Review: Lancome DreamTone

I received a sample bottle of Lancome DreamTone which is the lines ultimate dark spot corrector for the purpose of review. I have suffered from acne and pigmentation issues due to acne and scarring for a very long time. I had not really branched out to try any lightening/dark spot correcting products as I’m in a constant battle of finding the correct line of products that will work on curing my acne. But when I was invited to take part of this campaign, I was delighted. I’ve heard amazing things about the L’Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector and have wanted to give that a try (I only bring this up because L’Oreal is owned by Lancome).

PACKAGING & PRICE

The product is packaged in a sleek pink to burgundy colored bottle, with a silver lid that you twist to one side to reveal the products dispenser pump. I like this design because you can feel it “click” open and closed and if the top isn’t fully clicked into “open” the product will not dispense. I feel the design itself makes this a relatively safe product to travel with. The bottle itself is a hard plastic bottle, which has a decent weight to it.

Each bottle contains 1.3 fl ounces of product and can be purchased for $98.

PRODUCT

The product is sold in three skin-tone appropriate formulas (fair, medium and dark). Each customized shade targets specific skin issues, while also coming in a shade that is appropriate and unnoticeable on the skin. For fair tones it’s customized to treat dark spots, uneven skin tone and redness.  For medium skin tones it’s customized to treat dark spots, uneven skin tone and sallowness (a yellow-looking complexion). Whereas for dark skin tones it is customized to treat dark spots, uneven skin tone and acne & blemish marks.  It is formulated without the use of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.  According to the brand and its trials conducted these are the results they found:

 

“IMMEDIATELY:

• 74% saw glowing skin*

7 DAYS:
• 70% noticed a more even skin tone*

4 WEEKS:
• 69% saw the appearance of dark spots reduced*

8 WEEKS:
• 78% saw color imperfections reduced*”

The product itself pumps out of the container in precisely just the right amount of product. You’re not left with an overwhelming amount of product. I simply dab the product all over my face and neck then blend it in wit my fingertips.  The color of the product will vary depending on the type (based on your skin tone) you purchased.  The product for medium skin is a pink shade. 

The product does have a fragrance to it, which I find to be completely delightful. It smells of roses and it’s very elegant and girly. I can smell the product on my face for a few minutes after application, but the scent quickly dissipates or perhaps it becomes unnoticeable to me.

Applying the product to my face, I apply a pump to the back of my hand, then use my fingertip to dab the product all over my face for even application. I then use my fingertips and gently massage the serum into my skin. I can wear this with or without makeup. I want to point out that I have oily skin and this does not make me extra oily or shiny. After the product is applied to the skin, you can almost immediately notice a glowy look to the skin. A few minutes after its set, that glow is more apparent. It’s not a shiny glow … it just makes me look more awake, it evens out my skin tone, and truly does tone down the appearance of dark spots/pigmentation issues on my skin. It also leaves my skin feeling luxurious - very smooth and silky to the touch.

PURCHASING

The Lancome DreamTone is available for purchase at select high-end retailers such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor and Sephora.  The product can also be purchased online at many of these retailers’ websites, as well as through HSN (Home Shopping Network) as well as though the Lancome website.

OVERALL

I am quite enjoying Lancome DreamTone and am finding it makes my face smooth and glowy. I will admit there have been days where I forgot to apply it at night or in the morning, so there have been days where I’ve only used it once.  But nonetheless I have enjoyed seeing the results. I’m not an everyday makeup wearer so I’ve been pleasantly surprised and quite thrilled with the results I see. My face can look tired, particularly when I’m feeling under the weather and DreamTone has completely given my face and skin a whole new life. Concurrent acne troubles aside, I feel my face is brighter, warmer and the focus is less on the current acne breakouts when wearing the product. I also like the fact that I can put this on my face and NOT have to follow up with a full face of makeup.

Since the DreamTone serums are broken down into color profiles to cater to specific skin concerns; I honestly feel as though I would benefit better from a combination of the medium and dark serums. My skin is medium/tan – but I have redness around my cheeks and nose, uneven skin coloring, sallowness (yellow-looking skin). My skin tone also gets darker in the spring/summer months, but regardless of that I also have blemish marks on my face from acne that I would like to give the 1-2-punch. Admittedly two bottles of DreamTone in different shades would be a pretty penny out of my wallet, but I may pay a Macy’s counter a visit while in the mall and ask for a sample and give it a try. If I like the results from the dark serum I’ll gladly purchase a bottle in that shade range.

