Beauty Bar Sample Society Box September 2012

Hello Everyone,

It's time to show you my Beauty Bar Sample Society Box for September.  I've been a subscriber to this box for seven months now and I have really enjoyed every box.  If you are thinking about a monthly subscription to try, I suggest this one.  

So....on with the show.  Here are my products for September.  

Beauty Bar Sample Society Box - September 2012

Stila Cosmetics Smudge Crayon in Smoke– Full size, $22.00

A three-in-one gel-based eye primer, shadow, and liner that glides on with ease and stays in place until you say when.

Stila Cosmetics Smudge Crayon in Smoke

What it does:  This advanced, creamy, multi-pearl formula is infused with emollients for smooth, comfortable application. It provides rich, bold color and more than six hours of continuous wear that won't fade or crease over time.

I did a swatch of this on my arm.  It went only smoothly and has a very intense, rich color.  I’m looking forward to using it.  I haven't used it yet so I can't attest to the six hours of continuous wear.

Diptyque Eau de Toilette Fragrance – Full size, $120

Diptyque Eau de Toilette Fragrance

This is a spicy scent with notes of vanilla and cinnamon.  I read that this scent is good for both men and women.  I would say that’s true…when I first put it on, I thought it was a men’s cologne.  It softened on my skin after a few minutes and then completely disappeared after a few hours. 

Borghese B Gloss in Fiore – Full size $18.50

This gloss contains vitamins A and E with aloe vera and oils of avocado and jojoba to heal damage and protect lips for optimal lusciousness.  

Borghese B Gloss in Fiore

 It glides on smoothly and is a shimmering shade of purple-mauve.  Nice color for autumn.  It says it has all day staying power. I haven’t used it yet, so I can say if it does or not.  I just know that I’ve never found a gloss that lasts all day.

AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask – Full Size $30

AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask

I received a sample of this mask in a previous Birchbox, so this is my second sample. I've used is several times.  It’s a nice, deep cleanser that left my skin soft and smooth.  It has “soothing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties with the benefits of Horsetail Extract”.  Yikes…what the heck is that???

Cellceuticals Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser – Full size $35

This cleanser is a mild cleansing agent without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).  It has Wheat Amino Acids that provides skin moisture and soothing properties. 

Cellceuticals Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser

This is, in fact, a gentle skin cleanser.  When I wash my face with my regular face wash, the water in my sink turns very cloudy from all the makeup.  When I washed my face with the Cellceuticals my water remained almost clear.  I didn’t think it took much of my makeup off at all but when I used my toner there was no makeup on the cotton pad.  So, it worked much better than I thought it did.  It didn’t remove the eye makeup as easily.  It did not irritate my skin and didn’t leave it feeling extremely dry.  The scent of it is horrible!  It smells too medicinal.  The consistency of it is clear and very runny so it’s easy for more product to come out then necessary.

Overall, I'm really happy with all the products I received.  Please let me know if you've tried any of these products and what you think about them.  

Hope you are having a fabulous day!

Take care,

Kat

September 2012 GLOSSYBOX USA

Hello Everyone,

I received my GLOSSYBOX this past Saturday.  As usual, I’m thrilled with the products.

September GLOSSYBOX

GKHAIR Moisturizing Shampoo

Nourished with plant extracts, this superior smoothing shampoo will purify and moisturize the scalp and hair.  Price of full size $20.00 / 10.1oz

GKHAIR Moisturizing Conditioner
This gentle moisturizing conditioner puts the finishing touch on your tresses and leaves your hair smooth, radiant, and revitalized.  Price of full size $20.00 / 10.1oz

GKHAIR Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

I have never heard of GKHair, so I did a little research.  Its former name is Global Keratin and is rebranding as GKHair.  I was going to use the shampoo and conditioner last night but when I went to read the directions it said “see website for directions”.  I went to their website and these two particular products (Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner) are not listed.  This leads me to believe these are older products that they no longer offer.  Also the name Global Keratin is still on the bottle.

Kryolan for Glossybox Moisture Rich Lipstick in GLOSSY pink
Treat your lips to a creamy, long lasting lipstick enriched with Vitamin E to stimulate and hydrate your lips.  This perfect pop of GLOSSY pink compliments all skin tones and lifestyles.
Price of full size $14.00 / 0.14oz

Kryolan for Glossybox in GLOSSY pink

This is a nice creamy rosey pink lipstick.  I haven’t used it so I can’t comment on the long lasting claim but I did swatch it on the back of my hand and had to work hard to get it off so that’s a good sign.

Misha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42

Hailing from Korea, this Blemish Balm, also known as BB Cream is a multi-tasking powerhouse for the face.  This multi-use cream provides light coverage, soothes, protects, and moisturizes.  Price of full size $29.99 / 1.69oz

Misha M Perfect Cover BB Cream

I was very excited to receive this “sample”…it’s a full size!!!  I’ve been reading articles and watching videos about BB creams and have never purchased any.  I put a bit on the back of my hand and it is so incredibly smooth and creamy.  I have combination to oily skin and I while I think this product will be too oily for my skin, I’m looking forward to trying it.  Maybe I can use it as a weekend foundation when I’m running errands or staying home.

OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel

This innovative mattifying gel lets you get control of your shine all day long.  Clinically tested, this one of a kind gel keeps shine down while helping you achieve a fresh flawless even tone look.  For all skin types.  Price of full size $30.00 / 1.6oz

I am always thrilled to get anything that says it's mattifying.  This is a full size “sample” and costs  $30.   Now knowing anything about the product, I did a little research.  The website says:

For years, photographers and makeup artists have used a secret weapon for shine-free results: OC8® Professional Mattifying Gel.

With OC8’s 8-hour formula featuring ACRYSORB®, micro-particles trap facial oils to reduce shine and redness for up to eight hours. You’ll get beautiful, worry-free results that last all day.

OC8 is clinically proven to reduce shine and improve the appearance of facial foundation. It can be used after your regular facial cleansing and moisturizing routine and before applying makeup.

I’ve been using the OC8 for four days now and I love it.  I use about a pea size amount of the product, dot it all over my face, rub it in with my fingers and let it sink in before applying my foundation.  I apply my makeup around 4:30AM on weekdays and I notice just the smallest bit of shine on my nose around 3:00PM in the afternoon.  I’ve read reviews where some people had to use more than a pea size amount of the product before it worked for them so adjust the amount you use accordingly.  The scent isn’t very pleasant - I think it smells like plastic.   It does disappear after you get it rubbed into the skin.  I am very happy with this product and I will definitely repurchase it after this tube is gone.

Did you receive the September GLOSSYBOX?  What did you think about the products.

I hope you all are having a great day.

Take care,
Kat

Thirteen Questions Tag

I was reading one of my favorite blogs today, and she did a Thirteen Questions Tag post and she tagged everyone with a blog to do a similar post.  I love these, so I thought I would join in the tag. 

1. What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

That I secretly want to be a chef.  I love to cook and I love making people happy with good food.  Unfortunately, I’m too old to go down that career path now.  The second thing would be that I have this blog.  Nobody knows except for my sister, niece and husband.

2. What's your favorite quote?

“Some people, no matter how old they are, never lose their beauty – they merely move it from their faces into their hearts”.  Martin Muxbaum  (see header of my blog page.)

3. What's one food that you can't live without?

Sushi.  I love it.  It’s too expensive for me to eat every day, but I would if I could afford it.

4. What's your song of the week? 

Pontoon by Little Big Town.  This will be my theme song when I retire some day!!!

5. What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

Wild Hogs, Elf, Date Night, Ocean’s 11, Lara Croft:  Tomb Raider (Love it when a female can kick some serious butt)!!!

6. Can you change the oil on a car?

Sadly, I cannot change the oil on a car.  My father was a car mechanic, too.  I can, however, change my own car tire.  Do I get bonus points for that?

7. Favorite kind of sandwich?

Hmmm, this is a difficult one for me to answer because I’m not really a sandwich person.  I would have to say a simple peanut butter (creamy not crunchy) and jelly (strawberry) sandwich.

8. Can you knit or crochet?

I cannot do either.  My Aunt tried to teach me to knit but she was right handed and I am left handed, and it just didn’t work.  Everything she was doing was backwards to me.  I don’t think I would enjoy it anyway.  I’m more of a dig in the dirt and plant things or play sports kind of girl.

9. How many languages can you speak?

English, that’s it.  I can sign language the alphabet…does that count as another language?

10. Be honest: do you ever forget your reusable shopping bags when you go to the grocery store?

All the time!!!

11. Favorite type of pie?

Blueberry and I can make a darn good one!!!

12. What do you wear to bed?

It depends on what time of year it is.  Usually pajama bottoms and a baggy top in the fall/winter time and capri bottoms and a baggy top in the spring/summer.

13. Ever been in love?

Yes, twice.  The first time broke my heart.  The second time I found my soul mate. 

I tag all of you that have a blog.  If you don’t have a blog, please join in the tag by leaving your answers in the comments below!!

Nail of the week - Zoya 2012 Fall NYFW Diva Collection - Dual

Hello Everyone,

Zoya had a BOGO (Buy one get one free) offer last month and I took full advantage of it. I bought four and received four free. That's my kind of deal.

This week's look is Zoya Dual. According to the website, the color is described as: A medium red-toned purple base with heavy purple and gold iridescent metallic sparkle. The shiny gold sparkle makes this shimmering purple polish extra bright and lively. The color intensity is 5 (1=sheer - 5=Opaque).

I think it's beautiful and I love the gold sparkle although the gold doesn't really show in this picture. Zoya nail polish goes on so smoothly and lasts a long time. This is three coats of Dual and one coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat (love that stuff).

Zoya nail polish is available at www.zoya.com and at your local Ulta stores.

Did any of you take advantage of the Zoya BOGO offer? What colors did you get?

Hope you all are having a beautiful day!

