August 2013 Favorites VIDEO & blog sale update!

Hello, Beautiful!

I just put up my August 2013 Favorites video on my YouTube channel! I don't have any Not-So-Favorites this time around because I plan to do a Products I Regret Buying video soon.

If you don't already, I'd love if you would subscribe to my YouTube channel. I'm slowly building my channel and I'm slowly getting in the groove of adding videos (I have more videos planned). CLICK HERE to go to my channel main page and subscribe, if you haven't already. Thanks!

Now check out my August 2013 Favorites video...

And a blog sale update!

I've had a bunch of blog sale emails flood in over the past few days. I've managed to reply to everyone (in the order the emails came in) and pulled all items for availability. The blog sale page is currently up to date with what is sold and what is pending. If you'd like to buy anything from my blog sale (USA Only at this time), please check it out and let me know.

With having so many people interested in a lot of the same items it is important you reply back to me within 24 hours or less to let me know if you want to purchase those items or if you'll pass, so I know if those items are sold or if they can go back in the sale/to the next person in line for them. That also means just because something says it's "PENDING" doesn't mean it's sold, as sometimes people do pass or I just never hear back from them, so don't be afraid to include "PENDING" items in your list and we can always see if they make their purchase or not.

Shop to the blog sale by clicking on the link below (or copy/paste it) or clicking on the blog sale tab above.
http://xoxovalentinekissesxoxo.blogspot.com/2013/03/just-added-almost-200-items-to-my-blog.html

November 2011 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my November 2011 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites post. I know I haven't made a Favorites & Not-So-Favorites post in awhile (since June), but I've been meaning to make one every month and then time runs out. Below are just a few of my favorites that I've been loving; I actually have a long list of products I've recently fallen in love with from my holiday purchases but I won't list them all because it would be a mile long list! I will, however, be swatching and reviewing a lot of those great products on my blog in the near future. Let me know if you have any questions on any of the products on my lists below! Enjoy!

Favorites - November 2011

Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender
 

This has been my stand-out product for November! I honestly did not think this was going to work. I was one of those people who thought it would for sure take off my makeup, especially after several reviews on QVC's website stated that it did in fact take off their makeup. However, after trying it for myself, I was shocked at how well it worked. Since I've had this item I haven't touched a setting powder. This is the only product I use to set my makeup and help it look great all day. It's truly clear and undetectable on your skin. Your skin will feel so smooth and silky soft, and it will NOT disturb your makeup if you apply it correctly. I have oily skin and this works great for me! I've used it to set my liquid foundation, pressed powder foundation, and even my loose powder foundation (Bare Minerals) and it works great with them all. I did notice some slight color transfer when I used this with my Bare Minerals foundation. This as my last step and never have any transfer onto the sponge with any of my liquid foundations. Overall, this is one product that will be re-purchased time and time again.

For a complete review, including more pics, click here to view my blog post on the Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender.

Maybelline Baby Lips

 

My lips are always chapped, no matter if it's winter, summer, spring or fall. I always have a problem because of the pain medication I have to take for my leg injury. It dries them out terribly and a good lip balm is always needed. Maybelline Baby Lips is a super affordable (less than $3) lip balm that hydrates and conditions my lips perfectly. I keep one in my purse at all times, as well as one on my desk, and I have one in my bathroom. My son also uses this (the clear, Peppermint) because his lips get really badly chapped in the winter. Even though I love my Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment, my Mally Perfect Prep Lip Treatment System, and the my new Pacifica Color Quench Natural Moisture Lip Tint, I really love Maybelline's Baby Lips for the price.

For a complete review, including pics and swatches of three shades, click here to view my blog post on Maybelline Baby Lips.

Beauty Blender Pure Kit

This little sponge has changed the way I apply my liquid foundation and some of my skincare. Just like the hot pink original sponge, Beauty Blender Pure is a white sponge designed for skincare application - such as for applying serums to really get into each and every spot. However, you can use it for makeup application too - which is just what I've been doing. Along with the sponge you also get a great solid cleanser -- which works amazing and keeps the sponge perfectly white, just like new. I've been using the cleanser to clean my Mally sponges and even some brushes. Plus, you also get a great little bag to keep the sponge to keep air flow moving. This is a major rave of mine this month!

For a complete review, including lots of pics and a photo tutorial on how to clean the sponge, click here to view my blog post on the Beauty Blender Pure Kit.

Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette

I've been using the Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette every single day! This amazing palette has so many eyeshadows, plus the cream liners, brow tech, blushes, soft lights and lip glosses. I've used the eyeshadows from this kit almost exclusively, or with other shadows, since buying this palette. I've also gone back to using Smashbox Brow Tech in Brunette for my brows. I remember why I loved using that and why it was my only brow product for years before switching to Tarte's Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse and Tarte's Amazonian Clay Brow Pencil. I've also been using some of the lip glosses from this palette; Guava is a great juicy pop of sheer color to your lips, although I don't like to take this palette with me so it's not really practical for re-application. I have taken the palette with me once, just so I could re-apply the Guava lip gloss, but it's not something I want to take with me. Overall, this is an amazing palette at an amazing value!

For a complete review, including over 80 photos of this gorgeous palette, click here to view my blog post on the Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette.

L'Occitane Cleansing & Soothing Shower Oil With Almond Oil

I picked up a to-go (mini) size of this during the Sephora Friends & Family Sale for $8.00. I had always wanted to try this, but for some reason never did. Well I'm glad I finally took the plunge because I love this!! This oil turns into a really soft lather (although not much of a lather - but enough) when mixed with water, and makes your skin feel silky soft. It's also really wonderful for shaving; something I wasn't expecting but really have taken a liking to. The smell is wonderful too, but then again I love almond scented things.