QUESTION:

Have you tried the Lancome DreamTone?

Disclaimer: I received a sample bottle of Lancome DreamTone for the purpose of review. Even though I received this product for free, I want to note that this does not alter my opinion of the product in any way.

Review: Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF15

I received a tube of Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream for reviewing purposes from Influenster.  I admit I was quite excited because I have been eyeing the new Olay Fresh Effects line at Target for weeks upon weeks, but kept telling myself I didn’t need anything right now.  Upon opening my box and realizing I received the Light to Medium shade I was a little hesitant.  Typically I purchase medium to deep BB creams since my skin is really no where near light, but I decided I’d give it a go.  Worst case scenario I’d have to wash my face after application if it didn’t match..

PACKAGING & PRICE

Product is packaged in a long, sleek 2.5 fl ounce tube.  It has a twist off cap which allows for easy control of how much product you dispense onto your hand.  I do enjoy how thin the tube is, which makes storing a lot easier because nobody truly enjoys big bulky packaging.  Price wise, it of course varies depending on where you shop.  Typically prices range anywhere between $10.97 up to $13.99.

PRODUCT

After looking into the product, low and behold, it is only sold in two color combinations: Fair to Light and Light to Medium.  The Light to Medium was suitable for my skin tone. I have not gotten much sun this spring and summer so I’m on the lighter side of the spectrum but if I were to catch any sun this product would be too light for my face – but I could potentially make it work with a good amount of bronzer.  The BB cream itself does have a very pleasant sent to it.  I was expecting a chemically smell that sometimes comes with foundations/BB creams, but this one was a very clean scent almost florally.  It kind of reminded me of mountain rain scented laundry detergent (I love that scent, so that’s a good thing!).  The scent certainly doesn’t linger, as you begin to massage the product into your face, the scent dissipates, or at least becomes far less apparent.

PURCHASING

This is available for purchase at all retail pharmacy locations – CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, while it’s also available at supercenters such as Target, Walmart and Kmart.  It can also be purchased from select online retailers such as Drugstore.com, Walmart.com, and Amazon.

OVERALL

Overall, I find the BB Cream is okay but nothing to brag about.  I prefer a medium coverage BB Cream but this particular BB cream is very light coverage.  It did cover a tiny bit of redness on my face (around my nose) but it didn’t cover my acne scars or even any of my current acne flare ups.  I realize BB creams are not designed to conceal blemishes, but I find with my Garnier BB cream, it has more coverage and will conceal my acne far more than the Olay Fresh Effects did.  It does leave my face feeling moisturized although it is very unforgiving for oily skinned individuals (which is me to a T).  This is undoubtedly a product I need to wear a powder with to reduce the sheen that shines through almost instantly after application.  This is a give or take product for me … it’s not something I love, but it’s not something I hate neither.

RATING

C

Goody Ouchless Hair Ribbons

I received a pack of Goody Ouchless Hair Ribbons from Influenster for review purposes.  I admit when I received these, I was intrigued because I have heard so many great things about hair ribbons. Since I tend to wear my hair back in a ponytail, bun, etc. I felt I’d get some good use out of these.

Because I always have my hair tied back I am constantly purchasing hair elastics.  Goody makes some of the best particularly their Ouchless line.  I remember growing up and having hair elastics with the metal connector and it’d get tangled in my hair and rip portions of my hair out.  Trying to avoid that as much as possibly, I only purchase smooth edged hair elastics.

Firstly, these hair ribbons are adorable.  They fit perfectly over the wrist and give your arm some décor and I find they fit a lot nicer over the wrist and don’t “cut” into the wrist as regular elastics tend to do. The hair ribbons act as regular hair elastics do – you simply tie your hair back angling the end of the ribbon wherever you wish.  I find the ribbons do keep my hair back and they don't stretch out as easily as regular hair elastics

These are good for any age, at least in my opinion and come in a wide variety of colors to go with any outfit. Or if you’re into that sort of thing you can just wear them as “arm candy”.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Goody Ouchless Hair Ribbons?

Review: Trader Joe’s Moisturizing Cream Shave in Honey Mango

I purchased this moisturizing shaving cream from Trader Joe’s after someone I went to high school with had asked me if I tried it yet since she had seen my love for Trader Joe’s on my Instagram journey.  On one of my trips, I decided to pick it up.  I am constantly battling dry skin on my legs and arms, particularly in the summer and winter months so I wanted to make sure to grab a hold of this to try it out since some shave creams/gels, etc., can make me quite itchy afterwards and even dry my legs.

