Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Winter 2014 Walmart Beauty Box

Right before the Christmas craziness, I received my Winter 2014 Walmart Beauty Box. The Walmart Beauty Box comes out 4 times a year and costs $5, which includes shipping. Beauty boxes are just plain fun.... especially if you are a product junkie like me. I am currently only subscribed to Glossybox and was glad to add this low-priced box to the mix. I also purchase the Target Beauty Box when it is available (it always a one-time purchase box).
 
My Winter box was sample-packet heavy..... I read that there are two boxes and the one I received was intended for their more mature audience. I *did* just turn 41, but I still like color cosmetics, so I adjusted my birthdate down after getting this box to see if I get the younger box next time. Overall, I'm still happy because $5 is a great price to try so many new products.
 
 
My box contains:
  • L'Oreal Color Vibrancy Antioxidant Shampoo, Conditioner and Instant Shock Treatment (sample packet)
  • John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo and Conditioner (sample packet)
  • Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream (deluxe sample size)
  • Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Moisturizer (sample size)
  • Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (sample size)
  • Nivea Cocoa Butter Body Lotion (sample packet)
  • Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towlettes (5 wipes)
  • L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Golden Serum and Day Cream (sample packet)
  
from the website:

How does it work?

Each new season brings different product needs and a reason to refresh your beauty cabinet. In your Walmart Beauty Box, you’ll find sample beauty products and tips on how to use those and other items sold at Walmart and on Walmart.com. Receiving your Walmart Beauty Box will be another reason to welcome each new season.
 
 


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

November 2014 Glossybox

November 2014 Glossybox
(click to enlarge)


GLOSSYBOX is one of the more expensive beauty subscription services ($21 versus both Birchbox and Ipsy's $10), but the quality is so much better- these are high end brands! I also LOVE the beautiful, high quality boxes they send each month. They are great for drawer organizing or keeping craft products in.
Here's a run-down on what I received in my November 2014 box, along with the value of each product.
 
  • 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment- (Value: $5 for 1.5 oz) This is a leave-in conditioning mist. I love using products like this on my daughter's fine hair. Her hair tangles so easily and this will make her post-shower comb-out much easier.
  • Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer-  (Value: $11 for 1.5 oz) This is a great size for travel and I'll be adding it to my overnight bag to use in the evening on trips.
  • OPI Nail Lacquer in Pink Outside the GlossyBox- (Value: $9.50 for full-sized product) YAY for nail polish! Always one of my favorite things to find in a beauty box. This nail polish shade was created to match the signature pink GlossyBox subscription box and I couldn't be more excited to try it.
  • So Susan Cosmetics Universal Blush – (Value: $28 for full-sized product) This promises a healthy flush that looks great on all skin tones. I haven't tried this brand before but am sure this will become part of my blush rotation.
  • Kneipp Herbal Bath Balancing Lavender – (Value: $5.50 for 20 ml) The instructions on this bottle say to use half a bottle in a hot bath. I tried it yesterday and I had a fabulous bath- the scent was amazing! It's a somewhat scary dark blue color, but I was glad to see it doesn't leave a stain in your bathtub or on your body.
VERDICT: My box had a value of approximately $60 so I'm really pleased. All of the items are definitely be products I will use, and nail polish always makes me happy!
GLOSSYBOX also has a great point program- if you answer their survey questions on each product after you receive it, you will receive 100 points. After you have collected 1000 points, your next box is free. So after 10 months, I will have a free box.
 
They also have a referral program and if you use my link to sign up, I'll receive 200 points, getting me closer to my free box! You can do the same with your friends after you sign up. Right now, you can use the promo code THETALK to receive a get a free Tarte Lip Stain in Flush ($24 Value) with your first box.
 

Monday, December 22, 2014

October 2014 Glossybox (better late than never?)

