2015 Yearly Favorites

I know this is a little late, but I've been trying to get posts out as fast as I can.  Hell, I've written more in the past 2 weeks than I have in the past 6 months.  Here's just a quick rundown of some of my favorite products from the past year.  (Also, sorry I don't have pictures for everything.  I'm editing some for upcoming posts now.)

• The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer – I have been really into bold highlighters this year, and this is as bold as it comes. 

• Benefit Gimme Brow – For a quick brow day, I like using a brow mascara for some gentle taming and filling.  I have tried several this year, and nothing has compared to this.  If anyone knows of a less expensive alternative I should try, please let me know in the comments. (also available here and here)

• Benefit The Porefessional – I don’t use primer every day, but when I do this is my favorite.  I have also found that it is an absolute must under powder foundations. (also available here and here)

Rocketeur on bottom right

•  Benefit Rocketeur – This rose gold blush imparts such a great color on my skin.  It’s not too light but also hard to overapply.  In fact, it was this blush that got me started back on powder blushes after using mostly creams for several years. (also available here and here)

• Benefit Watt’s Up – If I want to use a cream highlighter, I almost always reach for this one.  It packs a great punch and blends beautifully. (also available here and here)

•  BITE custom lipcolor created at BITE Liplab in NYC – I know this is kind of a cheat, but this is still one of my favorites this year.  I had such a great experience at the Liplab, and they helped me create this fantastic lipstick; a great color, fabulous formula, and I love the scent I picked. 

•  Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black – My most used fragrance this year; I got rollerballs of both Black and White around the holidays last year and this one is over half gone (which is huge for me).  The Black is SO much better on me than Nirvana White.

•  Lipsmackers Lip Balm – This may seem like a strange choice, but this is a longtime favorite of mine.  I define a good lip balm as one that I can still feel in the morning after applying before bed.  It doesn’t matter what flavor, these are the best lip balms I’ve ever used at bedtime.

•  MAC lip liners – I’ve been late to the game in multiple ways here.  First, I did not appreciate lip liners until very recently.  Secondly, I did not own any MAC products until earlier this year.  Now, MAC lip liners are some of my most used lip products.  A few brands I’ve tried have come close, but most others are too dry, too creamy, tug on my lips, aren’t the right color, something.  The MAC ones have been the perfect consistency and color, and the few I have go with so many of the lip products I own.

•  Mary Kay Day Solution – I like using this nice light sunscreen as a first layer; I am then able to choose which moisturizer I want to use that day to suit my skincare needs.  It also guarantees an extra layer of sun protection above whatever else is being provided in my moisturizer or makeup.

• Mary Kay Whipped Eye Color in Tiki Hut – This LE product has a unique mousse-like texture and is a great cream eyeshadow for using the crease.

• Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Comfort Clear – Another lip balm I use every day, I use this when I get out of my shower and it doesn’t come off until I take it off to put on my lipstick.  This is a great moisturizing product for a moderate price that I will definitely rebuy when I run out (or steal the kiddo’s).

• Too Faced Melted Lipsticks – The Melted Fig is a go-to when I’m not sure what to wear since it goes with pretty much everything.  The Melted Metallic Jelly is a fantastic, fairly sheer berry color with shimmer but not glitter. (also available here and here)

• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in LSD – This is what first helped me figure out how to wear black liquid liner and have it look decent on me (liquid liner on upper lash line, this on tightline and waterline).  (also available here and here)

•  Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless CompleteCoverage Concealer in Light Neutral – I love this full-coverage concealer.  It works well on all parts of my face, including the undereye area. (also available here and here)

• Ulta Color Coat Cream Eyeshadow in Shimmering Topaz – How could I not include this on my list – I think I’ve included it on more favorites lists than any other product.  This was the first cream eyeshadow I ever hit pan on, and I use it any time I do my makeup at home.  It works great on its own, pairs great with the Mary Kay Tiki Hut, and works nicely as a base for powder shadows.  I found that it is a dupe for the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded.

I did notice a few repeated brands; Benefit was particularly prominent, with Urban Decay and Mary Kay making repeat appearances.