PACKAGING & PRICE

The cream comes packaged in a squeeze bottom tube which contains 8 fl oz of product and is geared towards use for both men and women.  I do want to point out, make sure you don’t accidentally place something that’s heavier than the cream on top of it because – as with any squeeze bottom product, the top seal can separate (pop).  The product won’t seep out if it’s stood upright, but it’s something to keep in mind since I accidentally “popped” the top of mine. Price wise, I want to say these are $5.39 at Trader Joe’s.

PRODUCT

The product is dispensed is an opaque white color and has a very nice scent.  It’s a honey mango scent, but it’s definitely in no way over powering – which I can see why it would be geared towards both men and women.  I do not find it leaves a lingering scent on the skin but it definitely leaves my skin feeling moisturized.  It contains aloe vera and vitamin E init – while it is also paraben free and 100% vegetarian.  I do want to point out that a little goes a long way.  This doesn’t lather up in your hands; it acts more as a lotion when you’re applying it in the shower. It’ll smooth over your legs, under arms, etc., and all you have to do is wet your razor (and your leg beforehand – obviously) and you’re good to go.

PURCHASING

The item is available to purchase exclusively at Trader Joe’s locations in the (I’ll call it) “Health & Beauty” section.  I also spotted this for sale on Amazon in a 2-pack, but it’s way overpriced and I do not suggest purchasing it that way.

OVERALL

I think this is a fantastic shaving cream.  It’s moisturizing, paraben free, smells amazing and a little goes a long way.  It’s probably one of my most long lasting shaving creams I’ve purchased, since you really have control as to how much product you are getting out of the tube. With most shave creams, that come in pump or can form, you have to just hope what you pump into your hand is not too much (which in my case, always is).  But nonetheless I can’t say one bad thing about this shave cream – I simply love it!

RATING

A

QUESTION:

Have you tried the Trader Joe’s Honey Mango moisturizing shave cream?

Review: Viva by Fergie Eau de Parfum Spray

I purchased this Fergie perfume through Avon after smelling the scent on one of those “scratch and sniff” sort of pages in the catalog.  I went into knowing that the scents are not always true to what you smell in the book, but I found that the scent lingered on my skin for quite a while and that it appeared to be very attractive against my bodies’ chemistry.

I purchased the fragrance at an introductory $19.99 (I believe it is not $29.99 in recent catalogs).  The bottle itself holds 1.7 fl oz of product.  I am not the greatest at explaining scents, so the scent described in the catalog is as such: “A sexy contradiction of captivating cool herbs spiked with fresh lavender and intriguing vetiver.”

The fragrance is packaged in a clear glass bottle, with a silver triangular accent down the middle along with a pull off top. The liquid is a pretty lavender shade, which does not transfer, it applies to the skin and clothing clear.

The scent itself is, at least on my skin, a long lasting one.  I spritz it on in the morning and I can smell it on me throughout the afternoon.  It’s a “stronger scent”, not overly bold, but it’s just beautifully balanced to showcase its presence and beautifulness.  There’s a bit of a “spicy” element to it, thanks to the herbs, which I very much like, while it’s also soft enough to let the floral scent be noticed.  It’s undoubtedly a unique, layered scent that I’ve grown to love very much.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Fergie perfumes sold through Avon?

BzzAgent Review: Lysol Touch of Foam

When I was invited to take part of the BzzAgent Lysol Touch of Foam BzzCampaign I have to say I was QUITE excited!

I happen to be obsessed with washing my hands.  It was something my mother grilled into me from an early age.  It's not truly an “obsession”, but if my hands feel dirty or if I've been touching things that aren't that clean (like in a dusty store, etc.) I feel "itchy" and have to wash my hands.  Because of this, my hands have gotten quite beaten up over the last year.  I work with a lot of paper at work and that mixed with the constant washing of my hands and the colder environment has truly wrecked my hands.  I have been looking for a soap that would not tear my hands apart or just further accentuate the roughness of my hands and I'm pretty sure I found my new holy grail.