October 2014 Glossybox
(click to enlarge)
 

GLOSSYBOX is one of the more expensive beauty subscription services ($21 versus both Birchbox and Ipsy's $10), but the quality is so much better- these are high end brands! I also LOVE the beautiful, high quality boxes they send each month. They are great for drawer organizing or keeping craft products in.

Here's a run-down on what I received in my October 2014 box, along with the value of each product.
 
Sesha Botanical Hydro Mask- (value: $9 for one mask). I've never used a sheet mask, and was excited to give this a try. I do find the price of the mask, which is just a one-time use, to be a bit high, but to me that is what these beauty boxes are for- getting to try things you might not normally buy.
 
Vince Camuto Amore perfume mini bottle- (value: $6 for .25 fl oz) I REALLY like this scent! It's both floral and fruity, but light enough that it doesn't give me a headache. I never seem to finish full-sized fragrance bottles, so I really think a mini bottle like this is right up my alley.
 
Nails Inc Westminister Bridge Matte Topcoat– (full-sized value: $15) Nails Inc recently redesigned their packaging, and the bottle included in this Glossybox is the old bottle style. Nails Inc is a great brand that's definitely a favorite of mine, so I'm glad to add this to my collection. You can see all the swathes I've done of Nails Inc shades on my nail blog.
 
Tarte Power Pigment in Awakening- (full-sized value: $24) This is quite a nude, neutral shade
and I typically prefer more color for my lip products. However, I'm trying to embrace the trend a bit so I have given it a try and found it's something I will wear from time to time.
 
Proganix Anti-Fade Weightless Argan Oil- (full-sized value: $11) Since I highlight my hair rather than color it, fading is not something I typically worry about. I'll pass this product on to my mom, who does color her hair.
 
VERDICT: My box had a value of approximately $65 so I'm really pleased. All of the items except for the Anti-Fade spray will definitely be products I will use.

GLOSSYBOX also has a great point program- if you answer their survey questions on each product after you receive it, you will receive 100 points. After you have collected 1000 points, your next box is free. So after 10 months, I will have a free box.

They also have a referral program and if you use my link to sign up, I'll receive 200 points, getting me closer to my free box! You can do the same with your friends after you sign up. Right now, you can use the promo code THETALK to receive a get a free Tarte Lip Stain in Flush ($24 Value) with your first box.
 
 


Friday, December 19, 2014

Target Cyber Monday 2014 Beauty Box

On Cyber Monday, Target offered a few special Beauty Boxes, and I purchased both the "For Her" and the "For Him" box. (These went fast and are sold out.) I have had great luck with their seasonal beauty boxes, and I hoped the Cyber Monday boxes would be just as great. Today let's look closer at the contents of the For Her box. I paid $10, and Target offered free shipping on the box. Spoiler: I think it was a great deal!
 

clockwise from top left:
  • Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum- sample packet
  • Revlon HD Lip Lacquer in Garnet- full-size; retail: $8
  • Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black- deluxe sample
  • L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza Mascara in Black- full-size; retail: $9
  • CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Quad in Smokey Nudes- full-size; retail: $4.50
  • ChapStick Total Hydration Lip Balm in Sweet Peach- full-size; retail: $3
  • Laneige Water Sleeping Mask- deluxe sample jar
  • Clairol Hair Food Thickening Solution- full-size; retail: $12
Overall, I am impressed with the value! Not taking into account the deluxe samples and sample packet, this box had full-sized products in it with a value of $36.50! It's a great way to try new products. The mascara and lip gloss are the two products I am most excited to try.
 
 
 

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Sasha's Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty


I love to receive beauty gifts- I think pretty much any makeup and nail polish lover would too! So I've put together a little guide with some great gifts for this holiday season. With the exception of one item (more on that later!), these are all products I have personally purchased and love.

