Storybook Cosmetics Book Club

Do you know that feeling you get when you open a book and read a tale of a far a way land and just for a moment you step into those pages and you can be anything.  A fairy princess, the hero or perhaps the villain😏.

Now what about when you are standing in front of the mirror. Your makeup in front of you. Don't you feel it?  That moment when you're stepping into your own story, that same feeling that you can be anything.

Storybook Cosmetics brings those feelings together each time you receive a new edition from their book club. Each shipment you receive a beautiful mini palette inspired by a classic novel with stunning cover detail. When you open the cover the story and it's magic continues on the inside with a full-size lip product and three full size eyeshadows.  These are exclusive limited edition colors that bring the whole package together with shade names that are unique to each story.  You also receive a matching book marker for each edition.  All of this beauty and wonder for only 24.99 plus shipping each month and as always with Storybook Cosmetics each Edition is 100% cruelty free.

Now each time you are in front of your mirror with your storybook open and all of the other magical products from Storybook Cosmetics around you ask yourself who you going to be today.  So grab your favorite magic wand and pick the most beautiful rose from your garden it's time to start your own story

August Play! By Sephora review

So sorry for late post but August was a busy month so let's play some catchup.  Let's check out Play! By Sephora and see what we got this in August.

Every Sephora Playbox comes with a unique bag and I love the one I got this month.  Just look at how cute it is.  

You also get handout with info on each produced you are receiving.  This information that you are getting here is very basic and does not include any retail pricing.  Most of the time I wind up going online to look up more information anyway.  I did include a picture of the back of the handout because I liked he elements of beauty chart.  There is a lot of good information there and I wanted to share.  No need to thank me 😆

Let's start with something that comes in every Play box and that is the Play pass.  This pass gives you 50 Beauty Insider points to use in the Rewards Bazaar.  The lowest reward items in the Rewards Bazaar is 100 points so basically you are getting a free deluxe sample every other month.  You do have to go into a Sephora store to redeem these point but that does not bother me in the least.  I enjoy walking around the store to see what fun things I might have missed online.

Alrighty look at the great stuff this month!!! One of my favorites this month.  Lets jump in.

Ok first up is from BeautyBlender and it is there mini sponge that is perfect for your inner corners, brow bones, side of nose, and cheek bones.  This mini sponge is one fourth of the size of a full sized BeautyBlender and that makes it great for highlighting and contouring.  

I just want to make a quick not on how BeautyBlender works.  We all know that to use a BeautyBlender we wet it first.  (I hope we all know that)  and I know most of you will say you wet it to get a streak free application and yes it does but is also help with product from being absorbed.  When you wet a BeautyBlender the water fills the cells in the sponge making it "Full".  This makes the makeup sit on top of the sponge instead of soaking in resulting less product loss.  

From Too Faced we have Mascara Melt Off.  And By the name you can tell it is for removing mascara.  It works well on waterproof and regular mascara.  This oil based formula is infused with antioxidant rich green tea extract to protect lashes while rice lipids extract conditions.   

This dry shampoo from Living proof has a patented healthy hair molecule (OFPMA) with triple action cleaning to absorbs and removes oil, sweat, and odor from your hair.  This is a nice dry shampoo and I love the company.  I do not see that big of differences from other dry shampoos, I like it but I do use others.  

Dry shampoo tip:  If you see white residue, little is normal and can be easily removed by shaking our your hair and combing.   If however you are seeing more then that make sure you are shaking the can well before applying and hold it farther from your head when you apply.  

Lock It Concealer from Kat Von D is a ultra nourishing hydra boost complex that is a crease proof for formula.  This is a ideal formula for the delicate under eye area and the applicator has a tapered tip for precise corners and a wide base to coat larger area.  

From Kopari we have the Coconut Melt.  This is  great multitasking product that I love.  The powerful premium oil gives you the solutions for dryness, redness, dullness and uneven texture.  You can use this as a makeup remover, nail nourishment, ender eye rescuer, scar soother, lip balm, deepest conditioning hair mask, bath boost, super shave oil, massage oil, belly beauty balm and baby butter.  Just melt a dollop in your hands by rubbing the palms together to warm up the oil, then use any where form head to toe.  