What were some of your favorite products this year?  Did you feel any brands that were particularly great this year?

Empties - December 2015

Full empties bin this month!

I had a banner empties month in December.  I don't think I've ever used up so many products in such a short time!  Sure, many of them were rippy packets, but many of them were also full size.  This is going to be a long one, so let's get into it.

Makeup

·Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal – Sample card from Sephora.  I tried this one, and I’ve been working with a sample compact of the pressed skin perfector in Moonstone.  I may be the only person in the world that isn’t impressed with these highlighters.  Maybe it’s because I’ve just used samples, but I just don’t feel they provide a lot of highlight and I have to work really hard to see anything.  I do have a sample of the original liquid skin perfector which I’ll try out, and I may try the poured before I make a final decision, but so far I’m not impressed.  Purchase: No.

·elf Makeup Remover Pen – Full size.  This has been helpful since I’m not always fully awake when I’m doing my makeup.  It has been really helpful fixing up stray eye makeup when I’m trying something new, and especially lipstick when I’m having a rough time.  Repurchase: Already have.

·Mai Couture Hello Gorgeous Travel with Me “Makeup Paper” Travel Blush in Sicily – Sample from Ipsy.  This is an innovative idea and makes for a great way to travel with makeup.  However, I never wound up using all of a single paper, and blush did get on my fingers while trying to apply.  Also, I often got more than one paper out of the package while trying to get my blush for the day.  It would have been nice to have either different size papers or perforations in the papers to allow for easy ripping with minimal staining of fingers.  Purchase: Maybe.

·MUFE Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in R230 – Sample from Sephora.  People rave about this foundation, but it made me look greasy by mid-day.  I also wound up having to use a lot to get the coverage I wanted, and I don’t like a lot of coverage in my foundations.  Purchase: No.

·Tarte Amazonian Clay Tightlining Eyeliner in Black Brown – Full size from QVC Beauty in the Basics kit (no longer available).  I just included this in my December Favorites, so you can probably guess what I think of it.  If I can find it again, I would definitely pick this up in bulk.  Purchase: Yes!

·W3LL People Expressionist Mascara – Sample from Birchbox.  I was pleasantly surprised by this mascara.  The sample didn’t last a huge amount of time, but I think that’s a combination of the formula drying out slightly and my lashes not particularly liking the brush.  Purchase: Maybe.

Face Care

·Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask – Sample from Birchbox.  I have liked just about everything I’ve tried from Acure, and this is no exception.  This made my skin look fantastic right after I removed the mask and the next day.  It cleared up any lingering blemishes like magic!  Purchase: Yes.

·Exfoliating Face Wipes (brand unknown) – Full size.  These are so old, I don't remember what brand they are.  Similar ones are available from Equate.  I didn't feel like these were any better than my regular face wipes, and were no less of a hassle then just washing my face.  Purchase: No.      

·Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream – Rippy packet from a magazine.  Another night face cream I was using had been breaking me out.  One night of this and not just no new breakouts, but the rest of my skin had calmed down too.  Purchase: Yes.

·Marcelle Hydra-C Energizing Hydrating Gel – Sample from Birchbox.  Light with a slight orange scent that always helps wake me up in the morning.  It wasn’t ultra-moisturizing, though.  Purchase: No.

·Mary Kay Timewise Day Solution Sunscreen – Full size.  I’ve learned, with the help of this, that I really like using a serum sunscreen.  I can then adjust my moisturizer, pile on my foundation of choice, etc., and not worry about my sunscreen interfering.  Repurchase: Already have.

·Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Full size (x2).  HG product.  Repurchase: Already have.

·Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream – Sample from Walmart Beauty Box.  This wound up being too heavy for my face and I had to stop using it eventually.  I found this to work fine on other areas, particularly the decolletege.  Purchase: No.

·Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels – Full size.  I got this from Ipsy a long time ago, and this is the second set I've used.  This is a nice change from a full face mask and super cooling around the eyes.  Purchase: Yes.

