Haul: iHerb.com

The products I ordered from iHerb.com on Sunday night arrived so quickly (it's only Tuesday!) I didn't even pay for shipping, so 10 points for iHerb right off the bat! For this post I'm just going to show what I got and discuss my initial thoughts on each item (packaging, smell, taste, etc.) Refer to the picture above for what each product looks like.

1. Reviva Labs Intercell Hyaluronic Acid Night Gel. The first thing I notice is the expiration sticker. 2/17. Most creams/gel/lotions don't have an expiration date, and if they do, I don't notice. This was $9.80 and the container is pretty small so I'm hoping I don't need a lot of product. It smells like the Flarp Putty I used to play with as a kid... It feels nice on my hand, pretty light and the scent goes away after a few seconds. 

2. Every Man Jack Deodorant. First thought: really nice packaging. The cap really suctions back onto the top so that is nice and something I haven't seen before. It smells good (scent is cedarwood), but like a less-strong version of Old Spice. It seems like a normal clear stick deodorant with more organic ingredients, which is what we're going for here!

3. Now Solutions Xyli White Toothpaste. I got the mint flavor and that it is- very minty. Its a gel formula but it's kind of oily. Tastes good, though!

4. NutriBiotic Non-Soap Skin Cleanser. This is what I'm most excited for. This is a fragrance free, ph balanced, hypoallergenic, and paraben free facewash. This had great reviews, so hopefully I like it. It doesn't really have a scent, but it kind of smells like gel (if that's a thing?) It has a really jelly-like formula, too. The bottle is huge and this was under $6, so thats great!

5. Now Solutions Avocado Oil. This is 100% pure avocado and it's supposed to be amazing for your face. It can also be used on the scalp as a conditioner or as an emollient. It doesn't really smell like much, a little bit like oil. 

6. Cococare Argan Oil. I got this for my hair as opposed to using something from a drugstore that only has a little Argan Oil in it. The only ingredient in this bottle is 100% pure authentic and expeller pressed Argan Oil. To my surprise, this doesn't have any scent at all. The ones you buy from CVS that smell amazing, that's all fragrance. Argan Oil doesn't actually smell like that (I have just learned.)

7. Nature's Way AKN SkinCare. This formula had extremely high reviews saying their skin cleared and looked perfect from the inside out. They smell like... vitamins... which they are. Not much to say here. I'm really, really hoping these take away the bumpiness in my skin.

8. Cococare The Yellow Stick. This is just a thick stick of 100% cocoa butter. It's hard to open, so initially, I don't like the packaging. The plastic already cracked on the side, but this was only $1.79. I don't even care about that though because this stuff tastes SO GOOD. It melts on your skin and lips. 

9. Now Solutions Better Stevia. This was one of my freebies. Thank god, because this stuff tastes horrible (on its own at least.) Like bitter medicine. No words. How is this used as a sweetener? Someone explain.

10. Aubrey EveryDay Basics Moisturizer. When purchasing, I didn't realize how small this was. It's only 1.7 fl oz. But it's chalk full of organic oils and extracts, and I can pronounce every ingredient! It smells like lavender and feels very moisturizing on my hand- good consistency. I think I'll like this.

11. Sierra Bees Organic Honey Lip Balm. Last but not least, this is like a smoother Burts Bees type of chapstick. Tastes and smells good and the ingredients are: EVOO, Beeswax, Flavor (?), Sunflower Seed Oil, Non GMO Vitamin E, Honey Extract (all organic.) Love it!

So far, so good! I'm happy with my picks and can't wait to start using them! Hopefully, I'll love these and they can replace my current chemical filled products that are taking over my bathroom. I'm extremely happy with the website (iHerb.com). The shipping was free and it got here in 2 days. 2! I also got $10 off and they have such a great variety of products to choose from. I will definitely be shopping there from now on! I highly recommend!

