Review: RevivSerums TelomErase Serum

*Disclosure* I received this product complimentary from BrandBacker for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always

Hey everyone! Today I'm going to be reviewing a product that sounded so interesting, and I was really excited when I was given 2 deluxe samples to try. The RevivSerums TelomErase Serum sounds like a miracle for the skin when you read the ingredient list and the claims it has. 

Here is some info of the product from the RevivSerums website: 

TelomErase Triple Telomere Targeting Serum is next-gen age-defying technology: a 6-in-1 multi-corrective that erases, tightens, brightens, blurs, moisturizes and regenerates. It contains the most powerful combination of new ingredients available to visibly reduce the appearance of sags & bags, dark circles, fine lines, sunspots, redness, pore size & laxity.

Here is a list of the key ingredients, and what they're for, also from their website:

CYCLOASTRAGENOL is a novel molecule isolated from the astragalus membranaceous root. This hard-to-source ingredient has been shown to have telomerase activation activity both in vivo and in vitro and has been shown to reverse visible signs of aging.

TELOSOMYL® is a unique ingredient enriched in linear galactans derived from a particular type of red algae, Kappaphycus alvarezii. TELOSOMYL when tested on pre-senescent human fibroblasts, significantly reduces stress-induced telomere shortening by 65%. In a confocal microscopy study, 75% of human test subjects received more than a 30% improvement in the appearance of the dermal matrix. In a fringe projection study, TELOSOMYL improved skin roughness in 79% of the test subjects, and improved skin volume in 67%.

RENOVAGE™ has clinically proven anti-aging effects by addressing telomere stabilization.  

PEPHA®-TIGHT is a unique natural tightening and firming active ingredient that delivers both a fast, instant tightening experience, and a superior long term skin firming effect.

EYESERYL®: A tetrapeptide with a recognized efficacy against puffy eyebags, Eyeseryl reduced eyebags in 70% of test volunteers after only 15 days, as well as decreased dark circles under the eyes by inhibiting vascular permeability. It can also provide a visible lifting action on sagging upper eyelids.

REGU®-AGE: is specially purified soy and rice peptides and yeast-derived superoxide dismutase. It has been shown to visibly reduce dark circles and eye puffiness, strengthen connective tissue, reduce inflammation and prevent UV damage.

aFGF (Recombinant Human acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor): This growth factor or cytokine helps stimulate skin stem cells to rejuvenate both the epidermal cells and the underlying fibroblast cells, which produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. aFGF can help remove the appearance of pigmentation, improve complexion, reverse skin damage and tighten skin.

SYMSITIVE™ 1609 works as a fast-acting “anti-nerve hyper-activator” to calm over-reaction of hypersensitive skin, and help prevent stinging, burning & tingling. 

NANO-LIPOBELLE™ DN CoQ10: A supersaturated CoQ10 double phospholipid nano-emulsion, Nano-Lipobelle DN CoQ10 contains ultra-small particles of highly purified coenzyme Q10, tocopherol (vitamin E) and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (vitamin C), creating a liposome. Together, they ensure fast penetration into deeper skin layers to maintain activity & potency and become a potent moisturizer.

So basically, this serum is truly supposed to be a miracle for your skin. In my honest opinion, after using up both of the sample bottles I was given, I don't think it's a miracle, but it is a nice serum. I used the first bottle just at night, then used the second one at night and in the morning. I don't think that made a difference, though. Either way, my skin felt hydrated, soft and my pores definitely seemed to be smaller. I never used it under my eyes since they're super sensitive to what I put there. Overall, I am happy with what this did for my skin, but then again, I don't have wrinkles or sunspots. I'm not terribly happy with the price tag of this... 

A full sized 2 ounce bottle normally costs a whopping $300! I was given a coupon code for you guys to receive 10% off of the $149 introductory sale price, if you use the code TIGHT10, through December 31st. You can find the product here. 

Note: Because of patent restrictions, not to be sold or shipped to Japan. 

