tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52466279495577037522024-03-05T18:43:47.577-05:00Sammi the Beauty BuffOne girl's beauty journeySamantha Penninipedehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778424127738372143noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-84898894480571097512017-01-27T18:22:00.004-05:002017-01-27T21:13:55.131-05:00Why I Stopped Beauty Blogging After 3+ Years<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp-mreirNXNhqOnN42j6qCLaFrMqk2yonp91XpWHgoFGx_2h3iW1yJqtVm7IMIqDpId3I_NsnjZ6fdn0U_3F5bXX6kOMEbjjCM3PmOUaE_7rn2CD8nUMq3dR6hHrZWXiUf26MpBQ_Lxk/s1600/Why-I-Stopped.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp-mreirNXNhqOnN42j6qCLaFrMqk2yonp91XpWHgoFGx_2h3iW1yJqtVm7IMIqDpId3I_NsnjZ6fdn0U_3F5bXX6kOMEbjjCM3PmOUaE_7rn2CD8nUMq3dR6hHrZWXiUf26MpBQ_Lxk/s400/Why-I-Stopped.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back in <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/06/where-have-i-been.html">June</a>, I made a post explaining that due to a hectic summer internship, I would be taking a an unexpected hiatus until September.<br />
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I haven't made a post since then. It's January.<br />
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It's not that I haven't <i>thought </i>about writing a post. It's not even that I haven't <i>felt like </i>writing a post. But I sort of dropped off the face of the Earth (even in social media), and I thought you all deserved a reason as to why--or a whole post, in fact.<br />
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1. I broke a habit</h2>
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Yeah, okay. The simplest and most obvious reason. </div>
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For the first time since I started blogging back in March of 2013, this was the longest break I've ever taken. and one of the <i>only </i>breaks I've ever taken. Besides the occasional Finals Week hiatus, I never skipped a week. </div>
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But like anything, once you stop doing something, it's hard to get back into it again. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZV9tvVwdfEJYxnEp_8Mk2MW2qSxGQlMSueysM1v_smeNiSbeguAii0O00UXhsFDLeCyxZOdpK538c0NtkugKlLTAfI7t1VMJzwnTX4smk0RtITfWxF2r_4G6K1VpqObYD-9mGgXxqD0/s1600/September+Favorites+2015+Edited+Logo+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZV9tvVwdfEJYxnEp_8Mk2MW2qSxGQlMSueysM1v_smeNiSbeguAii0O00UXhsFDLeCyxZOdpK538c0NtkugKlLTAfI7t1VMJzwnTX4smk0RtITfWxF2r_4G6K1VpqObYD-9mGgXxqD0/s640/September+Favorites+2015+Edited+Logo+%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/10/my-favorite-things-september-2015.html">My Favorite Things: September 2015</a></td></tr>
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2. It felt like a job</h2>
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Now we're starting to get into the nitty-gritty. </div>
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When I came home from my internship in September, I found a <i>pile </i>of products from companies sitting on my dresser. Now when I'm working with a company, I like to give the products they send to me a fair trial: a few weeks of testing followed by an objective review. It's never required; it's just something I like to do. It's how I can afford to try so many new products, because like most up-and-coming twenty-somethings, my beauty budget is very slim. </div>
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But when I was three months behind and it all piled up, just thinking about them all sounded like a chore. Which, I know, #FirstWorldProblems, but I like to put the maximum amount of effort into my blog posts, and if I'm not feeling up to it, I know it won't come out to my standards. At first I couldn't explain <i>why </i>I felt that way, but when I thought about it ...</div>
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3. I never really felt qualified</h2>
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I am not a makeup artist. I am not an esthetician. I am merely a beauty enthusiast. And although I may do a <i>ton</i> of research from the above two professionals when compiling blog posts, I do not have the training of either one.<br />
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It's something I've battled with for a long time. Am I qualified to give someone else advice? Am I <i>reputable?</i> Though I have done an enormous amount of research and have used that to help people and provide recommendations in the past, <i>is it right of me to do so? </i>It's a philosophical question that I've never been able to answer.<br />
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Besides that, another reason why I've been putting off posting is ...<br />
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4. I've never been big on social media</h2>
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Before I started blogging, I was never a big social media user. It was only when I had to promote blog posts that I started putting work into it. I've always just been of the belief that the majority of strangers on the internet don't care what I have to say, and for the people that <i>do </i>care, I'd rather just have a conversation and tell them one-on-one.<br />
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When I first started blogging, I was by no means social media savvy by any means. I usually just posted once a week (and not even on all platforms -gasp-) that I'd updated my blog. It wasn't until I really started getting into blogging that I got into marketing.<br />
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Not having to force it on social media for my blog was a weight off my shoulders (see #2). If you've never had to run active social media accounts across many platforms for a job or blog, you probably won't understand it is to have <i>frequent, captivating </i>content. It's a little exhausting, and probably my least enjoyable part of having a blog. Writing the actual blog posts is only a small portion of actually blogging.<br />
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But then when I thought about it, even <i>that </i>wasn't the reason why I wasn't posting on my blog. When I thought about it, I realized ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMJuAs906AU1qQ7pLG91RMopYy0palwmoMsJKp24LBy0HXuZCQj8_iB9vTcaQjAqV7_WSxxUMc31EVuR_mdRJZ0iYqXItv8_iaK0OrYln0Oq9xO6OIiKvQLfRwVaSeVIcQpbTxylNam4/s1600/Demeter+Face+Logo+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMJuAs906AU1qQ7pLG91RMopYy0palwmoMsJKp24LBy0HXuZCQj8_iB9vTcaQjAqV7_WSxxUMc31EVuR_mdRJZ0iYqXItv8_iaK0OrYln0Oq9xO6OIiKvQLfRwVaSeVIcQpbTxylNam4/s640/Demeter+Face+Logo+%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/09/greek-goddess-makeup-challenge-demeter-4.html">Greek Goddess Makeup Challenge: Demeter</a></td></tr>
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5. It made me feel shallow</h2>
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Now I am by <i>no </i>means saying beauty bloggers or fashion bloggers are shallow--I would <i>never.</i> In my 3+ years as a blogger, I have came across many kind, wonderful people in the blogging community. </div>
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But I found that whenever I was explaining my blog to someone in real life, I always felt awkward. It felt superficial, materialistic, trivial. Not everyone is going to be as enthusiastic about your interest as you are, I get it. Some people are going to look down upon it, and it's their right to do so. But during my hiatus, I found that <i>I</i> was starting to feel the same way as them. It all just seemed so <i>pointless </i>to me. I barely had time to apply makeup in the morning when I was an intern, so when I finally got the chance, I didn't <i>care </i>which lipstick I was reaching for.<br />
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I realized I'm just not as eager to share my beauty knowledge as I used to be. Which leads into my next point:<br />
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6. Beauty blogging didn't feel like <i>me</i></h2>
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Confession: I have never been a Sammi.<br />
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My friends have always called my Sam. I will always be Samantha to family.<br />
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I originally took on the alias Sammi because I thought it sounded more feminine--and that's what you want for a beauty blog right? Plus, I found it was easier to differentiate personal and work emails from blog emails just by reading the salutation.<br />
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It kind of become an alternate version of myself. When marketing blog posts, I tried to channel them through Cheerful and Upbeat Sammi. Now I've always considered myself a sensible person; the Responsible Friend. This is not to say that responsible people don't wear makeup, but I've always felt that my personality and my values didn't connect with the beauty blogger persona <i>that I exhibited</i>. Not that I ever lied (and there are plenty of people who will still describe me as cheerful and upbeat) but social media and blogging as a whole always felt sort of <i>forced </i>to me. In order to capture people's interests, especially when promoting something, you have to act positive. I'm not always positive; nobody is. (see #4)<br />
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As much as I love sharing the fun, little things with you, I also want to share the bad things. The sad things. The life-changing things. My deep thoughts and dreams. Things that matter to me. And although I still enjoy beauty and skincare, perhaps it doesn't matter as much to me as it used to. Because all in all...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7npBBsfpwiuWQwZiJ3VeE26mm040qp2Gfn1kH4-b4r6dyS7oeMKv714nM1hI-Ag381zycS22j6yN9bajrWvtbkMu7SxsQq4RiBNlD0jDFPHnJpM6TIj5nqxgJf-M_7qqaNobiRO97SQU/s1600/Trust+Fund+Beauty+Elegantly+Wasted+Nail+Polish+Edited+Logo+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7npBBsfpwiuWQwZiJ3VeE26mm040qp2Gfn1kH4-b4r6dyS7oeMKv714nM1hI-Ag381zycS22j6yN9bajrWvtbkMu7SxsQq4RiBNlD0jDFPHnJpM6TIj5nqxgJf-M_7qqaNobiRO97SQU/s640/Trust+Fund+Beauty+Elegantly+Wasted+Nail+Polish+Edited+Logo+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/03/rainy-day-manicure-trust-fund-beauty.html">Rainy Day Manicure: Trust Fund Beauty in Elegantly Wasted</a></td></tr>
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<br /><br />7. I've changed</h2>
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Three and a half years is a long time, especially when you're only 23. I've done a lot of growing up and maturing in that time. I graduated from college. I've transitioned from College Student to New Adult. A lot has happened in my life.<br />
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When I started this blog, I was wearing makeup daily and always put effort into my appearance. It was just a fun hobby I enjoyed. But nowadays, my work in theatre always has me in some sort of uniform (paint clothes, all black, etc). I never find a reason to wear makeup on the regular, and if I'm not wearing any, I have nothing new to share. As much as I enjoy beauty, I hardly have a reason (or motivation) to indulge. And being that this blog is solely a beauty blog, there's nothing else that I can really share.</div>
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I've always thought that not having a specific niche would hold me back as a blogger and not capture as much interest, but I think this time around, I just want to write for me. If beauty companies don't want to send me products, that's okay. If my follower count drops, that's okay, too. But I want to keep blogging! I've worked so hard on creating my little part of the internet that I don't want to see it all go to waste. And I truly do enjoy blogging: the photographing, the connecting, the writing. </div>
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I have so many interests besides beauty: cooking, writing, reading, music, drawing, painting, theatre. Not only that, but there are so many current events and general lifestyle issues that I'd love to talk about on here, because what's the purpose of a platform if you don't use it for the greater good, right? I'll probably still stick some beauty in here once in awhile, but I would really love this blog to be fully encompass <i>me</i>, on all sides. </div>
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I really want to get back into the swing of things and blogging at least once a week, but I'd like to do a rebranding first. Change my theme, my domain, decide what I'm going to blog <i>about</i>. I'm leaning towards making this a general lifestyle blog so I can sprinkle a bit of everything in here. But I promise I won't be gone forever! </div>
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I'll also still be poking around my favorite corners of the internet, and you're always welcome to contact me through any of my social media if you have any questions or just want to chat (I still lurk on them, even if I don't always post). One thing I've missed about not blogging is you guys! Interacting with you all is one of my favorite parts, and I don't think that will ever change. </div>
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But for now, that's where we're at. Full disclosure. It feels good! I've had a lot of these things floating around in my brain for awhile. </div>
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If this blog wasn't solely about beauty anymore, do you think you'd stick around?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-74622979295984027462016-06-13T20:44:00.003-04:002016-06-13T20:44:30.035-04:00Where Have I Been?Hi friends! I know it's been awhile since we last talked. How have you been? I've missed you!<br />
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There's a reason for my lengthy absence! I've been doing an intensive internship for the past month (and I mean intense--some days I'm gone for 14 hours), and it's taking up <i>so </i>much more time than I ever would have thought. Unfortunately, that severely cuts into my blogging time. I don't foresee myself being able to regularly churn out blog posts this summer, which is a huge letdown considering I love this blog, but I'll do my best to check in when I can.<br />
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I return home at the very end of August, so come September everything should return back to normal. Hang in there, guys! I'll be back in no time, with plenty of things to share with you! I'm counting down the weeks. See you soon!<br />
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What are you doing right now?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-84229589123091101012016-05-19T14:19:00.000-04:002016-05-19T14:19:39.839-04:00The FOREO LUNA Cleansing Tool: It's For Your Face<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">purchased by me | affiliate links</span></a></div>
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Hi, friends! I bet some of you are wondering what this weird-looking pink thing is, right? No, it's not something you'll find in a sex shop (get your mind out of the gutter). It's a skincare tool called the Foreo Luna, and it's to be used on the <i>face</i>. </div>
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I've been using this product since <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/february-finds-new-products-ive-been.html">February</a></b>, so this review is honestly way overdue (but at least I've tested it enough, right?). I talked about this little gadget in my <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/04/my-favorite-things-march-2016.html">March Favorites</a> </b>and promised to write more about it, and that time is now.</div>
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<i>About FOREO</i></h2>
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Foreo is a Swedish brand that makes skincare tools, cleansers, and (surprisingly) toothbrushes. They've been getting a lot of media hype from Vogue and other magazines, as well as the online beauty community.<br />
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Their cleansing tools are limited to the Luna, Luna Mini, and now the Luna 2 and Luna Mini 2. From what I've read, they're all extremely similar, just with a few differences. Today I'll be reviewing the original Luna.<br />
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I like that they have a small range of products. It kind of reminds me of the pizzeria I used to go to that <i>only </i>did pizza, not even garlic knots, because they didn't want to take their efforts away from making the best pizza they could. That's not to say they don't have plans for the future, because it's not I'm on that level with Foreo or anything, but for now that's where they're at.<br />
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<h2>
<i>About the LUNA</i></h2>
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The original Luna come in three types: 1) Sensitive/Normal Skin, 2) Combination Skin, and 3) Ultra Sensitive Skin. They only seem to have a few differences from each other, such as the size and shape of the bristles, but I picked up the Sensitive/Normal Skin based on their short <b><a href="https://www.foreo.com/luna" rel="nofollow">questionnaire</a> </b>(where it says "Begin Your Consultation).<br />
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They also come in a few different colors. I picked the pink one, because I could.<br />
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So, what <i>exactly</i> is it? Well, I'll tell you. It's a vibrating, pulsating, silicone tool (for your face) that cleanses the skin. It claims to be more effective than your hands, due to the fact it can really get in there and scrub deep. <i>(#Deep)</i><br />
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It claims to make skin healthier, radiant, and smoother in just three days, as well as:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Exfoliate dead skin</li>
<li>Unclog pores</li>
<li>Remove makeup residue</li>
<li>Reduce the signs of aging</li>
</ul>
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All while being completely waterproof. They seem pretty confident, huh? We'll talk about that in a minute. </div>
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<i>Price and Availability </i></h2>
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<ul>
<li>The original Luna is priced at $169</li>
<li>Comes with a charger, pouch, how-to guide, and a two-year warranty</li>
<li>No additional brush heads required (unlike other cleansing tools)</li>
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<a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/foreo-luna-for-sensitive-normal-skin?ID=1465258&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-n-_-n-_-n&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&LinkshareID=gOe0lsbi6bM-rSY8otlCyt_gN2lGJSVBjQ&ranPublisherID=gOe0lsbi6bM&ranLinkID=7350071070062&ranLinkTypeID=2" rel="nofollow"><br /></a>
Retailers: <a href="http://amzn.to/1Tkoc9A" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/foreo-luna-for-sensitive-normal-skin?ID=1465258&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-n-_-n-_-n&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&LinkshareID=gOe0lsbi6bM-rSY8otlCyt_gN2lGJSVBjQ&ranPublisherID=gOe0lsbi6bM&ranLinkID=7350071070062&ranLinkTypeID=2" rel="nofollow">Bloomingdale's</a>, <a href="https://www.foreo.com/luna?id=1233" rel="nofollow">Foreo</a>, <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=443015942&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Sephora</a>, <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=455511823&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Ulta</a><i> (on sale for $135!)</i><br />
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<i>How It Works</i></h2>
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As I said earlier, the thing about this cleansing tool is that it's supposed to be better than washing your face with your hands. </div>
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The circle near the bottom is the power button. It vibrates for a minute: pulsing after 15 seconds for each cheek, 15 for the forehead, and 15 for the nose. It pulses when you should move on to the next area, but it's kind of faint, so for the first few days I found myself looking for the flash of blue light, until I got used to feeling for it. </div>
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For those of you who aren't used to using cleansing tools, one minute seems to be the standard amount of time. It might feel like a long time if you're not used to it, but it goes by really fast! And you know your skin is really clean, which is a plus. </div>
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After the minute's up, it still continues to run. I like to quickly go in around my jaw and my neck before shutting it off. Once you apply your skincare products, you're supposed to press the button again to massage your skin for a minute with the reverse "Anti-Aging" side (shown above). It's supposedly good for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as making the skin appear firmer. It's stated to help your skincare products soak in better, too. </div>
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The little hole on the bottom is where you plug in the charger. It baffles me how this tool is completely waterproof, but I don't question it. </div>
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These are the little bristles that do all the work. They vibrate against your face, unlike other cleansing brushes, which oscillate or sometimes turn in a complete circle. I think this is why it's so much gentler than other tools. </div>
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A closer look at the power button. The - and + signs beside it are for the speeds. It has <i>eight </i>speeds, though I haven't found a reason to go above the lowest setting.<br />
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<h2>
<b><i>My Experience </i></b></h2>
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My skin is technically Combination, since my pores are larger in my T-zone than they are on my nose, though it often feels tight until I put on moisturizer. My two main concerns are dryness and blackheads, because my skin can get a little dry and flaky, which not only feels uncomfortable but can also clog pores. Gross, right? I look for products and tools that will help me with that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8sXT4lnFD-DAysBAHi0Utw_OJ26MEJw78hGs13trA2g2gxt_F-dVlDMD_5TUxrWcDK3k4YoEdd0uHSKafftxmG13CDtTib3I2lBFaXVVQ4PWUs0Fqyl3ZKBIaHw_586bJ145Er77d54/s1600/IMG_3983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8sXT4lnFD-DAysBAHi0Utw_OJ26MEJw78hGs13trA2g2gxt_F-dVlDMD_5TUxrWcDK3k4YoEdd0uHSKafftxmG13CDtTib3I2lBFaXVVQ4PWUs0Fqyl3ZKBIaHw_586bJ145Er77d54/s640/IMG_3983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, what do I think of the tool? Well, I've been using it almost daily since February, and we're still going strong! It's much gentler than I expected, so using it that often hasn't irritated my skin like I thought it would. Actually, I've found that it doesn't exfoliate as strongly as I though it would, so I guess it's similar to just using a soft washcloth. Sometimes, I still feel the need to use my <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/01/how-to-change-up-your-skincare-routine.html">BHA chemical exfoliant</a></b> after it (mostly for the dead skin that gathers around my nose--skincare isn't always pretty, folks).<br />
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I would like to point out the ridiculously long-lasting charge, though. Besides its initial charge (in February), I haven't had to plug it in once. It's May now, <i>f.y.i., </i>and I haven't had to recharge it once! What kind of crazy battery is in there? Or maybe the technology is simpler than I thought, and it doesn't take a lot of power to run. No clue, but wow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UWbGROvItllmGhAyDWWDpU-w7qs3lfKU3j4cIHoFU6vmJkTGWI-rZN8yDbcb0rXF60QI5Bt33XcAJ8F1-0_Xap-L8KC9wAhbhGm_iN9xpV-QKDFZXNSmZF-pA_dbVMK19kLY2LLAC8U/s1600/IMG_3995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UWbGROvItllmGhAyDWWDpU-w7qs3lfKU3j4cIHoFU6vmJkTGWI-rZN8yDbcb0rXF60QI5Bt33XcAJ8F1-0_Xap-L8KC9wAhbhGm_iN9xpV-QKDFZXNSmZF-pA_dbVMK19kLY2LLAC8U/s640/IMG_3995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the fresh young age of 22, I don't really have problems with wrinkles and fine lines, so the Anti-Aging side is lost on me. I tried it for awhile, for the sake of this blog, but (shockingly) I didn't see a difference. That was to be expected, but unfortunately it means I can't really determine how well it works. </div>
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Also, when I was using the Anti-Aging side over my moisturizer, it just felt like it was picking it up off my face rather than helping it "soak in." I feel like my skin does its job of absorbing product just fine. </div>
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To be noted: if you don't press the power button again after cleansing to initiate the Anti-Aging side, it shuts off automatically after a minute or two. I like to take my sweet time brushing my teeth and applying my serum/moisturizer, so usually I don't make it in time. And It's not like I'm about to race through my routine to use it. You could always turn it on again--it's not a big deal--but just something I've noticed. </div>
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When I had a sinus infection, it felt nice to hold it up to my face for a little bit, if that helps. </div>
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<h2>
<i>The Verdict</i></h2>
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<h4>
<i>Pros: </i></h4>
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<li>Gentle (not likely to irritate if used daily)</li>
<li>Easy to use</li>
<li>Might be more hygienic than other tools (silicone can be washed with soap and water)</li>
<li>No need to purchase additional brush heads</li>
<li>Changeable speeds</li>
<li>Holds charge for a ridiculously long time </li>
<li>Completely waterproof</li>
<li>2-year warranty</li>
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<h4>
<i>Cons:</i></h4>
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<li>Definitely a splurge</li>
<li>Could be deemed unnecessary in a skincare routine</li>
<li>Unsure of Anti-Aging's mode effectiveness </li>
<li>Claims seem a little overblown</li>
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Overall, I've been enjoying using this product. A lot of people don't clean their skin as well as they think they are, so a tool like this is really good for making sure all of the makeup, dirt, and oil is off. If you're already really good about using a washcloth, or if you "double-cleanse" with a makeup remover beforehand, this probably isn't necessary.<br />
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I don't think this is your be-all-end-all problem solver. You're still going to need to use other products with it, like a moisturizer and something that exfoliates well if you aren't already.<br />
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It's gentle enough to use everyday, so I've been using it every night and enjoying it. That being said, I don't think everyone needs to run out and spend $100+ on one of these, because that's a big investment. If you already have a <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/03/review-clarisonic-mia-ii_16.html">Clarisonic</a> </b>(old blog post alert), you definitely don't need this, but I have both and I use them interchangeably. If you're into skincare and want to try using a cleansing tool, I think you'll be happy with this.<br />
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If you're interested in trying a Luna but the price is scaring you off, go for the Mini (which is $30 cheaper than the original), or wait for a sale/coupon code like I did. </div>
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Do you use a cleansing tool to wash your face?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPq-xEa3qY-fXxZslIhg0v3dteCbi07ayuwYKbx2FTaL_g2MiCucyA_j8mI8ZzuJWl17-oJcxchHOjnIHfafxkL_M4_7UalydwisnuOTx5EU-cB8WxdesBsIFthlwYXnr24WZifmIt12u/s1600/Signature-New2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPq-xEa3qY-fXxZslIhg0v3dteCbi07ayuwYKbx2FTaL_g2MiCucyA_j8mI8ZzuJWl17-oJcxchHOjnIHfafxkL_M4_7UalydwisnuOTx5EU-cB8WxdesBsIFthlwYXnr24WZifmIt12u/s1600/Signature-New2.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KRB4tteLGzSiQ3vjhRmI9CZ-6gZtNVqp2s6XfzxWgjILOMSLoB0eoW4_7WDSTIlDetuWRWtSnAYBLL3g38nIGtSbvc55c5MvEWcjL9q-KITpYFqeESPbGpEEKRO0eNTkz4kHCaDT7y2r/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<i>Want to see more <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/search/label/skincare%20reviews"><b>skincare reviews</b></a>?</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I purchased this product myself. Not sponsored. Some affiliate links included. </i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-75981308924651815352016-05-12T18:22:00.001-04:002016-05-18T15:20:28.948-04:00Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayons<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">sent for review | affiliate links</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmSjOYMWHZjVT4jqC8hRUn4WfvQwig53iLTXspHNuM6odd0mWCz2K5mh-mr1z1a8WoneNT-wIZ0LnN5gQGYKIqzQiQpXhg-E3E2AnSHV6zSSrgXwzJCRPqVDHr8lxapRZYuc0VX71ZKo/s1600/IMG_4819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmSjOYMWHZjVT4jqC8hRUn4WfvQwig53iLTXspHNuM6odd0mWCz2K5mh-mr1z1a8WoneNT-wIZ0LnN5gQGYKIqzQiQpXhg-E3E2AnSHV6zSSrgXwzJCRPqVDHr8lxapRZYuc0VX71ZKo/s640/IMG_4819.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! I have another beauty review for you today. I'm always looking for ways to up my brow game and get #browsonfleek, so when Maybelline came out with these Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayons, I was curious to see how they worked. I received these for free to test out, and after playing with them for the past few weeks, I think it's about time I talked about them! </div>
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<i>About Maybelline</i></h2>
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Maybelline was founded over <i>100 years ago </i>in Chicago, IL. A guy named Tom Lyle Williams came along and founded it, naming it by combining his sister's name, Mabel, and Vaseline, into one term. His sister, Mabel, used to combine Vaseline with the ash and coal dust from a burnt cork and apply it to her lashes as a sort of DIY mascara. Crazy, right? And they're still revolutionizing our mascaras to this day!<br />
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To all future entrepreneurs: you should <i>totally</i> name your businesses after your sisters, just FYI.<br />
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<h2>
<i>About the Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon</i></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SXvM1RE0nY15G56If7SwmzQJAR9Z_mMff3SBovh3U2AcWBVbn7oAI_i_nHJwZE4eH92PIfazaBqJtogSKOSvXqOINEHyTl9h_JAMhoGKIB1H6k6TJ5IZIlqWveXgWqUxiOr2c_PBzPo/s1600/IMG_4807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SXvM1RE0nY15G56If7SwmzQJAR9Z_mMff3SBovh3U2AcWBVbn7oAI_i_nHJwZE4eH92PIfazaBqJtogSKOSvXqOINEHyTl9h_JAMhoGKIB1H6k6TJ5IZIlqWveXgWqUxiOr2c_PBzPo/s640/IMG_4807.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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Maybelline advertises that you can "master the perfect brow in one easy sweep," which I think is a perfectly accurate description. These Brow Crayons are just what you would expect: a thicker version of a brow pencil that will allow you to fill in sparse areas and define your shape. </div>
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<i>Ingredients</i></h2>
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<i>Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyethylene, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer, Isopropyl Myristate, Carnauba Wax. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Mica</i></div>
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<i>Price and Availability </i></h2>
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Come in 4 shades: Blonde 250, Soft Brown 255, Deep Brown 260, and Auburn 265. The shades aren't written on the pencils themselves (just the packaging), so if you find a shade you like, remember what it's called. (I don't know what the numbers mean).<br />
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I was surprised at the attempt to pull red heads into the mix! Being that there's only four shades, there won't be something in there that will work for everyone, but it's a fair selection of shades, especially for the price.<br />
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.04oz - <a href="http://amzn.to/278CiEn" rel="nofollow"><b>Amazon</b></a> [$7.59], <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=506819386&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Drugstore.com</a></b> [$7.99], <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=506441393&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Target</a> </b>[$8.99],<b> </b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fulta%2Fbrowse%2FproductDetail.jsp%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod13501049&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow"><b>Ulta</b></a> [$9.99], <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walgreens.com%2Fstore%2Fc%2Fmaybelline-eye-studio-brow-drama-pomade-crayon%2FID%3Dprod6301967-product&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow"><b>Walgreens</b></a> [$9.99]<br />
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<h2>
<i>My Experience</i></h2>
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<h3>
<i><br /></i><i>The Packaging</i></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KVDgX6Cnrgf0_UheE8rXK0wQEIdm7vsEaDWmJq1UpIoYLK-2TOL1lMvUR5cjB8jRHeKXKcbVGlzRwtE63I5Uuxwnoj6vb3PzpynIy0JC2pd6X7kGBxYexk5SxeK0WQAivD9k-9hq2og/s1600/IMG_4800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KVDgX6Cnrgf0_UheE8rXK0wQEIdm7vsEaDWmJq1UpIoYLK-2TOL1lMvUR5cjB8jRHeKXKcbVGlzRwtE63I5Uuxwnoj6vb3PzpynIy0JC2pd6X7kGBxYexk5SxeK0WQAivD9k-9hq2og/s640/IMG_4800.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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These crayons are wide and chubby, making them easy to handle. They're a twist-up, so no pencil sharpener is required! However, this is probably the sharpest these crayons will ever be, which sucks if you want to be precise, like if you have thin brows or just need to fill in a tiny space.</div>
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<h3>
<b><i>The Stuff Inside</i></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwxWUhCl4BKzBc8atF8sGOMAFVqEKh5EawigpxAdXTS5d6BJhi7jIaSUJPilqaLUP7pqkx6ds_4Kr522VoB5CjbX_whl3fSizNukGTI3X53hi60xWBBjDSOor2n__ApR4AV3_-xl1krQ/s1600/IMG_4826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwxWUhCl4BKzBc8atF8sGOMAFVqEKh5EawigpxAdXTS5d6BJhi7jIaSUJPilqaLUP7pqkx6ds_4Kr522VoB5CjbX_whl3fSizNukGTI3X53hi60xWBBjDSOor2n__ApR4AV3_-xl1krQ/s640/IMG_4826.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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The texture of the product inside is creamier than I would have expected. It has a slight waxy quality from it, which makes sense with "Pomade" in the title, but still very smooth. You definitely need to be gentle with these. I know I've used extremely dry brow pencils, where you need to press pretty hard to get some pigmentation out of it (and then break the tip as a result), but that's not necessary with these! The lighter you can make your strokes the better.<br />
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These crayons do exactly what they're supposed to do: deposit color and sculpt your brows into place, Imagine if a giant crayon and the <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=2738898&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Anastasia Brow Primer</a></b> (a wax pencil, read more about it in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/01/beauty-buff-favorites-of-2015-makeup.html">Favorites</a>)<b> </b>had a baby, and you get these. It does dry down, but if you're constantly rubbing your brows, it won't last as long. The wax helps the staying power, but it's not immovable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegkJ8DFC6S0c4ZDtdER1VIWYiz1K4b0l_m0F7Hrh1q8tsaGISC0ptnKeKsHKhwT-rf47GdxbGuvdWJaHm2ZPmBcFWYsQnnHW5iGIPLt56zha_EL-WPV2OyOOG4qObuAyf-rqyGdohujk/s1600/IMG_4840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegkJ8DFC6S0c4ZDtdER1VIWYiz1K4b0l_m0F7Hrh1q8tsaGISC0ptnKeKsHKhwT-rf47GdxbGuvdWJaHm2ZPmBcFWYsQnnHW5iGIPLt56zha_EL-WPV2OyOOG4qObuAyf-rqyGdohujk/s640/IMG_4840.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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Above you will see swatches of two of the shades: Blonde (left) and Deep Brown (right). </div>
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<b><i>My Experience </i></b></h3>
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<i>Here's my brow story: I naturally have pretty full brows, though they take some taming to look neat. They're not perfect, since I do them myself, but I learn as I go. </i><br />
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<b><i>BEFORE</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4ypzSfu39ZfmsSlIVTbYO3jvlQxIpqRMPmo8T7dsdY7a5rpbpnYjxKF_QzxhYHEqIx9fxlZ_PnzMxwVCfgiGlny6VPSxX1cNMDKzCpznxn9CSqlUyeIBKecPnjWxtNmrQJemk0dO_j0/s1600/IMG_4903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4ypzSfu39ZfmsSlIVTbYO3jvlQxIpqRMPmo8T7dsdY7a5rpbpnYjxKF_QzxhYHEqIx9fxlZ_PnzMxwVCfgiGlny6VPSxX1cNMDKzCpznxn9CSqlUyeIBKecPnjWxtNmrQJemk0dO_j0/s640/IMG_4903.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are my eyebrows in their untouched glory. They could definitely use some work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K2_3f9xzlbEVcxEE43tEBALfeP1ur8O_Xy1F8I1OKFUpaSS3BIrOJ2ZXk0ZSiMJpKwCQASDgoP2cZBuR-ZMn9h7gFi7-i65JFf5Gm4iA5SAirPxZHMQ478h109u39zgwM7PEC9emR4s/s1600/IMG_4899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K2_3f9xzlbEVcxEE43tEBALfeP1ur8O_Xy1F8I1OKFUpaSS3BIrOJ2ZXk0ZSiMJpKwCQASDgoP2cZBuR-ZMn9h7gFi7-i65JFf5Gm4iA5SAirPxZHMQ478h109u39zgwM7PEC9emR4s/s640/IMG_4899.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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A Before photo from farther away. Excuse how puffy my eyes are in this picture (I've been sick), but let's focus on the brows. I like to define my arch, and make the tail look nice and neat. I don't typically fill them in too much in the front so they don't look fake, but sometimes I'll touch them up a little bit. Nothing crazy. I'm a huge fan of the natural brow (both aesthetically and because it takes me less time in the morning).<br />
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<b><i>AFTER</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifFnh9gHZsxXl8Aq_vRdimATN94ZmKNz7-KYVzB1lO6g8rBhBzaJzwzvPhKdpilHHfd-4NDZ3ndUpdv3iZ-gwUX-K6WVwiXO8wteWndVeTEt5oA3Cxm9hUFdpD8jNarhbEZ__v4-bZJI/s1600/IMG_4919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifFnh9gHZsxXl8Aq_vRdimATN94ZmKNz7-KYVzB1lO6g8rBhBzaJzwzvPhKdpilHHfd-4NDZ3ndUpdv3iZ-gwUX-K6WVwiXO8wteWndVeTEt5oA3Cxm9hUFdpD8jNarhbEZ__v4-bZJI/s640/IMG_4919.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the first After photo! As I said, I'm not exactly a brow virtuoso. I just want them to look more defined and polished.<br />
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I feel like this color might be a little warm for me, but I've also learned to use a lighter hand, too. It's definitely an improvement from the Before! I enjoyed how easy it was just to draw on top of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaJhuy4m6XkMcI8fPskbjErpnI1V1IDUF4lWM5PS1VEczwL3F1cgoBhgpyynAjdBE4vCNoSwKw0a8vskA0OQMcx_SdKcueP18kxA11fNSverS-dfa5k8xWnns5VsRIpJBAsQjHYXRGLk/s1600/IMG_4918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaJhuy4m6XkMcI8fPskbjErpnI1V1IDUF4lWM5PS1VEczwL3F1cgoBhgpyynAjdBE4vCNoSwKw0a8vskA0OQMcx_SdKcueP18kxA11fNSverS-dfa5k8xWnns5VsRIpJBAsQjHYXRGLk/s640/IMG_4918.jpg" title="Swatches & Review: Maybelline Eyestudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a shot from further away. I didn't use one for the sake of this review, but I think this product would strongly benefit from a spoolie or blending brush. For my tastes, I made the front of my brows just a little too defined. Since this product is so creamy, a little blending goes a long way to achieving a softer look. Plus, since the tip is wider than your typical pencil, it might be harder to make natural, feathery strokes. If you really wanted to, you could also pick some of the product up on an angled brush and apply it that way, but the quick and easy "swipe and go" application is one of my favorite things about these little crayons.<br />
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As for staying power, the product does dry down over time, but it always remains just slightly smudge-able. If you're someone who rubs their eyes/eyebrows a lot, that's going to be a habit you'll want to break if you want to wear these. Otherwise, I don't think they'll last through the day. The swatches on my arm could be smudged away way too easily, but on my brows the crayon lasts surprisingly well. For extra staying power, you could always partner it with the Anastasia Brow Fix as mentioned above, or perhaps a clear brow gel (I like the ones from <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=520383652&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">e.l.f.</a></b> and <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=2740270&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Anastasia</a></b>, personally).</div>
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<h2>
<i>The Verdict</i></h2>
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<h4>
<i>Pros: </i></h4>
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<li>Inexpensive</li>
<li>Widely accessible</li>
<li>Easy to use</li>
<li>Quick application</li>
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<h4>
<i>Cons:</i></h4>
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<li>Poor shade selection</li>
<li>Wide tip might make precision tricky</li>
<li>Staying power could be better</li>
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Overall, I like these little crayons. They're super easy to use, and make your brows look polished in a flash. I have a few gripes with them, but they're perfectly workable, and a great option for those who want to experiment with filling in their brows for the first time. </div>
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What do you use to do your brows?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes. All opinions are my own. </i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-61326516873085027272016-05-06T16:54:00.003-04:002016-05-10T20:22:43.320-04:00The Beauty Lover Tag<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">purchased by me | affiliate links</span></a><br />
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Hi, friends! I've missed you this week! Between a wonky work schedule and then getting sick, things have been a little hectic around here.<br />
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Today's post is a fun little questionnaire (or "tag") that any beauty lover can relate to. I was tagged by the wonderful Lauren of <b><a href="http://www.littleblushingbirdie.com/" rel="nofollow">Little Blushing Birdie</a> </b>to do this not too long ago, so I figured it was time I gave it a go. If you haven't visited her blog before, <b><a href="http://www.littleblushingbirdie.com/2016/04/the-beauty-lover-tag.html" rel="nofollow">reading her answers</a></b> might give you a better idea of who she is. ;) But enough about that--let's get to the good stuff!<br />
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If you could have anyone in the world do your makeup, who would it be? </h2>
Ve Neill! If you don't know who she is, she's been doing makeup for film since the 1970s, and she's all kinds of crazy talented. She worked on <i>Beetlejuice</i> in the '80s, and she's the one who turned Robin Williams into a woman in <i>Mrs. Doubtfire.</i> I don't care what she turns me into, but I want her to work her magic on my face!<br />
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<h2>
What's your top makeup tip? </h2>
I would say: don't stress. Honestly, no one is going to care about your makeup as much as you do. Few people will even get as close a look at your face as you will when you're applying your makeup to begin with. They'll just see the big picture: your beautiful face! Besides, makeup is supposed to be fun!<br />
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What one makeup item could you not live without? </h2>
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I'm going to go ahead and say undereye concealer. Ever since I was little, I've had reasonably dark circles under my eyes. I can't battle my poor genetics by drinking more water or getting more sleep (though both are good to do anyway), so I settle for working on the offensive by applying makeup over the top of them. A <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/01/beauty-buff-favorites-of-2015-makeup.html">favorite</a></b> concealer of mine for this is the <b>Maybelline </b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fulta%2Fbrowse%2FproductDetail.jsp%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod3490149%23&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;">Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer in Brightener</a><b> ($9)</b>. Despite the long name, this product is a cult-favorite in the online beauty community, and with good reason: it really works! I highly recommend it as a drugstore option if you're looking for something in a peachy tone to brighten up and cancel out blue-toned undereye circles. It color-corrected before color correcting was cool. </div>
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<h2>
What one skincare item could you not live without? </h2>
Moisturizer! My face gets tight and dry if I go without, especially after washing my face, so it's a must-have for me. Right now I'm using <b>Marcelle's <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809440&POID=20245" rel="nofollow">Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel</a></b> <b>($25) </b>at night and I'm really liking it so far. It's a gel consistency, making it great for oily, normal, or combination skin types. I consider myself to lean a little on the dry side, but partnered with an oil or serum underneath, this works perfectly for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEbHhi5qw2nejl1qLaPn1Ke6kAwauCQT0wxiH9ZrLs6H9dWRIWVRTTAzpm-NZx-1RiVpulOYgaIFW0QGFbjn7mpYhwhbPFxrDkw55lYfRLY6THVVHToXP6VCHp6G1ijZRQ4syzywHUoM/s1600/Marcelle+Hydra+C+Gel+Creme+Edited+Logo+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beauty Lover Tag: Marcelle's Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Ge" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEbHhi5qw2nejl1qLaPn1Ke6kAwauCQT0wxiH9ZrLs6H9dWRIWVRTTAzpm-NZx-1RiVpulOYgaIFW0QGFbjn7mpYhwhbPFxrDkw55lYfRLY6THVVHToXP6VCHp6G1ijZRQ4syzywHUoM/s640/Marcelle+Hydra+C+Gel+Creme+Edited+Logo+%25283%2529.jpg" title="Beauty Lover Tag: Marcelle's Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Ge" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel</td></tr>
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<h2>
What are you worst at when it comes to applying makeup? </h2>
Probably eyeliner, especially liquid eyeliner. I lack the patience (and the steady hand) to get a perfect line across my eye on the first pass. I usually have to go back and do some tweaking. It's also why I typically wear my eyeliner smudged-out--it gives a softer look, and requires way less precision!<br />
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What's your biggest pet peeve when it comes to beauty?</h2>
Probably the tendency for people to escalate trends to infinity. I suppose this happens with just about everything (if you really like something, you obsess over it. I get it) but it seems like there must be some secret coalition of beauty YouTubers and Instagrammers I don't know about, because they <i>all </i>do the same look. Sometimes I'll look through an Instagram feed and see nothing but look after look using the same strong contour and Sharpie brows. Everyone should do their makeup the way they want, but I just feel like makeup is an artistry and that there are too many different methods and looks out there for everyone to be doing the same thing. I get where they're coming from, but I still wish there was a little more diversity in the online beauty community nowadays.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu7CofBze722W0K5W5Nr4ucfFzGJR_AZ7nwZv-fmZqfiglwxG_VSwD_Lpe1vpFUED7il5LmrW7D7lyV79zxQ1vnjtunV10jOInP8S5TF1Cdvp3TBgmcMOWlj0s_AkrNROmSb1TtXgJnk/s1600/September+Favorites+2015+Edited+Logo+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beauty Lover Tag: Tarte Amazonian Clay Park Avenue Princess Bronzer and Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu7CofBze722W0K5W5Nr4ucfFzGJR_AZ7nwZv-fmZqfiglwxG_VSwD_Lpe1vpFUED7il5LmrW7D7lyV79zxQ1vnjtunV10jOInP8S5TF1Cdvp3TBgmcMOWlj0s_AkrNROmSb1TtXgJnk/s640/September+Favorites+2015+Edited+Logo+%25286%2529.jpg" title="Beauty Lover Tag: Tarte Amazonian Clay Park Avenue Princess Bronzer and Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
What's your favorite makeup era?</h2>
I really like the fresh-faced look of the '70s. Glowing skin, neutral makeup, clean skin. Not so much the disco-style glitter, but other than that I thing it's gorgeous!<br />
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The '80s was a hot mess, but I admire their ability to have fun with their makeup. It was a lot of bold colors partnered with even <i>bolder </i>colors. In today's makeup, there are some things that are "taboo" (all-over blue eyeshadow as seen on Mimi in The Drew Carey Show ) but back then it seems like everything was fair game. It was definitely out there, but I'm glad they had a good time!<br />
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What's your guilty pleasure product? </h2>
Right now? Probably <b>By Terry's</b> <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=447236167&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Baume de Rose Lip & Nail Balm</a></b> because it's a <b>$60 </b>lip balm<b>. </b>It's so unnecessary, honestly. It makes the <b>Dior <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=126243874&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Creme de Rose Lip Balm</a></b> seem like a bargain product at $28. But I love the way it makes my lips feel and the way it smells. I don't know what I'm going to do when this sample runs out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFmx9_7_n-_sDMvdkEQX5JjgmSfPxXiZHfCa-IDlhUfyF0FeVaQQUPqfaABUTUfZ99NILwo3nd2bQyruU9awvZ2ZmuDUo4TAQ1-p1vMebiXdUramN2PINc_1K6Kgmw3kogNmMe5GZ5TA/s1600/By+Terry+Baume+de+Rose+Lip+Balm+Edited+Logo+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beauty Lover Tag: By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Balm" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFmx9_7_n-_sDMvdkEQX5JjgmSfPxXiZHfCa-IDlhUfyF0FeVaQQUPqfaABUTUfZ99NILwo3nd2bQyruU9awvZ2ZmuDUo4TAQ1-p1vMebiXdUramN2PINc_1K6Kgmw3kogNmMe5GZ5TA/s640/By+Terry+Baume+de+Rose+Lip+Balm+Edited+Logo+%252810%2529.jpg" title="Beauty Lover Tag: By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Balm" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Terry Baume De Rose Lip & Nail Balm</td></tr>
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<h2>
What's your underdog product?</h2>
I use the eyeshadow primer from my <b>NYC <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/walmart-coupons.html?ATID=809641&POID=20338" rel="nofollow">Union Square Palette</a> </b><i>all the time</i>. It's just a little pan tucked into a $5 eyeshadow palette, but it works <i>so well.</i> I use it on my eyelids as well as under my eyes to prep for concealer, and it really does the trick! I like that it also offers a bit of coverage, so if the shade is somewhere around your skin tone, I think it's especially handy.<br />
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If you have super oily eyelids, I don't know if it will prevent creasing for you, but I find that my eyeshadow (and concealer) last all day over this. Once in a blue moon, I'll also use the eyeshadows in the palette (you know, the true purpose of an eyeshadow palette), but 99% of the time I just pull it out for the primer. It's a fantastic drugstore option if you're on a budget and don't have a major problem with creasing.<br />
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What was your favorite makeup product of 2015?