I was so delighted with this product that I purchased the full-sized version from the L'Occitane website during their Black Friday sale (the shower oil wasn't on sale; but I was able to get a great goodie bag of L'Occitane's best sellers for $14). I'll use the mini for when I travel and keep the full sized in my shower. I'll do a more formal review on my blog soon.

Not-So-Favorites - November 2011

American Apparel Nail Polish in Neon Red

This polish isn't on my Not-So-Favorites list because of the formula, but instead lands on my Not-So-Favorites list because of the color. On American Apparel's website this color looks like a neon red (even in my photo it looks more a little more red than pink), and is called Neon Red, but in person and on the nail it's a neon pink. In fact, it looks almost identical to their shade Poppy - and Poppy may look more red than Neon Red. Now don't get me wrong, it's still a good color, but I was buying it based on the fact it says neon RED. For that fact alone, it lands on my Not-So-Favorites list.

Kiss Nail Dress - the jewel design I tried

 

I recently tried out the new Kiss Nail Dress, in a jewel design. I had less-than-stellar results. The application was a pain. If you follow the directions there is really no way to get a good edge. You almost need to use little scissors or nail clippers to cut through the "jewels" cleanly. I also had really bad tip wear after just 4 days, and honestly the tip wear started after 1 day. They do come off just by peeling and without damaging the nail, but I don't like to peel things off my nails. My nails were screaming for some kind of polish to top them because they felt sensitive. Even though the design is super pretty, the application and wear just isn't worth it, which is why this product lands on my Not-So-Favorites list. I do plan to try out the non-jeweled designs in the future but I'm in no rush. I'll stick to Sally Hansen Salon Effects and Incoco 100% Real Nail Polish Strips for now.

To see a complete review, along with lots of pics - including those showing tip wear - click here to view my blog post on the Kiss Nail Dress.

Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation

As someone who needs coverage for my skin, I take my foundation shopping pretty seriously. I've seen presentations of Perricone's No Foundation Foundation on QVC many times, and the models always looked great. When Sephora had a half-size bottle for $12 on special I added it to my order (I also used a 20% off coupon). I was really disappointed in this "foundation", if you can even call it that. At best you could call it a tinted moisturizer, but it really isn't moisturizing either. It feels rather sticky, provides zero coverage, made me look shiny, and because there is one shade for everyone it may look too orange on you (which is a common complaint on this product). If I had flawless skin this product may have been okay, but it is a total fail for me and something I would never repurchase or recommend. I love Perricone MD skincare but would never purchase any makeup item from them just based on this one product.

For a complete review, including before & after pics, click here to view my blog post on the Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of my Favorites and of my Not-So-Favorites? Discuss in the comments below.



June 2011 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites

Hello, Beautiful!

I wanted to post this earlier in the week but it's been a really crazy busy week (and crazy busy month). Below are my personal picks for favorite and not-so-favorite products of June 2011.

Favorites: June 2011

OSCAR BLANDI Dry Shampoo Spray
With all the traveling I've been doing this product has come in handy many times. Up until recently I hadn't found a decent dry shampoo that worked with my hair, or if it worked it had such an awful smell (Treseme brand) that I wanted to shave my head so I wouldn't have to smell it! Then I came across the Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo Spray in TJ Maxx for just $12.99 (this retails for $21 at Sephora).
This product has gotten bad reviews on Sephora, with most people saying it's not for dark hair. Well I have dark hair and I had no problems with this. Sure, when you first spray it on your hair looks gray, but you're supposed to spray it on and then wait a little before working your fingers through it. That's exactly what I did and my hair looked great afterwards. It didn't leave any white residue behind like others have reported. My hair was greasy and gross before using this, then I sprayed this on and a minute or so later my hair looked acceptable again. This is absolutely a hair saver for my crazy busy summer!

DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask
DDF has got to be the best skincare brand for my skin type. I swear, every product they make works wonders for my skin! This mask is no exception; I use it once a week on a normal basis, and 2 or 3 times a week when I'm having bad breakouts. Recently I had to bump up my use of this mask and it always helps. Always. I've had my jar for half a year now and I still have plenty of product left. I've even used this as a spot treatment overnight on really trouble spots. Love this stuff!



LAURA GELLER Blush-N-Brighten in Apricot Berry
I received this Laura Geller blush in my June Birchbox and fell in love with it really quickly. The color scared me; it looked too dark and too orange. Yet somehow this blush translates so beautifully on my skin. I'm not a big blush wearer because I usually have breakouts on my cheeks and blush on top draws attention to my blemishes, but my skin was doing pretty good for awhile and I was able to use blush again. This blush just was so perfect. The application was beautiful and so was the color. I love this! 

OLAY Refreshing Toner
A toner is a great part of any skincare routine and I have two that I use. One by DDF that is a glycolic toner (which I use at night) and then there is the Olay Refreshing Toner, which I use in the morning. This toner feels so good in the summer time. It really does feel refreshing and I do notice a difference with my skin on the days I don't use it compared to the days I do use it. On days I use this toner my oil production is less, meaning my makeup is going to stay on longer. I've had a hard time finding this in stores lately, but I think they just repackaged it. I'm on my last two bottles of it and then I'll have to find it again.



TOO FACED Naked Eye boxed palette
I purchased this palette back in April or early May and ever since I've found myself reaching for it time and time again. The colors are soft and beautiful (or soft and sexy as it says on the front of this boxed palette). I don't use all the colors in this, but I tend to use the shades Lap Dance, Satin Sheets, Unmentionables, and Birthday Suit the most. The colors, although pretty neutral, are beautiful enough that even the ladies who hate neutral colors may just fall in love with these shades. The formula of the shadows are really nice too. This palette is going to last me a long time! I highly recommend checking this palette out in person, or just going ahead and purchasing it online. It also comes with three eye looks with instructions, but I haven't actually followed any of them; still a good idea for anyone who doesn't really know how to put the colors together or what color would look best where.