I don't know about you guys, but this stuff is incredibly expensive. I only had tiny samples to work with that only gave me about 2 weeks worth of use. I don't think I'd personally buy this myself, but if I had the money to spend, I might just to see if the full size is worth it.

What do you think of this serum? Does it sound like something you would try?

Review: PUR Cosmetics Eye Polishes

*Disclosure* I received these products complimentary  for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always!

Hello everyone! I hope everyone here in the states who celebrate Thanksgiving had an awesome one! I know I did and I ate way too much food, which I'm ok with honestly. Today's post is going to be a review on the PUR Cosmetics Eye Polishes, which are said to be an eye base + top coat, and can be used as a standalone shadow. I was so excited when I got these in the mail and I couldn't wait to swatch them all!

Here is a description of the product from the PUR website:

Make your eyes pop in a blink! This eye primer and top coat’s pure pigment creates a crease-proof eye shadow base with a luminous metallic sheen. This eye-opening formula glides on with pro precision and builds with exceptional ease with the use of the enclosed Latex-free silicone applicator. Use alone as an iridescent cream shadow, under mineral eye shadows for visibly more vibrant color or over mineral shadow as a top coat to amplify color and add dimension to your eye look!  

The eye polishes come in little round pots that look like glass, but I'm pretty sure it's just really hard plastic, so hopefully there won't be any accidents. I completely forgot to take a picture of the inside of these, but there's a little mesh lining that holds the product in and a stopper type thing on the lid so it doesn't go everywhere. Design wise, they remind me of the Stila cheek colors. These colors though are just beautiful and perfect for any kind of look!

Here are swatches of the colors shown in order from the above picture:

Cashmere: shimmery champagne
Satin: sheer crystal pink
Suede: earthy seductive neutral (their description, not mine)
Silk: prism copper
Velvet: plush amethyst
Caviar: lavish black with gold karat flecks

These colors are just absolutely stunning, and the swatches are done in one single swipe. Talk about pigmentation! Each jar comes with its own little silicone applicator, but I use a brush specifically for cream shadows. That's just easier for me, but you may choose to use your fingers as well. I also personally wouldn't use this as a top coat for shadow, just as a base or alone. Since I have very oily eyelids, I do use an eyeshadow primer first, but you might not have to if you have normal or dry lids. I'm just so amazed with these colors, and they blend out nicely and look really incredible on the eye. 

They're a bit expensive at $26 per jar, but these will last you forever as long as you keep the lid tightly closed. I find them to be worth the price though, and I really hope they make more shades, especially some matte ones!

You can find these on the PUR website, Ulta and I believe Kohl's.

What do you think of these PUR Eye Polishes?

Review: Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer

Hi guys! Today's post is going to be a review of one of my favorite products from one of my favorite brands. I've loved Origins since I was a teenager, and have been a huge fan of their GinZing eye cream for a few years now. I recently switched moisturizers and started using their GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer, and I feel it deserves its own review.

Here is some info on the product from the Sephora website:

What it is:
A facial cream that hydrates instantly to rev up radiance

What it is formulated to do:
This lightweight, oil-free facial cream is fortified with legendary skin-boosters like panax ginseng and coffee bean to jumpstart hydration levels. Lackluster-looking skin is rapidly refreshed and revitalized to create a healthy, vibrant glow

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates  

What I love most about this moisturizer is how lightweight it feels. It truly is the epitome of a gel-cream moisturizer, and I'm a huge fan of those types of moisturizers with my typically oily skin. Now that the weather is really starting to cool down, I may eventually have to switch this out for something a little more heavy, but right now, it's perfect. It feels amazing on my skin, sinks in nicely, and leaves my skin glowy and feeling hydrated. Another thing I really love, is that this smells like a field of oranges. Seriously, every morning when I use this, I take a whiff of this and feel like I'm in heaven. I'm a fan of citrus scents, so if you don't care for that, then this won't be for you. Since using this moisturizer, I can tell my skin looks and feels so much better. It just looks like healthy, happy skin, which I'm always trying to achieve. With Winter approaching, I need all the help I can get, but this particular moisturizer just might not be enough for those really cold months. 