--Ms. Makeup

Review: Alba Even Advanced Sea Lipids Daily Cream

Face lotion is always a product that I feel like I struggle with. I just settle for whatever I have at the moment and I've never really used a great lotion for my skin. However, after using the Alba Sea Lipids Daily Cream, I now realize how important it is.

This lotion caught my eye because it's supposed to help the appearance of skin to make it look more even and less blotchy/dull. It's also hypoallergenic and Alba is generally a more natural based brand. It's paraben free, too- very important!

I am almost finished with this product and I will be repurchasing it. It's a really light moisturizer but it's still hydrating. It doesn't clog my pores or cause me to break out at all. I actually feel like it has improved my skins texture. This lotion has a nice, fresh scent, but it's not overpowering. It wears nicely under makeup and doesn't cause me to get greasy during the day. One thing I will say is that if I shower with this on my face at night, it tends to get in my eyes and this stuff burns a little. So watch out for that.

The container has lasted me about a month and a half and it costs $16.99, so it's not too bad on the price. I would recommend this for any skin type. This comes in a night cream as well and I'm interested in trying that out, too. You can find this at most drugstores, Target, and some health food stores.

Link to Alba lotion

--Ms. Makeup

Review: YSL Lipstick

Long time no blog! I have lots of posts planned out so prepare yourselves for makeup overload!

Today's post is on an item that I have always, always wanted but never felt the urge to splurge on lipstick. Luckily, I received it for Christmas!

The YSL Rouge Volupté Shine lipsticks are amazing. Hands down. They are extremely pigmented, creamy, glossy and luxurious. The only drawback is that they're $34... but its YSL, people! I got one in the color "Fuchsia in Excess" (5). Its a hot hot hot pink and it looks nice on pale skin (me.) These also taste and smell delicious. Not only that, but they are really moisturizing as well which is often hard to find in a lipstick. Nothing like sticky MAC lipsticks. I loved the feeling of 5 so much that I went to Sephora and got the Volupté Sheer Candy in 03 Juicy Grapefruit which is just clear with a hint of shimmer. It actually tastes like candy, not kidding! Now, for $32 this may seem crazy to spend on something that is essentially a chaptstick, but let me tell you... My lips haven't been chapped since! The sales woman at Sephora told me these are pumped with vitamins and rosemary oil which is supposed to be really great for your lips. And by how they feel, I'd have to say I agree! Basically, if nothing else, you put this on and it feels like you've gone to heaven... They're that good. 

If you can, try and pick one of these up. Even the packaging is gorgeous and elegant! You need at least one in your makeup collection! 

-Ms. Makeup 

Color 5

Inglot!

I recently got my hair done at a local salon and to my surprise, they had Inglot makeup! I've never seen these products in person, so I was pretty excited. Inglot is known for their customizable eyeshadow palettes at a great price for being highend. I ended up getting two eyeshadows at $7.20 a piece, and a lip liner at $12. Since the eyeshadows are magnetic and don't come with packaging, I had to also buy a "Freedom System 2 Eye Shadow Square." This was kind of annoying, but I guess it makes sense when you have a lot of the shadows because you can pick and choose what goes in your palette. 

The first shadow I picked out is "31." It's a light, shimmery champagne color. Similar to All That Glitters from Mac, but a little more copper-toned. Great as an all over the lid shadow on its own. 

The second color is "423." This color is really unique and deep. Its a chocolate brown with shimmer and undertones of gold. Use with a light hand because this gets really dark really fast! 

Both shadows have a really great consistency. They glide on super smooth, don't get clumpy and are amazingly pigmented, especially 423. They lasted all day with a primer and stayed true to color to the moment I wiped them off my eyes. And I must say they looked really good together and blended flawlessly! 

The packaging is fantastic. I like that you can pop out the shadows and change what goes in the palette. The magnetic closure is really secure and so is the eyeshadow when you pop it in. I had to hit it on a table to have it fall out. It's nice and sleek as well. 