BARE MINERALS Naturally Luminous Purifying Facial Cleanser
This may be my favorite facial cleanser of all time. It cleans my skin really, really well and my skin doesn't feel dry or tight after I use it. Not to mention that this cleanser has helped keep my skin clear, even better than anti-acne cleansers. It's not a foaming cleanser, so if you need to see a lot of foam to feel like your face is clean then you will be disappointed. The way I use it is I pump two pumps into the palm of my hand and spread it onto my face and rub it in with my fingertips. The more you rub the more of a lather you'll get, but don't be surprised when you don't see a whole lot. Add a little water if you want. Then I put one pump on my Clarisonic and clean my entire face that way. Love this cleanser!



LAURA GELLER The Real Deal Concealer 
I've had this concealer for a long time now (I think it's been over a year), but I had almost forgot about it because I was using another concealer for awhile. Then I pulled this back out and fell in love with it all over again. I forgot how great the coverage is and how little you need to use to get amazing coverage. You could even use it all over as a full-coverage foundation, but I don't like doing that because then it feels heavy on my skin. But I do love this concealer for concealing under my eyes and all my flaws. It works and it works really well. This was the first Laura Geller product I fell in love with. Up until this product I actually was really turned off by her makeup; it seemed too "old-lady" and the shades and finishes also seemed dated. Then this concealer came out and blew me away. And her Blush-N-Brighten... yeah, that I love too! Laura Geller, you've got my attention... keep the great products coming!

Not-So-Favorites: June 2011 

L'OREAL Infallible Le Rouge lipsticks

When I was on the search for a long-wear lip product to wear on amusement park days I decided I had to try the L'Oreal Infallible Le Rouge lipsticks. I purchased two shades that seemed pretty safe: Unending Kiss and Tender Baby. Both shades looked pretty in the tube but not on me. They're a little too much on the cool end of the color family and warmer tones look best on me. Sadly, based on the color alone I just can't wear these. As for the formula, they felt good on the lips but didn't last and weren't smudge proof. They still rubbed off easily. These will go up for sale in my blog sale after I do swatches of these.

BLISS Poetic Waxing kit
This is another product I've had for awhile now. I actually purchased this for my husband who wanted me to try to remove his back hair (he's not even hairy on his back other than the normal light hair, he just wanted to try waxing). This option was supposed to be a less-painful, or painless, way to wax. Um... no, not really. Based on his experience it still hurt. Not to mention this stuff is messy, as are most waxes. The microwaveable cup was easy to use, and the whole system is really simple, but it wasn't a less painful way to remove hair. We were both underwhelmed. I would have returned this to QVC but we waited too long and are now just left with the remains of the kit.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Surf Spray
I love wave sprays; I had one - Frederick Fekkai Wave Spray - that I LOVED. And I mean LOVED. I used it almost every day, but ended up losing the bottle. So I bought another one and guess what? That bottle went missing too. I have no idea why that one product keeps disappearing but I was ticked to not have it again. So I purchased the Frederick Fekkai Beach Waves spray, which is basically the same thing... except it doesn't work as well for me. Then I saw Bumble and Bumble had a Surf Spray. I had fallen in love with some of their other products so I figured I'd give it a try. Well it just doesn't work for me. It's just like the Frederick Fekkai Beach Waves where it works for a second, then just makes your hair look dirty and not wavy at all. My hair has a natural wave to it, so wave sprays should work well with my hair type. Sadly this just doesn't cut it for me, but I have a hard time letting it sit on the shelf un-used so I do keep trying to make it work. I think I may put this up in my blog sale.... if I can part with it.



May 2011 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites

Hello, Beautiful!

It's been awhile since I made a Favorites & Not-So-Favorites post (I don't think I made one in 2011 yet, but I might have, I really can't remember). I need to try and remember to make these posts every month!

I don't have the time right now to post pics of each Favorite & Not-So-Favorite item, but if I already have a pic of it I'll post it. If no, I'm sorry! Next month I'll do better!

Favorites: May 2011
[I'm only picking 5 Favorites for May, even though I have about 50!]

Bumble & Bumble Creme de Coco Shampoo & Conditioner

I've had my eye on this shampoo and conditioner for several months now. It's been at Target, but now Sephora carries the Bumble & Bumble line. I did buy them from Target, but picked up some other Bumble & Bumble products at Sephora.

I've been using this shampoo and conditioner for about two months now and it has quickly become my new favorite! I haven't even touched my bottle of WEN since trying these out! The scent is yummy; a subtle coconut-esque scent with maybe a hint of cocoa. It's a relaxing smell, but I'm sure it's not for everyone. My hair feels clean after I rinse the shampoo out and silky after the conditioner is rinsed out. Once my hair is dry (blow dried) my hair is soft, silky, shiny and extremely manageable. If I let my hair air dry with any shampoo or conditioner it never comes out nice (that's why I loved WEN so much).

I have long, fine, combo dry/oily hair and it's almost impossible for me to get second day hair from any shampoo/conditioner. I usually have to wash my hair before I go out anywhere unless I pull it back in a ponytail, and even then it can look greasy. However, I've been able to get really great second day hair when I used this shampoo and conditioner! I tested it and I was able to get third day hair, although by the third day it was looking rather in need of shampoo.

My only complain is the price tag; $22 for the shampoo and $23 for the conditioner... each bottle is only 8 ounces! They do have a larger, 33.8 ounce bottle for $56... which is a real value (it would cost $92.84 if you bought the 8 oz. bottles of shampoo separately to equal the amount in the 33.8 ounce bottle; you save $36.84 buying the value size bottle). When I need to buy more I will buy the larger sized bottle because it will save me money. I just couldn't buy that size right away without knowing if I liked it. But I don't like it... I LOVE it!

