October Sample Society Box

Hello everyone!

How are you all doing? It's finally cooling down in California and I don't know about you but I am so excited for fall! Autumn means pumpkin pie, candles, and lattes galore. I am also ready to break out the cute coats and boots for fall too. Anyways, this month's Sample Society box is here and it's just ok for me. Lets take a look at what is inside:

1. butter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer-Scallywag ($15)- I admit it's nice to have a luxury nail polish in my box but unfortunately I just know that this shade of blue won't flatter my skin tone. I'll probably use this for a giveaway in the future, so stay tuned!

2. Ouidad Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray ($full size $17)- Hm hm hm, a detangler, heat protectant and leave in moisturizer for curly and wavy haired gals. After using this my hair was moisturized and my wavy hair was enhanced. If you have beautiful wavy or curly hair this could be a good product for you. For me, I don't like the natural medusa waves in my hair so I prefer to use something that doesn't enhance them. The product is very lightweight and doesn't leave your hair greasy at all.



3. Diptyque 34 Eau De Toilette (full size $100)- 34 boulevard saint germain is a fragrance celebrating Diptyque's 50th anniversary. 34 encapsulates the scent of its first boutique located on 34 boulevard saint germain with rare and precious fragrances. The result is a fragrance that has an innovative and complex signature, that is neither feminine nor masculine. Ok, I don't like perfume in general so I'm stashing this for now.

4. Minus 417 Hand Moisturizer (full size $14)- Contains natural oils such as evening primrose oil and olive oil. Protects your hands from weather hazards and leaves the skin nourished and silky soft to the touch. Yay! A hand moisturizer. I can never get enough moisturizers and hand creams. Especially now that it's winter I will be going through these like water. I really like this hand cream. It left my skin feeling soft and non greasy. I felt like it locked in moisture really well which is perfect when I just want to put it on and leave the house. I would buy this.

5. IPKN Moist & Firm BB SPF 45 in 02 light (full size $35)- Another BB cream? Sure, why not! I've never actually heard of IPKN before so I was curious to test out this bb cream. The formula is good! It dries perfectly matte and you don't need much to cover your face. The only thing is that it was too dark for me. I would have to try the fair version instead. I would purchase this, just in a different shade!

Well, that's all folks. Thank you for so much reading, and if you'd like to sign up to Sample Society, click HERE to receive 20% off your first order of shopping using the code STAT4718 . <3

REN Satin Perfection BB Cream

Hi everyone!

I hope you are all having a a good end of the summer and enjoying the last summer sun. I'm so sad it is going to be fall soon, but I'm also looking forward to cute winter coats and hot cocoa. Today's review will be on REN Satin Perfection BB Cream Sunscreen (full size $38) in light/medium.

I used my Sephora points in exchange for a sample of this bb cream. I have tried quite a few BB creams and I am happy to say that this one is really good for my skin. The texture is a light mousse and it blends really easily into the skin with a sponge (or even with my fingers.) Also, the color is perfect for my tanned light summer skin. It's perfect!

The SPF is pretty low on this cream, so if you're going to use it daily, I would suggest layering it over your normal sunscreen before going outside. I tried this BB cream yesterday and it lasted all day without looking greasy on my skin. However, because I have super dry skin I am always looking for something more on the moisturizing side. The cream is really sheer so it evens out my skin tone, but doesn't leave my skin flawless, giving it a more natural look. It will cover up some of the redness and darkness in your skin, but it won't cover acne blemishes or conceal completely.

I would recommend this BB cream for those who are looking for something really sheer, moisturizing, and more on the medium side. So far this is my FAVORITE bb cream of all time because it's not too pale and it photographs beautifully matte. Have any of you tried this BB cream? If so, what did you think?

L'Oreal BB Cream

I've been using Maybelline dream fresh BB cream for the past year after reading rave reviews but in the last couple months have switched over to L'oreal Paris BB cream and I'm currently loving this product.

I was surprised when I first used this product. Unlike Maybelline, this product comes out looking like sunscreen, but after applying it to my face, the color started to match up. This is a great medium coverage for every day wear. I love how it covers up my imperfections without making my face look ghostly like Maybelline's dream fresh BB cream. The only thing I would say is that after wearing this BB cream for over 12 hours, my face turned into a giant grease ball.

Do you guys use drugstore BB cream?

May Sample Society Box

Hello everyone!

May's Sample Society Box was an off one for me. I had a couple of items that were too similar to the beauty products I already own, but still a high quality good value box nonetheless. Here's what was in it:

1. Dr. Brandt Flexitone BB Cream SPF 30 (full size $39)- Like all BB creams, they provide a beautiful flawless finish. This one is no different. It covered my pores and redness, but still showed the small bumps on my skin. Unfortunately, it was too dark for me so I couldn't even wear it out. I didn't want people to think I got ready in the dark, so I took it off after an hour. This could be a good bb cream for anyone who is NC30 or higher. Also, be sure to blend quickly otherwise it could get streaky.