The last thing I picked up is a Soft Precision Lip Liner in number 62. This is a deep red color that seems to be really buildable. I wore it on its own one night to see how long it would last, and by the time I got home (4 hours max) it had pretty much worn off. So, although this is a really pretty color, the lasting power is pretty pathetic. I hadn't eaten or had anything to drink either, but I will say that it goes on nicely.

I definitely want to try more Inglot products in the future because for the price, they are a great buy! The salon had a ton of products from foundation to mascara to lipgloss and makeup wipes. They are known for their wide selection of matte shades but unfortunately were out when I bought these. Check out their website for their full range of products-- http://www.inglotusa.com/

--Ms. Makeup

Review: Kardashain Beauty "Whip Lash Eyelash Health Mascara"

Whether you love them or hate them, the Kardashians are everywhere. And lets be real- when an episode of the Kardashians are on you can't not watch them (admit it!) Being a beauty junkie, I've always wanted to try their makeup line. I mean, they have professional makeup artists do their faces every day so they've got to know something! Well, I took the plunge and got two of their mascaras. And I'm happy to say I am really pleased! The one I'll be talking about in today's review is called Whip Lash Eyelash Health Mascara.

$9.99, Ulta

I decided to try this one because it has a really interesting brush. On one side is like a smaller version of the Maybelline Great Lash and on the other side it's got longer bristles that taper out towards the end.

I must say this mascara is pretty good... Its more lengthening than volumizing. I curled my lashes with my Sephora eyelash curler. I used the flat side first and coated all my lashes and then I went in with the longer side of the wand and it really lengthens your lashes. It's got the idea of Maybelline the Falsies, except better. Someone actually asked me if I was wearing false eyelashes! And for that I say, way to go Kardashians! It held up really well throughout the day, too. It came off a little bit on the bottom, but I touch my eyes a lot so this isn't surprising. This mascara would look even better if you first used one coat of a volumizing mascara and then did the flat side of the Whip Lash and then the longer side. My one complaint is that the formula is very dry and the tube is really small (extremely skinny, probably on purpose...) so I can see this running out quickly. Anyways, still a good product!

Test it out, it's worth the money!

--Ms. Makeup

Curled lashes

One coat Whip Lash

2 coats Whip Lash

After 6 hours

 

Review: Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara

This mascara is absolutely horrible, which is disappointing because Bare Minerals makes really great products (usually.) Most of the reviews I have read are pretty positive, but I completely disagree on this one. This mascara is extremely clumpy. I mean look at the brush... The way it twists and curls creates a thick line between the bristles which allows for a lot of product build up. I think thats why it gets so clumpy. It's an interesting idea for a brush but it just failed. The first coat looked okay (more bad than good,) but when I went in for the second coat my lashes got really spidery and thick, but in a bad, clumpy, ugly way. For me to get out the door with this mascara on my lashes, I had to go in with Clump Crusher and brush out all the clumps. I would not recommend this to anyone. Save your $18 and buy something else. The look of this brush reminds be of a twisted version of Buxom mascara, which is my all time favorite. Take the $18 and buy that! It has never ever failed me!

I will say one good thing about this- the packaging is cool! I love the metallic silver tube and the twisted top! So props on that...


Will you try this mascara?

--Ms. Makeup

Must Have: Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

To me, this is the greatest hair product on the planet. I have gone through three or four full size tubs and I've never looked back! If your hair is feeling dull, if your highlights are drying out your hair, or you just want a really good deep conditioner, this is for you! Macadamia Oil is really great for your hair because it heals, nourishes and rejuvenates. This brand uses Argan Oil and Tea Tree Oil as well. Read on to see a full review ---->






1. Scent. AMAZING. It's really earthy, yet very sweet, kind of fruity. It has a very rich scent and it definitely lingers on your hair, which is something I look for. I cant exactly pin point the notes, but take my word for it, it smells like heaven. If it came in a perfume or candle, I would buy it.