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I can only pick just one? I have a whole blog post on my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/01/beauty-buff-favorites-of-2015-makeup.html" style="font-weight: bold;">2015 Makeup Favorites</a>!<b> </b>Since you're twisting my arm, I <i>guess </i>I can choose. One product that stands out to me from 2015 is the <b>Laura Geller <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=477921561&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadows</a> ($19)</b>. They go on almost like water, feeling cool and wet for the first few seconds before they dry. They come in six gorgeous, metallic colors, and I want all of them. I waxed poetic about the shade Silver Sands in my Favorites post above. If you want to see a swatch, you can check out my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/08/birchbox-august-2014-review.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Birchbox review</a>, which was the way I originally discovered them!<br />
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Alright, I tag <b><a href="http://simplystine.com/" rel="nofollow">Simply Stine</a></b>, <b><a href="http://glamourandgiggles19.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Glamour & Giggles</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.frommyvanity.com/" rel="nofollow">From My Vanity</a></b>,<b> </b>and <a href="http://beautybeyondthescale.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow"><b>Beauty Beyond the Scale</b></a>, and ALL OF YOU! Tag me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/collegebeautybuff" rel="nofollow"><b>Facebook</b></a> or <b><a href="http://www.instagram.com/sammipenni" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></b>, or tweet me (<a href="http://twitter.com/sammipenni" rel="nofollow"><b>@sammipenni</b></a>) your answers! Feel free to comment an answer or two down below as well. I can't wait to read them!<br />
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What's your guilty pleasure beauty product?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Not sponsored. Affiliate links included.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-66235193340155644562016-04-28T18:43:00.000-04:002016-04-29T23:34:12.687-04:00Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">purchased by me | affiliate links</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcEkDTJ_gaJI_WFnlibB754Q7-RYTbc3cCgh6DkeSCUBJJ7rt-gxXibdQix03Doke-TZ6G9c7PXlGvf66BhwaST6E4bupDz__ietQ7RInLABOHZvq7ZxuAJz2l5n1UNywSAnOnknb5Vlw/s1600/IMG_4405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcEkDTJ_gaJI_WFnlibB754Q7-RYTbc3cCgh6DkeSCUBJJ7rt-gxXibdQix03Doke-TZ6G9c7PXlGvf66BhwaST6E4bupDz__ietQ7RInLABOHZvq7ZxuAJz2l5n1UNywSAnOnknb5Vlw/s640/IMG_4405.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello, friends! I've got a fun little unboxing and review for you today. You might remember me talking about this Lip Sync Kit two weeks ago in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/04/mail-time-april-2016.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Mail Time</a> post. I purchased this kit from Birchbox, and it basically comes with everything you need for a capsule lip product wardrobe. I'm always up for new lipstick (I mean, have you looked through my <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/search/label/my%20lipstick%20collection">lipstick collection</a></b> lately?) so I thought it looked like fun. I can't wait to tell you guys my thoughts!<br />
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<b><i>Birchbox? What's that?</i></b></h3>
Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle subscription service. It sends 4-5 deluxe samples that are curated to your beauty profile. It is $10 a month, and has a wonderful rewards program, in which you can earn points for reviewing products and making purchases in the Birchbox Shop. You can then redeem those points for full-sized products! It's probably the best rewards program out there, in my opinion, which was one of the big draws in me signing up. They're always adding new products to the shop. Last month they sampled products from Amika, Juice Beauty, Shiseido, as well as pages of others! Some products are even exclusive to Birchbox, like Cynthia Rowley's new makeup line and the cult-favorite Beauty Protector brand. If you're interested in subscribing to Birchbox, <b>I would love it if you used my <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/?raf=3nbzf&utm_campaign=raf&utm_source=birchbox&utm_medium=raf_link" rel="nofollow">referral link</a></b>! Thank you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-jBtn5W2_XUBv0G4f218Hc3t9MTc-_D_JblTVd3b5d-ReaKvRP5SBBeMV-kw6ojPey2LH6GSmjR4VeZ4rSForCMjgg7OvN-aymGkspYKXOxcjJrM49bFWIDFjGQ4az8rAa9ul_rEDXtN/s1600/IMG_4331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-jBtn5W2_XUBv0G4f218Hc3t9MTc-_D_JblTVd3b5d-ReaKvRP5SBBeMV-kw6ojPey2LH6GSmjR4VeZ4rSForCMjgg7OvN-aymGkspYKXOxcjJrM49bFWIDFjGQ4az8rAa9ul_rEDXtN/s640/IMG_4331.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're not familiar, Birchbox puts out quite a few exclusive kits by brands they stock in the shop, They have brand-specific ones (ex. Benefit Cosmetics cult favorites) or product-specific ones (all lip products, like this one!). They're a great way to try out some new products, and are usually a great value. This particular one (found <b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809411&POID=20224" rel="nofollow">here</a></b>) was $30 and included a mix of full-size and deluxe sample-size lip products. I was pumped.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkhKLy47pOZ_f7HqJSpLPywxSP_eW-KskkgzJQeepfm6DLk-GZhzBNjZPtAmhXhu8jjqBg2Jj1s4ivOQwFEtN8gRALL1BNmeXDlRLwlY3UGHW7BOqWbi62US5oSGtB55CzwKMEwNvdtJR/s1600/IMG_4354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkhKLy47pOZ_f7HqJSpLPywxSP_eW-KskkgzJQeepfm6DLk-GZhzBNjZPtAmhXhu8jjqBg2Jj1s4ivOQwFEtN8gRALL1BNmeXDlRLwlY3UGHW7BOqWbi62US5oSGtB55CzwKMEwNvdtJR/s640/IMG_4354.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" width="640" /></a></div>
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The point behind this kit, as said earlier, is to provide a lip product for every situation you may need. Whether you're looking for a casual tinted lip balm or a va-va-voom red lipstick, this kit has got your back. It gives you a little bit of everything, and you guys know how much I like variety. It's like a lip product buffet up in here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_m4xSHejgmU_rOKTUJ16yr9__OMZUte4LJzZmtbqZhq_AaJL9iXMNlyopa2NWQPqc7L2AXBzk2T85YfoS_HqQEDQOQZM5X6xwwsmtH6cH9wSw_dQ6dISVq4PeNeXtneM50nIErdxz6Ud/s1600/IMG_4350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_m4xSHejgmU_rOKTUJ16yr9__OMZUte4LJzZmtbqZhq_AaJL9iXMNlyopa2NWQPqc7L2AXBzk2T85YfoS_HqQEDQOQZM5X6xwwsmtH6cH9wSw_dQ6dISVq4PeNeXtneM50nIErdxz6Ud/s640/IMG_4350.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" width="640" /></a></div>
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This kit comes with a handy dandy info card, which is a little more detailed than their usual subscription box card. Each product also has a little superlative listed under its name (ex. "Most Likely to Amp Up Intensity") which is super cute. It also lists what each product is and how to use it. I wish everything in life came with an info card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iyIrb29Bf7LyWd4ICQJGL4DW2ZHBJHe-ydkDmr-MiODw1rzR4RetiE_NWIPVQJyplBjPMNdb3BTOudK1EDOaK-tdB8SCvM_QtxZYN-IIognosA-88FDhfWe7yRWoEIA2_a3aZI19a6EO/s1600/IMG_4346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iyIrb29Bf7LyWd4ICQJGL4DW2ZHBJHe-ydkDmr-MiODw1rzR4RetiE_NWIPVQJyplBjPMNdb3BTOudK1EDOaK-tdB8SCvM_QtxZYN-IIognosA-88FDhfWe7yRWoEIA2_a3aZI19a6EO/s640/IMG_4346.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Unboxing and Swatches included!" width="640" /></a></div>
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But enough about that. Let's get to the good stuff!</div>
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<b>IPKN <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809414&POID=20227" rel="nofollow">Twinkle Lips in Glow Pink</a> </b><br />
<b><i>"Most Likely to Make Your Natural Lips Pop"</i></b><br />
<b>(Full-size [4.5g]: $18) </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60gi3N_ZI-NFlIS94YQnraLHkOFgzyLvYZprPiDomIJ5P-SHZaNAFkjp3K4UQUlcdJwEQQW1Tgs_ex_J6M0mKXRv_HuVbYq7lvTo_rD5EcfSjiCadInGZTmIXenkSl_TyEco4TLkU51w8/s1600/IMG_4371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - IPKN Twinkle Lips in Glow Pink Swatch" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60gi3N_ZI-NFlIS94YQnraLHkOFgzyLvYZprPiDomIJ5P-SHZaNAFkjp3K4UQUlcdJwEQQW1Tgs_ex_J6M0mKXRv_HuVbYq7lvTo_rD5EcfSjiCadInGZTmIXenkSl_TyEco4TLkU51w8/s640/IMG_4371.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - IPKN Twinkle Lips in Glow Pink Swatch" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're new to my blog, you should know that I am a SUCKER for lip balm, especially the tinted kind. This one is from a Korean beauty brand called IPKN (their awesome primer made it into my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/04/my-favorite-things-march-2016.html" style="font-weight: bold;">March Favorites</a>). Not only is it a tinted lip balm, but it's a tinted lip balm that reacts to the natural chemistry of your lips to deliver a hint of color specific to you. Science! I love it, even if it might be a gimmick. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRCAoK3GEfFMehayRIysVMDh-S95kkSXxG3WFO0rWr-a70Rjn3PoQ-iafdk1FL4R8IhTCUidVUdPd49DzlpruEyOA1NgvvH3LrHaWPquZcPt-GzfGJKwgyVSWvLPxh1-8ldTiohib0Nr1/s1600/IMG_4859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - IPKN Twinkle Lips in Glow Pink Swatch" border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRCAoK3GEfFMehayRIysVMDh-S95kkSXxG3WFO0rWr-a70Rjn3PoQ-iafdk1FL4R8IhTCUidVUdPd49DzlpruEyOA1NgvvH3LrHaWPquZcPt-GzfGJKwgyVSWvLPxh1-8ldTiohib0Nr1/s640/IMG_4859.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - IPKN Twinkle Lips in Glow Pink Swatch" width="640" /></a></div>
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The arm swatch at the end of this post won't look like much of anything, but this gaves a subtle pink tint to my lips. It's not as moisturizing as I would like (if you're looking for something to repair dry lips, this is not the answer) but it's a comfortable lip product to wear for everyday. It beats wearing a matte lippie, that's for sure. The packaging is also super cute. </div>
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Would I repurchase? Well, it's kind of expensive for what it is, even if the color changing aspect is super cool. I'll just enjoy this while I have it. </div>
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<b>LAURA GELLER <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809412&POID=20225" rel="nofollow">Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub</a></b><br />
<b><i>"Most Likely to Create a Super Smooth Finish"</i></b><br />
<b>(Sample-size value [.23oz]: $7.50) </b><br />
<i>(Cost of full-size [.49oz]: $16)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIm9KIfr9vZJWzu8LPVlW20U8eG5GbfoT4zT6aRjjY_MMM0uuSNdj6YYsEHt4gZLH91Oi61iXyWJ1pnzGx1vfeM3sOYGRWJG_AGlctLEielrV88EVZTfbjNmS-9yX8obUo6QKSyV3sJin/s1600/IMG_4378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Laura Geller Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIm9KIfr9vZJWzu8LPVlW20U8eG5GbfoT4zT6aRjjY_MMM0uuSNdj6YYsEHt4gZLH91Oi61iXyWJ1pnzGx1vfeM3sOYGRWJG_AGlctLEielrV88EVZTfbjNmS-9yX8obUo6QKSyV3sJin/s640/IMG_4378.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Laura Geller Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was such a great idea to include a lip scrub in this kit! They really thought of everything in this little "all you need" lip kit. I'm a huge fan of the Laura Geller brand (I raved about their blush in my Birchbox this month). It's a good idea to exfoliate your lips, whether it be with a toothbrush, a washcloth, or a sugar scrub like this. </div>
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I like that this lip scrub isn't too harsh. I don't exfoliate my lips everyday. Maybe once every few days, if I notice my lips are peeling, or if I'm going to be wearing a matte lipstick that will show everything. I like to rub my lips together and then wipe this off with a washcloth and my lips feel nice and smooth afterwards. My lips look a little red after using this, not due to the exfoliation, but most likely because of the peppermint oil it's formulated with. It gives it a fresh and minty taste, but it's technically an irritating ingredient, so that's also why I don't use it every day. A lot of lip plumpers are made with peppermint oil too, just because it enlarges the lips slightly (due to the irritation). </div>
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Due to the price and the peppermint oil, you might just want to DIY it and mix a little sugar and honey. That being said, this does have the convenience factor of being packaged in a squeezy tube, so the choice is up to you. But this product does what it's supposed to do, so if you like a product that makes you feel minty fresh then by all means go for it! </div>
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<b>STILA <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809415&POID=20228" rel="nofollow">Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso</a></b><br />
<b><i>"Most Likely to Last From A.M. to P.M. (to A.M. Again)"</i></b><br />
<b>(Sample-size value [.05oz]: $12) </b><br />
<i>(Cost of full-size [.1oz]: $24)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbOjEqECDj9sAbUTz5cxySprYj3amSYRtjoGgSmCzmeSYd5TGxden2VAfVU0Odh5WZL8AFN5J5w-3NgP31JWTpIp37qtLhyOjhaAN2bkobKD9zp1CDCFxg7pB-P3VlDlSZwWoiM0hIDay/s1600/IMG_4357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso Swatches" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbOjEqECDj9sAbUTz5cxySprYj3amSYRtjoGgSmCzmeSYd5TGxden2VAfVU0Odh5WZL8AFN5J5w-3NgP31JWTpIp37qtLhyOjhaAN2bkobKD9zp1CDCFxg7pB-P3VlDlSZwWoiM0hIDay/s640/IMG_4357.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso Swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alright we're goin' from 0 to 100 real quick. This liquid lipstick is <i>in it to win it. </i>I received a bright pink shade in my <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/08/birchbox-july-2015-review.html">July Birchbox</a> </b>so I already knew what I was getting into what I saw this. If you've ever had a problem with a lip product not lasting through the night, you need to try these. You actually need to remove these with makeup remover. Don't be stupid like me and try to wipe it off with a wet napkin because it <i>will </i>go everywhere. </div>
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These matte liquid lipsticks haven been popular since before it became trendy, so that's how you know they're good. This is a true red shade that doesn't lean too warm or cool, making it a balanced color to have. It's incredibly opaque--one swipe is all you need--but I know I can't just apply it willy-nilly. I can start off with the wand applicator to get it on the center of my lips, but I know I need a lip brush to do the edges. Otherwise, it <i>will </i>go everywhere (this stuff is dangerous). But I would definitely exfoliate (maybe by using the lip scrub above!) before applying this, since otherwise it'll show every little line and crack on your lips. Matte lip products tend to do that. </div>
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Beso is the kind of shade that makes you feel like a bad b*tch when you wear it. I know I feel more confident and powerful when I'm rocking a red lip. What about you? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRXvMS-wE_Ehqil4YTyMeOAQFU81YT4ENklFiR0mNerHQczqQOILvV2QEkKXx4SmM92lsHTzQ4ky3xO-Gh2-njOHO79ez3Jy-q8B6m8DzdL3z-l5RYoTfe-vLf3NHUWdaZlcvhgtl40mA/s1600/IMG_4362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso Swatches" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRXvMS-wE_Ehqil4YTyMeOAQFU81YT4ENklFiR0mNerHQczqQOILvV2QEkKXx4SmM92lsHTzQ4ky3xO-Gh2-njOHO79ez3Jy-q8B6m8DzdL3z-l5RYoTfe-vLf3NHUWdaZlcvhgtl40mA/s640/IMG_4362.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso Swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>MODELCO <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809416&POID=20229" rel="nofollow">Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner</a></b><br />
<b><i>"Most Likely to Keep Color Inside the Lines"</i></b><br />
<b>(Sample-size value [.7g]: $9.33) </b><br />
<i>(Cost of full-size [1.5g]: $20)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxteNL0OTf4T_YjEz0cPHqhJkcoIPormfgblu-ouqfuRsV9TecCA-wbgo_P5dv6DttSXJEkJXmkPdv6X_OuoixQseY_XP1ZSkbxj-p2JI82e9_MpqxnTIeSZ6pdf93bhgmReTN08OJvaM/s1600/IMG_4384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner Swatches" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxteNL0OTf4T_YjEz0cPHqhJkcoIPormfgblu-ouqfuRsV9TecCA-wbgo_P5dv6DttSXJEkJXmkPdv6X_OuoixQseY_XP1ZSkbxj-p2JI82e9_MpqxnTIeSZ6pdf93bhgmReTN08OJvaM/s640/IMG_4384.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner Swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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This lip liner is designed to be the perfect neutral shade that will work under any lipstick. I already got one of these in my <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/birchbox-february-2016-review.html">February Birchbox</a></b>. but if it's really that perfect of a shade, it doesn't hurt to have a backup. </div>
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It's a soft wax pencil that's not too creamy, but not too hard or dry. It's a warm-ish brown shade that I can see working under most lipsticks, though I don't wear lip liner too often. Lip liners are great for keeping lipstick in place, making it longer lasting and preventing feathering outside the lip line (which can happen more often on dry lips, so moisturize with a lip balm first!). I'm not too picky with lip liners, so I'm more than pleased with this one. No complaints! </div>
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<b>OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809417&POID=20230" rel="nofollow">Lip Tar in Strumpet</a></b><br />
<b><i>"Most Likely to Amp Up Intensity"</i></b><br />
<b>(Sample-size value [.08oz]: $9.14) </b><br />
<i>(Cost of full-size [.14oz]: $16)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPR7bDsIUw9V9R8XRBEyF_iUkSuScAY8ZfkhIc5KlusPCQ31pqgFk56W_MnYJLSlfiLlPPE0GcU0twGnT5v2kwvsDVloyn7KQK7HEVgRq9U1grkxCOxrSKPvkW-jJPbwLCNo5MfvOv4cJ/s1600/IMG_4400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - OCC Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Strumpet Swatches" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPR7bDsIUw9V9R8XRBEyF_iUkSuScAY8ZfkhIc5KlusPCQ31pqgFk56W_MnYJLSlfiLlPPE0GcU0twGnT5v2kwvsDVloyn7KQK7HEVgRq9U1grkxCOxrSKPvkW-jJPbwLCNo5MfvOv4cJ/s640/IMG_4400.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - OCC Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Strumpet Swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's another matte liquid lipstick, only this one comes in a squeeze tube. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (weird name, though they often just go by OCC) is known for these Lip Tars. This shade is listed as a "seedless grape red," which I suppose makes sense since it's sort of a purple-red. You're definitely going to want a lip brush with this one. You only need the tiniest bit, so this tube will last you an eternity, but precision is key. I like to go in with a little concealer and clean up the edges after applying this, just because I tend to get a little messy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_aYUutdQWlw4ul-3c-OSDmHT9kvRwxN_5NKw1zh7e-uxg4i4Gn0qrKus8zOxslwzaAVUThT8LVZmH69e-guAxKMjWDDzR0Q5CcvIgJ58bbb1mJcn27cg-lur7VqIDU0KnfjMbj28Fl2r/s1600/IMG_4664-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - OCC Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Strumpet Swatches" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_aYUutdQWlw4ul-3c-OSDmHT9kvRwxN_5NKw1zh7e-uxg4i4Gn0qrKus8zOxslwzaAVUThT8LVZmH69e-guAxKMjWDDzR0Q5CcvIgJ58bbb1mJcn27cg-lur7VqIDU0KnfjMbj28Fl2r/s640/IMG_4664-3.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - OCC Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Strumpet Swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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My application here isn't perfect. It'll definitely takes some practice to get it right, but I love this color! It's different than your typical red, so I wanted you guys to see a lip swatch of this one.</div>
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<b>POP BEAUTY <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/beauty-coupons.html?ATID=809413&POID=20226" rel="nofollow">Matte Velvet Lipstix in Satin Rose</a></b></div>
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<b><i>"Most Likely to Nourish and Protect"</i></b></div>
<b>(Full-size [.12oz]: $16)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKLwTh8Foiu2w9ECyaVwv4jmvz9MqEmc-SjXjmVgEaCR12c399Xiiulv2uuokeqDRWG50x0ImMJIl1OwDqM5HcSSdOqrvpHSzo56Xm67Vv_jcKesasziqTXiLnH8sXg1CFZ_sqtHKjxPQ/s1600/IMG_4389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Pop Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstix in Satin Rose Swatches" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKLwTh8Foiu2w9ECyaVwv4jmvz9MqEmc-SjXjmVgEaCR12c399Xiiulv2uuokeqDRWG50x0ImMJIl1OwDqM5HcSSdOqrvpHSzo56Xm67Vv_jcKesasziqTXiLnH8sXg1CFZ_sqtHKjxPQ/s640/IMG_4389.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Pop Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstix in Satin Rose Swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pop Beauty has always been a brand that I liked, but didn't love. Most of the products I've tried have been good, not great. I wasn't surprised when I felt the same way about this lipstick. I really like the color, which seems like something that would be great for every day, but I wasn't crazy about the formula. It had a drier texture than I like, and it dragged a little going on the lips. I know it's supposet to have a matte finish, but the application was patchier than I'd like. Here's a picture so you can see what I mean. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmPl9H-ei0vXqismlBkTjCKWgzGa278T1KQZ9E2VQotVC-bfLneqrvDTReTzrf_3hRtB03gg1M7hZAWG_4E8bLQm1NynC9IygBSo6c8bQGBYDn7q5flnTKldanwWVRQYOMlmwleda_aBf/s1600/IMG_4544-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Pop Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstix in Satin Rose Swatches" border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmPl9H-ei0vXqismlBkTjCKWgzGa278T1KQZ9E2VQotVC-bfLneqrvDTReTzrf_3hRtB03gg1M7hZAWG_4E8bLQm1NynC9IygBSo6c8bQGBYDn7q5flnTKldanwWVRQYOMlmwleda_aBf/s640/IMG_4544-4.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Pop Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstix in Satin Rose Swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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See what I mean? This one looks a little "gritty" on the lips to me, and it doesn't get any better as it wears. The texture is just a little too "visible" if that makes sense. Which is a shame, because I really do like the color. It doesn't look terrible, and it wasn't uncomfortable to wear, but I have products in my stash that I like better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFf9mLGZxog9wEBY18WXx9ylg4Uuswu9IkvfgQIY_5oFUvL-aRAeM7-PtO89m-_qFG7KewbPz0bu8t0TFBCG4hVUIpwCkgCZLKP5oPdPsqVJEfozzd3eykAisYBQKt6N8Vib2uOehYB_b/s1600/IMG_4422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Lip Product Unboxing and Swatches!" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFf9mLGZxog9wEBY18WXx9ylg4Uuswu9IkvfgQIY_5oFUvL-aRAeM7-PtO89m-_qFG7KewbPz0bu8t0TFBCG4hVUIpwCkgCZLKP5oPdPsqVJEfozzd3eykAisYBQKt6N8Vib2uOehYB_b/s640/IMG_4422.jpg" title="Birchbox: The Lip Sync Kit Review - Lip Product Unboxing and Swatches!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Stats:</i></h3>
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<ul>
<li><i>IPKN Tinted Lip Balm: $18</i></li>
<li><i>Laura Geller Lip Scrub: $7.50</i></li>
<li><i>Stila Liquid Lipstick: $12</i></li>
<li><i>ModelCo Lip Liner: $9.33</i></li>
<li><i>OCC Lip Tar: $9.14</i></li>
<li><i>Pop Beauty Lipstick: $16</i></li>
<li><i>TOTAL: $71.97 (that's over double what I paid!)</i></li>
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<i>The Best: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So far, I'm getting the most use out of the tinted lip balm and the lip scrub, but that's no surprise. </span></span></h3>
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<i>The Worst: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Nothing in here is bad, really. I'm not crazy about the Pop Beauty formula, but if I never got this kit I never would have known that, so I'm glad I got to try everything in here. </span></span></h3>
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<i>The Verdict: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For $30, I feel like I got a great deal. There's a lip product for every occasion in here, and they're not really "season-specific" like a coral so I feel like I could wear any of these year-round. Overall, I'm glad I got this kit, and I recommend it to anyone who's looking to expand their lip product collection. </span></span></h3>
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If you're interested in purchasing this box, you can click <b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809411&POID=20224" rel="nofollow">here</a></b> to buy it from the Birchbox Shop for $30.</div>
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Did you get the Lip Sync Kit? Would you? Tell me what you think!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDA3zvAT7tU2eMNowSgiN-ay9kKVWa8xZNY9tX56eApJ_PH-6zJG2U0lXyijtwDSMqgnLUqp9UnWXq2jiF4D471DveEFlvD_bGGgsM2S576LHhDJETzuMeFyOprgUHUHqzaikKIt6ji9J/s1600/Signature-New2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDA3zvAT7tU2eMNowSgiN-ay9kKVWa8xZNY9tX56eApJ_PH-6zJG2U0lXyijtwDSMqgnLUqp9UnWXq2jiF4D471DveEFlvD_bGGgsM2S576LHhDJETzuMeFyOprgUHUHqzaikKIt6ji9J/s1600/Signature-New2.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: This box was purchased by me. Not sponsored. Some affiliate links included.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-13595294835169455032016-04-25T17:03:00.002-04:002016-04-26T19:45:06.084-04:00Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">pr sample | affiliate links</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jn3-lDc_kmqOOoE5s9RFJzeo9FIgITl_t_AG4iHaexmvVdK1j220P8rzGKRXk8jlZc9iv4E9B8wATllbKHkCI7XNEiYxyUkV0ac302gUvjyVpTIySOZKDk2EK9cLX4oczYK-xUQWLcPf/s1600/IMG_4564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jn3-lDc_kmqOOoE5s9RFJzeo9FIgITl_t_AG4iHaexmvVdK1j220P8rzGKRXk8jlZc9iv4E9B8wATllbKHkCI7XNEiYxyUkV0ac302gUvjyVpTIySOZKDk2EK9cLX4oczYK-xUQWLcPf/s640/IMG_4564.jpg" title="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! I'm trying something new on the blog today. You might have notice I talk about makeup and skincare on the blog all the time, but hair? Not so much. I let my hair air dry 99% of the time, and my idea of hairstyling is throwing it into a side braid. You would think having hair on my head for 22 years would make me better at this, but apparently not. When Aveda sent me some products to try (you might have seen it on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDrTt_oPIjH/?taken-by=sammipenni" rel="nofollow"><b>my Instagram</b></a>), I was kind of like, "I don't do much with my<i> </i>hair. What am I supposed to do with these?" but I figured this was a good opportunity. Maybe I could become a hair person! I'll show them! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTI5wYL5HgqN0hTKaO2hdIeQrQUtH4Yf83LT-mX3qYmOi8l1N1Ut4mBDq1Zpmj8hVd8mggxJz69xYAtUxPb0z7IVCNDYdV3UkosaLpoJPzukgMSmo195TH2RQeAaCAvCh25yicvPbhOlJ/s1600/IMG_4578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTI5wYL5HgqN0hTKaO2hdIeQrQUtH4Yf83LT-mX3qYmOi8l1N1Ut4mBDq1Zpmj8hVd8mggxJz69xYAtUxPb0z7IVCNDYdV3UkosaLpoJPzukgMSmo195TH2RQeAaCAvCh25yicvPbhOlJ/s640/IMG_4578.jpg" title="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" width="640" /></a></div>
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As seen in the first image, their generous package came with a few little hair tutorial cards, one of them being for a slightly different messy bun as seen at New York Fashion Week. I thought it would be fun (if not, entertaining) to give it a go and document my experience. I figured, if <i>I </i>can do it, hairstyling novice extraordinaire, then anyone can do it! Whether this post turned into a helpful tutorial or comedy struggle of the year, at least it might be a good read. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeGzZUFgldKrq0lakFELFyfp1L9hW6BK7_5RZcCWruezIxIQ1F-L25A6qcJAqVOxzWmTAnLHuN60wjKhnp0gUMvNcY31RejD6sVuwIzwGu24n0PIC6AHalDYJNFo2WUcFR3k8Fk4VWATp/s1600/IMG_4565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeGzZUFgldKrq0lakFELFyfp1L9hW6BK7_5RZcCWruezIxIQ1F-L25A6qcJAqVOxzWmTAnLHuN60wjKhnp0gUMvNcY31RejD6sVuwIzwGu24n0PIC6AHalDYJNFo2WUcFR3k8Fk4VWATp/s640/IMG_4565.jpg" title="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the tutorial I decided to work with (the flip side of the first image included). I had originally planned on doing a different tutorial, until I realized my layers are tricky to work with, so I switched to this one halfway through. Off to a great start. Wish me luck.</div>
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<i>Step 1: Prep</i></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj5I18ZQtBB3Xk1hHuE-ONorgWXCyE3q0A0BGiqBrbSn9CQWdTLVP4Zfwtuz_pcaw-_rv7rWvkXvxT2QInIeUK5oFy_LuMAnxRuYPHy-R2Uzs0pGL-ZHnDNk3EIRFixf-9DSg5waQlmR4/s1600/IMG_4589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj5I18ZQtBB3Xk1hHuE-ONorgWXCyE3q0A0BGiqBrbSn9CQWdTLVP4Zfwtuz_pcaw-_rv7rWvkXvxT2QInIeUK5oFy_LuMAnxRuYPHy-R2Uzs0pGL-ZHnDNk3EIRFixf-9DSg5waQlmR4/s640/IMG_4589.jpg" title="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo" width="640" /></a></div>
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As stated in the instructions, I started off with their <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=497731252&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Shampure Dry Shampoo</a> ($30 | 2oz) </b>to absorb any excess oil from my hair. I'd washed it the day before, so depending on the state of my hair, sometimes I like to use dry shampoo to freshen it up. To my knowledge, this one hasn't been released to retailers other than Aveda yet, but I know <b><a href="http://amzn.to/231EPeE" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></b> will start stocking it on Friday.<br />
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This dry shampoo is unusual, because of your typical aerosol spray can, it comes in a squeeze bottle. When you squeeze it, a little puff of dry shampoo comes out the nozzle. It's cute, but also allows a precision that more dry shampoos don't. It's also kind of cute. If you're anti-talc due to the <a href="http://orning-mix/wp/2016/02/24/johnson-johnson-ordered-to-pay-72m-in-suit-linking-talcum-powder-to-ovarian-cancer/" rel="nofollow"><b>Johnson & Johnson lawsuit</b></a>, this one uses natural powders from cassava (a wood shrub) and oat, so it's talc free.<br />
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That being said, I feel like it takes an eternity to apply because so little comes out of the nozzle per squeeze. At times I was like "is any even coming out?" just because it's such a fair "mist" that's released. Personally, I'd rather just go in there with a ol' big can of <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=141934663&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;">Batiste Dry Shampoo ($7.99)</a>, but this is nice if you're in an enclosed room and don't want to asphyxiate yourself (or if you need something more precise).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYQ6BtYoZfoAx74nuoU9vkVqs9ZbsZKFzgK-C4Tgfa0Uk_tan-eJebdi_98ZcQ5YLnhHGRHOiGMlDFasz3MHpAcP7_u-yKGwGxRj48EpxpW7sczfflfVR55hFMzDVpYfr8gCI47TN-Tzx/s1600/IMG_4596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Cream" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYQ6BtYoZfoAx74nuoU9vkVqs9ZbsZKFzgK-C4Tgfa0Uk_tan-eJebdi_98ZcQ5YLnhHGRHOiGMlDFasz3MHpAcP7_u-yKGwGxRj48EpxpW7sczfflfVR55hFMzDVpYfr8gCI47TN-Tzx/s640/IMG_4596.jpg" title="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Cream" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Now that my hair was looking fresh and shampooed, I gathered it into a low ponytail. Since I was following another tutorial at this point, I went ahead with the next step as stated and applied their <b><a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=484716865&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Cream</a> ($26 | 8.5oz)</b> all through my ponytail. This contains shea butter to smooth down the hair and fight frizz. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It feels more like a light lotion than a cream consistency-wise, so it doesn't feel like it weighs down my hair. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This doesn't require blow-drying to heat activate it or anything, which is fantastic for me! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRD2MlwuKiwgvsKDMSQ7Nyzr4MN5jbfXtCGAI0sQLW2rl05nTQlVi5B7eo5em-SDIvJBCxl7CdIPtBcSy141b4DcRxovuJx4OAmuu1Iuf8VlG6-PQtMsZgmujW2NJ2wOAIYh4PGP7bU0F/s1600/IMG_4869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRD2MlwuKiwgvsKDMSQ7Nyzr4MN5jbfXtCGAI0sQLW2rl05nTQlVi5B7eo5em-SDIvJBCxl7CdIPtBcSy141b4DcRxovuJx4OAmuu1Iuf8VlG6-PQtMsZgmujW2NJ2wOAIYh4PGP7bU0F/s640/IMG_4869.jpg" title="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I was really pleased with how sleek and shiny this made my hair! </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It'll probably take an eternity for me to get through this bottle, since I only used maybe a nickel amount, so at least you're getting your money's worth! I have some split ends here and am desperately in need of a haircut (scheduled for a few weeks from now!), but it did a pretty good job of making the lower-half of my hair look presentable. </span><br />
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<i>Step 2: (Attempt to) Style</i></h3>
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Alright, here we go. Hair is officially brushed and cleaned and smoothed. That's basically my everyday m.o., but now we have to do the <i>actual styling. </i>I know, we haven't even gotten to that part yet! It's like, my makeup is on and I'm fully accessorized, what more do you want from me? But such is the struggle of having nice hair, I suppose. Being a hair person is hard. </div>
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Here's where the hairstyling comes into play. The Messy Bun info card instructed me to pull my hair up (towards the top of my head) and use another elastic to form a loop. After that, it was just a matter of bobby pinning some pieces into place. And grunting. Don't judge me. </div>
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<b><i>The After</i></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2_JKNA1L8YwsTns8wA98y65lfm0PSkfplWFjpMbslx8DQLijT3t1WUVNPIC8RZsgQoHmjF5yMn_mIAAhXlcMtkQrm_QxtI9kvWuJb23aoBRy2HosC4j3MccinaIQP6NHORmQ7T1ZE4Ff/s1600/IMG_4885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2_JKNA1L8YwsTns8wA98y65lfm0PSkfplWFjpMbslx8DQLijT3t1WUVNPIC8RZsgQoHmjF5yMn_mIAAhXlcMtkQrm_QxtI9kvWuJb23aoBRy2HosC4j3MccinaIQP6NHORmQ7T1ZE4Ff/s640/IMG_4885.jpg" title="Chronicles of a Hair Novice: The Messy Bun with Aveda" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, here we are. I don't think it was supposed to look like this. It looked much more "rocker chic" on the model, but maybe if I put on a cool pair of sunglasses it'll all work itself out. I think I would have made out better by following along with a video, but I can't say it looks atrocious (right, guys? <i>Right?</i>) My hair looks nice and shiny from the Styling Cream, at least! I think I'll stick with a regular messy bun since it's easier, and typically if I'm wearing a messy bun, it's because I'm working and I just need to get my hair out of my face. But hey, I tried something new, so that's worth something! <br />
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What's your go-to hairstyle for everyday? Give a hair newbie some tips?</div>
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<i>Want to see more <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/search/label/hair">posts featuring hair products</a></b>?</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: These products were sent to me complimentary by Aveda for editorial consideration. I did not receive monetary compensation in exchange for this post. I just wanted to attempt fun hair for once. Let me live. </i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-45703721281747333992016-04-18T20:38:00.004-04:002016-04-26T19:46:01.868-04:00Birchbox: April 2016 Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PSW2aoqw3JVoLOvbyuQkJfbHazdpIVIBJT3oi7Is9uIItqX5RZUEmEY3M81DriVdWShXM6uoUqFjsHtY5opuHCMIHIK8wtyy95FsypiDnpW_9UL0sC-R3HmDN2aewsm_ZyNuSI4SFWhR/s1600/IMG_4674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PSW2aoqw3JVoLOvbyuQkJfbHazdpIVIBJT3oi7Is9uIItqX5RZUEmEY3M81DriVdWShXM6uoUqFjsHtY5opuHCMIHIK8wtyy95FsypiDnpW_9UL0sC-R3HmDN2aewsm_ZyNuSI4SFWhR/s640/IMG_4674.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello, friends! I'm so excited to dig into my monthly Birchbox with you today! Mostly because of the adorable packaging. Can we just take this all in for a minute? I wish everything in my life looked like this. Well not <i>everything</i>, but my house could certainly use a healthy dose of beautifully painted flowers, that's for sure. </div>
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<b><i>Birchbox? What's that?</i></b></h3>
Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle subscription service. It sends 4-5 deluxe samples that are curated to your beauty profile. It is $10 a month, and has a wonderful rewards program, in which you can earn points for reviewing products and making purchases in the Birchbox Shop. You can then redeem those points for full-sized products! It's probably the best rewards program out there, in my opinion, which was one of the big draws in me signing up. They're always adding new products to the shop. In the past, they have sampled products from Amika, Juice Beauty, Shiseido, as well as pages of others! Some products are even exclusive to Birchbox, like Cynthia Rowley's new makeup line and the cult-favorite Beauty Protector brand. If you're interested in subscribing to Birchbox, <b>I would love it if you used my <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/?raf=3nbzf&utm_campaign=raf&utm_source=birchbox&utm_medium=raf_link" rel="nofollow">referral link</a></b>! Thank you!<br />
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This month's theme was Effortlessly Elegant. I opted in to the guest curated box, much to the surprise of no one. Birchbox partnered with <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/" rel="nofollow">Rifle Paper Co</a> for the box design this month, and I'm so in love. If you haven't heard of Rifle Paper Co, they're an online retailer of all pretty things having to do with paper: planners, stationery, calendars, you name it. I kind of want one of everything. Their Birchbox design kind of reminds me of their current "Stop and Smell the Roses" collection, not that I've been browsing their website or anything. This month's box came with a 20% off code to their website, and let's just say I will be working on my skill in self-restraint this month. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCI93KRKCtWLbT6YB5p6IOM_wbWxw6GQHOZjRauvPKmxSO4Srlx5M0SsAnuv0LDpAVJAbQ3MJXpqreFzESivciIaUgqY0Tq_Y8EbShChsX9axgatnEDpd7Ymp4LtUIkHgrIE6HdEvwtq/s1600/IMG_4690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCI93KRKCtWLbT6YB5p6IOM_wbWxw6GQHOZjRauvPKmxSO4Srlx5M0SsAnuv0LDpAVJAbQ3MJXpqreFzESivciIaUgqY0Tq_Y8EbShChsX9axgatnEDpd7Ymp4LtUIkHgrIE6HdEvwtq/s640/IMG_4690.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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As always, this box came with a wonderfully convenient information card. It details what all of the products are in your box and how to use them. Nifty, huh? I always poke fun at these if I find a typo or error, but they're actually really helpful. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipUiKbrb0WuutM_cbIvYhGZMdeezVUaOU51SMK-euZVJOMCkxVqZIk-3eFSvj9GYKEhPt4iSLtZRnOdY8jQZZQ2Rm7ZVUQNoz19vendoN7I9wL2PQ-ZtwNdrpxrmJ8VF8uuIMqLB9N3Ws/s1600/IMG_4707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipUiKbrb0WuutM_cbIvYhGZMdeezVUaOU51SMK-euZVJOMCkxVqZIk-3eFSvj9GYKEhPt4iSLtZRnOdY8jQZZQ2Rm7ZVUQNoz19vendoN7I9wL2PQ-ZtwNdrpxrmJ8VF8uuIMqLB9N3Ws/s640/IMG_4707.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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But enough about that. Let's get to the good stuff~</div>
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<b>MARCELLE <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809155&POID=20066" rel="nofollow">3-in-1 Micellar Solution</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [1.7oz]: $3.50) </b><b>(Full-size cost [10oz]: $21) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sAWdeLyLytWTbL3c8iPWrIX_T21Nf587Qr7l_RuP681wpLqdl8S9o5nNyxMSL-vS_K4xdunW5Nyiv-xULOKcQeZNqCnHSbvm6rnBaAH20hxG9gMXNM5o5S7XeLuEMrSchk0hobscyx_N/s1600/IMG_4714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellar Solution" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sAWdeLyLytWTbL3c8iPWrIX_T21Nf587Qr7l_RuP681wpLqdl8S9o5nNyxMSL-vS_K4xdunW5Nyiv-xULOKcQeZNqCnHSbvm6rnBaAH20hxG9gMXNM5o5S7XeLuEMrSchk0hobscyx_N/s640/IMG_4714.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellar Solution" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know some of you are probably like, "Wait, did they really just package water?" so let me explain really quickly. Micellar water isn't just water, but tiny balls of cleansing oil (micelles) suspended in water. It's like a dual-phase makeup remover, only it doesn't require shaking to combine the oil and water together. I prefer them to makeup removers, since I find that they're less likely to sting my eyes or irritate my skin, and they usually leave my skin feeling soft without a greasy residue. You can also use them to remove dirt and oils too, just like any ol' cleanser.<br />
