Le Couvent Des Minimes Smile Lip Balm in Mint, Pear - pics, swatch, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Back in August I reviewed the Le Couvent Des Minimes Smile Lip Balm in Honey, which came in a jar. While I liked the lip balm itself, I'm not the biggest fan of jar lip products because I don't always want to dip my finger into a jar. Le Couvent Des Minimes also makes the Smile Lip Balm in tube form, which is what I have to show you in this post. I have scents/flavors Mint and Pear - with Pear being my absolute favorite of the two because it smells and tastes like pears - yum! They go on silky smooth too! Check out all the product info below, along with my full review, after the pics!

Le Couvent Des Minimes Smile Lip Balm
Flavor/Scents: Mint, Pear
Continue scrolling down to see more pics of each individual flavor/scent.

Le Couvent Des Minimes Smile Lip Balm
Flavor/Scent: Mint

 

Le Couvent Des Minimes Smile Lip Balm
Flavor/Scent: Pear

 

Le Couvent Des Minimes Smile Lip Balm Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $11.00 (0.5 oz full size). Available on the Le Couvent Des Minimes website, at Ulta, on the Dermstore website, and everywhere else Le Couvent Des Minimes is sold. Click here to find a retailer near you.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

Delicious and effective lip care for lips that are softened, nourished and protected. Thanks to its original recipe with a delicious aroma, the Smile Lip Balm softens lips, nourishes lips, and protects lips.

Currently available in three flavors/scents in the lip balm tube form:

• Mint
• Pear
• Orange Blossom

As I mentioned at the start of this post, I have previously reviewed the Smile Lip Balm in jar form, in the flavor/scent Honey - but I do find the formulas to feel different.

I have Mint and Pear - and while the Mint is lovely, I find the Pear to be my favorite because it's not everyday that a lip balm is pear scented/flavored. It has a very delicious fresh pear scent and taste - yum!! They both smell great taste great.

The texture is nice - which I can only describe as a smooth gel balm. It glides onto lips very easily and you don't need a lot of product. It actually feels a little silky gliding on, it's non-sticky, feels smooth and comfortable on the lips. They are hydrating, but if you have very dry chapped lips I don't know if this lip balm will really penetrate deep enough to the point where it will repair your lips. That's my problem at the moment - my lips are so incredibly dry and chapped that I feel these didn't penetrate deep enough. However, they still did penetrate my lips to hydrate them nicely, but it's just a matter of not being intense enough to repair very, very dry and chapped lips. This lip balm will keep your lips in a healthy, soft state after you've done a lip scrub and gotten your lips back to a smooth, non-chapped surface and then continue use. I don't find them to be very long lasting though; I re-apply often with these depending on what I'm doing (eating, drinking, talking, kissing). 

I love the tube over the jar because it's way easier to apply, and way easier to take with me in my purse. It has a slant tip applicator, which makes it simple to spread the lip balm across the lips. Plus, I don't always want to stick my finger into a jar - especially when I'm out and about, and may not have the cleanest hands. I keep the jar at my house, either on my makeup table, in my bathroom, or in my makeup drawers (to pull out and use when needed).

Final thoughts...

I think the jar version in Honey is slightly more hydrating/nourishing but I do still really like these lip balm, especially the Pear. I don't have another lip balm that smells and tastes like the Pear one, and I'm kind of loving that. My lips are incredibly dry at the moment, so maybe that's why I don't feel like these are as deeply hydrating as other lip balms, but they still are a nice enough lip balm that I keep one in my purse at all times.

I really enjoyed these and I think a lot of people would enjoy them as well. I'd recommend!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of these lip balms? Have you tried them or are they on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Mirabella - Magic Marker Eyeliner in Very Black - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I love liquid eyeliner; it seems to be my preferred eyeliner choice lately. Felt-tip liquid liners are my favorite; they're just easy to apply. I recently gave the Mirabella Magic Marker Eyeliner a test drive and loved it! Check out all the product info below, along with my full review, after the pics!

