Author: Coco

Desk Accessories Galore!

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.

Organizer from Marshalls

Pink Umbra Picture Frame from Ross


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.


Crystal Lamp and Shade from Lowes

Ballard Designs Bourdonnais Desk


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

Coco

Philosophy Eternal Grace Firming Body EmulsionInfused 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.

Courtney’s Rating: A

C.O. Bigelow Lemon Lip Balm NO. 1421

Coco

C.O. Bigelow’s Lemon Lip Balm softens, soothes and cares for lips with Vitamin C-rich and super-nourishing Shea Butter. 100% natural lemon flavor provides a tangy burst, while the creamy formula glides on smooth, leaving lips feeling soft and moisturized.

I know, I know! Another C.O. Bigelow lovefest. Well, what can I say? Their products are amazing! I was at Bath & Body Works with my friend Christina awhile back, and decided to take advantage of their Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal. I bought two Rose Salves because my old one needed to be replaced, and decided to try one of their other lip products. This time their Lemon Lip Balm.

One complaint I had with the Body Cream was that it didn’t go on my lips comfortably, and I’m craving the lemon smell to wear during the daytime. And this is the answer to that dilemma!

The lip balm is smooth and silky, and completely nourishes my lips during the day. I bought it before winter started, and now that winter is here, I am so glad I bought it because it has been very helpful keeping my lips unchapped!

You can purchase C.O. Bigelow Lemon Lip Balm from your local Bath & Body Works (or from C.O. Bigelow online directly) for $7.50. Personally a little pricey, in my opinion, but it lasts for a very long time, and in the long term is TOTALLY worth it. Plus if you buy from B&BW, you can buy two lip products and get one free!

Courtney’s Rating: A+

Bling!

Coco

It has been a long time since I’ve worn rings. I used to wear them ALL the time when I was little on my ring finger. But as I got older, I stopped wearing rings. This is probably the first ring I’ve bought in years, so I am pretty excited. I bought this beauty at my college at the Avalon Jewelry vendor in the quad for only $26! I’m in the organization on campus that hosts them, so I occassionally volunteer to sit with them. Nothing usually catches my eye there, but this ring did and the owner gave me a pretty good discount since I’m there a lot (it probably would have cost over $40). I guess you can consider this a belated V-Day present to myself! 8D

It’s a lot more silver and black than the image suggests, but I’m addicted to Instagram now 😛

C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream NO. 005

Coco

C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream NO. 005C.O. Bigelow’s time-honored formula is the ultimate in intensive moisture care for very dry skin. A little of this rich, non-greasy cream dramatically renews, softens and moisturizes.

Honestly, I never would have tried this product if I hadn’t stolen it from my friend, Laura. Just kidding, I asked permission! (She had two given to her). Anyways, that’s besides the point! This body cream is heavenly! Seriously! I’ve always been a huge fan of lemon. I love lemon cake, lemon Scentsy scents, lemon perfume, lemons, and so on and so on. So when I tried C.O. Bigelow’s Lemon Body Cream, it was meant to be!

I blogged before about my torrid love affair with C.O. Bigelow’s Rose Salve, and it seems like they’ve done it again! The body cream is silky smooth, although slightly greasy, and immediately renews my dry areas. And of course, all the while doing that it smells WONDERFUL. I pretty much want to devour my elbows or wherever I have applied the cream. It also works perfectly on my face before bedtime. I haven’t had any issues with the cream as far as break outs or allergic reactions, but I do reccommend with anything to do your research and see what works for you (A lot of people have complained of reactions to the lemon — read the reviews here). I was personally surprised by some of the negative feedback, and I urge you to try for yourself!

You can purchase your own C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream from your local Bath & Body Works (or from C.O. Bigelow online directly). Typically 8oz for $19.50 (And of course, take advantage of B&BW’s Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal), although I have seen 32oz jars, as well, and mine is only 1.7oz. $19.50 seems a little pricey, but my much smaller jar has lasted me a few months now. Also, C.O. Bigelow has an entire line of Lemon products (including a body lotion if that’s more your taste), and I highly recommend them to anyone who is a fan of lemon!

Courtney’s Rating: B+

Instagram addict!

Coco

It’s a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. Snap a photo with your iPhone, choose a filter to transform the look and feel, send to Facebook, Twitter or Flickr – it’s all as easy as pie. It’s photo sharing, reinvented. Oh yeah, did we mention it’s free?

Since I’ve had the iPhone, my choices in apps have changed a lot, but the one constant has been my use of Instagram.

