Haute Look Fall Beauty Bag

 The Fall Beauty bag is now Available!



The ultimate HauteLook Fall Beauty Bag is here.
- 12-piece set
- For directions and ingredients, see "More Info"

Set includes:
Blow Pro Blow Out Serious Non-Stick Light Hold Hair Spray (1.5 oz., Made in USA)
- Soy proteins penetrate the hair, locking in moisture to fight humidity and set your blowout
- Silk proteins soften hair to leave a satin appearance and smooth away flyaways
- Light movable finish
- Free of parabens, sulfates and artificial fillers

China Glaze Mini Nail Polish (0.5 fl. oz., Made in USA)
- Color: Brownstone

Clarins Total Double Serum Age -Control Extra-
Firming Serum (0.2 fl. oz total, Made in France)
- Helps reinforce skin's youthful beauty
- Fine lines appear less noticeable, skin feels smoother, facial features appear visibly younger-looking

Clarins Body Firming Cream (0.28 oz., Made in France)
- Helps tighten and tone the surface layer of the skin
- "Lifts", refreshes and revitalizes skin's appearance
- Moisturizes and softens

Crown Brush Kabuki Brush (2.25", Imported)
- Perfect for mineral foundation or powder products
- Buffs the product onto the skin leaving a beautiful finish

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion (0.25 oz., Made in USA):
- Enables better absorption of skincare products
- An at home alternative to professional, clinical treatments
- Helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolorations

France Luxe Silver Headband:
(0.75" W x 18" opening circumference, )
- Firm holding with delicate look
- Soft elastic stretches to many sizes
- 20% discount card included for purchase at franceluxe.com

Fusion Beauty LashFusion XL (0.25 oz., Made in Italy):
- Color: Black
- Capisphere encapsulation technology thickens, strengthens, conditions each and every lash, even after washing

Laura Geller Waterproof Eye Spackle Hues (0.07 oz., Imported):
- Color: Mauve Majesty (a warm, pale mauve)
- Eyeshadow and advanced primer
- Clinically proven to make your regular eye makeup completely waterproof

NYX Glam Lipstick Aqua Luxe (0.16 oz., Imported)
- Color: Glory (Rose pink with silver reflects)
- Silky, smooth, and packed with concentrated sparkle

Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty Eau de Parfum (0.06 fl. oz., Made in USA)
- Scent: Fruity and floral
- Notes: Fresh Waterlilies, Sparkling Cassis, Lemon Blossom, Osmanthus, Golden Gardenia, Pink Grapefruit Flower, Skin Musk, Whipped Vanilla, Blonde Woods

Bag included (9" W x 5.5" H x3.5" D)

Materials

Crown Brush Kabuki Brush: natural goat bristles
Bag: PU
 

 Avaliable for $20 on Haute Look!

Don't have a Haute Look? Sign up here!

When you grab your Beauty bag be sure to check out the other deals available. They have LA Fresh wipes as high as 60% off!

Vanilla Bean Noel

It's that time of year again, yes! Time for egg nog, time for pumpkin spice lattes! It's the holidays!

I know I'm ready to hit up Bath and Body works once I see egg nog in store. I didn't think it'd be this early but it is.

Every year B&B has their holiday scents and one of the only constant ones is Vanilla Bean Noel and THANK GOD FOR THAT.

This scent is a must have in my home. I just purchased 3 body sprays, 2 shower gels and 4 foaming hand soaps as well as some other things. Since I had a big order I also got coupons and I'm so excited to go in store and grab some more. Hopefully they have another good deal soon because I always need enough of this to last me the year or I get really upset. I ran out of my foaming hand soap a few weeks ago and was really upset but thankfully it's the right time of year to stock up again!

Every year they change their packaging and I must say, this year isn't too great. Most of the designs have a wintered up kid on them.

I really preferred last years deer design.

EXCEPT I think this years body spray is my favorite of all:

It has a really cute glittery and snow design on the bottom, I just love it!

Never buy these at full price you can always find a deal or coupon for B&B. I bought mine at B3G3F(Buy three get three free) and my soaps I got 7 for 20($2.85 a piece, I actually did try other scents but probably should have gotten another 7 in Vanilla Bean Noel)

I need to snag some wallflowers, candles, travel sizes etc.

Unfortunately right now it's buy 3 get 2 free(Signature scents, soaps are 6 for 20), I'll wait another week or two and see how the deals go. Can't wait too long or else they sell out!

Experience my favorite scent in the world!

Morning Skincare Routine

 Morning Skincare Routine

So after a lot of testing I've fallen into a new skincare routine! My pores are smaller than ever my dark spots are fading and my acne is under control. These are products that work for me but may not work for you! I also do have a different nightly routine and rotating skincare as well.(Masks and other items I use a few times a week.)