Mirabella Magic Marker Eyeliner
Shade: Very Black

Mirabella Magic Marker Eyeliner Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $22.00 (0.063 fl oz full size). Available on the Mirabella website, on the Blush.com website, on the Lovely Skin website, and everywhere else Mirabella is sold.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

Long lasting, intense color in a brush-tipped eye liner marker. Paraben-free. Currently only available in this one shade, Very Black.

This eyeliner has a nice deep black color that goes on evenly. It's very easy to work with, as I find most felt tip applicators the easiest of liquid liners to apply. The tip on this one isn't the thinnest that I've used, so it wasn't as simple for me to get a pointed end to my wing, but I could still get a thinner line while lining my lash line, and then get a thicker line towards the outer corner.

When I first applied it I had made a mistake and my finger bumped the line - which smudged it. I was worried thinking that meant this would easily smear off or fade away. However, once this liner has time to set (not long - maybe 30 seconds? - I don't know, I didn't time it), it will stay in place and not smudge or fade easily. I found it was long lasting, even on the inner part of my lash line (going towards the inner corner of my eye, not my waterline), which tends to be the first place my liquid liners fade away or smudge.

Overall, I found this to be a nice liquid eyeliner that I will certainly use and could easily recommend!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this liquid eyeliner? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

February 2014 Ipsy Bag - pics, value break-down, reviews

Hello, Beautiful!

It's been a long while since I've posted any of my monthly subscription boxes/bags, and honestly it's because I ran out of time, forgot, and I also cancelled a lot of them. I have been posting pics of them (when I remember) on my Instagram. I'm going to try and make an effort to also post them on here like I used to do all the time.

This is my February 2014 Ipsy bag! The theme was The Look Of Love (obviously for Valentine's Day).

Ipsy is just $10 a month! Each month you'll receive 4 to 6 deluxe or even full-sized products. If you want to sign-up for your own Ipsy bag, CLICK HERE (it's my referral link - you don't have to use my referral link; it only gives me points that I can save up to redeem for prizes in the future).

Normally I would have high-quality photos, and lots of them, but I didn't do that with this bag so I unfortunately only have my Instagram photo to use for this post. That also means I don't have the included info card. Next time it will be the normal photos you're used to seeing here; I promise. Check out below to see what I received, a little about each product and my thoughts, as well as a break-down of the value of this month's bag!

February 2014 Ipsy Bag

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's Ipsy Bag: $40.81 (value is approximate & does not include value of actual bag)
• Total # of Items Received: 5
• # of FULL SIZED items: 3
• # of makeup items: 3
• # of nail items: 1
• # of hair care items: 1
• # of skin care items: 0
• # of body care items: 0
• # of fragrance items: 0

Now I'll talk about each product...

City Color Cosmetics - Be Matte Blush
Shade: Fresh Melon

• MY THOUGHTS: This is a HUGE blush. It's clearly a full sized product, and I love that. The shade I received is Fresh Melon, which is a really pretty peachy/orange coral pink. It's hard for me to describe, but I like the color. I like that this is a matte blush, because although shimmer blushes can  look really pretty and glowy, I still prefer a matte blush. I know this brand doesn't retail for very high prices, but I was still really excited to receive this in my bag.
• FULL SIZE: $2.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: I received the full sized
• VALUE: $2.99

POP Beauty - Plump Pout mini
Shade: Peony Petal

• MY THOUGHTS: Although I haven't opened this yet, I was really excited about this product because the shade I received looks pretty. There were two shades being sent out, you either received the shade I did - Peony Petal - or a brighter shade, Fuchsia Freesia.. The sample size is nice - basically half the full size! I've heard good things about this. It's supposed to plump your lips with the shine of gloss and the long wear of a stain (which seems to be a trend lately with a lot of lip products across all brands). Looking forward to trying this one out.
• FULL SIZE: 0.30 oz/8.5g @ $16.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.14 oz/4g
• VALUE: $7.47

Zoya - Nail Polish
Shade: Odette

• MY THOUGHTS: I actually already own this shade, it's from their Naturel Collection - which I did a review last month of all 6 shades. Click here to see that review with lots of pics & swatches. But, I do love that it's another full sized product in my bag, and it came in a Zoya box instead of just being thrown in there. I'll likely give this away, either to a friend or in an Instagram giveaway.
• FULL SIZE: 0.5 fl oz @ $9.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: I received the full sized
• VALUE: $9.00

