEyes Mascara Waterproof in Blackest Black- The only reason I bought this is because I had a CVS coupon for it, a tactic that unfortunately sucked me in. The selling point of this mascara is that the brush is 2-in-1: with a twist of the dial, the wand changes between 2 settings, one for "Length & Drama" and the other for "Length & Definition." More like "Spikey & Clumpy" and "More Spikey & Clumpy." Total gimmick! The formula isn't bad, so in the spirit of Project 10 Pan sometimes I apply this as a first coat and use another mascara with a better brush as the second.

•  Yes to Tomatoes Deep Cleansing Facial Pads- I love the brand Yes to Carrots so this is upsetting for me. To be fair though, I am almost certain that the reason this product is sub-par is my own fault. I should have know better than to pick up an item like this from the discount bin at Walgreens, because I discovered at home that all the pads were totally dried up! I might give these another go, but pick them up from YTC directly.
• E.L.F. Super Glossy Lip Shine in Goddess- This sticky, cough syrup flavored gloss does not make me feel like a goddess. Good thing it was only a buck! Read my full review here.
• E.L.F. Essentials Natural Lash Kit in Black- These lashes are inconsistent, leaving me with one fluttery cute eye and another crazy, blinking doll one. Read my full review here.

Pheww! So there it is! What are you loving and regretting this month?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Bath and Body Works , E.L.F. , EOS , Favorites and Flunkies , LAVANILA , Macadamia Natural Oil , Revelon , Sonia Kaschuk , Tarte , Urban Decay , Yes to Tomatoes , Zoya

Haul: Yes to Carrots (& lots of other veggies)

While hunting for a Revlon Matte Lipstick I have been coveting (in Smoked Peach) , I stumbled across a much more exciting find today at my local Walgreens. Buried in the clearance section was a treasure trove of deeply discounted Yes to Carrots goodies. A month or two ago I picked up the Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel and it was love at first application. I later bought a couple products off of their website, and have yet to be disappointed. The only thing less than amazing about Yes to Carrots products is the slightly steep price tag.  So needless to say, I was thrilled to discover a vast selection of YTC treats marked down 50% or more. I splurged, and brought home a whole farmer's market worth of skin food, including some shampoo, conditioner, and eye cream, some face lotions, a face mask, make-up removing wipes, and more.

In the past few months I have been making an earnest attempt to switch to mostly or all natural, organic skincare and body products. However, in my experience, it is challenging to find affordable natural products that actually perform as well as those packed with parabens, synthetic dyes, and chemicals. For instance, as much as I want Burt's Bees to be amazing, I haven't actually tried many of their products that I would consider repurchasing. I love the fact that with Yes to Carrots, and their other lines Yes to Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Blueberries, my face is drinking in the benefits of a whole bunch of veggies. While I have yet to try any of the products I purchased today, based on what I have seen from YTC so far, I have high hopes and expectations.

Hopefully there is a similar deal going on at your nearby Walgreens. Keep an eye out for individual product reviews on the items featured here in the near future.

All products were purchased with my own money, and I am not being compensated in any way by YTC.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Haul , Natural Products , Yes to Carrots , Yes to Cucumbers , Yes to Tomatoes