Received my Target Beauty Bag!

I put this in my suitcase while packing and decided I should probably take a photograph of it and post about my Target Beauty Bag that I had received. In case you're unaware, Target has been hosting these beauty bag "giveaways" to individuals who sign up to receive one either through their website or through a designated facebook page. When I hear the beauty bag giveaway was active, I jumped on the website and waited patiently for it to load, entered my information and again, waited patiently for it to go thru. A few weeks later I received my bag in the mail!

One thing I love about these beauty bags is that the bag provided is usually adorable and is a great size to hold personal items for yourself in your own purse/travel bag, etc. You can put anything in it, really, make-up, personal hygiene items, etc.

The items I received in this particular beauty bag are as follows:

- TreSemme Split Remedy Shampoo & Conditioner
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70
- Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Exfoliating Scrub
- Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo & Conditioner
- Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter - Peach Parfait
- Target coupon book

Overdue Big Lots Haul!

This is a haul I feel I did forever ago.  Probably a month ago or so?  I’ve been meaning to post it but I just haven’t had the real time to sit and write a post.  Yeah, excuses, excuses.  Anyway.  I popped into Big Lots to get some of the Philosophy products Big Lots was selling not too long ago.  My store didn’t have as large of a selection of items as other stores seemed to receive.  Mine had two small displays at two side caps and that was all the items they carried (both were mirror images of one another).  No eye shadow sets, no nothing which is a bummer because that’s what I really wanted – well that and some blush.  But other than that I am happy with the items I purchased.  I love Big Lots because I can find some great deals there at times – whereas other times you need to be conscious of your prices or you’re going to flat out spend too much.

You’ll notice I picked up a knock off perfume.  I used to never do that, but I found some of the perfumes they sell at Big Lots smell pretty dead ringer for the real thing.  I love the Coach scent, but haven’t splurged as of yet to get a bottle and with this I don’t have to.

Here’s what I picked up:

-          St. Ives Fresh Skin – Moisturizing Olive Cleanser

-          Vaseline Clinical Therapy lotion

-          Touch perfume (a knock off to Coach’s perfume)

-          Philosophy – Shimmering Face Powder

-          Philosophy – Mineral Blush Duo

-          Philosophy – Angel Kiss Lip Gloss

-          Revlon Nail Enamel – Midnight Affair (791)

-          Revlon Nail Enamel – Kiss Me Coral (474)

-          Revlon Nail Enamel – Jaded Night

-          Revlon Nail Enamel – Alluring Amber

Wal-Mart Haul: Polish addiction continues…

 

 

 

 

Seriously? I don’t think I know how to walk into Wal-Mart and get the few things I planned on getting while there (none of which are ever beauty related mind you). I went to Wal-Mart because I needed some vitamins because lets face it, they have the cheapest prices for medication going – far surpassing even Targets pricing for supplements. I got more supplements than just the Biotin pictured, but I didn’t feel like photographing them. I haven’t taken Biotin before – I have been taking Gelatin for my nails, but I was hoping this would help make my hair stronger (I tend to shed a lot of hair since I wash my hair every day – it’s not thinning, I just lose a lot of hair with washing and want aid in stopping that).

Of course while browsing around the beauty aisle, I found this random stash of nail polishes on the top of a display. It was odd that they were all just kind of piled there because (as I was looking for one of the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails polishes there wasn’t a spot for any of them). So I went back to the pile and picked a few shades and scanned them. They were ringing up $1.97 so I paired each of the Sally Hansen polishes up with a $1 off a Sally Hansen polish coupon and paid 97 cents for them. Do take note that my cameras flash is making the coral shade look more red – so I took a photo without flash and you can see the true shades of the 2 Sally Hansen. Then in this massive display of polishes was one Milani polish with a sticker wrapped around the top that said 2 cents I raised a brow, brought it to a scanner and low and behold it was ringing up 2 cents. Since I have a problem I purchased it because … c’mon, 2 cents?!