The 1.7 ounce jar will cost you just $27.50, which to me is a steal considering what this does for my skin, and you can purchase it pretty much anywhere. I purchased mine at a counter in Macy's, but they sell it at Sephora and other online retailers. You don't need alot either, and the amount that's on my hand in the above picture is all you need for your face and neck. I highly recommend this if you have oily, combination-oily or normal skin. Very dry skin types might not get enough hydration, and if you're combination-dry, it could be hit or miss. 

Have you tried this moisturizer before?

November 2015 Ipsy Bag

Hey guys! I finally received my Ipsy bag in the mail yesterday. Every month it seems to get here later and later, which is kind of annoying, but I'm glad it's here! Lets see what I got this month!

The theme this month is Beauty Blast, and the bag that the products come in is probably my favorite design since subscribing. I love anything galaxy themed and the color scheme is really nice too. 

The first product I received is the SLMissGlam Boutique Blusher Brush. The main reason I like this brush is because it's pink, but it's so stinking soft, I can't wait to use it! It seems a bit small for blush, so I may use it for highlighter or contouring, but I will try it for blush and see how I get along with it. 

The next product is the Coolway Stronghold Spray. It says you can use this either on dry or wet hair, but I don't really care for a product like this honestly. I don't use many spray type products in my hair unless it's a leave-in conditioner. I'll give it a shot sometime, but this is the product I'm most disappointed in getting. 

Next up is the ModelCo Highlighting Trio. Another not so great product for me since I have very oily skin. Cream or liquid highlighting products just don't go well with my skin so I tend to stay away from them. Maybe I can use them as cream eyeshadow bases instead. 

Then we have the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara. I always love sample sizes of mascaras, and I don't believe I've ever tried this particular one. Smashbox has always been hit or miss with the products I've tried, so I'm hoping I like this. As far as I know, everyone received this mascara in their bags this month. 

The last product I received is the INSPR Beauty Eyeshadow in the shade Carnival. I think this is such a pretty taupe-y grey shade, and I'm pretty excited to try it out. I've never heard of this brand before, so it's nice to get something new to try. 

If you want to get your own Ipsy bag, you can do so via my referral link here! It's only $10 a month, plus shipping for some, and you get 4-5 deluxe sized samples of makeup, skincare, haircare etc. I'm divided on liking this month's bag, but usually they're pretty great for the price you pay!
 

Review: Arvazallia Advanced Color Care System

*Disclosure* I received this set complimentary from Tomoson for review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always

Hey everyone! I had seen a couple reviews of the Arvazallia Rejuvenating Hair Mask, and when I was given the chance to try it along with the accompanying shampoo and conditioner, I was so excited! 

Here is some info on these products from Amazon:

Arvazallia Advanced Color Care System with Argan Oil and Macadamia oil is a premium hair care system designed for the unique hair care needs of color treated hair. The advanced proprietary formulas in each product is designed to protect and extend the life of hair coloring treatments while also preventing and repairing damage, dryness, and other issues associated with the application of hair color treatments. This 3-part system is made up of a specially formulated sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioning hair mask that when used in combination will help you maintain vibrant long lasting color and will also instantly improve your hair's texture and manageability. Our exclusive MRV3 Complex formulation locks in moisture, repairs and prevents damage, and gives your hair added body and volume. Infused with Wheat Protein, Aloe Vera, Argan Oil, and Macadamia oil it also repairs, strengthens, and nourishes your hair with essential nutrients while also promoting natural hair growth. This system will Protect, Rejuvenate, and Beautify your hair. 

I had colored my hair the day before I received these products in the mail, so that was some perfect timing. I waited a few days before washing my hair, and when I did, some of the color did come out, but not as much as I normally notice. The Moisturizing Shampoo smells just incredible, and I'm assuming it's the mixture of Argan and Macadamia oils I'm smelling. For a shampoo that claims to be sulfate-free, this foams up alot more than I thought it would, which I'm actually happy about. This shampoo rinses out nicely and makes my hair feel really clean. The Restorative Conditioner is amazing as well and smells exactly like the shampoo. It's thick, but not so thick that it makes my hair feel greasy, and it also rinses out very well, but makes my hair feel very smooth. 