My skin background:
Normal to combination skin depending on the season. The only reason I can say combination skin is due to my oiliness in my T-zone, my skin is never dry.

I have had products make my skin dry or over oily and after a lot of testing I have a solid skincare routine.(For now, I often change my moisturizers and serum depending on my issue at the time)

This is my daily morning routine;

The first thing I do in the morning is put cold water on my face because it wakes me up! Unfortunately this constructs pores, my water is very hot so I let it steam up and warm up my face a little before I do my cleanser. But in the end it doesn't matter too much because I always cleanse before bed and not too much dirt gets in my skin overnight so sometimes I even skip the steam if I don't have the time.(I have two boys 2 and under, I often don't have the time)

Every morning I use my Purity cleanser by Philosophy, this leaves my face feeling nice soft and clean. In the morning I just use a dime sized amount and rub it in with my fingers. Because it is morning and I don't need as intense of a clean I keep my scrubbing/exfoliating/brush for night time. This cleanser never leaves me feeling like I need a Moisturizer and even though it claims it will tone I like to use a toner afterwards because I have terrible enlarged pores and blackheads.

This cleanser is available at many places but I got lucky and got mine for $10 for 12oz at Sephora. Unfortunately that deal is hard to find/expired. Amazon and QVC are always have good bargams

After I dry my face off with a cotton pad I follow up with my toner. I use this toner(The Neutrogena pore refining toner) because one of my main issues is my pore size and I like to keep my blackheads at bay!
Also unlike most toners this does not make my skin dry. Which has a been a huge reason why I toners out of my routine for awhile. I believe I picked this up as a recommendation from a MakeUpByTiffanyD video.

 I got mine in store at Target for $6.49 but it is a drug store item and can be found at many retailers such as Walgreens, CVS and Wal-Mart!

After my toner I like to use a serum/oil/treatment, currently I am using the Vitamin C brightening serum by Peter Thomas Roth. Unfortunately at $85 pop, this is not my permanent serum. I got a nice sized sample with a PTR kit I purchased and it will likely last me the month but after that I am changing my serum.
This product instantly brightens the skin without making your skin oil as some serums can do.
Currently I am using this because my skin has no other issues. I do not need a acne treatment/serum or anything more for pores or redness so this is good for normal skin just looking for a pick me up.

The PTR Vitamin C Serum is Avaliable at Sephora for $85

Always be sure your last product dries fully before putting another one on. Make sure your toner is dry before serum and serum before moisturizer etc! Don't be impatient, let it soak into the skin!

I live in Florida, so with my moisturizer I like to have a high SPF to protect my face. My daily Moistener is different depending on where I am, I use one by clean and clear when I am in Indiana with family since I don't need the higher SPF.
This moisturizer by PTR is my favorite because it gives me adequate moister without any oiliness or film feeling like many others have given me.

The PTR max sheer defense moisturizer with SPF 30 is available at Sephora for $42

If you don't live in a super sunny area you could use a lower SPF, usually they are better in price, more widely available and cheaper!The one I use when I am in Indiana is the Clean And Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer.

Can you guess I got mine at Target?

It never hurts to use a higher SPF but since my PTR one is on the pricy side I like to conserve when I can. But it does last a long time, it only takes one or two pumps for the whole face.


After this I put on my primer and start putting on the war paint!

Soon I will be posting my Night Time Routine and my Once a week products.

Sub boxes for mom and baby!

 

So I recently suscribed to Citrus lane because I got a ten dollar off code so I said, Why not? My son is always exvited to see what I get in the mail and helps me open my boxes so I thought this was perfect! It's a monthly subscription box for kids, catered to their age!

It starts at $25 dollars(Goes down to $21 with 6month paid plan), with the $10 off, only $15 to try!

Get $10 off now!

 

Now Bluum and Citrus lane seem about the same to me but Bluum also includes goodies for mommy! If you search around the net you can almost always find a 50% off code or at least some sort of discount for new users!

Bluum is $24.95 monthly(Cheaper with paid plans, as always), but you can normally find discounts for your first time. Always check Jen for codes! Currently code PAMPERS will give you 50% off.

Bluum for mommy and baby!

I'll be having a battle of the boxes as soon as they come in! But heres the problem: My boxes shouldn't start until November but Citrus lane delightfully informed me that my box will arrive early, around the 26th! So they already get some brownie points!

Keeping both of them totals over 55 dollars a month! So I won't be doing that...My ipsy, Birchbox and Beauty Box five put together cost less! I wish kids boxes were cheaper, I'd like to get one for the little one but I feel like he's too little to fully enjoy it.