From the first time I used this soap I have been hooked.  I’ve been looking for a soap that would not dry out my skin and this one does not do that.  It actually hydrates and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and as if I’ve just applied layers of lotion.  It also leaves a very gorgeous scent on my skin which lingers for a while.  It’s very soft and subtle, so it’s definitely not something that someone would smell on you from across the room.  It just makes me feel clean and fresh.  It definitely tones down the roughness on my hands, particularly where my skin is “cracking” due to my skin being beat up so much.  Completely fabulous!

I can’t rave about this hand soap any more … I need to stock up when it goes on sale.

<img src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/lysolFoam.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=6892916909&Campaign=5870103448&Uid=1278590&token=ad47c8f546c755082282fc58b9c5a3c0" alt=""/>

Review: Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil for Hair, Body & Face

I received this bottle of Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil for Hair, Body & Face for reviewing purposes.  I admit from the moment I received my campaign invitation I was duly excited!  Oils are so good for your skin and hair and to have a product that can be used in multiple fashions? Score!  Upon receipt I decided to play it safe and use it first on my body before I ventured into my face OR my hair.  After trying it, I have to say I am VERY glad I went that route before trying this anywhere other than my arms and hands.

PACKAGING & PRICE

The product is packaged in a yellow and green plastic squirt bottle which contains 5 fl oz of product.  The bottle is very sleek and slim which provides easy storing capabilities.  The squirt bottle seems to hold up well, even when dispensing the oil – I have not had any problems with the oil leaking or dribbling out of the bottle after dispensing.  The price ranges store to store but can be found anywhere between $4.79-5.99.

PRODUCT

The product is a clear – or it may have a tinge of yellowness to it (it’s hard to tell due to packaging).  It has a slight citrus scent to it, but it’s very mellow and not even relatively overpowering.  According to the bottle it has 3 nutritive fruit oils: olive, avocado and shea.  It is geared towards being a multi-use oil for hair, body and face which is rapidly absorbing to treat dryness for healthy looking hair and skin.

While I feel it was rapidly absorbing (meaning it doesn’t take long for it to “absorb” into the skin – you are left with an oily substance on your skin (and possibly even in your hair).  Because of this I would suggest, if you are looking for a multi-use oil, use this product at night and gingerly wash it off your skin and out of your hair the next morning.  Otherwise you may look like a greasy, shiny mess if you go out with it on.

PURCHASING

The Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition can be purchased at almost all major retailers that sell Garnier items: CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Wal-Mart.  It can also be found on websites such as Drugstore.com, CVS.com, Walgreens.com, Walmart.com, etc.

OVERALL

Due to the natural oily residue I found this left on my skin I would not recommend this to anyone (who like myself) does not like a greasy/oily residue on their skin after applying a product.  I tend to go for oils and lotions which do the job without me feeling like I have to wipe my hand/skin down on a towel to rid myself of the “slimy” feeling.

The product does absorb quickly into the skin, but I left this almost, silicone like texture to my skin after smoothing it into my skin.  It was a little odd.  I am big on textures, etc., so it was just uncomfortable feeling for me so I would not recommend this.

RATING

C

<img src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/tripleNutritionOil.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=0606756736&Campaign=2222899272&Uid=1278590&token=f5a880494092fdd4a6df7ae886d30ee3" alt=""/>

Goody Tangle Fix

I spotted this Goody TangleFix gentle detangler brush at Walmart last week after almost purchasing the Tangle Teaser on Amazon.  Originally I found it (the Tangle Teaser) for $9.99 on Amazon and when I went to order it, it was $19.99 – err, put the brakes on – NO thank you at that price.  So when browsing around Walmart, I decided to head down the brush aisle (which I typically don’t do) and gasped when I saw this.  I grabbed it, put it in my cart, finished up my shopping and ran home.  It was under $8 and after using it, it was worth every single penny.

When I grow my hair out, my hair gets tangled quite easily.  When my hairs shorter I can comb the tangles out without a problem – but when my hair grows past my shoulders, forget it.  If I don’t slather conditioner into my hair while washing, I end up tugging my hair with my brush when I’m combing it through.

I have used this both wet and dry and I have to say it works perfectly both ways!  No pain, no tugging, just a quick and easy brushing.  The design of the brush simply gets rid of the tangles without tugging at my hair.  I don’t know how it does it – or the mechanics of it, but it’s phenomenal and I’m SO glad I have this in my life now. Worth the investment AND the hunt if you’re looking for something to make combing your hair a breeze.

QUESTION:

Have you purchased a detangler brush?

