Get That Glow - IPSY Glam Bag Plus - May 2020

*purchased by me*

My Ipsy Glam Bag Plus is here. And boy I was let when the choice item was up and I missed my chance on Sunday Riley Good Genes.... But all good coz I was able to purchase it during add on session for $18, which was an amazing deal! I mean IPSY is killing it with Sunday Riley skin care inside their boxes! and if you don't get it they offer it in adds on for fraction of the retail. I like that a lot!

As for my bag, ugh was not really impressed. I like the actual bag tho! so summery and it looks like a ocean water and sun :) SUMMER baby!

• Coloured Raine Vineyard Soiree Palette - this was my choice item and tbh I was hesitant between this palette, Mimosa Moment palette by the same brand and NoMad Kiss of the Sun Palette. I was looking on the website to see swatches or anything on it but could not find anything so I went ahead and chose Vineyard Soiree palette. Its pretty and its cool toned purple. I like Coloured Raine shadows I have few singles and I heard that Queen of Hearts is beyond amazing :) This palette is Limited Edition made for Glam Bag Plus. Retail $22

• Mudmasky After Mask Vitamin Serum - this serum you should apply after masking. I guess this could work if i use clay mask as these tend to dry my skin really bad. I dunno how I feel about it to be honest. The retail value is $53.75 and I am  not sure if its worth it. Also no idea if I will be keeping it or passing along... Time will tell

• Sugar Rush Velvet Liquid Lipstick in the shade Cupcake -if you don't know Sugar Rush is sister or a baby brand to Tarte Cosmetics. all I will tell you that it smells like cake but the shade is not me. Its too nudy too brown... There was more berry option and I would prefer that one more. Retail $15

• Girlactik Skin Glow Duo in Sunset - this was part of the choice and i thought I wont get this and here it is. I just gonna say no to the product and the brand... I don't have a good experience with them at all.... Retail $26

• Beauty For Real - Hi Def Mascara - yay another mascara .... if its not mascara its a liner... I will try it later coz right now no makeup days are in :) Retail $19

• Sunday Riley Good Genes- and yes my add on item :) I am so happy to have it and I do have a high hopes for it :) I not sure if you remember I bought small mini size duo at Ulta but I haven't open yet so that duo will travel to my mom while I will keep this baby! Please work good for me :) Retail $85 

And above is bag that was sent this month and guys I love it! I only wish it was a bit bigger :) I already purchased bag from the glam bag ultimate and now I need regular glam bag bag :) I dunno I love IPSY bags and some designs I want them all :) 

What do you think of this bag? It's $25 a month just like Boxy Charm, but to be honest it didn't wow-ed me. I like the palette and the rest will go somewhere else. I love that was able to get Good Genes in adds on :) and of course the bag is so pretty :) 

Boxy Charm Premium Unboxing - April 2020

*purchased by me*

Boxy Premium, $35 a month and same theme as base box - Festival Vibes. 

Tbh there is nothing festival about any of the boxes I got. Well maybe except the neon brushes that were in the base box.

By the way my variation is 50 and my choice of the month was Peach and Lily Toner :)

• Farmacy Beauty Honey potion Renewing Antioxidant hydration mask - I am happy about this product. Not gonna lie a palette would be nice but hey its Farmacy and Farmacy products are on top of the line or so the ones I tried so far :) Retail $38

• Peach and Lily - The Good Acids Pore Toner - this was my choice of the month. I know another pore toner..but on the other hand I really want to try and see whats this brand is about. Comes in a nice thick glass bottle and I personally like the look of it. Retails $39

• Lavido Age Away Replenishing Cream - ok new brand that I never heard of. But I don't understand why I got it as it is for mature skin a and in my 30s and for me mature is skin over 40+, so I don;t get it. They send same cream to 20 year olds as well.... just a proof that beauty quiz we take means nothing . Carry on.... Retail $69

• IGK Hair Good Behavior Smoothing Spray - IGK is brand that I do not know how I feel about it. I had the dry shampoo and I didn't like, I have a leaving in cream that is ok.. I will give it a try and see how will this preform . Retails $32

• NudeStix Magnetic Lip Plush Paints- I had NudeStix products in the past and I remember liking them. Now we got a liquid lipstick or a lip cream in nudy rosey shade. I will give it a shot to see how it it. Swatch wise the color is pretty, lets see how it will look and wear on my lips. Retail $28

• Wander Beauty Mile High Club Mascara- this is my 3rd tube :) I like this mascara. Overall Wander Beauty is an great brand and I been loving most of their products :) Retail $26

The value of my box $232. So not bad for paying only $35.

