Sephora $50 haul

May 24, 2012 Coco

On Friday night I noticed Sephora’s $22 Perfecting Cover Foundation was on sale for half price, only $11! The last time I purchased Sephora foundation, it was their hydrating and smoothing foundation (R20) at full price and I really was not a fan of it. But I figured I would give them another chance considering how low the price was. Being someone who LOVES free shipping, and would rather spent more money to not waste on shipping, I was now on the hunt through their sale items to spend the $50 required for free shipping. My package came in yesterday and here’s what I ended up choosing with a short review of each item:

Sephora Perfecting Cover Foundation - Medium 25 Beige

Sephora Perfecting Cover Foundation – Medium 25 Beige

This long-lasting foundation delivers an advanced definition complexion as it smoothes and perfects skin’s appearance.
I heard warnings about it going on too “orangy-tan” but I really like the results. It’s not necessarily the best foundation, and looks a little cakey, but overall a much better formula than the other Sephora foundation I bought before. The color actually looks great on my lightly sun-tanned skin, and blended very easily. I think it will grow on me! COURTNEY’S RATING: B+
1.1 oz (Orig. $22, Sale $11) from Sephora.com

Sephora Mineral Foundation Compact - D30 (warm beige)

Sephora Mineral Foundation Compact – D30 (warm beige)

This silky foundation provides buildable coverage and protects skin with an SPF 10, while the long-wearing formula creates a luminous finish.
I actually haven’t used a powder foundation in a LONG time, but I have been wanting to get something for a finishing powder and for touch-ups during the day, so I figured this would be a great investment for the price. It seems to work decently, but not anything special. I like the color, and it evens out my face nicely. But I am not sure if I am “sold.” COURTNEY’S RATING: B
0.35 oz (Orig. $22, Sale $7) from Sephora.com

Sephora Tropical Trio Brush Set

A set of three travel-friendly brushes dipped in vibrant, tropical hues. This super-portable brush set is as stunning as it is convenient.
THESE ARE SOOO CUTE! I am in love! They’re super soft, and incredibly portable – I immediately threw them into my purse! There isn’t much to say except WOW! COURTNEY’S RATING: A
(Orig. $22, Sale $7) from Sephora.com

Hello Kitty Liquid Nail Art

These pretty polishes will have your fingertips looking fancy. Stored in a bottle shaped like Hello Kitty, each color is high gloss, anti-chip, and sure to last a long time thanks to UV-protection and resistance to both water and detergent.
I love sparkle nail polishes, and I could not resist these, especially not when they come in cute HK bottles! I bought the three shades that were on sale: Gold Sparkle, Red Sparkle, and Silver Star. 2-3 coats, and they are incredibly beautiful! COURTNEY’S RATING: A
(Orig. $10 each, Sale $5 each) from Sephora.com

Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm – Funky Fuschia

This lip treat combines the hydrating benefits of a lip balm with the sheer tint of a lipstick. The pop of neon color will highlight any look and the long-wearing formula means you can keep your pout both moisturized and flashy from day into night.
This is without a doubt my new favorite lip balm! I previously bought some lip balms from Sephora, and I was a huge fan. But this one is even better! The pink is so pigmented, and lasts a long time! COURTNEY’S RATING: A+
(Orig. $10 each, Sale $3 each) from Sephora.com

‘Tricks of the Trade’ Anti-Shine Primer

The primer preps skin to expertly hold foundation and mattifies skin for up to eight hours, controlling and balancing sebum production. It guarantees that your makeup stays fresh and color-true.
I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet… and I usually don’t use a primer, but I couldn’t resist the price! I am actually very impressed at how well it works. It does exactly what it says it should and I would definitely repurchase… although $18 seems a little pricey, but the bottle seems to last a long time. COURTNEY’S RATING: B+
(Orig. $18, Sale $5) from Sephora.com

I also bought a pack of Sephora hair elastics ($3), and received a Dior Diorshow Mascara deluxe sample with a promotion code and received my 3 perfume samples: Cartier Baiser Vole, Bvlgari Omnia Coral, and Gucci Flora By Gucci Eau Fraîche.