The Rejuvenating Hair Mask is the star of this set, in my opinion. It's very thick to me, which I tend to be a bit wary about because I have fine hair that gets greasy at the scalp with thick conditioners/masks. However, this makes my hair feel absolutely incredible! When I wash my hair with the Moisturizing Shampoo, I alternate between using the Restorative Conditioner and the Rejuvenating Hair Mask, which they recommend doing. I feel like this system is actually allowing me to go an extra day or 2 longer without having to wash my hair. Typically I wash my hair every other day, but I'm noticing I can go 3 to even 4 days without washing, and I could never do that before. I'm also very happy to say that the color in my hair is lasting very well and I am noticing a good amount of hair growth already. 

Overall, this whole Arvazallia Color Care System is outstanding. You can find it here on Amazon for just $39.99! That price is amazing for all you get here, and it will last you a very long time, especially the hair mask. My hair has never been softer and this manageable, probably ever. I always had such a hard time dealing with an oily scalp, but very dry ends, especially when I colored my hair, but this set has transformed it. I'm so tempted to buy this whole set again even though I have a ton of shampoo and conditioner to go through.

Does this shampoo/conditioner/hair mask set seem like something you would like?

Video: Sephora VIB Rouge Haul!

Hey guys! I haven't done much with my YouTube channel lately since being sick, so I decided to film the haul I did during the Sephora VIB Rouge sale this past weekend. I hope you enjoy the video, and I also hope you'll like and subscribe while you're there! :)

Products Mentioned:

- Sephora Favorites Skin Wonderland
- Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Eyeshadow Palette
- Tangle Teezer
- Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
- Glam Glow Poutmud
- Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw
- Sephora Collection Rouge Infusion Lip Stain in 12 Cherry Nectar
- Caolion Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo
- Bite Beauty Best Bite Rewind 

Please let me know if you would like a full review on anything I mentioned! What did you pick up during the sale? If you're VIB, are you planning on picking anything up?

Review: Sugarpill Cosmetics Edward Scissorhands Palette

Hi everyone! When I heard that the brand Sugarpill Cosmetics was coming out with an eyeshadow palette based on the movie Edward Scissorhands, I almost flipped out! This year marks its 25th anniversary, and now I feel really old. That movie has been one of my all-time favorites since I was a little girl, plus Johnny Depp is in it, so who wouldn't like it? I've never tried the Sugarpill brand before, but I've always heard good things about them!

I absolutely love the packaging of this palette. It's nice and slim, made of cardboard, and it has designs reminding me of the movie. It came in it's own cardboard sleeve as well, which kinda is a waste if you ask me. It also has a strong magnetic closure, which makes it good for travel. 

I appreciate that this comes with its own mirror, and the size of the pans are pretty huge. You get a whopping 0.8 ounces of product per pan, which really is alot if you think about it and they'll last you forever. Onto some swatches!

Home Sweet Home: matte powder blue
Ice Angel: silvery white with iridescent blue sheen
The Inventor: creamy metallic gunmetal
Suburbia: flirty matte coral
Heart-Shaped Cookie: soft matte beige
Castle on the Hill: deep stone brown

For some reason, I wasn't as impressed with the swatches as I originally thought I was going to be. Every review I've seen has said how pigmented Sugarpill shadows are, but since I had never tried the brand before, I don't have anything to compare this to. On the eyes, they perform and blend well as long as I use a good primer. The colors are beautiful to look at in the pan, but overall I'm a bit underwhelmed, sadly. 

The palette on its own costs $36, and is currently sold out on the Sugarpill website, but it says it'll be coming back soon, and it'll be the final shipment, so make sure you keep checking the site if you really want to get your hands on this. I purchased mine off of the Beautylish site, but I'm not certain if it'll come back there or not. 

Have you tried this palette? What do you think of it?