Skincare

·BBW True Blue Spa Glycolic Acid Cracked Heel Treatment – Full size.  I’m finally done with this!  This is fine, and if I wear socks I still feel it in the morning, to the point where I have to be careful walking or I might slip.  But I don’t think it did all that much for the cracks and uber dry spots.  Repurchase: No.

·The Body Shop Glazed Apple Body Polish – Travel size from Glazed Apple Tin of Treasures set (no longer available).  This was a really nice scrub.  The scrubby particles were all-natural (I believe from apricot pits or something similar), although a few more scrubbies are always appreciated.  The cap broke, which actually make keeping it in the shower more difficult, between wanting to keep it pointing down because of how thick it is, but also not wanting it to drip everywhere.  Also, I loved this scent; even the hubby likes it for the body butters.  Repurchase: Yes.

·Coloplast Gentle Raid Extra Mild Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Body Wash, Shampoo & Hand Wash – Hospital sample.  Luckily, you can’t buy this, because this complete dries me out and I would avoid it at all costs.  Purchase (or Use): No.

·Dove Go Fresh Restore Body Wash in Blue Fig & Orange Blossom Scent – Sample from likely Walmart or Target Beauty Boxes.  This had the underlying scent of Dove soap.  Makes sense, but I would prefer to have a single scent, either the soap one or the “added” one (i.e. Dove soap vs. Blue Fig & Orange Blossom).  Purchase: No.

·First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – Rippy packet from likely from Sephora.  This was OK, but I expected more because of the word “Ultra” in the name.  Purchase: No.

·Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes Antibacterial Hands and Feet in Peppermint – Sample from Birchbox (Set of 2).  These are antibacterial wipes that smell like peppermint and are supposedly made specifically for your feet.  I’m still not quite sure what makes them so different than standard baby wipes except for the scent.  They were a pleasant experience, but not enough to spend the extra money.  Purchase: No.

·Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula – Hotel sample.  Standard Neutrogena moisturizer, but one of the thinner one.  Non-irritating, and didn’t bother anyone with sensitivities to scents.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Tarocco Nourishing Moisturizer – Hotel sample.  This light moisturizer had almost a blood orange scent that was almost a little off-putting.  Purchase: No.

Fragrance

·Chloe Eau de Parfum – Sample card from Sephora.  I use these samples every chance I get.  Trying to use some things up so I can justify purchasing this.  Purchase: Yes.

·Harvey Prince Sincerely Eau de Parfum – Sample from Birchbox.  Another success from Harvey Prince, although not my favorite of theirs.  Purchase: Yes.

·Prada Candy Eau de Parfum – Sample card from Sephora.  Another good fragrance that I will use every sample but I can’t justify purchasing yet.  Purchase: Yes.

Hair Care

·Coolway Strong Hold Spray – Sample from Ipsy.  I didn’t think I was going to like this, since I don’t use hairspray.  But when I was reading up on it, there was mention of using this on wet hair then styling as usual.  So I tried that out, using this like I would a spray gel or sea salt spray.  It worked great!  The scent was amazing, and I loved every minute of using this.  Purchase: Yes.

·Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from Birchbox.  Unremarkable; nothing overwhelmingly great or awful.  Purchase: No.

·Hask Macadamia OilMoisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from Ulta.  This smells great: creamy and a little nutty.  It worked well too, and made my shower an enjoyable experience.  Purchase: Yes.

·L’Oreal Smooth Intense Ultimate Straight Straightening Shampoo, Kera-Tourmaline Pre-Condition, and Straightening Conditioner – Rippy Packets from Target Beauty Box.  These aren’t bad but not for me.  I don’t straighten my hair unless I have it done at the hair dresser, and I actually don’t own a hair dresser, curling iron, or straightening iron.  So I don’t need all of the help these products provide.  Purchase: No.

·L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo, Restoring Conditioner, and Damage-Erasing Balm – Rippy packets from Ulta.  This set was unscented, which was OK.  The conditioner was very thick, so I thought that made the balm rather unnecessary.  Purchase: No.

·Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from Ulta.  This smells like a salon at the beach.  The conditioner was very thick, which was nice because the shampoo made my hair feel squeaky clean and in need of extra moisture.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Hask Mint Almond Oil Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from Ulta.  This smelled AMAZING!  Worked pretty well, too.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray – Full size.   HG product.  Repurchase: Yes.

·Paul Mitchell Kids Taming Spray – Full size.  This wasn’t my favorite leave-in conditioner.  It actually took us many years to use up this bottle, and I had to make a conscious effort to do so.  Repurchase: No.

Toiletries

·ACT Advanced Care Plaque Guard Clean Mint Mouthwash – Sample from Walmart Beauty Box.  Pretty standard.  Purchase: Maybe.

·CareLine Mouthwash Blue Alcohol Free – Hospital sample.  This was actually really nice with a combination flavor of mint with a hint of cinnamon.  I will get this if there is any way to do so by not being in the hospital.  Purchase: Yes (if I can find it)

·Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Alcohol Free Refreshing Clean Mint Mouthwash – Travel size from a care package.  Standard mouthwash.  Purchase: Maybe.

Other

·Two-sided mirror compact – Full size (similar here).  I have carried this with me for years, and it has served me well.  The mirrors have come loose and I just got several mirrors with new kits, so I’m going to retire this one.  It has definitely been worth the few dollars I spent for it.  Repurchase: Yes (in the future).

Giveups

·elf Mascara Primer – Full size.  This just did not work for me.  Check out my full review here.  Repurchase: No.

·L’Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara in Light to Medium – Full size.  This was so messy.  There were ways I could make it work, like my scraping off the brush completely before using it each time, but that just became too time consuming.  The whole reason I like colored brow mascaras is that they give quick brow control with a little bit of added fullness.  This took away the quick and added messy.  Repurchase: No.

·Mirenesse iCurl Secret Weapon 24Hr Mascara in Black – Sample from Birchbox.  This was a wet, goopy mess that didn’t do anything for my lashes.  It didn’t thicken, lengthen, or curl my lashes, all claims of this mascara.  Purchase: No.

·NYX Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Jade – Full size.  I had picked this up after finding this randomly in my shopping bag at Ulta one day and decided to give it a shot.  Now I wish I had saved my money.  First, it says right on it that it isn’t intended for use in the eye area, probably because of the glitter.  But more so, it is so patchy it is insanely difficult to work with.  If you want a single line, you need to go over it at least 5 times for it to look like anything resembling solid.  Repurchase: No.

What was the best thing you used up last month?  Have you used anything up in 2016 yet?

What I Got for Christmas (Beauty Related) - Individual Items

I received an abundance of beauty products for Christmas.  So many, I’ve had to split my list into at least 3 posts.  Here is the first, what I’m calling the Individual Items.  These are items that are not kits or sets.  They may have more than one color, such as a palette, but are a single item when all components are held in your hand.

Top row: Fearless, Flawless, Firm, Flirty, Friendly, Fierce
Bottom Row: Fabulous, Faithful, Fit, Feisty, Funky, Fine

·         The Balm Nude Dude Nude Eyeshadow Palette – This palette has been out for a while, and gets great reviews.  It is a well-rounded neutrals palette with a good blend of mattes and shimmers, light and dark.  While swatching, it did seem that the shimmery shades were creamier, while the matte shades were drier, patchy, and somewhat difficult to swatch.  I will know more once I get to use the palette for some actual looks.

·         MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo – The kiddo put a lot of thought into this one.  I briefly mentioned this the other day.  She picked this lipstick to go along with one of the FunkoPops she picked out for me, and insisted that I open them back-to-back.  I love her imagination and the wordplay (Ruby Woo and Ruby Rhod).

·         MAC Matte Lipstick in Evening Rendezvous – This was another one from the kiddo, and was a huge surprise.  I didn’t know anything about this one, and it’s gorgeous!  I love the packaging, love the color, love everything about it!  It’s limited edition and had to be ordered, since even after asking she couldn’t find it in-store.