Here are some pics! (Don’t mind my horrible nail polish skills, I was in a rush :P)

Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm - Funky Fuschia

(click to enlarge)

Steve Madden BSOCIAL purse

May 8, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Immediately after finishing my French final, my dad suggested we do a little light shopping before heading home. (My final was at 8am, so I asked my dad to give me a ride to town so I didn’t have to wake up so early). Found some cute boots at Charlotte Russe($9.99, orig. $45), and a pretty ring by Footnotes at JCPenney($20), but the HUGE find of the day was our last stop at Marshalls when I spotted this GORGEOUS blue, almost purple, Steve Madden handbag. And here’s the kicker… it was only $39.99!! It retails at $108 anywhere else online, so this was definitely the Sick Steal of the Day! Maybe year! Can you tell I am in love with this purse??!?!?! Also, after we had some REALLY good burgers at Centerpoint Station in San Marcos, TX.

I can’t wait to wear the purse out for the first time on Wednesday.. it’s going to be my lucky charm for my Brain & Behavior final. Not to mention, I’ll be wearing the boots when we go out dancing at Cowboys next week! Plus this ring is SUPER cute! I’ve been looking for something simple and cute to wear daily (my other ring is so fancy in comparison!). An overall GREAT day with my Dad ^^

Here are some pics I took:

(click to enlarge)

You can check out the purse at SteveMadden.com.

Bikini Zone Medicated After-Shave Gel

May 1, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Get Rid of the Bumps. If you’re like most women, you’ve experienced irritation after shaving your bikini area. Bikini Zone is uniquely medicated to provide fast relief from the irritation, bumps and redness that can occur in the sensitive bikini area after shaving.

I have been super busy and stressed out with the Spring semester ending and studying for finals, but my favorite stress reliever has always been getting some sun at the beach or the river! And if you are one of the brave souls like me who love wearing a bikini, you also know there is also a lot of upkeep when it comes to hair removal. The bikini line and pubic area is very sensitive, and when waxed or shaved can cause irritation and NASTY bumps! I don’t think ANYONE likes ingrown hairs!!! My friend Christina introduced me, last year, to an AMAZING product called Bikini Zone. A few dabs of Bikini Zone after shaving or waxing, and the problem is solved!

I have been using Bikini Zone for the past year, and I have to say I have not had any issues with irritation or bumps. In fact, when I DON’T use Bikini Zone, I end up getting horrible bumps from shaving.

Bikini Zone costs about $7.99 for a 1oz tube, and that small tube lasts a LONG time! I’m still on my first tube that I bought last year. They also have a non-medicated Anti-Bumps Shave Gel, $4.99 for 4oz and varying hair removal products. Bikini Zone products can be bought from Wal-mart, walgreens, and many more places in-store, and also from online retailers (directly from CCA Industries). For more information about Bikini Zone Medicated After-Shave Gel, please visit BikiniZone.com.

Post-It Notes Pop-up Heart Dispenser

April 5, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Not sure if this is a steal, but I couldn’t resist this! It was a little cheaper than the online price (about $8+). Even though I have to buy different (slightly more expensive) post-it notes, it’s the perfect decor for my desk! They also have other designs (click to see it at Walmart.com).

Though I kinda scratched it on the plastic box when I took it out :( The OCD part of me wants to exchange it, but it’s not THAT noticeable, only in certain light… but still! lol I hate returning stuff so I’ll just suffer through it :P

Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer

April 1, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Intensely hydrating moisturizer addresses the dryness that is sometimes associated with acne medications.

I’ve been using my X Out acne treatment that I received from the Holiday VoxBox from Influenster for the last two months daily! Although I love the results, one issue I’ve found with X Out and Proactiv is that it tends to dry out my face! Luckily, for completing the Proactiv brand challenge during the Cosmo VoxBox, the special gift was Proactiv’s Green Tea Moisturizer (2.5oz) and it finally came in last month! I’ve been using it religiously after applying X Out every morning, and I have to say I am completely in love with it!

The green tea moisturizer immediately re-hydrates my face after an acne treatment, without making it greasy or sticky. The scent is wonderful and not under or overpowering. What I love the most is that it makes my skin feel so smooth and silky, and also is a wonderful base for makeup. Using the X Out or Proactiv to clear my face of dead skin and then recover moisture with the green tea moisturizer, I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin, and more often than not opt to go makeupless for the day, which is something I always hated in the past. But now I feel like my skin is beautiful.

