Review - TiZO Photoceutical Professional Line

Please note: While these products were provided to me by the company, this is not a sponsored post.  I receive no kickbacks for my review.  All opinions are my own after a thorough review of using the product line.

TiZO Photoceutical is a professional line of skincare and sunscreen available from “your local, licensed skincare professional” according to the website.  As I mentioned in the note above, the company provided me with the product line specifically looking for my honest feedback since I do try a lot of different skincare, and I thought I’d share it with you.

The Photoceutical line consists of 4 products: an AM moisturizer, PM moisturizer, face wash, and face sunscreen.  In general, I found this to be a very unique line of products.  And FYI, the pictures you see throughout this post include a mix of both old and new packaging, though currently it’s the white packaging being used.

Let’s try to go in the order I typically use them.  You might think I’d start off with the cleanser, but I really like using that best at night, so I’ll discuss it then.

AM Rejuvenation is a thick, white morning moisturizer which results in a matte finish.  It is much thicker than a typical morning moisturizer, and felt more like an evening moisturizer when applying.  I needed more product than I originally expected to make sure my face, neck, and décolletage were evenly covered.  Even though it’s matte, it’s not drying so it would definitely work for dry skin.  It doesn’t leave an overly greasy feel so I think it should be ok for oily skin (I tend to have normal skin), but you might want to set everything with a powder after finishing your makeup or maybe use a powder foundation (more on that later).  It works well with products not in this line, such as eye creams, sunscreens, makeup primers, and several formulations of foundation.

AM Replenish is the face sunscreen of the line though it also has some moisturizing properties, and I really like that it’s SPF 40.  This is a physical sunscreen rather than a chemical sunscreen, so it’s designed not to break people out.  This is tinted to a light skin color (as seen in the next picture), so I don’t know how it would work on darker skin.  However, I am very pale, and it doesn’t give me any extra color and doesn’t oxidize on my skin, so it seems to blend in well and may actually work out ok.  Like the AM Rejuvenation, I had to use a lot more of this product than I originally expected to make sure my whole face was covered, and I use any leftover on the back of my hands and forearms.  This will definitely be the first product of the bunch that I run out of.  What sunscreen do you recommend for you face?

My favorite thing about the AM Replenish is that it feels like a silicone makeup primer, almost identical to Benefit Porefessional, which is saying something because that is my HG primer.  Like Porefessional, it does have some pore minimizing properties, and if your skin is clear it can be worn alone due to the coverage/priming and slight tint.  And it truly works great for me as a primer.  I’ve used it with several different foundations and concealers and it’s worked well with all of them.  However, this has been amazing with powder foundation.  In the past, Porefessional had been the only primer that worked for me under powder foundation, but this has been just as great.  What's your favorite primer to use under powder foundation?  Do you use a different primer under other foundations, and if so, what?

Gentle Foaming Cleanser is, obviously, the facial cleanser of the product line.  I was surprised how good this is, and also how different it is.  This cleanser is thick foam that reminds me of shaving cream which dissipates easily and rinses quickly.  However, the cleanser itself is very emollient, or moisturizing, to the point where you can even get away without using a moisturizer afterward if you don’t have overly dry skin.

The cleanser takes off eye makeup better than anything else I’ve ever used, including various eye makeup removers.  If I use it at night, I don’t have to use anything to wipe away leftover eye makeup after my shower in the morning.  Unfortunately, I’ve found two problems when removing my eye makeup: 1 – it doesn’t remove liquid eyeliner at all, and 2 – if I rub my eyes to work the cleanser into the makeup, it does tend to burn my eyes.

PM Restore is the evening moisturizer, which also leaves a mattified finish like the morning one does.  It is a clear cream and looks very much like a silicone primer, but has a much different texture and feel on the skin.  Again, this was a much thicker than I expected and I needed more product than I originally expected.  It does have retinol in it, so I wouldn't use it if your sensitive to that, but not enough to dry your skin out quickly.

Overall, I’m really impressed by this product line.  While all of the products are good and like nothing I’ve used before, the sunscreen is by far my favorite of the collection.  I will definitely keep using it if I can get my hands on more, and may even consider making it a HG item.  I wouldn’t turn the others away if I ran across them again and may even seek them out, but I wouldn’t stop trying other items to replace them with these.

Do you stick with one skincare line, or do you mix brands?