$28.00 at Sephora
 
I first discovered FAB when I was looking for something to help with my son's dry cracked hands a few winters ago. He's particular about scent and doesn't like anything that leaves a greasy residue. The FAB Ultra Repair Cream was the answer and now the whole family uses it! This trio of products includes not only the Ultra Repair Cream, but also 28 Facial Radiance Pads and Face Cleanser, both great products. All FAB products are allergy-tested, fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended, and safe for even the most-sensitive skin.
 
$59.00 at Sephora
 
 
This 17 piece set is perfect for your lippie lover and includes lipsticks, glosses, liners, treatments, tars, liquids, balms, and creams in four color groups- red, pink, nude, and berry shades. It includes 14 brands carried at Sephora and is a fabulous way to try a large assortment of products for what you'd normally spend on just a few high end lip products. Some of my favorites in this set are the Fresh Sugar Berry Tinted Lip Treatment, the Bite Beauty lipstick, and the Buxom lipstick.
 
$45 at Sephora
 
This 9 piece set contains glamorous party essentials, all tucked in a festive metallic clutch. This set includes lots of super-popular products like  Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Microfinish Powder, a Smashbox lippie, and a Deborah Lippmann polish.
 
 
$54 at Sephora
 
All three of the Naked Palettes are favorites with makeup junkies, but 3 seems to be the most popular right now. The rose-hued shades included in this set are in the shade range of the minute and look great on all shin tones. Urban Decay shadows have a fantastic formula, with great staying power and pigmentation.
 

$50 at Sephora

Earlier this week on my nail blog I showed your my most expensive polish purchase to date- Rouge Louboutin. I declared it a worthy luxury purchase for any nail polish fanatic. A wand that's unique yet easy to hold, as well as a brush and formula that make application a dream make this a must-buy if you're looking to impress.
 
 
$54 at UrbanDecay.com
 
The Naked on the Run palette is the only item on my gift guide that I haven't personally tried, but it's on MY wish list! I love that it includes eye shadows, bronzer, blush, lipgloss, eyeliner, AND mascara, all in one palette. How perfect this will be for travel.
 
Purchasing tips:
The Naked on the Run palette is currently only available at the Urban Decay website, but they are currently offering free shipping on orders over $50.
 
All other items are offered at Sephora. They offer free shipping on orders over $50 as well. I would recommend going through Ebates- they have currently doubled the percentage they rebate back to you from 4 to 8%.
 
Disclosure: All product links are NOT affiliate links. The only affiliate link in this post is the Ebates link.
 


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Sasha's Family Christmas Library



It is just about time to get out my collection of Christmas books for the kids! I love reading to them at bedtime, and I especially enjoy reading holiday-themed books this time of year. Here's a list of our family favorites.


Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas - Nancy is a family favorite, and this book doesn't disappoint. This book is heavy on family and traditions, and the illustrations are delightful. It always fun to look closely at the pictures and see what we can discover.


Merry Christmas, Curious George - I have loved Curious George as long as I can remember, and this book is a favorite in my collection. George is as adorable (and as mischievous!) as ever.


Mater Saves Christmas - Such a cute story- Santa is a car of course, and his reindeer cars use special fuel that helps them fly. Chick Hicks is stealing the fuel, in hopes of using it to finally beat Lightning in race. Mater saves the day!



How the Grinch Stole Christmas! - Such a holiday classic- and Dr. Seuss stories are such fun to read.


The Night Before ChristmasIn addition to a more traditional copy of this story, we have Mary Englebreit's illustrated version and it's absolutely gorgeous! A must-have if you are a ME fan.


The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Of all our Christmas books, this is my favorite. The story is funny, easy to read, and touching. Some of the references are dated, but my kids still enjoy it. We also enjoy watching the movie as a family every year. "Hey! Unto you....." Gets me every time. *tear*


Do you have a favorite book we need to add to the Sasha Family collection?

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon referral links.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Fall 2014 Target Beauty Box

In the past, Target offered a free seasonal beauty bag with some really nice samples. Recently, they began offering the Target Beauty Box as a one-time-purchase box. It looks like it will be available a few times a year for $7. I just received mine and wanted to tell you about it because it's still available and Target is offering free shipping on every order right now! (But be sure you go through Ebates- they offer 2.5% on Target purchases.)