I love this shampoo and conditioner so much that I went back to Sephora's website to purchase the travel sized versions ($7 for the shampoo and $8 for the conditioner on Sephora's website). During the summer I travel to PA to visit family and other amusement parks so having travel sized versions of my favorites are an absolute must for me. They took their first trip just this past weekend to PA when I went to visit my family for my brother's girlfriend's surprise 40th birthday party.

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment

This lip balm has officially become my favorite lip balm of all time! I'm actually angry with myself for waiting so many years to try it. I had always passed by the original version of this balm since the price tag turned me off ($22.50 for just one lip balm). However, after taking the plunge I am totally head-over-heels in love with this lip balm/treatment!

First, let me tell you how great it is as a lip treatment. My lips have been really dry lately. I had to switch my medication and as a result I've had the hardest time keeping my lips hydrated. This lip treatment keeps my lips perfectly hydrated, soft and smooth! The formula is soft and non-sticky.

Now let me tell you about the great color! This is the tinted version and I chose the Sugar Rose color, which looks like a deep berry rose in the tube (and really red online), but goes on sheer for a perfect kiss of color. I don't even feel the need to apply gloss most days because I love the color this gives me.

It is the perfect lip product to use on the days I go to the amusement park where I typically shy away from any glosses because they can become sticky in the heat and often don't hydrate enough. I normally just use a plain lip balm but then I still crave color on my lips. This is the perfect compromise of hydration and color.

As a bonus, this balm lasts a long time! I can put this on before bed, wake up and still feel the effects and still see some color. Of course during the day when you're talking, eating, etc. it will wear faster but it still lasts longer than other balms and certainly longer than most lip glosses I own. I do find myself re-applying this balm often, but not because I need to but because I want to. It feels so good on your lips!

The container it comes is in also a nice bonus; the cap twists on to lock it in place so you never have to worry about your lip balm cap coming loose or falling off.

This lip balm is scented like lemons and sugar, which at first I was a little put off by but now I like. I've found that all the great moisturizing lip balms I've had (like Philosophy's Kiss Me in the yellow tube) are lemon scented. Maybe that's part of the magic? I don't know what makes this magical, but I know I can't live without it now that I've tried it.

I even went back and purchased the original too (which is clear) since I would like a color-less option on days I do want to wear a gloss or lipstick overtop. This lip treatment is also available in Sugar Plum (a sheer plum) and the newest Sugar Honey (a sheer nude). I want to try the Sugar Honey version!

You can pick up this rose tinted lip treatment for $22.50 on Sephora's website.

One downside: the balm is really soft and it will melt in high heats! I had it in my car for 3 and a half hours on my trip back from PA to VA and it melted about 2 and a half hours into the trip. Granted my air conditioner broke and I had to drive with the windows partly down, and it was really hot out, but still, first time it melted since I had it. It didn't melt in the tube; it just melted once I went to put it on my lips. It re-hardened back up once I was home and I can use it just fine now, but just be careful on hot days!

Philosophy The Microdelivery Purifying Peel, One-Minute Purifying Enzyme Peel



This peel is A-MAZING! Seriously, this is so worth the $40 price tag. Most of the time a peel or mask will leave my skin feeling smooth and possibly a little brighter, but that's about as far as my results go. However, this peel did more. Not only did it leave my skin feeling smooth, my skin texture felt so much better, my complexion glowed, my pores looked smaller, and my whole face felt firmer..... and all in just 3 MINUTES!

I did a full review on this blog with before, during and after pics. Check that out by clicking here.

Yes, just 3 minutes is all you need - and technically you only need 1 minute. I just leave it on for the maximum time they say (which is 1 to 3 minutes, as tolerated). I didn't have any irritation or reactions to this. It just did it's job! At first I wasn't sure it was even working. It's a clear gel-like formula and you really don't know if you have enough on, but you do. It doesn't look like it's doing anything but then you wash it off and ta-da! Perfection! Out of all the peels I've ever owned, this is by far my favorite for being quick and effective!

Check it out on Sephora's website ($40 per tube).

Illamasqua Matt Primer

I've tried many primers, and you'd think by now I would have found "the perfect primer" and wouldn't need to keep trying primers. But I love makeup and I will always try new stuff, even if I think I've found "the perfect" of anything.

Illamasqua is a brand that isn't new, but is new to me. I've admired their brand for awhile but just recently purchased several of their products, including their Matt Primer.

I have to say, this primer kicks some serious ass in the awesome-because-it-works-for-me department. I know this primer won't work for everyone, but for me, well it's near perfection. It goes on nicely and makes my makeup stay on for a very long time.

I did a full review and swatches on this blog. Check it out by clicking here.

You can check out and purchase this primer on Sephora's website for $30

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Take Me There set

I love tropical smelling products, and Pacifica's Hawaiian Ruby Guava is a really delicious tropical smelling scent! In fact, my 6-year old son is in love with this scent! I actually had to go buy him a body wash of it because he likes it so much :)

I had previously purchased their $5 Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Wash and their $5 Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Lotion, which I loved! Then when my son loved it so much I went to go buy another one but decided to buy this set instead so I could get an extra body lotion and the roller-ball perfume.

I have the body wash in my travel bag, along with one of the body lotions. The other body lotion I have in my purse and the roller-ball perfume is also in my purse.

One thing I really don't understand is their pricing for the item individually; a 3oz body lotion is $5 but a 8oz body lotion is $18.... if you purchased three 3oz body lotions - which would give you 9oz of product - it would cost just $15... meaning you'd pay $3 less for more product. How does that make any sense? I know, it doesn't!