Target Beauty Box - May 2016

I’m usually a big fan of the Target Beauty Boxes, but this one is rather repetitive in that I’ve gotten several of these products in previous boxes from them before.  Yes, there are some new ones here, and some new products from familiar brands, but I really like trying new products and am getting tired of the repeats.

On another note, I like how Target has been changing the color of the tissue paper used in their boxes every month.  I realize this is a very little thing, but it’s a nice surprise every time I open the box.

Let’s get into the products themselves:

• L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes for Body – I don’t really do self-tanning (in fact, I think I tried it all of twice before a trip to Hawaii a few months ago), so I need to check out how difficult this is to use.  If it’s too complicated or the chance for streaking or rubbing off on clothing, etc., is large, I don’t think I’ll use it.  Do you fake tan?  What are your favorite products?
• Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream – I’m not a huge fan of rippy packets, but I’ll add this to my pile of moisturizers to use.

• Clairol Hair Food Dry Shampoo Infused with Kiwi Fragrance (Target) – I actually just started a can of this that I got in a previous Target Beauty Box.  It is really strong and acts like a texturizing spray in addition to dry shampoo.  Do you use your dry shampoo for styling too, or just to absorb the oil?  It definitely feels like there is something in my hair when I use it, and the feeling stays all day, which is a feeling I don’t always get with other dry shampoos.  However, it can also feel somewhat sticky, and I definitely can’t get a brush through my hair after using it.  I’m still undecided on this one. 
• Andalou Naturals Night Repair Cream – I’m swimming in moisturizers for both face and body right now, so this won’t get used for a while.

• Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream – Again, my moisturizer bins are overflowing right now.  However, this is a repeat offender sample.  I know that Laneige is a Target exclusive brand, but it seems like every box has at least one product from them.  Are you getting tired of this brand too, or should Target keep sending samples from them?
• Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer – Another moisturizer?  I do like Derma E, but why does the box need so many moisturizer samples?

• Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser – I don’t think I’ve ever gotten this specific product as a sample before, but Target does send a lot of Cerave samples so I may have.  At least I know I like their face soaps.
• Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil – So I never jumped on the cleansing oil bandwagon, and hesitated to buy a full size in case I didn’t like the way it worked.  I’m looking forward trying out this sample and, if I like it, maybe exploring the product type more.  Do you use cleansing oils?  What works best for you?
• L’Oreal Le Matte Velvety Full Coverage Lip Colour – I’m a huge fan of lipstick, and lip crayons especially.  I’ve been wearing matte lipstick fairly consistently since the 90’s, so it never really went out of style (for me at least).  I’ve also heard great reviews on this product.  Unfortunately, the color I received isn’t the best for me.  I also find it a little annoying that there is no shade name on the tube.  Grrrrr…

So, lots of products this month, but not a great variety and several that have been sent in the past.  Do they figure that people don’t get these boxes every month?  I don’t know; the people online that I run across that discuss it tend to stalk Target so they can try to grab it as soon as each new one comes out, especially now that they seem to be coming out monthly.

What did you think of your Target Beauty Box this month?

Birchbox - May 2016

This May, Birchbox is getting us ready for summer by making sure we have sunscreen, and in my case, in more than one way.  While I like the idea, I was really disappointed in the size of some of the samples, particularly the Coola primer (more on that below).  At least I did receive extra samples with the shampoo and conditioner rippy packets.

Also, why is it that for the past two months I haven't had tissue paper in my box?

 Now for the samples:

• Matrix Oil Wonders Volume Rose Plumping Mousse – This is a great size from a brand known for their haircare products.  While I don’t necessarily use mousse every day, I do use it, and I’m looking forward to trying it out.
• Matrix Oil Wonders Volume Rose Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine Hair – I’m glad I received these “extra” samples because they make up for the small size of some of the other ones.  Even though they are rippy packets, which are never a favorite, they are actually a good size.  Since they are in the same line as the mousse, it will be nice to see how they all work together.

• Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel for Body – I have always been hesitant to use peels before, but had a good first experience recently.  I know Real Chemistry face peels generally get good reviews, so I’m interested in trying this out.  What do you think about the face peel?  Have you tried out the body peel yet?
• MD Solar Sciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 for Body – For being a body sunscreen, this is a really small sample.  The tube is tiny, but since it is opaque I can’t tell how full it is.  I don’t know if I’ll be able to get a good feel of this product from this single sample.
• Coola Daydream Mineral Primer – This sample was my biggest disappointment by far.  The tube is tiny, and if you hold it up to the light you can see that it is almost empty.  It looks like there may be only a single application in it, which is ridiculous for a face primer.  How am I supposed to make an educated decision about this product using such a small sample?
• Model Co Lip Lacquer in Morocco – This looks like a gorgeous MLBB gloss, but the thing that really stands out for me is the scent.  I love it!  It smells like one of my all-time favorite Lip Smacker products, one of the berry clear glosses (either strawberry or cherry, leaning more toward strawberry).  What’s your favorite scent for a lip product?  Even if the color doesn’t pan out on me, or the formula isn’t my favorite since I don’t wear gloss all that much, the scent alone may be enough for me to keep it around.  Do you prefer lipstick or gloss?

So as you can tell, I have mixed feelings about this month’s box.  How was your Birchbox this month?  Shout out in the comments below.

Note: Birchbox link is my referral link.

Empties - April 2016

My favorite post of the month, late as usual.  Lots of makeup this month, but quite a few of them are Giveups.  Other than that, it's a pretty even mix across all categories, and a relatively slow month overall compared to recent months.

Makeup

• Benefit The Porefessional – Sample card from Ulta.  I love Porefessional, and found that it is the best primer for me under powder foundations.  I’ve gotten a lot of samples, mostly because I’ve bought a lot of Benefit products and will continue to do so since some are HG for me so I haven’t found the need to purchase a full size yet, but I need to never be without this.  Purchase: Yes.
• Benefit They’re Real! Push-up Liner in Beyond Brown – Sample from Ulta.  GIVEUPS.  I tried several times to make this work, but it kept crumbling on me by the end of the day.  I love eyeliner and have so many better ones that I didn’t want to keep this.  Purchase: No.
• Hard Candy Brows Now! Brow Fiber Gel + Highlighter in Light Medium – Full size.  GIVEUPS.  I first bought this because I didn’t want to spend all of the money on Benefit Gimme Brow.  I thought it was great at first, then after I tried Gimme Brow, this just didn’t compare.  I found it too goopy and the brush too big for my brows.  Repurchase: No.
• Lip Smacker Cookies ‘N Cream Lip Balm – Full size.  This was a Dollar Store find I just couldn’t pass up.  Lip Smackers HG lip balm, so when I found one in a decent flavor I snatched it up as fast as I could.  Repurchase: Yes (if I can find it again, I think it’s discontinued)
• Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio for Brown Eyes in Purple – Full size.  I was surprised at just how much I liked this trio, but I'm so glad I heard about a sale on this product line from Tati.  The purple wound up being the being the least pigmented, and I definitely have more pigmented purple eyeliners.  This also didn’t work as great in the waterline as the others in the trio.  However, it was a decent enough product, and the trio is worth working with this one again.  Repurchase: Yes.
• Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – Sample (probably) from Ulta.  GIVEUPS.  I tried really hard to like this, and I tried really hard to use up this sample, but I just couldn’t.  I made my foundation look cakey regardless of which one I used.  I have enough other primers both to try and that I know I like that it just wasn’t worth it to keep using it.  Purchase: No.  What's your favorite primer?

Face Care

• Acure Day Cream (Target) – Sample from Target Beauty Box.  I love this day cream.  It’s nice and light but moisturizes well.  I’ve gotten a lot of samples, but I think it would be worth a full size.  Purchase: Yes.
• Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Mask – Full size.  I do like this better than other Dr. Jart+ sheet masks.  I had tried this as a sample and bought this one myself, and would do it again.  Repurchase: Yes.
• Goodal Phytowash Yerba Mate Bubble Peeling – Rippy packet from Birchbox On Trend: Korean Beauty Box.  I don’t know if this was any better than any other scrub I use.  I don’t normally use peels so maybe that’s the issue, but I wasn’t overly impressed.  Purchase: No.
• Goodal Waterest First Essence – Sample from Birchbox On Trend: Korean Beauty Box.  There were times I thought this was burning my skin, but other times it seemed fine, so I’m not sure at this point.  Either way, I’d rather be safe than sorry.  Purchase: No.
• Manefit Cucumber Soothing + Moisturizing Manefit Beauty Planner Mask (Birchbox) – Full size from Birchbox On Trend: Korean Beauty Box.  This was a nice soothing mask I received in a subscription box.  If it’s a decent price I might consider more.  Purchase: Maybe.
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Full size.  HG item.  Repurchase: Yes (already have)