Target Beauty Box
Price: $7 (one time purchase)
Contains:
  • Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray (value for 2.2 oz- $6.70)
  • Fekkai Professional Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo (value for 1.7 oz- $8)
  • NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (value for .18 oz full-sized product- $4.50) 
  • L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lipstick (value for .18 fl oz full-sized product- $8)
  • Laneige BB Cushion Sample (3 samples in 3 shades) (value for one .07 oz sample- $4.75)
close-up shot of three samples of Laneige BB Cushion sample
 
I came up with a value of about $32, and I'm super happy with this box. There was also a coupon for $3 off a $15 beauty purchase at Target, but they also printed that in this past Sunday's circular.
 
I have always wanted to try Elnett Hairspray, and can always use another dry shampoo. I will definitely use the eye pencil because I've been wanting to try highlight the inner corner of my eye, and this will be perfect for that. I am also excited to try the Laneige BB Cushion sample- I love that they included all three shades so I can try the shade that works best for me.
 
The only product I am a bit disappointed in is the L'Oreal lippie- the shade I received is Nude Ballet and I normally don't wear that shade of lip color. I did give it a try and I did like the formula though- it was really moisturizing, yet didn't run outside my lip line like most glosses do.
 
If you like sample boxes like me, this is a great one to try because there is no commitment since there is no subscription. It's also nice that you know what you are getting when you place your order!
 




Monday, October 20, 2014

September 2014 Glossybox

 
GLOSSYBOX is one of the more expensive beauty subscription services ($21 versus both Birchbox and Ipsy's $10), but the quality is so much better- these are high end brands! I also LOVE the beautiful, high quality boxes they send each month. They are great for drawer organizing or keeping craft products in.

Here's a run-down on what I received in my September 2014 box, along with the value of each product.
 

BVLGARI Eau Parfumee au the vert conditioner: (value of $16 determined by another blogger- I could not find how many ounces was in my bottle, but the full size price is $45 for 6.76 fl oz) I've never tried a condition this expensive, but that is one thing I love about high-end subscription boxes- getting to try something I wouldn't normally purchase. The scent is really nice.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS Lip Tar Matte in Black Dahlia: (full size product value $18.00 for .33 oz)  OCC Lip Tars are pretty cool- just a tiny tiny tiny dot of the pigment applied with the included brush gives you a gorgeous lip with fabulous staying power. Black Dahlia is DARK so be prepared! I like a dark lip, and hell, it's Fall, so why not?

VICHY Liftactiv Night: (value: $15 for .51 fl oz) I used this in the evening where I typically use a night cream- on my cheeks where I battle hyperpigmentation, on my marionette lines, and on my forehead. It felt great on and had a nice light scent that faded quickly. My skin felt really nice the next morning.

BENEFIT They're Real! Mascara: (value: $7.67 for .1oz)  I am definitely a fan of Benefit mascaras, they are always great quality.

Essie She's Pampered: (full-sized product value: $8.50 for .46 oz)  Nail polish is my most favorite item to receive in subscription boxes, so and Essie is a favorite brand so this was totally a win. She's Pampered is from their Winter 2012 collection, but was a shade I did not already own. Application was fabulous, and 2 coats provided perfect coverage. Here's a swatch pic I took of the mani I did with it:

Essie She's Pampered (2 coats) 

VERDICT: My box had a value of approximately $65 so I'm super pleased. There are items I already know I like (nail polish, lip tar, and mascara) and the others I am excited to use.

GLOSSYBOX also has a great point program- if you answer their survey questions on each product after you receive it, you will receive 100 points. After you have collected 1000 points, your next box is free. So after 10 months, I will have a free box.