So, I got a letter.

Due to my terrible reaction to the L'oreal Gel Cleaner the company has offered to pay for my medical bills. Still seeing if I can find the time to make it to the dermatologist and somewhat worried to go if they make an excuse not to pay for some reason.

Anywho to the point, most large companys listen. Some will even send you coupons, samples, gifts, etc. I once told the lovely people at Cheeto how much my son loves their product and they sent him a  box filled with two bags, stuffed toys, stickers, bracelets and everything you can think of! A lot of people think they're wasting their time with complaints and praises and while sometimes that is true, it isn't all the time!

Baby blues

My lil Jude bug is in the hospital so my updates will be slow. Sorry my Ipsy review won't be up tonight. :(

 

Update: Lil' guy has a lung infection, he's home now with new meds. Poor thing hit a 103 fever in the hospital.  

Short hair blues.

I am missing my hair so much!! I'm starting on vitamins and the inversion method this week.

And totally going to get my wax on,my brows are beastly.

Ipsy!

I'll post my full review tomorrow, what I got:
Coastal Scents medium shadow brush

Stylesexyhair: Spray Clay

Nourish organic: Coconut and Argan body lotion

Soya nail polish in Neve

Bella terra mineral shimmer in Emotion

Makeup bag: One of my favorites so far but I have a drawer of Ipsy bags in ipsy bags in makeup bags. I could do without a bag every month, maybe every other month or a option to opt out of the bag and get an additional item?

Sephora Deluxe Sample Codes

Still no luck with getting the 10% off code, heres some codes! Please comment if you've used it I think it's a one time deal.
Though I've gotten these several times and never have the codes changed?

Paula's Choice: Skin Recovery

So my complete skin freak out was still going on from the L'oreal cleanser and I just needed it to stop. I was worried putting a product on top of it wouldn't be a good idea, desperate, I did it anyways.



I used the skin recovery serum by Paula's Choice and followed it by the mask from the same line. INSTANTLY my skin felt soothed. The itching went away immediately as did the redness. It did not reduce the bumps but I didn't expect it to.


My skin feels so nice right now. It says I can wear the mask overnight and I intend to.

Product warning! L'oreal: Ideal Clean Foaming Gel Cleanser

Ah, a impulse buy. Something I don't like doing but like anyone I do it anyways. I hadn't tried a L'oreal skincare product in awhile and it had new on the bottle, so  said why not?

I hopped in the shower and the first thing I noticed is this wasn't much of a gel. It was very liquidy, more liquady than my conditioner or shampoo. I didn't mind since it lathered and foamed up easily, which I liked immediatly.

All was jolly good until I got out of the shower and examined my face. My pores were...larger? Maybe it was just because I had a hot shower, but they never looked like this after a shower? A hour later, still enlarged.

Man that stunk but if that was it I wouldn't be so angry. Ontop of enlarged pores my face is red, bumpy and itchy...I...I don't have sensitive skin and this has never happened to me in my life. I think this product gave me an allergic reaction? I checked out the ingredients and while it smelled somewhat soapy and natural it does include perfume, as well as sulfates and parabens.

My skin is dry, bumpy, itchy, red and my pores are enlarged. This is the product I'd slip to my hated enemy in the shower. I don't even want to go over what the product claims because I'm so over this.

If you have sensitive skin please beware. My skin is never sensitive and it is FREAKING out.

Pros:
None

Cons:
Everything

Okay so I hated this, I really did. Some people love this product and some hate it. Here is something I found on Paulas Choice about it.

I got mine for $4.49 online at target and it's going right back to the store.

The e.l.f. beauty bundle! And why I won't get it.

Okay, so recently e.l.f. revealed that they are started a subscription box! I was so super stoked and ready to give them my money....

Instantly I was upset.

I don't like being billed randomly and normally buying a annual subscription or 6 month etc will give you a discount.

Getting an annual plan does not give me a discount with this beauty bundle.

The worst part is: I have to pay for shipping? 40+ dollars a year.

Okay, really? E.l.f. is always offering free shipping and they can't wave the fee on a beauty box subscription like so many others can? I have never even paid 20 dollars for a monthly box, I like to keep it under 15. The value is said to be at least 40, so that value compared to some of my other boxes isn't even that amazing!
I would have tried it regardless , I was going to purchase at least one box to give it a try. I am honestly far too bothered by the shipping to give it a try and unless the company changes that I will not be purchasing the box. With the shipping it comes to about $27 a box, which is more expensive than my ipsy and Birchbox combined. NO THANKS ELF.