2. Feel. I have tried many, many hair products over the years, but this mask is unlike any other. It makes my hair softer than anything. It has a thick consistency, which I love, yet you don't need a ton of this. A little bit goes a long way because it really spreads throughout your hair. I have pretty frizzy hair, and when I use this, the frizz is mostly gone and it makes each strand incredibly smooth. If you consistently use this, it will transform the texture of your hair to be smooth and silky!

3. Usage. I like to use this once a week and leave it in for about 10 minutes from my ears down. I have also left this in for hours with saran wrap over it after a bad hair dying job and it made my hair feel so much better. I have also used this as a daily conditioner because I have very course and thick hair (you only need a tiiiiiny bit!) I would not recommend doing that if you have thin or fine hair because it might be too powerful. I always brush out my hair right before I wash out the product to make sure it was evenly distributed.

4. Packaging. Adorable! It reminds me of a little coconut. It has a brown hawaiian/floral pattern with green accents. It also has a matte finish which is a nice touch.

5. Price. This product is more on the pricey side. The full size tub (8.5oz) is $36. But if you try it, you'll know it's worth it! They do sell single 1oz packages for those who want to get a few uses out and see if you like it ($4.) I have found it on amazon for $5-10 cheaper. The 8.5oz usually lasts me about 5-6 months.

From this line I have also used the shampoo, conditioner, healing oil treatment, healing oil spray, and nourishing leave in cream. All equally as amazing as the next! I am really interested in trying the new dry shampoo, but it is a little pricey for the size of the can. I am also dying to try this --- CLICK ME!

Have you tried this miracle product? Here is the website to learn more Macadamia.

--Ms. Makeup

If you're curious, here is what a macadamia nut looks like!

macadamiahair.com

Naked 3 Palette

THIS MUST BE A DREAM. Urban Decay is coming out with the NAKED3 PALETTE! Being the proud owner of both the Naked and Naked2 Palettes, I have to add Naked3 to the family. I mean she can't be left out, right?

Like the other palettes, this one comes with 12 shades. Yet, unlike the first and second palettes, this one is filled with way more peachy/rose tones. Still all neutral like the pervious palettes. Most of the shadows seem to be shimmery but there are 2 mattes. And supposedly all of the shades are new! All of them look seeeriously gorgeous and to me, Urban Decay is one of the best. Don't think that this is palette is just like the first two because it's not! The first palette has a different tone than the second and same with the third.

This one retails for $52 which yes, seems like a lot, but you're getting 12 shades and a double sided shadow brush. That comes out to about $4 per shadow, not including the brush. If you are a beginner with eye makeup, then any of these palettes would be perfect for you! You can create so many different looks and each shade is extremely pigmented and soft. I highly recommend!

This lucky lady got her hands on it so here is a link to her blog with swatches! Shoutout to xsparkage!

The packaging seems to be the same tin/plastic snap closure as the second palette

Be sure to sign up for emails here so you can be notified when the palette is released! 

--Ms. Makeup

Review: Simple Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes

Today I have a review on my new favorite makeup remover wipes-- Simple Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes. Love! Simple is a great drugstore line because they use ingredients that are good for your skin. No alcohol, no artificial perfume or dyes, they're dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and

hypoallergenic! There are a few different types in the Simple line, but these ones are for oily, sensitive skin (me.) I am obsessed with these things. I get excited to take my makeup off at night just because I know I get to use these wipes! They are unlike any makeup remover wipes I have previously used because they leave my skin incredibly soft! Literally feels like I just put on moisturizer! They're not greasy, gentile on the eyes and all over the face. The classic Neutrogena ones (which I usually use) always leave my skin feeling weird, sort of a film feeling over my face. They get the job done, but not great. These ones however, remove my makeup just as well and my face feels great after! I use these at night before washing my face, but the packaging says that they control shine as well. So, I would definitely use these during the day when I am not wearing makeup and my skin feels like it needs a little pick-me-up. I got them from Ulta for $5.99 and they come in a pack with 25 wipes. I think these are going to be my new holy grail item. I think they might be improving my skin, too!