They also have a referral program and if you use my link to sign up, I'll receive 200 points, getting me closer to my free box! You can do the same with your friends after you sign up. During the month of October, if you sign up for a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, you can use the promo code GBGLAM to receive a FREE deluxe sample-sized GlamGlow Youth Mud ($19 value) with any new subscription.


#afflink

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Walmart Beauty Box- Fall 2014

I was so excited to get my first Walmart Beauty Box in the mail yesterday! At just $5 (for shipping, the box itself is free) this just can't be beat! Beauty boxes are just plain fun.... especially if you are a product junkie like me. I am currently only subscribed to Glossybox and was glad to add this low-priced box to the mix.
 
 
My box contains:
  • Clear Damage & Color Repair shampoo and conditioner (sample packet)
  • CoverGirl Continuous Color Lipstick in 425 Vintage Wine (full-size; $4.94 at Walmart)
  • Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant in Completely Clean (full-size, 2.6 oz, $11.97 at Walmart)
  • Juicy Couture Couture Couture fragrance (sample vial)
  • Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer (0.5 oz deluxe sample size)
  • L'Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Deep-Acting Moisturizer (0.5 oz deluxe sample size)
 
I understand that there were two different boxes for the Fall, but I am super happy with mine. I actually had Secret on my grocery list and was excited to be able to mark that off! The lippie is in a shade I will definitely use, and I love sample packs of shampoo and conditioner for travel. Although I'm not big on perfume samples, I love skincare from both Olay and L'Oreal, so I am looking forward to giving these deluxe samples a try. They are definitely large enough for me to get a feel for the product and whether it's a fit.
 
from the website:

How does it work?

Each new season brings different product needs and a reason to refresh your beauty cabinet. In your Walmart Beauty Box, you’ll find sample beauty products and tips on how to use those and other items sold at Walmart and on Walmart.com. Receiving your Walmart Beauty Box will be another reason to welcome each new season.
 
 


Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Riders by Lee Heavenly Touch Jeans


I bought a pair of the new Riders by Lee Heavenly Touch jeans last week and they are so soft! (I even made a friend feel them!) They are around $20 and a great value.


The pair I purchased are Mid Rise Boot Cut and they fit amazing. They come in three lengths too, so I was able to get a Petite so I wouldn't have to have them hemmed. I also have a huge problem shopping for jeans because since I have some curves (ha! some!), jeans typically gap in the back of the waist. These have a "no gap waistband" and I can attest it works.

Best of all, they feel amazing! Remember the infomercials for Pajama Jeans? The lounge pants that looked like jeans that they tried to convince us were OK to wear out and about? Well these actual jeans feel like I imagine those felt. So soft and comfy. They are actually being called "denim meets yoga pants."

They are having a cool promo where if I get 10 people to follow this link and "like" the Riders by Lee page, I will get a free pair! And then you can do the same too! They are around $20 and a great value.

*Once 10 friends have used your link, you will receive details via e-mail on how to claim your pair of Riders by Lee Heavenly Touch jeans. Your e-mail confirmation will be sent within 2 business days after qualification. Be sure to check your junk e-mail/SPAM folder if not received in that time period. To claim your pair of Riders by Lee Heavenly Touch jeans, respond to the confirmation e-mail with your size preference and your street address (no P.O. boxes) within forty-eight (48) hours of transmission of confirmation e-mail. Please allow 4-6 weeks (from date of response to confirmation e-mail) for delivery of your pair of Riders by Lee Heavenly Touch jeans.


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

August 2014 GLOSSYBOX


 
GLOSSYBOX is one of the more expensive beauty subscription services ($21 versus both Birchbox and Ipsy's $10), but the quality is so much better- these are high end brands! I also LOVE the beautiful, high quality boxes they send each month. They are great for drawer organizing or keeping craft products in.
 
Here's a run-down on what I received in my August box, along with the value of each product.
 