REVIEW: L’Oreal Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream

I received a tube of the L’Oreal Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream in the shade 814 Medium for reviewing purposes from SheSpeaks.  Out of all the B.B. Creams on the market the only one I have dabbled into has been the Garnier, which I have enjoyed.  Soon after the B.B. craze spread throughout the drugstore and out of all the brands out there (not those released this year) the one I have heard the most about was the L’Oreal.  Because of the things I have heard I was looking forward to giving this a try.

PACKAGING & PRICE

The product is packaged in a sleek thin tube that contains 1.0 fl oz of product.  The tube has a twist cap which is easy to maneuver.  Prices range store to store, but typically it retails anywhere between $10.99 - $7.96 (the lower price being Wal-Mart, the more expensive being drugstore pricing).

PRODUCT

The look of the B.B. cream when squirted onto your hand looks unlike the other B.B. creams out there.  This one is white with little bead-like things in it. When you apply the cream to your face the little beads (which contain the pigment) “burst” and the color is applied to your face.  The texture of the cream is drier than the Garnier (that I use) and “absorbs” into your face a lot faster.

The packaging claims the B.B. Cream provides four beautifying actions: primes, perfects, hydrates and corrects.  I found it did correct the tone of my face although I didn’t feel it hydrated my face.  Lately, I’ve had a few drier patches on my face (due to my acne treatment and using my Clarasonic) and it accentuated those areas – whereas the rest of my face where I’m typically oily it didn’t make me look crazy oily.

Coverage wise, I’d say this is very sheer – and if I wanted to stretch that I’d say it’s a light coverage.  It did not cover my acne spots; it did not cover any discolorations on my face (dark spots).  It did cover up some of the slight redness I have on my face and it did make my skin one shade (outside of dark spots and acne spots).

I did find that when taking photos with this B.B. cream on my face it does provide a significant white-cast.  Looking at my face in person you would not be able to tell there was anything on my skin but in photographs my face is significantly whiter.

PURCHASING

This can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Amazon.com, and Drugstore.com.  As always check your stores availability because all pharmacy/retail locations carry different products geared towards their different audiences.

OVERALL

I found this B.B. cream to be decent. It’s not a product I would run out to replenish if I used it all up – I think my heart lays with Garnier in the B.B. cream department.  The product did a good job neutralizing the color of my face but I would definitely need to use a concealer with this.  Not sure how this would stand up during the summer or on a muggy day – of course with it being so cold where I live I cannot accurately judge that portion of it.  I’d give this a thumbs up.

RATING

B

REVIEW: Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil

I received a bottle of Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil from BzzAgent for reviewing purposes.  I have to say because I have oily hair I was a little concerned with how this would pan out in the end.  I have never used oils in my hair but I was pleasantly surprised.

PACKAGING & PRICE

The product is packaged in a plastic 3 fl. oz bottle.  The bottle has a little pump head, which is pretty amazing for an oil.  It doesn’t leak, it doesn’t drip, and it gives you the exact pump quantity of product into your hand.  It also has a cap on the top which keeps the product from squirting all over the place when storing.  Price wise it varies store to store, but you can pick it up anywhere between $5.98 to $7.09.

PRODUCT

The best thing about this product is the styling oil is a little thicker so it doesn’t dribble all over your hand once pumped. It doesn’t have a very strong smell, definitely not something you can smell on your hair once applied.  It has a faint smell in the bottle   I’m not the greatest with scents, so I’m having a hard time explaining what it smells – but it’s definitely nothing offensive and it’s so light, and you only apply 2-3 pumps of the oil in your hair at a time so it’s not something that’s going to linger/overpower.

This does NOT make my hair oily, which I strongly appreciate.  I have rather healthy hair (I don’t color my hair, don’t blow dry it, don’t curl it, etc.) which is naturally shiny on its own, but I find this gives it a little extra of a healthy shine to it.  It is a multi-use product and can be used in the hair a few different ways: before shampooing as a shine treatment, after showering for styling or on dry hair as a finisher.

If you are going to use it as a shine treatment, it’s recommended that you apply 2-3 pumps of product into 3 sectioned off areas of dry hair.  You should leave it in for 5-7 minutes and then shampoo it out.  I have not tried this recommendation as my hair is typically shiny enough so I go for the after the shower for styling.  With that you apply 2-3 pumps into damp hair from mid-shaft of your hair down.  Once it’s evenly distributed you style your hair as you wish.  The part I love is I can let my hair air dry with this and it doesn’t get all over my clothes etc. because it absorbs rather instantaneously.  The last way you can use it is to apply to dry hair where you apply 1-2 pumps and massage into the dry areas of your hair, avoiding your roots.

