I went in for one product, I came out with something else...
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Play! by Sephora (February 2017)
It finally came! My Play! By Sophora Beauty box. I was really excited when I got the email saying that my box had shipped, however, I did not know that it would show up at my door the very next day. So As usual, I opened the box soon as I saw it. Inside was a foldout guide to the products inside the adorable satin pouch with smitten written across the front. Here are the products that were inside:
1. The first product I pulled out of the pouch was the Lashcraft length + Volume mascara by Sophora. I have tried this mascara for the last couple of days and I'm truly enjoying it. It does a wonderful job lengthening and thickening my lashes.
 |
| Lashcraft length + Volume mascara by Sophora |
2. The next product inside was a sample of the Mark Jacob's Divine Decadence perfume. I love getting perfume samples so that I can try them without having to buy the full-sized products that can often times be outrageously expensive.
 |
| Mark Jacob's Divine Decadence perfume |
3. The Clinique Prep Start Hydro-Blur moisturizer was the next item in the bag. I am glad to try this product because I do love Clinique as a brand. I've tried it once since I've gotten the box and I liked it, but I am going to keep trying it just to make sure and I will let you all know.
 |
| Clinique Prep Start Hydro-Blur moisturizer |
4. I was so excited about the next product because I really love NARS lip products. Inside I found a sample size of the NARS Velvet Lip Glide in the color Bound. I have been using this since I got the box and I really love the soft texture and I have worn it to work and seems to do a great job staying on for quite a while.
 |
| NARS Velvet Lip Glide in the color Bound |
5. The Origins Ginseng Refreshing eye cream was next. I have yet to try this product but I will do so soon. I am not really a fan of eye products but I am open-minded.
 |
| Origins Ginseng Refreshing eye cream |
6. The last product I found in the bag was the Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake . This type of product is not what I usually use just because I do have naturally larger lips and I don't really feel that I need to have any plumping added to them, but if you are a person who enjoys these products you might have been very happy to see a Too Faced product.
 |
| Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake |
*This page may contain VigLink Affiliate links*
Thursday, February 16, 2017
I received my 2nd Allure Beauty Box a few days ago and here is what was inside!
I opened the box and the first product I noticed was from First Aid Beauty: a sample size of their Facial Radiance Pads ($30 for 60 pads). These pads are paraben- and phthalate-free and gently exfoliate, tone and brighten your skin. The wipes remind me of those acne pads that we all used in high school. Yeah, you remember those, they would sting your face and leave your skin red and sensitive. I will try them out and let you know if they hold up to their claim of being gentle for sensitive skin. As for the smell, once I open the package the scent was so soft that I had to smell three times in order to notice other even was one.
The next product I noticed was the Cargo Colorstick in Champaign ($28). This is a highlighter stick that has a creamy formula with a natural look. Although I am in love with my Laura Mercier highlighter I have been using the stick since I got it and I really enjoy how it gives a natural luminous look.
One product I am still on the fence about is the GrandeLips Hydrating lip plumper ($27). This is a volumizing lipgloss which creates an appearance a fuller lips. I'm not really sure about this product because I do have fuller lips naturally so I'm not sure I would ever want to make them appear any larger than they are. I could see this product being of benefit to anyone who doesn't have naturally plumper lips.
When I saw the name Beautycounter on a stunning Navy blue box I got a little excited. I've heard of the brand and always wanted to try a product of theirs but have never gotten around to it. So luckily in this Allure Beauty Bbox I was able to get a full size other their lengthening mascara ($29). I tore into the box wanting to check out the product. I was a little skeptical about the wand on this mascara because it is thinner and smaller than most wands you will see on any other brand currently. While this may have been a slight issue to begin with I've actually thoroughly enjoyed the natural look that this gives to my eyelashes. The wand separates my lashes, and makes them look longer with out the clumping that can happen with a lot of other mascaras. I have been trying this product out for a while and I truly enjoy it on days that I wish to have a very natural look.
This next product stood out to me as a little odd in a beauty box. This is the Red Flower Moroccan Rose Candle ($38). Although not normally found in beauty boxes I'm very happy to get a candle to try. I smelled the candle and fell love with a soft hint of roses. While I do quite enjoy the smell of this candle, I would want to see what size the full-size candle is and if it is worth $38. The candle is currently sitting on my desk and can be seen in a couple of my upcoming YouTube videos.
The final product in this months Allure Beauty Box is the Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment ($24.99). While I am not normally into eye creams and treatments, I will try this one to see if it really does decrease the appearance of the lines and wrinkles around the eye area.
So that is what I got in my February 2017 Allure Beauty Box. I hope you guys enjoy this post and let me know in the comments if you have tried any of these products before.
Kristina B.
XOXO
Here is the YouTube video that pairs with this post.
*May Contain Affiliate Links*
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
I have tried so many products trying to not only clear up my skin but also to take care of my aging skin. Yes, it hurts to admit that I have aging skin. Here are the products that I have been using this winter to aid me in this pursuit.
Step #1: Break down and remove oil and makeup.
The Face Shop - Rice Water Bright - Cleansing Light Oil - Facial Care:
https://goo.gl/gg6iqB
bareMinerals Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil, 6 Ounce:
https://goo.gl/QVWhV8
Step #2: Exfoliate and pull out impurities.
Clarisonic Mia2, 2 Speed Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush System, Pink:
https://goo.gl/e2Bx4k
Clinique city block purifying charcoal cleansing gel:
https://goo.gl/WyhRL5
Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, 4.3-Ounce Box:
https://goo.gl/E9eQCa
eb5 Intense Moisture Anti-Aging Skin Care Cream, 4 oz:
https://goo.gl/Kw7Hms
Final Step:
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, 8 oz.:
https://goo.gl/TSCkhL
Thursday, February 9, 2017
I decided that this year I wanted to do some DIY Valentines.