Please do yourself a favor by trying these out and let me know what you think!

--Ms. Makeup

Beware! Silicone Based Hair Products

I was recently watching a video on the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner containing wax. This intrigued me, so I looked into it and I found out what the wax really was...

Have you heard of silicone? Well, it's a cheap filler that companies put into hair products, like conditioner, to make the hair seem shiny, soft, healthy and smooth when it really doesn't do anything of the sort. The product coats your hair in silicone, giving off the soft feeling, but in actuality it's choking your precious strands! This compound also leads to build up, which is no fun.

Think about it, when you buy a cheap shampoo/conditioner from the drugstore, what happens? You use it for a while and it works pretty well, gets the job done, but suddenly you get the feeling that the product isn't doing anything anymore. I used to say my hair was just used to the product, but now I know that it's covered in silicone!

When your hair is covered in this slime, any product you put in your hair after your shower will basically do nothing. It will go on top of the silicone and just sit there (even more build up...) And the only way to get it out of your hair is to use a clarifying shampoo (most silicones are not water soluble.) The only one I've ever tried is the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo. Now, when you first use this, don't be turned off! It makes your hair feel pretty weird, but that's because it strips off all the gross product buildup from months of use.

I am not saying that silicone is the worst thing in the world for your hair, because everyone uses these products, but it's really doing your hair no good. So, try to find products that don't contain the word "cone" "one" "col" "conol" "xane" in the ingredients list. I'll be honest, it's sometimes really hard. Go for the most natural product you can find with the least ingredients or a brand that is known for being natural based. Water soluble silicones (will wash out since they're water based) that are okay to use are titled "behenoxy dimethicone" and "stearoxy dimethicone" in the ingredients list.

If possible, try and avoid these shampoo/conditioner brands: Herbal Essence, Pantene (the worst,) Garnier Fructis, TRESemme, Suave, etc. Look for silicone free, but be sure to look at the ingredients because they'll trick ya with those long words! Your hair will thank you!







It is with much sadness that I have to admit that my favorite hair product in the world contains this horrible ingredient... MACADAMIA NATURAL OIL DEEP REPAIR MASK. Now... I do know for a fact that it also contains really great ingredients like Macadamia oil, Argan oil and Tea Tree Leaf oil, so this one's a toss up. (We all know I am still going to purchase, shhhh...)

What do you think about silicones? Will you ditch them or keep buying?

-- Ms. Makeup

First Impressions: Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara

Yesterday I picked up the Covergirl Flamed Out mascara and I thought I would give my first impressions on it. It was $7.49 from a local grocery store in the shade Black Blaze.

I wouldn't say there is really anything special about this mascara. The wand has an hourglass shape with a wire brush  and has a very dry formula. I don't really see what the hourglass shape does, I mean my lashes looked nice but nothing special. It applied pretty well (2 coats,) not clumpy or anything. Didn't add much curl but a pretty good amount of length. I lasted all day without smudging but that should be standard for any mascara. It was supposed to give a "bold winged-out lash look" (similar to Falsies?) but my lashes just looked normal.

My thoughts: for the price this is a decent mascara. Nothing amazing, nothing really special but it does make your lashes look "nice." But not like WOAH look at her eyes!!! I give it a B. My favorite drugstore mascara is falsies if that gives you an indication of what I like in comparison to this.

Here are some photos to see how it held up throughout the day

No mascara

2 coats Flamed Out

After a full day

Have you tried this mascara?

