Target Beauty Box August 2016 Review

I was in Finland for most of the summer and just got back to Maryland. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I had a bunch of beauty products waiting for me at home, Target's August Beauty Box being one of them. 

As mentioned previously, Target launches their Beauty Boxes once a month and in order to get one, you have to be quick, since they sell out within 12-24 hrs. The usually launch one every first Monday of the month. 

The Target Beauty Box isn't a subscription box like the Ipsy or Birchbox ones, so you have to order each one individually online, they are not sold in stores. I skipped purchasing the July box, since there wasn't anything that interesting in it, but August box had more usable stuff, so I ordered that. My previous reviews can be found here.

The price per box is usually around $10, I believe April 2016 box was $7 and the May and June 2016 boxes was $10. The August 2016 box was $7 and included free shipping. The theme for the August 2016 box was make the GRADE and it came the $3 off beauty purchase of $15 or more coupon just like the previous boxes.

Here's what was in my box:

• Juice Organics Repairing Shampoo 1 fl oz (30ml) & Conditioner 1 fl oz (30ml)
• Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant 0.5 oz (14g)
• Crest 3D White Luxe Glamourous White strips, 1 upper and 1 lower strip 
• up & up™ Women’s 5-Blade Razor, 2 count
• Olay Make-up Remover Wipes, 7 towelettes
• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask 0.5 fl oz (15ml)
• CoverGirl Katy Kat Eye Mascara – Black, 0.35 fl oz (10.5ml)
• NYC Color Get It All Lip Color in ExtraordiBERRY, 0.13 oz (3.8g)

• Crest 3D White Luxe Glamourous White strips, 1 upper and 1 lower strip. I will defnitely try this product, I just wish there'd be more strips in the sample. I feel like one strip really isn't enough to convince me to purchase something.

• up & up™ Women’s 5-Blade Razor, 2 count. This is a nice sized sample and I will definitely give there razors a try.

• Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant 0.5 oz (14g). To be honest, I will probably give this one away. I've already found an antiperspirant I like, and I'm a little skeptical about these "clinical strength" deodorant, seems like an overkill to me. I like the size of the sample though, would be a perfect travel deodorant. 

• CoverGirl Katy Kat Eye Mascara – Black, 0.35 fl oz (10.5ml). This is a full sized item and basically the reason I decided to get August Beauty Box. Definitely giving this a try.

• NYC Color Get It All Lip Color in ExtraordiBERRY, 0.13 oz (3.8g). This is another full sized product, which makes this box great value. However, the berry color is not something I typically wear, since I'm super-pale. I might try out anyways just to see what the texture is like.

• Olay Make-up Remover Wipes, 7 towelettes. I love these kinds of  travel-sized samples, this one is perfect for short trips. I'm definitely trying this out.

• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask 0.5 fl oz (15ml). There's been a lot of Laneige products in these boxes, but I will give this one a try as well. I do like masks and this one is a nice sized sample.

• Juice Organics Repairing Shampoo 1 fl oz (30ml) & Conditioner 1 fl oz (30ml). Again, another great travel-sized sample, although I'm not a big fan of coconut smell. Will be giving these a try when traveling nevertheless.

All in all this Target August beauty box was a decent one. I liked the fact that there were a bunch of products that I will definitely give a try. The only thing I'm for sure skipping is the deodorant. I just wish the NYC lip color would have been in a more usable color, but I'll still probably try that out as well.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

BH Cosmetics Wild & Alluring Palette Swatches

I really like the bh cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette, so when I saw the Wild & Alluring Baked Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette, I decided to get that one too. And I wasn't disappointed, this palette is pretty awesome!

The palette has six baked eye shadows, a baked blush and a baked bronzer.

Here are some quick swatches, no primer, one swipe of each:

As you can see, these are pretty pigmented! First up on the left is the blush, which is a pretty frosty pink. Next up is the bronzer, which is rather pigmented as well. If you read my introduction on the right, you know that I'm about the palest girl there is, so this bronzer will probably not work for me as such, but it does make a pretty bronze eye shadow instead.

Next are the three top eye shadows, which I don't care for as much as the rest. The first one is a shimmery pink with some violet undertones, then a violet-bronze eye shadow and last a bronze-violet eye shadow. The two last eye shadows are pretty much the same two colors switched around.