I love you guys, I really do...but this is a competitive market. The kits do include a lot of product and that's no lie. Honestly with all the sales they have, often 50% off deals and free kits with purchase I think I'd just prefer making an order every 8 weeks and not receiving the beauty box.

Also they list what you get, take a bit away from the mystery and if you're like me, you love a mystery box!

Perhaps a few boxes in things will change.

E.L.F.

Do you know about ELF? You should. They are a crazy affordable brand. Most of the products I have tried by them are hits and not misses. I have only had a few misses. I especially love eyeshadow and lipsticks by ELF.

ANYWAYS on to my point. Today if you spend 14.92 or more(Cute Columbus day joke) you will get free shipping! If you have not tried them before, give 'em a go, they're a great brand!

If you're not able to order online the brand can be found at many Targets and K-marts. Be sure to call the store and check that they have the brand, recently my local target got rid of elf to stock NYX instead!

Use code Columbus for the discount!
Check them out here.

Cleanser ramble

I feel a bit weird that I have yet to try Cetaphil. It's been around forever, seems like everyones used it. Gonna throw this in my shopping cart sometime this week and give it a go. This will be one of 4-5 new cleansers I'll be trying this week, so far only one miss and I'll post all my cleanser reviews during the next two weeks or so. I like to give each 3-4 days of testing.
Day 1 I see how it does on my skin in a shower. I see how it feels after and examine how my skin looks immediately.
Day 2 I used the cleanser morning and night as long as my skin isn't freaking out. I like to test that it's gentle enough to use night and day.
Days 3/4 are just to see my skins difference and how it's reacting to the product. Seeing how effective it is at taking off make-up etc.
Ofcourse I was given a  cleanser in my birchbox.

What I like about Cetaphil is that it's very gentle. It's very mild with very few ingredients to it. Though from what I understand not an effective make-up remover. Guess I'll see!

What is your favorite cleanser?

Husband problems

Recently grabbed some H.I.Mistry products for my husband. I got him to try some of it today and my 25 year old husband screamed at the exfoliant. "Babe it looks like poop, I'm not rubbing poop on my face!! Babe, no it feels like sand paper"

He's never used any face products ever, no scrub, cleanser, nothing.

I had to fight with him to use the face serum afterwards.

I'm not sure I'll ever get a solid review out of him.

Time to organize!

So about a month ago I picked this up with my usual 20% off coupon at bed bath and beyond. Me and my husband have a small apartment and a super tiny shower. I have a shower head organizer but it is filled with my skincare products, his can't even fit in it! We probably will get and XL one soon if it'll fit(shower is so small it may not). Anyways, this thing is great. It mounts on the wall with adhesive strips and glue. I will admit I am a bit worried about the glue since we rent, we don't own...Hopefully it'll come off smooth but I'm not about to try!

This holds my shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Recently I had a revelation. I'm going to grab another one and put my thinner skincare in it. I'll fill one with my purity wash, one with my husbands cleanser and maybe see if a exfoliant will dispense from it as well. If the exfoliant doesn't work I'll probably squeeze a bunch of Aussie 3 minute miracle into it, because that stuff is my hair drug.

It can be bought here or in store, don't forget your coupon!

Paulas Choice

So, I finally caved in and put an order in for Paulas Choice. It's pretty popular and often talked about on blog sites, youtube, etc.

Currently they have free shipping on EVERYTHING, you can order a sample for under a dollar and it will shift for free. I got the hydralight sample kit for 5 dollars, a mask and when you spend atleast 5 dollars they throw in a ton of samples.

Props to them, shipping from Washington and I got my order in about 2-3 days(I'm in Florida). I ordered from Sephora the day before and I still don't have that order yet(and won't for awhile because holiday weekend and I'm really upset.)

Birchbox October 2013 review

Birchbox October 2013 review.

Alright so as some of you may or may not know, many people feel jipped this month. I am feeling no different towards this box.

This month my box included:

Dermablend professional mineral finishing powder

Liz Earle Hot cloth cleanser

Liz Earle Pure Muslin Cloth

theBalm Stainiac

and this month we have a "Birchbox find alert!"

Chapstick Hydration lock

"A mass market discovery we think is just plain awesome. Don't worry these are always in addition too, never in place of, your usual samples"

Okay, I beg to differ Birchbox. They counted the Liz Earle product as two separate products even though usually bought together and are even packaged together. I assumed it was one products but they counted the cloth as a second product, I felt like this was a bit cheap. I do feel like the chapstick took place of a item thus they made the cloth cleanser two items. I like the Birchbox find idea, a lot actually. They even included a coupon for if I'm going to buy another one. I just feel like it really was in place of another product and I'm not the only one.