Take care,

Kat

the Balm NUDE'tude Eye Shadow Palette

Hello Everyone,

I know this isn’t a new palette but it is new to me.  I never purchased the Urban Decay nude eye shadow pallets because I thought they were very expensive and looked a little too shimmery for me.  I like a little shimmer but not a lot.  I’ve wanted to purchase the Balm Nute’tude pallet for quite a while because I thought it was similar to the Urban Decay Naked pallets without as much shimmer... and was more affordable.  When I saw it on Hautelook for half the price of retail, I went for it! 

I am so impressed with this palette and am really enjoying it. It has great shades from soft to dark which can be used to create many looks. They are very pigmented shadows with a soft texture that apply and blend beautifully. 

Top row from left to right:

Sassy is a frosty white; Stubborn is peachy-pink; Selfish is a beautiful, shimmery taupe; Sophisticated is a shimmery bronze-brown; Sexy is a matte burgundy; Serious is a matte black.

Bottom row from left to right:

Snobby is a shimmery yellow. I love this color.  I dab a light layer of this on my eyelid and inner corner; Stand-offish is frosty pinkish color; Sultry is a matte medium tan-brown; Seductive is a gorgeous frosty brown – one of my favorites in the palette; Silly is a glittery red-brown and is my least favorite shadow in the palette; Sleek is a highly pigmented matte dark brown.

I like Stubborn and Stand-offish but they are almost the identical color so I find it odd that both are included in the palette.

My favorite look is Snobby on the lid and inner corner, Stand-offish or Stubborn in the crease and Seductive on the outer V.

Included with the palette is a double ended brush that’s not very good quality and I probably won’t ever use it.

I highly recommend this palette.  It’s retails for $36.00 but I bought it on Hautelook for $18.00.  If you want the palette and don’t want to pay full price, keep an eye on Hautelook (http://www.hautelook.com/) because they have a sale on The Balm products about every six months.

I hope you are having a beautiful day.

Take care,
Kat

Tarte Cosmetics - Call of the Wild Palette

When I saw this Tarte Call of the Wild eye shadow pallet on QVC, I didn’t hesitate to buy it.  I have the Tarte neutralEYES Eye Shadow Palette Volume II ( Tarte neutralEYES Eye Shadow Palette Volume II Review ) and I love it so I wanted a second Tarte palette for my collection.  All eye shadows are formulated without mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfate. 

This pallet is a collectors, limited edition eye shadow pallet, featuring 8 full size shadows. 

They are encased in a spotted animal print patent leather-like packaging and includes a nice sized mirror.  

Colors from left to right: Jungle,(medium brown w/gold shimmer) Meow (gold/copper shimmer), Call (peach matte), Instinct (off white shimmer – lots of shimmer), Wild (Deep red-brown shimmer), Lynx (cool greyish beige matte), Primal (grey shimmer), Roar (blue/grey shimmer).

I think these colors are beautiful and would look nice on any skin tone.  As with all Tarte eye shadows, they are soft and velvety smooth and have good staying power.  My only complaints would be that the three colors on the left, Meow, Jungle and especially Call, aren't very pigmented.  I had to pick up a lot of shadow on my finger to get the colors to show on my skin for this swatch.  My other complaint would be that this kit did not come with a double ended brush like Tarte’s other palettes.  I really like their brushes!!  Overall though, I like the palette and think it would be a great addition to any collection.  I purchased mine at QVC for $36.00.  It is also available at Ulta.

Do you have the Call of the Wild palette?  What are your thought about it?

I hope you are having a wonderful day.

Take care,
Kat

GLOSSYBOX US August 2012

Hi Everyone,

I received my August Glossybox on Saturday and wanted you to see what I received.  As always, I'm really excited to try all these products. 

1.  Biolage ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment

• This treatment is a versatile serum infused with a Moringa Oil Blend.  This ultimate potion gives instant shine and weightless replenishment to all hair types. 

2.  Ellis Faas Ellis Lips

• The lightweight and long-lasting lip products come in three fabulous textures; creamy lips for a matte finish, milky lips for a gloss finish and glazed lips for a touch of color.  They are paraben-free, loaded with vitamin E and blend into the lips leaving them soft and conditioned.  I couldn't tell what color this is from the box...it's either LIOS or LIO5.

This color is very dark for me and I would have to sheer it out to wear it.  I swatched this on the inside of my arm and I did have to work and getting it off, so the long-lasting part might be true.  I'll see how long it lasts on my lips!!

3.  Illamasqua Nail Varnish

• Award-winning, extremely hardwearing and chip-resistant, there's an Illamasqua Nail Varnish for every shade of humanity.  Apply two coats for extra intensity.  This is in the color Taint.  I am really excited to try this.

4.  Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

• This high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles, fights environmental aggressors and keeps your skin moisturized, nourished and protected.  Apply mornings and evenings.  There was also a coupon included.

5.  Touch in Sol Feel like Honey Moon Skin Base

• Apply this fantastic primer after your skincare routine and before your makeup.  It's honey texture firms and revitalizes the skin and allaows for a better makeup application.

So, there you have it.  The items from my August 2012 GLOSSYBOX.  I'm looking forward to trying all of them.

Have you tried any of these products?  What was your opinion of them?

I hope you're having a beautiful day!

Take care,
Kat