And last we have Saint And Sinner form Kat Von D.  For me I like Saint better then Sinner but here is a rundown on both.  

Saint: This gourmand fragrance sweetness a bouquet of jasmine and tiare flower with notes of mandarin, carmel, and sparkling, Mirabella plum, vanilla, sandalwood and creamy musk in this perfume. 

Sinner: This enticing fragrance sweetness a bouquet of jasmine and orange bloom with notes of vanilla, mandarin, and mirabella plum.  Spicy cinnamon envelops white florals at the heart of the fragrance, while base notes of vetiver, patchouli, and wood form the deeper, dark nuance.

So that is the run down of the August play bag.  Let me know what you think.

Till next time. 💋    

July/August Beauteque Monthly BB Bag

It's here !!! July/August Beauteque Monthly BB Bag subscription . I know I said it last month but just a reminder Beauteque Monthly ships late in the month so you get your shipment the beginning of the following month.  This does not bother me because you sill receive your Beauteque Monthly Mask Maven subscription at the same time each month.  The only way you notice you are getting the bag from the month before is the title on the information card. 

Now Let me start off by saying That I love Beauteque Monthly.  They have great products and great subscriptions and I look forward to my BB Bag each month. Now that I said that I have to say that I was not that crazy about this months BB bag.  It felt a little rushed like it was put together last minute and as much as I hate to say it it felt a little cheap this month.  There was one bright spot in this bag but I will get to that.  

Here is a quick look at the overview of this months BB bag.  Like I said not much stands out this month, 

Even the bag is boring this month AND I received this bag in the past.😕

OK I do not like to linger on the negative so lets look at what we got and find the good in the items.

This months theme is Summer Sweets.   There are six products that are a sweet assortment of summer delights to treat your skin.  With all of the hot summer days we have been having, a delicious treat for your skin is a nice was to refresh your self at the end of the day.  Lets dive on in and take a look at what we got this month. 

Up first is the one thing in this bag that I am most excited about.  It is a All In One Honey Ampoule From Farm Stay.  I have been getting more into ampoules as of late so let me give you a quick rundown on them before I dive into this one.  An ampoule is in the same family as essences and serums but have a higher concentration of active ingredients.  I uses ampoules two to four times a week  depending on what skin issues I am having .  This ampoule from Farm Stay comes in 250 ml jar and retails for $26.  This is a very large size to see an ampoule come in, most on the market are 30 ml to 50 ml.  As the name implies this ampoule contains honey but there is also adenosine, niacinamide, royal jelly extract, anthemis flower extract, rosemary leaf extract, aloe and caramel.  All of this works together to moisturize skin, brighten complexion and plump fine lines.  Apply evenly to skin after toning and follow with the rest of your skin care.  I use ampoules in my night time skin care.  A great tip for this ampoule (and all ampoules) is to use sheet mask after applying for an added boost.

Ok first let me just say how cute is this packaging😆  I love that the summer sweet theme has something in it that is shaped like a piece of candy.  Now on to what it is.  This is a Candy Lip Tint by The Saem in the color Red Mango.  I know that lip tints are a staple in  K beauty but I have to say I am not a big fan.  This tint does contain honey, hyaluronic acid and red mango to help with hydrate but I did find it a little drying and used lip balm on top.  I will say out of all of the tints that I have tried this one really has a lot of pigment and does cover in one layer.  

Retail $11

 

Next up we have a 3 step Honey Bomb Mask from Wonjin.  Now if you have look at any of my past posts you know my love of sheet mask and I do like when they have the extra steps for an added boost.  This Honey bomb mask system contains honey and milk to help manage oil and water level in your skin.  The best time to use this is when you need to soften dry flaky skin.