My favorite products of the box is probably the Chapstick, which is odd to say.

While I love dermablend and have used products by the company before, this one does not wow me. Finishing powders aren't something that can be made drastically different. I use Ben Nye translucent finishing powder, I think I paid 10 dollars for mine and have had it for two years and am not even half way though. The shelf life will be done before I can finish it I'm sure.

I am a bit biast on the Stainiac because I have never been a fan of lip/check stains. The flush of color is very light when I like for my cheeks but don't see myself using on my lips. My lips are naturally rosy and the color just seems to be my natural done if not a bit pinker. One thing I do like about this is the even application. Most stains I have tried come out splotchy, some parts darker, some lighter, etc. I don't like that it seems like it should be used for lips because it comes with a lip-gloss type of wand.

The cleanser came in a cute box with the cloth and a little instruction booklet. I will be posting a full review once I get down to using this product. The smell of it is a bit off putting for me but I am not a huge fan of Eucalyptus oil but it's not as bad as in Noxzema.

All and all the box as always is a good value but I'm still feeling a bit jipped about the cloth thing. I feel like if they would have even thrown in a small sample of something else or just didn't list the cloth as an item I might have felt better.

Birchbox is a once a month beauty sample box subscription, it is $10 a month and always holds a higher value of assorted products inside.

No affiliate links, I gain nothing from doing this it's just my honest opinion. I don't get a free birchbox, I pay like everyone else.

Lip care routine. DIY!

Every night before going to be as a part of my lip care routine I always scrub them. Gently exfoliating them will take away the dead skin. I like anyone hates it when my lips are peeling and I put on gloss or lipstick because it just looks awful.

You can use a simple sugar scrub like the body scrub I posted earlier. You can also exfoliate your lips with the same body scrub I had posted, this is the same recipe just less oily.

Recipe:

2 Tablespoons of sugar (Brown or white)
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon olive oil.

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract(Optional)

Mix in a small bowl and transfer to a small container. This will last awhile. Rub on your lips nightly and wash it off, follow with some EOS lip balm or any balm of your choice and wake-up with kissable lips!
Some people enjoy using their scrub on a tooth brush to exfoliate their lips. I prefer the fingers method because I find toothbrushes too harsh!

Font issues.

What the frick is up with my font.
My font is going in and out on my posts, unsure how to fix it. Send help.

Upcoming

Wowee what a big update night. I'm not greedy I don't hold em back and try to post one a day I just throw
em atcha.

Upcoming reviews:

Cailyn gel eyeliner

Clean and Clear morning glow moisturizer

Clean and Clear morning burst scrub

Sugar pill palettes

Urban decay eyeliners

Wet and wild 6-pan eye shadow palettes

This months birch box and ipsy. I need to renew my beautybox 5.

BioOil

Aussie 3 minute miracle



If you would like me to review anything let me know. If you'd like a tutorial, DIY, review, tip, trick anything just let me know!

DIY time! Body Scrub!

So, like anyone I used to pay for my bod scrubs. Often I opted for Lush's ocean salt:

Now don't get me wrong. I love this scrub. It works great and smells delicious. At around 20-30+ a tub, yeah I'll pass. If you choose to buy this, it will last you the year as long as you spot exfoliate like I do(Elbows, knees, feet, rough spots) but if you full body and face exfoliate with this you'll go through it like no bodys buisness and it'll cost you a fortune.

Many people have posted DIY dupes for this, my body scrub is not a dupe of this. It is a DIY sugar scrub and it is oil based, so I will warn those with oily skin types to use less oil in your version or you can try the DIY dupe for this which I will post after I play with the recipe.

For this you will need:
A big ol' mason jar or anything you want to use to hold this
3 cup Brown sugar(I use light, not dark. Not sure if it makes a difference tbh)
1 1/2 cup 100% pure extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup Raw Honey/100% natural honey

I make a large batch when I make mine so I don't have to do it often. I add it all to a mason jar, give it a good stir and then put on the lid. I give it a nice shake and place it in my shower organizer. This lasts for awhile even using it on my whole body. I do not use this on my face though because I have a oily t-zone and it doesn't help much with that. After I use this I use my body wash to remove the excess oil. Since it is winter I use a lot of oil in this, I usually can see a top layer of oil in my jar. If you do not like this I recommend cutting the oil in half or just watching it by eye. I will say my knees and elbows feel awesome after this and my whole body feels much softer because the oil and honey keep the skin nice and soft while the sugar exfoliates nice and gentle.