I find after use my hair is so much softer and it tends to style a lot easier once dry.  I typically pull my hair up into a bun and I’m finding when I do that after using this product my hair tends to spiral curl (which I LOVE).  Overall, two thumbs up!

PURCHASING

This can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Amazon.com, Soap.com, and Drugstore.com.  As always check your stores availability because all pharmacy/retail locations carry different products geared towards their different audiences.

RATING

A

REVIEW: Covergirl Blast Flipstick

As a part of BzzAgent I was invited into the Covergirl Blast Flipstick BzzCampaign.  Upon receiving my BzzBox I was provided an information packet, 3 flipsticks and coupons to share with anyone and everyone.  I was quite surprised to see 3 tubes of lipstick in my package and I was even more surprised that all the shades I received would work very well with my skintone!  The three shades I’ll be reviewing are: Minx, Stunner and Vixen.

PACKAGING & PRICE

The product is packaged into double ended stick – which has a separate shade at each end.  Each tube contains .134 oz of product.  Suggested retail price is $8.49 but of course with store sales and coupons you can get them for a lot less.  They’re also less at stores such as Target ($7.99) and Walmart ($7.98).

PRODUCT

There are two lipstick shades available in each flipstick – one being a cream shade and the other a shimmer shade.  The lipstick shades can be worn individually or worn together and/or blended together to create a unique look (ombre anyone?) for any and all individuals.  Within the line there are 13 different flipsticks available with a number of different shade options.  In this case Minx is a mixture of deep brown and gold, Stunner is a mix of bright pink and gold and Vixen is a mixture of burgundy and a pearl pink shades.  From the swatches you can see the shimmer in one shade, while the cream shade in the other swatch.

PURCHASING

The Covergirl brand of Flipsticks can be purchased at all major pharmacy retailers (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) while they can also be purchased at stores such as Target and Walmart.  They are also available for purchase online at Ulta (they may be available in store as well but I don’t shop at Ulta so I cannot confirm), Walgreens.com, CVS.com, and Drugstore.com.

OVERALL

I find these to be nice lipsticks, they are very smooth and easy to apply.  The color payoff is stellar as it only takes a swipe to get a true color saturation on your lips.  Of course it may take two or three swipes across the lip to fully fill the lip in – but overall it’s a great payoff.  If you choose to go that route, the shades are easily blendable and it certainly brings the intensity of the darker shade down a bit, while also bringing sheen to the lips.  It has a generic lipstick scent, but it’s not gross or plasticy.  They are certainly a nice product, but they can most certainly be daring depending on the color shades you choose to work with.  Even the darkest shade (Minx) can be toned down into a nice shimmery deep brown.

RATING

B

<img src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/blastflipstick.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=8685210688&Campaign=1937617816&Uid=1278590&token=6c7920614fd02dacc9360a2a58370872" alt=""/>

REVIEW: Bye Bye Blemish Drying Lotion

I had been looking into the Mario Badescu acne care line and noticed they had a drying lotion.  I looked into it (as there are many different items for their acne care/control) and I read that this product is similar – if not the same thing as the Mario Badescu drying lotion.  The general gyst of what I read about the product is that it contains all the same ingredients and is pretty much the same end result.  Since the Bye Bye Blemish sells for about 1/3 of the price of the Mario Badescu I decided to order the Bye Bye Blemish to see if it’d work.

PACKAGING & PRICE

When purchased, the product comes packaged in a cardboard box which houses a glass 1 oz container.  The vial contains a clear liquid and a pink substance which settles to the bottom of the vial.  The trick is to keep the vial up right to ensure the product stays separated.  Pricing varies depending on where it’s purchased – typically the price ranges between $5.59 to $9.99.  If purchasing online you can get a percentage (varying store to store) of cash back by using websites such as Ebates, etc.  If you don’t have an ebates account you can sign up for one using my referral link: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=ky2d7dwKtlCkZT5PXSb8mw%3D%3D

PRODUCT

The Bye Bye Blemish Drying Lotion is to be used on top of present acne on the face.  The bottle should not be shaken or stirred – it should be kept upright to allow the sediment (the pink product) to rest at the bottom of the vial.  I will say it has a bit of an annoying sulfur smell (the product does contain 10% sulfur!), it can be obnoxious but the scent does fade after it’s been on your face.  It’s not ghastly to the point I feel nauseous but it is an unpleasant scent for a few minutes (particularly if I am applying under my nose or around my mouth).