I tested three Drunk Elephant products and here are my thoughts

*purchased by me*

Drunk Elephant,I know everyone and their grandma heard about them. Of course it took me forever to try their products, because as you know they are super pricey. Like really pricey.

All Drunk Elephants products are formulated for all skin types.

My first two products were in birthday gift from Sephora (2019 gift , these year I don't like any of the sets). It contained mini size of famous and fan fave Protini and Jelly Cleanser.
Bestie No. 9 Jelly Cleaner - this is a fantastic gel cleanser. I know I got tiny sample of it but a little goes a long way with this guy. I use it right after I double cleanse (usually its the Physicians Formula Matcha Oil Balm). It is really gentle on my sensitive skin. It cleans up all the leftover makeup and leaves my skin really clean and balanced at the same time.  There are mixed reviews on this cleanser. Some love it some hate it. As you can tell I'm in the first group. I feel that it really is a good product. Sometimes when there is many mixed reviews I usually go and buy product to see how my skin reacts to it. So if you interested go and buy it.  If you getting it in USA Sephora no worries if you didn't love you can always return it. I am done with my sample size and I really want to get a full size next, but whats stopping me you ask? I have sooooo many more cleanser to try and use. I might take few month to go through them all hahah! But at some point or sale I will be picking it up :)

Protini Polypeptide Cream - its a gel like moisturizer that is super refreshing. Can be used both morning and night time. It is an absolute fantastic cream and really a staple in my night time routine. Again I have small sample but a little goes a long way. Once applied to the skin it goes on smoothly and sinks right away without leaving greasy or sticky residue.  I been using this tiny container for so long now. I swear only tiny bit goes a long way. After one night I notice my skin felt so good. After a week of using the Jelly Cleanser, Fresh Rose Toner and Protini moisturizer my skin beautiful. Sometimes I get acne or rash spots on my right cheek, it happens once in awhile and no matter what I do it won't go away. When applying foundation it leaves yucky texture and gosh I hate it. But hear me, after using that magnificent trio (yes Fresh Rose Toner review will be up soon I promise) I notice a dramatic difference. Even my co-workers notice and asked what I been using ? I was using it for around three weeks straight and my skin never felt better. This is a beautiful moisturizer that should be in any skin care routine. If you struggle with wrinkles, fine lines, dullnes it will help! I  read may reviews and saw before and after and wow truly amazing. I really want to get one jar for my mom but dang this is costly! Firstly I need to repurchase myself one and then I will get one for her.

TLC Sukari Baby Facial - this is really hyped up product that is actually good. So yeah I get the hype and why people love it so much. The Sakari Baby Facial is a face mask that contains 25% AHA and 2% BHA. It a great peel that sometimes my face needs it. It great for breaking down dead skin cells, clearing out pores, brightening and even out skin tone and texture.When I applied it first time it tingled a bit, but it was not too bad. As longest it didn't burn I am good. It is recommended to leave it on for 20 min but I can't do that I feel like it will burn my face so I usually keep it 10 min , 15 the most. It washes of without any issues and it really does leave skin feeling soft, firm and radiant. For the first time when I got it I used it once a week for two weeks and after that I use it every two week or when I feel my skin needs extra boost :) Overall I feel like this product is worth every penny. You pay $80 for bottle of miracle instead hundreds for in spa facial. I never had a SPA facial done but I have TLC so I don;t need it. Plus when I feel like I want to pretend to be in spa I simply can wrap myself i crisp white towel, put TLC on my face and play calming music, viola ! Hello Home SPA.
Let  me also say that baby facial contains AHA so you should follow your next day routine with SPF products and try avoiding any products with acids in them.

wait one more thing, I heard that this pairs really good with DE Marula Oil !?! When is Sephora Spring Sale? I will be getting few DE products :)

Let me know if you would like to see review on any other products by Drunk Elephant. I don't mind spending ..ummm investing my money in it.

