Sephora Haulage!

Dammmmmnnn Daniel! Back at it again with another haul. *evil grin* I definitely indulged this cyber Monday. Im no longer a black Friday shopper. That's sooo 2013. I partook in Sephora's "sales". Actually it's more so their deluxe samples. *tehe* I'm a sucker for samples. It gets your foot in the door to try new products with no commitment. Samples are life. Yeahhhh...
Enough ramble and onto the products!

BB Bling.ring kit

I had been eyeing this beauty blender for a while. Of course not for the blender, but for the bedazzled contraption that nestles beneath. My hold off from the beginning was that I felt like I could make any bracelet into the same thing. Well, that never happened, so I bought it. Sadly, I'm thinking about returning it. It's extra cheap .25 cents vending machine ring material. It might turn my BB green. That's how cheap it is.  I have tons of BB's already, so im really debating keeping it only for the bedazzle. I could potentially keep it for the BB itself, since those are the life to my face. It's whatever. Im lazy, so I might keep it.

Stella McCartney POP Eau de Parfum

A deluxe sample!?! Yassssss! I never really care what the samples smell like upon selection, because.....it's freaking free,like who cares? Of course I'd love to love it, but there's this small tiny part of me that sometimes wishes I don't like something so I don't have to spend my money on it. Am I the only one who does that? Show of hands?   The smell is youthful, but not teeny bopper. It's subtle, but noticeable. It's a nice flighty and fleeing scent that follows but doesn't linger. It's a perfect spring and fall scent. Needless to say, I'll definitely be buying a full size once this is over.

Chloe Eau de Parfum

Not one of my favorite scents. Its slightly powdery, and I'm not a fan of powdery scents. It smells nice, and I'll wear it if it's free. Buy it? No.

Derek Lam 10 Crosby

I have a crush on MOST of the Derek Lam scents. My most favorite scent is Blackout, with Afloat coming in at a close second. The scents are all different and they're all daring. I can't say that none of them are my style, or that I wouldn't wear all of the scents if I could. But the way my pockets are set up.....

Smashbox Studio Lighting Secrets

This is a 500 point Sephora reward. I'll be keeping most of the items in the kit with the exception of the contour. It's way too light to contour. Might keep it to blend eye shadow though. At this point, it's too early to tell, and I'm a woman, so I really don't know what I want to do at the moment. Annnnnd that's perfectly OK.

Josie Maran Nourishing Argan Oil Skincare Collection

I love argan oil and I love Josie Maran products! This kit comes with a 1.7oz bottle of argan oil which usually retails for the price of the kit itself! The kit is $49 and comes with deluxe sample sized cleansing oil, face butter, and argan milk, I've been using her oil for a while and it really does wonders for my skin. It keeps my skin supple, helps removes old blemishes, and keeps my skin youthful. I can say the same for the milk. I apply my skincare products from the lightest to the heaviest creams. I use both the milk and the oil during the winter months, while in the summer, I can do well with just the milk.

Buxom Whipped Lip Cream in Centerfold. A great nude for WOC

Get the Derek Lam 10 Crosby Set from Amazon by clicking the link below

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Set

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Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum Review

YYYYellow folks! Valentia sent me a product for review again! Yay! Any time they send me something, I get so excited because they have REALLLY good products. This time around I wasn’t sooo, impressed. Yeah that’s right. I wasn’t. So I received the Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum. Usually with Valentia products I see results within a week or two. I seriously tried to wait this one out to see if I could notice a difference in my skin, and I don’t know, maybe I need an updated prescription, but I didn’t notice anything different while using this product. Maybe it was just me, who knows. But onto the product itself. It’s a 35ml bottle that comes with a dropper. The consistency is very runny. I usually just drop 2-3 drops on my forehead then I dab my fingers in the drops to distribute the product throughout the rest of my face. The product is unscented, so if you’re sensitive to scents this product will work for you. All in all, do I love the brand? Yes. Do I love their products? Of course! Do I love this product? No. That’s all folks! Till next time! Merry Christmas! XoXoXo

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Derma E Brand New Packaging!

Hello folks! Sponsored post here, and now that the election is over, you’ll hopefully pay attention to me and my ohhhhh so boring blog posts! * insert cheesy smile here*. Barbara from Derma*E sent some skin care products my way for review of their brand new packaging. Keep in mind that nothing about their formulas have changed. Even though I’ve never actually used Derma*E products, I am familiar with the brand. The Derma*E philosophy is based on Eco-Ethical beauty. The line is cruelty free, GMO free, Gluten free, and Soy Free. So if you’re one of those people that’s allergic to everything, you have every excuse to buy this stuff. Compared to previous packaging, the new packaging offers a simpler sleeker design, with various subtle pops of color based on skin care need. Their hydrating formulas (the ones they’ve sent to me) are color coded blue. The packaging shows their stamp of commitment to eco-ethical quality, their missions, as well as their values. The new packaging insert contains their beliefs and missions as well. Overall, the packaging looks more chic and professional. The previous packaging looked a little tacky, but they’re on the right track with their new look. You can purchase Derma*E products at Ulta, Target, Sprouts/Wholefoods, CVS, Walgreens and many other local natural stores. You can also shop online at http://dermae.com/. FYI. The formula is awesomeness. Thick and hydrating. Oh yeah.