I’m not sure if you can buy it directly through Proactiv without being a member or ordering it along with one of their sets (it’s a “free bonus”), but suggested price is about $14 to $18 online (not sure what size bottle that’s for). It can go as high as $30 on ebay, which leads me to believe it is somewhat hard to find without paying top dollar or becoming a Proactiv member. :/

But despite those issues, I would still rate it high based on the quality of the product. But when my bottle runs out, I don’t know if I will attempt to repurchase or just try to buy an easier to find product.

Courtney’s Rating: A

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Kiss Nail Dress in “Sexy”

March 16, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Introducing Kiss Nail Dress, ultimate nail fashion for tips and toes! Just peel, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to 10 days. On in minutes, off in seconds without remover. Nail Dress is available in 18 different styles!

Included in my Influenster Love Voxbox was a package of Kiss Nail Dress “Fashion That Sticks” nail stickers in the style “Sexy”.

I have used nail stickers before, but those were tiny stickers as a fun addition to nail polish. So when I saw these FULL nail stickers, I was pretty hesitant. I figured they would look fake and totally not at all what I’d like or wear. BUT I was completely wrong!
The process was very meticulous and often frustrating. The difficult part was filing off the excess from the nail. I also found it difficult fitting the sticker onto the nail perfectly, there are gaps of nail showing where the nail dress didn’t cover properly on most of my nails. After a few tries, it gets easier, but still painstaking. When done, they are not perfect, but actually pretty cute. I am, ultimately, VERY happy with the results. And can’t stop looking at the pretty, flirty cheetah design. I can’t help but feel slightly more confident and wild with them on!

Here’s a quick video on how to apply imPRESS Press-on Manicure:

There’s also a video for applying on toes and cutting your own designs. I definitely reccommend if you have any questions to check out the FAQ on their website.

A few tips when applying the nail dress, do the thumbs LAST. It makes applying all of the others easier. It was easier applying the toes, but I didn’t particulary like the look of it applied to all of the toes. It might be my fault, because I didn’t follow their instruction to use the square side at the cuticle, so they didn’t entirely fit properly. But personally, I would prefer just doing my hand nails next time, and maybe only the big toe and matching the other toes with a similar color nail polish. (I’m not even going to bother with a foot picture, because I messed them up so bad, it wouldn’t do the product justice!)

The unedited picture, without any filters, to show the true color of “Sexy”

I am already into my seventh day wearing them (with daily showers/baths and my normal routine), and they still look good and none have fallen off! Although, by now they look a LITTLE grungy and chipped on a few of the tips. I will update how long they actually last. UPDATE They lasted well over a week until I decided to take them off. They last a little longer if you trim your nails after they’ve grown out a bit.

Overall, I really like Kiss’ Nail Dress stickers. In fact, I kinda love them. They don’t fall off like fake nails, and they look just as good as polish… and make designs I could NEVER do myself! I wore them out over the weekend to a few parties, and they were a big hit! I even met a girl who was wearing Kiss Nail Dress in the zebra design “Garter” (sadly, she didn’t get them from Influenster). I will, without a doubt, buy these again!

Nail Dress’ is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens for about $6.99 a package.

Courtney’s Rating: A

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Truvía® natural sweetener

March 14, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Truvía® natural sweetener is the first natural, great-tasting, zero-calorie sweetener born from the leaves of the stevia plant. Truvia is refreshingly uncomplicated. Sprinkle it on your grapefruit. Spoon it in your coffee. It won’t end up on your conscience or your thighs.

Included in my Influenster Love Voxbox were samples of the natural sweetener Truvia. Check out Truvia’s website for more information on natural sweetener!

Truvia natural sweetener is made from Truvia stevia leaf extract, the best tasting part of the stevia leaf, erythritol and natural flavors. Learn more about Truvia from their FAQ page. When learning about Truvia, the main question on my mind is, is it healthy? Well, I don’t know and I can’t answer that question. But there is plenty of information on the internet asking the same question. Two that stood out to me were Mark’s Daily Apple and Food Renegade‘s article and is definitely an interesting unbiased opinion.

Evil kitty Bella was curious what I was doing!