SpaRitual nail polish in Magnify: (full-sized product value: $12 for .5 oz)  I LOVE when subscription boxes include nail polish. It's like they KNOW ME! And isn't Magnify a gorgeous Barbie bubble-gum pink? Application was fabulous, and 2 coats provided perfect coverage. Here's a swatch pic I took of the mani I did with it:
 
 
 
Uberliss Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner: (value: conditioner- $4, shampoo- $4.30)  I tried this duo last week and sadly felt like it made my hair limp and lifeless. I'll have to try it again and give it another chance.
 
Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner:  (value: $8 for .035 oz)  Although I love pen-type eyeliners, I typically prefer softer applicators, like the Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Dark Brown. This pen-type eyeliner is black and has a more rigid applicator. Because of that, I found it a bit hard to get a fine line.... it was much easier to get a thicker line, as you can see below.
 
Kryolan for Glossybox Highlighter in Cashmere: (full-sized product value: $18.95 for .15 oz)  I haven't been a big user of highlighters, but this might change that. I LOVE how this product feels. It just glides on and blends so well. Glossybox suggest using it for the inner corners of your eye, and I think that would be perfect. You can see a swatch it of it below.
 
 
 
Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream: (value: $17 for .34 oz) I was pretty disappointed to see that this day cream doesn't have an SPF..... that's pretty much a must for me. I tried it on my hand and it does feel nice and sink in quickly. There is a bit of a flowery smell. Glossybox suggest to use this twice a day to improve elasticity and prevent the early appearance of wrinkles (too late!), but since it wouldn't be appropriate for me for the day, I will try it at night. I suspect the fragrance will be a bit of a bother to me.
 
VERDICT: This box has a value of approximately $64, and I am not as excited as I was for the July box. Of course, the nail polish is a definite win! The September box will include a mini Benefit They're Real! mascara, which I have tried before and really like. You can see October and November spoilers below as well. Yay for October- more nail polish!
 
GLOSSYBOX also has a great point program- if you answer their survey questions on each product after you receive it, you will receive 100 points. After you have collected 1000 points, your next box is free. So after 10 months, I will have a free box.
 
They also have a referral program and if you use my link to sign up, I'll receive 200 points, getting me closer to my free box! You can do the same with your friends after you sign up. During the month of October, if you sign up for a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, you can use the promo code GBGLAM to receive a FREE deluxe sample-sized GlamGlow Youth Mud ($19 value) with any new subscription.
 
Here's a sneak peek of items included in upcoming boxes:
 
 
 
#afflink

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Preteen Skincare


A friend recently asked me for some beginning skin care suggestions for her preteen. I've come up with some suggestions that I think are a great start to taking care of your skin, yet don't contain harsh anti-aging ingredients that a young girl doesn't need.

Cetaphil has long been a favorite line, and I think that's a great place to start. Their Daily Facial Cleanser (1) is unscented and won't strip your skin. The standout product in their line has to be the DermaControl Moisturizer SPF 30 (2). I've been using it for at least 6 months and love how it gives me sun protection without clogging my pores and leaving me greasy.

My friend mentioned that her daughter is self-conscious about under-eye puffiness (which I have never noticed on her!) so I looked for a product that could help with that while still being gentle. I think the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller (3) would be a good product to try.

Although I think items 1-3 would make a great skin care set, if a girl is interested in using the same line for all her skin care, Simple Skincare has a great line. Their Moisturizing Facial Wash (4) is a great basic product. I'd then recommend trying their Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15 (5), although I'd really prefer a higher SPF. As a last step, I'd suggest their Revitalizing Eye Roll-On (6).

If you've got some great preteen skin care recommendations, please let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post contains NO referral links.


Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Review: July GlossyBox

 
A few months ago, after doing quite a bit of research on beauty subscription boxes, I decided to give GLOSSYBOX a try. In the past, I have subscribed to both Birchbox and Ipsy, but discontinued those because I seemed to get products that I never used.
 