You can check out the set on Sephora's website ($18 for the Take Me There set), or check out each individual item on Sephora's website ($5 to $22 each item)

Not-So-Favorites: May 2011

[I'm only picking 5 Not-So-Favorites for May]

Dior DiorSkin Forever Compact Flawless & Moist Extreme Wear Makeup SPF 25

Okay, I should start off by saying that Dior is one of my favorite high-end makeup brands, and I love their Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Liquid Foundation. However, there is only one reason I had to return this product to Sephora: the overwhelming grandmom-like perfume smell!!!

If it wouldn't have smelled so badly I would probably be raving about how much I love this product. If you can get past the smell then you will probably love this product. This powder doesn't leave your skin looking dry or cakey; your skin just looks flawless. You also get great coverage from this!

I really, really wish they would take out the fragrance because this would be that perfect "I'm in a hurry and need to look flawless in a flash" foundation. But I'm sorry, the smell is such a turn-off. Even my husband commented on the smell, saying I smelled like an old lady - which isn't something I want to smell like being that I'm only 27 years old!

The shade selection is also a little lacking. A lot of the shades have pink or beige undertones to them, and I need a yellow or olive undertone base. I just couldn't find a shade that matched my skin all that well, and I honestly didn't care to try to find one that did because I knew I wouldn't be able to get past the smell of this product.

You can check this out on Sephora's website ($48 per compact)

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

I'm an at-home mask/peel junkie. I love them! However, I don't love this mask!

First, you need to use a thick layer because if you use too thin of a layer it will be hell trying to get this off your face. But if you use too thick of a layer it will take forever to dry, and if you're impatient and don't want to wait more than 30 to 45 minutes for it to fully dry then you'll try to take it off and it will be hell to take it off too with some parts dry and other parts half-way dry and other parts not even close to being dry.

It also hurts to peel off. Kind of the feeling you get when you're pulling off a band-aid or if you put tape on your face and pulled it off (although I've never done that, I'd just think it would feel that way). I felt like it was pulling my skin too much. It left my face a little red and irritated, which of course goes away after awhile, but I didn't really see any other difference. The "luminizing" part is all a trick of your eye. The dark black mask will of course make your skin look brighter after you take it off. It does pull out some stuff, but not really a whole lot to really be worth using.

The amount of product you get doesn't last very long considering how much you need to use. I've used this 4 times and it's more than half-empty. If you did this 2x a week (like they want you to) then you'd have to buy a tube of this about every month. I don't think it's worth that, not at $34 per tube. Sure, that's only $4.25 per use if you get 8 uses out of the tube (and that's a big if), but still, not a great value overall.

I've used this more than once to really give it a good shot, but I just don't like it. I'll save it for friends to try but it won't touch my face again. I did take some before, during and after pics for a blog post, which I will eventually get around to posting. I'll go more in-depth with my feelings on this mask at that time.

You can check this out on Sephora's website ($34 per tube)

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in the shade Force

Let me say that I love the brand Illamasqua and I love their nail polish (Nail Varnish), but the shade Force was a disappointment.

I've seen lovely swatch pics of this shade online where it looked like an electric blue. At my local Sephora they don't carry Illamasqua so I had to buy it on Sephora's website - which also looked like an electric blue online (and described as so). When I swatched it I was like "WTF?!!". It wasn't electric at all. It just looked like a deep medium blue creme shade. Nothing electric about it; nothing like I expected.

I would have kept this because I love all nail polish, but I was so disappointed that I returned it to Sephora.

The formula of the polish was wonderful; a one-coater for sure. The color, however, not so wonderful and rather ordinary.

Check it out on Sephora's website ($14 each)

Tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss in the shade Donutella

I finally decided to try some Tokidoki products out because I heard great things about them, but had always passed by them online and at the store. To me the brand seemed targeted towards tweens and teens, but I kept hearing people saying how it's not just for teens and to give it a try. So i did, but I ended up returning everything I purchased from the brand, including the Prisma Lip Gloss in the shade Donutella.

The shade Donutella is described as a sheer nude and is supposed to be high-shine and such. I didn't even open it, the shade looked that bad in the tube. Since I was already turned off by their Robbery Palette I just basically gave up on the brand. Maybe I shouldn't have, but at that time I just said "okay, not for me".

Check it out on Sephora's website ($15 each)

NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment

I can't believe a NARS product would ever be on my Not-So-Favorite's list, because I love everything NARS, but sadly I found one product that I just didn't love. It's their Pure Sheer SPF Lip treatment.

For me, this wasn't hydrating AT ALL. In fact, I felt like it made my lips even more chapped! I was specifically looking for a tinted lip balm type product, and saw all the great reviews, so I picked up two shades: Angelique and Aurore.

I like the colors and the sheerness of this, but for a product that is supposed to be hydrating, I'm sorry, but it's not even close to being hydrating. Maybe I just have some of the worst chapped lips ever, and honestly I do have a hard time finding products to keep my lips hydrated, but now that I go back to the reviews on Sephora and sort them from low to high I can see I'm not alone in my feelings. I guess it works for some and not for others. It's too late for me to return them, and I don't have the boxes anyway, so I think they'll go up for sale in my blog sale after I make some swatch photos.

$25 each on Sephora's website.

November 2010 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites

Hello, Beautiful!

I can't believe November is nearly over and I haven't made a November Favorites post yet! This month has flown by in the blink of an eye, and I don't see December being any less crazy. I'd like to pretend that I have a ton of time to do swatches right now, but I just don't. Please forgive me if this post references past posts too much or is without new photos.