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I've only been using this one for a few days, but so far I like it. It has a thin, watery consistency (as to be expected) and does a pretty decent job of getting makeup off. I wouldn't rely on this alone for makeup removal (my Clarisonic brush still came off with the remnants of foundation), but I never use solely a cleansing water to wash my face at night. For those of you who didn't like the Dr. Jart+ Micro Water (as seen in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/07/birchbox-june-2015-review.html">Birchbox last June</a>) because you felt it left a residue, you might like this more. I feel like the Dr. Jart+ leaves my skin feeling softer and more hydrated (something I'm always after) so I prefer that one. That being said, this is still a great option if you're interested in trying micellar waters! I really like them for freshening up in the morning without drying my skin out.<br />
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<b>DR. JART+ <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809157&POID=20068" rel="nofollow">Liftra Contour Cream</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [.17oz]: $6) </b><b>(Full-size cost [1.7oz]: $60) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBqGHpYqspzwq5HJLG-CwTzUuIl_Bxaaf_vPnyCnCMzLrh7NrDafdUQ4kPND_GH1VGfcdcH61dIWmZg2n1A1SgWpzk4IX6Q9SzLK4f0_pgmpSP2-DWjguNGvHNyzfcqiPODvJW6X5sIEc/s1600/IMG_4722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Dr. Jart Liftra Contour Cream" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBqGHpYqspzwq5HJLG-CwTzUuIl_Bxaaf_vPnyCnCMzLrh7NrDafdUQ4kPND_GH1VGfcdcH61dIWmZg2n1A1SgWpzk4IX6Q9SzLK4f0_pgmpSP2-DWjguNGvHNyzfcqiPODvJW6X5sIEc/s640/IMG_4722.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Dr. Jart Liftra Contour Cream" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of Dr. Jart+, I got a sample from them this month! I'm a huge fan of this brand. Their BB creams have been <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/04/my-favorite-things-march-2014.html"><b>a favorite of mine</b></a> for years. But when I first received this product, I wasn't quite sure what it is. It sounds like some kind of makeup product, with "contour" in the name, but this is actually a moisturizer! The description says it's designed to add collagen, to firm and add volume to the skin. As a 20-something, I'm not really lacking in firmness right now, so this is probably a product my mother would get more use out of it. I'm curious to see if it really make a difference on mature women! </div>
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<b>LAURA GELLER <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809154&POID=20065" rel="nofollow">Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [.04oz]: $6.36) </b><b>(Full-size cost [.176oz]: $28) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oOxam6nfPzGUFcA1nPBUmsPoQYplUe-JYNDmnRnaX8bawzBF7o52uyYLhNR8mBc5qNqgI6eFtqGfgCQpZl6FeR6soD_osr6iYjAbnJjWZxNNKApVeOyxbrIw7ibY9Z58-WfXty6Jctky/s1600/IMG_4716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oOxam6nfPzGUFcA1nPBUmsPoQYplUe-JYNDmnRnaX8bawzBF7o52uyYLhNR8mBc5qNqgI6eFtqGfgCQpZl6FeR6soD_osr6iYjAbnJjWZxNNKApVeOyxbrIw7ibY9Z58-WfXty6Jctky/s640/IMG_4716.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues" width="640" /></a></div>
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This blush was one of the main reasons I selected the curated box this month. I'm such a fan of Laura Geller and her baked blushes! I actually received one of these in a different shade, Pink Grapefruit, around this time last year <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/03/birchbox-march-2015-review.html"><b>in a Birchbox</b></a>, too. This blush is really pretty! These blushes are baked with color marbleized throughout, that combine when you swirl a brush through it. I'm a cream blush junkie, so it takes a really good product for me to use a powder blush, and this is one of those rare occasions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqoGLakVubeu9o_xSDKMQjAnwqzhwtx1DfY8LgbkYbhKvh0kVz-tzy7CLsl3fIUUJSBaTEdxxUfxlKC9GDgFxpebiz8SsVsdeQa-HGw1S_0pZsxE5WtYjZNrHiagaxttFf4ZrXvtWD6pL/s1600/IMG_4724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox April 2016 Review - LAURA GELLER Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues Swatch" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqoGLakVubeu9o_xSDKMQjAnwqzhwtx1DfY8LgbkYbhKvh0kVz-tzy7CLsl3fIUUJSBaTEdxxUfxlKC9GDgFxpebiz8SsVsdeQa-HGw1S_0pZsxE5WtYjZNrHiagaxttFf4ZrXvtWD6pL/s640/IMG_4724.jpg" title="Birchbox April 2016 Review - LAURA GELLER Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues Swatch" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's shimmery in a sense that it can double as a highlighter, but it's subtle. Definitely not glittery or sparkly, though you can use a highlighter in addition to this without looking like a greaseball. All in all, I'm a fan, and would gladly buy the whole line of blushes if that wasn't going overboard. I'll think I'll get a lot of use out of it this spring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmb2x2mtQrlteejFMIHzIK_7Rzq1PrTNLTBNKqqtlHY7sYWmSSher8nFpGBWCnaeBJQ5THSW2Vmm3O-LsLrVJ5GYHBqLP8n8LY7KNcW25LIk6oHv1Bn-EDU0Uxyen15JAtlFJVtDwJ3YIV/s1600/IMG_4731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues Swatch" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmb2x2mtQrlteejFMIHzIK_7Rzq1PrTNLTBNKqqtlHY7sYWmSSher8nFpGBWCnaeBJQ5THSW2Vmm3O-LsLrVJ5GYHBqLP8n8LY7KNcW25LIk6oHv1Bn-EDU0Uxyen15JAtlFJVtDwJ3YIV/s640/IMG_4731.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues Swatch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>PARLOR <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809158&POID=20069" rel="nofollow">Volumizing Lifting Spray</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [1oz]: $4.90) </b><b>(Full-size cost [4.9oz]: $24) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQgWRYieoswv-QXGzz5bkvq_3WcoSbXPeU9W6GcE06Vjsy6z4zlZqQx_IrZMI4dvEP4YL0KWVQvBkH32PGOHlLyFK_2-RY93bK0QK0Cpi4SDYDbpMsqWk04yOMUAAlI3ga2KscD1DdU4_/s1600/IMG_4708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Parlor Volumizing Lifting Spray" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQgWRYieoswv-QXGzz5bkvq_3WcoSbXPeU9W6GcE06Vjsy6z4zlZqQx_IrZMI4dvEP4YL0KWVQvBkH32PGOHlLyFK_2-RY93bK0QK0Cpi4SDYDbpMsqWk04yOMUAAlI3ga2KscD1DdU4_/s640/IMG_4708.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Parlor Volumizing Lifting Spray" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a hair product that's intended to add volume and give a little boost to your roots. I've mentioned before that I don't do a lot of fancy things with my hair, so I won't get much use out of it, but overall I hear relatively good things about this brand. Parlor is exclusive to Birchbox, created by Jeff Chastain. Apparently this contains biotin (a form of Vitamin B known to improve hair health), as well as sweet almond oil. If your hair tends to look flat, give this a go and let me know what you think!<br />
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I traded this with my mother in exchange for a Burt's Bees tinted lip balm from her Birchbox this month, which I'll get much more use out of. If you convert your friends and family members to Birchbox subscribers, it's like getting to make your own box! Be an enabler! </div>
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<b><br /></b><b>TOCCA <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809156&POID=20067" rel="nofollow">Crema de Mano Hand Cream in Giulietta</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [1oz]: $5) </b><b>(Full-size cost [2oz]: $10) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAtclft2rxRadKszdn4OBYNXAq8a8XYUZIBfm-A4mlmn-gCcHONxPY2dkU7lps9IaLFD7kJ8eVJGPJgrj5leOxJrxKNsb1WZv_aKT9hyYaPofyehl-DIABb0M_MuHwHGtWtmjV4e728EP/s1600/IMG_4719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Tocca Crema de Mano Hand Cream in Giulietta" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAtclft2rxRadKszdn4OBYNXAq8a8XYUZIBfm-A4mlmn-gCcHONxPY2dkU7lps9IaLFD7kJ8eVJGPJgrj5leOxJrxKNsb1WZv_aKT9hyYaPofyehl-DIABb0M_MuHwHGtWtmjV4e728EP/s640/IMG_4719.jpg" title="Birchbox: April 2016 Curated Box Review - Tocca Crema de Mano Hand Cream in Giulietta" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have heard <i>so </i>much about Tocca over the years, specifically their hand creams, so it's about time I received one of them in my box! These hand creams are supposedly quite luxurious, not to mention people always rave about the scents. This one is supposedly scented with pink tulips and green apple. Sounds like something that would be up my alley, since I'm a fan of florals and fruity fragrances. I'm not quite sure where the listed price of $20 on the info card came from, but maybe there's a super size version that I'm not seeing online. This came with a little seal over the top, so I'm going to let this stay fresh until I finish my current hand cream. I'm almost out, so I'll let you guys know when I open this!<br />
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<i>The Stats:</i></h3>
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<li><i>Marcelle Micellar Water: $3.50</i></li>
<li><i>Dr. Jart Cream: $6</i></li>
<li><i>Laura Geller Blush: $6.36</i></li>
<li><i>Parlor Volumizing Spray: $4.90</i></li>
<li><i>Tocca Hand Cream: $5</i></li>
<li><i>TOTAL:</i><i> $25.76</i></li>
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<i>The Best: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">That Laura Geller blush is giving me life right now.</span></span></h3>
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<i>The Worst: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I think I'm a little young to be using a moisturizer like the Dr. Jart one. I would mention the Parlor hair product here too, but I traded with my mom so I'm not sure it counts. I think I'm on to something, Birchbox! Set up trades on your website! </span></span></h3>
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<i>The Verdict: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I got three products that I was stoked about. </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I can't blame Birchbox for giving me products I won't use, considering I selected the curated box with pre-selected products. </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I'm happy! It's always a fun little gift to get <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/04/mail-time-april-2016.html">in my mailbox</a> each month, even if I'm expecting it. </span></h3>
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Did you get this month's Birchbox? What did you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjpwTNVRI4BJcA1pequg3PWCAPdRX3EtJjT9ICVNzTfh9BSrejEgkIK0HzpQIQMAYoTdj-jAHwcsbkRQYxEDZU-dKN1nrKfLOvnP5v6ajjUTti7ZpIR3En_-s5wUhS62pMJtCidG3fOMR/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjpwTNVRI4BJcA1pequg3PWCAPdRX3EtJjT9ICVNzTfh9BSrejEgkIK0HzpQIQMAYoTdj-jAHwcsbkRQYxEDZU-dKN1nrKfLOvnP5v6ajjUTti7ZpIR3En_-s5wUhS62pMJtCidG3fOMR/s1600/Signature+New.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-50931889247262154392016-04-14T18:18:00.001-04:002016-04-26T19:46:55.018-04:00Mail Time! April 2016<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">purchased by me | sent for review | affiliate links</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TkSonm8yZWZCrv313XQHc9wCeaJfcMtRbHei5BeM268jN_5D4Tfb-WsCbi8sPYSHYbY-13PsOngy_P2L9vW-4K_1oQPbYfWKHdqHTlWh6LFYHWN0H9dq3UiwLdl1K83PHpYb2s-NOk9_/s1600/Mail-Time-April-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TkSonm8yZWZCrv313XQHc9wCeaJfcMtRbHei5BeM268jN_5D4Tfb-WsCbi8sPYSHYbY-13PsOngy_P2L9vW-4K_1oQPbYfWKHdqHTlWh6LFYHWN0H9dq3UiwLdl1K83PHpYb2s-NOk9_/s640/Mail-Time-April-2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! I've been having some stuff pile up in the mail recently, so I thought I would share what I got with you! Think of this as a sneak peek into what you'll be seeing in future posts. Today we have a mix of orders I placed online, free samples I snagged, and products that companies sent to me for review. But enough about that. Let's get started! </div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>OPI <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=486701707&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Nail Laquer in My Gondola or Yours?</a> ($9.50 | .5oz)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eykUvYlQ_Juacg2vpzZBLr0uPDdqf89lig4n3FXw4fq5ckg9hNUVT864phhZR46RW_3vk4RdmgKU2rXbTtncs0UvGaMIVuwyUF_nkwJreS439iSqOPEF1f0XM8lD8pDNlw8cZRk38jB3/s1600/OPI+My+Gondola+Or+Yours+Edited+Logo+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" OPI Nail Laquer in My Gondola or Yours? " border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eykUvYlQ_Juacg2vpzZBLr0uPDdqf89lig4n3FXw4fq5ckg9hNUVT864phhZR46RW_3vk4RdmgKU2rXbTtncs0UvGaMIVuwyUF_nkwJreS439iSqOPEF1f0XM8lD8pDNlw8cZRk38jB3/s640/OPI+My+Gondola+Or+Yours+Edited+Logo+%25282%2529.jpg" title=" OPI Nail Laquer in My Gondola or Yours? " width="640" /></a></div>
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I was <i style="font-weight: normal;">so </i>excited to wear my new Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slippers polish from my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/february-finds-new-products-ive-been.html" style="font-weight: bold;">February Finds</a>, only to find how sheer the it was when I first applied it! I figured it would be easier to have a black nail polish down as a base, rather than applying 3+ layers of glitter and hating myself when trying to take it off. So, I picked up this black nail polish from OPI's Venice collection. I'm usually pleased with OPI's polishes, so I figured this would work just fine. Can you believe I didn't own a basic black before this??</div>
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<b>Deborah Lippmann <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=515896327&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe</a> ($20 | .5 oz)</b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms0SHV5yq4TidqEAtEtB8KZ4-p8rBkEcxV21ck1eWJcvhFPaM-ufUL3pQDdE_zftwzixkMvNKIPSPo2i5qT3fz2X-WrugwIdAEN0kQvHO2z6pZlOabFHP4wo0o0LfM-amVTMAP7nfEv5Z/s1600/IMG_4850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Deborah Lipmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe " border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms0SHV5yq4TidqEAtEtB8KZ4-p8rBkEcxV21ck1eWJcvhFPaM-ufUL3pQDdE_zftwzixkMvNKIPSPo2i5qT3fz2X-WrugwIdAEN0kQvHO2z6pZlOabFHP4wo0o0LfM-amVTMAP7nfEv5Z/s640/IMG_4850.jpg" title="Deborah Lipmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe " width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't even BEGIN to tell you how long I've lusted after this nail polish. After seeing gorgeous swatches of this oceanic nail polish I finally caved and picked it up! It's quite expensive for a nail polish, but I figured it was time I finally splurged. I'm so excited to wear it, and just in time for the warmer months, too! If this winds up being sheer like the Ruby Red Slippers polish I mentioned above, I have a few basic blue colors I can wear under this. I can't wait to show you guys! </div>
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<b>Birchbox <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=809086&POID=20026" rel="nofollow">The Lip Sync Kit</a> ($30)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcvIOrgCUARg9dQXxIZ3X8Rsk-7YlK-9wJVNCNKsXgNpCM8hRj7mwZmmVgwWnpTTU-2mxn8KCDuuUGLYcA9QcdpSoIu76k-fZ9tPDt8qMalxHPyzPO8WEambkxPU8MZT1k9_xlDPDY_UJ/s1600/IMG_4332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox The Lip Sync Kit " border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcvIOrgCUARg9dQXxIZ3X8Rsk-7YlK-9wJVNCNKsXgNpCM8hRj7mwZmmVgwWnpTTU-2mxn8KCDuuUGLYcA9QcdpSoIu76k-fZ9tPDt8qMalxHPyzPO8WEambkxPU8MZT1k9_xlDPDY_UJ/s640/IMG_4332.jpg" title="Birchbox The Lip Sync Kit " width="640" /></a></div>
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This kit of five lip products is basically a capsule wardrobe for your lips. It has everything you really "need" -- a lip scrub, a universal lip liner, a tinted lip balm, an everyday lipstick, and a va-va voom long-lasting lip stain. I'd been eyeing it for awhile, and since I'm going to be working in another state this summer, I figured this could be a good set to bring with me. I'll be doing a full unboxing and review of this, so stay tuned!<br />
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<b>Maybelline <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fulta%2Fbrowse%2FproductDetail.jsp%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod13501049&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">EyeStudio Brow Drama Pomade Crayon</a> ($9.99 | .04oz)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjWlVT9f7s5WIp3-MWYf85KTVGBn9_JXgNspAFYcN_R2XQj54RN8Rv_WlN-Mov1VAPRvCxvWDApjyRMuXzHOqp_CrCjWXr-e1t5zMcfPnUDrbLeu_X_Z0Orp4VXFNXoIQHruqEq9t6wfm/s1600/IMG_4776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjWlVT9f7s5WIp3-MWYf85KTVGBn9_JXgNspAFYcN_R2XQj54RN8Rv_WlN-Mov1VAPRvCxvWDApjyRMuXzHOqp_CrCjWXr-e1t5zMcfPnUDrbLeu_X_Z0Orp4VXFNXoIQHruqEq9t6wfm/s640/IMG_4776.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just received these brow pencils a few days ago, and I'm really curious about them. I received two colors (Blonde and Deep Brown), but I'm a blonde so I'll probably just stick to the lighter one. I still need some time to play with them, so I haven't formed an opinion yet, but I'll be sure to write up a review when I do! </div>
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<b>Aveda Hair Products</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaXEOMC90eSzhWAk1zxtoCHjW-ZIY08cnHP0RHs01tyjgYmDoAz_CaeWMv9LgMJEHxE12XS_oIXBYQZdOqRIr0aR3QfMXcGWfVtsTDI-NbmlsON9mHpgT23sN1GerowSzMWsHNP39Btr2/s1600/IMG_4575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaXEOMC90eSzhWAk1zxtoCHjW-ZIY08cnHP0RHs01tyjgYmDoAz_CaeWMv9LgMJEHxE12XS_oIXBYQZdOqRIr0aR3QfMXcGWfVtsTDI-NbmlsON9mHpgT23sN1GerowSzMWsHNP39Btr2/s640/IMG_4575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aveda sent me this whole package of hair goodies! I posted about it on <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDrTt_oPIjH/?taken-by=sammipenni" rel="nofollow">my Instagram</a></b> last week. Even though I can talk about makeup and skincare all day, hair is that one area I'm not so skilled in. I typically let my hair air-dry and my idea of styling is just doing a braid. But I'm going to mess around with some of these and see if I can master them. I'm thinking of trying something different with my hair and possibly even doing a hair tutorial if it goes well, so let me know if you'd like to see that! <br />
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<b>CoverGirl + Olay <a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=506818715&pid=uid3600-25880440-35" rel="nofollow">Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation</a> (sample)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNC25H2OwUIGhq03qEgbkvZt41YzGJCwYg95XGwRlClwiu8Y38vq69AGN3eGJ9yNxtNNIPQ6Q9BKn3V3FF1bIVmfMElwswyb-aBzqN48VRw8fi_KU5vDCQmGHsd0_oYTOVY9rUzif4g4X/s1600/IMG_4758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation (sample) " border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNC25H2OwUIGhq03qEgbkvZt41YzGJCwYg95XGwRlClwiu8Y38vq69AGN3eGJ9yNxtNNIPQ6Q9BKn3V3FF1bIVmfMElwswyb-aBzqN48VRw8fi_KU5vDCQmGHsd0_oYTOVY9rUzif4g4X/s640/IMG_4758.jpg" title=" CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation (sample) " width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtoTq78C-mHx7oJVHKvm29zMeIxvfoNbSWxX6wt8JevP79pwduvdOG-aCc_gaAmVOiuT-iXp6pjpaW8JOTCB-smweX3M64L7MTnwFHHrHqscdBYl8FHFgs62Z1FCmmEWTSQUNLQUBya_u/s1600/IMG_4774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation (sample) " border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtoTq78C-mHx7oJVHKvm29zMeIxvfoNbSWxX6wt8JevP79pwduvdOG-aCc_gaAmVOiuT-iXp6pjpaW8JOTCB-smweX3M64L7MTnwFHHrHqscdBYl8FHFgs62Z1FCmmEWTSQUNLQUBya_u/s640/IMG_4774.jpg" title=" CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation (sample) " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shades L to R: Classic Ivory, Creamy Natural, Nude Beige, Warm Beige, Soft Honey, Classic Tan</td></tr>
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I'm such a sucker for freebies. Whenever I see a company promoting free samples on their social media, I always try to snag them. Once I received this new foundation sample from CoverGirl, I figured I would just photograph swatches of all of the shades (since it's not like I'd get use out of all those colors otherwise). It's targeted at women fighting aging and wrinkles, so it's on the moisturizing side. The formula felt nice on my arm, but I have no idea about the staying power or how it'll work on my face. There's not enough in here for a full face of foundation--just enough to test the color.<br />
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I don't think any of these match me, actually! But being that the sample only includes 6 of the 12 shades, maybe I'll have better luck with the other 6. Judging by their website, it still looks like the darker side of the spectrum gets screwed, which is lame. You can get a free sample <a href="https://www.covergirlolaygiveaway.com/" rel="nofollow"><b>here</b></a> if you want to see the shades for yourself!<br />
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<b>April <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/invite/3nbzf" rel="nofollow">Birchbox</a> ($10/mo)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT-zYRi9yHlkZeC7noiWE_1XIopiQ5TCTJUAyhe0uHqKkZUCti8AKgV_4YxrVAKOkvlkxgbji7qqh1cGWCvwJt8Ap44f3qRSPiSNGLSjWENH-BZWtb1XyRTufvPVga3N-XNp68AIau6RQ/s1600/IMG_4680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="April 2016 Birchbox" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT-zYRi9yHlkZeC7noiWE_1XIopiQ5TCTJUAyhe0uHqKkZUCti8AKgV_4YxrVAKOkvlkxgbji7qqh1cGWCvwJt8Ap44f3qRSPiSNGLSjWENH-BZWtb1XyRTufvPVga3N-XNp68AIau6RQ/s640/IMG_4680.jpg" title="April 2016 Birchbox" width="640" /></a></div>
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My monthly Birchbox just arrived! I'm so pumped! Also, how <i>cute </i>is this month's box? It was designed in partner with Rifle Paper Co., who makes gorgeous stationery, planners, calendars, and anything else having to do with paper. I'm such a fan of their style. This month's box came with a coupon code, so maybe I'll finally order something from them.<br />
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<b>Birchbox Order Free Samples With Order</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSC4r1ppap-vyaT8fK-ZSfNxAD46_4ilGvZqCPCRPNg4idz-47ozgNUPqwU8ZkII7HVg6iU5ZwfZy0SDyBwGC3joE9IEziVSKF9E4q3WDoI5-gKjeO9R0Ap3zdO7lKTjbltYuN8wSLvWqq/s1600/Cynthia+Rowley+Sample+Pack+Edited+Logo+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cynthia Rowley Birchbox Samples" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSC4r1ppap-vyaT8fK-ZSfNxAD46_4ilGvZqCPCRPNg4idz-47ozgNUPqwU8ZkII7HVg6iU5ZwfZy0SDyBwGC3joE9IEziVSKF9E4q3WDoI5-gKjeO9R0Ap3zdO7lKTjbltYuN8wSLvWqq/s640/Cynthia+Rowley+Sample+Pack+Edited+Logo+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Cynthia Rowley Birchbox Samples" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L: Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner in Black | R: Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stian</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVggoOI72OtUWSBvhlNR7_dav0c9XEoO8zjPmjodAudZR8dX1OI-DzzsTEbvs_HalVAwxwUl9ITZDbKpOQLrvsuoXX7rzQfdgEiCAdf-JLaEOZMSZu8pz106UcgEJlhBiaEe1P2fzWKCs4/s1600/LOC+Shiseido+Duo+Edited+Logo+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LOC & Shiseido Birchbox Samples" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVggoOI72OtUWSBvhlNR7_dav0c9XEoO8zjPmjodAudZR8dX1OI-DzzsTEbvs_HalVAwxwUl9ITZDbKpOQLrvsuoXX7rzQfdgEiCAdf-JLaEOZMSZu8pz106UcgEJlhBiaEe1P2fzWKCs4/s640/LOC+Shiseido+Duo+Edited+Logo+%25283%2529.jpg" title="LOC & Shiseido Birchbox Samples" width="640" /></a></div>
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I placed an order on Birchbox recently, and it came with all of these free samples! Score! From the top photo, I already know I like Cynthia Rowley's lip stains (I've already received samples in two other colors from Birchbox in the past), and though I have enough black eyeliner pencils to last me for years, I'll take it! This lip stain, Sugar, looks like it'll be great for everyday. This is part of their Mystery Sample Pack, which is free with any $35 order, so I never place orders for less than that. Just because, why not wait if it means you can get free stuff?<br />
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On the bottom, this sample duo was available with a coupon code. Birchbox always has different promotions going on, so I try to wait until one strikes my fancy, like this one! The one I selected included a deluxe sample of one of the LOC (Love of Color) lipsticks, which is Birchbox's first makeup line. Tati (popular beauty YouTuber) actually designed this with Birchbox, so that's quite cool. The other product is an eye cream by Shiseido. I've never tried it, but I guess now's the time! <br />
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That's everything for now! I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my mailbox today! </div>
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Do you like to buy things in person, or are you more of an online shopper like me? </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: </i>I received the Maybelline Brow Drama Pencils from Influenster and Aveda sent me some of their products to try. Everything else was purchased by lil old me. Some affiliate links are included just fyi. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-7942025632800569302016-04-10T12:40:00.000-04:002016-04-26T19:48:28.178-04:00Trend Report: Current Makeup Trends & How to Achieve Them<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli-UoJLddCUz5kjcQnjLgR-qom89_dlgNFM4UdCS4Fx1d8Wh27atAV2ZzjWXwjgPzjWQcpWOYmu1bLLC4SBD7PhY2Gjl5N64ZaCm9nLFF03i3f2jSoc232rB-l4i12W9rUAct458DVmBI/s1600/Trend-Report-Current-Makeup-Trends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trend Report: Current Makeup Trends & How to Achieve Them: Glittery Eyes, Strobing, Contouring, Bold Brows, Matte Lips, Color Correcting, Ombre Blush" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli-UoJLddCUz5kjcQnjLgR-qom89_dlgNFM4UdCS4Fx1d8Wh27atAV2ZzjWXwjgPzjWQcpWOYmu1bLLC4SBD7PhY2Gjl5N64ZaCm9nLFF03i3f2jSoc232rB-l4i12W9rUAct458DVmBI/s640/Trend-Report-Current-Makeup-Trends.jpg" title="Trend Report: Current Makeup Trends & How to Achieve Them: Glittery Eyes, Strobing, Contouring, Bold Brows, Matte Lips, Color Correcting, Ombre Blush" width="564" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! I thought today we could take a step back from product reviews to look at makeup from a broader perspective. Specifically, I wanted to talk trends. Makeup trends come and go so quickly that it's hard to keep up. Today I'm doing a roundup so we can all get up to speed. I'm not really a stickler for abiding by trends, but I think it's fun to follow them and take inspiration from others so I can incorporate it into what I already like to do. We can all learn from each other. And who knows? You just might find something that sticks long after it dies down. But enough about that--let's get to the good stuff.</div>
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2015 Makes a Comeback</h3>
These are some trends that have been around since last year, and they're still going strong. Even if you don't keep up with current trends, you've probably seen people wearing these because they've hit the mainstream and are readily available on the market. Let's go over them quickly so we're all on the same page!<br />
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Bold Brows</h2>
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Leaving the thin 90s brows in the dust, 2015 was all about the bold brow. And we still are! Brow products have never been so readily available as they are now. There are gels and pencils galore to fill them in, and even serums to spur their growth. Needless to say, if you weren't worried about your eyebrows before, you probably are now.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>How-to:</b> </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">I saw a <i>lot </i>of people giving themselves boxy Sharpie brows when this trend first came about. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Don't go overboard, please. Take a pencil like the </span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anastasia of Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">or </span><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=808930&POID=19934" rel="nofollow">Brow Wiz</a> ($21 | .003oz)</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">and draw soft hair-like strokes, just where you need it to create a cleaner shape. Or, take a tinted brow gel like</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Benefit</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=808931&POID=19935" rel="nofollow">Gimmie Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel</a> ($24 | .10oz)</b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">to fill in sparse areas in one easy swipe. Right now I'm using a product similar to Benefit's by Elizabeth Mott, which I mentioned in my </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/09/ipsy-glam-bag-september-2015-review.html"><b>September Ipsy bag</b></a></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">. It's about it looking feathery and natural, but defined with any sparse spots filled in. The eyebrows frame your face, so they're important to any makeup look, but don't make them the only thing people will notice.</span></span></div>
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Contouring</h2>
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Thanks Kim K and her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, contouring isn't just for drag queens anymore. Contouring is the art of creating shadows to bring out the angles in a face. Most of the time, contour powder will be swept over the temples, under the cheekbones and along the jawline (think of a 3 or a B), but you can contour just about anything you want. I've seen plenty of people contour their nose to make it look slimmer. This isn't to be confused with bronzing, which is when you'd brush some color over your cheeks and forehead to warm up your skin and give it a sun-kissed glow. Just remember that the same product won't work for both things! </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">How-to: </i>The rectangular brown stripe under everyone's cheekbones was looking a little artificial, so it seems like people are starting to take it easy and use a lighter hand. Try doing your makeup by a window or using a mirror that gives natural-looking light--it'll be easier to see if something looks too harsh. If you want to step into contouring, you could pick up <b>Kevyn Aucoin <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=808932&POID=19936" rel="nofollow">The Sculpting Powder</a> ($44 | .11oz) </b>or if you're looking for an inexpensive option, try the <b>NYX <a href="http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/highlight-and-contour-pro-singles/NYX_192.html?cgid=highlight-contour" rel="nofollow">Highlight & Contour Singles</a> ($5)</b>. Makeup artist Jordan Liberty raves about the NYX contour powders because their shade offerings closely mimic the colors of real shadows on our faces, which is surprisingly hard to find. I talked more about how to choose the right color for you in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/review-swatches-pur-cameo-contour-dual.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;">Pur Cosmetics Cameo Contour Review</a>,<b> </b>if you're interested.</div>
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Matte Lips</h2>
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You can thank Kylie Jenner for this one. I posted an article on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/collegebeautybuff/posts/1272000886163256" rel="nofollow">my Facebook page</a></b> about this woman who spent four months trying to get her hands on one of the Kylie Lip Kits, which sold out almost instantaneously. Practically every brand, high end or drugstore, has released a line of matte lipsticks by now. People are tossing their lip glosses aside in favor of a no-shine look. A plus? Matte lipsticks tend to last longer than their glossy counterparts. The con? If you don't exfoliate your lips beforehand (you can use a lip scrub, some sugar and honey, or even just a washcloth), it'll accentuate the lines in them make them look parched. And dry lips ain't cute, so I always like to apply lip balm and let that set in for a minute first. </div>
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<b><i>How-to:</i> </b> 2015 was all about nude lips, but for this spring, NYFW was all about the reds. Try a true red like <b>Stila's <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/stilacosmetics-coupons.html?ATID=808943&POID=19938" rel="nofollow">Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso</a> ($24 | .08oz)</b>, which came out before this trend was cool. Or, you can check out this hot pink shade I got in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/08/birchbox-july-2015-review.html"><b>July Birchbox</b></a>. People also rave about the <b>Colourpop <a href="https://colourpop.com/product/hype-girl/" rel="nofollow">Matte Lippie Stix</a> ($5)</b>, which are an inexpensive way to try out the trend. Some people like to "over-line" their lips, drawing outside the lines to make them look bigger. I'm not a fan of how it looks, personally, but the option is there.<br />
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Strobing</h2>
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After heavy contouring came on the scene, we pulled a 180 and went to extreme highlighting. It's like Carmindy--you might remember her as the makeup artist on What Not to Wear--turned on to full blast. This trend was popular back in the 70s and it's making a comeback! People used to highlight their face before this, but the market was never so flooded with products for it until this trend made a reappearance. It's about bringing light and focus to the high points of the face, including the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the brow bone, and above the Cupid's bow. You may also see a lot of people applying something bright to the inner corners of the eyes. The #1: Becca Skin Perfectors in Powders, Liquids, and Creams. Highlighters galore. It's glossy and dewy bordering on sweaty, so now everyone gets to feel like they have oily skin.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">How-to: </i>I've seen some people who went for "strobing" and achieved "sweaty mess." Keep your skin type in mind when determining how you want to go about the look. Be selective with your makeup application. Make sure your skin is hydrated with a nice moisture, and then decide what products you want to use. Do you want to apply a radiant primer all over the face? Do you want to mix liquid highlighter like <b>Becca's <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=808945&POID=19940" rel="nofollow">Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone</a> ($41 | 1.7oz)</b> in with your foundation? Or maybe you just want to take a small brush and apply a little highlighting powder like <b>theBalm's <a href="http://amzn.to/1TKkda1" rel="nofollow">Mary-Lou Manizer</a> ($24) </b>to certain spots on your face. For a cheaper option, I really like the <b>Physician's Formula <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=795115#POID=13143" rel="nofollow">Mineral Glow Pearls in Translucent Pearl</a> ($14 | .28oz)</b> to add a subtle glow, as seen in my <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/09/greek-goddess-makeup-challenge-demeter-4.html">Demeter Face of the Day</a></b>. If you do all of them, just remember that you might sweat a little throughout the day, so I like to pick just one of these steps to do.<br />
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New for Spring 2016</h3>
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These are a few trends that I've just been seeing recently. Whether they're just off the runway of New York Fashion Week or newly added to the aisles of your local Sephora, here's the latest and greatest: </div>
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Glittery Eyes</h2>
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It's New Year's Eve in April! Take out your glittery eyeshadows and go to town. Bring our your inner Kesha. Go wild and crazy. Google some pictures of the models from Baja East and Creatures of the Wind. They look so cool!<br />
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<b><i>How-to: </i></b>To dip your toe in to the trend, try the <b>Urban Decay <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808946&POID=19941" rel="nofollow">Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Midnight Cowboy</a> ($20 .25oz)</b>. I have an unsteady hand, but I've been watching people use these and hearing them rave about them for awhile now, and it's like you couldn't possibly have any more control over a glitter than when applying these. Plus, no glitter glue is required for it to stay put! <b>NYX </b>also makes a drugstore alternative called their <b><a href="http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/liquid-crystal-liner/NYX_025.html" rel="nofollow">Liquid Crystal Liners</a> ($4.50)</b> if you're on a budget. If you do want to try using a loose glitter eyeshadow, go for the tried-and-true <b>Too Faced <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=808948&POID=19943" rel="nofollow">Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue</a> ($20 | .35)</b>.</div>
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Color Correcting</h2>
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I feel like I woke up one morning and color correcting was <i>everywhere</i>. Basically, it's the concept of using color theory to counteract certain spots on the face you're not happy about. If you suffer from dark blue undereye circles, it's been established that something peach-toned will help to cover them up efficiently. This isn't necessarily a new idea, considering the <b>Bobbi Brown </b><b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=808953&POID=19948" rel="nofollow">Corrector</a> ($25 | .05oz) </b>has been out forever, but it's the latest trend to completely take the beauty community by storm. Granted, I think it's one of the smartest trends to hit the market in awhile, since it's all based on the color wheel. Green concealers to counteract redness have been around for awhile, but now almost every other brand is jumping on the bandwagon.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">How-to: </i>What you <i>don't </i>want is to look like a rainbow gone wrong. If you're going to be using another color on your face, such as the new <b>Urban Decay <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=808952&POID=19947" rel="nofollow">Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid</a> ($28)</b>, make sure to start out with a tiny amount and add more as you need it. Then, you can apply your regular concealer shade over the top to help blend it in seamlessly. I usually just use my fingers, since I find my body heat helps things melt into my skin better, but for more a more precise application feel free to use a small brush. <br />
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Ombre Blushes</h2>
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Remember ombre hair? Well, there's ombre blush now. Companies have recently started releasing these blush pans that hold a gradient of color, either a blush fading from a light color to a dark color, or partnered with a highlighter. It's a cool concept, and I think it helps incorporate trends like strobing (it's all relevant!). Like It Cosmetics or NYX, also Wet n Wild, Hard Candy, and Essence. Often combine blush with a highlighter or bronzer for two steps in one. <br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">How-to: </i>There's not just one way to use these! You can take a big, fluffy brush and swirl it around the whole thing before applying it to your cheeks. Or, take a smaller brush and apply the darker color to the apples of your cheeks and use the lighter shade to highlight specific places on your face. Depending on the shade you pick up, you could probably also use them as eyeshadow in a hurry. I've been personally eyeing the <b>It Cosmetics <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808954&POID=19949" rel="nofollow">CC+ Radiance Ombre Blush in Je Nais Se Quoi</a> ($24 | .38) </b>and <b>NYX</b> <a href="http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/ombre-blush/NYX_318.html" rel="nofollow"><b>Ombre Blush in Feel the Heat</b></a><b> ($10)</b>. Plus, honestly they're just pretty to look at.</div>
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What's Next?</h3>
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Who knows! This is definitely just wishful thinking on my part, but I'd love to see "skin that looks like skin" make a comeback. Seeing matte, flawless and airbrushed-looking skin on my Instagram feed kind of freaks me out. Like, where are your<i> pores? </i>Let that natural texture through! I'm a big fan of tinted moisturizer, so let's see that become popular again. Whenever something becomes trendy, there are so many more products available for it on the market!</div>
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Your turn! Do you keep up with trends, or do you prefer to do your own thing? What are your thoughts on what's currently trending? Let's chat!<br />