The best thing is you can do this for about 10 bucks and make multiple batches, a huge savings compared to most body scrubs! Also these are basic household ingredients so you might even be able to make a batch from looking in your pantry. I also use organic products in mine so it's a nice 100% natural organic scrub!

The smell is somewhat off putting to me since it smells like cooking as I always cook with olive oil and honey. If the smell bothers you, you can add an essential oil or even some vanilla extract to make it more bearable but it has grown on me over time.

Lush's product smells better but does not moisturize as well as my cheaper alternative! You can always hop into any Lush and request a sample and compare it to your own DIY scrub at home. I did not use my Lush scrub on my face but salt is very good for acne so if you're more prone to breakouts or oily I would recommend Lush's scrub. If acne is not a huge concern, you have dry skin or just want a scrub for you body and not face I'd say the DIY scrub is for you!

Modnique sale

Nice make-up sale going on here including MAC and more!

A lot of good stuff around 50% off. I have never ordered from them before but they are similar to Haute  look which I am sure you all have heard of.

Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask

Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask


Alright lets hop right into the review, if anyone isn't sure of my format I always bold and italic the website/product claims first and usually follow with a overview. So here we go!

This mask smells so much like fresh pumpkin you will think it's Thanksgiving.

Okay so, when  they say pumpkin. They mean business. I received a sample of this in one of my monthly cosmetic boxes and tried it for the first time the other day. So heres my first thoughts: Wowweee pumpkin. This is a bright orange mask and it will make you want some pumpkin pie. I am not a super huge fan of pumpkin but it got my stomach to growl. Usually I am not a fan of scented facial products but it smelled yummy!
So if you hate pumpkin this may make you want to claw your face off.

Warning: Don't go outside, you'll look like an Oompa Loompa.

And exfoliant lovers will give Thanks! That tingle is the pumpkin enzyme combining with glycolic acid to go to town on your skin’s flaws dissolving impurities like dead skin and clogged pores.

This does WONDERS on pores. It really does. After one use I noticed my blackheads were much smaller. Like most masks it's drying. I found it was much more drying then most of the masks I use on a normal basis. On the back of the tube it says to use a moisturizer afterwards and trust me, I had to. I'm definitely going to leave this on for only 5 minutes instead of the normal 10 to see if this will help with the dryness. I use this was a weekly mask and wouldn't use it more then once a week.

 Adds brightness and radiance to the skin and significantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after a single use.

I did notice my skin looked a bit more bright after use. As for the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, I'm in my early 20s so I don't notice much of a difference.

Over all I do like the product but I like it more as a inclusion in my monthly subscription box. I didn't mind trying it, I would even consider buying it but it is a wonderful 34 dollars! My sample is 1 oz and will last me awhile, full size is 3.4 oz. I know this would last for a long time but I am SO cheap. I would rather just...not. I'm pretty sure I'd cry if I spent that in a mask but I'm also sure it will last me at least 6 months since a little goes a long way. I'll see how long it takes me to go through my sample and then maybe think about it...34 dollars though...

Another plus to this product since it is Michael Todd it is ORGANIC! Which may or may not be a plus for some of you but it is for me as I am thinking about going on a organic kick, we'll see if my wallet will agree...

The Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask can be purchased here for...not cheap.

What what only $12 for a limited time here.

Cat eyes

A cute tutorial for cat eyes I found floating around the net and I just had to share especially to get in the Halloween spirit!

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

This pore scrub targets pore-clogging dirt and blackheads while exfoliating to reveal a soft and smooth complexion. More effective than a leading scrub, it uses unique spherical beads to clean without damaging your skin. 

Okay, I have tried A LOT of pore/blackhead scrubs. I've tried clean and clear, st. ives, family dollar generic, target generic and more. Honestly, they are ALL the same. This has been the most expensive one I have tried so far and the Target generic at less the half it's price works just as well.


That is what it looks like and is usually around 3 dollars and sometimes as low as 2. If you purchase it online sometimes purchase them in bulk for cheaper.

I have not tried a high end black head scrub because I have never found the need to so I can't compare this to anything fancy but it has always worked for me.
The only plus is I believe the Biore is oil free while the generic is not. So that always is something to keep in mind when purchasing a scrub. The generic is compared to the clean and clear scrub which I also believe has oil in it.

You can purchase the Biore scrub for around 6 dollars and can find it at a number of drugstores as well as online.

The up and up scrub is the target generic scrub that can be found instore or online.

Botanics Age Defense Microdermabrasion Polish

Botanics Age Defense Microdermabrasion Polish

Get younger-looking skin with Boots Botanics microdermabrasion polish. Part of the Age Defense collection, it is formulated with ginkgo extract to protect skin from external damage. Microparticles help to refine pores and improve skin texture, while plant stem technology enhances your skin's radiance.