Before applying the product you should cleanse and dry your face.  You should then use a clean Q-tip and insert it into the vial, the tip of the Q-tip picking up some of the pink substance.  You then apply that substance on top of any pimples on the face.  Do not re-dip the used Q-tip into the container – use another q-tip or flip it over and use the other side of the Q-tip.  Leave the product on your acne spots overnight and wash off the next morning during your normal skincare routine.

The product states use is okay on sensitive skin.  I will say, I have sensitive skin and have not had an allergic reaction to this product.  I do want to point out, according to Bye Bye Blemish: “This overnight spot treatment rapidly reduces the size and severity of pimples. Salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells, allowing the all-natural drying agents to penetrate pores and treat infection.”

PURCHASING

The product is available at select stores – but I was not able to locate it at a few of my local pharmacies that are supposed to carry it (stores around me carry select products depending on shelf availability/demand).  Since I was not able to find it in a physical store, the online stores that do carry it are: Ulta.com, Amazon.com, CVS.com, Drugstore.com, Walgreens.com, and Vitacost.com.

OVERALL

I have to say hands down, this is one of the best over the counter acne products I have purchased and tried in a very long time.  I was a little skeptical at first as to if this was going to work, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and have used it since purchasing on any trouble spots that erupt on my face.  This is not a miracle cure, it is not going to completely rid you of acne, but it will help.  I do notice after applying and waking up the next morning, I find the smaller pimples I applied the product to are gone.  Whereas on my larger acne spots (and even some of my cystic acne spots) I find it may take a couple uses before those are minimized. I will say I do find it’s useful to exfoliate the morning after use to help get any dead skin cells off your face.  You will notice the spots the Bye Bye Blemish was applied to the skin will just kind of “glide” off with your fingernail – so definitely exfoliate!  I cannot say enough good things about this product other than I hope to dabble into a little more of the Bye Bye Blemish skincare line.

RATING

A+

REVIEW: Lush ➡ Cupcake Fresh Face Mask

This is a review waiting to happen, but better late than never, right?  My last haul at Lush was kind of an unexpected one.  I went in to get some treatment for my hands and left with a slew of products – one of those products being the Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask.  This mask is packaged into containers, which are refrigerated, so this can only be purchased within a Lush store location.  This also has a limited shelf life (roughly 3-weeks ~ mine was already a week into expiry when I purchased it :/).  The tub does look smaller, but it’ll give you at least 3-4 masks which will last you a good 2-3 weeks since it’s not a use everyday type of product.

PACKAGING & PRICE

The product is packaged into the signature black sleek Lush screw top containers.  The tub contains 2.1 oz of product.  It retails for $6.95 each.  I admit it can be a little pricy but I feel it’s worth the splurge once in a while.  Also the one great thing about Lush is if you save your containers (any screw top lid container) you can bring 5 empties into the store and get a FREE Fresh Face Mask. So there is incentive there if you enjoy their products!

PRODUCT

Cupcake got its name because of its distinct smell of peppermint scented cake batter.  It smells so good you want to eat it – but you shouldn’t, it’s not made for that.  It is geared towards oily, problematic (blemished) skin.  From what the company states the creator whipped up a batch for his teenage daughters slumber party and it was a hit.  Cupcake includes sandalwood oil, rhassoul mud, glycerine, linseed infusion, talc, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, fresh mint, and vanilla absolute.

The description and directions for the product are on the top of the lid: "To calm breakouts, this Rhassoul mud cleans and soothes, while cocoa butter, linseed and cocoa powder softens the skin.  Balancing peppermint, spearmint and sandalwood oils complete the effective deep cleansing experience.  Smooth onto dry skin, avoiding the eye area.  Leave for five to ten minutes, then rinse away with warm water.  Keep chilled."  The website directions are as follows: “Cleanse your face and pat dry. Smooth a good dollop of Fresh Face Mask over your entire face, making sure to avoid the eyes and mouth. Leave the mask on for five to ten minutes.  Wash off with warm water.”

PURCHASING

As previously mentioned this can only be purchased within Lush store locations.  The item is showcased on the company website, but due to this having to be refrigerated; it’s only sold in-stores.