 Next up is the second row of the eye shadows starting with multi-color one, which comes out as a pale green gold, very pretty! The second one is a paler pink and last is a lovely turquoise-aqua eye shadow. I was really impressed with the pigmentation of the aqua eye shadow.

The last three are from the bottom row of eye shadows. The first one is a pale khaki gold, I really like it! Second one is a very pretty pale green and third one is teal-bronze. The whole bottom row is pretty darn gorgeous!

While some of the colors look a bit similar, the palette was definitely worth the $10 I spent on it.
Bh cosmetics often has sales, so you might score it at an even lower price. I've been using the baked bronzer as an eyeshadow as well as the whole bottom row, liking the palette a lot!

If you got this palette, what did you think of it?

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Target Beauty Box June 2016 Review

Since I liked Target's May 2016 beauty box, I decided to order their June 2016 beauty box as well.

As mentioned previously, Target launches their Beauty Boxes once a month and in order to get one, you have to be quick, since they sell out within 12-24 hrs. I believe they launch one every first Monday of the month. June's Beauty box was launched Monday May 30th and I do believe it didn't sell out as fast as the previous ones.

The Target Beauty Box isn't a subscription box like the Ipsy or Birchbox ones, so you have to order each one individually online, they are not sold in stores. 

The price per box is usually around $10, 

I believe April 2016 box was $7 and the May 2016 box was $10. June 2016 box was again $10 and included free shipping. The theme for the June 2016 box was sun KISSED and it came the $3 off beauty purchase of $15 or more coupon just like the May box.

Here's what was in my box:

• Pantene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo 118 ml (3.9 fl. oz)
• SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Creme Rinse 94 ml (3.2 fl. oz)
• Pixi Mesmerizing Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Apricot Glow 2 x 0.75 g (0.03 oz)
• Laneige Water Bank Serum 10 ml (0.3 fl oz)
• S.W. Basics Exfoliant (1-2 uses)
• L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation in W3 Nude Beige 1.8 g (0.06 oz)
• L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Volume Filler Moisturizer 14 g (0.5 oz)
• Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter 10 ml (0.33 fl oz)
• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing  Facial Wipes, 10 wipes
• CoTZ Face SPF 40 Natural-Tinted Suncreen 10 g (0.35 oz) 
• e.l.f. Lip Kiss Balm in Bare Kiss 4.5 g (0.15 oz)

There were two hair care items in the June beauty box:

• SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Creme Rinse 94 ml (3.2 fl. oz) gives "lightweight hydration for fine, wavy curly hair." It's a nice sized sample and I'll be definitely trying this out during my summer travels. However, I have very fine hair, so usually oily conditioners don't really work for me. But I'll give this a shot.

• Pantene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo 118 ml (3.9 fl. oz) is also a nice size sample and I'll take this with me for our roadtrip. I'm not the biggest fan of Pantene products, and this one is too big for the carry-on, so I can't bring it on flights.

Skincare items included:

• Laneige Water Bank Serum 10 ml (0.3 fl oz), which I'll definitely use. Last month's box had Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream in it, which I've yet to use, so I'll probably try these two together
• CoTZ Face SPF 40 Natural-Tinted Suncreen 10 g (0.35 oz). I'm not a big fan of tinted sunscreens, but I'll take this small tube with me when flying to Europe this summer. I might be able to use it there at some point.
• L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Volume Filler Moisturizer 14 g (0.5 oz). I don't have many wrinkles, but I will still give this product a shot. I do have some lines on my forehead, so we'll see if this helps!

• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing  Facial Wipes, 10 wipes, This is super-handy for my upcoming travels, will be taking it with me.
• S.W. Basics Exfoliant (1-2 uses). This is a pouch of some sort of powder, very interesting! I assume I mix half of the bag with a little bit of water and use it as an exfoliant that way, will take this one with me for our trips as well.
• Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter 10 ml (0.33 fl oz). This is a sizable sample of body butter. I will definitely be giving this a shot.

Makeup items included:

• L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation in W3 Nude Beige 1.8 g (0.06 oz). I already received the same sample with the Amazon beauty box, but will use this one as well. The sample came with a $2 off coupon, which I will probably use once I decide with shade I want to get.
• Pixi Mesmerizing Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Apricot Glow 2 x 0.75 g (0.03 oz), better photo below.
• e.l.f. Lip Kiss Balm in Bare Kiss 4.5 g (0.15 oz). This is the only full-sized item, and to be honest I will probably not use it and will be giving this to my friend to use. I'm just not a big fan of tinted lip balms and this color isn't to my liking either. 