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<i>Want to see more <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/search/label/trend%20report"><b>trend reports</b></a>?</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Not sponsored. Some affiliate links included.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-76794501210345411222016-04-05T17:06:00.000-04:002016-04-26T19:44:10.106-04:00My Favorite Things: March 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hi, friends! Happy April! It's been awhile since I did a Favorites post (not since my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/01/beauty-buff-favorites-of-2015-makeup.html"><b>2015 Makeup Favorites</b></a>, I believe), so I thought it was about time to touch base with you all. I've been trying out some new products and rediscovering some old ones, and I'm so excited to finally share them with you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUZaj_yCAdRHSzlbv2eDfOZ1o56f49gmRxASR97XCiRo3pkZeB_3t5CtLP1brLLTdeb2ik9AmYawO-Xfkl8t9_QYcHdylJeX1b0Mt5gHBW-X_sS0C_LMG_U1OzUECrXYRWyUi_ADwrU6w/s1600/Makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUZaj_yCAdRHSzlbv2eDfOZ1o56f49gmRxASR97XCiRo3pkZeB_3t5CtLP1brLLTdeb2ik9AmYawO-Xfkl8t9_QYcHdylJeX1b0Mt5gHBW-X_sS0C_LMG_U1OzUECrXYRWyUi_ADwrU6w/s400/Makeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>COVERGIRL <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808703&POID=19836" rel="nofollow">Colorlicious Oh Sugar Lip Balm in Caramel</a> ($8.99 | .1oz)</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RxEQaG-VJKBAEVtYvuVWhDNF0zEHGn4TH0WGlNQCI3-ehvW3SxbQBPrlf9dzssItZJq62V9Cd3BSyz4sdXFeHHHXx-g_1h4UWwF0Or2ZjDTefyLGNskYbjwhqPxMjGMe6myt-ennw4Xl/s1600/IMG_4601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="COVERGIRL Colorlicious Oh Sugar Lip Balm in Caramel ($8.99 | .1oz) March Favorites" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RxEQaG-VJKBAEVtYvuVWhDNF0zEHGn4TH0WGlNQCI3-ehvW3SxbQBPrlf9dzssItZJq62V9Cd3BSyz4sdXFeHHHXx-g_1h4UWwF0Or2ZjDTefyLGNskYbjwhqPxMjGMe6myt-ennw4Xl/s640/IMG_4601.jpg" title="COVERGIRL Colorlicious Oh Sugar Lip Balm in Caramel ($8.99 | .1oz) March Favorites" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CoverGirl Colorlicious Oh Sugar Lip Balm in Caramel</td></tr>
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I received this tinted lip balm for free a few months ago, and it's become the new staple lip balm in my handbag. I actually wasn't expecting to like it as much as I do. It applies smoothly and the subtle tint of the Caramel shade is sheer enough that you don't need a mirror. Most tinted lip balms I've worn feel more comfortable than a lipstick, but don't particularly leave my lips feeling soft, and this one does! You can check out more (including swatches) in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/01/review-covergirl-colorlicious-oh-sugar.html" style="font-weight: bold;">full review</a>. I'd like to buy another one of these in a brighter shade, maybe something fun for summer.<br />
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Does anyone else find these to be a little expensive, especially for CoverGirl? Maybelline's Baby Lips are half the price of these, and even Burt's Bees tinted lip balms are still a few dollars cheaper. I feel like these were priced like a lipstick when they shouldn't have been. The product is still good, but I just wanted to point that out. <br />
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<b>IPKN <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=808718&POID=19840" rel="nofollow">Flash Cream Radiant Primer</a> (Full Size: $28 | 1.35oz)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aOPsR5us8NMultt_JSpms-DNhT7TRT6QhSSrQg11_ab3edNDVE5nzhDj0qw0gKBXBPl5-oOUcMMDlSQLMQzM3pTuJYLn3Zh_XVVj5qs1Tv9iIHSfNqvxFnuuaZsiUXdgX4v7YOk9UXkW/s1600/IMG_4603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer SPF 15 (Full Size: $28 | 1.35oz) March Favorites" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aOPsR5us8NMultt_JSpms-DNhT7TRT6QhSSrQg11_ab3edNDVE5nzhDj0qw0gKBXBPl5-oOUcMMDlSQLMQzM3pTuJYLn3Zh_XVVj5qs1Tv9iIHSfNqvxFnuuaZsiUXdgX4v7YOk9UXkW/s640/IMG_4603.jpg" title="IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer SPF 15 (Full Size: $28 | 1.35oz) March Favorites" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer</td></tr>
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I received this face primer from my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/01/birchbox-january-2016-review.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Korean Beauty Birchbox back in January</a>. After hearing so many good things about it, I decided to open it up and try it. And wow, this is really lovely! You can apply this under your foundation, mix it in, or even wear it alone to give your skin some luminosity. It's definitely a "radiant" primer like the name implies. Depending on foundation you pair it with, it can give you a beautiful, dewy finish, or just cancel out the harsh matte look of some full-coverage foundations. For those of you who don't like the silicone texture of most primers, this doesn't have that. It's a water-based primer, any formula of foundation you apply on top of it will sit nicely. When I use this under the foundation below, highlighter is definitely not needed! I'm not sure if I really prolongs the wear of my foundation, but I like the effect it gives.<br />
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<b>Pur Cosmetics <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/purminerals-coupons.html?ATID=808716&POID=19838" rel="nofollow">Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation in Light</a> ($39 | 1oz)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-P7V8xthhUfkyz8soLTh7diDlN2SHwjE9Vc-bba7eX2hQEqtcwuI703-cy9MFcFsU9PnmlzaA0ixzdY9AAWcO9M8NJnIiyVSPbP3WGk0mwCCkwON2UoRp-aplEMkkj3AF2teVNbxG32N7/s1600/IMG_4604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Pur Cosmetics Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation in Light ($39 | 1oz) March Favorites" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-P7V8xthhUfkyz8soLTh7diDlN2SHwjE9Vc-bba7eX2hQEqtcwuI703-cy9MFcFsU9PnmlzaA0ixzdY9AAWcO9M8NJnIiyVSPbP3WGk0mwCCkwON2UoRp-aplEMkkj3AF2teVNbxG32N7/s640/IMG_4604.jpg" title=" Pur Cosmetics Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation in Light ($39 | 1oz) March Favorites" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pur Cosmetics Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation in Light</td></tr>
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Pur Cosmetics sent me this foundation to try a few months ago, and it still hasn't ceased to impress me. It has a thin, watery consistency that makes for a natural finish, though it somehow provides medium coverage and evens out my skin tone. It's kind of a mystery. I have no idea how they pulled that off, but it's been working great for me! You can check out my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/review-swatches-pur-cosmetics.html" style="font-weight: bold;">full review</a> for more details and swatches!<br />
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<b>Mally Beauty <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808717&POID=19839" rel="nofollow">Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Sailor</a> ($18 | .04oz)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaQKumk076ZyW_BU2tcR8bOf2kOMc-pJCdocoV3F6xbK0MCYX4llT25xsizMI0fmz8kYyqbKcGmAdKySQDDmWeC59dJ54xdB7NUuVBCjsqdoksw85t4Tz5Cy8AG4t3ec4U4pt1vfzUcJn/s1600/IMG_4606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Sailor ($18 | .04oz) March Favorites" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaQKumk076ZyW_BU2tcR8bOf2kOMc-pJCdocoV3F6xbK0MCYX4llT25xsizMI0fmz8kYyqbKcGmAdKySQDDmWeC59dJ54xdB7NUuVBCjsqdoksw85t4Tz5Cy8AG4t3ec4U4pt1vfzUcJn/s640/IMG_4606.jpg" title="Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Sailor ($18 | .04oz) March Favorites" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Sailor</td></tr>
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I've <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/trend-report-pantone-2016-colors-of-year.html">raved about these eyeliners before</a></b>, but I forgot how much I really loved them until recently. I wore this pretty navy shade to a party, and we wound up going in a pool for a few hours. Despite all of the splashing going on (because people in their 20s are really just large children), this eyeliner was <i>in it to win it. </i>Even my Benefit They're Real Mascara had smudged a little under my eyes, but my eyeliner looked identical to how I'd applied it 10+ hours ago. I was really impressed. I highly recommend these if you're looking for something long-lasting and truly waterproof. I've heard the Automatic (twist-up) versions aren't as good as these for some reason, so I would just invest the $2 in an eyeliner pencil sharper and this kind. They also come in a ton of different colors, though the shimmery ones like the Pink Champagne shade are creamier and might not be as bulletproof (they haven't been pool-tested, Sammi-approved yet). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SiclIin8obyyriawAKbLovLD3JgSkM_9-dJVicf_y9KINlxHTHxWmE8mw9qT7Vu8PT_hgX1Xd4zArW22FDlyg2BfScB6LAUOZnIEfjvkUYBqdEQo_0kKOZHBec_8PncVHmaCxBWaNV1K/s1600/Skincare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SiclIin8obyyriawAKbLovLD3JgSkM_9-dJVicf_y9KINlxHTHxWmE8mw9qT7Vu8PT_hgX1Xd4zArW22FDlyg2BfScB6LAUOZnIEfjvkUYBqdEQo_0kKOZHBec_8PncVHmaCxBWaNV1K/s400/Skincare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Foreo <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=807145&POID=19085" rel="nofollow">Luna for Sensitive/Normal Skin</a> ($169)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlgQn-DPrvLIDGpPtazcDz5Xnq47ZJ4XtMRQ9HtbljUKXPUekSQB5WGF2qibOOpRchBFss9znvwrAtoFbGlQRQZzOFXZ8XzFlMj-Pb3yrFSgRAcaxB2Ty9OE0h1rcfbeGBqu67ighfP7Q/s1600/IMG_4643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Foreo Luna for Sensitive/Normal Skin ($169) March Favorites" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlgQn-DPrvLIDGpPtazcDz5Xnq47ZJ4XtMRQ9HtbljUKXPUekSQB5WGF2qibOOpRchBFss9znvwrAtoFbGlQRQZzOFXZ8XzFlMj-Pb3yrFSgRAcaxB2Ty9OE0h1rcfbeGBqu67ighfP7Q/s640/IMG_4643.jpg" title="Foreo Luna for Sensitive/Normal Skin ($169) March Favorites" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foreo Luna for Sensitive/Normal Skin</td></tr>
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I mentioned I was trying this skin cleaning device in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/february-finds-new-products-ive-been.html" style="font-weight: bold;">February Finds</a> post. I know some of you are probably thinking, "Why do I need a fancy device to clean my face?" Well, you don't, but it's fun. I apply cleanser to my face like normal, then use this in circular motions over my skin, and my face feels so soft afterwards! It almost feels like a mini massage. I also feel like my face is getting a deeper clean than if I used my hands, or even a washcloth. There's also an "Anti-Aging" mode that I'm still trying to get the hang of. Full review coming soon! Do you own one of these? </div>
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<b>Elizabeth Arden <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/elizabetharden-coupons.html?ATID=807148&POID=19088" rel="nofollow">Superstart Skin Renewal Booster</a> ($65 | 1oz)</b><br />
<b>Elizabeth Arden <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/elizabetharden-coupons.html?ATID=807147&POID=19087" rel="nofollow">Flawless Future Caplet Serum</a> ($60 | 1oz)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0Gu4k-f0Fy9vw9zzZ0Qp0bt-VHEI5jXTxcBe9khv3I7qr0OjNekakwIq_20JorjPNYoIo6QY3MxD-z6ankNXSENdp0H9qFEhLl6058Yo1c0d9iAZJhaOLpf-uYUSEv93B9eF8YLPzxiB/s1600/IMG_4640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booster ($65 | 1oz) Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Caplet Serum ($60 | 1oz) March Favorites" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0Gu4k-f0Fy9vw9zzZ0Qp0bt-VHEI5jXTxcBe9khv3I7qr0OjNekakwIq_20JorjPNYoIo6QY3MxD-z6ankNXSENdp0H9qFEhLl6058Yo1c0d9iAZJhaOLpf-uYUSEv93B9eF8YLPzxiB/s640/IMG_4640.jpg" title="Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booster ($65 | 1oz) Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Caplet Serum ($60 | 1oz) March Favorites" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Elizabeth Arden Superstart Booster | Right: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Serum</td></tr>
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I've been using this skincare duo that Elizabeth Arden sent to me for over a month now, and I really like how they've made my skin feel when used together. The Superstart Booster (on the left) helps prep the skin for the treatments you put on top of it, like the Flawless Future Serum (on the right). Both of these products have great ingredients that provide vitamins and nourishment to your skin. They're quite expensive, so that's really the only thing that's holding me back from repurchasing (and the fact that a beauty blogger's job is never done). It's probably for the best, that way I'll keep trying new products, but check them out if you're looking for some new, classy skincare. You can read my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/03/the-power-of-two-elizabeth-arden.html" style="font-weight: bold;">in-depth review</a> here for ingredient information and more. <br />
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<b>Marcelle <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=807144&POID=19084" rel="nofollow">Hydra-C 24H Energizing Gel</a> ($25 | 1.7oz)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8Jz-VK5-yFky3WadD1AknOvEi2qTLfSMmVNcNMJQgLRat3BexY1913MvdcpkOj8UVOKAHxSgQBeLxNvM7W8NDq7h-p2LtqROm-oHkQJO8snmkYAv4shGAUDyuUrUcIqz67Ku5gW-3FSZ/s1600/IMG_4646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Gel ($25 | 1.7oz) March Favorites" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8Jz-VK5-yFky3WadD1AknOvEi2qTLfSMmVNcNMJQgLRat3BexY1913MvdcpkOj8UVOKAHxSgQBeLxNvM7W8NDq7h-p2LtqROm-oHkQJO8snmkYAv4shGAUDyuUrUcIqz67Ku5gW-3FSZ/s640/IMG_4646.jpg" title="Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Gel ($25 | 1.7oz) March Favorites" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Gel</td></tr>
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I don't think I've ever tried a product from this brand that I didn't like. I've become such a surprise fan of Marcelle's makeup and skincare over the years. I got to try one of their eyeliners in a <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/07/birchbox-june-2015-review.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Birchbox last year</a> and I use their Golden Glow BB Cream in the summer when I get a tan. And they're reasonably priced, too. This moisturizer from my <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/february-finds-new-products-ive-been.html">February Finds</a> </b>is no exception. As someone with combination/dry skin, I'm always looking for something to hydrate my skin without clogging my pores, and I think I've found a winner with this one. It's a gel moisturizer, though it's surprisingly moisturizing for such a lightweight product. It's fitting in with my skincare routine perfectly, especially as we enter the warmer months (though it's currently 38 DEGREES in APRIL here so that might take awhile). Depending on how my skin feels, I'll either apply the Elizabeth Arden duo before it, or something thicker like my Seventh Generation Soothing Skin Serum (<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/10/my-favorite-things-september-2015.html"><b>a favorite</b></a>) if it needs an extra boost of hydration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhyphenhyphenMbx0x036UQ5nRJtO9sjucVQvyeGt1rySDFyIAIXT6kNUyw6H21u7vmoGuMmyeALqIIS7gUk5Qi_VVFvHA1ek7yhe6Cn-42J3HtgCmCAUGtoglPJ3TJIjqo8EY-HX6t9p2n9yAhr8VZ/s1600/Bath+%2526+Body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhyphenhyphenMbx0x036UQ5nRJtO9sjucVQvyeGt1rySDFyIAIXT6kNUyw6H21u7vmoGuMmyeALqIIS7gUk5Qi_VVFvHA1ek7yhe6Cn-42J3HtgCmCAUGtoglPJ3TJIjqo8EY-HX6t9p2n9yAhr8VZ/s400/Bath+%2526+Body.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Bath & Body Works <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/bathandbodyworks-coupons.html?ATID=808710&POID=19837" rel="nofollow">Signature Collection Shower Gel in Be Enchanted</a> ($12.50 | 10oz) </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES6w_784H7kN3ycl6ZxmPQLtrAuA30pJGSMmVClEmMoLq5ukiNeILKPfaTML325sZBmPMCEv-gV626TGjnBcwuuDpJjZW3b6SA6Z4IIf9nl31IKpWYk5AXK7afkL0pt-Tpr87sU1g4KnT/s1600/IMG_4649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Shower Gel in Be Enchanted ($12.50 | 10oz) March Favorites" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES6w_784H7kN3ycl6ZxmPQLtrAuA30pJGSMmVClEmMoLq5ukiNeILKPfaTML325sZBmPMCEv-gV626TGjnBcwuuDpJjZW3b6SA6Z4IIf9nl31IKpWYk5AXK7afkL0pt-Tpr87sU1g4KnT/s640/IMG_4649.jpg" title="Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Shower Gel in Be Enchanted ($12.50 | 10oz) March Favorites" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Shower Gel in Be Enchanted</td></tr>
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I got this shower gel at the outlets during Bath & Body Works' semi-annual sale, so it was only $3.50! I'm a fan of their stuff, but I refuse to pay full price for something I can get for cheaper if I wait. If you're a little flexible with the scents, you can get a lot of really good stuff when they mark down their products. I can't see myself paying $12.50 for these when I can get them for cheaper, so I'll just stock up during a sale. Being a gel formula, they're not particularly moisturizing, so I like using a fragrance-free body lotion when I get out of the shower. My go-to is still the <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/07/monthly-favorites-july-2013.html">St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter</a></b>, but I'm not terribly picky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfxzPZGmSz26F6DKASM53vVQENzGcRKqCgUJ6peoZTvBeD6szlBnkUgZHTpye15AUO9EPO2Poe8Td1yo3UZ9PuHyx7_AxMCbALSIEqf2o2oazeeZLJ4cjSw9lOAR9T2Ekmz4g262xEkYK/s1600/Nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfxzPZGmSz26F6DKASM53vVQENzGcRKqCgUJ6peoZTvBeD6szlBnkUgZHTpye15AUO9EPO2Poe8Td1yo3UZ9PuHyx7_AxMCbALSIEqf2o2oazeeZLJ4cjSw9lOAR9T2Ekmz4g262xEkYK/s400/Nails.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Formula X Top Coat, China Glaze Skyscraper, Trust Fund Beauty Elegantly Wasted</td></tr>
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<b style="font-style: normal;">Formula X <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=807753&POID=19353" rel="nofollow">Shine Nail Top Coat</a> ($10.50 | .4oz)</b><b style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> - </b>I mentioned wanting to Formula X's nail products in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/06/summer-beauty-wishlist-2015.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Summer Beauty Wishlist</a>, so I picked this up. Working in the theatre industry, I don't get to indulge in a manicure too often, so when I do I want it to last. And let me tell you, my manicures stay literally <i>perfect</i> <i>for days</i> when I use this. I painted my nails on Saturday, and on this lovely Tuesday I'm still chip-free. I'm crazy impressed. I always used to get sheet marks and see my nail polish start chipping a day or two after, but not with this stuff on top! Finally, a top coat that does what it's supposed to do! What a thought, right? I'd gladly spend the extra couple of dollars to get something that works. </div>
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<b>China Glaze <a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Polish-Skyscraper-Fluid/dp/B005EH9ZY6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=samthebeabuf-20&linkId=27dc19b5b854ecbc74dec5d3bbe21586" rel="nofollow">Nail Polish in Skyscraper</a> ($7.50 | .5oz) </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">- Another </span><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/february-finds-new-products-ive-been.html">February Finds</a> </b>contender<b>. </b>This is from a previous collection, but the good thing about nail polish is that it's often available online long after it's released.<b style="font-weight: normal;"> It's a pretty blue glitter that doesn't act like a glitter or feel like a glitter. What I mean is, it's shimmery and sparkly like a glitter nail polish, but without that gritty texture and aggravating removal process. It's also more opaque than true glitter polishes, so I didn't need a base underneath this. </b>I'll have to photograph some swatches next time I use it, because it's really quite pretty. </div>
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<b>Trust Fund Beauty </b><a href="http://trustfundbeauty.com/collections/all-products/products/elegantly-wasted" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;">Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted</a><b> ($15 | .57oz)</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I showed this color in my most recent </span><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/03/rainy-day-manicure-trust-fund-beauty.html" style="font-weight: bold;">nail of the day</a>. It's such a great transition shade between winter and summer, though I'll admit I don't always consider the seasons when I'm choosing a color. <span style="font-weight: normal;">I was introduced to this brand through my </span><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/09/ipsy-glam-bag-august-2015-review.html" style="font-weight: bold;">August Ipsy Bag</a>, and now I want to pick up more of their shades, if not for the great formula then for their quirky names, With names like Boy Tears and Rich Bitch, how can I resist?</div>
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<b>TV: The Voice (Season 10) - </b>I only started watching The Voice last season, so I guess I'm late to the party, but I'm hooked! I'm such a music lover, and I was really involved with it back in middle/high school, so it's been fun revisiting it. Gwen Stefani is sadly not in this season, but it's still good! It's definitely more fun to watch with someone: my mom and I like to talk about who's going to win each round and yell at the TV when the judges don't agree with us. It's a good time. Let me know if you watch it! I want to hear who your favorites are! </div>
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<b>MUSIC: Spotify's Discover Weekly Playlist - </b>Mondays have been a little more exciting for me since I started streaming this playlist. Spotify updates it weekly with new songs every Monday, and I've been finding some great new artists because of it. If you're a fan of indie or pop, I think you'll really like it! Though beauty YouTuber Bethany Mota popped up with a song this week, and I was kind of shocked because, <i>she sings now? </i>That was a certainly a plot twist. (For anyone curious, I think the song is pretty "meh.")<br />
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What have you been loving this month?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Not sponsored. The CoverGirl lip balm and the Elizabeth Arden duo were sent to me awhile back. Some affiliate links included.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-20179814650150027782016-03-30T16:15:00.002-04:002016-04-26T19:42:44.090-04:00Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">purchased by me | affiliate links</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqj-9FSNgcGSirF4e3DVl0NaT2BsCoXIdBImAFC_TnxVbS6OllZFf42LVFOYQEtAHfy7Js9XV8NF1wRrRjgfJhYLm_S2v0x-6vDIQV6H1uLDQjh6e5LunUuH0SK3LX_oXN3-RSkB4keWo/s1600/Smashbox+Cream+Liner+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Smashbox Cream Liner" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqj-9FSNgcGSirF4e3DVl0NaT2BsCoXIdBImAFC_TnxVbS6OllZFf42LVFOYQEtAHfy7Js9XV8NF1wRrRjgfJhYLm_S2v0x-6vDIQV6H1uLDQjh6e5LunUuH0SK3LX_oXN3-RSkB4keWo/s640/Smashbox+Cream+Liner+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Smashbox Cream Liner" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! It's spring cleaning time again! This post was inspired by my propensity for finding old or forgotten products in the back of my makeup drawer. As I explained in last year's <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/03/products-ive-used-up-spring-cleaning.html"><b>spring cleaning</b> <b>post</b></a>, this is kind of like a glorified Empties post. Only instead of getting rid of products when they're empty, I take a look in my collection and determine what I need to trash from there. Beauty bloggers and makeup enthusiasts tend to be Goop Hoarders (because makeup is essentially colorful goop), so today I'm sharing my tips on how to separate the good stuff from what needs to go. </div>
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<b>Products That Are Too Old (And I Mean OLD!)</b></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbhzS5Zy-xRzi79839OsIO3Ge4sTY7OeZX67W8L1SWeLfkUqdU2z0oMHT8pM1gOt5KuL82H6-f2gGOzrN4J-y12XyzbkA7KM6VS1AeuwzACZtTnaRrfjCJtrNkwLUPD2Tkfyx9ihjwJlA/s1600/Dried+Out+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Physicians Formula, Revlon, Maybelline, Smashbox, Sally Hansen" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbhzS5Zy-xRzi79839OsIO3Ge4sTY7OeZX67W8L1SWeLfkUqdU2z0oMHT8pM1gOt5KuL82H6-f2gGOzrN4J-y12XyzbkA7KM6VS1AeuwzACZtTnaRrfjCJtrNkwLUPD2Tkfyx9ihjwJlA/s640/Dried+Out+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Physicians Formula, Revlon, Maybelline, Sally Hansen, Smashbox" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not the type of person that's going to throw out a product when it's been <i>exactly </i>three months or six months or a year, based on guidelines (also because those guidelines tend to vary depending on where you're looking). Instead, I watch for changes as I use them. Does the product smell different? Has the consistency changed? Is it no longer giving me the same desired effect it once did? If the answer to any of these questions is "Yes," it gets a one-way ticket to the trash can. For example, this <b style="text-align: center;">Sally Hansen <a href="http://amzn.to/22ycVMc" rel="nofollow">Super Shine Top Coat</a> ($3.20 | .45oz) </b><span style="text-align: center;">has gotten really thick and goopy, so it doesn't do a good job of sealing in my nail polish like it used to. In its prime, I mentioned it in my</span><span style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/10/monthly-favorites-october-2013.html" style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">October Favorites</a>, but now it's time to get hooked on a new top coat. Lately, I've been loving the Formula X one, so expect to see that in an up and coming Favorites post!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlKZPMAFY4lf4KoHl0-y6lknpr9Su1Id4SzXM_CdKryclRrUbmJKw27yDiAxk_9Q2_U6bX0Py3-r3d73kJTdMgioAtX8_F_Hs6EaeAFljm_hTpCIejZUz-G9ZJLA7qNBqg__8ymsEoaEd/s1600/Juice+Beauty+Gloss+Pink+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Juice Beauty Reflecting Gloss in Pink" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlKZPMAFY4lf4KoHl0-y6lknpr9Su1Id4SzXM_CdKryclRrUbmJKw27yDiAxk_9Q2_U6bX0Py3-r3d73kJTdMgioAtX8_F_Hs6EaeAFljm_hTpCIejZUz-G9ZJLA7qNBqg__8ymsEoaEd/s640/Juice+Beauty+Gloss+Pink+%25283%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Juice Beauty Reflecting Gloss in Pink" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juice Beauty Reflecting Gloss in Pink</td></tr>
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This <b>Juice Beauty <a href="http://amzn.to/25nMN5J" rel="nofollow">Reflecting Gloss in Pink</a> ($15 | .14oz) </b>was my JAM! I originally received it an <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/05/ipsy-glam-bag-may-2013_15.html">Ipsy bag</a> (as much as I <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/09/why-i-cancelled-my-ipsy-subscription.html">complained about them</a>). The fruity scent, the comfortable feel on the lips, the pretty pink color--all of it was A+. Being that Juice Beauty is a natural brand, I'm surprised this lip gloss lasted as long as it did. When I went to use it and noticed it had gained a strange smell, it immediately went in my Empties bag. It's unfortunate, but I got a lot of use out of it, so it doesn't seem like a total waste. I can repurchase this lip gloss if I want, but being that I have so many other ones to play with right now, I can't see myself getting as much use out of it as I once did. But you never forget your first love. *dreamy sigh*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-5a7IWneqrqNt9u1icc9UtgVFVBPpNHq0Xm0B3QI-LzeDtIMd0Si6WyOSR97ROJo-X5WIF8XlFGykTo3W5OXaFz7VbF-A1BrIV3PSqjL4HiNU2Rc0fWPmgwHtVt_kTvfR-mRIE7H94x4/s1600/Maybelline+Color+Tattoo+Bold+Gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-5a7IWneqrqNt9u1icc9UtgVFVBPpNHq0Xm0B3QI-LzeDtIMd0Si6WyOSR97ROJo-X5WIF8XlFGykTo3W5OXaFz7VbF-A1BrIV3PSqjL4HiNU2Rc0fWPmgwHtVt_kTvfR-mRIE7H94x4/s640/Maybelline+Color+Tattoo+Bold+Gold.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bold Gold</td></tr>
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The <b>MAYBELLINE <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808183&POID=19612" rel="nofollow">Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadows</a> ($7) </b>are great, but they're known for notoriously drying out quicker than other cream shadows. This color, Bold Gold, was there for me when I was too lazy to pick up a makeup brush. We've been through a lot, but it's all dried out now. I could easily pick up another one of these at the drugstore, maybe even in a different color, but I think I'm going to try another brand to see if the longevity is any better. Maybe Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow. What's your favorite?<br />
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<b>Products That Are Empty (Seriously?)</b></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2npbDDeZkdCt-h-y6vcaonCXkwWv6n57xNg3KZZyZ-jBCBnDpR3stu9xgeNdyGp7Eta8h0soIsjlR1Qo4YTUxFuUE2kSlq5IyVGTHSYjiZxy9qo-7t1QGg05PrcrCOKiwcxHdMf0AmObo/s1600/MAC+Slimshine+Lipstick+Intimidate+Empty+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Intimidate" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2npbDDeZkdCt-h-y6vcaonCXkwWv6n57xNg3KZZyZ-jBCBnDpR3stu9xgeNdyGp7Eta8h0soIsjlR1Qo4YTUxFuUE2kSlq5IyVGTHSYjiZxy9qo-7t1QGg05PrcrCOKiwcxHdMf0AmObo/s640/MAC+Slimshine+Lipstick+Intimidate+Empty+%25283%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Intimidate" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Intimidate (LE)</td></tr>
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I'm a hoarder. I'll be the first one to admit it. This <b>Slimshine Lipstick in Intimidate from MAC </b>has certainly seen better days. It's a little melty, and the tube is officially twisted up as far as it'll go. Rather than struggling to apply it without scraping my lips on the top edge of the tube, I think I'll put this to better use and try to make a tinted lip balm out of it. That way, I can scrape out whatever's left and depot it (and you guys know I'm a sucker for tinted lip balm). Plus, thanks to MAC's "Back to MAC" program, when I collect enough empty containers I can hang them in and get a new lipstick for free!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKpPPlfYsanidZ_bzb28Veg4iuHy8R4vV_vlJCmtl9NdS4LAlBBydX3YoX-_qqHDA2t2pMfz4q16dEfK7TCvd6kU8F-tL2r_aCv71DMqVKgqHIwPrluzZbPmRwMUt8PYSnJQj72f7M6J8/s1600/Revlon+Smoky+Shadow+Stick+Torch+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Revlon Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKpPPlfYsanidZ_bzb28Veg4iuHy8R4vV_vlJCmtl9NdS4LAlBBydX3YoX-_qqHDA2t2pMfz4q16dEfK7TCvd6kU8F-tL2r_aCv71DMqVKgqHIwPrluzZbPmRwMUt8PYSnJQj72f7M6J8/s640/Revlon+Smoky+Shadow+Stick+Torch+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Revlon Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch</td></tr>
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The brown side of my <b>Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch ($8 | .07oz) </b>fell out months ago and I was just letting this sit in my makeup drawer! The two of us have been through a lot together (I used to mention it all the time, like in my <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/04/spring-product-picks.html">Spring Product Picks</a></b>), but it's time to say goodbye. Granted, I always preferred the pink side, but that's gotten drier and harder to use over time. They don't make these anymore, sadly, but that just means I have the opportunity to find a cream eyeshadow stick that's even better!<br />
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<h2>
<b>Products You Never Really Liked Begin With (Again, <i>Seriously?)</i></b></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94wfmUwDesBQhYRvbExZzC2EdGSyLbOW8rLytBFqJ63t9t6NA9Zhu-X-_nnhb6_qRCkjRMWB1VIF7MQUB0Adq478bNYg7gm3ZZkiiAEXJZTy58nT5NlvTXCOyxCGWZmUNXK6TkkzMGnr9/s1600/Concealer+Sticks+Maybelline+Physicians+Formula+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Maybelline Concealer and Physicians Formula Concealer" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94wfmUwDesBQhYRvbExZzC2EdGSyLbOW8rLytBFqJ63t9t6NA9Zhu-X-_nnhb6_qRCkjRMWB1VIF7MQUB0Adq478bNYg7gm3ZZkiiAEXJZTy58nT5NlvTXCOyxCGWZmUNXK6TkkzMGnr9/s640/Concealer+Sticks+Maybelline+Physicians+Formula+%25283%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Maybelline Concealer and Physicians Formula Concealer" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector Conealer in Ivory, Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Sticks in Yellow and Light</td></tr>
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As a beauty blogger, I try a lot of products. I don't like everything I try, but even if I'm not a fan, I like to keep it around to see if I can make it work. Sometimes I can--whether it's worth the effort is irrelevant when determination sets in--but sometimes it's just not gonna work out. Now is the time where I toss those hopeless products to clear up some space for ones that do what I want them to do!<br />
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For example, I was never going to use these cream concealer sticks. The <b>Maybelline <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808195&POID=19616" rel="nofollow">Cover Stick Corrector Concealer in Ivory</a> ($6 | .16oz) </b>(left) was closest to my skin tone, but I wasn't a fan of how tacky it seemed. The <b>P</b><b>hysicians Formula <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808197&POID=19618" rel="nofollow">Gentle Cover Concealer Sticks in Yellow and Light</a> ($7.49 | ea.) </b>(middle and right) just didn't work for me. I liked that these were more creamy feeling, but the Yellow shade did nothing to conceal my dark circles (looking at the color wheel, a peach color would suit my skin tone better for that purpose), and the Light shade was <i>wayyy </i>too pink to match me. It's a well-known fact that Physicians Formula shade selection for different skin tones is abysmal, so I can't really try these in another shade and see if I have better luck. But that's okay--I've gained better concealers in my stash since then, which is why these collected dust in my drawer for so long.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsDWSzshHsnDFtrmyyfv0w7NN2mbK9wZlxB4EQmEX5BqItTXbMgK0zT73ZBfJ65XN67le159aYZTuK7L1Aco-wbZcxm9dfjvj6WJ05LOVKdNHFecjWMGmRNzj0oogkGYClgzkc0sgyUZW/s1600/Pacifica+Color+Quench+Lip+Tints+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Vanilla Hibiscus and Coconut Nectar" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsDWSzshHsnDFtrmyyfv0w7NN2mbK9wZlxB4EQmEX5BqItTXbMgK0zT73ZBfJ65XN67le159aYZTuK7L1Aco-wbZcxm9dfjvj6WJ05LOVKdNHFecjWMGmRNzj0oogkGYClgzkc0sgyUZW/s640/Pacifica+Color+Quench+Lip+Tints+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Vanilla Hibiscus and Coconut Nectar" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tints in Vanilla Hibiscus (left) and Coconut Nectar (right)</td></tr>
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These <b>Pacifica <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/target-coupons.html?ATID=808196&POID=19617" rel="nofollow">Color Quench Lip Tints in Vanilla Hibiscus and Coconut Nectar</a> ($7 | .15oz)</b> have caused me so much grief, you have no idea! After hearing so many people rave about these tinted lip balms, I gave in and picked two of them up like a sheep. And I'm not sure if mine were duds when I purchased them or what, but these are nothing like I hear about in reviews! I've heard they are so comfortable to wear, but they were so <i>dry. </i>Let alone the awful appearance on the lips--the shimmery, opaque layer they gave my lips made me look dead, especially the Coconut Nectar shade on the right. I am so stumped at all of the raving reviews of these. I'm usually a big fan of Pacifica, too! They make such lovely perfumes and body lotions. Either everyone was <i>drunk </i>when they wrote their reviews of these lip balms, or I got the runts of the shipment. Bummer, man. </div>
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<b>And Lastly: Clean and Sanitize (We're Done!)</b></h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS-JLikib34JW-PYOAuwMmRCQHvPd42auBKh0ixwDxBOEd81sxa9gcx3Igsj1iey08h3eFltnxRKdChjVrO6T3_ZtnspQzmJKXtA5lFfCYRi8KQHduiji8DRFWc1G2fJon1NqHlSYlFVi/s1600/Clean+%2526+Sanitize+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Mist & Johnson's Baby Shampoo" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS-JLikib34JW-PYOAuwMmRCQHvPd42auBKh0ixwDxBOEd81sxa9gcx3Igsj1iey08h3eFltnxRKdChjVrO6T3_ZtnspQzmJKXtA5lFfCYRi8KQHduiji8DRFWc1G2fJon1NqHlSYlFVi/s640/Clean+%2526+Sanitize+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Mist & Johnson's Baby Shampoo" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Mist | Right: Johnson's Baby Shampoo</td></tr>
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What good is all this makeup if it's all full of germs? I like to take a hint from the pros and sanitize my products with <b>Beauty So Clean <a href="http://www.beautysoclean.com/sanitizer-mist-usa-store" rel="nofollow">Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist</a> ($16 | 4oz). </b>What's great about this is that you can use it on powders (ex. blushes, eyeshadows, anything) and it won't change the texture! Unlike the old trick of using rubbing alcohol to press a shattered eyeshadow back together, this mist leaves the product exactly the same as it was before. After all, it's just a mist, so you're not flooding it with anything. Whenever I had to apply makeup while sick, or if I'm using a product I haven't picked up in a long time, I like to spritz a little bit of this on there to fight off any bacteria that could be sitting on the surface. It only takes seconds to dry, so you can use it right after without any issues. It's kind of the best thing ever. </div>
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As far as cleaning brushes go, it's <i>so </i>important to wash them regularly! I have friends tell me they never wash their brushes! Ahhh! You really should real your brushes every week or two to prevent the spread of bacteria on your face. This is especially important for my fellow acne-prone people! Do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle of <b>Johnson's</b> <b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/target-coupons.html?ATID=808198&POID=19619" rel="nofollow">Baby Shampoo</a> ($5 | 20oz) </b>and you'll be set for a very long time. Just a little bit of this with some water in your hand and that's all you really need to swirl a brush and get it clean. There are fancier brush shampoos (like Cinema Secrets, which is cool because it dries incredibly fast so you can use your clean brush right away), but you can't beat this for the price. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh5k3stlv2yz0j3BojuoNa4di7ET0ggPRKH4TPotdOjEPAntuBb4jGuPuHcNADERjgRdTcBAF-bahXP6BehNXMjhe006qETjZLGMKOZ2Jp8iiQREqXKPTjvwEF9ZvPwm75X2pvDGpx5rK/s1600/Z+Palette+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Lavender Z-Palette Large" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh5k3stlv2yz0j3BojuoNa4di7ET0ggPRKH4TPotdOjEPAntuBb4jGuPuHcNADERjgRdTcBAF-bahXP6BehNXMjhe006qETjZLGMKOZ2Jp8iiQREqXKPTjvwEF9ZvPwm75X2pvDGpx5rK/s640/Z+Palette+%252810%2529.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Spring Cleaning Edition 2016 - Lavender Z-Palette Large" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Lavender Z-Palette</td></tr>
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This is also a good time to depot and organize your eyeshadow singles. If you're doing an eye look with a bunch of little pots scattered around, it can get a little cumbersome. I've found that if I take the eyeshadow pans out of their packaging, whether it be samplers from a Birchbox or an individual eyeshadow, I've more likely to use them when I can see them. I totally forgot about the gorgeous green eyeshadow on top by Urban Decay until I placed it in my <b><a href="http://amzn.to/21JoOJz" rel="nofollow">Large Lavender Z-Palette</a> ($18)</b>. Before, it was shoved to the back of my makeup drawer (because apparently I don't wear shimmery green eyeshadow enough), but now that I can see it, I'll use it more. Plus, the organization freak in me loves seeing everything all neat and organized. De-potting eyeshadows is a process (I may or may not have accidentally dug my nail into said green eyeshadow trying to pull it out), but I think it's rewarding in the end. But maybe I just need more fulfilling hobbies. <br />
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Well, that's everything! I hope this overview of my spring cleaning experience was helpful to you!<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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Sometimes you just need to remind yourself that makeup is GOOP. It can be replaced! <a href="https://twitter.com/sammipenni">@sammipenni</a> <a href="https://t.co/vHBYgIlgl1">https://t.co/vHBYgIlgl1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bbloggers?src=hash">#bbloggers</a></div>
— Samantha Penninipede (@sammipenni) <a href="https://twitter.com/sammipenni/status/715271102172372992">March 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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How's your spring cleaning going? What do you usually hoard the most of?<br />
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<i>Want to see more </i><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/search/label/trash%20talk" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Trash Talks</a>? <i>Here's last year's </i><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/03/products-ive-used-up-spring-cleaning.html"><b><i>Spring Cleaning</i></b></a><i>! </i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Some affiliate links included. This post is sponsored by your local trash can.</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-24668996911840873202016-03-27T19:52:00.000-04:002016-04-26T19:41:25.485-04:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi friends! I'll be spending the day with my family today, but I just wanted to check in and see how you guys were doing. If you celebrate Easter, then I wish you a happy one, and if not I hope you have a great day nonetheless. </div>