Okay since I'm only 22 I really don't need a age defense scrub. That being said I've been on a microdermabrasion kick, I've been wanting to get a microdermabrasion tool but since I'm broke I opted to try this instead. Let me tell you, I am not disappointed  This contains very fine pumice so as soon as I felt it the scrub reminded me of a foot scrub. It's a very fine, sand papery like scrub which left my skin feeling very soft and my pores practically disappeared! This scrub has worked better for my pores then any other scrub or nose strip, it's awesome!

First I scrubbed it in with my fingers and followed with my facial brush and my skin felt soft an refreshed. I used this as a once a week scrub as directed on the back.

This is the first product in while that left such a good impression that I'm excited to use other products by this company.

I purchased mine at Target, originally 12.99 but is currently 10% off.

Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream

Noxzema Deep Cleaning Cream

Alright as of late due to stress my skin has been freaking out. Because of this and my recent move I figured I should mess with my skin routine. This is one of the products I picked up on my drug-store skincare haul.

Feel fresh and rejuvenated with the Noxzema original deep-cleansing cream. This deep-cleansing face cream removes makeup, oil and dirt and effectively cleans pores without dehydrating and drying your skin.

Okay, I think they're fibbing just a bit. I find if I don't use a make-up remover prior it will not take all of it off unless I'm using a facial brush with it. Regardless I always remove my make-up with a wipe before using this. It also claims it will not dehydrate my skin, they also make a hydrating version of this. I have normalish skin, only semi-oily in my t-zone like most people. This left my cheeks very very dry. I had to slather a lot of moisturizer on my cheeks after I use this.

Simply massage the cream onto wet skin and wash it off after a minute. This skin cleanser helps make your skin smooth and soft and leaves a long-lasting glow. It has essential oils such as eucalyptus. 

I will say that my skin did feel nice and soft in the spots that weren't left overly dry. I used this during a light breakout and by the next day most of my bumps were gone. So I will say this an effective acne products but personally I would not use this as a daily cleanser because I found it very drying.

Also please smell this, usually they don't have a cover and you can just open it and take a whiff. It smells like acne medicine. I hate the smell. The smell almost made me return it. I have a very sensitive nose and it did not agree with this AT all.

Also this product does not foam up which is typical of my normal cleansers so if you look for that in a cleanser then this isn't for you.

Over view: The price is about 3-5 dollars at 12 oz is a great steal. I wouldn't use it as a daily cleanser because I find it very strong on my skin but if you have oilyer skin it might help control that. It has helped me with light break out but I'm unsure how it will help with very heavy acne.

Would I recommend it? Yes, at the price you might as well try it because it won't break the bank.

I purchased mine at Target for $3.99 but it should be available at your local drugstore.

Deals!

 

12 oz on sale at Sephora.com!

Only $10!($26 value)

Free shipping at $50 and go to Retailmenot for codes for some freebies! Also as always 3 free samples with a online order!

Friends and Family sale is going on at urban decay. 20% off your order with code ffholiday2013!

DIY spa time!

 I always try to keep away from chemically products. As most people I enjoy more natural and cruelty free products. This is a natural and organic(doesn't have to be) facial mask good for acne and brightening the skin. The best thing is it's affordable and you can usually find the products right in your fridge!

Mask ingredients:
1 egg(White only, I have a use for yolk too! never waste!)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt

You'll also need a pot of water and a small facial towel.

Get a medium sized pot and fill it half way, I always pour some sea salt in the water. I have heard from others it does make a difference and some people think it is a useless step, I do it anyways.I let it steam up but don't let it boil!


In a small dish/bowl or whatever you would like to use put in your sale, lemon juice and egg white. Put the yolk in a dish to the side, the proteins are great for your hair!

Beat the mixture in the bowl until it's nice and frothy. Once your pot of water begins to steam, rest your face over it. The steam will open your pores and allow the mask to settle in nice and deep! You can always transfer the water to a bowl in case you're worried about putting your face over a pot of water, I've never had any mishaps but I am also very cautious!

After a 2-3 minutes of steaming I dip my rag into the pot of water and set it to the side. I steam my face over the pot for another minute or so while the rag cools. Make sure the rag is hot but won't burn you! The minute is more then enough for me but I can handle heat very well! Please touch it and make sure it isn't too hot for you. If it's too hot for your hands it's too hot for your face!

I like to cut holes in my rag, this is exclusively used for my face. The reason I like the holes is because with the rag on my face I find it hard to breathe and that's never a good thing! I sit back and rest the rag on my face for another minute or so. Also with the eye holes in the rag you and put cucumbers or teabags on your eyes for a extra treatment!