2. YU-BE Moisturizing Skin Cream (full size $24.85)- This texture of this cream reminded me of Neutrogena Norweigian Formula Hand Cream. Also, it smells just like tiger balm! I have to keep trying this cream to see more results, but the sample was ever so tiny.



3. Kate Somerville Somerville360 Tanning Towelettes (full size $48)- Because I am already tan I didn't use this one. I'll have to pass it off to one of my paler friends. The description on it says "the easiest way to get glowing. These convenient self-tanning towelettes make for quick, even application- no streaking."



4. Alterna Bamboo Shine Luminous Shine Mist (full size $24)- I actually received this spray in one of my previous beauty boxes. I absolutely LOVE this spray. I use it after I flat iron my hair and it gives it a beautiful and sleek finish. I was actually happy to receive another one of these.

5. Jane Iredale Forever Pink Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain (full size $25)- It seems like color adapting lipsticks are all over the place these days. This one is really similar to my Pixi magic tint. On me it turns into a bright hot pink.

Overall, this was an ok box for me. I generally love Sample Society boxes but the items in this one just weren't suited to my skin tone or interests. Oh well, hopefully the next box will be better! Thanks for reading! :)

December Sample Society Beauty Box

Hello everyone! I decided to switch things up a bit and order myself a Sample Society box from Allure. It costs $15 a month and also comes with a free subscription to Allure magazine (which I haven't received yet.) Inside the box are five beauty samples and also a mini beauty magazine. There is also a $15 gift code towards any $50 order on their corresponding beauty website. So far, this box is AWESOME. Onto the inside...

1. Lollia Wish Petite Treat Shea Buttter Handcreme ($7) .

Ooooooh, I love shea butter. Shea butter is so good for dry skin and this handcreme leaves my skin super super smooth. The scent is bergamot and jasmine and smells nice and floraly. I love this hand cream.

2. Hanskin Premium Perfect Super Magic BB Cream SPF30 PA++ ($33)

This bb cream looks really natural and has medium coverage. It's thickness is comparable to Missha bb cream. It's more suited for dry skin and for skin tones around NC25 or so. I did like this bb cream and it blends pretty easily with a sponge. It didn't irritate my skin either. However, the cream does oxidize a bit and turns slightly darker. To me, the Skin 79 diamond bb cream is still the winner because it provides a flawless matte finish and I feel like it really locks my skin in. This one I felt like did an ok job of covering any uneven skin textures. However, I am being really picky here.

3. Murad Age Reform Time Release Retinol Concentrate ($65)

Ok, I can't really comment this product because I don't have deep wrinkles yet. However, I will be using it sporadically at night on my "future wrinkles". :) Retinol is pretty much a concentrated dose of vitamin A which is really good for curing or preventing wrinkles.

4. Philosophy Living Grace Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel ($22)

This product smells really good. It has a richer scent and almost reminds me of cologne a tiny bit. It lathers up really well as a shower gel and also works well as as a shampoo. My hair felt clean and soft after using this.

5. Delaney Rejuvenating Eye Creme ($135)

This eye cream retails for $135?! Wow, it's no wonder the eye cream almost looks like liquid gold a bit. This grape-infused formula is used to tighten and brighten the delicate skin around the eyes. When I used this product my skin got a bit irritated but I really do not think it is the product itself. I think I am just using too many products. I stopped using eye creams in general for the past couple of days and all of my problems went away. I am currently going to continue to use my current eye cream to prevent any irritation, then I will come back and use this and give it a real review in the future. Sorry I only have two eye sockets and right now they're mad at me. :(

I have to say this box is super. I love how it focuses on beauty products only. I really have nothing but positive things to say about this box. It's pretty much Glossybox's equally cool cousin in beauty products and I will happily continue my subscription. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Holika Holika Peach Girl BB Cream

Hello girls,

I hope you all had a great week and are ready for the weekend! It looks like it's time for another BB cream review. Today I will be reviewing Holika Holika's Peach Girl BB Cream in #2 Natural Beige. I was drawn to this BB cream after seeing the cute packaging and reading the great reviews of it online. The bb cream comes with an apricot cream blush that can be applied wit a brush or fingers.

Although I liked the finish of this bb cream, a matte medium coverage, the shade was a bit too dark for me. Also, the product made me break out slightly the next day. I'm not sure if I would purchase this product simply because it broke me out. Skin 79's Diamond BB cream is still the winner so far. I just like how the Skin 79 finish looks more matte as well. Also, the blush was a nice addition, but was a bit too orange for me.