Review: Shiseido Ibuki Multi Solution Gel

*Disclosure* I received this product complimentary for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always

Hey everyone! When Shiseido reached out wanting me to try their Ibuki Multi Solution Gel, I couldn't pass up the opportunity! I had always heard good things about the brand, always passed their counter while on breaks at my old job, and was really intrigued by their products. I've been testing this out for quite a while now honestly, and have already featured it in my October favorites. 

Here is a bit of info on the product from Sephora:

What it is:
A uniquely textured beauty gel that targets breakouts, roughness, and the look of visible pores for clearer, smoother, and more beautiful skin.

What it is formulated to do:
Shiseido Ibuki Multi Solution Gel rapidly repairs breakouts, roughness, and dry patches while minimizing the appearance of visible pores. This multitasking formula leaves skin feeling supple and smooth, while its dewy concentrated gel texture moisturizes and adheres well to trouble areas. Rescue skin with this re-balancing formula that gives skin a smoother, more beautiful appearance.

Research results:
In a consumer survey of the results the next day after use:
- 80% felt skin's roughness improved
- 89% felt areas with skin troubles become softer and more supple
- 80% felt areas with skin troubles became smoother

I have to say, after using this just for the first time at night, I was hooked! I woke up with clearer skin than I have in years. My pores were hardly noticeable, and my skin just felt better overall. I was truly amazed because no product works that quickly for me where I notice such instant results. I used this as a treatment, underneath my moisturizer as I find it to be a tad bit drying for my skin to use on its own. The texture is so interesting too, it's kinda hard to explain. It definitely is a gel, but it's different (I know I probably make no sense). You honestly have to go into Sephora sometime and test it out on your hand. I have read a bunch of negative reviews on this, but I'm really not sure why! For my skin, this is just fantastic. when I consistently use it at night before bed, my skin looks better and better. It has a price tag of $38, and I find it to be 100% worth it. You don't even need a ton of product to get the job done as it spreads very nicely onto the skin. 

Have you tried this product before? What do you think of it?

Review: Curel Itch Defense

*Disclosure* Products reviewed were sent complimentary thanks to Influenster. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always!

Hi guys! I received an Influenster VoxBox of the Curel Itch Defense Body Wash and Instant Soothing Moisturizing Spray. It's been quite a while since I've gotten a VoxBox so I was pretty excited to get this, as Winter is coming (said in Jon Snow's voice) in just a couple short months, and my skin needs all the help it can get!

Here is a description of the body wash and the lotion:

Body Wash- With hydrating jojoba and olive oils, this calming cleanser works to wash away the itch before it starts. Its gentle, soap-free formula delivers relief from dry, itchy skin in just four days, when used in combination with the Curel Itch Defense Body Lotion

Body Lotion- This new spray instantly soothes dry, itchy skin while also improving the skin's moisture barrier. Dermatologist recommended, it works quickly to provide a light, pleasant, cooling sensation exactly when and where you need it. 

I feel like the body wash isn't anything special really. It smells very pleasantly like oranges, and does what a normal body wash does. The lotion however, is pretty darn awesome! One thing I noticed when I sprayed it on my arms, was a peppermint scent. To me, that seems a bit odd for a body moisturizer. I'm used to mint scents in foot creams, not a regular body lotion. The lotion is alot thicker than I thought it was going to be as well. This product reminds of a different brand that has the same concept, but I think I like this one a little bit more. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and hydrated, and the bumps I have on my arms are smoothed out, which is a miracle if you ask me, because hardly anything helps with them! One gripe I have with this is that it's a little difficult to press down the spray nozzle. Unless I'm just a total weakling, which I very well could be, but I really had trouble though, and could see that as a drawback for some people. Regardless, this is something I would really consider buying for myself. I definitely like the ease of a spray lotion formula as you're not constantly digging your fingers in a tub, and it also sinks in very nicely and doesn't leave any kind of greasy film whatsoever. 

What do you think of the Curel Itch Defense range?