If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a fun way to share your photographs — with design aesthetics. Here are a few of examples from my Instagram profile (Add me @Cocolation):

Cocolation @ Instagram Cocolation @ Instagram
Cocolation @ Instagram Cocolation @ Instagram

I highly recommend any iPhone users to pick up this app ASAP. It’s a lot of fun and a cool way to edit your pics before posting. Click here to get it for free in the App Store.

More than likely, I will be using images I’ve edited in Instagram ALL OVER this blog! <3

Michelle bought me MyChelle for Christmas!

Coco

My friend Michelle and I decided to swap Christmas presents this year, and she got me a few MyChelle Dermaceuticals products to test out! She was so excited to give them to me in that cute little box because all of the products fit perfectly inside like a puzzle. I’d never heard of MyChelle until Michelle bought these product for me, but I love the fact that MyChelle is so similar to Michelle’s name! So every time I use them I think of her XD She bought me two full size products (step 1 and 2), and two trial creams to try out.

From its inception, MyChelle Dermaceuticals has been a true pioneer in combining clinically proven, natural bioactive ingredients with cutting-edge science. It is this innovative approach that has made MyChelle Dermaceuticals the leader in results-driven, nontoxic skin care, and the source for education with the utmost integrity. Discover MyChelle »

 

Fruit Enzyme Cleanser

Fruit Enzyme Cleanser

Exfoliating, sulfate-free cleanser with Fruit AHAs for fresh, smooth skin.
The cleanser is very gentle on the skin, and lathers up with just a small dime-size amount. I love how clean and refreshed my skin feels afterward. The scent is very subtle, mainly of tangerines.
2.1 oz – $9.69 from MyChelle.com

 

Cranberry Mud Mask

Cranberry Mud Mask

Draws out blemish-causing impurities to detoxify and soothe.
Pricey for the amount, I honestly probably wouldn’t purchase it for that reason alone. But it does feel like it’s actually cleaning and closing my pores. I don’t like the smell while applying the mask, but it’s not very noticeable once it’s on. Ultimately, the price is a deal breaker for me.
1.2 oz – $25.09 from MyChelle.com

Oil Free Grapefruit Cream

Oil Free Grapefruit Cream

Lightweight restorative cream with SCO Totarol™ to control blemish-prone skin.
I’m in love with this cream! I tend to have an oily face, and the cream seems to tame my oiliness. It’s nourishing, and has a very light and creamy texture. The grapefruit isn’t overpowering, at all, but there is an unscented for those who might not like it.
.202 oz – $2.09 from MyChelle.com
Pumpkin Renew Cream

Pumpkin Renew Cream

Rich Pumpkin formula moisturizes and protects daily cellular renewal.
The cream smells of honeysuckle, pumpkin spice and is heaven! It’s super moisturizing and leaves skin feeling smooth!
.165 oz – $4.19 from MyChelle.com

Proactiv X Out Wash-In Treatment

Coco

The unique, one-step X Out™ Wash-In Treatment is formulated to help kill the bacteria that causes breakouts, help banish existing pimples and help leave the skin feeling smooth and looking healthy.

Included in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox was Proactiv’s new one-step system, X Out™ Wash-In Treatment.

First Impression:

I’ve used Proactiv’s 3-step program in the past, and although it was a good product, the three step daily treatment wasn’t a fit for my lifestyle. When I heard about X Out, I was immediately interested because it was only one step! I also really, really love the bottle design. And as a bonus, there are three ways you can use X Out:

WASH-IN: Apply to dampened skin and gently massage for 1-2 minutes. Wash off and repeat 2x a day, morning and night.
MASK: Apply to dampened skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
SPOT TREATMENT: Dab on zits and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Proactiv X Out Wash-In TreatmentAnother cool feature of X Out is the “Daily Distraction” to encourage proper wash time. All you need is a QR reader application (I use ‘RL Classic’ on my iPhone) on your smartphone to scan the QR code on the side of the bottle, which will direct you to watch a new 2-minute entertaining video each day while you wash (You can also watch from your computer at http://dd.xout.com/). This is such a cute idea, and definitely targets the teen market. Plus it shows that Proactiv is keeping up-to-date with technology.

X Out is 8.5% Benzoyl peroxide, which is much stronger than the Proactiv 3-step system which had 2.5% in both the cleanser and treatment, and might be too much for those with sensitive skin, but I haven’t had any issues. Other key ingredients include: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Linoleic and Linolenic Acid, Polyethylene beads, Glycerin, Dimenthicone, and Menthol.