Overall, I might still use this product but would try a different shade. I would recommend this product if you have normal to dry skin. BB creams are so great if you have redness and visible pores. In general, I really love them and would wear most of them. There are just small little differences in the color, finish, and coverage. I purchased this bb cream from Ebay. Have any of you tried bb creams? What are your favorite ones and why?

Have a great weekend and thank you so much for reading. <3

September Glossybox

September's Glossybox is all about new products, formulas, technologies and colors of the season. I usually never look on their site or search through Instagram to see what the next box may contain, but after such an amazing box last month, I was curious. I did watch an unboxing on Youtube and I was getting pretty excited to receive my box!

I received Global Keratin shampoo and conditioner. For me personally, I wasn't too thrilled about the samples since we just received some a couple months back. The shampoo is nourished with plant extracts and it'll purify and moisturize the scalp and hair. The condition will put the finishing touch on your tresses and leaves hair smooth, radiant and revitalized. First off, I love the smell of both products. To me, it smells like perfume I either own or have owned before, so that's a plus. I used both shampoo and conditioner and my hair was nice and soft, but I noticed my hair was pretty greasy at the end of the day. Full size is $20 each for 10.1oz

Next product is the Kryolan for Glossybox lip in glossy pink. I think everyone received glossy pink since Kryolan collabrated with Glossybox to create this lipstick. The color is really pretty and is enriched with Vitamin E to stimulate and hydrate lips. It's also a very universal color and will compliment all skin tones. For once, a subscription box has finally given a product that EVERYONE can wear! For me, when I tried it on, the pink was a little bright, but after looking at it for awhile I think it really compliments of my skin tone. Full size is $14 for 0.14oz

The most talked about and raved product is probably the Missha BB Cream. This product is from Korea and if you don't know, BB in BB cream means blemish balm and this multi-use cream provides light coverage, soothes, protects and moisturizes your face. I unfortunately received Natural Beige #23 and when I tested it, it was a little light for my skin tone right now. I think it'll be great to use during winter when my skin gets lighter. Overall, it was a little thicker than my Maybelline BB cream, but it was really smooth to blend out. Full size is $29.99 for 1.69oz

Lastly, I did not receive the makeup remover and I'm not going to lie, I am so sad :( Instead, I received OC 8 Professional Mattifying Gel and it's suppose to control your shine all day long while helping you achieve a fresh and flawless even tone. As disappointed as I was, I did try it on the other day... you're suppose to wear it before you put your makeup on, but I failed to read the instructions and applied it after I put on my BB cream. This stuff is seriously amazing! It was a pretty hot day out and I was out running errands and usually my skin does get really shiny and I was so surprised that at the end of the day, my skin was still flawless and shine free. Full size is $30 for 1.6oz

Cosmetic Love Haul

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to get my Cosmetic Love stuff in the mail. Cosmetic Love is an online shop that sells Korean skin care and makeup brands such as Lioele, Etude House, and etc... All of the stuff looks so pretty and I can't wait to test them out. I will have individual reviews and swatches of the items later. They also sent me quite a few free samples of pore strips, Skin Food toner, TONYMOLY powder puffs and bb creams. SO AWESOME.

I will be back to review the lipglosses, lipsticks, cheek stains, and eyebrow pencil. See you soon!

Xoxo,

Jenny

Skin 79 BB Cream

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to finally review my first try of BB creams. I purchased the Skin79 sample set from Amazon and I cannot say I am disappointed. In fact, I am quite delighted! The creams vary slightly in color and the silver Pearl one is the only one with some fun shimmer.

My skin tone is medium-fair and I usually wear soft beige in Chanel Double Perfection Compact. My favorite one out of the four was the light pink Diamond Collection tube. This one was pretty much perfect for my skin and had a nice velvety ivory look to it. The Skin79 colors have little variance amongst them, but the gold and dark pink tubes are slightly more yellow/dark. I would recommend these for the summer or for more medium skin tones.
What I love the most about these BB creams is that they are lighter than a foundation, but cover better than a powder. They make pores smaller and redness disappear creating a very flattering effect. So far, they are not oily on my dry/sensitive skin.

Now for the swatches.. from left to right accordingly

You can definitely see how the first two are a bit darker than the last two, but they do oxidize a bit to adjust to your skin tone. However, I do not recommend these particular ones for darker skin tones because although they oxidize, they will remain a certain shade. Instead, I would recommend Missha BB creams because they have more color shades.

I will be trying more BB creams to come, but so far I am LOVING the Skin79 Diamond collection!

Xoxo,

Jenny