Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter - HOLY GRAIL! - pics, swatches, review!

Hello, Beautiful!

I have to admit that I'm the worst when it comes to apply body lotion/body butter on a regular basis - especially to any area other than my arms. I'm just really lazy. However, there is one body butter that is truly a holy grail product for me that makes me want to apply it, and that product is the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter! This stuff has the most amazing lightweight, silky whipped texture that just sinks into skin so beautifully.

I have the Vanilla Apricot scent, which is yummy, but she also has a pure vanilla scent that I really want to try in the future (it's just exclusive to her website right now, and recently made available in one QVC kit). Check out all the product info, along with my full review, after the pics!

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter
Scent: Vanilla Apricot

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $35.00 (8 fl oz full size). Available on the Josie Maran website, Sephora's website, QVC's website, and everywhere else Josie Maran products are sold. Sephora's website also has a larger size, 13.5 oz, for $48.00 (which will likely be the one I buy next).

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Product Info...

Silky, intensely hydrating body butter. Packed with luscious oils and whipped to a feather-light texture, it sinks in instantly for velvety soft skin in a flash. Spread the love and feel the difference.

Josie Maran's signature ingredient, argan oil, is spun into a unique creamy butter to easily revitalize skin and restore softness while improving skin's texture. Powerful antioxidants enrich and nourish your skin as you indulge your senses with a subtle all-natural aroma.

A powerhouse of more than 10 plant oils and extracts, plus the star of the show, 100% pure argan oil. No parabens or harsh artificial fragrances.



My Review...

I originally fell in love with the Josie Maran hand cream - which is my holy grail hand cream and the moment and I also have a full sized tube of that (which will last for such a long time; it's a huge tube!). It also has the Vanilla Apricot scent. Seeing how as much I loved the hand cream, I knew I'd have to love her body butter. And I was right!

I don't always take price into consideration - I buy everything from drugstore to low-end to high-end and luxury products - but I did hesitate for a long while to buy this body butter soley because of the price. I mean $35 for 8 ounces of body butter seems pretty pricey, but wow do I love this stuff!

I can justify for the price tag when it's a product that I use daily, a product that works, and a product that I actually look forward to using!

This texture is really something unlike any other body butter I've ever used, and even unlike any other body lotion I've used. It has such a lightweight silky whipped texture that spreads and melts into the skin so beautifully. A little will go a long way -- you'll find you need far less of this.

Most body butters are thick, which makes them a bit more hydrating than a body lotion. But this is so lightweight and you need so much less than typical body butters (at least, I find I need less).

The first time I ever used this I definitely used way too much and it was really hot outside, so I was turning into a slippery mess (but never greasy). Then I realized I didn't need nearly as much as I had used, and starting using less and less until I find the right balance for my skin. This hydrates so well - even rough spots like elbows, knees and heels! I use this whenever I do a pedicure and I use her hand cream as a cuticle cream (and I've even used it on my feet and heels - works great there too).

I find the hand cream and her body butter have a very similar texture and feel, but I find this to be just a little more lightweight and softer in texture (if softer is even a way to describe a product like a body butter).

My only complaint, if any complaint, is it's not very travel friendly. It's not something I'd want to throw in my purse, as it's pretty big. I do know QVC sells this body butter with a travel sized one, but I purchased mine from Sephora.

As far as scents go, there are several and what scents are available will depend on where you shop from. Some places only carry a few scents, while places like QVC has even more.

Here is a list of all the scents I could find:

• Vanilla Apricot
• Vanilla Fig
• Sweet Citrus
• Lavender Citrus
• Lavender
• Vanilla Bean
• Unscented
• Be Loved (a jasmine scent)
• Be Strong (a ginger scent)
• Be Comforted (like a warm apple crisp baking in the oven)

If you couldn't tell already by my review, this is a body butter that I would highly recommend! If you are in a Sephora and they carry Josie Maran, stop by and just feel the texture of this body butter.... although with the amount of people that stick their hands in tester products I wonder if it would still feel and smell the same. Either way, this is an amazing body butter. Simply the best I've used, and that's why it's a holy grail product for me!

Now let me know what you think...

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

QVC Discovery Kit -- only $19 but worth $136.89!!

Hello, Beautiful!

QVC has come out with a few (I believe) Discovery Kits in the past, but none of them really caught my attention until the most recent, which was only $19 and sold out in a matter of minutes (at least during the presentation I watched). For just $19 with free shipping you get 6 items, all being deluxe sample sizes except two are full size (even though the It Cosmetics Brow Power looks mini size, it's really a full size if you compare the ounces to the full sized version). Check out everything in this QVC Discovery Kit, along with my mini reviews, after the pics!

Believe it or not, this kit -- which I paid just $19 for -- is worth $136.89!