  Step 1:  Honey milk, apply to face and let it full absorbed

Step 2: ReEffect Ampoule, gently tap into the skin

Step 3: Sheet mask

Retail: $6

Everything I have read and learned about K beauty says that ultimate K beauty lovers uses Silicone Mask Covers in there beauty routine.  This one is from A'Pieu.  OK let us take a look a the pros of this and then I will tell you what I think.  First they are a reusable cover that you use on top of a sheet mask to minimize evaporation and increase the absorption of the essence in the mask.  They can also be used without a mask in the bath or shower to make a steaming mask.  OK I know they are great but I have to say I HATE wearing them.  First look at it! It's creepy looking. 😨 And I just don't like the feel on my face.  

Retail $6

 As far as cherry scented anything goes this Cherry Foaming Soap by Wangskin has to be one of the best smelling one I have ever tried.  This little bar can be used on the face and body and is packed with skin savers such as jojoba oil, aloe, mulberry, cactus extract, hyalurinic acid, and squalene to repair and moisturize skin. 

Retail $10

And last we have a Exfoliation Spa mitt.  This mitt help you get the most out of your soap by gently remove dead skin cells and adding a luxurious lather that cleans and soften.  This mitt is gentle enough for you face and body. 

Retail $6

So that is the run dow of this months BB bag.  Let me know what you think.

Till next time. 💋

Beauteque Monthly July/August Mask Maven Subscription review

It's here !!! July/August Beauteque Monthly Mask Maven subscription . I know I said it last month but just a reminder Beauteque Monthly ships late in the month so you get your shipment the beginning of the following month.  This does not bother me because you sill receive your Beauteque Monthly Mask Maven subscription at the same time each month.  The only way you notice you are getting the bag from the month before is the title on the information card. 

This months theme is Summer Sweets.  Nine sheet masks that are a sweet assortment of summer delights to treat your skin.  With all of the hot summer days we have been having a delicious treat for your skin is a nice was to refresh your self at the end of the day.  Lets dive on in and take a look at what we got this month. 

There where nine masks in this months Mask Maven.  As this months theme said most of the mask are one the sweet side this month, but not all.  I also got some repeating themes (honey is in a lot of them) which is fine by me.  I love the benefits of honey so bring on the bees 🐝🐝🐝. 

Ok. First one up is from  A'Pieu.  The Watermelon Slice Mask is a little different then you typical sheet mask.  It can be used any where on the body to soothe rough, dry skin.  The Slices come in two sizes.  As you can guess by the picture there is watermelon extract in this mask but there is also honey, lavender, thyme flower and leaf extract, buddleja davidii extract (summer lilac) salicornia herbacea extract (glasswort), phragmites communis extract (comon reed).  A lot went into this little slices to bring the best in hydration

From Berrison we have the  Real Jeju Skingel Mask.  This Hanrabong peel brings the summer of the Jeju island home and into your skin care routine.  The Hanrabong is a delicious fruit that looks a little like on orange that is found in Korea.  When Hanrabong is used it skin care it helps with brightening dark spots and helping you get a clear even skin tome.  This mask is great to use after a shower.  

When you are having a day and your is skin is just looking a little dull the Winage honey Nutrition Mask from Coreana is just what you need.  This mask has a natural blend of honey, mushroom, and japonica root extract that will brighten, soothe, moisturize, and give your skin great nutrition.  Can be use on sensitive skin.  

Now the next mask may not look like it belongs in a summer sweet themed bag but the Opuntia Humifusa by NOHJ contains prickly pear extract that is the sweet treat that your skin needs.  Along with the prickly pear this moisturizing mask contains aloe, tea tree, lavender, avocado, bamboo leaf juice, centella, milk, green tea, tomato, yam root and mulberry to soothe calm and protect your skin.  Great for sensitive and irritated skin.  

Another maks from A'Piea is the Sweet Canola Honey Mask.  This is a foil mask thatfeatures rich honey extract and canola oil thatleaves your skin hydrated and dewy.  This mask like the Watermelon Slice Mask is packed with key ingredients for great skin such as watermelon extract, honey, Lavender, Thyme flower and leaf extract, Buddleja Davidii extract (summer lilac, Salicornia Herbacea extract (glasswort), Phragmites Communis extract (comon reed).  