L to R: Brown Powder, Taupe Powder, Brow Wax

Kit includes the powders, wax, mirror, and tool kit

·         Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Tool Box – This cute little kit is included here because it is basically just an eyebrow duo like you could pick up in the drugstore, but better quality, and with a great set of tools.  There’s a brow was, and both brown and taupe brow powders.  The tools include tweezers, a brush, and a spoolie, and are contained in a small, pop-out compartment.

L to R: High, Dirtysweet, Radar, Armor, Slanted, Dagger, Black Market, Smolder, Password, Whiskey, Combust, Thirteen

 ·         Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette – Thank you so much Santa for listening to me on this one.  This is the only Naked palette I’ve ever wanted.  I really like the deeper, richer colors of this palette compared to the more subdued neutrals in the other Naked palettes.  I usually wear gold eyeshadow as a base most days, but then change up my other colors.  This should provide me with those options.  (Also available here and here)

Stay tuned for at least two more beauty-related Christmas posts.  What was on your holiday wishlist this year?  Did you get any of it?

Favorites – December 2015

Happy New Year!  I’m trying to get a whole bunch of posts written fast and furious-like, and this is the one that makes the most sense to come out next.  There are still more “What I got for Christmas” posts, and a 2015 Favorites posts, plus the standard December Empties coming (and that one’s going to be long!), so stay tuned…

There have been some great products that I’ve really relied on this month.  I love being able to share them with you here.

The Body Shop Brush on Radiance in Apricot – Speaking of finishing powders, I have been loving using this as one.  It doesn’t add too much shimmer or color to add to the whole face, and generally seems to just perk up my face a bit.  I think it also helps liven me up since I’m so pale and wear the lightest shade BB cream, which can look a little ghostly in certain lights.  The kiddo got me this for Christmas last year and I’ve used it off and on as a highlighter, but for me it works better as a finishing powder.

Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanilla Extreme rollerball – I got this as a GWP from Birchbox, and it has become my go-to weekend perfume.  The GWP was a choice between three different vanilla scents from this brand, and the Extreme was not actually my first choice.  The description mentions that it is a blend of vanilla and exotic spices, and that originally made me shy away from it.  My oh my, I am so glad I got this one!  You really don’t smell spice, but they enhance the vanilla scent.  Every time I wear it, someone winds up asking me what I’m wearing or what smells so good.

elf Acne Fighting Spot Gel with Aloe – This has been a great discovery thanks to Jessica from the YouTube channel JAMbeauty89.  This spot treatment contains Salicylic Acid and has been working really well.  Since it’s a clear gel, I’ve used this under makeup with no problems, which means I’ve been able to use it more than once a day.  Another good thing to try out for just a couple of bucks.

elf Complexion Brush – I’ve been using the Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12 Hour Primer for my base many days, but I find that it leaves a slick feel to the skin since it is silicone based.  I’ve been setting my makeup with either Benefit Dandelion powder or The Body Shop Brush on Radiance in Apricot, and up until recently I’ve used the elf Powder Brush.  It’s worked ok, but then I picked up the Complexion Brush, thanks to the raves by Emily from the Beauty Broadcast YouTube channel.  The Complexion Brush is softer and its rounded top makes it easier to apply the finishing powders over large areas.  I definitely recommend adding this to your collection, especially at only $3 each.

LOC Love of Color - I purchased the entire set of the One & Done Shadow Sticks, then I got one of the lipsticks (Glam Life, a great matte berry color) in my November 2015 Birchbox.  Let me tell you, I use these so much!  I use the eyeshadows just about every day, so much that I’ve had to sharpen some of them at least 3 or 4 times already.  The lipstick stays put and doesn’t feather on me, which has been more of a problem recently.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Tightlining Eyeliner in Black Brown – I received this as part of a gift kit purchased from QVC.  It is the perfect combination of color, creaminess, and staying power.  It lasts really well on my waterline, and is a great alternative to black since that’s not my favorite.  I like how skinny it is, though that did make me to go through it faster.  In fact, I think this is the fastest I’ve ever gone through an eyeliner, especially with using more than one at a time right now.