For my taste test of Truvia sweetener, I made my favorite Iced Coffee. But instead of sugar, I used 5 packets of Truvia, which is still less real sugar than I usually use. I definitely think Truvia is sweeter than real sugar and my taste buds would be correct because Truvia says that one packet (3.5g) is equal to the same sweetness as two teaspoons (9.5g) of real sugar. For someone who doesn’t like VERY sweet drinks. It didn’t taste bad, but I probably should have only used 2 or 3 packets. Very sweet!

Overall, I think Truvia is a great sugar substitute for those who don’t want to consume real sugar, but I am a little too hesitant. I really only use sugar to sweeten my once a week or less Iced Coffee, so it’s not something I need in my lifestyle. However, I do think it is a lot healthier than other sweetener’s on the market, and would probably recommend to those who do use sweeteners.

Courtney’s Rating: B+

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

March 13, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Designed with a love for smooth legs and a passion for skin care, the Venus & Olay razor is a match made in skin heaven. Olay Moisture Bars release skin conditioners to help lock in moisture and boost your shave* while 5 blades get Venus close.

Included in my Influenster Love Voxbox was the Venus Olay Razor from Gillette. Check out Gillette’s website for more information on the razor!

I previously reviewed the ProSkin MoistureRich Razor from Gillette, and was very impressed with the results. Again, it is positive results for Gillette razors. Unlike other razors, this one has FIVE blades and a pivoting head, which definitely made a difference, and made shaving a breeze! My legs felt so soft and smooth afterward!

The difference between that razor and this one is the Olay moisture bars. “Olay Moisture Bars contain skin-enhancing elements found in Olay products: Petrolatum helps lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness and Glycerin helps offer that goddess glow! Just wet the razor to release a light lather – no separate shave cream required.” And I definitely noticed a difference after I stepped out of the shower; usually I immediately have to moisturize because shaving leaves my legs dry and prone to bumps, but the moisture bars worked their magic and I didn’t have to do a thing afterward.

The razor stays on my bathroom
mirror to keep it safe from water!

Only one negative I found was that I am, unfortunately, not a big fan of the smell. It’s a little too sickeningly sweet, but it’s not a detractor from the product, and I know a lot of people who like the smell. Just personally not my favorite.

Overall, this is a wonderful shaving option. As someone who prefers to shave my legs over any of the other options, I am definitely a big fan of these razors. I don’t think I can ever go back to shavers without the soap bars attached. My legs have never been so smooth since switching over to Gillette Venus!

A refillable Venus & Olay with one replacement cartridge sells for approximately $8.99-$10.99; three replacement cartridges for about $14.99 – $19.49. Venus & Olay will be available starting March 15, 2012 at food, drug, convenience and mass merchandise stores throughout the United States.

Courtney’s Rating: A

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Bath & Body Works Body Sponge

March 12, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

A must-have for all bathing beauties! Our gentle sponge has a convenient strap and is the perfect puffy accessory for a luxurious cleansing experience.

What are these things even called? Puffs? Gauze Sponges? Loofahs? It seems like no one really knows! I never know what to call them… it will be awkward if they ever get brought up in person… (“you know, those bath body scrubber thingys??”).

Anyways, I picked up one of these body puffs over the weekend from Bath & Body Works for $3.50! ISN’T IT CUTE? It’s SUPER soft, and works great! I am a sucker for pink and polka dots! They also have them in purple, blue, white, and orange in-store and online (click here to view).

I also picked up another C.O. Bigelow product on this trip, their Lemon Lip Cream.. can you say: future review!???

Influenster Love VoxBox

March 9, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

A little late to enjoy for Valentine’s Day, but still awesome to receive another VoxBox from Influenster! And it’s SPRING BREAK! So I have plenty of time to review everything! This is my third VoxBox, and I’m always super excited when I am chosen– who doesn’t love trying new products??? Previously, I received the Cosmo and Holiday VoxBoxes, so I already feel like a part of the Influenster team. If you want to know more about Influenster, please check out my previous blog post by clicking here.

But without further ado, I present to you THE LOVE VOXBOX!

I may have gone a little crazy with Instagram, hehe! I displayed the products from the Love VoxBox in my heart shaped bowl I bought awhile back, and blogged about as well. And of course, added a few pink items sitting around my room. Fitting, no?

This month’s VoxBox might not be as grand as previous VoxBoxes, but I am still pretty excited to test them out! Influenster touts these items as “a few to get you date-ready, and some you can share with your sweetie!” Too cute!