Here's a closeup of the Pixi by petra Mesmerizing Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Apricot Glow. I will definitely be giving this item a try. 

This month's box wasn't as nice as the May box. I'm not entirely sure why they called it sun kissed either, not a whole lot of of "sunny" products.I'm glad they did include the eye shadow, because that's the only new makeup item I'm excited to try. 

Hopefully the Target July 2016 box will surprise me positively, since this was a bit of a let down.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Amazon Beauty Box May 2016 Review

After successfully trying the Target Beauty Box, I decided to check out the Beauty Box by Amazon. Amazon launched a bunch of different sample boxes this month and the beauty box was one them. I think a bunch of the boxes have already sold out, but if you are interested, check here for available boxes. 

I'm not entirely sure how often Amazon launches these boxes, but I think I saw at least a beauty sample box last month as well. The way these Amazon boxes work is that you purchase the box (beauty box was $9.99) and 7 days after the box ships, you get the same amount in credit towards any of the brands in the box. 

Husband ordered the Sports Nutrition sample box, which works the same way. I'll post a photo of that as well, when it arrives. Here's the size of the beauty box.

The Beauty Box was basically just the shipping box, which had taken some hits, but everything inside was intact.

And here's what my beauty box had inside it. I don't know if everyone got the same items, but it did say in the description that samples will vary. Here are the items:

• L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, Carbon Black, 0.28 oz
• Mineral Fusion Mascara, Lengthening, Graphite, 0.06 oz
• L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Sculptor, 360 Brunette, 0.05 oz
• L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation, Nude Beige, 0.06 oz
• Black 15 In 1 Miracle Hair Treatment, 1 oz
• Garnier Whole Blends Repairing Shampoo, Honey Treasures, 1.7 oz
• Garnier Whole Blends Repairing Conditioner, Honey Treasures, 1.7 oz
• Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Shampoo, Olive Oil, 0.3 oz
• Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Conditioner, 0.3 oz

I think the Beauty Box by Amazon is a good mix of everything. I will definitely be using the mascaras and I will give the Brow Stylist Sculptor a try, even though it's probably way too dark for me.

I was really excited that I got the Lumi Cushion in W3 Nude Beige, since I've been thinking of getting another Lumi Cushion in a darker shade. I have it in N2, but I feel like I need a slightly darker shade for the summer. If W3 works for me, I'll probably use my $9.99 credit on that.

I will also definitely be using all the shampoos. I'll be traveling this summer and the Garniers are perfect size for carry-on items. My hair is super-hopeless, it truly has a mind of it's own, so I'm also going to try the Black 15in1. I've yet to find a treatment that would work on my hair, but maybe this is the one. Here's to hoping it is!

All in all I'm happy with this box, especially since in the end it won't cost me anything. I'm an avid Amazon shopper and will definitely be using the credit on something.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

Sally Beauty Supply Bitzy - quick swatches

Sally Beauty Supply launched their Bitzy collection earlier this month. This collection replaces their Sally Girl collection, which I absolutely loved, so I decided to try some of the Bitzy items.

All the items in the Bitzy collection are $1.69 ($1.59 with the Sally Beauty Club card), so very affordable.

I purchased three of the Bitzy eyeshadows. From the left: Treasure Glitter Cream Eye Shadow, Independence Eye Shadow and Diamond Glitter Cream Eyeshadow.

Here are some quick swatches and as you can see the glitter ones are indeed very glittery!

I also really liked the blueish gray from Independence. The pink was very sheer, but probably buildable like the Sally Girl eye shadows.

Here's a size comparison to some of the Sally Girl items. 

I don't know if you can see from the photo, but I hit the pan when I swatched the Bitzy Cream Eye Shadow in Diamond :o So while the Bitzy line might appear a bit bigger, there's a rather thin layer of glitter there. Not that you'd probably need more glitter than that! :D

Have you tried the Bitzy line products? 

Which ones are your favorites?

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Target Beauty Box May 2016 Review

I got an email from Target earlier this month that their May 2016 Beauty Box was now available.
I had read about the box from other blogs, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

Target launches their Beauty Boxes once a month and in order to get one, you have to be quick, since they sell out within 12-24 hrs. I believe they launch one every first Monday of the month.