I then found the Maybelline nail polish display and nothing really jumped out at me except I kept picking up this one polish on every shelf – it was like talking to me. I kept saying “oh that’s pretty” but put it back saying I didn’t need it. I’d pick it up again and put it back and I walked away and on the end cap was another display and THERE the polish was again … so it was an omen, I had to take buy it HAHA.

I really don’t NEED anymore polishes. My two nail polish racks are filled to maximum capacity and I have no self control. Why oh why do they come out with colors I just impulsively buy?

Here’s what I picked up:

* Milani Nail Lacquer – Red to Tango (24)
* Maybelline Color Show – Styled Out (20)
* Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear – Blue Me Away! (130)
* Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear – Crushed (270)
* Biotin 1000mcg

FREEBIES: Kiss Nail Dress & Nail Artists

 

 

I received these two Kiss nail design products as part of Influensters reward for completing the Kiss Nail Dress campaign as part of their Love Voxbox campaign.  I wasn’t expecting anything until I got a package in the mail, opened it up and was like “Ohhh!”  I know I did not have the greatest experience with the particular nail dress that I received in my Voxbox, but I will admit this design is super adorable.  I would most likely be using this as an accent nail instead of a complete manicure.   I also received a package of Kiss Nail Artists, which are little rhinestone shaped designs to place on my nail over polish to add some pizzazz to what could be a plain manicure.  I have never tried anything like this, so I’m looking forward to giving them a try.

The two products I received are:

Kiss Nail Dress - #28 Jeweled Strips

Kiss Nail Artist – Metallic Accents #NS32

Received by BzzAgent BIC Soleil Savvy Campaign

Earlier in the week I received my BzzCampaign from BzzAgent which featured the BIC Soleil Savvy razor.  I was really excited to be picked to take part in this campaign because in the past I have had really great experiences with the BIC Soleil line.  The first Soleil line razor I used a at least a year or two ago and it's actually discontinued now but I LOVED it.  It gave me an amazing shave and since then I had been purchasing the 4-5 pack disposable BIC Soleil line.  Due to it being discontinued I started purchasing the BIC Soleil Bella line, which I enjoy and do use from time to time (that being because right now I am obsessed with the Venus Olay razors).  The line I had been purchasing was a regular disposable and did not have the option to replace the cartridge, so with the Soleil Savvy I am really looking forward to seeing how that works and what it does for my legs.  I tend to be very picky with disposable and replaceable cartridge razors because if the head bends as you shave, sometimes I find it does not give me a close enough shave.  I'll be taking these into the shower with me and testing them out over the next couple weeks and I'll be sharing my review of them at that time.

DISCLAIMER: I received this product free in part of a BzzAgent campaign. Just because this product was free does and will not alter my thoughts and opinions as those are my own.

REVIEW: Dr. Scholl’s For Her High Heel Insoles

I received a pack of Dr. Scholl’s For Her High Heel Insoles from BzzAgent to try out and review.  I admit when I received them and saw that others were receiving the sneaker insoles I was a bit jealous.  Let me justify this/follow this up by saying – I am NOT a frequent heel wearer.  I fractured my ankle when I was younger and my ankle has never been the same since.  I tend to be very off balanced (more so than in normal everyday life) in heels and I find after a while it just hurts to walk.  I am relatively “flat footed” – meaning when I stand there is no real visible arch to my foot and my feet are overall wide where inserts, etc., typically do not justify against the width of my foot.

Now my feet pain relate to two separate medical issues.  I have bone spurs in the bottoms of each of my feet – while I also have plantar fasciitis.  My bone spurs are primarily along the pad of my feet (the main pad behind the toes) and there are a few down the main large bone in the foot.  So the pains I experience in my feet tend to typically be at that pad, making my feet very sore and uncomfortable.  I can’t say that I experience pain at the ball of my feet.