Sephora VIB Sale Wishlist 2015

Hi guys! It's that time of year again, where Sephora has their VIB sale for the holiday season. If you're VIB Rouge, you're one of the lucky ones getting first pick at the sale starting November 6th through the 9th where you'll get 20% off your entire purchase. If you're shopping online (like I will be), the code to use is ROUGE20. VIB members will also receive 20% off but not until November 13th through the 16th. I don't have info yet on what Beauty Insiders will receive and when, but I'll update this post when I find out. Here is a little wishlist I wanted to share with you guys!

This is the Viseart 01 Neutral Matte Eyeshadow Palette. I've heard nothing but amazing things about this brand, and it is only available online They have 7 different palettes to choose from right now, but this one has been calling my name since I first laid eyes on it, probably over a year ago. It's stunning, and you all know I love my neutral palettes. However, each of their palettes cost a whopping $80! That's a pretty penny to spend on a neutral palette, so this is one that might have to wait. 

The Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil is a product I've wanted to try for a little while, maybe 6 months or so. I hear that it makes your skin just look amazing because of the retinol in it. This is another pricey product at $105, but I'm sure a little goes a long way, and I'll always spend money on good skincare. 

I love everything that Kat Von D makes. From her old eyeshadow palettes from years ago, to her Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks, everything I've tried I've been a fan of. This Mi Vida Loca Palette has pretty much every color you would ever need, but the logical side of my brain says I don't need this since I'm more of a neutral girl. All of the reviews I've seen/read have been nothing but positive and at $59, I do feel it's worth the price.

Bite Beauty is a brand that impresses me more and more as I try their products. I've completely fallen in love with their lipsticks, and this year they came out with the Best Bite Rewind. They had a similar set last year which I did get, and was very impressed by. Even though these Matte Creme Lip Crayons are mini sized, the price is only $25, and I feel that's worth it because the quality of Bite products are just amazing. 

This is the Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacinng Clarity Mask. I'm a mask junkie and need to try them all! This is said to be a clarifying and cooling gel mask, and the fact that it's got a bunch of chemical exfoliants makes me happy. As I get older, my skin seems to not be liking physical scrub exfoliators as much as it used to, so I'm always on the hunt for a product that has a chemical exfoliant in it. This one seems promising as I'm pretty sure it's a K-beauty line, and they know how to do skincare! This costs $48, which is fairly high, but I have spent more on masks in the past, so if this works well, it's worth the price!

That's my wishlist for the upcoming VIB sale! My cart is ready for Friday and I'll be making my final decision on everything I want the day before. My wallet hates me already... 

Are you planning on getting anything during the sale? What products are you thinking of getting?

October 2015 Empties

Hi everyone! October wasn't too great with using up products due to me being in the hospital and now trying to feel better again. I did manage to use up a fair amount, so it's time to share it with you!

I'll start off with a few body products and a lone toothpaste. I'm in love with the Tom's Sensitive toothpaste! It makes my teeth feel really clean, my breath feels fresh, and I don't get any irritation on my teeth or gums when using this. It can be a little on the expensive side, but occasionally my grocery store has a sale for $1 off and there are coupons once in a while as well. 

The Olay Sensitive Body Wash is something my husband mostly used, but I used it sometimes. I heard about this from Jen, From Head to Toe on YouTube, and honestly, this body wash is really, really, really amazing! It's unscented, but it's got a bit of a light, fresh scent still. My husband and I both have pretty sensitive skin on our bodies, so I'm really thinking of completely switching to this once we use up our hoard of body washes. It's really that good!

I finally used up the Bath & Body Works Jingle Bellini Body Lotion, and I really am not a fan of their body products to be honest. Their body washes and lotions make my skin itchy and irritated and I typically have to mix the lotion with another one to get decent hydration. I know I have a few body washes left to use up, but I'm not sure if I have any lotions left. 

I used up a little sample of the Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream, and I unfortunately didn't like this either. Anywhere I put this, I would get clogged hair follicles that became really inflamed and painful, almost like cystic acne. It wasn't fun, and I will never in a million years buy this full sized. I love Origins products too, so it's a shame this didn't work for me. 