Old packaging

New packaging

Left: Old packaging Right: New packaging

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Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

Hello and welcome! So,you know how sometimes you think you've found the greatest thing ever for whatever it is that you need that thing for, and then you find a new thing that you wouldn't think could be any better than the thing you already have, but it is? (Don't get lost yet, I'm not done). So yeah, this moisturizer right here is THAT thing.
Valentia sent me this moisturizer for review, and no I'm not just saying this because they sent it to me, but this is like a face mask in moisturizer form.
Within about two weeks of use, not only did I notice my skin become brighter, but it became smoother, and tighter and also I noticed a DRAMATIC difference in my pore size. I'm not sure if my skin became smoother because my pores shrank, but that doesn't matter. My face looked like a whipped souffle made of golden speckles and shimmer. Not glitter, but shimmer. My face had this glow to it that wasn't imaginary. It was really me guys, I SWEAR.
The packaging is pretty simple, and efficient. It comes with a squirt pump that releases, albeit, a tiny amount of moisturizer. That tiny bit is really all you need. Of course if you need more, please indulge. I can see this bottle lasting me a really long time and therefore keeping me a happy camper.
I like to take my time with skin care reviews because, welp, it takes time to see results, or if you're unlucky, reactions. The product doesn't irritate, it has no smell, comes in sleek and simple packaging, and most importantly, it delivers.
You can find more information about the ingredients and make purchases via these links:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H582SGI
http://valentia.com
https://www.instagram.com/valentianatural/
www.facebook.com/valentiabeauty

Get the Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer from Amazon by clicking below

Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

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Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask

Hello everyone!  Hope you enjoyed your memorial day weekend!

Valentia sent me this clay mask to review, and well here it is!

It's called the skin detoxifying clay mask.  It claims to draw out impurities, improve skin tone, reduce pore size, and to firm and tighten skin.
I must say first and foremost, this mask is NOT for the faint of heart. If you have sensitive skin it will burn. My skin isn't sensitive,but this mask does have an exceptional "tingling" effect. Once applied you can definitely feel the mask working into your skin. The tingling will last for approximately 30 seconds, before it finally dissipates. You then leave the mask on for 15-20 mins or until completely dry.  Once removed, my skin definitely feels tighter, looks brighter, and feels softer. You will have a gleaming natural glow on your face.
All in all, I love the mask. But that tingling effect, I could definitely do without it feeling like my face is about to melt off. It literally had me freaking out the first time I tried it.  😂😅😂😅😂😅😂

You can purchase the products here and view product information via these links 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014PJLKJ6
https://www.instagram.com/valentianatural/
www.facebook.com/valentiabeauty

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Viseart Bright Editorial Palette Review

This palette retails for $80! Can you believe that?! I can buy groceries...well maybe not.  I can buy, 2 oil changes with that! But no, I bought makeup.  Here's the deal.  I have makeup palettes galore. Probably don't need anymore...wait DEFINITELY don't need anymore.  But makeup, makeup, makeup is my drug (catch the Ke$ha reference there?). It's my passion,and I'll try anything once and that's why I gave this a go.  My excuse to buy things is that if I end up hating it I can always return it.....( I rarely do)

The shadows are extremely pigmented. They are vibrant and you don't need much brush work to get them going.  There's little to no fallout (easy cleanup, if any at all). Some shadows can be so blendable that they all blend into one muddy color. Not these.  There's the perfect amount of pigment. Even if you don't know how to apply eyeshadow, the texture of these shadows make application effortless.

Expensive?  Yes.  Worth it?  Betcha bottom dollar yeah!

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My #QueenCollection #Inflenster #VoxBox

I received this VoxBox from Influenster as a sample to try for CoverGirl's Queen Collection.

The box includes
- False Lash Drama in Very Black
- Stay Luscious Lipstick in Monarch
-Natural Hue Liquid Makeup in Classic Bronze

The mascara is definitely a great mascara speaking from a drugstore point of view. It lengthens, separates, and creates volume for the lashes. It does however flake off, at last it did for me. It wasn't bad, as there are many mascaras that flake like crazy and leave me looking like a raccoon at the end of the day. This doesn't do that, but yes, I did notice a few flakes on my cheek.

I didn't think I would like the lipstick. The color....it...it...reminds me of grandma. So I gave it a go, and it's actually not as disturbing a color as I thought it'd be. The color glides on smoothly. It has a subtle sweet scent, and the pigmentation is awesome.