These particular insoles target and aid in the specific functions:

-          Ultra soft arch shifts pressure of your ball of foot

-          FabuSTEP gel provides added cushioning

-          Guaranteed All Day Comfort

-          Practically invisible, even in strappy heels

-          Slim design won’t make shoes feel tight

-          Unique adhesive keeps insoles in place

-          Removable without damage to shoes

-          Fits comfortably in all open-style shoes: sandals, slides, slingbacks and strappy dress shoes

The verdict from my perspective?  These are just not the inserts for me.  Due to my underlining numerous foot issues these just don’t cut it.  The arch in these is too high cut to be comfortable for me.  It actually builds up pressure on the instep part of my foot, after a while becoming truly bothersome.  My foot molds around the insert sitting over it awkwardly making it not so comfortable to wear after a while.  These might not fit so uncomfortably in a pair of strappy shoes, which allow extra room, but within my closed in heeled sandals, etc., it just does not do the trick.

I know a lot of people really like these, but they just are not the product for me especially due to my underlying issues with my feet.

DISCLAIMER: I received this product free for reviewing purposes from BzzAgent.  Just because this product was free does not alter my opinion on the product, as my thoughts and opinions are my own.

appy Birthday, Sugar!

 

 

It was my birthday last month so I popped into Sephora to browse around.  It had been a while since I had been in Sephora and sadly did not find anything that I was hoping to spot (thanks to the hauls featured here on LUUUX!).   Even though I felt odd going up to the cashier and just asking for my birthday gift I did it anyway.  I really wanted to try the Sugar lip balm and tint and I'd kick myself if I passed up on it just so I didn't feel "weird" or "odd" by not purchasing anything else to get the freebie.

I will say, I was surprised at how small it was.  So many of you ladies have featured this product here on LUUUX and you must all be using an ultra zoom lens because I was expecting it to be bigger than it was haha.  It is a decent size for a sample, so I am not complaining at all, but it's funny how sizes can be distorted in photographs.

The product itself has a very pleasant smell.  Sweet but citrusy -- I really like the scent.  I've heard some people just are completely turned off by the scent..

SWATCH: Honey - Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

 

I picked up this Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey at Rite Aid a few weeks back during their 40% off Revlon sale.  I knew I really wanted to pick the shade in Honey up because from the swatches I had seen it was more of a neutral/natural shade.  But since they were 40% off I also picked up a few more which I really need to get around to playing with.  Anyway!

Honey looks quite daunting in the packaging.  The packaging itself is a LOT lighter than the actual product that goes on your lips.  It's a natural pinkish/mauve nude.  It's very pretty with shine to it.  Honestly?  If I did not see swatches of it before I went into the store I would have never picked it up JUST because the packaging is not an accurate measurement of what the shade itself wears/looks like.

Revlon really stepped up their game coming out with these.  They are being compared to Tarte's LipSurgence and Clinique's Chubby Stick.  Now I have not tried either of those two products so I cannot say whether they are a dupe or not firsthand, but from what I have heard and read, these FAR surpass the two.  These are really all the rave right now and when I do see them in store (if the display isn't brand new) they are really picked over and it's hard to find more than 1-2 shades.

FREE Essie Fear or Desire Polish

Ah, Essie polish, a nail polish line I have been allowing myself to dabble into as of late.  I admit, I don't buy a lot of Essie simply because of the price tag.  If I can find it on sale, I'll pick one or two up here or there.  Although, this one was absolutely free!  How was it free?  Well, I was selected by Klout to participate in the Essie perk.  I initially was under the impression that I was going to be receiving all the polishes in the collection but as I saw individuals posts about what they received I realized we'd be getting one out of the collection.  Not bad at all considering the summer collection just launched a month or two ago.  The polish I received was the bright neon orange, coined Fear or Desire.  I really love the shade -- which is odd for me because my polish likes are changing.  I used to shy away from anything bright and now it's all that I want.  Probably due to the weather!