Before I get started, I want to quickly mention two important things:

#1: Today is the last day of the Cyber Monday sale at ValentineKisses.com. Hundreds of items are marked down at super low prices that will expire at midnight tonight!! You can also earn up to 16 FREE items with your order. Visit the website for full details. Shop www.valentinekisses.com before the sale is over!

and

#2: The Ears To You fundraiser is almost over (ends tomorrow). Use the code EARSTOYOU to save 10% off your order (no minimum purchase required) and help support this great cause. I'm sure we'll host another Ears To You fundraiser in the future, but we don't know when. Please participate in this fundraiser so we can help them expand to hospitals and cancer treatment centers in your area. Full details on our fundraiser (and what you'll receive) can be found by clicking here.


Alright, onto my November favorites....

Products I love for November 2010

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation

I'm impressed. Seriously, this has quickly become one of my new favorite foundations. The price is great (averaging $7.99 at most stores). They have a shade that works for me, although there are definitely no shades for those with deeper skin tones. The coverage is medium to full, with the ability to layer for greater coverage (this layers seamlessly). It's moisturizing, as it has a built-in primer. I still need to use a concealer with this foundation, but I probably could get away with not using a concealer if I really worked on layering this correctly (or if my skin would just behave for once). I don't need to use a setting powder with this foundation. It dries quickly and lasts all day. It will start to fade by bedtime, but who cares because by then I'm ready to wash off my makeup. I'm absolutely head over heels in love with this because of the price. My husband is too, because he's used to me buying $30 to $50 foundations. He understands my need/want for makeup, so he doesn't complain (too much), but he jumps for joy when I can find a $7.99 foundation that I actually love. I jump for joy too :)

Review & swatches posted here.

Illuminare Extra Coverage Foundation

Yes, another foundation on my November favs list (I actually tried out about 7 foundations this month). I am out of my samples that I originally purchased, so it's time to buy the full sized version of this amazing foundation. And by the way, one sample has lasted me about 6 full uses on my face!

Even though I really love the Rimmel foundation, I find myself wanting to use the Illuminare Extra Coverage Foundation all the time. It's so quick and easy to get a flawless complexion. And again, the coverage is wonderful!

Review & swatches posted here.

it Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

I only tried out one new concealer this month. I picked it up after seeing it on QVC for about a minute at the end of its presentation. I had no real clue if it would be good or not, and I kind of purchased this blindly (I did no researching). I have to say, this may be my new favorite concealer. The coverage level is wonderful, but what I love the most is how non-drying this concealer is. It looks natural on your skin and covers all your imperfections. I plan to do a full review and swatch post soon.

Laura Geller Champagne Spackle

I don't like many Laura Geller products, but I do love her Spackle (which is her version of a makeup primer). I have the tinted spackle, which is bronze tinted, but I only use that in the summer. Then I see she comes out with the Champagne Spackle and I had to try it. It's BEAUTIFUL! It has such a pretty pearly champagne glow... yet it still works as a great makeup primer. I will do a full review with swatches on this product soon, but I highly suggest you try this out!

My new Maxx New York purse

I don't have a photo of it (yet) but I'm absolutely in love with my new purse. I love purses, but I'm not one of those people that buys designer bags. I don't own a Coach purse, not even a knock-off Coach purse, I've never paid more than $85 for a purse (although I do have one Kate Spade, which I won from a radio station several years ago). Most of my purses come from Target, any clearance rack, TJ Maxx or Ross.

However, my last Target purse purchase left me totally frustrated. Although I loved the look of it (an eggplant purple with zebra lining and plenty of space), the straps never stayed on my shoulder. Plus, I not only wanted a purse with a zipper top, I found I needed a purse with a zippered top. I can't even tell you how many times my purse has spilled out. I've lost medications that way too. It's just not good.

Since I was so frustrated I decided to do a little more QVC shopping and browsed the clearance section. I stumbled upon a Maxx New York Triple Entry Satchel that I just could not pass up. The color I chose was "rose", a pretty pink (looks red in the online photos) - although I kind of want it in black too.

This purse holds everything... and I mean EVERYTHING! It doesn't look like it would hold it all, but somehow it does. It's very sturdy too. I love all the individual pockets, including the two on the outside of the purse, which I use to put my phone and glasses when I'm going in and out of stores. But most of all, I love that it's all zippered so nothing will ever fall out again (or get wet in the rain). Even though spending $73 on a purse is almost three times the amount I would normally spend, I don't regret my choice and I'm very happy with my purchase (now if only I could get my husband on board with the purse price).

Not-So-Favorites for November 2010

Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation

Can you tell I tried out a lot of foundations this month? I was excited to try this out again for the second time. All I remembered from the first try was the color wasn't right, but the coverage was there. I ordered this in M30, which looked too dark online, but since M20 was too light (the shade I ordered a year ago) I figured this would work. Nope, still too light (and very yellow - like a butter yellow). The coverage is still there, but now I remember what I didn't like about it. It's too dry. For a cream compact it's not all that creamy. It's hard to warm up with a brush, sponge, or your fingers. It's stiff to blend on your skin and it shows off every dry and flaky patch your skin may have. As much as I wanted to like this again, I think I'm going to give up on this product. Back to Sephora it goes.

Smashbox Mega Palette

I ordered this from QVC, although you can find the same thing at Ulta and other stores (just a different layout so they can claim it's exclusive to them). The first thing that turned me off was before I even opened this palette I had brown powder all over my fingers. Upon opening it, brown powder was everywhere. I found out that one of the brow powders (the only shade that would work for me, the brunette shade) had broken and gotten all over every single area. Then, the brushes included were awful. The tops came off from the handles within seconds (not even using it, just picking them up). The colors and selection in this palette are no where near what Smashbox quality truly is.