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What are you doing today?</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><i>Disclaimer:</i> <i>This post is sponsored by Easter lololol (just kidding)</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-3498143185144182362016-03-23T17:17:00.001-04:002016-04-26T19:40:55.142-04:00My Lipstick Collection: The Pinks<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html">purchased by me | affiliate links</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGI9grM8jmZGBGmrxjaxMSsgjTtEEXvbOI6Q3hBJq9nu0dTr5-StG6KLGAWAlFZQDKloQGyWbJU7Lp_yvjM92wZGKPFv6wBWlqS5UW_eDWEOBCAEe4tsTwYSJkBMIim-hn0PH2Fo0fnyl/s1600/Lipstick-Collection-Pinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="My Lipstick Collection: The Pinks, featuring Urban Decay, Laqa & Co, MAC, CoverGirl, and more!" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGI9grM8jmZGBGmrxjaxMSsgjTtEEXvbOI6Q3hBJq9nu0dTr5-StG6KLGAWAlFZQDKloQGyWbJU7Lp_yvjM92wZGKPFv6wBWlqS5UW_eDWEOBCAEe4tsTwYSJkBMIim-hn0PH2Fo0fnyl/s640/Lipstick-Collection-Pinks.jpg" title="My Lipstick Collection: The Pinks, featuring Urban Decay, Laqa & Co, MAC, CoverGirl, and more!" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi, friends! Today, I wanted to do a continuation of my Lipstick Collection series. Last month we delved into my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/my-lipstick-collection-nudes.html">neutral lipsticks</a> and before that we talked about the <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/my-lipstick-collection-reds.html">reds</a>. With spring finally upon us, I figured it was a good time to talk about the pretty pink shades in my stash.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Off-topic, but can you believe it's finally spring? I don't know about you guys, but the temperature is finally starting to stabilize around 50 degrees around here, and it's <i>so </i>nice. We had a rumored "snowstorm" on Sunday, but it barely snowed (typical), and it had already melted by the time I woke up the following morning. But you're not here to listen to me talk about the weather, are you?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've attempted to order these from lightest (left) to darkest (right). It was a little tricky, with the varying formulas and shades, but I hope it made things a little easier to follow. But enough about that. Let's get to the good stuff~</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S1ktmnJhOP8UbepPHhytGJi3b_pN3d3_6t-fiQHX83OUoqJURdoAuIxoTiG0pTGwSDMyCde1KBapuMHhyVARZg2TWKzpZ6TIKw789WtS4fvfqesVYU58DagHcRuVCE0wLZZ_3bcEq5WO/s1600/Pink+Lipsticks+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="A look into the pink lipsticks in my makeup collection. Featuring Urban Decay, MAC, Revlon, CoverGirl, and more!" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S1ktmnJhOP8UbepPHhytGJi3b_pN3d3_6t-fiQHX83OUoqJURdoAuIxoTiG0pTGwSDMyCde1KBapuMHhyVARZg2TWKzpZ6TIKw789WtS4fvfqesVYU58DagHcRuVCE0wLZZ_3bcEq5WO/s640/Pink+Lipsticks+%25286%2529.jpg" title="A look into the pink lipsticks in my makeup collection. Featuring Urban Decay, MAC, Revlon, CoverGirl, and more!" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Left to Right: POP BEAUTY Fuchsia Flirt, COVERGIRL Watermelon Twist, BELLAPIERRE P.I.N.K., LAQA & CO. Beezlebub, MAC Intimidate, REVLON Sorbet</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>POP BEAUTY <a href="http://www.popbeauty.co.uk/products/pouty-pop-crayon" rel="nofollow">Pouty Pop Lip Crayon in Fuchsia Flirt</a> (£6, about $8.50 | .1oz) - </b>I was <i>all </i>about this color <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/05/my-favorite-things-april-2014.html">last April</a>, but after summer it was retired to the back of my makeup drawer. This is a bright, bubblegum pink lip crayon that's described as leaning more towards lip balm rather than lipstick, but it's still pretty pigmented. It's not as hydrating as I would like, but it still has a nice, smooth texture. I received this in an Ipsy bag years not too long before I saw lip crayons popping up everywhere. I think the twist-up crayon is easier to use and "color in the lines" with than a typical lipstick. Depending on my mood, this shade can be a little "loud" for me, so I tend to only wear it in the warmer months (and look, it's about that time!). The shade selection isn't huge, but their Pouty Pop Lip Crayons come in five different shades if you're interested in picking one up.</span><br />
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<b>COVERGIRL <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808006&POID=19518" rel="nofollow">Jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon Twist</a> ($9, or $5 on <a href="http://amzn.to/1VwcVHd" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a> | .13oz)</b><b style="font-weight: normal;"> - Another lip crayon, this one is warmer and sheerer than the Pop Beauty mentioned above. I find it easier to wear for daytime, the type of product you can just toss in your makeup bag and reapply as needed. It's definitely more balmy than the Pop Beauty, so it won't last you through a meal, but it's certainly comfortable to wear. These offer a nice bit of shine, but I wouldn't consider them to be necessarily "glossy" as the name implies. If you're looking to tint your lips with a color, rather than paint them an opaque shade of pink, I think you'll like these. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BELLAPIERRE </b><a href="http://www.bellapierre.com/shop/mineral-lipstick.html" rel="nofollow"><b>Mineral Lipstick in P.I.N.K.</b></a><b> ($20 | .12oz)</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - This lipstick form my </span><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/08/ipsy-glam-bag-july-2015-review.html">July Ipsy bag</a> is a warm pink shade. I wouldn't classify this as sheer--since compared to the CoverGirl lip crayon above, it's not--but the color payoff isn't intense by any means. It's a pretty color that's bright enough to be fun but not something that will be out of many people's comfort zones. I'm not crazy about the way it wears on the lips, looking a little dry and clinging to the edges after a few hours, but I'm a big fan of the color. Would I pay $20 for another one of these? Certainly not, especially when there are better formulas at the drugstore for half the price, but I'll wear it sometimes when I can convince myself that I'm going to touch it up at some point (even though I probably won't).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>LAQA & CO <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=808007&POID=19519" rel="nofollow">Sheer Lip Lube Pencil in Beezlebub</a> ($20 | .1oz) </b><b style="font-weight: normal;">- I wore this back when I channeled Aphrodite in the <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/08/greek-goddess-makeup-challenge-aphrodite.html">Greek Goddess Makeup Challenge</a>. This is a beautiful bright rose color, and wow, I'm noticing I have a lot more of these crayon-shaped lipsticks that I originally thought. It makes it so easy to line and fill in your lips, though, especially with a bright color like this. It's quite pigmented for something that feels like a lip balm, and it's super comfortable on the lips. Out of all the products I have in this category (lip crayons that feel like lip balm), this is probably my favorite formula. It has the great color payoff of the Pop Beauty and the balmy feel of the CoverGirl. </b>I have three of these in various colors, in a combination of Birchox samples and full-sizes, and I can easily see myself getting another. <span style="font-weight: normal;">I think you'll be really satisfied with these if you give them a go. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll talk more about the next two lipsticks below. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCTu9If9PeW9kCOwK4DWEBagRPb5GfPOMMA9jNURnMz56vzxTNeIGzt6a5_oJQOroLHEmIVqezUaIgvoMibBtg0nZP0evmBU0E_jo3DowgRTSx7YcqYyRYmqaROzOnTihHX3uNuCczQFb/s1600/Pink+Lipsticks+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="A look into the pink lipsticks in my makeup collection. Featuring Urban Decay, MAC, Revlon, CoverGirl, Laqa & Co, Pop Beauty, NYC, and more." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCTu9If9PeW9kCOwK4DWEBagRPb5GfPOMMA9jNURnMz56vzxTNeIGzt6a5_oJQOroLHEmIVqezUaIgvoMibBtg0nZP0evmBU0E_jo3DowgRTSx7YcqYyRYmqaROzOnTihHX3uNuCczQFb/s640/Pink+Lipsticks+%25281%2529.jpg" title="A look into the pink lipsticks in my makeup collection. Featuring Urban Decay, MAC, Revlon, CoverGirl, Laqa & Co, Pop Beauty, NYC, and more." width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Left to Right: MAC Intimidate, REVLON Sorbet, NYC Forever Fuchsia, URBAN DECAY Anarchy, LAQA & CO Menatour</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: normal;">MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Intimidate - </b>I can tell I've had this too long, because MAC doesn't even make this line of lipsticks anymore. It's a little melty, it's essentially empty, and I <i>probably </i>should just toss it in my next <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/03/products-ive-used-up-spring-cleaning.html">spring cleaning</a> post (coming soon!), but I guess I'm a little sentimental. This was my first lipstick! I'm planning on watching some YouTube videos and depotting what's left, and maybe then possibly turning it into a tinted lip balm. And then I can hoard the empty container until I gather up six of them to take Back to MAC for a free lipstick! To my knowledge, MAC's Lustre Lipstick in Lovelorn is quite similar if you're looking for an alternative to this color. You'll find it swatched with all the others at the end of this post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>REVLON <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=808008&POID=19520" rel="nofollow">Colorburst Lip Butter in Sorbet</a> ($8.49, or $6 on <a href="http://amzn.to/1MxSP88" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a> | .9oz)</b><b style="font-weight: normal;"> - </b>Back when I first started this blog back in 2013, I (like the rest of the beauty blogging community) was obsessed with these. You didn't really see this kind of sheer lipstick/lip balm hybrid around, at least not in the drugstore, so it's the kind of thing us beauty bloggers get excited about. This is another one of those products that I have three of, just because they're so comfortable and easy to wear. It's a great option if you want to go for a bright pink or dark red, because they come off pigmented but not over-the-top enough to make it feel like a commitment. They're the type of shades where you'll be rocking a fun lip color, but you won't feel like you put in the effort, making them great for summer when I want as less makeup as possible on my face. I recommend these to everybody. Even if they're not new and exciting anymore, they're still a lipstick staple for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NYC New York Color <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/cvs-coupons.html?ATID=806504&POID=18787" rel="nofollow">Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia</a> ($2 | .11oz) - </b>You might recognize this shade from the <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/instagram-roundup-5daylipstickchallenge.html">#5DayLipstickChallenge</a> I participated in last month on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/sammipenni" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>. I really dig how bright and vibrant this cool pink shade is--here's a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBqere2PIsM/?taken-by=sammipenni" rel="nofollow">lip swatch</a>--but the formula leaves something to be desired. It's pretty dry, as in you can feel it dragging on your lips when you apply it. At $2, it's a great way to try out different colors and see what you like best, but I'd definitely upgrade to something better once I found my favorite shades. There are so many better options, even for a few dollars more at the drugstore, that I don't really find myself reaching for this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>URBAN DECAY <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=808009&POID=19521" rel="nofollow">Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy</a> ($22 | .09oz) - </b>This pigmented, bright fuchsia shade is wild! I received this little guy in an <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/08/ipsy-glam-bag-august-2013-review.html">Ipsy bag</a>, and apart from being an adorable size, it's also a great lipstick. It's also vegan, meaning it contains no animal products or by-products, for those of you who abstain from those. Urban Decay really nailed it with their lipstick formula. It's lasts a surprisingly long time despite its creamy formula, and as it wears it doesn't gather in patches or look bad like a lot of other lipsticks can tend to. I don't wear this lipstick as often as it deserves, just because the color is so bold, but if I had it in a more neutral color I know I would get a ton of use out of it. If the full sizes weren't $22 a pop, I'd probably own one. I guess you get what you pay for!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>LAQA & CO <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=808010&POID=19522" rel="nofollow">Sheer Lip Lube Pencil in Menatour</a> ($20 | .1oz) - </b>This purple crayon is the black sheep of my lipstick collection, and since I only own one in this color, I stuck it in here. Behold, another Laqa & Co lip crayon makes an appearance! Despite its odd name, they really are awesome. This warm purple shade is too adventurous for me sometimes, but I love to wear it when I'm feeling bold. You can see a lip swatch of it in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/09/greek-goddess-makeup-challenge-demeter-4.html">Demeter Makeup Look</a>.<b> </b>There's not much more I can say about the formula that I didn't say already, so just try them out for yourself!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDa8_6pGkEOXsCFle_Mxj0FFTayw4lMvyw6gqFPhhwJ-Y8olFz8iaBN-iDn_VMDZ3SIwqoLoGJy7vwjwx-Kn0fBJ7FnTcAmj3L4ftFCS8LF7WIqYNfal9gZ1qT50eIdPtlZW29VupOBsb/s1600/Pink+Lipstick+Swatches+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="A look into the pink lipsticks in my makeup collection. Featuring swatches of Urban Decay, MAC, Revlon, CoverGirl, Laqa & Co, Pop Beauty, NYC, and more." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDa8_6pGkEOXsCFle_Mxj0FFTayw4lMvyw6gqFPhhwJ-Y8olFz8iaBN-iDn_VMDZ3SIwqoLoGJy7vwjwx-Kn0fBJ7FnTcAmj3L4ftFCS8LF7WIqYNfal9gZ1qT50eIdPtlZW29VupOBsb/s640/Pink+Lipstick+Swatches+%25281%2529.jpg" title="A look into the pink lipsticks in my makeup collection. Featuring swatches of Urban Decay, MAC, Revlon, CoverGirl, Laqa & Co, Pop Beauty, NYC, and more." width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Left to right: Pop Beauty Fuchsia Flirt, CoverGirl Watermelon Twist, Bellapierre P.I.N.K., MAC Intimidate, Laqa & Co Beezlebub, Revlon Sorbet, NYC Forever Fuchsia, Urban Decay Anarchy, Laqa & Co Menatour.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wow, that's all of them. I'm clearly drawn to pinks. Judging by the comments on my previous posts, many of you are, too! What's your favorite pink lipstick right now?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ3KNNf4m-qP05BLep9b_jRfkSWkEqR0TZZjJ5GSDqX-lmGUwMgcua0-xllmUn_4m0V3smKokxnN3EPnVHJBmR7V9cDpPn4w83L_NEa5UO698CI7bT4OhciBy1QJun3IZpt4vaKOzszz9/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="My Favorite Things: May 2015 - Sammi the Beauty Buff Blog" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ3KNNf4m-qP05BLep9b_jRfkSWkEqR0TZZjJ5GSDqX-lmGUwMgcua0-xllmUn_4m0V3smKokxnN3EPnVHJBmR7V9cDpPn4w83L_NEa5UO698CI7bT4OhciBy1QJun3IZpt4vaKOzszz9/s1600/Signature+New.png" title="My Favorite Things: May 2015 - Sammi the Beauty Buff Blog" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Have you seen my other </i><i><b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/search/label/lipstick%20collection">lipstick collection posts</a></b></i><i><b> </b>yet?</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCx03jd9EC2bdQ_xJQZ55Q-5CMpalLAZNAeYj-6DktiyM9OAOb_-2WSaVuNtm_u5m7exvPwIe3tGqtlJPuDgAsxRyfKJavjhGw1N9nrzbaUPOdL-RJllaEUVCUXIseHk1T8kMxrjD-2mV/s1600/Let%2527s-Be-Friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCx03jd9EC2bdQ_xJQZ55Q-5CMpalLAZNAeYj-6DktiyM9OAOb_-2WSaVuNtm_u5m7exvPwIe3tGqtlJPuDgAsxRyfKJavjhGw1N9nrzbaUPOdL-RJllaEUVCUXIseHk1T8kMxrjD-2mV/s200/Let%2527s-Be-Friends.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><i>Disclaimer:</i> <i>Not sponsored. Some affiliate links included. I paid for these. The only ones I received complimentary are the NYC and the CoverGirl, but that was over a year ago so it's not really relevant. </i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-10799565290839124312016-03-19T16:26:00.003-04:002016-04-26T19:39:36.011-04:00Birchbox: March 2016 Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_v1KAA2SODSNEBRmg3ZDrY_GjHEjztJuUf1L8lvm_TP-NFd6QBJX2KNY0kosuZxmhjwCv_2kyqhDCehpQG_7Q1E9_TK3Rljl0lU21uH51eCUqHluyvd4iTjz7S0UE1O1kFr6UQOac6QFZ/s1600/IMG_4106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_v1KAA2SODSNEBRmg3ZDrY_GjHEjztJuUf1L8lvm_TP-NFd6QBJX2KNY0kosuZxmhjwCv_2kyqhDCehpQG_7Q1E9_TK3Rljl0lU21uH51eCUqHluyvd4iTjz7S0UE1O1kFr6UQOac6QFZ/s640/IMG_4106.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! It's Birchbox time again. My box came relatively early this month (it arrived by the 9th, and typically they <i>ship </i>by the 10th) so I've had some time to mess around with the products inside. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FMXO9-pAfMjGNiXiZVrWGpKPTCyAQ4DomOxoovphyphenhyphenkNUgrQOzMbeWChnq8kQqPZTvlcDax9mcyVd8O2y9wJKRnyxAwPSLt0AMWeHRgYK3_KYm-70kw0hXBQoy0khIOAX2d0RZm7oN7y5/s1600/IMG_4095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FMXO9-pAfMjGNiXiZVrWGpKPTCyAQ4DomOxoovphyphenhyphenkNUgrQOzMbeWChnq8kQqPZTvlcDax9mcyVd8O2y9wJKRnyxAwPSLt0AMWeHRgYK3_KYm-70kw0hXBQoy0khIOAX2d0RZm7oN7y5/s640/IMG_4095.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Birchbox? What's that?</i></b></h3>
Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle subscription service. It sends 4-5 deluxe samples that are curated to your beauty profile. It is $10 a month, and has a wonderful rewards program, in which you can earn points for reviewing products and making purchases in the Birchbox Shop. You can then redeem those points for full-sized products! It's probably the best rewards program out there, in my opinion, which was one of the big draws in me signing up. They're always adding new products to the shop. In the past, they have sampled products from Amika, Juice Beauty, Shiseido, as well as pages of others! Some products are even exclusive to Birchbox, like Cynthia Rowley's new makeup line and the cult-favorite Beauty Protector brand. If you're interested in subscribing to Birchbox, <b>I would love it if you used my <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/?raf=3nbzf&utm_campaign=raf&utm_source=birchbox&utm_medium=raf_link" rel="nofollow">referral link</a></b>! Thank you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGG5tnsMwrVwQftllpzkGv9Tq1cAA4ILVU53In2Lqu6iGlKWjLBYt2aIqAhiCYapvsfvJre_apOXcdknDLPhbcLuoE-py69oRqxvMlrK7gEvx-SWSmOo6BKewLifo2WWOBXDou8rKAr-l/s1600/IMG_4098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGG5tnsMwrVwQftllpzkGv9Tq1cAA4ILVU53In2Lqu6iGlKWjLBYt2aIqAhiCYapvsfvJre_apOXcdknDLPhbcLuoE-py69oRqxvMlrK7gEvx-SWSmOo6BKewLifo2WWOBXDou8rKAr-l/s640/IMG_4098.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." width="640" /></a></div>
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I picked the curated box (I know, shocker), so I already knew what I was getting. Granted, sample choice was in February, so of course I forgot what was in it, but in theory it wasn't a surprise. I get the best of both worlds, I guess. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRynr-TP5rWudZ1_FlyGD6tx0y9qkJG8V44nmx9yBJ43wEyvnBDgYomTu18rAxIgRY5hgR8-BLEVIDSIHf_KBHTGG00oQo-vz2RPtHFGaQDpYw_lKv57KnzccoIz8d6G4zvOhk0-3w05m/s1600/IMG_4103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRynr-TP5rWudZ1_FlyGD6tx0y9qkJG8V44nmx9yBJ43wEyvnBDgYomTu18rAxIgRY5hgR8-BLEVIDSIHf_KBHTGG00oQo-vz2RPtHFGaQDpYw_lKv57KnzccoIz8d6G4zvOhk0-3w05m/s640/IMG_4103.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." width="640" /></a></div>
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This month's theme was Ready for Anything. Armed with a lipstick, moisturizer, eyeshadow, blowout spray, and undereye pads I'm prepared! No but really, I like the idea behind the box. And I think they considered the color selection for the cosmetics as we're moving into spring, so I'm pleased. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ0gYpn9aIPaqv8f0vEnzz2V6ERQe6DE8imQam5hKxJOcZ5UTEu99Uv3yaR-6KrTWKmDCJrAOzqa0y9KGGcPrdXBrq55yk-Kk8bEpqKXnasgsIZYhHgton134ZzK_xUWiLIKDjRWxZtH_/s1600/IMG_4101-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ0gYpn9aIPaqv8f0vEnzz2V6ERQe6DE8imQam5hKxJOcZ5UTEu99Uv3yaR-6KrTWKmDCJrAOzqa0y9KGGcPrdXBrq55yk-Kk8bEpqKXnasgsIZYhHgton134ZzK_xUWiLIKDjRWxZtH_/s640/IMG_4101-2.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the info card, bringing information to subscribers everywhere. Seriously, these little guys are nifty. I don't know why more subs don't offer them (read: <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/09/why-i-cancelled-my-ipsy-subscription.html">pointed glare at Ipsy</a>).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarKIEI6DOexsMsGUzBfH5v7rAwW9l3mP1wpAWWx0Xlhl4zylSss1gPfMV2YdGEY_IXDfbFEwQ7KP8-G0Oae7qWcfJ6bzStSTcL9yQpkMsdgohtmvMw-1LfP0qlzoU5sV9eAhGZhsAMGZ6/s1600/IMG_4105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarKIEI6DOexsMsGUzBfH5v7rAwW9l3mP1wpAWWx0Xlhl4zylSss1gPfMV2YdGEY_IXDfbFEwQ7KP8-G0Oae7qWcfJ6bzStSTcL9yQpkMsdgohtmvMw-1LfP0qlzoU5sV9eAhGZhsAMGZ6/s640/IMG_4105.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a first look inside the box! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiom1wxThRs80KWannzWL_LPTApieSXn8viVyUBAyrFGq1jJ5KmwTy75nr9h-7AtFszxN86gA0hyphenhyphenkYNPQBZDu6fGxJBUA8DY8OA1oxPvsCVpkv6YUGe_UicddnAaSNdSYtfgMzrebg2leS/s1600/IMG_4110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiom1wxThRs80KWannzWL_LPTApieSXn8viVyUBAyrFGq1jJ5KmwTy75nr9h-7AtFszxN86gA0hyphenhyphenkYNPQBZDu6fGxJBUA8DY8OA1oxPvsCVpkv6YUGe_UicddnAaSNdSYtfgMzrebg2leS/s640/IMG_4110.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing." width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, did you know that they have a small sheet of foam padding the bottom of the box? I had no idea! I found it by accident. How long have they been doing this? I think it's a great idea, especially since they do occasionally ship products with glass packaging. Go, Birchbox!<br />
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But enough about that. Let's get to the good stuff~</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=807850&POID=19422" rel="nofollow">PARLOR BY JEFF CHASTAIN | Smoothing Blowout Spray</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [1oz]: $4.90) </b><b>(Full-size cost [4.9oz]: $24) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvVx4mmV3L1ieuUtLn7OStXU_ZMxHl5S7Nx6soU5FejwJG30hDassYyh0QxrD2BO0haiWaymAY8NlMC93vtqyACbUREUyqVRGGxlvt9Jzf9OA8-xm51f4PWeIwsrNBypdEHAZDIHPXjnH/s1600/IMG_4135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Parlor by Jeff Chastain Smoothing Blowout Spray" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvVx4mmV3L1ieuUtLn7OStXU_ZMxHl5S7Nx6soU5FejwJG30hDassYyh0QxrD2BO0haiWaymAY8NlMC93vtqyACbUREUyqVRGGxlvt9Jzf9OA8-xm51f4PWeIwsrNBypdEHAZDIHPXjnH/s640/IMG_4135.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Parlor by Jeff Chastain Smoothing Blowout Spray" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a combo volumizer and heat protectant to be used when blow drying your hair. I've heard great things about this Birchbox-exclusive brand. I actually received another one of their hair products in a <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/birchbox-february-2016-review.html">Birchbox last month</a>, but I haven't gotten around to using it yet since I'm pretty low-maintenance (for a beauty blogger) when it comes to my hair. I also don't really blow dry my hair, so my mother and I swapped. Yes, I have a Birchbox Mom now! It's very cute. I traded her this spray since she's more hair-savvy than I am in exchange for a dark green eyeshadow crayon by Trestique that she was never going to use. Score. When she uses it, I'll let you know what she thinks. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=807852&POID=19424" rel="nofollow">KIEHL'S | Ultra Facial Cream</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [.25oz]: $4) </b><b>(Full-size cost [1.7oz]: $27.50) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijInAuwLbkja09fpEoj1Rka6xZLKK_SlCAcaqteuRS829prejUnKSoun6WVYOCQp6U5v1XfjoWkH8JKXGWEjv_88xrn4ugNXLwPVnan9CtzMI7vRqqw6NveqC8gPmlgyn_Uwk_eO5YECDT/s1600/IMG_4133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijInAuwLbkja09fpEoj1Rka6xZLKK_SlCAcaqteuRS829prejUnKSoun6WVYOCQp6U5v1XfjoWkH8JKXGWEjv_88xrn4ugNXLwPVnan9CtzMI7vRqqw6NveqC8gPmlgyn_Uwk_eO5YECDT/s640/IMG_4133.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's really weird that I haven't tried a Kiehl's product yet, since they're pretty popular in the online beauty community. But if there's one thing I can never have enough of, it's face moisturizer, so this will definitely be put to good use. This is supposed to be a fragrance-free face cream that provides moisture without being greasy. Sounds good to me. I'll let you guys know how it goes.<br />
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Other note - The info card says the full price on this is $26.50, but on Birchbox's website it's listed as $27.50. I'm just letting you know, since apparently my new goal in life is to point out information card errors. Let's carry on. </div>
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<b><br /></b><b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=807848&POID=19420" rel="nofollow">WILMA SCHUMANN | Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [1 pair]: $3.60) </b><b>(Full-size cost [5 pairs]: $18) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbH-09x7sAIANxM9BIzFnynIEO52rKdzQMeb8IPIAL73mLIgbfkYDht5eqrHgznambDpLlOu9ODfFxxyzKdh2ZRdqvfXP3mTiGWmiMZdHmV6sAlw0Zl1-Dg1ZSQxfUKusQAk_2tyJD6ft/s1600/IMG_4141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Wilma Schumann Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbH-09x7sAIANxM9BIzFnynIEO52rKdzQMeb8IPIAL73mLIgbfkYDht5eqrHgznambDpLlOu9ODfFxxyzKdh2ZRdqvfXP3mTiGWmiMZdHmV6sAlw0Zl1-Dg1ZSQxfUKusQAk_2tyJD6ft/s640/IMG_4141.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Wilma Schumann Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a pair of silicone eye pads that are soaked with ingredients to help boost hydration and collagen in the undereye area. Being twenty-two and wrinkle-free, I wasn't expecting much when I tried these out, but it was a pampering experience either way. The pads feel nice and cool on the skin, and stayed in place better than expected. A lot of times, I've found that these kinds of things tend to slide down, forcing you to lie down for twenty minutes (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I get impatient). I won't be buying these again, since I didn't see much of a difference, but I'd love to hear if these worked for you!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=807853&POID=19425" rel="nofollow">MILK STUDIOS | Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M.</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [?oz]: $3?) </b><b>(Full-size cost [.01oz]: $22) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbjEU_TAE4wq-iY2Pw8fDEoav8YhtdJA04XYENr72ej_q0loc8RUCl_jLWBlSBb_mgUV1RXgarwXatWa3IYzjn3Q6UiXhk6WpypaovjAL2hm9voUS-XwM2Dq2xHBQSUVANgcyA0QaJrMq/s1600/IMG_4114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - MILK Studios Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbjEU_TAE4wq-iY2Pw8fDEoav8YhtdJA04XYENr72ej_q0loc8RUCl_jLWBlSBb_mgUV1RXgarwXatWa3IYzjn3Q6UiXhk6WpypaovjAL2hm9voUS-XwM2Dq2xHBQSUVANgcyA0QaJrMq/s640/IMG_4114.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - MILK Studios Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M." width="640" /></a></div>
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I almost called Birchbox Customer Service when I thought they'd forgotten my lipstick sample, but then I turned over the little packet it came in and realize the lipstick was inside. Wow, is this not the tiniest lipstick you've ever seen? Check out the header image in this post for a size comparison. I mean, I didn't realize I was subscribed to Birchbox for Barbie Dolls? I mean, it's actually a nice lipstick, but it's so small I couldn't even tell the size. The color is advertised as a nude, but I think it definitely leans more coral. It has a natural-matte finish that isn't <i>super </i>matte, so it doesn't make my lips look dry. But I'll admit, I was kind of afraid to swatch it in fear of the bullet breaking right out of the plastic packaging. I've included a swatch photo a little later in the post if you want to see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86w-F3vb4tZt20lXOCIu-lbH6wUxLA7DmGDJxjTqltnTTQzZgyB8fvSlmzajbcCHRzp5LPc97btiBQ8c7FKwyuf71juSfn71YEderbQfqa2GybCJOTnIfn0CZZ0dm0DcGOsnmBuHNKeSU/s1600/IMG_4115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - MILK Studios Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86w-F3vb4tZt20lXOCIu-lbH6wUxLA7DmGDJxjTqltnTTQzZgyB8fvSlmzajbcCHRzp5LPc97btiBQ8c7FKwyuf71juSfn71YEderbQfqa2GybCJOTnIfn0CZZ0dm0DcGOsnmBuHNKeSU/s640/IMG_4115.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - MILK Studios Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M." width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the bottom of the tube. You'd think the lipstick would go all the way down, but being that it's just an empty hole, I'm not quite sure where the lipstick itself ends. I mean, I know it's a sample, but I still paid money for it. Feels a little stingy, if you ask me. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=807849&POID=19421" rel="nofollow">SMASHBOX | Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [.4oz]: $12.40) </b><b>(Full-size cost [.09oz]: $28) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjH4sfjpWWfIO4LzfLh9Xmv6tK_67hQ5Nb2VKLDiZcC82VPePEMBanTijJ31odj6WzyNJKXKOeCpwIVcXp0NVVlh24vm5d4xUfkvvedFIhDNG5PYm0TSlOAcRLvZISu_lmxhlrsxFu2__R/s1600/IMG_4121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjH4sfjpWWfIO4LzfLh9Xmv6tK_67hQ5Nb2VKLDiZcC82VPePEMBanTijJ31odj6WzyNJKXKOeCpwIVcXp0NVVlh24vm5d4xUfkvvedFIhDNG5PYm0TSlOAcRLvZISu_lmxhlrsxFu2__R/s640/IMG_4121.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been wanting to try the Smashbox Photo Op eyeshadow formula for awhile now, so I was happy to see this in my box. I have about a billion other neutral shadows in forms of singles, duos, trios, and palettes, so I would have preferred something a little different shade-wise. At least I know I'll get use out of it, even if they're not super exciting colors.<br />
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So far, I'm pretty satisfied with these shadows. They're a little drier than I expected, but the shades are easy to pack on and blend out. They're way smoother than a lot of the other shadows I've received in subscription boxes. Also, I like how the packaging on this; even though this is a sample trio, they opted for sturdier, higher quality packaging. It But I've always been a fan of the sleek professionalism of Smashbox's packaging, so that doesn't surprise me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadlf9HflpMczlKc_fqnvs0rtxmZ3r66y-Py5oYXqGw_GzKtmMFkm-7HO0zzbyogsV7aW9txIT7SKrHxoNkjQnIuG3wofWbMzFC5vR8IIs75RWIW4PCDMqjPWaxGppwJfIC23rOgwJUJo0/s1600/IMG_4128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter Swatches and Milk Studio Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadlf9HflpMczlKc_fqnvs0rtxmZ3r66y-Py5oYXqGw_GzKtmMFkm-7HO0zzbyogsV7aW9txIT7SKrHxoNkjQnIuG3wofWbMzFC5vR8IIs75RWIW4PCDMqjPWaxGppwJfIC23rOgwJUJo0/s640/IMG_4128.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter Swatches and Milk Studio Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: SMASHBOX Eyeshadow Trio | Right: MILK Lipstick</td></tr>
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I think that the light beige shade of the trio (left) was a little sheer, but it could potentially be a good shade to blend other colors out with, or perhaps as a really subtle highlight. I'm satisfied with the two brown shades, though. I can especially see myself using the dark brown as an eyeliner on "natural makeup" days. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqh70Db5QUksANARtWyuRp-j8RJfN5abtPJvfHmmFzJeQjTLoN1xFohB1z5awPq41CXHvOl9UEzVyGmECpj2HaJktX4qwLPriNFGRooMKgIDd2epm3RVZY03AV2Ivf6A_XdNw3qb1o-Cc/s1600/IMG_4122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter Swatches and Milk Studio Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M." border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqh70Db5QUksANARtWyuRp-j8RJfN5abtPJvfHmmFzJeQjTLoN1xFohB1z5awPq41CXHvOl9UEzVyGmECpj2HaJktX4qwLPriNFGRooMKgIDd2epm3RVZY03AV2Ivf6A_XdNw3qb1o-Cc/s640/IMG_4122.jpg" title="March 2016 Ready for Anything Birchbox review and unboxing - Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter Swatches and Milk Studio Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: SMASHBOX Eyeshadow Trio | Right: MILK Lipstick </td></tr>
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<i>The Stats:</i></h3>
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<ul>
<li><i>Parlor Blowout Spray: $4.90</i></li>
<li><i>The Little Lipstick That Could: $3</i></li>
<li><i>Smashbox Eyeshadow Trio: $12.40</i></li>
<li><i>Kiehl's Face Cream: $4</i></li>
<li><i>Cooling Eye Pads: $3.60</i></li>
<li><i>TOTAL:</i><i> $27.90</i></li>
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<i>The Best: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm excited to try the Kiehl's! And I'm pretty happy with the Smashbox trio. </span></span></h3>
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<i>The Worst: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would say the doll-sized lipstick, just on principle, but I actually kind of like the color. Nothing in this box was particularly bad. I would say the Collagen Eye Pads aren't really for my age group, but I picked this as a curated box, so that doesn't take my beauty profile into account. And it's not Birchbox's fault I do nothing fun with my hair. </span></span></h3>
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<h3>
<i>The Verdict: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItgUbCgbnRlGMOk-RHTYinKGlEGC8oSPEvrEMiK0cnLkriHXH-FzSm0q1bcnKqO-MrMzXQ4w30jSYZhj4M-t7vBTbsIq6ItKHwXakIg7BBFUDmbiI5RNlENy89KuL3K_kZ8XLDnoPyik6/s1600/IMG_4107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItgUbCgbnRlGMOk-RHTYinKGlEGC8oSPEvrEMiK0cnLkriHXH-FzSm0q1bcnKqO-MrMzXQ4w30jSYZhj4M-t7vBTbsIq6ItKHwXakIg7BBFUDmbiI5RNlENy89KuL3K_kZ8XLDnoPyik6/s640/IMG_4107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Overall, I would say this is a quality box. I got to try a good variety of makeup, skincare, more. I can definitely see how all these products fit together in a Ready For Anything theme -- prep your eyes with the collagen pads, slap some moisturizer on your face, swipe on some eyeshadow and lipstick, blow out your hair, and head out. Granted, I'd probably add a few other steps in between, but I think this was a well curated box overall.<br />
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Did you get this month's Birchbox? What did you think?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-15748672108442977232016-03-16T15:31:00.000-04:002016-04-26T19:38:21.799-04:00Rainy Day Manicure: Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">purchased by me | affiliate links</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzsd3dQudiMzmx57V8s83C55rrxjS25IoElGfkFC6Fduly00AkRB_1votZBqKfbhyWRQ-KmBz2swaKq_GU6sHju0mkkQh2Oi3JuKzkb4cvbC51AgpOscpKm7crNleAG_Q3lS6-XZHVtWk/s1600/IMG_4198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rainy Day Manicure: Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzsd3dQudiMzmx57V8s83C55rrxjS25IoElGfkFC6Fduly00AkRB_1votZBqKfbhyWRQ-KmBz2swaKq_GU6sHju0mkkQh2Oi3JuKzkb4cvbC51AgpOscpKm7crNleAG_Q3lS6-XZHVtWk/s640/IMG_4198.jpg" title="Rainy Day Manicure: Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! Today I wanted to share with you a nail polish I've been really liking lately: Trust Fund Beauty's Elegantly Wasted. (Can we talk about that name, though? I love it). I don't paint my nails on a regular basis, but I always find it to be a nice little treat--especially on the rainy day when things look gloomy and dull.<br />
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About Trust Fund Beauty</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnpbz4IMQER9AZqD-0PZFnetLFB-jwZmktda3ZZmFrfJQxUtlGwjQzbl4uSvGs8z_DQLJLzVBq279YFCrzbj0EdYPwuf1bCTAQ9_I3FoJVzg8jGTRTmF1lq5ILBYIfmVwFjcweFTAu_F8/s1600/IMG_4196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Rainy Day Manicure: Review and Swatches of Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnpbz4IMQER9AZqD-0PZFnetLFB-jwZmktda3ZZmFrfJQxUtlGwjQzbl4uSvGs8z_DQLJLzVBq279YFCrzbj0EdYPwuf1bCTAQ9_I3FoJVzg8jGTRTmF1lq5ILBYIfmVwFjcweFTAu_F8/s640/IMG_4196.jpg" title="Rainy Day Manicure: Review and Swatches of Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted" width="640" /></a><br />
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I discovered <a href="http://trustfundbeauty.com/" rel="nofollow"><b>Trust Fund Beauty</b></a> when I received <a href="http://trustfundbeauty.com/collections/all-products/products/elegantly-wasted" rel="nofollow"><b>Elegantly Wasted</b></a> in an <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/09/ipsy-glam-bag-august-2015-review.html"><b>Ipsy bag (review)</b></a> last year. For as much as I <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/09/why-i-cancelled-my-ipsy-subscription.html"><b>complained about Ipsy</b></a> when I first started my blog, I can't deny that I've found some pretty cool products thanks to them. </div>
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They started out doing nail polish, and their scandalous names are what first got me interested in them. I suppose it's a good marketing tactic, but I just find them quirky and fun. With names like "<a href="http://trustfundbeauty.com/products/boy-tears" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;">Boy Tears</a>," how can you <i>not </i>take a look? "<a href="http://trustfundbeauty.com/products/tax-the-rich" rel="nofollow"><b>Tax the Rich</b></a>" is another one that makes me giggle, and it also helps that I love a good cobalt blue. </div>
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There are a few names that, if a stranger asked me what nail polish I was wearing, I'd probably be a little weird saying ("Oh, that's "<a href="http://trustfundbeauty.com/products/but-daddy" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;">But...Daddy</a>" on my nails. Thanks for asking."). But overall, I think they're amusing.<br />
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I've recently discovered that they've started making lip products, too. There's not a very helpful description on their website, but judging by the photos and the current trends, I'm assuming their matte liquid lipsticks. They also offer a sort of <a href="http://trustfundbeauty.com/collections/get-spoiled-monthly" rel="nofollow"><b>monthly subscription service</b></a>, where you get two products shipped for free every month. I don't know much about it, so if anyone's tried it, definitely leave a comment letting me know!</div>
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About "Elegantly Wasted"</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr5l9ks6mAVBOHp0VsgHoYLWW6p3122u34H903YBXwR5c3X50MAb3kdo5nI6KhXgF4XHEOggsUh8bWyPMiV1g71PI5ZRIvPGcHR3IfrdTyK06p8DoGpj7jugvnUCZvpnv3w_1T2pNzzZT/s1600/IMG_4205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rainy Day Manicure: Review and Swatches of Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr5l9ks6mAVBOHp0VsgHoYLWW6p3122u34H903YBXwR5c3X50MAb3kdo5nI6KhXgF4XHEOggsUh8bWyPMiV1g71PI5ZRIvPGcHR3IfrdTyK06p8DoGpj7jugvnUCZvpnv3w_1T2pNzzZT/s640/IMG_4205.jpg" title="Rainy Day Manicure: Review and Swatches of Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted" width="640" /></a></div>
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Is it possible to be <i>elegantly </i>wasted? Oh well, not important. <br />
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The description of this color is <i>"If you enjoy yourself, it’s not really a waste - it’s your prerogative." </i>I LOVE IT! This is a beautiful dark lilac color that is more adventurous than your typical nude pink, but not as in-your-face as something like green or orange. It's a great middle-ground if you're looking to branch out. I'm definitely more adventurous with my nail color than I am with my makeup, though I think it would be fun to try this color as an eyeliner. It <i>does </i>resemble one of the <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/trend-report-pantone-2016-colors-of-year.html"><b>Pantone Colors of 2016</b></a>, doesn't it?<br />
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Let's talk about the formula. At $15 a bottle, you would hope it applies nicely--and good news, it does! It <i>can </i>be opaque with one thick coat, but I opted for two thinner ones in hopes it would last longer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugMSfw8FiScRZ6zs37iuCmAI3gwHnYqx-90v8GheX8Q54bXroyJp-FUgWviesNP4thZTpmWTDovbzHVVPIRUpviiqpRb_ULzagf7JQ2HHSsVvwkvUsh1TT2EDjfU4FDH1ZmEtfHbnQkox/s1600/IMG_4199-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rainy Day Manicure: Review and Swatches of Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugMSfw8FiScRZ6zs37iuCmAI3gwHnYqx-90v8GheX8Q54bXroyJp-FUgWviesNP4thZTpmWTDovbzHVVPIRUpviiqpRb_ULzagf7JQ2HHSsVvwkvUsh1TT2EDjfU4FDH1ZmEtfHbnQkox/s640/IMG_4199-2.jpg" title="Rainy Day Manicure: Review and Swatches of Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took these nail swatch photos on Day 3, and they it still looked freshly applied. As I'm typing this (on Day 4), I'm seeing some minor chips on a finger or two, but other than that I'm pretty impressed with the staying power. It could also have something to do with the trust base coat and top coats I'm using right now: <b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=807754&POID=19354" rel="nofollow">Sally Hansen's Miracle Cure</a> ($9, found on <a href="http://amzn.to/1Ugl4zX" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a> for $5)</b> and <b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=807753&POID=19353" rel="nofollow">Formula X Shine Nail Top Coat</a> ($10.50)</b>, respectively, but I've used these with other polishes and haven't gone as long without a chip.<br />
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Overall, I think this is a hit. It's definitely pricier than your typical O.P.I. or Essie, but it comes with a solid formula and a cheeky name, so it's up to you if it's worth the increase in price.<br />