To borrow from The Sound of Music, “these are a few of my favorite things.”  What were your standouts this month?

Review – elf Mascara Primer

I picked up the elf Mascara Primer a while ago because I had been wanting to try out a mascara primer but didn’t want to fork over tons of money if it didn’t work out.  I figured I could part with $3 to give one a shot.

On the elf website, it describes the primer as “an excellent conditioning base for any mascara.  Coat each lash with this nourishing primer for lashes that appear naturally thicker, longer and stronger!”  As to use instructions, elf says to “apply the Mascara Primer like you would any mascara, but allow Primer to fully dry.  Layer on your Mascara as usual, for an enhanced look.  Remove with makeup remover.”

I wasn’t super impressed when I first picked this up.  I tried it out a few times, but the brush didn’t coat my lashes evenly and it didn’t seem to do anything.  As I was cleaning out my makeup stash this month, I decided it might be time to actually include it in the monthly giveups.  But then I thought, why not give it one more shot in case I was using it wrong, remembering it wrong, or something.

No, I was right.  This just doesn’t work for me.  I tried it three different days in a row using Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara on top of it, which is one of my go-to mascaras (it’s a good one, and I have a ton of it right now).  I used the primer on one eye and no primer on the other.

 

My bare lashes - no primer or mascara (and kind of a lousy liner day)

Primer on one eye only

Between me and the three other people I asked, only one could see any difference between the two eyes.  elf claims that your lashes will appear “thicker, longer and stronger”.  The one person who noted a difference thought the lashes with primer looked thicker and had more product on them.  No mention of increased length.  In fact, the other three of us thought the lashes on the other eye looked longer!

 

One coat of mascara - Can you see any difference?

Two coats on top lashes, one on bottom (my standard).  What do you think?

I still did not like the brush.  The bristles are widely spaced and didn’t seem to coat my lashes well.  I tried applying like I usually do by wiggling at the root then pulling through.  I tried twirling the brush through the lashes.  I tried just pushing the brush into the lashes as some other primers recommend.  Nothing seemed to make things better.

Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this product.  The results weren't worth the extra time and energy involved with the somewhat difficult application.  Even though it is only a few dollars, I’d say save your money.  I just received some mascara primers for Christmas (to be included in posts soon, I promise!), so I’ll let you know if those are any better.

Do you use mascara primers?  Which ones do you recommend?

QVC Beauty Favorites Advent Calendar – 2015

This year, my hubby decided to surprise the kiddo and me with an advent calendar from QVC.  (Do you shop from QVC?  What are some of the best things you've picked up?)  He had never done the calendar thing before, but knew that I had liked the various QVC favorites and sampler sets he’s gotten for me in the past, and thought this might be a fun one to add to the collection.  

This one is set up in a very nice box with a latch closure.  Each numbered day is randomly located across both sides of the box when it is open like a book.  You have to break through a perforated layer to reveal the product nestle in its molded plastic compartment.

Let me tell you, it has been so much fun!  Each night, the kiddo and I try to guess what the day’s item is based on the shape of the perforated area.  There have been a few times when we’ve actually gotten it right, but most of the time we’ve been WAY off.

So here’s what was included:

Days 1-6

Days 7-12

1. Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara in Intense Black (deluxe sample)
2. Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Liner in Black Velvet (full size)
3. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer in Neutral Medium (travel size)
4. It Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Clinically Proven Mascara (deluxe sample)
5. Doll 10 HydraGel Cream Blush in Flirt (full size)
6. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (deluxe sample)
7. Nest Fragrances Midnight Fleur Eau de Parfum (sample bottle; same size as rollerball sold at Sephora)
8. Wen Cucumber Thyme Treatment Oil (travel size)
9. Calista Tools Embellish Texturizing Definer (deluxe sample)
10. 2-Sided Mirror Compact
11. Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer (deluxe sample)
12. Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil (travel/”to-go” size)
13. QVC Brand Complexion Blending Sponge
14. StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream (deluxe sample)
15. Formula X Nail Color in Monumental (sample size)
16. LashFood Conditioning Lash Primer (deluxe sample)
17. Clark’s Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream (deluxe sample)
18. Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Body Wash (sample size)
19. Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath and Shower Gel (travel size)
20. Color Wow One-Minute Transformation Styling Cream (travel size)
21. Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Orchid (deluxe sample)
22. Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil (deluxe sample)
23. Clean Skin Rollerball (deluxe sample)
24. Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Peeling Gel Gel Exfoliant (travel size)