If you are wondering what Klout it, it is a website which measures how influential you are in topics. You can link various accounts to your Klout account (such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, etc.). Based on your Klout score, etc., Klout will pick you to participate in certain perks (think along the lines of BzzAgent but different). At first it was a bit confusing, but it starts to make more sense the more you use the service.

Disclaimer: I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

Klout Perk: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

A number of weeks back I was awarded a Klout perk which was for the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair.  I opted into the perk and 4-6 weeks later I was mailed the product.  I received it and my box was a big dinged up and squished in transit but the product in its tube was unharmed.  The product itself claims to visibly reduce wrinkles in a weeks time.  It also contains Retinol in it.  I personally have not tried the product as of yet particularly because I need to get back into using my acne routine and I don’t want to mix two completely different products together.  My acne medicine makes my face completely irritated and hurt and I don’t want to cause a possible reaction so once my face gets used to the regiment again (I don’t know why I do this to myself…) I’ll be giving this a shot.

If you are wondering what Klout it, it is a website which measures how influential you are in topics.  You can link various accounts to your Klout account (such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, etc.).  Based on your Klout score, etc., Klout will pick you to participate in certain perks (think along the lines of BzzAgent but different). At first it was a bit confusing, but it starts to make more sense the more you use the service.

Disclaimer: I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

I popped into Kmart two weekends ago ONLY because I received an e-mail saying my Shop Your Way Rewards were going to be expiring come Monday. I wasn't even aware I had a Shop Your Way Rewards balance so I headed on into the store. I knew I needed a pair of sandals that weren't the thong variety (I can't wear those without shuffling my feet or gimping around the rest of the day because it's chewed up the skin between my toes). I've had some good luck with Kmart sandals in the past -- last year I got two pairs that were dressier and they were very comfortable.

I hit up the shoe department and found a pair of simple black sandals that criss crossed over the top of my foot. They are in the style "Michelle." I realize they are nothing to look at and are kind of "old lady"-ish but they were extremely comfortable and really the only pair that I could find that was in a wide. They had another pair I liked but they were in a shade I would never wear on my feet. The greatest part is they were on sale for $11.04. Weird pricing structure, but okay!

Then while walking around I found this super cute pair of crocheted flats that I have been wanting forever and a day. They are by the brand Bongo and were on sale for $9.99. I was contemplating getting the tan shade, but I felt the black is a staple shoe I always go with and I get weird with brown/tan shade shoes. I prefer black shoes so I just like to stick with that theme. I have worn these to a BBQ and they were comfortable, but after a while the side of the crotchet part started to rub my pinky toe and I ended up switching shoes. But after a few wears they'll be comfy enough.

The last thing I purchased was a t-shirt that was on the clearance rack for $2.99. It was cute and had a hippie type fairy design on it. Then again for $3 I couldn't pass it up.
When I got up to the register, I told the girl about my Rewards that I wanted to use and she said I needed the pin on the card. Well. I don't have my card on me, I never use my K-Mart card I just give them my cell number. She told me if the cell on me was linked to the number provided, I could text some number and it would send me my pin. I did that and was able to deduct $7.42 from my total JUST because I've shopped at Kmart for a few things over the last X-amount of months. Pretty cool! Now I know why all those ladies on Extreme Couponing prefer to do their grocery shopping at the Big K.

May Cravebox!

I was thankfully selected in a drawing to be one of the lucky new subscribers to the Cravebox program.  I had been hoping to be selected for a while, so I was pumped when the program sent out e-mails notifying those on the waiting list of the drawing.  I then received an e-mail letting me know I was selected -- so I put in my payment information and patiently waited.

Before I go any further - you're probably wondering, What is Cravebox?  Well, Cravebox is a $10/mo subscription service which I would conveniently describe as a lifestyle subscription service.  The service gears itself towards bettering yourself both with food items and beauty items.  The face value of the items you receive in your box typically go above and beyond the $10 monthly fee.

This months box was coined A Taste of the Tropics.  The contents in the box were to transport you to a beach which provided the warm island breeze.  Overall, I was quite pleased with the items I received in my box.