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What's on your nails right now?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Not much to disclose besides a few affiliate links. Not sponsored. I paid for this. What should I use this space to talk about instead? Ponies are pretty. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-52749251066587230502016-03-11T17:27:00.001-05:002016-04-26T19:37:05.353-04:00The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">sent for review | affiliate links</span></a></div>
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Hi, friends! I can't believe it's been a week since we last blogged it up! Sure, I've been on social media, but it's just not the same. Real life took over this week, so I haven't been able to write a full post. But I'm back! With an in-depth review of not one, but TWO products, so hopefully that makes up for my short absence. :) </div>
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Today I'll be reviewing two products sent to me by Elizabeth Arden: the Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Ceramide Caplet Serum. There was no stipulation to it, no "You must review these," but I've been using them for a few weeks and I wanted to share what I thought about it. So let's jump into everything!</div>
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<i>About Elizabeth Arden</i></h2>
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<i><br /></i>Though she doesn't seem to take the spotlight in the online beauty community, Elizabeth Arden started her business over a century ago (hot damn!). I'm not going to give a history lesson because we'll be here all day, but Elizabeth Arden and her Red Door Salon played a pivotal role in the women's rights movement in the 1900s. You might recognize Red Door as the name of her perfume, but women would march past the red door of her 5th Avenue spa sporting red lipstick as a symbol of strength as they fought for their right to vote. Just thinking about it makes me feel empowered (kind of like my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/11/girlscan-with-covergirl-giveaway.html">#GirlsCan post</a>)!<br />
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Arden and her line were overshadowed once Estee Lauder came on the scene, especially when she passed away in 1966, but they seem to be trying to make a comeback (you might remember Catherine Zeta-Zones being their spokeswoman awhile back). The Elizabeth Arden brand still sells an arsenal of makeup and skincare products, and I'm curious to see how they progress in the coming years.</div>
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<h2>
<i>About Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum ("Flawless Future Serum")</i></h2>
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>Elizabeth Arden is a pioneer of the original caplet delivery system (the old school method of opening individual gold capsules and applying the serum they contained to the skin). She updated the packaging to insert the capsules into a suspended liquid to make things easier, though I think they're just beads for visual effect. This is supposed to add radiance and antioxidants to the skin.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<i>About Superstart Skin Renewal Booster ("Superstart Booster")</i></h2>
<br />
This new product from Elizabeth Arden is designed to be used under your serums and moisturizers to <i>boost</i> their beneficial effects. It claims to strengthen your skin's surface layer and enhance its ability to repair itself.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe7QMZH0j6_G8sB0jQkklb1R_oqAX5RAc0OwsGoBJ0qYaetjbXNb2sc5Su0TNkFB8L-ZD9lmNBlXQC8eJUysUZN4c4BnkS5-hnCTSSHD5zt4TdT8_nK68n8GGunad5X6B58Bb8VpprGza/s1600/IMG_4021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review of Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe7QMZH0j6_G8sB0jQkklb1R_oqAX5RAc0OwsGoBJ0qYaetjbXNb2sc5Su0TNkFB8L-ZD9lmNBlXQC8eJUysUZN4c4BnkS5-hnCTSSHD5zt4TdT8_nK68n8GGunad5X6B58Bb8VpprGza/s640/IMG_4021.jpg" title="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review of Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h2>
<i>Ingredients</i></h2>
<div>
<b><i>Ingredients of Superstat Booster:</i></b><br />
<i>Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Amodimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 Ii, Cholesterol, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Kefiran, Lactobacillus, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Maltodextrin, Parfum/Fragrance, Phytosphingosine, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Saccharide Isomerate, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
</i></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><b>Ingredients of Flawless Future Serum:</b></span></div>
<i>Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Adenosine, Calcium Alginate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 LI, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fucose, Gellan Gum, Glucose, Glucuronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Mica, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phytosphingosine, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Propanediol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Trideceth-9, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
<i>Price and Availability </i></h2>
<div>
<br />
<i>Superstart Booster</i>: 1oz - <u><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/elizabetharden-coupons.html?ATID=807510&POID=19266" rel="nofollow">Elizabeth Arden</a></u> [$65], <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/macys-coupons.html?ATID=807512&POID=19268" rel="nofollow">Macy's</a> [$65], <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/nordstrom-coupons.html?ATID=807511&POID=19267" rel="nofollow">Nordstrom</a> [$65], <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/skinstore-coupons.html?ATID=807513&POID=19269" rel="nofollow">SkinStore</a> [$65]<br />
<br />
<i>Flawless Future Serum</i>: 1oz - <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/elizabetharden-coupons.html?ATID=807514&POID=19270" rel="nofollow">Elizabeth Arden</a> [$60], <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/macys-coupons.html?ATID=807515&POID=19271" rel="nofollow">Macy's</a> [$60], <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/nordstrom-coupons.html?ATID=807517&POID=19273" rel="nofollow">Nordstrom</a> [$60], <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/skinstore-coupons.html?ATID=807516&POID=19272" rel="nofollow">SkinStore</a> [$60]<br />
<br />
I have also seen Elizabeth Arden products sold at my local Marshall's and TJ Maxx, but I don't know if they stock these products in particular. Let me know if you see them on the shelves!<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<i>My Experience</i></h2>
<div>
<h3>
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>The Packaging</b></i></h3>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYb7X3FK8dxFhrqlYSsX801J7drhx-XqMqo-dBe2ngCpy6_JQKk6eMsPv5Lk55V-fuSBW7ECyYspuGmfozOfikrKJsQWG2qUZY0dx_BColewcmt__qmcO4hLI_Ou2InfIkvsBj-WbBRfM/s1600/Not+Used+%252841%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review Flawless Future Ceramide Caplet Serum" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYb7X3FK8dxFhrqlYSsX801J7drhx-XqMqo-dBe2ngCpy6_JQKk6eMsPv5Lk55V-fuSBW7ECyYspuGmfozOfikrKJsQWG2qUZY0dx_BColewcmt__qmcO4hLI_Ou2InfIkvsBj-WbBRfM/s640/Not+Used+%252841%2529.jpg" title="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review Flawless Future Ceramide Caplet Serum" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwXzp1LN_wDyBj5hrLo83TlQbsu7hmvmLPYnNWeJ4Nn-HKQnNmFzjcDDAKsnJY4kBT6N3CyIkTqJgZjdgFyEqUm_90SD1T8EsEXdrk5anbRE-g3KdElAtydKnyThjV-46d7NGnVV7aGRT/s1600/Not+Used+%252835%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review Flawless Future Ceramide Caplet Serum" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwXzp1LN_wDyBj5hrLo83TlQbsu7hmvmLPYnNWeJ4Nn-HKQnNmFzjcDDAKsnJY4kBT6N3CyIkTqJgZjdgFyEqUm_90SD1T8EsEXdrk5anbRE-g3KdElAtydKnyThjV-46d7NGnVV7aGRT/s640/Not+Used+%252835%2529.jpg" title="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review Flawless Future Ceramide Caplet Serum" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
With its sleek glass bottle with gold trim, you can't deny that this is one classy face serum. Of course, the glass means I worry about it jumping out my medicine cabinet and falling onto the floor, the little white beads it holds going everywhere, but that's a risk Elizabeth Arden was willing to take. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Having used a sample of this in the past, I know that the little white beads are really just for show. They take up a lot of space in the bottle, so it looks like you're getting more than you really are. When the watery serum that's keeping them suspended runs out, you just see a bunch of plastic pearls sitting on the bottom. It doesn't hurt or anything, but I think it's good to point out. That being said, it certainly is aesthetically pleasing product. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm a big fan of the sanitary pump packaging, and one perfect pump covers my whole face. The pump is way better than an open jar in terms of keeping air out, so that's a thumbs up in my book. I can't tell you with 100% certainty that the ingredients in this won't break down with exposure to light, but since this has clear glass packaging I like to be safe and keep it in a drawer or cabinet, rather than by a window. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnU22L3qdOGQag6fBCdX_7l2t5ugfxe1JaOWTdie_XeXPQKHKp7dGIZ4gVYImwGhsjPrzMw3bjGucWnyXMCquDxkibJjKFW8iR20S9fAyqUD0C4m80PtX9fXm9YR2gzDGK-I9x9d1dS2T/s1600/Not+Used+%252826%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review Superstart Skin Renewal Booster" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnU22L3qdOGQag6fBCdX_7l2t5ugfxe1JaOWTdie_XeXPQKHKp7dGIZ4gVYImwGhsjPrzMw3bjGucWnyXMCquDxkibJjKFW8iR20S9fAyqUD0C4m80PtX9fXm9YR2gzDGK-I9x9d1dS2T/s640/Not+Used+%252826%2529.jpg" title="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review Superstart Skin Renewal Booster" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Superstart Skin Renewal Booster</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOs9Wr6SUSu50KlLpynM5ScHHpDMh2BGjQSp1f2h0am582n9yuSRGlLSvtQfSNmKRphiJDt7iE9g7fBmlne_NkFhDCpRMZg1JOjEzjdpdqzIuPtzWAbJqAkjoSFIj6vVrJOSwGKft5Jfp/s1600/Not+Used+%252828%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review Superstart Skin Renewal Booster" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOs9Wr6SUSu50KlLpynM5ScHHpDMh2BGjQSp1f2h0am582n9yuSRGlLSvtQfSNmKRphiJDt7iE9g7fBmlne_NkFhDCpRMZg1JOjEzjdpdqzIuPtzWAbJqAkjoSFIj6vVrJOSwGKft5Jfp/s640/Not+Used+%252828%2529.jpg" title="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review Superstart Skin Renewal Booster" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Superstart Skin Renewal Booster - Back</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div>
Is it possible to be excited about packaging? Because I'm <i>stoked. </i>Sure, the reflective-looking outside on this product made it difficult for photographing, but other than that I think they did a fantastic job. The opaque hard plastic keeps any senstive ingredients safe from light, and the lockable pump is wonderful for keeping air away. Also, one perfect pump covers my whole face, and I have just enough on my hands to bring a little down my neck.<br />
<br />
The pump also <i>locks </i>in the back! Why don't more skincare products do this? You don't have to worry about the product going everywhere when you're traveling. It's beautiful! Am I crying?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b><i>The Stuff Inside</i></b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5elUJmM_T7YM9pC25ACEa3onzP3bzTN_jmjKhnsX2T0OWnRZokmjwqoHiRUYiFCVR5-sstdeWH9D7NJoGRzeX3KeD_TZDbmyHeqE6P15sCCvPJY_GhRgA_Bg-KeCxZTPK9srG1Bok9J-K/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review of Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5elUJmM_T7YM9pC25ACEa3onzP3bzTN_jmjKhnsX2T0OWnRZokmjwqoHiRUYiFCVR5-sstdeWH9D7NJoGRzeX3KeD_TZDbmyHeqE6P15sCCvPJY_GhRgA_Bg-KeCxZTPK9srG1Bok9J-K/s640/IMG_4144.jpg" title="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review of Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Superstart Booster | Right: Flawless Future Serum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
These two products are both water-based, so they're not very thick. The Superstart Booster (left) is more of a watery lotion in consistency, while the Flawless Future Serum (right) is extremely watery. I had to make sure to keep my hand upright or else I'd risk it running all the way down my hand. Not cute.<br />
<br />
You might notice in swatch of the Flawless Future that it includes little sparkles. This is the added "radiance" that Elizabeth Arden advertised in the form of mica, the stuff often used in mineral makeup and eyeshadow. Not that it's incredibly noticeable or that it turns you into a discoball, but it's still like...why? If I wanted shimmery skin, I'd put highlighter on (and only on certain parts of my face, not all over). I'm sure oily-skinned folk will love having shimmer all over their face. But it's honestly not that terribly noticeable unless you're looking for it. Maybe I'm just <strike>a snob</strike> being picky.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
<b><i>My Experience </i></b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
I have been using these products every evening for the past 3-4 weeks.<br />
<br />
I have combination skin, in which my cheeks feel dry all day every day, and although I don't feel "hydrated" in my t-zone (forehead/nose/chin area), I do have to powder those areas if I'm wearing dewy or moisturizing foundation. I'm always looking for products that will make my skin feel soft and smooth and get rid of that feeling of tightness.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbC8gVisBcUyK-JHOmVb8YfTFcGKLoiL5z_yGfHEzr-0RUI5IQHNJLduGDti_3srTD8-Zfa61a_nloksOyH9GZ-HL5DDLdlK-Y9CR07IiAuwzEGLFJUwXDDP6WyMAiaYrZBWCWVvnJnmT/s1600/Not+Used+%252827%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review: Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbC8gVisBcUyK-JHOmVb8YfTFcGKLoiL5z_yGfHEzr-0RUI5IQHNJLduGDti_3srTD8-Zfa61a_nloksOyH9GZ-HL5DDLdlK-Y9CR07IiAuwzEGLFJUwXDDP6WyMAiaYrZBWCWVvnJnmT/s640/Not+Used+%252827%2529.jpg" title="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review: Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superstart Skin Renewal Booster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
This product is designed to go on before any serums or moisturizer to boost other products' effects. I don't know how to prove if my products are working better than if I skipped this step, but I <i>do</i> like the way my skin feels after I apply it. This light, water-based lotion soaks in quickly, makes my skin feel soft, and contains a ton of great ingredients. Ceramides and cholesterol are great at building up the skin's defenses, while kerafin (think: kefir, the yogurt drink) is a probiotic that delivers good bacteria. I'm not a fan of the fragrance in this, both because I have sensitive skin and I just don't like my skincare products to be scented, but it's not terribly strong and I can't smell it on my face once I apply it. Some people enjoy skincare products with a pleasant fragrance, so if you like it then all the better. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoWChRYt109qSRywAHSaWhdn6Bjs3LWdNPGhjHFycqCczHtEwDN_vfm83UuiVWaGzRTmaZJG8J_KJWHaTTmwXlMaLbiMaidneoM_0JRiD3MpEuSv2wdqG91NhTug2KgvFc1meDWuEmgWk/s1600/Not+Used+%252838%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review: Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoWChRYt109qSRywAHSaWhdn6Bjs3LWdNPGhjHFycqCczHtEwDN_vfm83UuiVWaGzRTmaZJG8J_KJWHaTTmwXlMaLbiMaidneoM_0JRiD3MpEuSv2wdqG91NhTug2KgvFc1meDWuEmgWk/s640/Not+Used+%252838%2529.jpg" title="The Power of Two: Elizabeth Arden Skincare Review: Superstart Skin Renewal Booster and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I originally used a sample of this product a few months ago and wasn't a huge fan. I didn't look into the ingredients at the time, but using it on its own, I didn't like how my skin felt. Having an almost water-like consistency, it absorbed very quickly, and afterwards my skin felt unpleasantly dry. However, once I partnered it with the Booster above, I found that symptom went away. It contains good ingredients that help repair the skin, like ceramides (as the name suggests). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I still find the inclusion of mica unnecessary (especially when using it at night--again, <i>why?</i>), but other than that I've been pleased with it so far. Oily-skinned folk might like how weightless it is, but not the shimmer once it dries.</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<h2>
<i>The Verdict</i></h2>
<div>
<h3>
<i>Superstart Booster</i></h3>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h4>
<i><b>Pros: </b></i></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Absorbs quickly</li>
<li>Makes skin feel soft</li>
<li>Plethora of great barrier-repairing ingredients</li>
<li>Well thought-out packaging</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div>
<h4>
<i><b>Cons:</b></i></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Contains fragrance</li>
<li>Pricey</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<h3>
<i><b>Flawless Future Serum</b></i></h3>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h4>
<i>Pros: </i></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Provides antioxidants and ceramides</li>
<li>Pump packaging</li>
<li>Fragrance-free</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div>
<h4>
<i>Cons:</i></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Glass packaging allows light to enter (and is very breakable, but that's a personal thing)</li>
<li>Pricey</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Overall, I've been enjoying this duo. I don't know if I would purchase the Flawless Future serum, just because it hasn't completely wow'd me, which it should considering the price. As someone with dry skin, I prefer serums that provide more hydration. Although it contains some good ingredients, I'm not a fan of the mica (or the thought of picking up all those little pearls if it jumps off my sink and onto the floor, but that's besides the point). I haven't seen a difference in my skin since including this, and there are just other serums I like more (that cost less!).<br />
<br />
I think the Booster is very cool, with the innovative packaging and great blend of ingredients. They're both very pricey, but out of the two, I see myself springing for the Booster rather than the Serum. Not to say either is in my budget, but if you have the cash for one of these, you might like the Booster. I like the way it makes my skin feel soft and smooth. The fragrance isn't extreme, but you can smell it while applying it, and depending on your skin type, it might not make your skin very happy.<br />
<br />
I'm curious to see if other brands make a similar product to the Booster, whether it be in the packaging or the purpose of boosting other products applied on top of it. I like the idea of trying products that soften the skin and allow the other products applied on top of it to work better. Now I'm curious!</div>
<div>
<br />
Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful to you. Let me know if there's a particular product you're interested in seeing reviewed next!<br />
<br />
What serum(s) are you using right now? </div>
<div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Elizabeth Arden sent these products to me complimentary. I have decided to do an honest review of them of my own volition. Affiliate links are included but I haven't made a dime off of them so I don't know why I continue to include them. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-79419653572545249742016-03-03T18:18:00.003-05:002016-05-17T22:30:45.350-04:00How to: Create Your First Skincare Routine<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hello, friends! It's been awhile since I did a "Skincare How-to," so I figured it was about time we fixed that. We already talked about <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/05/how-to-determine-your-skin-type.html">How to Determine Your Skin Type</a>, so the only logical next step is to use that knowledge and develop a skincare routine. With the sheer amount of products and information out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Before we go into talking about complex stuff like retinoids and chemical exfoliation, let's just go back to basics. In the wise words of Julie Andrews, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k33ZQ4I4p24" rel="nofollow">"Let's start at the very beginning."</a><br />
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Step 1: Ask Yourself "Why?"</h3>
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Why are you starting your skincare routine? What's the problem that you're facing? Did your first wrinkle freak you out? Are you contemplating doing something drastic to remove those blackheads from your nose? My mother bought me my very first skin products when I was in middle school because I kept complaining that my face felt tight. The issues you're facing will help you figure out what your skin type is and what products you should be using. I did a whole post on <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/05/how-to-determine-your-skin-type.html">How to Determine Your Skin Type</a> last year, so if you're feeling a little lost, that reference is there for you! </div>
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<h3>
Step 2: Go Shopping</h3>
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If you're just starting to incorporate skincare products in your daily routine, it's best to start out light. It's not going to be easy switching from using nothing to having to use a complex five-product routine, and you might not stick with it. Start off small. If it only takes a few minutes each day, you'll be more likely to do it. You don't need an arsenal of products to address your issues in the beginning. Let's just pick up two (important!) products to start out:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CGKxf1Bc8sC38Xarl35CjkPyvN-TAvBCuGXMjmCAsVXalM40DYpQgcHAn3z7mjmVDbrz_2JgZAo30-u4EelqHW3OtIiD8euuJJjwKl71QsVG2xLqmnTZRZnURhiYkmbu5HPRnaWKBkHd/s1600/IMG_4060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to: Create Your First Skincare Routine" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CGKxf1Bc8sC38Xarl35CjkPyvN-TAvBCuGXMjmCAsVXalM40DYpQgcHAn3z7mjmVDbrz_2JgZAo30-u4EelqHW3OtIiD8euuJJjwKl71QsVG2xLqmnTZRZnURhiYkmbu5HPRnaWKBkHd/s640/IMG_4060.jpg" title="How to: Create Your First Skincare Routine" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleansers come in all different varieties.</td></tr>
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<h4>
Cleanser</h4>
You've all heard of face wash. It's like soap, for your face. It's not really <i>just </i>soap, though--using the same soap you use on your body on your face will most likely dry it out. Products are formulated for different things. You don't wash your dishes with laundry detergent, do you? It's the same thing with skin care. Get something that's formulated for your face, and your skin type. Take what we talked about in Step 1 and keep it in mind. I like to look up product reviews online on various beauty blogs, as well as checked out how products ranked on <a href="http://makeupalley.commakeupalley.com/" rel="nofollow">Makeup Alley</a>.<br />
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I could write a book on choosing a cleanser for your skin type, but I'll try to keep things short.<br />
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What you <i>don't</i> want is a foaming cleanser. The soap creating that lovely foam can put the skin's pH out of whack, making it alkaline, aka a breeding ground for bacteria. Definitely a no-go for the acne-prone especially.<br />
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What you <i>do </i>want is something that is going to gently remove the dirt and grime from your skin without sending your face into a frenzy. Many dermatologists recommend <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=807242&POID=19127" rel="nofollow">Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser for All Skin Types</a> to nearly everyone, but it's notorious among estheticians for clogging pores, so if that's something you struggle with then you might find this cleanser won't work for you. But that's why there are so many options out there!<br />
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That's not to say you have to use it forever (unless you want to, in which case go ahead). Just use it long enough to gauge how your skin feels after you use it. Does it feel stripped of moisture? You might want to pick something more moisturizing, such as a creamy cleanser, milk cleanser, or cleansing balm. It's all about using a product, seeing what you think about it, and switching to a different one if it doesn't do what you want it to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAEVECOKvyGQfla0u1qFpEI8BlJwaSYSnzDNQw0L4NU_WnNCZdYAoOpMqDO9vAqFWcu2WmSMG_RlXDuhCAXs6AkMZx7i5f_VbI75nl4WM5livurb_ch0wNCApqlFSzpO9vjbtgjMCfA3-/s1600/IMG_4041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to: Create Your First Skincare Routine" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAEVECOKvyGQfla0u1qFpEI8BlJwaSYSnzDNQw0L4NU_WnNCZdYAoOpMqDO9vAqFWcu2WmSMG_RlXDuhCAXs6AkMZx7i5f_VbI75nl4WM5livurb_ch0wNCApqlFSzpO9vjbtgjMCfA3-/s640/IMG_4041.jpg" title="How to: Create Your First Skincare Routine" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moisturizers come in all different types and formulas</td></tr>
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<h4>
<b>Moisturizer</b></h4>
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It's equally as important to moisturize your skin as it is to cleanse it. Maybe even moreso. While our face wash gets rid of all that dirt and bacteria (<i>yay!</i>) it also removes some of your skin's natural oils (<i>boo!</i>). No matter whether your skin is oily, dry, blue, green, whatever; keeping your skin hydrated is essential. </div>
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I like to have one moisturizer for daytime and one moisturizer for nighttime.<br />
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My <b>morning</b> moisturizer will have sunscreen in it, SPF 15 minimum. SPF 30 is really recommended, especially if you have fair skin, but that can sometimes make skin look greasy and/or create a "whitecast" in flash photography. I use <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=807240&POID=19126" rel="nofollow">Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer SPF 15</a> every day, but I'm typically not outside for very long, and I use it religiously. I like it because it's not too heavy but it still hydrates sufficiently, and I think it's balanced enough that most skin types could get use out of it.<br />
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You can also use a sunscreen over your moisturizer instead if you would rather use the same moisturizer for day and night, but I'm basically unable to function in the morning, so the less steps, the better. </div>
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The <b>evening</b> is when you get to pamper your skin. If you're dry, now is the time you can use your heavy face creams, because who cares if it makes your face look greasy before bed? Those with oily skin might want to opt for a gel or lotion. And no, being oily does not mean you get to skip moisturizer. Your skin's abundant oil production might very well be caused by a lack of hydration, so using a moisturizer could actually help calm it down a bit. Crazy right?<br />
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<h3>
Step 3: Get to Work!</h3>
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Now that you're armed with a mini skincare arsenal, it's time to put those products to the test! </div>
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<h4>
A.M.</h4>
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<ol>
<li><b>Cleanse</b> - Many people, particularly those with dry skin, don't like to cleanse in the morning. Instead, they just splash their face with water. You are welcome to try this and see what you think. I've tried it both ways and I've come to prefer the clean feeling of washing my face in the morning.</li>
<li><b>Moisturize </b>- I'll use my daytime moisturizer with SPF here. Quick and easy. I also like to use this around my eyes (just not too close!) and down my neck for added sun protection.</li>
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P.M.</h4>
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<li><b>Makeup Removal - </b>If you're wearing makeup, you have to get that stuff off! Some cleansers are great at removing makeup, but others are not. This especially applies to mascaras, which are often the trickiest to remove. There are a ton of options, such as waterproof eye makeup removers, cleansing waters, face wipes, and more, that you can use. I've found that the <a href="http://amzn.to/1VTxNWV" rel="nofollow">Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/1VTxJGL" rel="nofollow">Skinn Olive & Enzyme Balm Cleanser</a> are also very good at removing makeup, but I always use a little waterproof eye makeup remover just to ensure I got all my mascara off. If you don't wear makeup, that's less work for you! </li>
<li><b>Cleanse</b> - Whether you wash your face in the morning or not, you <i>need </i>to wash your face at night. No, I don't care how tired you are. It'll only take a second! I find that washing my face with my hands isn't as nearly as effective as using a washcloth. Just wet your face, pour some cleanser onto a wet washcloth, and gently rub in circular motions. This should be all the exfoliation (read: removal of dead skin) you need for the most part. There are other ways you can exfoliate, but in the beginning this is perfectly sufficient.</li>
<li><b>Moisturize </b>- Every time you wash your face, you should moisturize. You can use your non-SPF moisturizer here. I like to bring whatever's left on my hands down my neck, and maybe onto my decollete depending on what's exposed in my pajama shirt. </li>
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<h3>
Step 4: Think it Over</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrpEzkxoAUACk2Mz6BXKUTZ4LZ-vQcMR_iAGirrXxy6C0jXZ_o1LyZdvm819vSTuweW7LmF3zvNaNvns_mD7umbTsIMyxX4xmC3WWl7h7__oyvxdiB35gQyEIofAI4Q38lmrlWh6vwMni/s1600/Thought-Bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to: Create Your First Skincare Routine" border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrpEzkxoAUACk2Mz6BXKUTZ4LZ-vQcMR_iAGirrXxy6C0jXZ_o1LyZdvm819vSTuweW7LmF3zvNaNvns_mD7umbTsIMyxX4xmC3WWl7h7__oyvxdiB35gQyEIofAI4Q38lmrlWh6vwMni/s400/Thought-Bubble.jpg" title="How to: Create Your First Skincare Routine" width="400" /></a></div>
You might notice that I don't review any skincare product on this blog until I've been using it for at least two weeks. That's because you might not see any effects right away. It's not until a few uses that you start to notice if you skin looks or feels different. After using a product for awhile, ask yourself a few questions. What did you think? Do you see a difference? Would you repurchase it? These are questions only you can answer. </div>
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Your skin can feel different as the seasons change, as your hormones change, and as your grow older. Exfoliation means your skin is just a little different every day, so treat the skin you have now. If something once worked for you but now no longer seems to, pick up something else! Now you can see why so many beauty bloggers are hoarders--we might not like something now, but we might want to use it later! </div>
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<h3>
All in all...</h3>
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What works for someone else might not necessarily work for you. Your skin is individual to you, and different products and ingredients will react differently to every person. Just like with food, some people might be allergic to nuts, while others might swear by eating almonds every day.<br />
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It really is a personal journey. That's why I find it so interesting. It has a foundation in science, but it's also completely reliant on personal experience. It became a hobby for me, trying different things and seeing I liked/disliked, comparing notes with others. It's fun! Try it--you might like it!<br />
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Generalizations are hard, but I tried to keep this short as possible. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll try and answer them the best I can!<br />
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What do you think? Was this helpful to you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ3KNNf4m-qP05BLep9b_jRfkSWkEqR0TZZjJ5GSDqX-lmGUwMgcua0-xllmUn_4m0V3smKokxnN3EPnVHJBmR7V9cDpPn4w83L_NEa5UO698CI7bT4OhciBy1QJun3IZpt4vaKOzszz9/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ3KNNf4m-qP05BLep9b_jRfkSWkEqR0TZZjJ5GSDqX-lmGUwMgcua0-xllmUn_4m0V3smKokxnN3EPnVHJBmR7V9cDpPn4w83L_NEa5UO698CI7bT4OhciBy1QJun3IZpt4vaKOzszz9/s1600/Signature+New.png" /></a><br />
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<i>Want to see some of my skincare recommendations? Click <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/01/beauty-buff-favorites-of-2015-skincare.html">here</a></b>!</i><i> </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I'm not an aesthetician or a dermatologist. I'm just a girl with a blog and strange love of doing research.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-23101928736955317392016-02-29T19:32:00.001-05:002016-04-26T19:34:54.606-04:00February Finds: 6 New Products I've Been Trying<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html" style="font-size: x-small;">purchased by me | pr sample | affiliate links</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7X6js3PVS_HCX9c-Q3qbldL4BWmDTbTYjdIVpoDZs4Xo2e6hVQJR-1p07awuhAyvV4tiVuKHnX7vi4p_3u6IKtec7gy-F4jy9ZWuPqwzQuW1OnAfQx_sGes7kwtiUSGwSX6ZC2BQOpC4/s1600/IMG_4032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying, featuring Elizabeth Arden, Foreo, Deborah Lippmann, China Glaze, and Marcelle!" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7X6js3PVS_HCX9c-Q3qbldL4BWmDTbTYjdIVpoDZs4Xo2e6hVQJR-1p07awuhAyvV4tiVuKHnX7vi4p_3u6IKtec7gy-F4jy9ZWuPqwzQuW1OnAfQx_sGes7kwtiUSGwSX6ZC2BQOpC4/s640/IMG_4032.jpg" title="February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying, featuring Elizabeth Arden, Foreo, Deborah Lippmann, China Glaze, and Marcelle!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Hi, friends! It's around that time of the month (no, not <i>that </i>time of the month) when I usually do my monthly favorites posts. Usually I'd talk about all the new products I tested and my favorite discoveries of that month, but things are going to work a little differently this month. For the majority of February, I was either using products I've already mentioned on the blog, or testing new products that I haven't made a decision on yet, so I'm not quite ready to share my thoughts on them so early in the game. </div>
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So I figured, rather than talking about the products you guys already know I like in a redundant Favorites post, how about we start the train rolling on some new products? Here's a sneak peek to some of the products you'll see mentioned on the blog within the next month or two: </div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/elizabetharden-coupons.html?ATID=807147&POID=19087" rel="nofollow">ELIZABETH ARDEN | Flawless Future Caplet Serum</a> ($60 | 1oz)</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/elizabetharden-coupons.html?ATID=807148&POID=19088" rel="nofollow">ELIZABETH ARDEN | Superstart Skin Renewal Booster</a> ($65 | 1oz)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzw0TWNN2uVBSvxzAcWweWFXHlcDAqouF-OrGUyz3kMrUNbESRnWyqlLLJmmCWfEPBURqTxA_8FADs3z_Rqnx5iAM2r2wY0KPzXYnYXQDxgpTEV3Q4QDqHTcUZ4gil6PJOyQiKK6y35hh/s1600/IMG_3953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: ELIZABETH ARDEN | Flawless Future Caplet Serum & Superstart Skin Renewal Booster" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzw0TWNN2uVBSvxzAcWweWFXHlcDAqouF-OrGUyz3kMrUNbESRnWyqlLLJmmCWfEPBURqTxA_8FADs3z_Rqnx5iAM2r2wY0KPzXYnYXQDxgpTEV3Q4QDqHTcUZ4gil6PJOyQiKK6y35hh/s640/IMG_3953.jpg" title="February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: ELIZABETH ARDEN | Flawless Future Caplet Serum & Superstart Skin Renewal Booster" width="640" /></a></div>
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Believe it or not, I've actually never used a product from Elizabeth Arden before! I received this duo from Elizabeth Arden and started incorporating them into my skincare routine about a week ago. The Superstart Booster (right) is supposed to enhance the effects of the other skincare products you layer on top of it, while the Flawless Future Serum (left) is applied like a regular serum to deliver ceramides and repair skin. So far, so good, but I'll be posting an in-depth review of these guys in the next week or two! </div>
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<a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=807144&POID=19084"><br /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=807144&POID=19084" rel="nofollow">MARCELLE | Hydra-C 24H Energizing Gel</a> ($25 | 1.7oz)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib56ibpOIEfIPaQCy2nQW6Cjp6oWjOw-2Yh8EynT8cXJIL49yDuHinFtA_xoAN0A3c8TVYZZ5Elk8s6mikd9kHdcPlxsVEfW1OgyhDDdnmPDoxfOZ9v4NWzhes4dK4PwItdTDFxXIm9Cvd/s1600/IMG_3977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Gel" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib56ibpOIEfIPaQCy2nQW6Cjp6oWjOw-2Yh8EynT8cXJIL49yDuHinFtA_xoAN0A3c8TVYZZ5Elk8s6mikd9kHdcPlxsVEfW1OgyhDDdnmPDoxfOZ9v4NWzhes4dK4PwItdTDFxXIm9Cvd/s640/IMG_3977.jpg" title=" February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Gel" width="640" /></a></div>
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After trying a little sample of this moisturizer, I decided I liked it enough to order the full-size from Birchbox's website. Spring is just around the corner, which is right about the time when I give my combination skin a break from heavy creams and start bringing out the lighter lotions and gels. This gel is hydrating enough for me to use at nighttime, as long as it's partnered with a hydrating serum (or the Elizabeth Arden duo above!). It contains Vitamins C and E, along with other nice ingredients like aloe and cucumber extract. I'll report back when I've made more of a dent in this jar, but so far we're doing good!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=807145&POID=19085" rel="nofollow">FOREO | Luna for Sensitive/Normal Skin</a> ($169)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SFfJIMgr4o9syyq8HO87wu1rWSyEyBNu2nHmodLDcrrocWTsmUQt-duFVR4LDtLZRhcK48w63wYjJji96YNvCJvHccnEH39s95umCupbcb36RFbBJzEaUq0NxFsMKfNBgG0mqskv5TBS/s1600/IMG_3984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: Foreo Luna for Sensitive/Normal Skin" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SFfJIMgr4o9syyq8HO87wu1rWSyEyBNu2nHmodLDcrrocWTsmUQt-duFVR4LDtLZRhcK48w63wYjJji96YNvCJvHccnEH39s95umCupbcb36RFbBJzEaUq0NxFsMKfNBgG0mqskv5TBS/s640/IMG_3984.jpg" title=" February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: Foreo Luna for Sensitive/Normal Skin" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited I finally got a Foreo Luna! It came in the mail a few days ago, and I was able to put it to the test for the first time today. For those who don't know, it's a gentle skin cleansing device made completely of silicone, quite different from the Clarisonic and the off-brand copycats. I was really surprised how gentle it was on the skin. The only major downside I can see so far is that you have to remove your makeup before using it, unlike with the Clarisonic, which was great at getting my makeup off at the end of the night. I'll definitely be doing an in-depth review of this baby once I become more acquainted with it, so stay tuned. I've also been getting ahead of myself and thinking of doing a comparison post with the Clarisonic Mia 2, so let me know if that's something you would find useful!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.deborahlippmann.com/ruby-red-slippers" rel="nofollow">DEBORAH LIPPMANN | Ruby Red Slippers</a> ($20 | .5oz) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOBKhA0eKGu2-RwA1nJ45ThLH5wByXpxTjxvS5Ixcgt1weRrKyavB0XIOev-UR4p_z9QEB6vgikm2J-YlXfRBIH8pgJUmSypwJidPDuRYq8JMYfy3NKmqas8SoaCIE8PxEcP1kWa5H5o-/s1600/IMG_3997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slippers" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOBKhA0eKGu2-RwA1nJ45ThLH5wByXpxTjxvS5Ixcgt1weRrKyavB0XIOev-UR4p_z9QEB6vgikm2J-YlXfRBIH8pgJUmSypwJidPDuRYq8JMYfy3NKmqas8SoaCIE8PxEcP1kWa5H5o-/s640/IMG_3997.jpg" title=" February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slippers" width="640" /></a></div>
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AKA baby's first Deborah Lippmann glitter polish. I've been eyeing this one for awhile, along with Across the Universe, both of which seem to have suspiciously disappeared from Sephora. Why would you do that to us?? Thankfully, I was able to snag this one off Birchbox's website, and the other one is still available through Amazon (though we'll see how long that lasts). Anyway, this is a black jelly base nail polish with pieces of red glitter, supposedly inspired by Dorothy's ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz. I ordered it too late for it to come by Valentine's Day, but I'll be rocking it next month for sure! I hope it's as gorgeous on the nails as it is in the bottle. I'll post a Nail of the Day (NotD) on <a href="http://instagram.com/sammipenni" rel="nofollow">my Instagram</a>, so keep an eye out!<br />