From RiRe we have the Real Nature Mask Pack in Pearl.  I know I know this is the one mask that does not fit into the Summer Sweet theme BUT that being said I LOVE pear masks and how great they work with my skin I will let it slide this time 😊.  Pear extract lightens and brightens dull lifeless skin and lets you skin's natural radiance shine.  This mask is great to use before makeup application for a dewy glow.

From Re;cipe we have another taste of the island of Jeju. the Slowganic Mask in tangerine helps to brighten skin and evening out complexion.  Along side the tangerine this mask contains niacinamide and the two work together to lighten dark spots and acne scarring.  This mask also helps with sun damage.  

The Saem brings us the Natural Skin Fit Mask in Green Grape.  Green tea is also infused in this mask and the two work great together to increases you skin elasticity and purifies pores.  The cool and richly hydrating essences smooth rough dry skin and leaves you looking glowing.  This mask is perfect for all skin types

From NOHJ we have a Superfood Mask in guess what HONEY (there was a tread this month😉) Being that there was so many masks this month with honey I am just going to give you the high lights so I am not repeating myself too much.  The Honey extract is combined with royal jelly in this mask that gives you moisture and nutrition to brightness your skin.  For a nice cooling touch in the summer you can place this mask in the fridge for ten minutes before use.

So that is the months rundown of  Beauteque Monthly Mask Maven.  I look forward to this subscription every month.  Sheet masks are the biggest part of my skin care.  I use at lest one a day.  I buy most of my sheet masks in bulk and this subscription offers a nice way to add a little variety in my routine.  

What is the one thing in your skin care routine that you can not live with out? Do you use sheet mask and if so haw often?  

Till next time 💋

Nordstrom Rack Haul August 2017.

Nordstrom Rack Haul!!

I went to the Nordstrom Rack for the first time the other day and loved it.  I got $280 with of high end makeup for $128!!!

I was floored.  I could not have been happier that I went but there was one down side.  When I walking around the beauty section of the store there was another customer looking at lip sticks.  The problem that I had was she was opening all of the boxes that where for sale and SWATCHING them all on her arm and packing them back up, putting them back on the sale self. This made me a little nervous so I check the palates I wanted to buy before going up to the check out.  I did find one that you can see was handled and changed palets.  I also stayed away from the lip sticks which was bummer because they just got a shipment in from M.A.C.  There when two things that bothered me about this.  First off I get it.  You want to know how the color is going to look on you, but you are at a discount store.  You are not going to get the services that you are going to get at a high end store such as a sampling station.  I find it rude that somone would try on makeup and pack it up for someone eles to buy.  I sould not have to clean makeup that I paid money for.  If you want to check the color just look it up on your phone.  The other thing that bothered me was she was in the sight of people that worked there and NO ONE said anything.  That being said the prices where unbeatable so I did not go running out of the store.

O.K. on to the good stuff.  Let's take a look at what I got.

I got my hands on three Urban Decay palate.

The first one is the Urban Decay Full Spectrum palate.  

Retail $49.00 

I paid $23.00

Next from Urban Decay is the Electric palate.

Retail $49.00

I paid $23.00

The last palate I got from Urban Decay is the Gwen Stefani palate.

Retail $50.00

I Paid $25.00

I got two palate from the Balm.

The first one I got is the Highlite N' Con Tour.

Retail $36.00

I paid $15.00

Next I got the Rockstar face palate, Balm Jovi.

Retail $40.00

I paid  $12.00

And last but not least one from Too Faced 

From Too Faced it's the Love palate.  

Retail  $49.00

I paid  $20.00

So that is my haul from Nordstrom Rack.  Where do you like to go to fund good deals on makeup, skin care, or whatever you like yo find deals on?

Till next time. 💋

Victoria. 