Rose Gold Obsessed ~ Biore Rose Quartz and Georgette Klinger ~ skin care review

*gifted*

After being off for so many moths I have a lot to catch up.  I have few post pre-written and hopefully I will be able to publish twice to three times a week. Trust me there is a lot I want to share with you. 

This post combines to brands - Biore skin care that is more affordable and Georgette Klinger which is  more pricey.  

Lets start with Biore and their Rose Quartz line. This was sent over to me as a part of Octoly campaign. 

BIORE SKIN CARE 

This is my first time trying anything from Biore. I had a nose patches before, but skin care wise this is my first time. Hello newbie!

I actually want to start that even if I haven't got these sent to me I would definitely purchase it. 

First thing that would land in my cart would be Rose Quartz + Charcoal Gentle Pore Refining Scrub. If you know me, you know I love scrubs. Well not only me but my husband loves it too. We both been really liking this one. You need tiny amount of it.  The scrub looks so pretty tho. I sorry I have to mention it. It pink and sparkly just as quartz. My hubby is not a fan of the sparkly stuff, but hey the scrub works really good so he don;t mind it as much now. Aside from looking pretty it smells so nice. It is really a pleasure to work with it. I like to focus on my pore area, nose and forehead with this scrub. I saw improvements in my skin within few uses (FYI I only use it one or twice a week). Once I am done with scrubbing I like to follow up my routine using Biore Rose Quartz + Charcoal Daily Purifying Cleanser- and yes I am a fan as well. In my night time routine I use it with my Michael Todd brush, in the morning my cleanser changes more often then during night time. But if I use it in the morning I just use my fingers. It is really gentle, pink sparkly cleanser. Smells wonderful and leaves skin feeling clean. I like that this series is great for oily skin :) I been using this for more then two weeks now and I am happy how my skin feels and looks. Out of all line these two are my top picks. 

Now lets move on to so-so and least favorite products. 

Biore Rose Quartz + Charcoal Facial Cleaning Bar - If this was not sent to me I would not be picking this up. Overall I am not a fan of bar soaps. I don;t mind if they are body, but face I rarely use. I did give it a shot tho, and will say I was pleasantly surprised. Just like the cleanser it left my skin feeling fresh and clean. I am thinking tho, since I don;t want it to go to waste I might include it in my morning routine. Let me see if my daughter would like to use it. 

The last products in this series and complete fail for me is the Biore Rose Quartz + Charcoal Gentle Marshmallow Foam Cleanser - I did not like it at all. Maybe coz foam cleanser are not my favorite overall. There were few in the past that I actually liked. This I feel did nothing.  Plus I got weird reaction from it. No idea why?  The previous products were really good and this nah. 

Georgette Klinger Skin Care 

Moving on to new brand that I discovered via Join Palm platform - Georgette Klinger. Now I not sure how to assign this. I got the products via Join Palm (influencers platform) and I paid small fees (less then $2 for each product).

I have 4 products to talk about , the fifth one is March campaign and I should be getting it in next 2 weeks. 

Lets start with my first product that I got - Phytic Exfoliating Mask ~ a clay based mask that refreshes complexion and purifies pores while gently exfoliating skin. I  really was impressed by the brand and the mask. I mean I love the aesthetics of the products. Very minimal but at the same time they draw attention. This mask is wonderful and does wonders to my skin. I put on for about 10 min and then take if off. Skin feels so soft, fresh and hydrated. I am so happy to have it my collection and my routine. ($34)

Next product is Retinol PM ~ a must have in the night time routine. I seriously fell in love with this moisturizer. Its lightweight and absorbs really fast. Its infused with Vitamin E (healing and moisturizing) Shea Butter and Rosehip Seed Oil (rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids). This moisturizer target more mature skin, but hey I will be 33 in next few days so hello I need to start taking care of my skin. Definitely a staple in anti aging routine for any one.  ($68) 