Tini Beauty - Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow & Base In One
Shade: Spiced Rum

• MY THOUGHTS: When I first saw this product in my bag I thought it was a lip gloss, as it's in a lip gloss type packaging. At that time, when I thought this was a lip gloss, I was disappointed because of the shade. But once I later realized this was an eye product, I was more excited about it! Plus, this is ANOTHER full sized product in my bag this month! I haven't tried it yet, but looking forward to it. There were three shades going out in bags this month: Spiced Rum (the one I received), Ambrosia, and Violette (and Ipsy exclusive). I kind of wish I got the shade Violette because it is an Ipsy exclusive, but I'll live. 
• FULL SIZE: 0.14 oz @ $18.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: I received the full sized
• VALUE: $18.00

NuMe - Intense Renewal Mask

• MY THOUGHTS: I've never tried any NuMe products, and I love hair masks, so I was actually kind of excited to get this. It's an okay sample size - I could see myself getting 1 to 2 uses out of this, which is enough to see if I would like it. I haven't even opened it yet to see how it smells, but I'm really looking forward to trying this out. When I looked it up online it seemed to have great reviews! When Ipsy was MyGlam, in my very first bag in February 2012, they included a $100 NuMe gift certificate but I never used it. Now I did say I was with Ipsy since they were MyGlam and I missed the first bag in December 2011, but was supposed to get the 2nd bag in January 2012 but my bag was part of their shipping mix up, which is why technically my first bag from them was their third bag, but I've been with them since their second bag. Signed up in December 2011!
• FULL SIZE: 6 oz.177 ml @ $29.99
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.67 oz/20 ml
• VALUE: $3.35

The actual bag everything comes in...
my thoughts:

• This month's bag wasn't anything spectacular. On the outside it's a plain bright pink with a white top-zipper and the little round Ipsy logo pull. The inside of the bag is where it gets cute - a pink leopard print, but I would have much rather preferred that on the outside of the bag. I'm not sure how often I'd use this one, it's just okay. I'm still loving the December bag - that may have been my favorite to date, and I've been with Ipsy since the 2nd bag when they were still MyGlam!

My Thoughts On Entire Bag...

• FULL SIZE/DELUXE SIZE: This bag contained 3 full sized products and 2 deluxe sample sized products. 
• VALUE: The value was approximately $40.81, which is 4x the amount that you pay for the bag. It's not the highest value Ipsy bag that I've ever received, but it's still very good return for what you pay.
• USAGE: I will use every single product in this bag, except for the Zoya polish - and that's only because I already have that shade and want to give it away to someone, or in an Instagram giveaway.
• FINAL THOUGHTS: I'm rarely ever disappointed with Ipsy, and again, they shipped an amazing bag. For only $10, they really deliver. I'm once again happy with my Ipsy bag!

Let me know what you think...

What are your thoughts on this month's Ipsy bag? Did you receive an Ipsy bag this month? If so, what did you get in your bag? Discuss in the comments below.

L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Exfoliators and masks are my skin care addiction; I have too many already and I'm always ready to try more. I've had this exfoliator for awhile now but haven't really had the opportunity to put it to a good test until more recently, and I don't like to post skin care reviews until I've really had the chance to try it out. I gave the L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator about 6 weeks of consistent use (1 to 3 times a week). Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

L'Occitane Immortelle
Brightening Instant Exfoliator

 

 

 

L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $36.00 (2.6 fl oz full size). Available on the L'Occitane website, at Nordstrom, on the Beauty.com website, and everywhere else L'Occitane products are sold.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

The L'Occitane Brightening Instant Exfoliator exfoliates the skin, for an even-toned and luminous complexion.

Its fresh gel texture transforms into a soft milk while rinsing. It combines Pure Immortelle Essential Oil to protect against impurities and for anti-aging effectiveness. Bellis Perennis Brightening Extract to make the complexion look uniform and more luminous. Vegetal Origin Exfoliation Powders to help purify and smooth, while glycerin helps preserve the skin's moisture. Skin texture appears more even and complexion looks brighter, with a youthful glow.