Skincare

• BBW White Citrus Lotion – Hotel sample.  Standard BBW lotion.  Purchase: Maybe.
• Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Body Wash – Sample from QVC Advent Calendar.  This was a decent shower gel, but had a strong scent and I believe it’s relatively expensive.  Purchase: No.
• Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath, and Shower Gel – Travel size from QVC Advent Calendar.  GIVEUPS.  The scent of this was completely overwhelming and seemed to dry me out more than other Philosophy shower gels.  Purchase: No.
• StriVectin-SD Volumzing Hand Treatment – Rippy packet possibly from Ulta or Sephora.  The sample was very small and one use only, so I can’t form an accurate opinion on it.  From the single time I used it, it seemed to moisturize fine.  Purchase: No.

Fragrance

• Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black (Sephora) – Full size rollerball.  I love this perfume and am actually considering getting a full size.  I’m just trying to use up some of my other ones first.  Repurchase: Yes (definitely!)
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette Spray – Sample from Ulta.  I generally like Marc Jacobs perfumes, and this is no exception.  They don’t necessarily last all day and I tend to get samples all the time so I haven’t felt the need to actually purchase any yet.  Purchase: Maybe.

Hair Care

• Attitude Shampoo for Volume & Shine – Rippy packet from Target Beauty Box.  OK, but didn’t stand out.  Purchase: No.
• Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Conditioner Color Shield – Full size.  I received this as an old bottle partially used, and was surprised how well it still worked.  It deep conditioned and thoroughly repaired colored hair.  Repurchase: Yes (if still available)
• Klorane Shampoo with Desert Date – Sample from Birchbox.  I didn’t like this, mostly because of the scent.  Purchase: No.
• Ouidad Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo – Rippy packet (don't remember source).  I surprising liked this.  Even though it was clarifying, I think because it was a cream I actually needed less conditioner than usual.  Purchase: Maybe.
• Soapbox Argan Oil Shampoo – Sample from Target Beauty Box.     It was OK, but didn’t stand out.  Purchase: No.
• Tigi Bed Head Dumb Blond Shampoo for Chemically Treated Hair – Full size.  HG product.  This is one of my favorites for freshly dyed hair.  Repurchase: Yes.  What's your favorite hair care line for color treated hair?

Other

• BBW PocketBac in Black Cherry Merlot and Pure Paradise – Full size.  HG product.  Everyone loved the Black Cherry Merlot scent; I got lots of comments from BMT nurses that it smelled like fruit snacks, and we even bought one for the hubby.  Pure Paradise was fine, and I wouldn’t avoid it but I may not seek it out.  Repurchase: Product: Yes.  Scents: Black Cherry Merlot definitely, Pure Paradise maybe.
• Hello Fluoride Toothpaste in Supermint – Sample (probably) from Target Beauty Box.  The kiddo mostly used this, and she actually didn’t mind this even though she doesn’t usually like mint products.  Even though it’s called Supermint, the flavor seemed less strong than my usual toothpaste.  If the kiddo wanted this, I would pick it up, but I probably wouldn’t grab this for myself.  Repurchase: Not for myself.

What do you think?  Will you be trying out any of these?  Did any of the ones I didn't like work well for you?

Target Beauty Box - April 2016

Note: I know how late this is, especially since I just got my May Target Beauty Box today.  But here's a summary of the April 2016 Target Beauty Box for your enjoyment.

In April, Target put out a jam-packed beauty box perfect for Spring and Summer.  There is the requisite sunscreen and lots of skincare to help transition our dry winter skin to being beach-worthy.  As always, included in the box is a $3 coupon for beauty products at Target, so you can pick up any products you might be missing to help you get ready for warmer weather.

I’m usually a big fan of the Target boxes, I just wish there was a subscription service.  What are your thoughts?