QVC Discovery Kit

QVC Discovery Kit Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $19.00 (for this particular discovery kit). Available on the QVC website - although at this particular time, this particular discovery kit is sold out. For reference, this is item # A258156

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Product Info...

Whether you're new to QVC Beauty or already a devotee, this discovery kit is the perfect way to try some of their hottest products. Featuring six sensational samples for skin, hair, and beyond, this set introduces you to advanced formulas from Philosophy, Perricone MD, and other top brands.

Includes:

• Perricone MD Neuropeptide Facial Cream (0.5 fl oz sample size)
• WEN by Chaz Den Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner (2 fl oz sample size)
• Philosophy The Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer (1 fl oz sample size)
• Vita Liberata Tan Mousse in Medium (0.84 fl oz sample size) and a mini mitt
• It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil (0.0056 oz sample size)
• Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick - you either got the shade Baby or Starburst (0.12 oz full size)

My Review...

First, let's just talk a second about the insane value that was this QVC Discovery Kit! I know I mentioned this several times in this post already, but I paid ONLY $19 for this kit and it has a value of $136.89!!! This has got to be one of the best, if not the best, value sample beauty packs (or whatever you want to call it) that I've ever received.

Let's start with the Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick... I received the shade Starburst, but you could have gotten one of two shades - either Starburst or Baby (and I believe it may be called Mally's Baby, to be technical). I already own both those shades, but if you don't already then this kit alone is worth it just for that one item - which retails for $20 on its own! Plus, I love the shade Starburst and I love her High Shine Liquid Lipstick. I could have been a makeup hoarder and kept this myself, especially since it is full size, but I ended up giving it away to a friend who I know will put it to very good use.

The It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil is something I already own two of, and actually maybe three of. I don't reach for it often because I like the finer tip that that Anastasia Brow Wiz offers, but it is a good brow pencil. I thought this was a mini size, just by looks, even though Lisa during the presentation on QVC said it was full size. I just thought she messed up, but it is in fact a full size if you compare the ounces of product to the full size version. That alone is a $24 value - again, worth the entire price of this kit if you just want the brow pencil.

The Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer is a great sample size - you get an entire ounce! That's worth $30 right there! I used to use this moisturizer religiously way back in the day when my son was just an infant (and even before then), but as a beauty blogger I try many products and just never got back to it. I'm happy to have a new jar of it and absolutely will be using this moisturizer!

I'm really excited to try the Perricone MD Neuropeptide Facial Cream. I hear so much about it on QVC, but the full size comes at a luxury price tag of $240! This sample jar, while it may look small at just 0.5 oz, is actually worth $48! You better believe I'm going to use this jar until there isn't a drop left!

The Vita Liberata Tan Mousse in Medium is something I may or may not actually get around to trying. I had gotten a Vita Liberata Tan Lotion in my March Ipsy bag and still haven't gotten around to trying it (and it's June). I like self tanners, but I've been hooked on Tarte's!

The final item in this QVC Discovery Kit is the WEN Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner. It's a 2 oz packet - which is great for travel or even for trial. You can buy 8 of these same size packets for $33 on the QVC website. It's definitely just a single use if you're someone like me with long hair, but if you have short hair you may get 2 uses out of it. I used to be big into using WEN but just didn't have time for that, as it's just unrealistic in my everyday life -- only because when I use WEN, I like to really use it properly and let it sit in my hair for about 20 minutes, and that's after taking a full minute to rinse my hair before using it, then taking another 2 or 3 minutes massaging it in really good and combing it through, plus the time it takes to rinse it out. Let's just say for me, WEN is a 30 minute process. It certainly doesn't have to be -- you could do a quick version and get it done in about 5 to 10 minutes -- but I wasn't going to spend all that money on WEN and not do it right. For what WEN I have left in bottles, and now in this packet, I will use it maybe once a week when I have the time. I really do like WEN though; it gives me shiny, bouncy, soft hair and I can go at least 3 days without needing to wash my hair and at least 2 days, maybe 3 days, without using any dry shampoo!



Final Thoughts...

I wish I would have bought 5 of these kits. Not just to hoard up products for myself because of the amazing value, but to give them to friends. This kit was an insane value and I hope QVC continues to come out with great Discovery Kits like this in the future. I'll be sure to buy them (at least 2 for now on), whenever I see them online or on-air. I'd recommend!

Now let me know what you think...

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

Tarte Journey to Natural Beauty 6-pc Collection - before & after, pics, swatches, review, FOTD

Hello, Beautiful!

I love me some QVC! Especially when they bring me brands like Tarte and pack together a bunch of great makeup at an even greater price. I recently purchased the Tarte TSV (Today's Special Value), and even though I get the Q Insider Magazine, meaning I could order it early, I decided to wait until I saw the on-air presentation. I shouldn't have waited; I love this kit and I knew I would. Next time I'll order right away!