The box itself consisted of the following items:
- Sunsweet Plum Amazins (2 sample size packets w/ coupon and recipe card)
- Lipton Tea & Honey To Go Packet in Mango Pineapple (1 sample size to go packet w/ coupon)
- Tree Hut Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Body Scrub [18 oz container -- retail price $18!]
- Skintersection Intense Repair Cream [roughly $8 retail price]
- Guylian Original Belgian Chocolate Sea Shells

Now onto a mini review of two products:

I have tried the Plum Amazins and ... yuck.  I just don't like them.  They remind me of a non-sweet raisin.  But then again, I have never been a raisin/dried fruit type of person.  I like raisins in granola or in carrot cake, etc., but it's not something that I would reach for to eat on its own or in a dish.  I have one pack left and I will be giving those to someone who either wants to try them or likes dried plums.

I have already drank the Lipton Tea & Honey packet.  I've been bringing these to work as they aid in helping me get down 64 ounces of water in my workday when plain ole water just isn't cutting it.  I totally LOVE these Lipton packets.  The taste is nice and mellow, not overly sweet, but you do get the tropical vibe from the pineapple and mango.  It would taste even better over a glass of ice instead of in a water bottle as I drink it.

I will say -- the Tree Hut sugar scrub smells amazing.  I need to bring it into the bathroom and use it when I shower.  Same goes with the intense repair cream -- I'm always complaining about my hands and how dry they are [I deal with a lot of paperwork at work & I wash my hands like I have OCD] so I should give this a shot.  I've heard a lot of great things about it, so I'm hoping the results are the same for myself.

Now if you would like to sign up for Cravebox (to be entered to win a spot in the program) or to be in the know you can do so at the following:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/cravebox
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cravebox
Website: http://www.cravebox.com/

I have no self control...

This all happened because I went to the salon to get my eyebrows waxed.  I got my brows done and upon walking out of the room, I noticed this wicker basket that was on the table the LAST time I was in there with OPI polishes that were on sale.  So .. what do I do?  I of course, start looking trough the basket.  I knew they were on sale because the sign near it said they were, but it didn't state the price.   I ended up finding a few of the OPI Muppet Collection polishes that I had been eying and wanting to pick up and since it was buy one get one I grabbed another that was pretty.  They had some nude shades, but nothing that I felt was noteworthy or that would work with my skintone.
 

Here's what I picked up:
- OPI Divine Swine
- OPI Gone Gonzo!
- OPI Excuse Moi!
- Pepe's Purple Passion
 

 

 

Eve's Fabulous Tarte Giveaway!

For those of you who use LUUUX, you should know who Eve is.  She posts great informative posts - both reviews and hauls on her LUUUX page as well as on her beauty blog. She's been gracious enough to offer a giveaway for each month so far this year and this months giveaway is a Tarte deluxe sample set of a blush and bronzer.  Two great products that I have been eager to try myself.  If you don't follow her already, check out her blog: http://xoxobeautyxoxo.blogspot.com/

Note: Image is not mine, it belongs to Eve Nguyen

$7.60 Nike Fit & Yoga Pant Haul

$7.60 is all I spent out of pocket for these two items and not due to a gift certificate or anything. I went to Bob's because they had sent me a $10 off your purchase birthday voucher in the mail. I figured I'd get a pair of Croc sandals that I wanted, but looking thru their selection they did not have any in my size. I headed over to the clothing department and found some yoga pants on clearance for $10. I snagged those because I LOVE yoga pants -- and I grabbed this tribal top for $12. Upon getting home and trying it on, it fit very oddly and accentuated my hiatal hernia so I decided to return it.