Application:

X Out has a pump top, unlike the 3-step system’s squeeze bottle, and is so much easier to use! One to two pumps is enough for your entire face, depending on if you’re washing or leaving on a mask. I ususally do a two-minute scrub in the morning when I take my shower, and then a mask before bed. I haven’t used it as a spot treatment yet, but I’m sure it will be great for when I’m too busy, lazy or tired to do a full on mask/scrub. The mixture is very thick and creamy, with just enough gritty beads for an exfoliating scrub. Others have complained about the smell, but it smells slightly like watermelon and I actually enjoy it while it’s on. Once applied, there is a nice cooling effect — what they call the “Icy Slap”. And my skin feels super clean and smooth afterward. As I noticed with Proactiv, Benzoyl peroxide dries my skin out. I have oily-combination skin, but sometimes it dries it out way too much, so I use a moisturizer after application.

Bottom Line:

It’s so easy to apply, and doesn’t take up much of my time in the morning or before bed. X Out is recommended for moderate to mild acne (check out the X Out FAQ page for more information). I have fairly mild acne, so I use it sparingly and even though the price is a little on the high side, one bottle will probably last me a few months.

X Out is sold as a 30-day supply for $19.95 (2.5oz bottle), and 60-day supply for $39.90 (7.0oz bottle) and both supplies come with a bonus Shine Control Oil-Free Moisturizer ($12 value) to help you fight oil all day. Learn more and purchase at XOut.com.

Courtney’s Rating: A

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

Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask “Strawberry Souffle”

Coco

Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask Strawberry SouffleCleanse your skin with our Strawberry Souffle face mask for a purified, toned smooth complexion. Loaded with natural goodness which leaves skin hydrated and refreshed; allow your skin to breathe with soothing Aloe Vera & calming Vanilla. Experience the sensation of sheer Strawberry delight and enjoy deep cleansed, healthier skin.

I just popped out of the bath when I thought, what better time to try out Montagne Jeunesse’s Face Mask? Included in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was a Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask called Strawberry Souffle.

First Impression:

I was sent a trial size of Montagne Jeunesse’s Strawberry Souffle Face Mask, which is 0.17 fl oz. At first I was a little apprehensive that there would be enough to do a review, but the trial size was a great amount for one face mask, although I would have appreciated a little more product, as I did have to apply it slightly thin to cover my entire face. The packaging designs are very quirky, and slightly creepy, but I love the concept and the packaging is super fun. And many will be happy to know that their products are gluten free and no added parabens!

Application:

The face mask applies super creamy and you’re immediately hit with the strong smell of fresh strawberries whipped cream. It’s almost too good not to taste. It has a very smooth texture, but also small beads that look and feel like strawberry seeds. It feels like I’ve simply smeared strawberry icing on my face! But unlike icing, the face mask is light and is very comfortable. As the mask dries, there is a nice cooling sensation.

After about 10-15 minutes, it’s time to rinse off with warm water. The removal was super easy, and there was no mess (unlike my experience with the chocolate mask… but that’s another story). Once removed, my skin feels super silky and smooth. The face mask also leaves behind a light shimmer, although I only noticed it on my hands and not much on my face, which looks very pretty.

Bottom Line:

I am very happy with the outcome of Montagne Jeunesse’s face mask! The smell was not overwelming and the mask is very easy to apply and take off. The face masks come in varying prices, about $1.99 for one 0.3 fl oz package, or 2 packages for $3.00 online, which is very affordable! I definitely recommend Montagne Jeunesse, and I can’t wait to try their other flavors!

Available at ULTA Beauty, Walgreen’s, Claire’s, Walmart, Kroger, CVS Pharmacies and other retailers across the US, these masques are available in a variety of succulent flavours. Visit www.montagnejeunesse.com for more information.

Courtney’s Rating: A

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

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure “Tweetheart”

Coco

Introducing imPress Press-On Manicure, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you’re done. With imPress, your nails will always be your best accessory.

 

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

 

Included in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox was Broadway Nails new imPress Press-on Manicure. They currently come in 36 different colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints, but for this review I received #240 Tweetheart, a deep red color.

First Impression:

The imPRESS press-on manicure comes inside of a cute look-a-like nail polish bottle, that also acts as storage for your extra nails. Inside are 24 nails in 12 different sizes. As the “Press-on” name makes aware, these false nails do not need any glue to apply and are supposed to last for up to a week! I’ve never been a fan of gluing on fake nails be they from a drug store or salon, but the idea of a easy to remove press-on nail is very appealing to me. When I had my nails done at a salon, I absolutely loved having perfect long nails, because my real nails become to brittle as they grow out. But after a month, my nails grew out and the salon nails didn’t look so perfect anymore. I didn’t want to pay the steep salon prices again, and removed them myself, which was a pretty brutal process. The imPRESS Press-on Manicure sounds like a great alternative for those who want beautiful nails without the price or pain.