Influenster Postcard (quick breakdown on each product)

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

Kiss Nail Dress – Fashion That Sticks in “Sexy” (Cheetah Print)

Stash Tea – Herbal Tea Sampler

Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk – Creamy Devotion Bar + $1 off coupon on any 2 bars

Truvia Natural Sweetener Samples + 75 cent off Coupon

Here’s a quick review/my opinion of each product.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

I LOVED the Venus ProSkin MoistureRich razor I received in the Cosmo VoxBox, so I can’t wait to try out this one, too! I love the packaging for this one, it’s yellow and, though you can’t see in the picture, VERY sparkly and glitters in the light… kinda like Twilight vampires LOL

Kiss Nail Dress in “Sexy”

In the Holiday VoxBox, there was a package of press-on fake nails, and I really loved them. I’m not sure I like the idea of a “nail dress” because my nails tend to crack when they get too long and I don’t look forward to having to apply stickers to my stubby nails, but the design is very pretty and I LOVE the cheetah print! I will try to be open-minded about them!

Stash Tea – Herbal Tea Sampler

I’ve actually tried Stash tea before, and I still have some Stash green tea around here somewhere when I was having a tea kick and trying to do something healthy for a change. I am not a huge fan of tea bags, especially after trying the amazing loose leaf teas from Teavana, but I have been wanting to try the other flavors from Stash. I am most excited about Chamomile!

Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk – Creamy Devotion Bar

This is a HUGE bar! I am shocked! I am not sure, but I think I have had this chocolate before, but it was caramel inside. That’s as much as I know about this product, but it looks delicious, and I’m not exactly sure how long I will be able to last before I rip open the package and devour the chocolate inside. XD

Truvia Natural Sweetener Samples

When I need to sweeten my drink or food, I use REAL sugar, because I am very hesitant when it comes to using an artificial sweetener. But Truvia claims to be natural and no-calorie, so I am definitely interested and will have to try it out in my next homemade iced coffee!

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Desk Accessories Galore!

March 5, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

I’ve been trying to redecorate my room for the past year or so. I finally got rid of my unused armoire and replaced it with a more functional desk. Here’s what I picked up over the weekend.

First up, a pair of pen/pencil organizers from Marshalls. The larger was $5.99, while the smaller was only $3.99. They are extrememely cute, and match the theme of my room (white furniture, black, silver and pink accents). After leaving Marshalls, and putting back a bunch of cute accessories I simply didn’t need nor should waste money on. I could NOT resist this adorable pink Umbra picture frame from Ross for $6.99. I haven’t added a photograph yet, but I plan to put a picture of my friends in it.

And lastly, my favorite find of the day: this BEAUTIFUL crystal lamp and black/silver/white lamp shade from Lowes. The Portfolio Satin Nickel Lamp Base was a little pricey at $40 and the Portfolio drum shade was $15, but totally worth it. I also included a picture of the amazing desk my Dad found for me on Craigslist. It’s a $1,000 Ballard Designs “Bourdonnais” desk that we got for just $250. I’m still working on decorating, but first I have to clean up all of the stuff that came out of my old armoire, so excuse the mess! But the design is sooo gorgeous, I don’t care! Love it!

Philosophy Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion

March 3, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Infused with the youthful, uplifting scent of Philosophy’s Eternal Grace fragrance, this firming body emulsion is designed to leave you feeling forever young.

I received a sample bag from Sephora and it sat in my room for a few months before I finally took the time to go through it. Usually I don’t like the small samples they give out, so I wasn’t expecting much… until I found Philosophy’s Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion! Since then, I’ve been using it for the past year or so about once a week and I can honestly say that it is my favorite lotion, although mainly because I love the fragrance so much.

Whether or not my skin is firmer from use? I don’t know. But the lotion makes my skin super smooth, and of course, smells amazing ALL DAY. The scent lasts a very long time, which is definitely a big deal in my book. The lotion is rich, creamy and non-greasy.

The only downfall is that Philosophy products are generally a tad pricy. A 16 oz bottle of Philosophy Eternal Grace Firming Body Emulsion is $34 at Sephora or from Philosophy directly. If you love the fragrance as much as me, you might be interested in the companion Perfume, Rollerball and/or Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel in the Eternal Grace scent that are also available from those sources.