-- Ms. Makeup

Beware! Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes

I purchased these makeup remover wipes from Target about a month ago for $5.99. I usually stick to the Neutrogena or Simple wipes, but I thought I would try something different. (I honestly bought these because of the packaging.) Yes, the packaging is adorable and yes they smell pretty good, but don't be fooled. These wipes burned my eyes so badly that I thought I was having a horrible allergic reaction. I immediately rinsed my face off with water and the stinging went away a little, but noooooo these things BURN. They are formulated without sulfates, petroleum, parabens, SLS or phthalates... whatever that means. I would rather have those chemicals on my face than continue using these fire wipes. I couldn't even finish the pack and I don't want to give them to a friend in fear that they will also burn their faces. If you have even the slightest sensitivity in your skin, I would NOT recommend you try these. I don't want to diss Pacifica because I know they are a great company and a portion of their proceeds support clean water, but they should probably reformulate these.

Did these burn your skin?

-- Ms. Makeup

Review: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness

I recently saw a video on the It Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Correcting Cream. It seemed pretty amazing so I had to try it. Now, for the size of this foundation (11 ml) this stuff is very expensive. I ordered it off of Ulta.com and it was $32... I would normally never pay that for something of that size but this foundation seemed too good to be true.

"Bye Bye Redness is a red neutralizing and correcting cream that completely cancels redness in your skin from view. Rich in Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Anti-Aging Technology, Bye Bye Redness camoflages redness and any red-tones skin discolorations from rosacea, broken capillaries, blemished skin, irritated skin, sun damage, scars, age spots, physician procedures and more."

That's a lot to claim! The first time I used this product it didn't react well with my skin. It looked good, but it made me really itchy, especially in the cracks of my nose, and I was extremely disappointed. I later discovered that this was because my skin was going through a weird phase and it was dry (normally very oily.) Once the dryness went away, I tried it again. ITS AMAZING. It doesn't feel like a foundation- it has a whipped consistency and has an airy feel on the face. And it covers everything! Not to the point where it looks unnatural, it just looks like you have perfect skin. As far as the redness in my skin, it does cover it completely. The best part for me is that it stayed matte all day. ALL DAY. I put a powder over it in the morning and when I got home at night, it looked basically the same. That has never happened for me. My skin is usually oily at least 2 hours after applying foundation. Not anymore! For application, I prefer to apply it with my fingers, just because I don't really like the look that brushes give (this stuff also blends right in.) I don't know how, but I feel like this product adjusts to your skin if it is on the fair side because there is no color option when purchasing. Lastly, for the price, yes it is more expensive, but you literally only need the smallest bit to cover your whole face because it blends out so well. If I haven't convinced you yet, then you just have to try it to believe it!

I had never heard of "IT Cosmetics" but now I have to try some more products!

What do you think of this correcting cream?

-- Ms. Makeup

Looks thick, but it's light
as air!

Amazing!

Currently Using: It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Plus Keratin

My hair has been on the dead side lately, so I picked up the It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Plus Keratin at Target to revitalize it. I bought it because it was on sale for $15.99, instead of $19.99 for the smaller size (4 oz.) I had used the regular It's a 10 spray and liked it, so I thought this would be pretty good, too. I love this stuff! I get out of the shower, brush my hair, and spray about 2-3 pumps of this to each side of my hair (don't get it in your roots) then brush again. I love the way this product not only smells, but leaves my hair really shiny and smooth. That is saying a lot because blonde hair is generally hard to get a shine out of. My hair tends to be pretty frizzy and unruly, but with this my hair is much more tame. It somehow also makes the waves in my hair stand out more. I'm not sure if it's supposed to do that, but its a nice added bonus! My hair is looking much healthier since using this product as well. I HIGHLY
recommend this product because it has truly done wonders!

As always, you can find it on amazon.com for much cheaper. Try this:
http://www.amazon.com/Its-10-Leave-In-Conditioner-Keratin/dp/B004K3D0FK/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1382419804&sr=1-1&keywords=It%27s+a+10+miracle+leave+-in+Plus+Keratin

What hair products are you currently using?

-- Ms. Makeup

Here is the list of 10 things this product does for your hair ------>