This is such a cheap palette - it even has that cheap makeup palette smell. The pigmentation of the shadows were lack luster, again, the same as all the other giant makeup palettes (like the ones Sephora and Ulta create). The brow wax wasn't even the same - this was pink tinted, and it's normally a beige look to the brow wax (which, of course, goes on clear). The blushes are that cheap makeup palette colors - barely there colors because the pigmentation is not there, so they describe them as "soft colors" to make them seem favorable. The cream liners aren't that great either, not up to the same quality as their regular cream liners. The glosses are worthless too. Not to mention if I were to actually clean up the palette most of the product would be gone because the brown brow powder is all over everything. I've been meaning to return this to QVC... actually, I'll go pack that up right after this blog post because it needs to get out of my life. I just hope I'm within the return window so I'm not stuck with this!

Lack of Sleep

My insomnia is back and I'm starting to really feel the effects. I'm worn out, I'm tired, and I want to get back on a normal schedule. My problem is I have so much going on that I feel very overwhelmed with everything. I find that I can get things done once everyone is alseep, but then I work all night and I'm so tired all day (and still have to work). Last night I tried to go to bed by midnight... but that did not happen. I was in by at 4:30am and up at 7:30am to take my son to school. What's worse is I'm out of Red Bull!! I swear, I just can't function without it! I'm not a coffee drinker, so Red Bull is my only means of energy (since regular soda does nothing for me).

So there you have it, my favorites and not-so-favorites for November. I will do my best to make proper blog posts this week with swatches, reviews, tips, tutorials, etc. but don't be surprised if I have to pull from the archives yet again. Not only do I have a lot of work to do (both with ValentineKisses.com and home related projects) but I also have my grandmom here visiting, so I need to make time for her too. On top of that, my husband is sick so I expect him to be out of commission for a few days. Once the next batch of inventory is up on the website then things will calm down. I hope to have it all up on the website by Sunday night, which means Monday is going to be a day to prop my feet up and relax!

I hope everyone is doing great and had a wonderful weekend! Have fun shopping all the great Cyber Monday sales! Don't forget about http://www.valentinekisses.com/!



September 2010 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites

Hello, Beautiful!

Before I begin my September favorites list, I want to remind you to enter our daily contest for a chance to win $5 to spend at ValentineKisses.com!


Click here to read our contest blog post and to enter the contest!

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Now onto my September favorites!

September is more than half way over and I've fallen in like, lust and love with many beauty products this month. I've also come to dis-like a few beauty products.

My September Favorites:

Makeup Sponges

I've fallen in like with using makeup sponges again. I know, there is nothing special or fancy or magic about makeup sponges. It's almost kind of pointless to even list them. But I went months without using them; I was hooked on using my 187 MAC Stippling Brush to stipple on my foundation. And although I still prefer using a brush over a sponge any day, the sponges have been such a time saver in the mornings. For that reason alone they are on my September favorites list!


WEN
I've fallen in lust with the WEN hair care line! The reason it's lust and not love is because I'm not sure it's really a system I can keep up with. It requires a lot of time to do it correctly, you need a lot of product, and I can't stand the Fig smell (in fact, I'm sending it back to get a different scent). If you haven't tried WEN yet both you and your hair are really missing out! After just one application, my hair was completely transformed; not only in how it looked, but how it felt too! I did a big blog post about my experience using WEN, including pics, which you can check out here.


L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base
I've absolutely fallen in love with this primer! It is for sure my favorite primer, probably of all time! I even like it more than my Make Up For Ever HD Primer (which is a beautiful primer that works amazingly). It's just the perfect primer for me! I did a blog post about this primer, including swatches, which you can check out here.


Ikea GISLEV Rug!

This rug is just $19.99 at Ikea. I absolutely love it. It goes beautifully in my bedroom (which is themed out in black, white and gray tones). It's also the rug you'll see on Project Runway (in the girls' bedroom). In fact, I'm thinking of going back to Ikea just to pick up a second (for my office). Although I was worried it would feel really awful since it's only $20 and it's 6'x5' in length. It's not a  luxurious rug at all, but it does its job (at least in my house) and it's a really affordable way to change up your room space.



Jason Mraz Concert!!!!!!!!!!

Only a few days left (10) until the Jason Mraz concert! I am super excited and I'm already thinking of what makeup and hair look I'll choose. I have no idea actually, and I'll probably try out several over the next ten days. Any suggestions??



My September Dis-Likes:

My recent purse purchase from Target:

Okay, I'll start by saying I generally love the purses I get from Target (I actually get a lot of compliments on my purse and people are usually surprised when I say I got it at Target). Sure, they're no Kate Spade, but they allow me to change out my purse often without breaking the bank. I recently picked up a pretty deep plum hued purse (with black and white zebra print inside). I loved the way it looked, it was big enough to carry all my crap (like my coupon organizer thingy), and it was under $30. BUT every time I wear this it bugs me. Only one strap will stay on my shoulder. The other falls off right away. I have to keep pulling it back up... over and over again. The only way the straps will stay up is if I hold them up! It's frustrating, but yet for some reason I continue to use this purse everyday (I don't want to waste my money and it's far past the return policy - plus it's used). This is the first purse from Target that has given me these issues.

Bare Escentuals Natural Lip Gloss

I have this in "Sugar Cookie", which is a pretty shade and the gloss actually smells/kind of tastes like a sugar cookie. But it's so freakin' sticky!!! The kind of sticky gloss where you talk and your lips stick together. The kind of sticky gloss where your hair will surely get stuck in it not once, but 100 times. If this gloss wasn't so sticky I would really love it, but it's just too sticky for me (and that's saying a lot, considering I love the Stila Lip Glazes - which are slightly sticky)!

Body Wash - almost all of them!

I don't know what it is this month. I just can't stand the way any of my body washes smell anymore (well, that's not completely true - I still love my Korres Bitter Almond body wash). I get an instant headache from my body washes and I'm forced to use the "back ups" because I'm out of my Korres body wash. Maybe it's the changing of the seasons that's making my nose change the way it picks up smells, or maybe it's not. Whatever the case, I want to throw all my body washes out at this very moment (but I won't, I'm too cheap for that, so instead they will go into the guest bathroom where most of my beauty product cast-off's end up).