Now for some hand products! I had received the Softsoap Pampered Hands Foaming Hand Soap in the scent Coconut Lime in an old Influenster box and just left it sitting around in my stash. I figured I'd give it a go, and I was pretty impressed! The scent is amazing (although my husband hated it), and it did clean my hands nicely. 

Next up is a Bath & Body Works Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in the scent Eucalyptus Mint. This was the soap I had in my kitchen and I feel it's the perfect kitchen scent. It smelled medicinal, which I'm a fan of, and I really enjoy their soaps with the exfoliating beads. my husband loves them too since he works in the medical field and always needs to keep his hands scrubbed clean. 

I normally am a huge fan of the L'Occitane hand creams but this one is called an Ice Hand Cream Gel, and it had a very lemon-y, almost chemically scent. I didn't like that, and it also did absolutely nothing for my dry hands. If anything, it made them worse and I'd have to find something more hydrating. I much prefer L'Occitane's normal hand creams with the high concentrations of shea butter. 

Lastly, I have just a few skincare products. You all know my love for The Body Shop, and their Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash is one of my go-to cleansers in the warmer months. It helps to keep my skin less oily and feeling clean, and I really do notice fewer breakouts using this as well. 

Using their Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion in conjunction with the cleanser can be sometimes a bit much, but I had really clear skin while using both together. While I do really like this gel-based moisturizer, I think my skin has different needs now that I'm a bit older (not that I'm old, but I'm pushing 30!). 

I can't say enough horrible things about the little sample of Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil. I don't know if it's just my skin, but the two uses I got from this sample packet made me breakout SO bad! It wasn't like cystic acne, but I had so many little red dots all over my face, and alot of them turned into whiteheads. We all know how attractive those are (not!). Even my husband made a comment about my skin! Lesson learned from this. I can't use it as regular skincare, but I can add a drop mixed in with my foundation and be fine.

Those are the few products I managed to use up. I currently have quite a few that are about to run out, and I'm trying to use up as much as I can before the new year!

What are some products you used up?

*Post contains affiliate links*

October 2015 Favorites

Hey guys, and Happy November! I'm so glad that October is over because I had a pretty rough month. If you read this post here, you know I was in the hospital and it's been quite the journey feeling normal again. Since I'm still trying to feel somewhat like a normal person, I don't have many favorites this month. I was lucky if I could manage putting on some mascara and lip gloss occasionally. I do have a few things to share with you, so lets get to it!

Since I didn't really care much about doing my makeup in October, I focused mainly on taking care of my skin. I started using the Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer when I ran out of the other one I was using, and holy cow do I love this! First off, it smells like a lovely field of oranges. I'm a huge fan of citrus scented products, but I can also safely say that this is quickly becoming one of my favorite moisturizers. I'm thinking it deserves its own review shortly. 

The next product has changed my skin in more ways that I can count. Shiseido very kindly sent me this product to try (which will also get a review soon!), and it's their Ibuki Multi Solution Gel that is said to help with roughness and visible pores, and it's got a Salicylic Acid treatment. Every night I use this, I wake up with skin that looks literally perfect. Seriously. My pores look like they shrunk to almost nothing, and my entire face looks clear and smooth. It's honestly a miracle. 

When I did feel like putting something other than lip balm on my lips, I had two go-to's. the first one was a NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Peaches and Cream. Even though I don't normally go for peachy shades, this one has just a little bit of pink to make it wearable for me, and it helped me to look more alive when I felt like I was dying. The second lippie is from theBalm, and it's their Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in the shade Commited. I received this in October's Ipsy bag, and I surprisingly really like it! It's not a shade that I would pick out for myself, but I'm truly surprised at how flattering it looks, especially with my pale skin. It's got a mauve-y tone to it that's a bit rosy, which I feel makes it more wearable. It does sort of dry out my lips, but as long as I prep them well, I don't mind it!

Those are my few favorites for the month! Here's to hoping November is a good month where I feel better and healthier everyday! Also, what were some of your favorites from October? I'd love to know!