Spin Spa "As Seen on TV" Review

Let me start out saying that I love "As Seen On TV" items.  I know most of them are nothing to jump up and down about but you do find gems every once and awhile and the Spin Spa is one of those gems.

The Spin Spa that I tried is the Spin Spa for body.🛁

I have been wanting this one for a while.  Every time I was in Wal-Mart I would go to the "As Seen On TV" section and take a look at the Spin Spa for body.  I use a simular product for my face from a different company (Vanity Plant) and I love it.  I thought that the Spin Spa for body looked like a great idea because we all have skin issues that can be any where on our bodies and not just our face.  With five attachments there is something for all skin concerns.  My boyfriend saw me always looking at the Spin Spa but not getting it (I have been burned in the past with some "As Seen On TV" things so I tend wait a little bit and read some reviews first)  and surprised me by getting me one.  I have to say that I have only had the Spin Spa for a short time so far but I really love it.  I will say that they say in their ads that it is like having a spa treatment at home, well I would not go that far.  I have tried many at home treatments and loved most of them but none of them have ever made me not want to go to the spa anymore. That being said the Spin Spa is a great tool to add into your total body skin care routine.  I want to talk about what I like and dislike about it and my opinion on other reviews that I have read online.

First off lets start with some product information.  The Spin Spa is a battery powered cleaning system for your whole body.  It is water resistant and can be used in the shower but should not be submerged in water.

It has two buttons on it, one is a spin speed button that has two spin speeds (high/low), and of course an on/off button.

It comes with five attachments that each have a different function.  Lets take a closer look at each of there attachments and what they are used for.

Lets start with the regular cleaning attachment.  This is a gentle cleaning brush that can be used on the whole body.  This type of attachment is great for every day cleaning.

The mesh sponge is very much like your every day luffa.  This attachment provides gentle exfoliation.  I feel that this attachment is another one that can be used for every day cleaning due to it being very gentle.

For a deeper exfoliation you can use the microdermabrasion attachment.  This attachment gives a nice deep clean but I would not use it every day, maybe once or twice a week.  This attachment also has a great feature.  You can fill it with any one of your favorite liquid soaps and control the dispensing rate through the microdermabrasion head.  I kind of with all of the attachments had this feature.

The massage attachment I love for though days when you have been on your feet a little to long.  You get a gentle clean and the soft rubber buds soothes aches and pains.  I really like this for my legs, shoulders, and lower back.

The last attachment that we have is the pumice stone.  This is used to smooth rough and callous skin.  I find this is best used one the feet but particularly the heels.  You have to be a little carefully with this one.  Make sure that you use gentle pressure and do not leave on a area longer that 3-4 seconds, so make sure to keep it moving.

Over all I have to say I really like the Spin Spa.  There are two issues that I have and neither one is with the product itself.

One is that this does on come with batteries.  I know it is not that big of a deal but after spending $20 to $30 on this item it would be nice if the batteries where included with it.  I know that it says on the box that the batteries on not included but it is printed very small and I did not see it at first so I had to make another trip just to get the batteries to be able to use it.

The other issue that I have is that I can not find a where to buy replacement attachments, not even on the Spin Spa web site. And after a lot of use the attachments are going need to be replaced.  The only thing I could find was to buy the whole system again.

Well that is my run down of the Spin Spa for body.  I am happy with it so far and I am sorry it took me so long to try it.

I do want to say something quick about some of the reviews I read about the Spin Spa.  The two biggest things that I read that I want to talk about is the battery life, and reports that the brush stops spinning when it touched the skin.  I have found neither one of these to be true, if you are using a good batteries.  When I tried this system with store named batteries it didn't spin as well and did stop if to much pressure was applied, but I did not have any of those issues when I used Duracell batteries.  Also I did read one persons review that talked about the Spin Spa not working well but when I look at the pictures that they had I am not sure if they where dealing with a knock off or not.  The whole packaging look completely different than what I have. All I have to say is with any product make sure you are getting what you are paying for. Go to a reputable dealer.

So what do you think?  Is this something that you would try?  Let me know.

Till next time. 💋

Victoria