Although no longer at the TSV price (which was $59.94), you can still get this kit for just over $65 on QVC's website (plus shipping and handling). When I checked the website last they were sold out of the Fair and Light shades, but I'm sure if you keep checking back they will come back in stock. I ordered this in Medium, if that helps anyone. This 6-pc collection even comes with a bonus mini sample of the Maracuja Self Tanner, not mentioned on the website; I've been wanting to try this self tanner so I'm excited to give it a try.

Check out my pics, swatches, info, review, and complete makeup look (FOTD) ... click on pics to view them larger.

Tarte Journey To Natural Beauty
6-pc Collection
This kit includes: Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation (I have the Medium), Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Plummy Rose, Lights, Camera, Flashes! Statement Mascara in Black, Brow Architect Brow Shaper (shade matches your foundation choice), 12-Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Fearless, Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush, Makeup Bag, Mini Sample of Maracuja Self Tanner.

 

 

 

Tarte Journey To Natural Beauty 6-pc Collection
Before & After
I only used the products in this kit!

Tarte Journey To Natural Beauty

6-pc Collection Complete Makeup Look
FOTD (Face Of The Day)

Tarte Journey To Natural Beauty 6-pc Collection Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $72.50 - although currently $65.94 (for the entire kit). Available on QVC's website.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

I love Tarte products, and their kits on QVC always impress me. This kit was another winner in my book. I'll break it down product by product on what I thought.

First up, the foundation...

The Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation is a nice whipped mousse type liquid foundation. I have it in Medium, which works well for my skintone. I don't think it's a true full coverage, but it certainly does offer great medium coverage. It lasts long on me, even if I don't set it and even if I don't use a primer.

The Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush is one of my favorite brushes; I have one from their first kit back in March 2011 in their 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-pc Collection. That's also when I first tried the foundation. The brush applies foundation beautifully and is very well made. For sure a brush I'd buy on its own. What makes this brush different from the first tone is the handle; it has a special fabric handle that matches the makeup bag. I love it! Super cute!

The Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Fearless is beautiful. A nice warm pinky rose color. There is shimmer in this blush, maybe more than I would like, but once on it looks natural. Very pigmented too, so be careful of how much you apply. It gives my cheeks a nice warm pink glow. Tarte blushes are some of my favorite and I'm always happy to have another in my makeup collection. They apply beautifully and really do last like their name says.

The Amazonian Butter Lipstick is a new product. The color is pretty and the formula is divine. It felt smooth and comfortable on my lips - going on like butter. It even had a shine to it, sort of like a glossy lip balm. The shade Plummy Rose looks darker in the tube than when applied, so I was happy with the color on my lips; a flattering shade for sure! The packaging is in a cardboard tube, which I get is part of the natural concept, but I don't really care for it (it wears a lot faster/gets dirtier easier), but I love the formula of this lipstick so I'd be interested in more shades!

The Brow Architect is another new product. I have sparse brows so I was really curious to try this out, as I already love Tarte's  emphasEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse, and the Tarte EmphasEYES Amazonian Clay Brow Pencil. It does a nice job at filling in my brows, and the color is universal so you just press harder for darker color/lighter touch for a lighter color. The highlighter that comes with it worked well with my skintone and made my brow area nice and clean looking. I already have products similar to it, but really liked this one.

The Lights, Camera, Flashes! Statement Mascara in Black is their newest mascara. If you love their Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara then this is supposed to be twice as amazing. I wasn't really having high hopes for this, because I really don't like their Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara; I mean, it's ok but it never did too much for my lashes. However, the Lights, Camera, Flashes! Statement Mascara is amazing. Gave me va-va-voom length and some volume with an intense black color. Loved my lashes after using this.

The makeup bag is super cute, but it's just one big dump bag. No compartments, which is okay, but not sure I want to just toss my makeup into this large bag. I will likely use the bag for hair products when I travel. It's large enough and will fit them nicely. Although you can't tell by the photos, the tan/beige part of the bag actually has gold metallic running throughout, which I didn't notice during the on-air presentation but was a nice surprise because it gives the bag something extra rather than a boring plain side.

The sample of the Maracuja Self Tanner is great because I really, really, really wanted to try this. Can't wait to give it a go in the near future.

Overall, this kit was a winner for me, and one I'd recommend getting. Even without a concealer, eyeshadow, eye liner, primer/setting powder - this kit still gave me a completed natural look. My before and after pics speak for themselves to show you what just these few items can do to improve your overall look. And, my hair was bed head - so that extra shows how much it makes up for everything else going on. I personally would still need to use concealer with this, as well as primer and setting powder. Of course eyeshadow and eyeliner to really finish off the look but this kit gives you a lot of great products for one low price.

This is one kit I recommend picking up for yourself and even one as a gift!

Now let me know what you think...

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