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<b><a href="http://amzn.to/21EHegy" rel="nofollow">CHINA GLAZE | Skyscraper</a> </b><b>($7.50 | .5oz)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLurBNdhUysLtIdu73oIIJnvWzhsAkl0g_ND82cJTJG85fJmxdw1KM_8Y7UKGb9BhLi_zh-TdVXVuQNETL0dCp6Gar4bPZmcYCBcZPZsTm6OgnK-HrqLrnp8jBHTFKfqfURECA0jDS_njq/s1600/IMG_4000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: China Glaze Skyscraper" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLurBNdhUysLtIdu73oIIJnvWzhsAkl0g_ND82cJTJG85fJmxdw1KM_8Y7UKGb9BhLi_zh-TdVXVuQNETL0dCp6Gar4bPZmcYCBcZPZsTm6OgnK-HrqLrnp8jBHTFKfqfURECA0jDS_njq/s640/IMG_4000.jpg" title=" February Finds: New Products I've Been Trying: China Glaze Skyscraper" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've mentioned China Glaze Snow Globe on the blog before, but I'd never actually used one of their polishes before this. I mentioned this in a <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/05/mail-time-may-2014.html">Mail Time</a> forever ago, and then completely forgot about it until now (*shame shame*). I wore it for the first time last week and I realized how gorgeous it is: a navy blue glitter nail polish that <i>looks </i>like a glitter polish, but doesn't feel gritty like a glitter polish (or bring the struggles of removing one, thank God). This one is actually from their Metro Collection back in 2011, so I was surprised to see it's still readily available on Amazon. I'm really impressed with the formula on this, especially considering it's cheaper than Essie and OPI, though it's definitely not a one-coater. If you guys want to see a swatch, I'll be sure to take a picture next time I wear it and post it to my <a href="http://instagram.com/sammipenni" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>.. I'll let you guys know when I post it!<br />
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What's the best thing you discovered in February?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ3KNNf4m-qP05BLep9b_jRfkSWkEqR0TZZjJ5GSDqX-lmGUwMgcua0-xllmUn_4m0V3smKokxnN3EPnVHJBmR7V9cDpPn4w83L_NEa5UO698CI7bT4OhciBy1QJun3IZpt4vaKOzszz9/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My Favorite Things: May 2015 - Sammi the Beauty Buff Blog" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ3KNNf4m-qP05BLep9b_jRfkSWkEqR0TZZjJ5GSDqX-lmGUwMgcua0-xllmUn_4m0V3smKokxnN3EPnVHJBmR7V9cDpPn4w83L_NEa5UO698CI7bT4OhciBy1QJun3IZpt4vaKOzszz9/s1600/Signature+New.png" title="My Favorite Things: May 2015 - Sammi the Beauty Buff Blog" /></a></div>
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<i>Have you seen my </i><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/my-lipstick-collection-nudes.html"><i><b>Nude Lipstick Collection</b></i></a><i><b> </b>yet?</i><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Let's be friends!</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-86629373346385314462016-02-25T15:25:00.000-05:002016-04-26T19:33:38.205-04:00My Lipstick Collection: The Nudes<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/p/disclaimer-copyright.html">purchased by me | affiliate links</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPISod0WfOGNoXVpqBgjZvPgWgA_DXmcOpF3zu2BpqWMHVDNIQJ31HfKK4VWckXwD2EECsfQE7m1izP3kkpfNLLSj18bAZIbpJVp4z9Rlw9swkuUMZOT0O86A61uKq4GVcNQCKctNqZv2S/s1600/My-Lipstick-Collection-Nudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My Lipstick Collection: The Nudes: NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9, CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Color Balm in Melon, NICKA K Hydro Lipstick in Concerto, JOUER Hydrating Lipstick in Doris, MODEL CO Party Proof Lipstick (Cream) in Dusk Til Dawn swatches" border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPISod0WfOGNoXVpqBgjZvPgWgA_DXmcOpF3zu2BpqWMHVDNIQJ31HfKK4VWckXwD2EECsfQE7m1izP3kkpfNLLSj18bAZIbpJVp4z9Rlw9swkuUMZOT0O86A61uKq4GVcNQCKctNqZv2S/s640/My-Lipstick-Collection-Nudes.jpg" title="My Lipstick Collection: The Nudes: NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9, CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Color Balm in Melon, NICKA K Hydro Lipstick in Concerto, JOUER Hydrating Lipstick in Doris, MODEL CO Party Proof Lipstick (Cream) in Dusk Til Dawn swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! It's been awhile since I did one of these lipstick collection posts, so I thought it was about time we visited the series. If you didn't catch my previous post on my current wardrobe of <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/my-lipstick-collection-reds.html">Red Lipsticks</a>, let me fill you in. I basically included mini reviews of all the lipsticks of that color I had in my collection, and it was a good time.<br />
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Today, I figured we could do the same thing with my nude lipstick collection. I've never been much of a nude lipstick person, but in the last few months of 2015, I might have become a believer.<br />
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I know I love looking through people's makeup collections to learn about what products they like to use (or maybe I'm just nosy), so I hope you guys feel the same. I figured this deserved a part two, so without further ado, let's get to the good stuff~ <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8a569FTw-R4Le0F3u4G3zeGxReplPzHge5AKOob671LlaGxn_e8Dv1unLQVb9BUeo7eIf8V4Y8HgcBWE7WLVayWOEWJbsK-ebqZCVdPLf3D8cIGDct-xtHP5B0vdxlKO9TrIXbPF2qy7/s1600/Nude+Lipsticks+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My Lipstick Collection: The Nudes: NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9, CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Color Balm in Melon, NICKA K Hydro Lipstick in Concerto, JOUER Hydrating Lipstick in Doris, MODEL CO Party Proof Lipstick (Cream) in Dusk Til Dawn" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8a569FTw-R4Le0F3u4G3zeGxReplPzHge5AKOob671LlaGxn_e8Dv1unLQVb9BUeo7eIf8V4Y8HgcBWE7WLVayWOEWJbsK-ebqZCVdPLf3D8cIGDct-xtHP5B0vdxlKO9TrIXbPF2qy7/s640/Nude+Lipsticks+%25284%2529.jpg" title="My Lipstick Collection: The Nudes: NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9, CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Color Balm in Melon, NICKA K Hydro Lipstick in Concerto, JOUER Hydrating Lipstick in Doris, MODEL CO Party Proof Lipstick (Cream) in Dusk Til Dawn" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=806883&POID=18954" rel="nofollow">NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien</a> ($26 | .07oz) </b>- You might remember this mini lip pencil being in the Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift last year (along with the other color mentioned in <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/my-lipstick-collection-reds.html">The Reds</a>). I wore this on the first day of the <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/instagram-roundup-5daylipstickchallenge.html">#5DayLipstickChallenge</a> on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBjDtTvvIiU/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>. The formula is great, very creamy and smooth. The swatch below doesn't do justice to the amount of shine this gives off. It's almost metallic, without being a gloss. Very pretty! I would say it's a good introduction to nude lipsticks, since it's not super opaque or matte. It goes with just about any makeup look. I think I'm more partial to the matte formula, which is odd for me since I love lip glosses so much, but it's merely a matter of preference. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=806884&POID=18955" rel="nofollow">MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9</a> ($20 | 3.5g) - </b>If this deluxe lipstick sample also looks familar, that's because it was in the Sephora birthday gift for 20<i>14. </i>Yes, I was dragged kicking and screaming into nude and neutral lipstick land by freebies. This is a coppery pink color with a natural-looking satin formula. Make Up For Ever (MUFE) is known for making professional-quality products, and I have to say, I think they're right! This lipstick is very comfortable on the lips. It has a bit of a rosy hue, so it's not scary like a straight-up brown, and goes with essentially anything. I would definitely like to look into getting more of these, as well as trying some of their other products. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=806885&POID=18956" rel="nofollow">CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Color Balm in Melon</a> ($17 | .01oz)</b> - Now this is my kind of lip product. It's more pigmented than a tinted lip balm, but definitely feels like one. Very comfortable to wear, and being that it's a sheer nude color, you don't really need a mirror (unless you're me, in which case you do, for anything). I received this in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/10/birchbox-october-2015-review.html">Birchbox for October 2015</a>, and it got just a tad melty, but it's still good! This is the kind of product where I could buy one in every color and be very, very happy. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.nicka.com/lip/hydro-lipstick" rel="nofollow">NICKA K Hydro Lipstick in Concerto</a> ($5 | .12oz) </b>- This lipstick came in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/05/beauty-box-5-may-2014-review.html">Beauty Box 5</a> and I can't say I've worn it much. It's a pretty color, leaning on the coral side of nude, but it's just very "meh." The formula is average, and although it's not drying, I wasn't really feeling the hydration from the "Hydro" either. I just don't find myself reaching for it when I have nicer lipsticks in my collection. </div>
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<b><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=gOe0lsbi6bM&offerid=357944.3349483&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.nordstrom.com%2FS%2F3349483%3Fcm_mmc%3DLinkshare-_-datafeed-_-women%3Amakeup%3Alip-_-586521" rel="nofollow">JOUER Hydrating Liptick in Doris</a> ($24 | .12oz) </b>- Look familiar? This was the third color I featured for the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBn2j2dvIsS/" rel="nofollow">Instagram challenge</a> I mentioned above. This is the brown-tinted color I think of when I hear "nude." It came in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/06/birchbox-lovely-day-le-box-review.html">Lovely Day LE Birchbox</a> the same month as I received the lipstick below, so I was convinced the universe was trying to tell me to try something new. It's a little sheerer than the ModelCo lipstick I mention below. It "feels' expensive, with the weighted gold packaging, and the formula feels expensive, too. The lipstick itself feels nice and creamy. and glides across the lips easily. I would gladly purchase other colors in this line. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.modelcocosmetics.com/shop/party-proof-lipstick-cream-matte" rel="nofollow">MODEL CO Party Proof Lipstick (Cream) in Dusk Til Dawn</a> ($17 | .13oz) </b>- I received this in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/05/birchbox-may-2015-review.html">Birchbox for May 2015</a>, but didn't get the courage to pull it out until the following September. I'm really glad I did though! I took this for a test drive in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/09/greek-goddess-makeup-challenge-gaea-5.html">Greek Goddess Makeup Challenge</a> post for Gaea, and was surprised at how well it accompanied the earth tones on my eyes (which is sad, considering as a painter it's basically my job to know how colors work). I liked it even more after applying a slightly gold lip gloss on top. I'm seriously surprised with how much I liked this. I think I prefer the moisturizing formula of the Jouer a little bit more, but this is still a great pick (and it's almost $10 cheaper).<br />
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See, trying new things is good once in awhile! Maybe now I can branch out and add some pinky nudes to my collection. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBPCJaqu2JhjJRrrsDaK5-x82mx60x6KOzYghlJTNM4ah0wHKKyDvWD-VVfM3RJKhHLGwlhpp4hCfcgQ9iHREzVFt4se3GhnLs5f9hN9ZAA2Hcwzitr_l8CWBHqwoVwa3RC6-trnx7EVq/s1600/Nude+Swatches+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My Lipstick Collection: The Nudes: NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9, CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Color Balm in Melon, NICKA K Hydro Lipstick in Concerto, JOUER Hydrating Lipstick in Doris, MODEL CO Party Proof Lipstick (Cream) in Dusk Til Dawn swatches" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBPCJaqu2JhjJRrrsDaK5-x82mx60x6KOzYghlJTNM4ah0wHKKyDvWD-VVfM3RJKhHLGwlhpp4hCfcgQ9iHREzVFt4se3GhnLs5f9hN9ZAA2Hcwzitr_l8CWBHqwoVwa3RC6-trnx7EVq/s640/Nude+Swatches+%25281%2529.jpg" title="My Lipstick Collection: The Nudes: NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9, CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Moisturizing Color Balm in Melon, NICKA K Hydro Lipstick in Concerto, JOUER Hydrating Lipstick in Doris, MODEL CO Party Proof Lipstick (Cream) in Dusk Til Dawn swatches" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wow, I'm realizing right now that these all look startlingly similar in their swatches... But they're all different! I swear! (It's fine...I don't have a problem...what addiction?) </div>
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What's your favorite nude lipstick right now? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ3KNNf4m-qP05BLep9b_jRfkSWkEqR0TZZjJ5GSDqX-lmGUwMgcua0-xllmUn_4m0V3smKokxnN3EPnVHJBmR7V9cDpPn4w83L_NEa5UO698CI7bT4OhciBy1QJun3IZpt4vaKOzszz9/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My Favorite Things: May 2015 - Sammi the Beauty Buff Blog" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ3KNNf4m-qP05BLep9b_jRfkSWkEqR0TZZjJ5GSDqX-lmGUwMgcua0-xllmUn_4m0V3smKokxnN3EPnVHJBmR7V9cDpPn4w83L_NEa5UO698CI7bT4OhciBy1QJun3IZpt4vaKOzszz9/s1600/Signature+New.png" title="My Favorite Things: May 2015 - Sammi the Beauty Buff Blog" /></a></div>
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<i>Have you seen my </i><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/my-lipstick-collection-reds.html"><i><b>Red Lipstick Collection</b></i></a><i><b> </b>yet?</i><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;">Disclaimer: Affiliate links included.</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-73554594850833766162016-02-21T14:16:00.001-05:002016-04-26T19:32:18.262-04:00Birchbox: February 2016 Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFABia7sGf5KgieRZSQOjO0oXi9-lqeYMXbn41X2r8Poa-BsCKa1JwzJLXlRKZkBXUPFmeEyQkWVYjAbUQVicWQhwowbUQwbajQfSbpc-2_mOtdCT98QRI3cHPA_YsUxl1vBsHLG3eubXm/s1600/IMG_3829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFABia7sGf5KgieRZSQOjO0oXi9-lqeYMXbn41X2r8Poa-BsCKa1JwzJLXlRKZkBXUPFmeEyQkWVYjAbUQVicWQhwowbUQwbajQfSbpc-2_mOtdCT98QRI3cHPA_YsUxl1vBsHLG3eubXm/s640/IMG_3829.jpg" title="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! It's time for another issue of "What's in my Birchbox?" where I tell you...what's in my Birchbox! I don't know what it is about subscription unboxing posts that I like so much. Maybe I'm just nosy and like snooping in other people's stuff. Anyway, without further ado, here's what I received in my Birchbox this month!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiUNThrFG76NrbGfyYWxRgSP2icUvJxdL5tAp9cGUNSbyeZNi_TXM1avQclmp9B_Ac7pUYYighvQiWxGsWGSpJqkxX6pFveKd8knhDb3wzPYc6UAf_QLG7SzjaYOVUfUKHBaQMd3bIt6q/s1600/Birchbox+Jan+2015+Edited+Logo+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiUNThrFG76NrbGfyYWxRgSP2icUvJxdL5tAp9cGUNSbyeZNi_TXM1avQclmp9B_Ac7pUYYighvQiWxGsWGSpJqkxX6pFveKd8knhDb3wzPYc6UAf_QLG7SzjaYOVUfUKHBaQMd3bIt6q/s640/Birchbox+Jan+2015+Edited+Logo+%25286%2529.jpg" title="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Birchbox? What's that?</i></b></h3>
Birchbox is a monthly beauty and lifestyle subscription service. It sends 4-5 deluxe samples that are curated to your beauty profile. It is $10 a month, and has a wonderful rewards program, in which you can earn points for reviewing products and making purchases in the Birchbox Shop. You can then redeem those points for full-sized products! It's probably the best rewards program out there, in my opinion, which was one of the big draws in me signing up. They're always adding new products to the shop. In the past, they have sampled products from Amika, Juice Beauty, Shiseido, as well as pages of others! Some products are even exclusive to Birchbox, like Cynthia Rowley's new makeup line and the cult-favorite Beauty Protector brand. You can get a free Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in in Copper Rose when you sign up with the code <b>MALLYGIFT</b>. If you're interested in subscribing to Birchbox, <b>I would love it if you used my <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/?raf=3nbzf&utm_campaign=raf&utm_source=birchbox&utm_medium=raf_link" rel="nofollow">referral link</a></b>! Thank you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEHa41bepTL_V64T9m1VBo5z1fIJY8rXOcEbIercoJdWwL0SxVcbit21-FjsUEPMDVavyWlGI2DXFIpCdkWsOXU44UQ8yfmCfHN_7ExlYnGbVO7TtFk8A5yu7WlLomFm9RsqLkWyNrpKj/s1600/IMG_3805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEHa41bepTL_V64T9m1VBo5z1fIJY8rXOcEbIercoJdWwL0SxVcbit21-FjsUEPMDVavyWlGI2DXFIpCdkWsOXU44UQ8yfmCfHN_7ExlYnGbVO7TtFk8A5yu7WlLomFm9RsqLkWyNrpKj/s640/IMG_3805.jpg" title="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think the box design this month is rather cute. A little simpler than previous months, but I like it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSEGjjRhvvZdvgmJozPxw_60CdIhFdPaF58CXZHAHn5wBS7Mt6-laxG64zQN1cGg67tc10GWZraZZlb48Nd5bCoZ17qz4L7gFq0M6cIhKsKX0itGC-v6yp_6XuPszGgFRXctzAfnmnbFj/s1600/IMG_3880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSEGjjRhvvZdvgmJozPxw_60CdIhFdPaF58CXZHAHn5wBS7Mt6-laxG64zQN1cGg67tc10GWZraZZlb48Nd5bCoZ17qz4L7gFq0M6cIhKsKX0itGC-v6yp_6XuPszGgFRXctzAfnmnbFj/s640/IMG_3880.jpg" title="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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This month was all about the Valentine's Day theme. Usually Birchbox focuses on natural looks and "the woman on the go," so they switched things up and took a "date night" approach. My Valentine's Day was spent splitting a heart-shaped box of chocolates with my mom, but I still think I'll get use out of this month's products! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPyZZstkaTTJUZwxQ-9P3uGaRaTu4q9SpLaTSe4w8eaNF1JZ04AqLFYUHkjgq52e-Q0A8rQznvxTXWQmvqQdnpFx3dm6y9T07zBfwJErQkOh9gDY4TWM46_cL9h4OSJlvUcfP1xipM7O7/s1600/IMG_3879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPyZZstkaTTJUZwxQ-9P3uGaRaTu4q9SpLaTSe4w8eaNF1JZ04AqLFYUHkjgq52e-Q0A8rQznvxTXWQmvqQdnpFx3dm6y9T07zBfwJErQkOh9gDY4TWM46_cL9h4OSJlvUcfP1xipM7O7/s640/IMG_3879.jpg" title="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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I honestly have no idea how some subscription boxes function without an info card. What good is a product if you don't know what it is or how to use it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf0FYxLjnnewbuC-0UivqpAv4K6CKzg6xQREf7Wz0JCsj7a32kUY52nkLkS-BBc5fL6L7cA2DdOlm0wkBjwTcPZvAH2z0if77px-lGIRBKHWkUlZHfAqwTA9MEyzrSkEoZ9ZmqHwcGy2l/s1600/IMG_3868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf0FYxLjnnewbuC-0UivqpAv4K6CKzg6xQREf7Wz0JCsj7a32kUY52nkLkS-BBc5fL6L7cA2DdOlm0wkBjwTcPZvAH2z0if77px-lGIRBKHWkUlZHfAqwTA9MEyzrSkEoZ9ZmqHwcGy2l/s640/IMG_3868.jpg" title="Birchbox: February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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But enough about that. Let's get to the good stuff~</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=806659&POID=18857" rel="nofollow">HEY HONEY | Take it Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [.34oz]: $6.40) </b><b>(Full-size cost [1.7oz]: $32) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1Z2PJWGXWk24yg2_RG5jmknQy_U_wEBEDB22OHjFjoz1C6yN5EXevn0CM64dRg5x3Y7LnOrPH7FbqKkEqI_qxeG7tcGRYr6j6Uo-oUSFeK72dVIePEyFWkArxnICl78ismptxUcVhice/s1600/IMG_3870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HEY HONEY | Take it Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask - Birchbox February 2016 Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1Z2PJWGXWk24yg2_RG5jmknQy_U_wEBEDB22OHjFjoz1C6yN5EXevn0CM64dRg5x3Y7LnOrPH7FbqKkEqI_qxeG7tcGRYr6j6Uo-oUSFeK72dVIePEyFWkArxnICl78ismptxUcVhice/s640/IMG_3870.jpg" title="HEY HONEY | Take it Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask - Birchbox February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've seen this mask being given out in previous Ipsy bags, so I'm not completely surprised it made it into a Birchbox (though they don't often share the same product base). This is an exfoliating peel-off mask, so you put it on, let it dry, then peel it off like it's dried Elmer's glue (though obviously it has beneficial properties for your skin and isn't as painful). I'm weird with masks, because I'm always happy to see a one in a subscription box, but I never use them. I just hoard them in my drawer and forget about them. I don't know what I'm saving them for. I'll have to make a point to use this, The ingredients list contains a few products I like (glycerin, honey, jojoba seed oil) so I hope I like this</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=806660&POID=18858" rel="nofollow">JUARA | Candlenut Body Creme</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [.34oz]: $1.69) </b><b>(Full-size cost [7.5oz]: $38) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0PuNwOAR9zYnF7FAUZrPDb9CrYrBpxqCu3TlHiqDS6skIOGM9gKHVI-IxcmaUxS9AKazd9r9yoDWHKi1wI-rvjhMDSm0vaiTF4myrupuR3k6suU-rEx9xUw_u7kOwJK9j4oag7TmNp2c/s1600/IMG_3876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="JUARA | Candlenut Body Creme - Birchbox February 2016 Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0PuNwOAR9zYnF7FAUZrPDb9CrYrBpxqCu3TlHiqDS6skIOGM9gKHVI-IxcmaUxS9AKazd9r9yoDWHKi1wI-rvjhMDSm0vaiTF4myrupuR3k6suU-rEx9xUw_u7kOwJK9j4oag7TmNp2c/s640/IMG_3876.jpg" title="JUARA | Candlenut Body Creme - Birchbox February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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I received this in a <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/09/total-beauty-mystery-collection-june.html">Total Beauty Mystery Collection</a> back in 2013. Here it is again! This is a lightweight body lotion with a mild coconut scent. I like coconut in small doses, but I'm not a huge fan, so the scent is just "meh" for me. I usually use unscented body lotion <strike>because I'm boring</strike> so that way it doesn't compete with whatever fragrance I'm wearing that day, so I'll probably give this to someone who would appreciate it more. It's nice, but for the price I think I'll just stick with Bath & Body Works if I'm looking for a scented lotion. I think they're a good brand, though--I really liked their Hand and Nail Balm from my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/birchbox-december-2015-review.html">December box</a>!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=806661&POID=18859" rel="nofollow">MODEL CO | Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [.7g]: $9.33) </b><b>(Full-size cost [1.5g]: $20) </b></div>
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I received a ModelCo lipstick in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/05/birchbox-may-2015-review.html">May 2015 Birchbox</a>, and I liked it enough that I'm happy to see another product from them. This is a lip liner that will supposedly work with any lip color. I rarely use lip liners, but I also don't own a lot of colors, so maybe now that will change. This is a nude color that doesn't lean too heavily into any color spectrum (not too brown, not too pink, etc), which does make it pretty versatile. I'm not too experienced with lip liners, but this doesn't feel too dry in texture, so I think it'll work nicely. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=806662&POID=18860" rel="nofollow">PARLOR BY JEFF CHASTAIN | Detangling Leave-in Conditioner</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [1oz]: $4.90) </b><b>(Full-size cost [4.9oz]: $24) </b></div>
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I rarely use hair detanglers, since my Wet Brush gets the tangles out of my hair without any issue. I've heard good things about this brand though, and since they're exclusive to Birchbox, this is the only place I'd be able to try it. It's good to have sample sizes for travel, so maybe I'll bring this along with me on my next trip. </div>
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<b><br /></b><b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=806663&POID=18861" rel="nofollow">WHISH | Revitalizing Cleansing Oil</a></b><br />
<b>(SAMPLE-SIZE value [.5oz]: $4.41) </b><b>(Full-size cost [3.4oz]: $30) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJs0GSo1H5x7siThMt1KRgnZ6yFGGJOWL5hgYEgfih9T4xA9-jTYuB_Z67OuTv5Xoym992OnbBXvpfqtPEov2ohtvMhczp9uBb1z2pssDa835X9J7Ll6D7vCXkAFGqsTZJVegfvutgmEH/s1600/IMG_3871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WHISH | Revitalizing Cleansing Oil - Birchbox February 2016 Review" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJs0GSo1H5x7siThMt1KRgnZ6yFGGJOWL5hgYEgfih9T4xA9-jTYuB_Z67OuTv5Xoym992OnbBXvpfqtPEov2ohtvMhczp9uBb1z2pssDa835X9J7Ll6D7vCXkAFGqsTZJVegfvutgmEH/s640/IMG_3871.jpg" title="WHISH | Revitalizing Cleansing Oil - Birchbox February 2016 Review" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was my sample choice this month. I've used Whish's body products before (see my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/04/birchbox-april-2015-review.html">April Birchbox review</a>), but it's news to me that they make skincare, too! Ultimately, I chose this because I've never used a cleansing oil before. Typically, they're used as a pre-cleanser step if you've been wearing makeup, since oil works well at breaking down hard-to-remove products like waterproof mascara. I tried it and it definitely left a residue on my skin, much like some dual-phase waterproof makeup removers (with the two layers you have to shake to combine), so I wouldn't use it without a cleanser afterwards. I've yet to put it to the test, but once it comes in contact with my Benefit They're Real mascara, I'll let you know how it turns out. That mascara is notoriously difficult to remove if you don't have the right tools, so if it can take that off, I'll be happy with it.<br />
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<h3>
<i>The Stats:</i></h3>
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<ul>
<li><i>Hey Honey Peel Off Mask: $6.40</i></li>
<li><i>Juara Candlenut Body Creme: $1.69</i></li>
<li><i>ModelCo Lip Liner: $9.33</i></li>
<li><i>Parlor Leave-in Conditioner: $4.90</i></li>
<li><i>Whish Cleansing Oil: $4.41</i></li>
<li><i>TOTAL:</i><i> $26.73</i></li>
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<i>The Best: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm curious to see how the cleansing oil works out! And I think the lip liner will be useful to have around. </span></span></h3>
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<i>The Worst: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I won't really get much use out of the Juara's cream, but at least it's not a perfume sample! </span></span></h3>
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<i>The Verdict: </i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Overall, I was moderately happy about this box. It had a nice variety of products in it. The total box value didn't wow me, and there have been boxes in the past that excited me more, but I'm satisfied with this one. </span></span></h3>
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Did you get this month's Birchbox? What did you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjpwTNVRI4BJcA1pequg3PWCAPdRX3EtJjT9ICVNzTfh9BSrejEgkIK0HzpQIQMAYoTdj-jAHwcsbkRQYxEDZU-dKN1nrKfLOvnP5v6ajjUTti7ZpIR3En_-s5wUhS62pMJtCidG3fOMR/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjpwTNVRI4BJcA1pequg3PWCAPdRX3EtJjT9ICVNzTfh9BSrejEgkIK0HzpQIQMAYoTdj-jAHwcsbkRQYxEDZU-dKN1nrKfLOvnP5v6ajjUTti7ZpIR3En_-s5wUhS62pMJtCidG3fOMR/s1600/Signature+New.png" /></a></div>
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<i><br /></i><i>Want to see more </i><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/search/label/birchbox" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Birchbox reviews</a>?<i> </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Not sponsored. I paid ten whole dollars for this. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-37783354405280251662016-02-15T22:10:00.000-05:002016-04-26T19:31:10.799-04:00Instagram Roundup: #5DayLipstickChallenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3eTr-gRYAjdfShg7C2gsgzOfiUVe9cPPabgt1IHL65-Vj4MBwofi5J7mWSey9OdekQ2gvvXfktTfxpZzzu7xWjDdsfQHtn-_engOZLdqTcIKeNJHLXQE7uOZcm6XOIIxYyEnnCE5A4dD/s1600/5+Day+Lipstick+Challenge+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3eTr-gRYAjdfShg7C2gsgzOfiUVe9cPPabgt1IHL65-Vj4MBwofi5J7mWSey9OdekQ2gvvXfktTfxpZzzu7xWjDdsfQHtn-_engOZLdqTcIKeNJHLXQE7uOZcm6XOIIxYyEnnCE5A4dD/s640/5+Day+Lipstick+Challenge+Collage.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! Last week was a slow blog week, partially due to all the time I put into my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/02/whats-deal-with-mineral-oil.html">Mineral Oil Masterpost</a>, and partially due to the Instagram challenge I was involved with. A couple of other bloggers and I devoted a week to showing off five lipstick selfies and dubbed it the #5DayLipstickChallenge. It was a fun opportunity for me to pull out lip colors that I don't normally wear. I was so happy to see that some of you joined in as the week went on! </div>
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Now that it's over, I figured this would be a good time to look back, not only to look at how I did photography-wise (as part of my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2016/01/my-new-year-beauty-resolutions-for-2016.html">2016 Blog Resolutions</a>), but also to share my thoughts on the lipsticks themselves. The colors may be nice, but what about the formulas? Stay tuned!</div>
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<a name='more'></a><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBjDtTvvIiU/?taken-by=sammipenni" rel="nofollow">MONDAY</a></b>: <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=806162&POID=18653" rel="nofollow">NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien</a> ($26 | .07oz)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuVhu4iz6p3Nt8gZKRMlwxa7_XTBeZ2bAQ4FkkVl6fcq7xrl-4Cymj2QMQTMNI_Y8C6UVNNEEt2DtyA0W9x5bn9r8aIbrdW3PgB6nc5McslfFFrEdyUndTZDqcTH6FYbZI17CmyRUB1u7/s1600/NARS+Satin+Lip+Pencil+in+Rikugien+%2528Sephora+Bday%2529+Edited+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuVhu4iz6p3Nt8gZKRMlwxa7_XTBeZ2bAQ4FkkVl6fcq7xrl-4Cymj2QMQTMNI_Y8C6UVNNEEt2DtyA0W9x5bn9r8aIbrdW3PgB6nc5McslfFFrEdyUndTZDqcTH6FYbZI17CmyRUB1u7/s640/NARS+Satin+Lip+Pencil+in+Rikugien+%2528Sephora+Bday%2529+Edited+Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like many of you, I received this fabulous lip pencil in the Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift last year. I usually reach for the red color from the duo, Cruella (swatched in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/my-lipstick-collection-reds.html">Red Lipstick Collection</a>), so I figured I should try this one would for a change. It's a beautiful, glossy rose color that's perfect for everyday. The formula of this was great--it applied smoothly, was comfortable to wear (as one would expect from NARS). Now I definitely want to try more products from them. I could even do with just getting more of their lip pencils (though I've heard good things about their powders).<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBlcu_YPIqX/?taken-by=sammipenni" rel="nofollow">TUESDAY</a></b>:<a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=806163&POID=18654" rel="nofollow"> LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube in Menatour</a> ($20 | .1oz)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf5ukmN-8Bqj154-7myah2s0YCxPiNr_4Jopn7-MnV14PwMCAPPdSAVHn2YAmG4DEVk8c0DEkP28xSalHFi6iz4JmNR_gjBYpdzLaiFSh7iRoZs4vl1eAxKUX8-UxV5ZWeqrixVESWabr/s1600/LAQA+%2526+Co+Lip+Lube+Menatour+Edited+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf5ukmN-8Bqj154-7myah2s0YCxPiNr_4Jopn7-MnV14PwMCAPPdSAVHn2YAmG4DEVk8c0DEkP28xSalHFi6iz4JmNR_gjBYpdzLaiFSh7iRoZs4vl1eAxKUX8-UxV5ZWeqrixVESWabr/s640/LAQA+%2526+Co+Lip+Lube+Menatour+Edited+Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I received this lip pencil in a Birchbox, and I go back and forth with whether or not it's too daring for me. Some days I'm like "Heck yeah, purple lips!" and others I'm like "Maybe I'll just do a neutral today..." I just think this color is so fun. I'm also wearing it in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/09/greek-goddess-makeup-challenge-demeter-4.html">Demeter Makeup Look</a>, if you'd like another look at it. I also like how this photo turned out more than Monday's (or maybe I just have a thing against noses, which just isn't fair since they're kind of important and we all have them). The Lip Lubes from Laqa & Co have a weird name, but the formula is smooth and creamy. I have this lip pencil in two other colors, so I have no complaints!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBn2j2dvIsS/?taken-by=sammipenni" rel="nofollow">WEDNESDAY</a></b>: <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/birchbox-coupons.html?ATID=806164&POID=18655" rel="nofollow">JOUER Hydrating Lipstick in Doris</a> ($24 | .12oz)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT61tu0lBRSHwQ6DYxulaWMXzeCSxzfqlIsBtKZBavPF2mVh4YvyRQ_oNPDe2mlyz0UGjEj5kHtysjp1ZLF269zzwhxlBg1btkoOwXfY2dBZw2sS3mJfOeImP3Sqmzb9givetVhw3nQ9C/s1600/Jouer+Hydrating+Lipstick+in+Doris+Edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT61tu0lBRSHwQ6DYxulaWMXzeCSxzfqlIsBtKZBavPF2mVh4YvyRQ_oNPDe2mlyz0UGjEj5kHtysjp1ZLF269zzwhxlBg1btkoOwXfY2dBZw2sS3mJfOeImP3Sqmzb9givetVhw3nQ9C/s640/Jouer+Hydrating+Lipstick+in+Doris+Edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I featured another neutral lipstick from my collection on Wednesday. This lipstick came in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/06/birchbox-lovely-day-le-box-review.html">Lovely Day Birchbox</a>, and since I tend to reach for pinks, nude colors often get pushed to the back of my lip drawer. I actually like it a lot! It looked a lot scarier and browner in the tube, but on the lips it didn't look half bad! These lipsticks are comfortable to wear and don't dry out your lips (thanks to the Hydrating formula). It glides on smoothly and I would happily purchase another color. <br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBqere2PIsM/?taken-by=sammipenni" rel="nofollow"><b>THURSDAY</b></a>: <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/cvs-coupons.html?ATID=806504&POID=18787" rel="nofollow">NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia</a> ($2 | .11oz)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_QVTLJ-p0-QCE5gPv9Sd8YnrMPqJAysLJWs1SjrutxnF-qsTQaJwfG4SFvN_WkuwZPWhY2aXOc6Gn6vRinI1e9kc3QrV_IfW_8Y8sXpBmH_TCvyuahIDw6ImVPRu3KIEGKP9mpT4SjOG/s1600/NYC+Expert+Last+Lip+Color+Fuchsia+Fever+Edited+%25282%2529-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_QVTLJ-p0-QCE5gPv9Sd8YnrMPqJAysLJWs1SjrutxnF-qsTQaJwfG4SFvN_WkuwZPWhY2aXOc6Gn6vRinI1e9kc3QrV_IfW_8Y8sXpBmH_TCvyuahIDw6ImVPRu3KIEGKP9mpT4SjOG/s640/NYC+Expert+Last+Lip+Color+Fuchsia+Fever+Edited+%25282%2529-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't know what it is about this picture, but it's my favorite of the bunch. However, the lipstick on the other hand was not. I <i>love </i>the color--seriously, for $2 there's no beating that level of pigmentation--but the formula did leave a lot to be desired. It was very dry, so it pulled across the lips, and it took a little patience to get an even coat so it didn't look patchy. That made it difficult to get a clean line and neat application, so this kind of formula begs for some sort of lip liner. I was definitely more aware that I was wearing lipstick than I was with the others. It felt heavier somehow (though that could have been the amount I had to apply to get it to look even). I'm so in love with the color, though! If anything, this taught me that I need more hot pink lipstick in my life. I think these lipsticks are great if you want to try out a new color before you splurge on your favorite brand. For $2, you can play dress-up with every color!<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBtSw_CPIvM/?taken-by=sammipenni" rel="nofollow"><b>FRIDAY</b></a>: <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/kmart-coupons.html?ATID=806165&POID=18656" rel="nofollow">COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipstick in Seduce</a> ($5 | .12oz)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEr_IdtXIflT3jwSB3YRZzznj2hQNAsSm3VKAUO5RG8-RUpQyp0wHmiZrcJnFwKMg59eTxP2JpsR4oAQ4Tj6JcFW12_U8DdNf4hhPMtd_5DhUfw5IRZUUZ3WMdh5UA1U43lwFdOD3tfcR/s1600/IMG_3804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEr_IdtXIflT3jwSB3YRZzznj2hQNAsSm3VKAUO5RG8-RUpQyp0wHmiZrcJnFwKMg59eTxP2JpsR4oAQ4Tj6JcFW12_U8DdNf4hhPMtd_5DhUfw5IRZUUZ3WMdh5UA1U43lwFdOD3tfcR/s640/IMG_3804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was sunny out for the first time all week, so I took a picture in direct sunlight. It might have altered the color a bit, so if you want another look at it, you can see my wearing it in my <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/11/girlscan-with-covergirl-giveaway.html">Girls Can</a> post. When I want to wear a red, I'm usually reaching for NARS Cruella, so I figured I would give this some time to shine. CoverGirl seems to have revamped their lipstick line since then, so I suppose talking about the formula would be irrelevant. But, if you're looking for a similar shade from CoverGirl, <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/ulta-coupons.html?ATID=802058#POID=16460" rel="nofollow">Seduce Scarlet in their Colorlicious line</a> looks nearly identical. If you'd like to see an arm swatch of this, check out the <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/my-lipstick-collection-reds.html">lipstick collection</a> post I linked above.<br />
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All in all, I really enjoyed this challenge! Taking good selfies is surprisingly difficult, when you factor in angles and lighting and all that. It definitely took up more time than I originally thought, but I would happily do it all over again. It also allowed me to amp up my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/sammipenni" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> game some more, since I'm usually on my <a href="http://facebook.com/collegebeautybuff" rel="nofollow">Facebook page</a> more than anywhere else. If you missed the challenge, don't worry--you can check out #5DayLipstickChallenge on Instagram to see everyone's photos!<br />
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What's your favorite lipstick right now?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KRB4tteLGzSiQ3vjhRmI9CZ-6gZtNVqp2s6XfzxWgjILOMSLoB0eoW4_7WDSTIlDetuWRWtSnAYBLL3g38nIGtSbvc55c5MvEWcjL9q-KITpYFqeESPbGpEEKRO0eNTkz4kHCaDT7y2r/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KRB4tteLGzSiQ3vjhRmI9CZ-6gZtNVqp2s6XfzxWgjILOMSLoB0eoW4_7WDSTIlDetuWRWtSnAYBLL3g38nIGtSbvc55c5MvEWcjL9q-KITpYFqeESPbGpEEKRO0eNTkz4kHCaDT7y2r/s1600/Signature+New.png" /></a></div>
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Want to see more of <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/my-lipstick-collection-reds.html">my lipstick collection</a>?<br />
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<i style="text-align: center;">Let's be friends! </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: The CoverGirl and NYC lipsticks were sent to me over a year ago. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-70417498454741701492016-02-11T12:29:00.000-05:002016-04-26T19:29:33.743-04:00What's the Deal with Mineral Oil?<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hi, friends! It's been awhile since I did a full post focused on any ingredient, so today I'd like to talk about something that's been bugging me for awhile: the ridiculous controversy over the use of mineral oil in beauty products.<br />
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If you follow me on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sammipenni/">Pinterest</a>, you'll know I'm pretty active over there, so I've seen <i>a lot </i>of pins. There's a lot of great information on there--delicious recipes, foolproof makeup tips--but there's also a ton of misinformation. Myths and rumors get spread around and are eventually seen as true, just by the sheer number of people saying it's so. One thing I see on Pinterest a lot that really grinds my gears (boils my pasta, steams my broccoli, etc.) is the amount of false information circulating on mineral oil in skincare. And I can understand that, but today's post is going to put all that confusion to rest! I've done a stupid amount of research for this post, so I hope it's helpful to you!<br />
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<i>*This post is all about the use of mineral oil in skincare ingredients (NOT ingestion--I am not a doctor)</i></div>
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What is mineral oil, anyway?</h3>
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Mineral oil (<i>paraffinum liquidum, </i>in Latin) is a clear oil that is often found in beauty products, especially leave-on skincare products like moisturizers. You may also hear it being referred to as Petrolatum, which is the same thing as mineral oil, just at a different thickness/texture. You all know Vaseline, right? <b>Vaseline is Petrolatum</b>--that gooey, not-quite-liquid-not-quite-solid freak of nature product. You know, that magical stuff that has a billion uses? That's mineral oil at work. <br />
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Where it gets its bad reputation</h3>
Well, when people hear that it's a <b>by-product of petroleum</b> or crude oil, they tend to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb8qBJZba6I" rel="nofollow">Freak. Out.</a> (even though it's "all-natural," hahaha!). I'm telling you now:<i> don't worry about it.</i> This doesn't mean you're putting gasoline on your face!<br />
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There are different grades of mineral oil, and beauty products are made with Cosmetic Grade mineral oil, which has been HIGHLY refined and purified of all the impurities that it collects when it's in the ground. (For the record, plants have to be cleaned and purified when they come out of the ground too). It's not "dirty" and you're not using the same Industrial Grade version that's going into the gas tanks of your cars. Mineral oil that passes these standards is certified as USP (United States Pharmacopeia), or BP (British Pharmacopeia) in the UK. It's not exactly printed on product labels (because that's unnecessary), but if you're buying a beauty product from a reputable brand or store, you're gonna be good to go.<br />