This month included:

• Laneige Water Bank Soothing Gel Mask (Target)– I’m a big fan of sheet masks, and this seems to be one with maybe a bit more of a gel-like consistency.
• Maybelline Dream Velvet Gel-Whipped Foundation in Classic Ivory (rippy packet) – This has been all over the internet, and I’ve been interested in trying it, but I’m always hesitant because of how pale I am.  This sample will almost definitely be too dark, so I may just pass it on.  But at least by getting this, I’ve done the research now to know that this line does seem to go very pale.
• Pantene AirSpray Alcohol Free Hairspray – I don’t use hairspray, so this will be passed on.
• Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Ultra Light High Performance Sunscreen – I don’t use a lot of cream sunscreen, but I like having some as backups.

• Marlowe Body Butter – For being body butter, this is pretty light and nice for spring.  It definitely has a scent, but it’s not a bad one, just one I can’t quite place.
• CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick in Temptress Rose – This seems like a nice formula, I just don't know about the color yet.  Did you get the same color or something different?
• Cerave Healing Ointment – When I first looked at this, I thought it was going to feel like Vaseline or Aquaphor, but it’s actually more like a solid potted lip balm.  I don’t know how great this will be on other body parts (it says it can be used on dry, cracked skin), but it should be great on lips.
• Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes – I’m a big fan of face wipes, and I’ve liked most things from Simple.  These aren’t my favorite wipes, but they’re not the worst I’ve used in the past, so they’ll definitely be used.

So, while I won’t use all of these products, I do know some will come in very handy.  I will definitely use the mask and wipes, and I’ll see if the foundation is the right color (though I’m not hopeful).  The body butter, healing ointment, and sunscreen will be added to my stock and will get used eventually, but I won’t likely be reaching for them right away.

What did you think of the April Target box?

Walmart Beauty Box - Spring 2016

Each season, Walmart sends out a free box if you sign up for their subscription service as long as you pay the $5 shipping.  I just recently learned that there are actually 2 different boxes based on your age.  For the 35 and older crowd, they send you the “Classic” box, while those younger than 35 receive the “Trendsetter” box.

Being over 35, I receive the Classic box.  In the past, I’ve been somewhat disappointed in the Walmart box.  They’ve had a lot of rippy packets and sample cards, and some have had very few other samples.  But this box shocked me in a good way.  If you count all of the rippy packets and sample cards, there were a total of 14 samples!  I’ve never seen a box that full before.

Included were:

• Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream Moisturizer (rippy packet) – I’ve used a sample of this before and don’t mind using another.
• Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (rippy packet) – This is one of my new favorite moisturizers, so I’m always happy to see another sample.
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup – Shade finder sample card with 12 colors.  I am so glad this is a shade finder card rather than just a single shade or even just a few colors because it can be so hard for me to find a foundation.
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Correct & Cover Pink Grapefruit Moisturizer – Shade finder sample card with 2 colors.  I am a fan of BB/CC creams and tinted moisturizers because it can be so hard for me to find the right foundation shade.  Like with the foundation above, I like that this is a shade finder card.
• L’Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother Finishing Cream (rippy packet) – I’ve used a sample of this before and don’t mind using another.
• ROC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Chest, Neck & Face Cream- Another face cream to add to my stack.  It seems like more brands are coming out with moisturizers specifically targeted to the chest and neck.
• Banana Boat Sun Comfort UVA/UVB Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – I’m more of a fan of spray sunscreens, but this will be a good backup.
• Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer with Nourishing Monoi Oil – I’ve been getting a lot of samples of this, and am actually using a full-size of the coconut right now.  These aren’t bad, but they don’t give as much moisturization as they advertise.
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – I’m actually using a full-size of this now.
• Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste – I hesitate to use whitening toothpastes because I have sensitive teeth.  I will probably be passing this on.
• Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen and Restorative Night Cream – These smell wonderful, with a light berry scent.  I’ve been using them and they aren’t bad, though they’re not the best I’ve ever used.  After initial use, I unfortunately think they may be breaking me out.
• Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Almond Nude – I like lipstick crayons, and this seems to go on nice and smooth.  The color might be a little tricky for me to pull off; it’s a little lighter than I usually go.
• Vera Wang Embrace Rose Buds and Vanilla Eau de Toilette Spray – I’ll give it a shot, although I’m not usually a fan of rose-scented products.

So, when I signed the kiddo up for the Trendsetter box, there was some confusion and I wound up getting a second box.  The second box had several of the same items, some similar but not exact, but not nearly as many (only 8), and no makeup.  If I had just received the second box I would have been disappointed.  It was very interesting to see the difference.

Do you receive the Walmart Beauty Box?  If so, which version do you receive?