Now lets talk toners. I have a lot  lot lot of toners in my arsenal. Vitamin C toners are some of my favorites. Overall Vitamin C skin care is amazing. Don't argue with me it it. What I notice the most with this toner is that it calmed my skin. It look less red then it usually do. The main ingredients are Kakadu Plum ( one of the worlds riches source of vitamin c- works to form a defensive shield of antioxidants to protect complexion against free radicals) Aloe, Witch Hazel, watercress and Elderflower - clam skin, removing excess oil, dirt, makeup and pollutants. It smoothes and softens skin leaving it refresh and ready for next steps in the routine. ($26)

The last product I have is new. I got it last month and I was not able to test it thoroughly. Its the Acne Spot Relief - I tell you when I have something for acne , my pimples are gone and won't come out. But when I dont have anything, bam my face is out of control. Seriously! makes no sense, but here we are. Let me just tell you what it does and once I try it on on actual pimples I will update most likely on my Instagram. It formulated with Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid that dissolve pore-blocking dead skin cells to penetrate the skin delivering antiseptic and healing Tea Tree Oil- this acne fighting essential oil kill the bacteria that causes acne. Soothing Witch Hazel and Chamomile keep redness and acne inflammation under control. I am really hoping to get pimples soon so I can try it and see how effective it really is. Fingers crosses!

So that will be it for my Rose Gold Obsessed skin care post. Let me know did anything caught your eye? What would like to try yourself?

New Products Alert- Naturally Serious "Illumi-Nation Anti-Fatigue Power Serum"

*pr sample* 

*BrandBacker post*

Guys! New product alert! @naturallyserious skin care just  launched Online new product - Illumi-Nation Anti-Fatigue Power Serum! and boy its good! Let me tell you a bit about the brand in case you haven't heard of them :) "Naturally Serious takes your skin seriously! We are who we say we are. 

Cleanly & ethically developed without BS, our products combine 

powerful natural ingredients with cutting-edge technology for clinically

advanced results." They are a clean beauty and you can find their products at Sephora. I actually was planning to stop by to my Sephora after work one of the days but oh men, my job this week was insane! But anyways lets talk about this gorgeous looking bottle and well miracle inside it. First the bottle and the whole presentation is beautiful! Its a glass and have a pump, what a life saver! right?! 

 

Brand says that "

This glossy, super anti-aging formula effortlessly melts into skin for a dewy, glass-skin radiance. Targeting the stress in your skin to reduce wrinkles in just 24 hours, Illumi-Nation transforms your appearance, smoothing, hydrating, and leaving skin with a brighter, healthy finish.

We are cleanly made, ethically developed and clinically tested. Naturally Serious merges powerful anti-oxidants with a proprietary complex of natural actives. Together, these clinically tested ingredients help repair past skin damage, promote cell renewal and strengthen skin’s moisture barrier. What does this mean for you? Effective protection against UV rays, pollution and premature aging - and brighter, younger-looking skin that glows from within.

 

And I agree with everything! This balm instantly melts into the skin and it has a gel like consistency. Its such a pleasure to work with it. My skin really feels and looks better. I live in NYC and to have anti-pollution skin care in my routine is a life saver. My skin after a week and half of using it look so much more awake! Much brighter and healthier. The serum smell amazing too!  Beautiful natural fragrance. Most importantly the product contains anti-pollution blend of 6 antioxidants (pomegranate, goji berry, grape seed, green tea, red tea and white tea).
All Naturally Serious skin care products are free of paraben, mineral oil, sulfates, drying alcohol, artificial colors, artificial fragrance, silicone, etc.Highly recommend checking them out! I am already eyeing two more products that I really want get my hands on it :)

Rose Quartz Roller and Gua Sha Set by Royal Jade

*pr sample*

Do you guys use rollers in your skin care routine? I started few months back with a Jade roller and now I been hooked o Rose Quartz one. Trust me when I say they do make a difference in your skin.

First off , let's take a look at the benefits of Rose Quartz roller:
* Improve blood circulation
* Improve skin tone
* Improve elasticity of the skin
* Promote lymphatic drainage
* Reduce puffiness and wrinkles
* Reduce dark under eye circles
* Eliminate toxins
* Reduce pores

Rose Quartz rollers are the best tool for inner and outer beauty. On top of that facial rolling is relaxing and de-stressing. So question is are they good for your skin. Yes, they are. By rolling you bring oxygen to your skin and stimulates the blood circulation. Clears away toxins and impurities, Metaphysically rose quartz corresponds to the heart chakra, the energy center of love. The vibration of love emitted from the stone help unblock the energy that clogs the heart chakra, letting go of stress and negativity that can cause tension in muscles and that creates lines and wrinkles.