The foundation is not a bad foundation at all, but it offers BARELY any coverage. It's more of a tinted moisturizer. It definitely does give the skin a beautiful finish though. If you're looking to cover imperfections, you're going to have to load up on concealer. But if your skin is prefect, this is a must have quick-me-up for when you're on the go.

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Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 Review & Swatches

This Natasha Denona craze has to stop! No fr, seriously. Please. Stop. Of course nosey old me had to see what the hype was about with her shadows. And of course I wasn't going to pay $240 for the purple or green and brown palette either. Pffftuhhh. So I opted for the more affordable 5 pan palette she has to offer. They retail for $48. Not going to lie, when the package came in the mail, this palette is what I was most excited about! Actually,I think I was just happy because of that purple and that glittery shade. Really. No lie. The packaging is cheap, just like every blogger has already stated. Nothing new. Cheap packaging. Blah. The shadows ARE INDEED BEAUTIFUL THOUGH. Now, I kind of was expecting angels and Jesus to pop out of the palette upon opening, but that didn't happen. All of the shadows are buttery smooth and uber pigmented. That glittery shade, is basically a cream to powder type of feel. Upon application, you can definitely feel the heavy specks of glitter fall to your cheeks, so I'd definitely prepare for the fallout when using that shade. Other than that, I really have nothing else to say that others haven't said already. Over hyped? Yes. Over priced? Yes. Great product? Yes. The best of the best? No. There are tons of shadows that possess the same quality for less. That's just my opinion. But as long as I'm glittery, I'm happy. *insert cheesy smile here*

Click the link below to purchase this palette from Amazon

Natasha Denona 5 Color Palette

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Handmade Curly Blonde Wig

I got bored and lazy. Every once in a while,I like to not do my hair. I just wanna throw on a wig, and call it a day. So that's what I did! I'm not used to all over blonde hair. I'll have a few pieces here and there but I wanted to try something new. So far, my daughter hates it, but I love it! Plus I don't have to do by hair! XOXOXO

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Amore Pacific & Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme Review

As you can tell, I'm still buying foundations, that I most likely don't need, but you can NEVER have too many choices in life! In my dabbling, I've fallen upon this underrated gem.

The Becca UCCC is labeled to have 21% pure pigment and 22% water. What I love about this foundation is that it's not super thick. It's an extremely flexible foundation that moves with your skin. For a while before setting, your skin has a tacky feel to it. Not an annoying tacky feeling, but it's perfect for the rest of your makeup look and routine as your highlighters and blushes adhere better to your skin, which in turn causes you to use less product. There is one caveat with me though. The pump. I can't stand the pump. It's always"skipping" and never, or rarely dispenses a full pump of product. So I'm constantly pumping trying to get the right amount but it never works. I don't understand how the pump works actually. I unscrewed the top to see if there was something I could clean or do,etc. But the pump doesn't have that actual tube that pulls the product in. Pardon, because,I truthfully don't know what the scientific name of these mechanisms are called. :-P. It just contains the top, and no tube, :/. I checked all the Becca foundation pumps, and they're all like that. I really don't get how it's supposed to work, or why it's like that. But uhhhh, I don't like it! Fix it Jesus!

Another thing I've noticed is that if you do use too much product, and not a good primer underneath your makeup, it will begin to "separate" on your skin. To avoid this, which I do with most of my full coverage foundations anyway, I mix it with a moisturizer, or an illuminator. I mix it with SOMETHING, so I'm not stuck with that cakey look. It's really easy to like cakey with full coverage foundations, and I know myself and my beauty blender very well, but I like to stay on the safe side sometimes.

Overall,I give this thing a B+. If it didn't separate without needing some thinning out ,and the pump actually pumped all the time, it would've been an A+. But the way my pump is set up.......

Foundation retails for $44

Now on to this Amore Pacific!
A while back I received a deluxe sample from sephora by AMORE PACIFIC. It came with their treatment cleansing foam, treatment enzyme peel, and treatment cleansing oil. The products are for normal to oily and acne prone skin. Botanical extracts add simulation and energy to the skin, coupled with vitamin e spheres, the foam detoxifies and protects.  At first, I hated the cleanser, and I saw absolutely nothing the product did for my skin. The cleanser burned my eyes, and the product wasn't even near or in my eyes! I continued to use it because it didn't make me break out me out....in fact, I noticed that my skin got clearer, smoother, and pores smaller after using the whole cleansing system after time. Now, these products are not cheap! But they just had my skin looking so right, that I had to purchase the full size! If you have problematic skin, large pores, and occasional breakouts. This is for you. The foam cleanser retails for $50, the enzyme peel is $60, and the treatment oil is $50. Hefty price tag for beautiful skin, but a little goes a very long way with these products. At first you may do the eye roll, but give it a week or two, you will not be disappointed.

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