Contains natural micro-granules (pumice stone, cellulose) for deep exfoliating action. Skin appears more even and looks brighter, with a youthful glow. Use the exfoliator two or three times a week. Apply to dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

L'Occitane's Immortelle Brightening skin care line provides beauty benefits from the Mediterranean "flowers of light", Immortelle and Bellis Perennis (Daisy). Immortelle is a flower with exceptional longevity: it never fades, even after it has been picked. Its essential oil is rich in active molecules with unique anti-aging results. Bellis Perennis, better known as the daisy, yeilds a brightening extract that helps maintain and even skin tone.



STUDY:
Conduced on 26 women after 4 weeks of use:

• Immediately after appliaction, the skin is purified, smooth and soft for 100% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, the complexion is more even for 92% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, the complexion is more luminous for 100% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, wrinkle are reduced for 88% of those women.

Directions For Use: 
Use this exfoliator 2 to 3 times a week. Apply to dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

For best results, use the following technique:
1. Apply to face and gently massage the chin with circular movements and work outwards towards the ears.
2. Continue these circular movements on the nose, then again work outwards towards the ears.
3. Finish at the forehead, gliding your hands towards the temples.
4. Add a little water to produce a later, while continuing the massage, then rinse.

L'Occitane makes some really wonderful body products -- their Almond Shower Oil is a staple in my shower, and I'm obsessed with their entire almond line, especially their Almond Paste -- but up until recently I hadn't tried any of their face products. Like always, with almost any skin care brand, I start by trying an exfoliator or face mask. The L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator seemed like a great product to try out, and it comes with a lot of claims.

I used it for about 6 weeks on a consistent basis, using it 1 to 3 times a week. I know you're supposed to use it 2 to 3 times a week, but my schedule doesn't always allow me to do that (and I'm still using other skin care products - including other exfoliators - from time to time; it's just the way I do things, as I'm constantly trying new things and also trying to use up products).

Some of the claims are that your complexion will be more even, luminous and wrinkles reduced after 4 weeks of use - in addition to skin being purified, smooth and soft. I will say that my skin is definitely soft and smooth, but I find that to be true after most exfoliators. However, what I did love is that my skin tone does seem to be more even and slightly more luminous. I can't really speak about wrinkle reduction, as I don't have many wrinkles at the moment (I'll be 30 years old in less than 2 months), but I think any exfoliator can help with that, as removing the dead skin allows for your other skin care products (serums, treatments, moisturizers, etc.) to penetrate better, therefore working better for you.

Overall, I really liked this exfoliator. I think if you're looking for a high end/luxury exfoliator that will also even your complexion and make it more luminous (and possibly reduce wrinkles), then this is a good one to look into!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this exfoliator? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I really like the b-leve products, especially their b-tranquil scent... it's such a nice scent to me. I have their b-tranquil Body Lotoin, which I previously reviewed here. I also have the body wash, which is what I have to share with you in this post. Check out all the product info below, along with my full review, after the pics!

b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash

 

b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $7.99 (17 fl oz full size). Available on the b-leve website and at fine grocers. Click here to find a retailer near you.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

b-leve b-tranquil Body Wash gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin with two revolutionary technologies. Moisture beads deliver instant encapsulated moisture to the skin, while Oleofirm extends and enhances moisturizing benefits. These combine to create a rich, refreshing lather and a soothing, spa-like scent. Contains safflower oil extract, glycerin and Vitamin E. Nourishes and conditions skin. Paraben-free. Hypoallergenic. No animal testing. Made in Canada.

I love this scent, I find it calming, warm, soothing and even a bit sexy. It's like a warm cashmere sweater. How is that even a way to describe a scent? I don't know... it's just my weird way I guess. But I do LOVE this scent, so of course the body wash was needed, after I feel for the body lotion.

The little beads do burst, which you can see in the one photo. I don't really notice them bursting in the shower but I really don't pay attention. I'm guessing they do. Not sure how moisturizing it really is, but my skin never feels dry afterwards. I still use lotion though out of habit, but possibly in the summer I wouldn't need to if I used this body wash.

The price point is great considering you get a generous amount. It lathers up nicely too. I have nothing negative to say about this and would recommend!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this body wash? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.