Here we go.
#1
Foiled cards:
I wanted to make a decorated card that I could write a personalized note to my husband on. I came across a video on YouTube explaining how to do foiling with just foil paper and a lamination machine I purchased at Walmart for $20.
#2
Framed Foiled Quote:
I thought it would be nice you make a framed card, and since I was really loving making things with the foil I decided to make this one foiled as well.
#3
Foiled Gift Tag:
I thought it would be a good idea to make a gift tag as well using the same foiling process.
Making your own tags is a great way to personalize your V-Day gifts.
I hope these ideas give you some ideas of your own and I hope that all of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!
XOXO
What I used:
 |
| Minc Toner Pen |
 |
| Minc Foil Roll - Rose Gold |
 |
| Scotch Thermal Laminator |
 |
| Card Stock Paper |
 |
| Black 5x7 Frame |
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
We have all seen social media being invaded by images and videos of the new peel off masks. They are meant to suck the dirt and oil from your face and rip it from your pores.
So, I decided I hat to try it.
Here is my review of the SnazII Suction Black Mask (that is what the tube says).
❊ The first time I tried this mask didn't go as planned. I thought I could used the mask on my whole face. I suggest not to do that.
A. It does hurt when peeling it off. So be careful where you put it.
B. It can rip out hair, for example eyebrow hair. *That hurts too*
C. It is hard to wash off skin and surfaces.
Let me explain:
I had some trouble smearing the mask on because it is a bit tacky (that is the only word I could come up with). Once I had covered my face I tried to wash it off of my hands. This took some work and a bit more soap than usual, but I did get it off my hands and then I had to scrub it off my sink. It will "stain" but can come off with some elbow grease.
After cleaning my sink I waited
It was time to peel. So I had some trouble starting the peel. Ok a lot. It took a while and a few false starts but I finally I got the hang of it.
After about 30mins of peeling, I had a face riddled with tiny black strips, so I thought they would just rinse of.
I splashed water on my face and the spots just smeared into larger spots. Great.
So basically my first try sucked, but on the plus side my face felt clean.
I will add that when I did start to use it just for spot treatment (in patches rather than over the whole face) it worked great, despite the difficulty with the clean up.
Overall I love this type of mask and I will be trying other brands to see if there are any others I like more.
I hope this helped you make a decision about the new trendy mask.
ENJOY!!
XOXO
*May Contain Affiliate Links*
Sunday, February 5, 2017
My First Allure Beauty Box ○January 2017 ○ B. Beautiful
 |
| Subscribe to Allure Beauty Box Here |
I have been doing a lot of watching when it comes to the Allure Beauty Box. I have watched month after month wondering if this subscription box would be like many of the other; while thrilling at first, the mystery and excitement soon wear off. Many of these services I have tried will send duplicate products in a row or spread out over a couple of months, products that are bland or even products that are too expensive in the full size. Then I find myself falling in love with the product only to have my heart sink when I find out I cannot afford it.
At the beginning of 2017 I had a moment where I returned to my Googling of beauty boxes and I stumbled upon the Allure box once more.
After at least an hour of flipping through images of past boxes, I decided to pull the trigger and subscribe. Only one question stood before me: Pay month to month or pay for the whole year in advanced?
What if the selection was less than satisfactory just a few months after I paid for the whole year?
(Yes, I can be indecisive.)
But after a short conversation (more me just weighing the pros and cons out loud) with my patient husband I chose the full year subscription since I would save some money if I ended up loving the subscription.
After that I waited...not so patiently.
MY 1ST ALLURE BEAUTY BOX ARRIVED!!!
And here, my friends, is what I got...
✽ I love the comprehensive booklet that comes with the box and covers every aspect of each product.
✽ The box itself is durable and possibly reusable.
✽ Once I opened the box and got to look at January's products I fell in love!
 |
| Oscar Blandi Proto Dry Shampoo and Sigma E25 Blending Brush |
✽ I have wanted a Sigma brush for a very long time, but I have not been able to convince myself that I needed a new brush enough to spend that much on it. The Sigma E25 Bending brush is great for blending out harsh lines and deep colors.
✽ Thanks to the sample size Batiste in one of my Target Beauty Boxes, I have found a refreshed sense of curiosity when it come to dry shampoo. So I am up for trying other brands including the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo. So far so good with this one, but I kinda still love my Batiste more.
 |
| Doucce Freematic eyeshadow quad |
✽ Who is like me and always up to try new eye shadow? The few times I have used the Doucce Freematic eyeshadow quad I got great results and complements to boot!
 |
| dr. brandt microdermabrasion, Burt's Bees lipstick (Blush Basin) and bioBelle #beautysecret facial mask |
✽ I have tried the dr brandt microdermabrasion before and I know it works like a dream. So anytime I can use the product with out having to spend $80 for the full size, is good with me.
✽ While browsing through my local drug store I noticed Burt's Bees lipsticks. I REALLY wanted to try them but I wasn't convinced they would be moisturizing and pigmented at the same time.
So I am very happy I have been able to try this in Blush Basin and so far I and loving it. Good pigment and very nourishing.
✽ I have yet to try the bioBelle #beautysecret facial mask, but I can't wait. I have heard so many good things about these masks.
💟So far it (box #1) has been a total success. 💟
*This page contains Affiliate Links*
Posts