My Neighbor's Dog(s)

I doubt my neighbors read this blog, but I secretly hope they do because maybe they aren't aware of this situation (and the fact that all the surrounding houses can't stand your dog(s) barking). EVERY NIGHT their dog(s) bark... and bark... and bark... and bark... and FREAKIN' BARK. I have dogs - I have two right now, but I've had five at one time - I can tolerate dog barking and I understand that dogs are going to bark. If anyone in my neighborhood could tolerate dogs barking, it's me. But their dog(s) bark a lot - especially during normal sleeping hours. I don't really mind the dog going bark-crazy during the day. I can even tolerate it going bark-crazy at 9pm (despite my son hearing your dog(s) barking and not being able to sleep). But I can no longer tolerate the midnight, 1am, 2am, 3am, and even the 4am barking!! It has got to stop! It's making me crazy! You better believe the moment I get pregnant is the moment your 9 month countdown begins to get that dog barking under control. Because once I have a newborn in the house sleep is precious - both to me and the new baby. If your dog even once wakes my baby up, or me up, I will become that mean neighbor. I don't want to become that neighbor - you know, the one that calls the cops because your dog is making too much noise - but I'm not the only neighbor that can't stand your dog(s) barking, and probably by the time I actually get pregnant someone else will have called the cops on you anyway. This was a nice and quiet neighborhood before you moved in. Now you have the most annoying house in the neighborhood. I'm so lucky to be your neighbor.

[Just to clarify: I do like our neighbors, I just hate their dogs. Also, I'm not pregnant now, but my husband and I have been trying to get pregnant again for years. Eventually it will happen... I hope!]

xoxo with love & beauty,

Crystal Valentine B.

- The woman who runs ValentineKisses.com

August 2010 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites

Hello, Beautiful!

This post is all about the items I'm loving right now. Not all makeup items, and some technically not items at all, but all favorites for August!


NARS Chihuahua Lip Gloss
This is one of my favorite shades of gloss! I rarely get through an entire tube of lip gloss before getting bored of the shade and moving on. Even if I really love a shade and get near the end I'll still rarely re-purchase the same gloss twice. BUT, I'm super close to cleaning out the tube on this beautiful gloss and I don't think I'll be able to move on from this shade. It just works so well for me - it's a great subtle pink with no shimmer. It goes great with just about all makeup looks (from natural to smokey). So yes, my sweet kind husband, I will need another $24 to re-purchase this gloss :)


My Skin Care
I made a post a little bit ago about my current skin care routine. I'm still sticking to it, although I switched up my moisturizer and added another product to my routine. I do have to say, I feel awful because this past week and a half I've been so busy (I was rarely home) and I haven't put in the energy to clean my face the way I need to. I even went to bed on more than one night with my makeup on. It felt gross and heavy. Now that life is calming down again, I can get back into the skincare routine as normal and not skip on anything. After going from that great skin feeling back to gross un-cared for skin, I will NOT let that happen for this long ever again. Gross! I NEED my skin care!



China Glaze Nail Polish in Strawberry Fields
This is a sparkly pink shade, which changes slightly in different lighting. Sometimes it looks like a beautiful bright sparkly pink. Othertimes it has a hint of red and you can see the great gold sparkle in the polish. No matter what lighting you may be in while wearing this shade, it looks pretty and is a great summer shade. I'm rocking it on my toe nails at the moment.



Red Bull
I'm not a coffee drinker (can't stand the taste - but love the smell), so Red Bull is my caffeine of choice. I'm a bit obsessed with Red Bull. At any given time it's in my fridge. I used to buy it by the case at the distributor back when my son was a newborn, but now I can get by on the cases they sell at grocery stores.



Family
I've seen a lot of my family lately. I had to go to a friends wedding at the beginning of August (out of state). Then once a year I take my brother's three kids down to visit me (they live in a different state). That was this past week - which is why I've barely been home. My grandmom is now visiting me for the next week. Basically, all of August has been family. Being that we don't see them much else throughout the year (except maybe at holidays), it's nice to have that much time with them.... although it's always nice to see them leave (so I can miss them, of course).



And with every list of favorites usually comes a few dislikes. These are my dislikes at the moment:

* Nobody seemed to play the movie "Friday the 13th" yesterday - which was Friday August 13. You can almost always find that movie playing on that day, but nope, not this time. It was the perfect weather here too - gloomy, raining and grim. We ended up watching two other scary movies anyway. I am a huge horror movie fan!

* Driving!! I have been driving so much over the past week taking my nephew and nieces to various places - plus back to their home (in another state). My husband did do a lot of driving too, but I'm done with driving for awhile. I want to put my feet up and not move for awhile.

* Leg Pain! I have chronic leg pain (left leg - back of thigh/side of thigh and butt) from an injury that happened over 2 years ago. Since then, it's been a constant battle. Everyday it's stretching my leg, using my TENS machine (electrode thing), putting on BioFreeze, taking meds, hoping it can get better, etc. etc. It's been extra painful lately and I'm really tired of it! Some days it's so bad I can't sit without flaring my leg pain, standing doesn't help, walking can make it worse, and the pain makes concentrating on anything impossible. I'm tired of complaining to my husband about this pain, so for once I will vent it out here and spare him the usual speach asking him to chop my leg off because it hurts so bad.


Well that's all for now! Have a great weekend and don't forget to shop ValentineKisses.com while we have all those great items on sale (as listed in the blog post below).


xoxo with love & beauty,


Crystal Valentine B.
- The woman who runs ValentineKisses.com