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I'm pretty unfamiliar with indie skincare brands and those who sell skincare products in Etsy shops, so if you buy or sell skincare products on there, I'd love to hear more about that!<br />
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You can also buy Cosmetic Grade mineral oil in huge bottles at most drugstores.<br />
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The benefits of mineral oil in skincare</h3>
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Mineral oil is a superstar when it comes to helping dry skin retain moisture and softening the skin. It mainly helps maintain the skin's moisture balance, keeping the hydration in while blocking the stuff you <i>don't </i>want, <i>out. </i>It's in a lot of beauty products because it's not likely to cause allergic reactions in people, and it works! </div>
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Busting the myths</h3>
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<i><b>"Does mineral oil clog your pores and/or cause acne?"</b></i><br />
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I don't know where this started, but many websites spread the belief that it is comedogenic (clogs pores). On a scientific level, the <b>molecules are too big to fit into your pores</b>, so it's basically impossible. Granted, everyone's skin is unique and there's always a possibility that something will react, but for the most part you're in the clear (literally, clear skin, aha?).<br />
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Mineral oil <i>can</i> be occlusive. What does that mean, exactly? Basically, it can stop some of the air flow to your pores, potentially trapping in other ingredients that you don't want there (ex. irritating ingredients, heavy fragrances, essential oils, etc.). It can exacerbate acne in some people, but for most, it's a-okay. To some, it can feel heavy, depending on how much you put on, what it's formulated with, and how oily your skin is. Using a moisturizer that's too thick and rich for your skin type could potentially clog your pores or <i>occlude </i>airflow. It's not an ingredient that's really going to cause inflammation in the pores and cause acne... as long as you're using a well-formulated skincare product without very irritating ingredients to your skin type.<br />
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In the end, everyone is different, and some individuals just can't handle certain ingredients. Sometimes skin reacts in ways we can't explain. There's always going to be that person that inexplicably can't use a product that seems fine for everyone else. Like that friend who doesn't like chocolate. Ludicrous, but true.<br />
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<i><b>"Does mineral oil prevent the skin from breathing?"</b></i><br />
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LOL, Imagine each of your pores breathing--wouldn't that get very loud? Skin doesn't breathe, but if it did, you'd have nothing to worry about! Mineral oil isn't like a thick wall on your face, blocking everything out in that way. It's kind of like silicone, in that it creates a moisture barrier to protect your skin, but it's not like you're wearing a mask. Think of it as a net, like putting a tennis racket in front of your face. It'll catch the bad stuff, but you can clearly still see and feel the environment through it.<br />
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That being said, skin may not breathe, but it <i>is </i>communicative with the environment. Your skin feels drier when you've had the heat blasting, and feels more hydrated when you've had a humidifier going in your bedroom. It can communicate with the outside world! It's <i>aliiiiive! </i><br />
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<i><b>"Does mineral oil cause cancer?"</b></i><br />
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As seen with <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/03/review-borghese-fango-ristorativo-mud.html">parabens</a>, people like to read the abstracts of studies, rather than the actual study itself, and <a href="https://vine.co/v/OtQPgnbhxTH" rel="nofollow">MCFREAKIN LOSE IT</a>. Yes, mineral oil is listed in the <i><a href="http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/listed_substances_508.pdf" rel="nofollow">2011 Substances Listed in the Thirteenth Report on Carcinogens</a></i>, but if you actually look into it and read the <a href="https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/mineraloils.pdf" rel="nofollow">mineral oil section</a>, it's specified as the <b>untreated and mildly treated</b> versions such as those found in <b>metalworking and the newspaper printing industry</b>. As stated above, Mineral oil has different grades for various industries and markets. So this study doesn't apply to the beauty world <i>at all</i>.<br />
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Think about it: Cosmetic Grade Mineral oil has been approved by government agencies. Do you really think they would want to cause your harm? No! People want to create things that will help other people! Also, from a legal standpoint, why would a company put a dangerous ingredient in their skincare products? That's just asking for a lawsuit! Before mineral oil goes into any of your beauty products, it has to pass certain testing and regulations. Also, if you look in any aesthetician textbook, they'll have nothing but good things to say about mineral oil.<br />
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If you're ever in doubt about something--and this goes for anything--look to the pros and the experts, rather than the first result in Google. Scare tactics and crazy headlines get all the views--they're clickbait, don't believe them! I know when we were writing research papers in school, generally if a lot of sources said the same thing there's a good chance it's true, but that doesn't apply to certain "widely accepted myths" of the beauty world. (Also, don't read the abstracts of studies).<br />
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(The short answer: NO)<br />
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For more information</h3>
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If you're interested in reading up on this more, check out some of the sources I used for more information!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews/by-brand/vaseline/_/Vaseline-Petroleum-Jelly" rel="nofollow">Beautypedia: Vaseline Petroleum Jelly</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/mineral-oil" rel="nofollow">Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary: Mineral Oil</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/petrolatum" rel="nofollow">Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary: Petrolatum</a></b><br />
<a href="http://skinandtonics.com/debunking-skin-care-myths-interview-cosmetic-chemist-perry-romanowski/" rel="nofollow"><b>Debunking Skincare Myths: An Interview With Cosmetic Chemist, Perry Romanowski</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703977/MINERAL_OIL/" rel="nofollow">EWG: Mineral Oil</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704786/PETROLATUM/" rel="nofollow">EWG: Petrolatum</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.immunetra.com/the-myths-about-mineral-oil/" rel="nofollow">Immunetra: The Myths About Mineral Oil</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lYzoXGuRag" rel="nofollow">Live Chat: Controversial Ingredients (Or Why Your Makeup Isn't Killing You)</a></b><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/1Q04bSU" rel="nofollow"><b>Milady Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary</b> </a><br />
<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/1356nj/mineral_oil_and_its_benefits_for_skin_dont_be/" rel="nofollow"><b>Mineral Oil and its Benefits for Skin</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/acne/_/Is-Mineral-Oil-Bad-For-Skin" rel="nofollow">Paula's Choice: Is Mineral Oil Bad For Skin?</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://personalcaretruth.com/2011/02/mineral-oil/" rel="nofollow">Personal Care Truth: Mineral Oil</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/mineraloils.pdf" rel="nofollow">Substances Listed in the Thirteenth Report on Carcinogens: Mineral Oil</a></b><br />
<a href="http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/11/the-top-5-myths-about-mineral-oil-part-1/" rel="nofollow"><b>The Beauty Brains: Top 5 Myths About Mineral Oil</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-32605/mineral-oil-topical/details" rel="nofollow">WebMD: Mineral Oil (Topical)</a></b><br />
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<i>Too Long; Didn't Read: DON'T BE SCARED OF MINERAL OIL</i></div>
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Okay, that was pretty long. Remember when I said last week that I would try to make my posts shorter? LOL. Oh well. I made this as short and sweet as possible!<br />
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I hope this post was helpful to you! If you have any more questions on mineral oil, feel free to ask me in a comment below and I'll answer the best I can!<br />
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What's your take on mineral oil?<br />
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Want to see me rant about ingredients some more? Click <b><a href="http://www.collegebeautybuff.com/search/label/ingredients">here</a></b>!<br />
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<i style="text-align: center;">Let's be friends! </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: New information comes out all the time, so I might edit this post from time to time to make it more accurate. Also, again, I'm not a doctor so if you're really concerned about something talk to your dermatologist or aesthetician. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-63000868636602903922016-02-04T13:12:00.000-05:002016-04-26T19:27:33.374-04:00Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I4ulLTNWVjuGY-9THxPAo8zmEX7rUOl2EBmfHGu9AILxUbwiIJiT8yMV9_MGdh6cU9YQ2TgNPj24j-j5R5uvCraDI2B62mJD_UD6Eze4zhogvlE2zMiF4peX4n3mgkAuCGCk9H7TeGPj/s1600/IMG_3330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I4ulLTNWVjuGY-9THxPAo8zmEX7rUOl2EBmfHGu9AILxUbwiIJiT8yMV9_MGdh6cU9YQ2TgNPj24j-j5R5uvCraDI2B62mJD_UD6Eze4zhogvlE2zMiF4peX4n3mgkAuCGCk9H7TeGPj/s640/IMG_3330.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! Today I have a new product to share with you from PÜR Cosmetics. I reviewed their new <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/review-swatches-pur-cameo-contour-dual.html">Cameo Contour Sticks</a></b> just a few weeks ago, and now they're adding another product to their Spring 2016 lineup: the HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation. I've actually been in the market for a new foundation recently, so I was excited to see how well this worked. These babies are being released into Kohls and UTLA this Sunday, so you can use this as a sneak peek to see whether or not you'd want to pick one up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3J_nOtM4KD06kireIHzAOxg3nkrAsvURxarBvODXoYVtESIckvqCcejFNfbT8MJZFWKZZpGtwtyLUWW9puwmrOz0XoShfVZWKZauUCbzU9zbdai1HdXLVYfPGvoIH-2bpFWRwMa001D1/s1600/IMG_3316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3J_nOtM4KD06kireIHzAOxg3nkrAsvURxarBvODXoYVtESIckvqCcejFNfbT8MJZFWKZZpGtwtyLUWW9puwmrOz0XoShfVZWKZauUCbzU9zbdai1HdXLVYfPGvoIH-2bpFWRwMa001D1/s640/IMG_3316.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>About</i></h3>
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<i><br /></i><i>About PÜR Cosmetics </i><br />
<i><br /></i>You might know them better as "PÜR Minerals" (even their website is still <a href="http://www.purminerals.com/" rel="nofollow">www.purminerals.com</a>) but after their expansion into different makeup products, they've begun moving away from that name. They started out in mineral makeup, and now they make a whole slew of products, such eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, and even a handful of skincare products. They take a natural and, well, <i>pure, </i>approach to beauty products. The brand was actually founded by a former Clinique employee about 12 years ago. and they've been doing quite well. Fun fact, right? They also don't test on animals.</div>
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<i>About HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation </i><i> (from </i><span style="color: #0000ee;"><i><u>PÜR 's</u></i></span><i><a href="http://www.purminerals.com/hydrafliud-water-serum-foundation" rel="nofollow"> website</a>):</i></div>
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<i>"PÜR’s encapsulated water complex delivers Swiss Alps-sourced water to hydrate the skin for lasting radiance while providing<b> silky, medium coverage. </b>HydraFluid water serum foundation is incomparably lightweight yet offers the perfect amount of coverage and satisfies the desire for <b>dewy, breathable, luminous looking skin</b>. This is the chosen foundation to create <b>“bare-looking” but perfect complexion </b>whatever your skin tone or type. Water sourced from the Swiss Alps is known for its high purity and is the ideal mineral water to refresh skin."</i><br />
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<i>Other Claims:</i><br />
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<li><i>Utilizes phospholipids to deliver the purest water sourced from the Swiss Alps deep into the skin for long-lasting hydraiton</i></li>
<li><i>Helps smooth, firm, and lift the skin's appearnace</i></li>
<li><i>Helps soothe skin and provides antioxidant benefits</i></li>
<li><i>Key ingredients: Encapsulated Water Complex, Ceretin Complex, Vitamin E</i></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hHNHvVZ_20zhvgtyTr-HK4-denMlM4SDKkTXfQI1BTLHmKf9kU_9qDeDTUuaDFDKxzcTlhZcY5vo61tzDL4hDlAKBH48EwajIa5xnvUFEIdFyNIX7ZStnTLy4FyOJAW7u7WFot_7grNy/s1600/IMG_3275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hHNHvVZ_20zhvgtyTr-HK4-denMlM4SDKkTXfQI1BTLHmKf9kU_9qDeDTUuaDFDKxzcTlhZcY5vo61tzDL4hDlAKBH48EwajIa5xnvUFEIdFyNIX7ZStnTLy4FyOJAW7u7WFot_7grNy/s640/IMG_3275.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<i>Ingredients</i></h3>
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<i>Aqua, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Pentylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Polysilicone-11, Stearic Acid, Lecithin, Ceramide Ap, Retinol, Lactic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sea Salt Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Palmitic Acid, Simethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Decyl Glucoside, Squalane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tromethamine, Phospholipids, Propanediol, Panthenol, Stearoyl Inulin, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxystearic Acid, Mica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Phytantriol, Aluminum Dimyristate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Alcohol Denat., Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Edta, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>This ingredients list is on the back of the box, as well as their website. I like that they're not trying to hide anything. They have the ingredients list for all of their products on their <a href="http://www.purminerals.com/" rel="nofollow">website</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnU36lcS-q6Hi-S9shvmkrhzSJb_ZclfdxiTqFNBXD9Z361F5u0iWtZ6M2ZaLn0WDr_rnvoziHrZ2PmEwYxyzaS7hXEswEmXgW4udG-1S-uWWRDfRnayp_8mqd2CtdOkQ7UWGgHdtOa6Q_/s1600/IMG_3285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnU36lcS-q6Hi-S9shvmkrhzSJb_ZclfdxiTqFNBXD9Z361F5u0iWtZ6M2ZaLn0WDr_rnvoziHrZ2PmEwYxyzaS7hXEswEmXgW4udG-1S-uWWRDfRnayp_8mqd2CtdOkQ7UWGgHdtOa6Q_/s640/IMG_3285.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="clear: both;">
<i>Price and Availability </i></h3>
<div>
<br />
0.1oz | $39: <a href="http://www.purminerals.com/hydrafliud-water-serum-foundation" rel="nofollow">PÜR Cosmetics</a> (and as of February 7th, they will also be available at Kohls and ULTA stores nationwide)<br />
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<h3>
<i>My Experience</i></h3>
<div>
<i>*All photos were taken indoors by a window</i></div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>The Packaging:</b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVeOTOpwDFO_li493i_wDIi76MApLw5x6ftn2WE1Xyz9tquzD89B9v3oCGGNW_uhVaywBszotzsc_pnYErlbWkp7Cq0YX34xW45j7s6qkez4nEj6QF4jp5FP-mqUlnaOL0VymmGFu0LMI/s1600/IMG_3324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVeOTOpwDFO_li493i_wDIi76MApLw5x6ftn2WE1Xyz9tquzD89B9v3oCGGNW_uhVaywBszotzsc_pnYErlbWkp7Cq0YX34xW45j7s6qkez4nEj6QF4jp5FP-mqUlnaOL0VymmGFu0LMI/s640/IMG_3324.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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A quick fun fact: the shades aren't labeled on the tubes (just the boxes), so I had a fun few minutes trying to remember which shade was which! If you're not a beauty blogger or makeup artist, I don't see this being an issue for you, but that was definitely a "behind-the-scenes" moment in the Beauty Buff household. PÜR, why you do this??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqRJzrYYWV_zs98qcz73qLUV6qI_toxs2HTC7IHANs5W1bxIcnMD4KvefSPG-3piyuEnSvQAzhVcMpUZhWqAhjFJm7hQRDO7VCW68JgdhDFbVlspDEqT7Y8zVvRARRkyn43vgLpdrjDT5/s1600/IMG_3318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqRJzrYYWV_zs98qcz73qLUV6qI_toxs2HTC7IHANs5W1bxIcnMD4KvefSPG-3piyuEnSvQAzhVcMpUZhWqAhjFJm7hQRDO7VCW68JgdhDFbVlspDEqT7Y8zVvRARRkyn43vgLpdrjDT5/s640/IMG_3318.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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The tubes are a little funny looking. The product comes out of a clear nozzle, which is nice, so you can see the color of the foundation without squeezing it out. If there's a store than doesn't have testers, maybe you can sneak a look at the tube to see if the color looks good on you. It reminds me of something science-y for some reason, but it's convenient.<br />
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<div>
<b><i>The Stuff Inside: </i></b></div>
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</div>
<div>
It currently comes in five shades: Light, Medium, Tan, Dark, and Deep. On their website, they coordinate these shades with their other foundation products, which makes it easy for people who are already fans of PUR to choose which one they want. They also include descriptions, which is nice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yt5GatrunQIuIDWoLvdSXB-0kN6iQkElT95TZII14Pow9r8hHxFkaBVebzOmBuApXpvSL4u0WGss-qQynWaPZu8abqdHq_SU_0JsP4KwFrW1LjS131g-LRm9Ok5IM-ksb_g3Frn9MOwI/s1600/IMG_3273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yt5GatrunQIuIDWoLvdSXB-0kN6iQkElT95TZII14Pow9r8hHxFkaBVebzOmBuApXpvSL4u0WGss-qQynWaPZu8abqdHq_SU_0JsP4KwFrW1LjS131g-LRm9Ok5IM-ksb_g3Frn9MOwI/s640/IMG_3273.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><i>Light: </i>fair or fair with creamy ivory undertones</li>
<li><i>Medium:</i> medium beige with blush to golden undertones</li>
<li><i>Tan:</i> olive with yellow, honey and caramel undertones</li>
<li><i>Dark:</i> rich bronze with golden undertones</li>
<li><i>Deep:</i> warm with golden amber undertones</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg-oNo6oL8mIFmO9M4oS7w2TwD_ll6Ux5S1CmOtD1YC6wl650xMmJCBZIUD7aN4FOfrCCbZ0FpaINdWGoWjAssepPPwhxSsi-g-sK3CYyF_sHGnybQUY3gBD3XETwUM_Vflb4rTZEz0Kg/s1600/IMG_3295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg-oNo6oL8mIFmO9M4oS7w2TwD_ll6Ux5S1CmOtD1YC6wl650xMmJCBZIUD7aN4FOfrCCbZ0FpaINdWGoWjAssepPPwhxSsi-g-sK3CYyF_sHGnybQUY3gBD3XETwUM_Vflb4rTZEz0Kg/s640/IMG_3295.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are extremely liquidy! I know the name <i>HydraFluid Water Serum </i>should really give it away, but I was still quite surprised. I have to say, I like that these aren't very thick in texture. Those types of foundations tend to provide better coverage, but they can get really cakey <i>really fast </i>if you go overboard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSH7gQnSKfKj9Y3RdVaVffiGLlY-2SRwKTuVKBnxeZ-mOwrok4PJGnhfEKf3ghDOqSgWp_ce_XdBT9D6X495XbsytuByuN6E7DQWWBTI82alMmA3tb8xHOR2jv7kEmoiqPhCIP7gIVaz90/s1600/IMG_3300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSH7gQnSKfKj9Y3RdVaVffiGLlY-2SRwKTuVKBnxeZ-mOwrok4PJGnhfEKf3ghDOqSgWp_ce_XdBT9D6X495XbsytuByuN6E7DQWWBTI82alMmA3tb8xHOR2jv7kEmoiqPhCIP7gIVaz90/s640/IMG_3300.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, I'd say the only major strike against these is their poor shade selection, The Light shade is pretty dark for being the lightest shade, and as a whole, I feel like this spectrum of colors is leaving out a lot of skin tones. I like that they at least <i>attempted </i>to cater to everyone by offering the Tan, Dark, and Deep shades (unlike some brands--ones that are even more popular! *cough* Physicians Formula). Still, they have a ways to go. </div>
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</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<b><i>My Experience </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<i>"Before" pictures are shown completely bare-faced. I think I also just woke up an hour earlier at most. I have allergies, so my eyes are puffy and the dark circles are out and proud, so let's just move on. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>"After" photos feature the addition of PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation in Light, as well as other makeup (undereye concealer, blush, highlighter on cheekbones only, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick). </i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pXs5J7w-3gYWP_wRgHoXIU5NRQEpddva7YZK8oElpUThPbgcGOVa7JGzyaIQdkzy03s4x-wbRePz2idkato9D_WQajrPvd8JVMoiORP47r8gDnqSD3ON1dUgYJUMtPPGxX5NBZDZ1wyv/s1600/IMG_3549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pXs5J7w-3gYWP_wRgHoXIU5NRQEpddva7YZK8oElpUThPbgcGOVa7JGzyaIQdkzy03s4x-wbRePz2idkato9D_WQajrPvd8JVMoiORP47r8gDnqSD3ON1dUgYJUMtPPGxX5NBZDZ1wyv/s640/IMG_3549.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before -- no makeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
This is my face before foundation. It's also my face before...anything else. If you want a truly bare-faced, hair-not-done, unruly-eyebrow Before picture, <i>here it is! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRB8hcNK6z_igg4n-UK9jOsBVIxdM0I5mEqZXYRrIdrUAO5k5lGNUgiG1oS1Vg_dqj5rqtuEwlAOmEYI9YK5gt5gYA-LlBL8s9huYskKABVwR6tJdIwTNHGLcC0W_ABvqiO9tA9dyq09e/s1600/IMG_3592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRB8hcNK6z_igg4n-UK9jOsBVIxdM0I5mEqZXYRrIdrUAO5k5lGNUgiG1oS1Vg_dqj5rqtuEwlAOmEYI9YK5gt5gYA-LlBL8s9huYskKABVwR6tJdIwTNHGLcC0W_ABvqiO9tA9dyq09e/s640/IMG_3592.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before -- no makeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The directions say to shake before use and then <i>"apply 2 to 3 drops of foundation to the face with the Liquid Chisel Brush. Buff into skin in a circular motion. Layer for additional coverage." </i>Since this foundation comes in a squeeze tube, getting out exact "drops" is quite difficult, but the point is that you don't need a lot for a full face of foundation.<br />
<br />
I applied this foundation with a round brush, but since I didn't own their Liquid Chisel Brush, I used my trusty ol' <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/04/my-favorite-things-march-2014.html">Sigma Synthetic F80 Round Kabuki Brush</a>, which worked out quite nicely. You could also choose to apply this with your hands, but being that it's water-based, your hands might absorb some of the product (and you might not get the neat, blended look you're looking for). I can see this working well with a sponge like the BeautyBlender as well, but I just happen to be a brush person.<br />
<br />
If you're going to use a brush, I recommend using something made with synthetic fibers, because natural hair brushes <i>will </i>soak up a lot more being, since this is water-based. (This has been a Public Service Announcement, brought to you by Sammi)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GCfpbr0S_DVW4dL59BWjMFBAEDWu5aFj1EJ7crWf1O9hvs_Qfitr1vYRv0_JvLMrCBn0ShMT2Q2lO3VO3uAb8h0uXvWXIaX_6_e2KHz0FC4_BLbBCNtETp2HtZtG2dDgwME271v6bJm2/s1600/IMG_3623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GCfpbr0S_DVW4dL59BWjMFBAEDWu5aFj1EJ7crWf1O9hvs_Qfitr1vYRv0_JvLMrCBn0ShMT2Q2lO3VO3uAb8h0uXvWXIaX_6_e2KHz0FC4_BLbBCNtETp2HtZtG2dDgwME271v6bJm2/s640/IMG_3623.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After -- full face of makeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This is me with a full face of makeup on. I didn't apply any setting powder, but later in the day, my forehead looked a little dewier than I typically like. If you have combination skin, you might want to apply a bit of powder before you leave the house (I didn't feel the need to reapply throughout the day), but you should be happy with it if you have dry skin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIyoFJLNwixoXeF5C7e8mG3xS8ohcyA8ZeSMkq8hjV_0BzOtJ0P2xfeC_frCclk0IIqgLqAATzVImd1Ms41R1baZ_ofo63netQFG1Vsx27HvXZwxOINHH1JLCrsR9PmzQ9BaswQla7FJl/s1600/IMG_3627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIyoFJLNwixoXeF5C7e8mG3xS8ohcyA8ZeSMkq8hjV_0BzOtJ0P2xfeC_frCclk0IIqgLqAATzVImd1Ms41R1baZ_ofo63netQFG1Vsx27HvXZwxOINHH1JLCrsR9PmzQ9BaswQla7FJl/s640/IMG_3627.jpg" title="Review & Swatches: PÜR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This foundation feels really nice on the skin. I wouldn't say it's "hydrating" in a sense I can skip the moisturizer, but it gave my skin a smooth, silky feel. It helped cover up the two acne marks I have on my forehead, so the coverage is nice--effective, but still natural-looking. The shade I used, Light, was a tad darker than my skintone but blending down the neck and really buffing it into the skin made it work.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
If you'd like to see my full look that day (aka actually being dressed with my hair looking presentable), check out my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBX7oKiPInH/?taken-by=sammipenni">Instagram</a>!<br />
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<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Verdict:</i></h4>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>Pros: </b></i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>True to its claims</li>
<li>Moderate coverage</li>
<li>Natural-looking finish</li>
<li>Comfortable on the skin</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b>Cons:</b></i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Limited shade selection</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Overall, I really like these foundations! If you can find a shade that works for you, I highly recommend giving them a try. I think those with dry-to-combination skin will like these more than oily-skinned folk, but being that it's so lightweight and comfortable to wear, you might still want to give it a shot. You might like how it looks after you've applied a bit of setting powder over it. Once these launch in Kohls and ULTA, hopefully there will be some testers out to see if your skin tone is represented there.<br />
<br />
What's your favorite foundation right now?<br />
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<div>
<i>Check out my review of the <b><a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2015/12/review-swatches-pur-cameo-contour-dual.html">PÜR Cosmetics Cameo Contour Sticks</a></b>! </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i style="text-align: center;">Let's be friends! </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: These products were provided to me complimentary by PR in exchange for an honest review. Not sponsored.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363614882248679291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246627949557703752.post-6574308944332237102016-01-29T16:39:00.001-05:002016-04-26T19:26:39.350-04:00Trash Talk: Bath & Body Empties (Jan 2016)<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOXix5fLg15OAXJLKlZqq0rGWjqkXrgSOkAKiGFgxtylOGU_Wf-tTN20kDukcqX_yj0mf_4NizvpNOH62__cygru38Ody0xs0LdHo4kFL99_wSIiwb2LM1oT8DM21O6Xu742FfisiSUgg/s1600/Trash-Talk-Jan-2016-Bath-%2526-Body-Empties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trash Talk: Bath & Body Empties (Jan 2016) - Sammi the Beauty Buff" border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOXix5fLg15OAXJLKlZqq0rGWjqkXrgSOkAKiGFgxtylOGU_Wf-tTN20kDukcqX_yj0mf_4NizvpNOH62__cygru38Ody0xs0LdHo4kFL99_wSIiwb2LM1oT8DM21O6Xu742FfisiSUgg/s640/Trash-Talk-Jan-2016-Bath-%2526-Body-Empties.jpg" title="Trash Talk: Bath & Body Empties (Jan 2016) - Sammi the Beauty Buff" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi, friends! It's crazy that we're so close to the end of January. 2016 is really flying by! I was originally planning on doing <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/search/label/my%20favorite%20things"><b>another Favorites post</b></a> to mark the end of 2015, to serve as a catch-all for hair, nail, and body products, but then I decided against it. I'm not very picky with those other things, so rather than repeat the few products you guys already know I love, I figured I would write up some mini reviews to the products I used up recently.<br />
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It's called Trash Talk, because we're gonna talk about all of our beauty trash (this is a friendly zone, we don't talk trash about each other here)! We're just talking about bath and body products today, since I'm trying to cut down my post lengths. I feel like they're always <i>so </i>long! What do you think? Do you prefer short, concise posts, or long ones with more information? Or a mix of both?<br />
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But enough about that. Let's get to the good stuff!<br />
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<b>THE SOMERSET TOILETRY COMPANY | Strawberry and Papaya Bath & Shower Gel ($5 | 16oz)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg48z3708XxWoaGvfsaGJEZ6QrCQB9Ru6dln0vYvkHTGsQruy-raFKc0WQ23nga05hF9A9NtKG5yJ0UnZjaYidLO2hzE6ipgKR9RCaXof-YAYDPdYcJV1_VJuY7IlXqG9i2TdwobNlGnX/s1600/The+Somerset+Toiletry+Company+Strawberry+and+Papaya+Bath+and+Shower+Gel+Edited+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="THE SOMERSET TOILETRY COMPANY | Strawberry and Papaya Bath & Shower Gel ($5 | 16oz)" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg48z3708XxWoaGvfsaGJEZ6QrCQB9Ru6dln0vYvkHTGsQruy-raFKc0WQ23nga05hF9A9NtKG5yJ0UnZjaYidLO2hzE6ipgKR9RCaXof-YAYDPdYcJV1_VJuY7IlXqG9i2TdwobNlGnX/s640/The+Somerset+Toiletry+Company+Strawberry+and+Papaya+Bath+and+Shower+Gel+Edited+Logo.jpg" title="THE SOMERSET TOILETRY COMPANY | Strawberry and Papaya Bath & Shower Gel ($5 | 16oz)" width="640" /></a></div>
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I randomly picked this up at a Marshall's or TJ Maxx when I ran out of shower gel and wanted to try something new. It was pretty average in every way: the smell wasn't that strong (and didn't impress me to begin with), it wasn't very moisturizing (yet not drying either). It got the job done; it was just <i>okay.</i> It was a good price for the amount you get, but I don't think I'd seek this out again. I'm usually a fan of creamy body washes like <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/06/my-favorite-things-june-2014.html">Olay's Age Defying Body Wash</a> (which is the same price for double the product), so if I'm going to opt for a shower gel, it better smell pretty darn good (like <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/04/my-favorite-things-march-2014.html">The Body Shop's Strawberry Shower Gel</a>). I can't seem to find a website for this brand, so I guess if you're curious, check it out at a local TJ Maxx or Marshall's near you.<br />
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<b><a href="http://amzn.to/1QxJHEd" rel="nofollow">JERGENS | BB Protect Skin Cream in Medium Deep SPF 15</a> ($11.50 | 6oz)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX_vMO0ipz_OJgrmolFsBeV1v38IM8wCI4vPWtyKOzBSpQZIfMSD0VFk3nFjBzwea0Nn1GJWBCxZJ-CzGweao6DZt0zZoxUBcoA6GYI_6EOMqQzHc5tZz4hnqq3RI_k8knlYUyxut9A2T/s1600/Jergens+BB+Protect+Body+Lotion+Medium+Deep+Edited+Logo+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="JERGENS | BB Protect Skin Cream in Medium Deep SPF 15 ($11.50 | 6oz)" border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX_vMO0ipz_OJgrmolFsBeV1v38IM8wCI4vPWtyKOzBSpQZIfMSD0VFk3nFjBzwea0Nn1GJWBCxZJ-CzGweao6DZt0zZoxUBcoA6GYI_6EOMqQzHc5tZz4hnqq3RI_k8knlYUyxut9A2T/s640/Jergens+BB+Protect+Body+Lotion+Medium+Deep+Edited+Logo+%25283%2529.jpg" title="JERGENS | BB Protect Skin Cream in Medium Deep SPF 15 ($11.50 | 6oz)" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jergens released their BB Body lotions around the same time that BB creams were entering drugstores. I like the Jergens Natural Glow lotion (more for the scent than the gradual tanner capabilities, surprisingly), so I figured I would try this, too. I originally got a sample of this in a <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2014/03/birchbox-march-2014-review.html">Birchbox last year</a> in the Light/Medium shade, and didn't really see any difference. This promises to firm, hydrate, smooth, minimize imperfections, and provide SPF 15, all in one tube! It does contain dihydroxyaceton, which is common ingredient in self-tanners, so I thought I would see a little bit of tan after daily use, but nada. After finishing up my Birchbox sample, I saw this big bottle on clearance at Walgreens for $3, so I decided to try it in the darker shade to see if I got any different results. In short, I still didn't see any difference in my skin, so I don't know why they bothered with the two shades, since the lotion looks nearly identical. I think I'll go back to the Natural Glow. At least that one smells good, and has more of a chance of making me look like a beach babe.<br />
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<b>PERLIER | Various Hand Creams and Body Balms ($21 | 3.3oz and $60 | 16.9oz)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi850PYXgGFUzC80pGJcWWD37A8iwSulm1YjWNTKMaD3Laq3vCtEqZrMtZvkf3CCmo7zfpUzpw63iJ4OvjNPb6Aw5oqGfwM7LU2nLaH9Sfxqzlpak5fdZDv_IBlmFSjNGzE47Ex31ZG7I/s1600/Perlier+Shea+Butter+Hand+Cream+Trio+Edited+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PERLIER | Various Hand Creams and Body Balms ($21 | 3.3oz and $60 | 16.9oz)" border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi850PYXgGFUzC80pGJcWWD37A8iwSulm1YjWNTKMaD3Laq3vCtEqZrMtZvkf3CCmo7zfpUzpw63iJ4OvjNPb6Aw5oqGfwM7LU2nLaH9Sfxqzlpak5fdZDv_IBlmFSjNGzE47Ex31ZG7I/s640/Perlier+Shea+Butter+Hand+Cream+Trio+Edited+Logo.jpg" title="PERLIER | Various Hand Creams and Body Balms ($21 | 3.3oz and $60 | 16.9oz)" width="640" /></a></div>
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You guys probably know by now how hooked I am on Perlier's body products. I always have at least one of these on hand (it's punny, because these are hand creams...laugh!). From left to right, we have the <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/perlier-coupons.html?ATID=805692&POID=18448" rel="nofollow">Honey Miel Hand Cream</a>, the <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/perlier-coupons.html?ATID=805693&POID=18449" rel="nofollow">Moisturizing Hand Cream with Lavender Extract</a>, and the <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/perlier-coupons.html?ATID=805694&POID=18450" rel="nofollow">Nourishing Body Balm with Lavender Extract</a>. The body balms are also nice on the hands, though I usually use them on my feet, elbows, and anywhere else where my skin gets particularly dry. If your skin is feeling particularly parched, just go straight for the body balms (because they don't mess around). They're pricier--$60 for a tub of almost 17 ounces--but they work wonders. All of these smell nice, but not in an overpowering way, and the lavender scent is especially nice before bed time. I haven't tried a product from this brand that I didn't like. I'll leave Perlier alone for a little while so I can try some new things, but just know...they'll be missed.<br />
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<b>BATH & BODY WORKS | Coconut Lime Verbena Body Lotion ($12.50 | 8oz)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIH6OcLlDr5xwsFSZmAU0ttHADXZGe4oPiJXgh1ahNQ3WJ5axwu1peo2lDnGXqrx-clGRr75n99yoKd15LAZw29fYE2cRXbMTy3gI7ziKrOxT0mmxdgNdZCcRJ1QgZ3tCMA1DLGc5PV3O/s1600/IMG_3496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIH6OcLlDr5xwsFSZmAU0ttHADXZGe4oPiJXgh1ahNQ3WJ5axwu1peo2lDnGXqrx-clGRr75n99yoKd15LAZw29fYE2cRXbMTy3gI7ziKrOxT0mmxdgNdZCcRJ1QgZ3tCMA1DLGc5PV3O/s640/IMG_3496.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little tube was included with all of the other toiletries during my last hotel stay, which was pretty recent, so I was surprised to see you can't find it on Bath & Body Works (B&BW)'s website anymore. It's there as a <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/bathandbodyworks-coupons.html?ATID=805691&POID=18447" rel="nofollow">hand soap</a>, but not in the lotions. Perhaps it's been relegated to hotel bathrooms only? Anyway, I've been a fan of B&BW's lotions since middle school, and this scent is no exception. It's purely citrus and coconuts, and it smells delicious. It seems like they've released a newer collection called <a href="http://www.shopathome.com/bathandbodyworks-coupons.html?ATID=805688&POID=18446" rel="nofollow">Coconut Lime Breeze</a>, which sounds similar. They both contain notes of coconut water, lemons, and limes, so give it a whiff next time you're in a store and let me know what you think! (Or, pick up the Verbana hand soap, and try not to smell your hands every time you wash them. Go ahead, I dare you.)<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/sephora-coupons.html?ATID=805687&POID=18445" rel="nofollow">KORRES | Body Butter in Lemon Basil</a> ($10 | 1.69oz)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeEuf5KKLrHMmHCA2pbz_dFCoQenPzXUy2qf6PfvNLniomcDY68-77yBSnStVJSoJzmvnPs6lo90kyhXQ7bLkaLhDlp3jAejh5zHx00cCNQwSNkqAF82K8GjQyfZ1EQVQFvjPzTCqo4m3/s1600/Korres+Body+Butter+in+Lemon+Basil+Edited+Logo+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="KORRES | Body Butter in Lemon Basil ($10 | 1.69oz)" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeEuf5KKLrHMmHCA2pbz_dFCoQenPzXUy2qf6PfvNLniomcDY68-77yBSnStVJSoJzmvnPs6lo90kyhXQ7bLkaLhDlp3jAejh5zHx00cCNQwSNkqAF82K8GjQyfZ1EQVQFvjPzTCqo4m3/s640/Korres+Body+Butter+in+Lemon+Basil+Edited+Logo+%25282%2529.jpg" title="KORRES | Body Butter in Lemon Basil ($10 | 1.69oz)" width="640" /></a></div>
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I strangely <a href="http://www.sammithebeautybuff.com/2013/07/mail-time-72313.html">won a trio of these</a> in an HSN contest awhile back. I've previously used up their Guava and Jasmine scents, and although this Lemon Basil one was my least favorite, the formula was still equally moisturizing. It's thick and creamy, but not insanely so, making it a good option to carry in your bag and apply throughout the day. I also used this as a hand cream before bed and it worked well in that department, too. I don't find these to be as hydrating as the Perlier Body Balms if you're super dry, but they're still equally nice. They have so many more scents than I thought, including Fig and Japanese Rose, both of which sound <i>amazing.</i> </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.shopathome.com/bathandbodyworks-coupons.html?ATID=805686&POID=18444" rel="nofollow">BATH & BODY WORKS | Japanese Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette</a> ($34.50 | 2.5oz)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BoXW5J17qpvUsmvHYpY3_6zBYz2vNnUhXoaqvrtYF7B_95fH8Irqe2GK22zdLHoFAm3ackoeWfRmNEl_KnlqRSXhmv0bUcFZRbDgSbeMRfLFJ9KWbxOVYhROS7NtirCl48o1lb_YmGUE/s1600/Bath+%2526+Body+Works+Japanese+Cherry+Blossom+EDT+Edited+Logo+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BATH & BODY WORKS | Japanese Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette ($34.50 | 2.5oz)" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BoXW5J17qpvUsmvHYpY3_6zBYz2vNnUhXoaqvrtYF7B_95fH8Irqe2GK22zdLHoFAm3ackoeWfRmNEl_KnlqRSXhmv0bUcFZRbDgSbeMRfLFJ9KWbxOVYhROS7NtirCl48o1lb_YmGUE/s640/Bath+%2526+Body+Works+Japanese+Cherry+Blossom+EDT+Edited+Logo+%25281%2529.jpg" title="BATH & BODY WORKS | Japanese Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette ($34.50 | 2.5oz)" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yup, this scent definitely takes me back to grade school. I received this little half ounce bottle in a gift set at some point, but fragrances take me an eternity to use up, so it's rare for me to include one in an Empties post. I was letting this little guy sit in my lingerie drawer after I finished it up to make it smell nice (does anyone else do that?), but eventually the scent wears off and I have no excuse for being a hoarder.<br />
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They no longer make the original Cherry Blossom (my ultimate middle school scent, aka me in a bottle), but this one is similar. I graduated to this in high school, because I was a #adult. It contains a base note of sandalwood, which makes sense, since all of the fragrances I like are somehow rooted in sandalwood. It also contains a few different floral and fruity notes, making it not too deep for daytime, but also allowing it to work at night. The full-size bottles are much prettier, but this worked just as well. Are you, or were you ever, a Bath & Body Works person? If so, what's your favorite scent?<br />
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What products have you used up recently?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KRB4tteLGzSiQ3vjhRmI9CZ-6gZtNVqp2s6XfzxWgjILOMSLoB0eoW4_7WDSTIlDetuWRWtSnAYBLL3g38nIGtSbvc55c5MvEWcjL9q-KITpYFqeESPbGpEEKRO0eNTkz4kHCaDT7y2r/s1600/Signature+New.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KRB4tteLGzSiQ3vjhRmI9CZ-6gZtNVqp2s6XfzxWgjILOMSLoB0eoW4_7WDSTIlDetuWRWtSnAYBLL3g38nIGtSbvc55c5MvEWcjL9q-KITpYFqeESPbGpEEKRO0eNTkz4kHCaDT7y2r/s1600/Signature+New.png" /></a></div>
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