Imminently after this steam treatment rub the mask all over your face. It should still have some gains of sea salt in there so make sure to rub it in like a exfoliator. It's likely you will have a lot left over. If you have other people in your household use it on them too! I never keep the extra because I like to have it nice and fresh.

Leave it on your face until it dries(your face will feel stiff and sometimes turn white and crackily because of the mixture) then wash off with warm water then pat dry!

Remember that yolk I mentioned? After I rub the mask in my face I use the yolk as a hair treatment. Often I will just rub it into my hair plain but sometimes I add a little bit of olive oil or mix it with conditioner depending on what I have in the house. I leave it in my hair with the mask on my face, usually I like to do this in the morning or before bed so I can take a shower and wash everything out at once!

Also lemon juice is a natural hair lightener! Over time it will lighten hair, often I will also mix that in with the yolk. It works best in direct sunlight though so if you do it inside it may not work as well. You can also keep a small spray bottle of lemon juice to spray in your hair before going out if you'd like to try this natural hair lightening method!

Skincare junkie

So recently due to all my stress my skin has been FREAKING out. I'm trying a lot of new skincare products since I lost most of my old ones in my move.

I'll be posting my first thoughts and then updating a week or two later with the longer term results. Just letting you guys know ahead of time! Also got some products for my husband so I'll be making him give me notes and thoughts and I'll be posting those as well.

Dermatouch: Natural skincare

Today my mail man handed me my mail and it finally came in. I was super excited because I've always wanted a Clarisonic but I am not made of money, I can't afford one! At the price of $19.99 and free shipping how could I go wrong with trying this product? Also if I am displeased with it in any way I can just return it to a Target store, score!
Now it is pretty obvious I have never hair a Clarisonic, maybe one day I'll get it to try and get a better compairison but my broke butt would have to return it or hear the wrath of my husband!

• A professional home use technology helping your skin to breath, rejuvenate, revive to reveal greater, younger looking skin. Includes two brush heads. The white brush is for normal to sensitive skin. The black and white brush is for combination to oily skin. Add Dermatouch cleanser or exfoliation to brush.

 First comes first, what you get is the two brush heads and the brush thing itself. What it made me feel like is I had to order the clenser seperately, I was suprised and pleased to find it had been included!

White(Normal/Sensitive) Brush head: A bit scratchy but I figure how will it exfoliate otherwise. My skin is tough as nails so I thought I wouldn't use this brush. I was wrong. 

Black/White(Combination/Oily) Brush head: So when I was using this I thought it was fore blackheads and tougher areas, also I my tough ol skin doesn't need a wimpy sensitive brush head. WRONG WRONG WRONG. This one is super gritty, like it cut my face gritty. Next time I pick this up I'm going to be much more careful and I warn you to as well. If you have tough skin try the white one first anyways because I went for this bad boy first and OUCH.

Oxygen Cleanser: Very gentle, brightened my skin on first use. Have not used it long enough to see how it does over all but so far so good! I always have to be careful with what cleansers I use because I have scent sensitivity, something too strong can make me sneeze for hours. Weird, right? Luckily this is unscented!

Note to all of you, on the back of the box it has the instructions. Don't...DON'T...DOOOO NOOOT put your cleanser on the brush like it says to. I did and my product is on my walls and not my face. Rub some product gently on your face(I put a dab on each of my cheeks, chin, forhead and nose). After turn on the brush and work it in that way because if you're not careful you'll redecorate your bathroom walls(I have a strawberry morning clenser and than god that wasn't the one I learned this with or else my bathroom would have looked like a murder scene).

I am liking it so far, after two using my skin is noticeably softer(especially my nose!).

Before trying this on a whim I have never tried or heard of Dermatouch, it seems they have a decent sized line that can be found on target. So far, so good! I think I'll try some more facial products by them.

PROS:

•  So far so good! I have no complaints so far. At $19.99 it is cheaper then buying one Clarisonic brush head replacement.

CONS:

•  I can't find ANYWHERE to buy brush head replacements. Perhaps I'll check if the Clarisonic ones will work with this, if they do then I may just cry of happiness! I will post when I have to find a replacement brush because it is bound to happen, I'd hate to need to buy the whole system to get new brushes! 
• Limited brush heads, I wish I could get a deep pore, acne or body type brush head.
• Paraben Free clenser+Enviromentally conscientious+Cruelty free etc

Can be purchased at Target for $19.99

I'd like to thank a reader for letting me know that the replacement heads can be purchased on OpenSky! 2 for $12!