The roller feature two oval stones. One big, for your forehead, cheek, chin and neck. Small one is for around the nose area and under eyes. Facial rollers are simple to use especially with a balm or facial oil. It is important to use upward and outward strokes. For decolletage  downward strokes towards the heart, increasing pressure as desired. Its good to follow up right after with a regular skin care routine. Beauty tip for you is to use it cold. So pop in the fridge for about 15 min and starts "rolling".

Gua Sha ~ I know such a weird looking tool, but again full of amazing benefits just like the face roller. Its a beautifying and healing stone. it helps ease tension, stress and anxiety, increase self love and promote feeling of well being. Its an ancient facial therapy used by emperors and empresses. Gua Sha tool has been used to help alleviate chronic pain. The increase of blood flow  and direct application to trouble areas can relive discomfort. Before you even start using this tool you should read more and maybe join a classes.

IF you not careful enough it will leave your face with bruises and we don't want that, don't we? I personally have not yet to try this tool. I have it as it came in set with the roller. I want to master it as I read that it helps with migraine pain. Yes if you suffer from migraines you should look into it.

Shop the set on Amazon.com -> Click. (price $19.99)

Quench your skin with new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Care line

*pr sample*

Winter is here. Anyone else excited for the final season of Game of Thrones? I simply can not wait! But yes my friends Winter is here and our skin feels it. I know my does. 

Neutrogena is coming to a rescue and brings a Hydro Boost line made for body care. Hydro Boost skin care line is quite popular, but well me I have not tried it. But if the body care give as good hydration as the skin care, then sign me up! All products are powered by Hyaluronic Acid that is skin powder hydrator. 

Lets closely look into the products.

* Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream ~  it comes in original scent and fragrance free. I personally preferred the fragrance one as it smells divine. I know the fragrance in any skin care or body care is bad, but what can I do! I am sucker for good smelling products, so sue me! But Neutrogena thought of people with sensitive skin and made the fragrance free version :) I actually passed along the scent free version as I won't have much use of it :) This gel cream is amazing. One word to describe it. It really does give great hydration to dehydrated skin. It sinks in and have non greasy formula. A little goes along way and it really does help. I actually keep this bottle near my bed and apply each time I feel need to. In the bathroom, however I got different products from the same line. 

* Hydro Boost Whipped Body Balm ~ This was the first products I tried from the line and instantly feel in love. I love it that much that I will have to repurchase soon, coz I am running low on it. I use this every day, like every single day after the shower its what my skin needs. It have the same scent as the body gel cream. This stuff is amazing. I been using it on my daughter skin and it helped her a lot. This is prefect for super dry skin The only issue I have with this product is I have to use it a lot. Definitely more then a gel cream. This one sinks in so quickly! Like with the gel cream I said a little goes along way, this one I need to dip into few times just to cover my body.. But it is so worth it. And you will notice how hydrated and velvety soft your skin feels. Win win for me! Plus the texture is pretty fun too! Tbh I am not sure how to describe it. Kinda frosted thick but blends into the skin nicely. I think that's what really sold me on this balm, the fun texture.

* Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream ~ the last products from the line. Small but mighty. This hand cream beated all my other ones into the corner and took over. TBH I am not a hand cream person, but this little guys is something I need, something I crave so much that I took it to work with me and it sits on my desk. From time to time my coworkers would come and use it. The only con is that it takes a bit longer to sink in. I feel like my hands even after 5 min are wet and slippery, but not greasy. Aside from that I love it. I applied it at lest 5 times a day. 

So yeah there you go. I totally recommend these products for anyone who suffers from dry skin, or to anyone who just need a extra hydration. The best part is that they are wallet friendly and it won't hurt you bank. Check it for yourself next time you at drugstore and thank me later :)

*Samples provided by Neutrogena and BrandBacker

Neutogena was kind enough to sent a separate box with more goodies and I need to start playing with them asap.!
See below