The Target Beauty Box isn't a subscription box like the Ipsy or Birchbox ones, so you have to order each one individually online, they are not sold in stores. The price per box is usually around $10, 

I believe April 2016 box was $7. The May 2016 box cost $10 and included free shipping.

The box arrived in my mailbox and basically it's just the actual beauty box wrapped in plastic. Seemed sturdy enough though, since nothing had broken in the box.

May 2016 Beauty Box included the following products:

• Andalou Age Defying Night Repair Cream
• Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
• Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Pen
• Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil
• Hair Food Kiwi Dry Shampoo
• L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes
• Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer

There was also a $3 off of $15 coupon for beauty purchases online or in stores. I believe you can use this when ordering the next beauty box. 

• Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream 3ml/0.1oz
• L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes – Medium Natural Tan (one towelette)

These were the smallest samples, but I'll definitely use the Egyptian Magic sample. I've been wanting to try it for a while now, since I've heard good things about it. I might also try the towelette on my legs just to see what it's like. I have extremely fair skin, so I don't have high hopes :)

• Burt’s Bees Oil Basic Cleansing Facial Cleanser 29,5ml/1oz
• CeraVe Unscented Foaming Facial Cleanser 14ml/0.5oz

These are perfect travel sized items, so I'm probably going to take them with me next month when I'm traveling. The CeraVe cleanser seems more to my liking, but I'm going to give the Burt's Bees oil a chance too. I had to check the instructions for the oil online on Target.com, and apparently you "Dispense product into dry hands. Gently massage over dry face. Wet hands and gently massage product onto face. Rinse thoroughly; pat dry." 

• Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer 14g/0.5oz
• Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream 20ml/0.6oz
• Andalou Naturals Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream 12ml/0.4oz

I'm really excited to try the Derma E DMAE, since I've been eyeing it at Sally Beauty Supply. The Laneige moisture cream also looks promising and it's a nice sized sample too. I'll also give the Andalous sample a chance. I'll probably try it on my neck, since the packaging suggests face and neck.

• Clairol Hair Food Sulfate Free Kiwi Dry Shampoo 50g/1.7oz

I've never really cared for dry shampoos, but I'll definitely try this. It's a nice sized sample too.

• L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Lacque Lip Pen

This was the only makeup item and the only full-sized item in the box. I believe these came in different colors and mine is 203 Lacquerized. I have to say I probably won't use this one, the color is way too bright red for my taste. Bummer.  

All in all I did like this box, mainly because it had so much usable stuff. The lip pen was the only real disappointment, but maybe I'll give it a shot and share a photo on Instagram at some point anyways :)

Hope everyone has been having a beautiful week!

A 40-year-old make up virgin?

I've always been into skin care, but just never into make up.

When I was asked what I wanted for Christmas in December 2015, something possessed me to say make up. I guess I just finally had the time to do something about my face.

This is me, photo taken today, and this is pretty much the extent of current my make up skills. 

My photography skills are even worse, but they'll have to suffice for now. My photos are taken in natural light with Samsung S4 without filter, unless otherwise mentioned.

And this is the extent of my make up stash pre-Christmas 2015.

As everyone can see, I really didn't have much to work with. I usually swiped Benefit's lust duster on my lids and put on some Clinique sample mascara. If I wanted to do something a little different, I used the Clinique eyeshadow freebies and Rimmel eye liner. The two other items are Miners eyeshadows, which I sometimes used on special occasions as well. Not pictured are the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Sandstorm and Rimmel Natural Bronzer, which were and still are in use.

I've tried to analyze why I suddenly got this interest in make up and I think the answer is that I just finally have time to focus on myself. My husband received a job offer in Maryland, so I gave up my career as an administrative manager and we moved here. I'm a contract consultant now working from home a few hours a week, so I have plenty of time.

This blog is only part of the process of focusing on myself. I'm also trying to eat better, sleep better and feel better. Last year was really tough for me, so my goal is to be less anxious, and be more present. I don't want to dwell in the past anymore, but instead look into the future.

This blog will be updated sporadically, since I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. 

And I mean this literally as well, since I'm battling high blood pressure ha. You may notice that I have broken blood vessels in my eyes and that is the result of my blood pressure issues. I'm working on those as well.

Thank you for reading!