OVERALL

I enjoy this product but the only thing I dislike is the limited shelf life.  It’s expected because the ingredients are natural – but I think part of me is just bummed because I was sold a tub that was already a week into its expiration date, which meant I had to plow through using this a lot faster than I would have liked.  The end results from the mask are quite nice.  I do notice my skin is less oily after use and it’s not very oily in the morning either.  It’s not drying as most oil calming products are.

I will say, I’ve used this as directed, cleansing my face and drying, then applying the mask.  Since the mask is refrigerated it is cold when you apply it, but it warms to your skin tone.  As it sits you can feel the slight tingling from the mint.  After 10 minutes I do rinse this off.  Sometimes I find it easier to just jump into the shower to rinse it off or I’ll rinse my face over the sink.

RATING

B+

REVIEW: The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

I picked up this Tea Tree Face Mask at The Body Shop kind of on the fly a number of months back.  I was talking to the girl that works in one of my local stores (she and I suffer from similar acne problems and have taken similar dermatologist prescribed medications).  So to say I trust her opinion is a pretty solid statement.  She’s even steered me away from purchasing certain things so that’s customer service to say the least.  I was looking for a couple different things and this mask was recommended to me by the girl in the store so I picked it up.  She did advise you can use it different ways, as a mask, as a cleanser, etc.  I even read a few different reviews on The Body Shop website with how people use it.  Some find they like to put it on then get in the shower and then wash it off.  I use it in a combination of ways and each has been pretty positive for me.

PACKAGING & PRICE

The product comes packaged in a round screw lid tub which contains 3.85 ounces of product.  This retails for $15 but The Body Shop is known for constantly running buy 2 get 2 free sales or buy 3 get 3 free sales.  Currently they are running a store and site-wide 50% off sale so this is selling for $7.50.  Groupon also pairs up with The Body Shop to offer $20 Groupons for the store – so you’d spend $10 and have $20 taken off your bill – further reducing your payout.

PRODUCT

The product itself is a bright green moderately thick cream.  It does have a distinct tea tree scent to it, which can tickle your sense of smell if you get close to it.  This is featured in the tea tree line which is geared towards individuals with problem skin (acne blemishes).  This is geared towards being a mask but it can be a multi-use product and everyone who uses it, uses it in different ways that they find works best for them.  The product is a cooling face mask with cleanses, soothes and refreshes the skin.  It aids in removing impurities and absorbing excess oil.  I will say it does all of these things and more.

PURCHASING

This can be purchased from any The Body Shop store location, The Body Shops online website and Beauty.com.  I have also seen The Body Shop products sold at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s locations – but it’s really hit or miss as it depends on what they receive in and how quickly they sell.

OVERALL

As I’ve stated this can be a multi-purpose face mask/cleanser.  According to the product you should “Smooth a thin layer onto pat-dried skin, clean face and neck with your fingertips. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes (mask will not dry). Then rinse off with clean water and pat skin dry. Use once or twice per week, after cleansing.”  I’ve used this as a mask and found the tingling sensation can become all too much for my skin – so I sometimes put this on my face before getting into the shower and I let the warm air mesh with the product and do it’s own thing.  I have also used this as a skin refresher after using an exfoliating face wash (whether by using a product or using a exfoliating face brush).  In this case I rub a small amount of product into my cleansed face, leave it on for a minute or two, and then rinse off.  It can leave my face a little tight feeling, but it’s nothing some moisturizer won’t ease up.

I do know if you use this product and you find it is not for you, or you’ve had a reaction to it the store will allow you to bring it back in to explain your situation and will aid in finding a new product for you that will not upset your skin/etc.

RATING

A-

Swatches: Wet n Wild Sparkle ‘Til Morning

This is Wet n Wild’s limited edition 8-pan palette Sparkle ‘Til Morning.  I have to say out of the limited edition palettes that came out this year; this has to be my absolute FAVORITE!  It’s so gorgeous, pigmented and such fun sparkly colors that can be worn all year long.  These retail for $4.99 but are usually on sale buy one get one 50% off at Walgreens.  I BELIEVE these limited edition 8-pan palettes are only available at Walgreens – but don’t quote me on that because my CVS does not sell Wet n Wild (tear).   Do note these swatches are without a primer.

If you are not familiar, the palette includes two separate “instructional” shades but you can switch it up if you’re feeling fancy.  As with most Wet n Wild 8-pan palettes one side is more colorful while the other is more of a neutral look.  Personally I completely LOVE this palette it’s just perfection.