Anyway, while in the store I then headed over to the sneaker section because I had been looking for a pair of lighter Nike or Puma shoes that would be lightweight enough to wear to zumba class without making my already large feet feel like cement blocks. I browsed around and found one pair for $90, they were nice but not something I was in love with and for $90 I wanted to love them. After walking around I stumbled upon the clearance section. I found two pairs of Nike's in my size, a pair of Nike Fits and Nike Frees. Both were marked $45 with the sign on the wall stating additional discounts will be rung up at the register. I brought both up with me figuring I'd get 2 for the price of one and a pair of dress shoes for my boyfriend. The first pair rang up $30 and upon wearing them at home I had to return them they were soooooooo uncomfortable after 10 minutes on. I didn't quite realize it until I was able to look at my receipt, but the girl at the register was chatting away to me and mistaking rang thru the shirt I purchased [and ended up returning] twice instead of ringing up the shirt and then the pair of sneakers. So I got the sneakers for $12!

I had a 20% off your entire purchase coupon I printed off Bob's website and I used my $10 off your purchase coupon. Subtracting my boyfriends shoes and the 2 items I ended up returning both of these items cost me $7.60! Craziness, right!?

Target Hauling is just oh so easy

This here is just a number of the products I had picked up at Target on two separate trips (back to back, mind you -- I have a horrible illness). I have been on a total body wash and shampoo kick as of late -- trying different products, seeing what I like and what I don't. So in that mode (of crazinesss) I picked up a number of personal care items at Target. I have been wanting the Aveeno peach ginger body wash but I straight up REFUSE to pay nearly $6 for a bottle of body wash. Nope, not going to happen, regardless of how obsessed I am with the smell. So what do I do? Obsessively smell all the body washes in the body wash aisle to try to find one that's similar (I'm telling you, I have an ILLNESS!!). I ended up picking up a Target brand and a body wash by Tone. Both are similar to one another in certain ways, but different and they're not a dead ringer for the Aveeno, but they are along the same notes -- but the Aveeno smells like heaven in a bottle. I then grabbed a 2 pack of the Dove Gentle Exfoliating bars because I had read on LUUUX a few times that it's great to wash your face with. I had just thrown out my face exfoliating brush and picked another up and wanted something to use with it. Then I've been on this kick about trying to find products that are going to help promote 1) volume or 2) lengthening. My hair grows oh so slowly and cutting it up to my chin many moons ago, my hair is finally shoulder level. I considered picking up that Mane & Tail shampoo but I just can't do it since it's sold in the pet department. Subconsciously that bothers me but many people claim it does lengthen their hair ... so maybe one day ... but just not right now. So because of that I picked up some Garnier Lengthening & Strengthening shampoo. I had a $1 off manufacturer coupon so it brought the price down under $3 & it was a large sized bottle. And I grabbed 2 things of mints off the clearance shelf. My boyfriend smokes cigarettes and I'm obsessed with having him eat mints and I tend to eat them while I'm annoyed in traffic (keeps my mouth busy so I don't yell at people HAHA).

NOTM: On a Trip with a Divine Swine ;)

 

 

 

 

These are my nails at the current moment.  I had removed my polish last night in hopes to try out my Magnetix polish, after applying a coat on my hand I found I just did NOT like the effects and removed it immediately.  By then I had too much to do to begin repainting my nails and gearing up to go to bed.  So I opted to just put a clear coating on my nails and hit the hay.  Today, I opted to paint my nails since I was able to get all the household things I needed to get taken care of.

I wanted to try something new, so I used my Wet n Wild shade and then wanted an accent nail.  So I grabbed Divine Swine off the shelf because I just recently hauled it and it was a perfect excuse to try it out.  When I started putting on my base coat, I asked my boyfriend what nail(s) should be my accent nail(s) he said middle, as he usually says LOL.  I then said ring and middle and he said something about the sign language sign for I Love You.  I ended up liking that idea and I did my pinky and pointer finger.  I opted to not do the thumb but even without the thumb, it's still my "I Love You" nail look.

The products I used:
1 coat Milani Smoothe Base Coat
2 coats Wet n Wild On a Trip
3 coats (on 2 fingers) of OPI Divine Swine
1 coat Milani Glosse Top Coat