Days 13-18

Days 19-24

So, to summarize, we got:

• Makeup: 2 mascaras, 1 eyeliner, 1 concealer, 1 blush, 1 lash primer, 1 lip gloss
• Skincare: 1 moisturizer, 2 body washes
• Facecare: 2 exfoliants, 3 moisturizers, 1 face oil
• Fragrances: 2 perfumes

• Nails: 1 nail polish
• Hair: 1 hair oil, 1 texturizer, 1 styling cream
• Tools: 1 mirror, 1 makeup sponge

There are some fabulous items included in here.  There is only one that I will absolutely not use just (the Wen product, because the scent is overwhelming), so this seems to be a fantastic deal.  You do get some full-size products, but I also love sample sizes because I get to try so many different things.  Also, many of the sample sizes are of luxury skin care items, so you get to feel pampered for a very reasonable price.

Did you have an advent calendar this year?  Was it a beauty one or a more traditional one?

Christmas 2015 – Non-Beauty

My family and Santa were very good to me this year. When I first started writing up my list of gifts, a wound up being a four-page document. So I’m going to have to break this up into smaller chunks to make it more manageable.

Most of my gifts were beauty related. I received lots of kits, several palettes, and many individual items. Among the non-beauty related items are the toys, gift cards, and a really interesting book. I also received a new camcorder with all kinds of accessories, so I will no longer have to take videos on my regular camera or phone at the kiddo’s swim meets.

This first post is going to be about my non-beauty related items. This should be the shortest of them, but we’ll see how that goes. :-)

•  Sony HDR-CX405 HandyCam with accessory package (backup battery, car and home charger, two sizes of tripods, cleaning supplies, etc.)
• From the little bit that I’ve played around with it so far, this seems like a really nice camera. I film all of the kiddos races at every swim meet. Normally I use my regular camera, which is worked out fairly well so far. With her being a distance swimmer, however, there have been times when her whole race cannot be filmed in a single take and needs to be split into two or even three parts. This will hopefully eliminate that.
• Another thought is that the kiddo or I might start filming YouTube videos. Shout out in the comments if there’s anything you really like to see.
• What camera do you use?
• Adipose (Dr. Who) and Ruby Rhod (Fifth Element) FunkoPops (from the Kiddo)
• These actually need a little bit of explaining. So, I’ve recently lost quite a bit of weight. The Adipose doll represents where the fat has gone. The Ruby Rhod doll went along with the classic Ruby Woo lipstick from Mac (nice play on words kiddo).
• Do you collect FunkoPops?  Which ones do you have?  Besides these, I have a Dancing Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, a mini Jon Snow, a mini Venom, and mini Harley Quinn.  Which are your favorites?
• Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood – Oliver Sacks
• The hubby hears about all kinds of great books on NPR, and this is another one to add to that set. I’m a trained chemist (in a former life) and still a big geek, so I’m looking forward to reading this.
• A goody bag with snacks, hand sanitizer (from my wonderful coworkers)
• I need to thank my coworkers again for this wonderful gift. I woke up from a nap on Christmas evening wanting chocolate, and the ones included here perfectly satisfied my craving.
• A sweatshirt blanket from my department at work
• This warm and cozy blanket has already earned a permanent place as our car blanket, a huge honor since I am always cold.
• Various gift cards from friends and family
• Like I mentioned above, I’ve recently lost a lot of weight. I’m at the point now where I’m going to have to start getting some new clothes pretty soon, so the gift cards will come in very handy.

Well, that’s it for this first “what I got for Christmas” post. Stay tuned for the beauty related posts…