Before we get started, here’s a quick video on how to apply imPRESS Press-on Manicure:

Application:

It took me about 10 minutes total applying the nails, most of that time was spent picking out the nail sizes. I apparently have very large thumbnails and very small pinky nails, because there were only one set for each of those nails, so here’s hoping neither the thumbs nor the pinkies fall off first, because I wont be able to replace them! It was very simple pressing the nails on, the only difficult part was removing the tab, which took a lot of pressure. I recommend starting with the pinkys and leaving both thumbs off until last, because you’ll need them to remove the tabs on the other hand. I put on every nail flawless, so even a nail newbie like myself can put these nails on! They look fabulous, and are at the perfect length, not too long which is very classy, unlike a lot of fake nails.

 

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

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

I applied the nails on Monday night, and didn’t have any issues until Thursday morning when the nail on the pointer finger of my left hand came off! I noticed it was already getting loose because my hair was getting caught under the back of the nail. I applied one of the extra nails (I decided to carry the little bottle around in my purse just in case), but that one also came off later in the day, and again on Saturday. My only guess is that I didn’t properly cleanse it after the first one fell off. I have had no issues with the other nails, and other than that one finger, the nails have stayed on for about 5 days and they still look very nice. I can tell they’re getting to their breaking point, because my right thumb nail feels like it’s ready to go! If the nails make it through the night, I’m probably going to remove them sometime tomorrow night.

 

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

5 days into wearing imPRESS Press-on Manicure

One negative is that some tasks, ex. trying to open anything slightly difficult, are nearly impossible, because either the nail isn’t strong enough or the glue isn’t strong enough to hold the nail. Which isn’t necessarily a big deal, but you might have to ask other for help. Also, after a few days of use, the tops of the nails begin to look grungy, and require a light scrub down of rubbing alcohol.

Update: I decided to take them off on the 6th day after the thumb nail finally fell off. The rest were still fully attached, and actually slightly hard to get off, so I suspect they would have stayed on a few more days. Use a little nail polish remover to help get them off, otherwise it will hurt a little if they’re not somewhat loose.

Bottom Line:

As far as glue-on/press-on nails go, these are by far the easiest and best on the market that I know of. They’re kind of pricey considering they only last a week tops, so that could be the determining factor for how often I actually wear them. They’re beautiful when on, and the addiction to having gorgeous nails will be hard to resist, but even for their cheapest at $5.99, it’s not totally worth it. The quality is there for an A rating, but the price drags the product down to a B.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

Courtney’s Rating: B

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

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine “Nude York City”

Coco

New York Color (NYC) Liquid Lip Shine in 582 Nude York CityHave you heard the gossip? There’s a new gloss in town! NYC New York Color Liquid Lip Shine is getting headlines with seriously high-drama color at a seriously low price. Pure pigments give a 3-D effect that’s off-the-charts glossy. Tons of hot new shades, from preppy nudes to bold statement hues – all for less than your weekly fashion magazine.

Included in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was NYC’s new Liquid Lipshine in #582 Nude York City! Currently in 10 beautiful shades, check out New York Color’s website for more information on Liquid Lipshine!

 

First Impression:

We all know NYC, it’s one of the cheapest priced makeup brands in the drugstore, and most usually write it off as cheap quality as well. I generally agreed with the assumption, but after using NYC’s new Liquid Lipshine for the last few days, the rumors are completely false. It may not be the best lip gloss on the market, but at its price point of $2.49, it is, in my opinion, the best lip gloss in its range.

Application:

New York Color (NYC) Liquid Lip Shine in 582 Nude York CityOne thing I noticed right off the bat was that the applicator was a little longer than most lip gloss applicator tips (at least from what I’ve noticed) and it bent fluidly with your lip rather than being stiff, which for me, made it easy to apply without a mirror. The lip color of Nude York City is a glossy nude with a lot of shine, pictured below, in certain lights you see soft hints of a fleshy pink underneath. The gloss smells wonderful, I believe of vanilla, coconut and a hint of chocolate, which really makes for a great combination. The formula is non-sticky (it’s more thick than sticky), and it glides on perfectly and feels very smooth on the lips. Amazingly, it lasts quite a lot longer than most glosses I’ve used.

New York Color (NYC) Liquid Lip Shine in 582 Nude York City

 

Bottom Line:

I am a big fan of this lip gloss for many reasons, but mainly because the quality is great and it’s easy to apply during a hectic day. And for $2.49, you can’t beat that price! Get it!

Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others. Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!

Courtney’s Rating: A

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