GLOSSYBOX is more expensive ($21 versus both Birchbox and Ipsy's $10), but the quality is so much better- these are high end brands! I also LOVE the beautiful, high quality boxes they send each month. They are great for drawer organizing or keeping craft products in.
 
Here's a run-down on what I received in my July box, along with the value of each product.
 
Mitchell and Peach Body Cream: (value: $14 for 1.4 fl oz) Sadly, I did not care for the scent of this product. In fact, I had to wash my hands after using it to get the lingering smell off. I'll be passing this on to someone else. It did leave my hands feeling nice and moisturized.
 
GLAMGLOW® YOUTHMUD® TINGLEXFOLIATE TREATMENT: (value: $20 for .5 fl oz) I am a big GLAMGLOW fan! Their masks are amazing and make my skin feel fabulous! If your skin is very sensitive, this might not be for you, but to me this 10 minute mud mask feels great and my skin feels so clean and refreshed after using it.           
 
Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm:  (value: $7 for .2 oz)  I am a big Jack Black lip balm fan and not sure any lip balm could ever replace that for me, but this is a nice product that I will definitely use. Since it doesn't appear to have any sunscreen in it, I will most likely only use it at night. The Mojito scent is nice and not at all over-powering.
 
Skin Inc, Skin Supplement Bar Custom-Blended Anti-Aging Serum: (full-sized product value: $45 for .34 fl oz) Love love love that they sent a full-sized product! This serum is nice and light and absorbed into my skin very quickly. It did not leave my skin sticky at all. It does not have a noticeable scent.
 
Philip B. pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist: (value: $11 for 2 fl oz) My daughter's hair is just like mine, fine with a slight naturally wave, and since I don't typically blow dry her hair, it has a tendency to get pretty frizzy. I found that this spray works great to help smooth it out. It does have a slight vinegar smell, but that dissipates quickly and you can't smell it at all.
 
VERDICT: This box has a value of $97, and I am impressed! The only product I won't be using is the hand cream, but I am sure I can pass it on to someone with a less sensitive nose than mine.
 
GLOSSYBOX also has a great point program- if you answer their survey questions on each product after you receive it, you will receive 100 points. After you have collected 1000 points, your next box is free. So after 10 months, I will have a free box.
 
They also have a referral program and if you use my link to sign up, I'll receive 200 points, getting me closer to my free box! You can do the same with your friends after you sign up. Right now if you sign up and use the code MAGIC, you can also get a free EYEKO Mascara!
 
Here's a sneak peek of items included in upcoming boxes:
 
 
 
#afflink

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Review: DohVinci Memory Masterpiece Complete Ribbon Board Kit

BzzAgent recently sent us a really fun product to try.
 
 
From the product info on Amazon.com: Let your creativity pop off the page with a unique make-and-display art experience that just might get you hooked. Brought to you by the makers of Play-Doh modeling compound, DohVinci design kits let you decorate and personalize your world in so many colorful ways. It's super easy for almost anyone to do! Just use the innovative air-dry design compound and Styler tool to create dimensional designs with bold 3D lines. And unlike most paints or markers, don't worry if you make a mistake. Just wipe off your design and try again! Once you're ready, let the compound harden overnight for a beautiful, keepable, giftable creation!

 
Reese really loved doing this! There is a bit of a learning curve for using the Styler tool, and by the end of the project she was much better at it. She actually worked on this for about an hour and a half straight!
 

I think this is a fun project for the recommended ages, 6 and up, and we'll definitely be using this a birthday present for Reese's friends.
 
This product retails for $11 on Amazon.com (#afflink). I checked our local Target for this line and did not see them there. I do believe they are supposed to be stocked at TRU.
 
One note: Since this is a Play-Doh product, and traditional Play-Doh contains wheat, I of course checked this product before we used it since I have Celiac Disease. It is clearly marked on the box that it contains wheat, so I was careful to wash our hands after we used it, as well as thoroughly wash the surface we played with it on.
 
Disclosure: #GotItFree