Revlon Lip Butter Review - Loving it!

I blame MissBudgetBeauty (in the best of ways) for the following:

Also, I lucked out on a killer sale at CVS a couple of weeks back. Don't know why the Revlon Lip Butters were marked down by 75%, but I'm not one to question a good deal.

Yes, I'm late to the party. I haven't been a big lipstick person. I've always preferred lip glosses, but the latest trend of sticky lip glosses has had me searching for alternatives.

At $2.12 I said why the heck not to the Revlon Lip Butters. These had received good reviews from people I trust and I'd been wanting to try one out for some time. Well one became eight because I couldn't decide on a color. Oodles of swatches online, including a mega swatch here.

In current rotation are Peach Parfait and Sugar Plum. I stuck to my safe palette and am already regretting I didn't include something more daring like Lollipop.

I like that it goes on smooth and starts off a bit sheer, playing up my natural color. 1-2 coats is almost like a stain, but they are buildable so you can get really good pigmentation. I've stayed away from lipsticks because they tend to be drying or wear off really fast, but I haven't had either of those problems with the Lip Butters. In fact, if anything, they have worked like a balm on my lips, leaving me softer even on days I don't use them.

The only negative I have for this is the tube design. The base to cap ratio is 10% to 90% and that makes getting the cap off a little tricky. After the first couple of times you get the hang of it and the cap pops off easy (and clicks back into place securely). But the design might have been better balanced at 25% to 75%. Anyway, it's a minor thing, considering the actual product is really good.

If $8 works for you, or you find Lip Butters on sale, I'd say definitely snag one (2, 3, 4...).

Thank you Mikhila!

Va-Va-WOW!!!

I'd like you to meet my new best friend, the Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid system.

It's really va-va-WOW!

It's a portable mini-massager-cum-cleanser for your face. I always feel refreshed and awake after using this, even without the accompanying Shine Shine Go Away Cleanser. 

My skin feels softer, lighter, tighter and smoother after one use - all excellent reasons for making this part of the daily routine. I like that I can use it with other face washes as well. Or, just with a bit of water for a wake-me-up massage.

Here's what makes it a stand out product:

1) It's compact and light, therefore portable. It's roughly the size of a disposable razor, though a negligible bit bulkier. Heck, it made it into my travel kit within a week of receiving it.
2) It works off 1 AAA battery (first one comes pre-loaded), which minimizes the need for multiple charging accessories.
3) It's not harsh. The rubber tips are gentle, do not irritate the skin, and provide a firm massage & cleaning.
4) Easy maintenance - again, it's basically rubber and plastic, so this pocket-sized powerhouse is easy to clean and use.

Verdict: Buy it! I was lucky enough to get this in a Influenster VoxBox. Now that I've tried it out (and had the rest of my family try it out), I can say this is something I would definitely spend $15 on. In fact, I've got my sister asking for one, and she's not super into beauty maintenance routines. In case mine ever dies, it's one of those things I would re-purchase, and I don't say that about many products. The Fresh Effects system isn't a gimmick, it really is that awesome.

(ps - for the few reviewers who've noticed an increase in breakouts, keep in  mind everyone reacts differently to different products. Try the va-va-Vivid with your regular face wash and see if that makes a difference)

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Sweetheart VoxBox Pre-Review

'Free' is one of my favorite words, and Influenster delivers. Influenster gives me a chance to "try the latest and coolest products catered towards [my] lifestyle", in exchange for giving reviews and getting other people to take notice of these products. Sounds fair to me.

When I got the email that I'd been selected to receive a VoxBox (finally!!!) I literally squeed.

*squee* Finally getting an @influenster #voxbox - the valentine edition. SUPER excited! #happydance
— Simi Sinha (@SimTara) February 15, 2013

Waiting for my box to come in was agony. A white box was sitting on my porch on Feb 26. At first I thought it was something for my dad, but then I picked it up and saw a pink heart sticker.

Look at all the goodies I got inside. 

The Secret Clinical Strength deodorant is timely, since I'm about to run out. At 1.6oz, it's one of their regular sizes (not the bitty, travel size). I will use and review soon-ish, so watch this space for a link to the review.

I'm a little iffy about the Not Your Mother's 'beach babe' spray. My hair is naturally curly and dry, plus this weather is killing my scalp health, so I'm not sure how smart it will be to put salty water in. I know getting in the ocean water hasn't been good, and I'm assuming the spray will react the same. Anyone have any feedback? If you've used this/something like it, let me know. Now that my hair has finally grown out to all natural (I had chemically relaxed it), I'll give it a go in the spring season and review.

Unfortunately, this bottle leaked a bit into my box. See:

 

Fortunately, it seems to have stopped leaking, so I'll have enough to actually try out.

I'm REALLY looking forward to trying out the Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid cleansing system, but anything that helps exfoliate and cleanse my face is awesome. Especially in this crappy, drying winter. Is it spring yet? I haven't actually gotten around to using it, so hopefully that'll happen some time this week. *fingers crossed*

Aaand lastly, I was excited to get a Skinny Girl On-The-Go bar, because I like the concept of the brand and I've liked what little of Bethenny I've seen on TV. I've tried it. Let's just say, it's a healthy bar. I'll post a full review soon.

Right, well. That was my box. Free stuff, all basically full size. For the record, here's the disclaimer: "I've received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes." Which is basically what I said in the beginning, but I don't want to end up in trouble, so there you have it.

If you're active online and will recommend products if you like them, you should definitely request an Influenster membership (only open in North America). Have questions? I may have answers. Or I'll be able to point you in the right direction at the very least. 

Ta!

Haul: Lip-stuff

One thing led to another and, in the past few months, I've discovered this world of "Beauty Blogging". This, in turn, led to a discovery of "hauls" .. basically a mega-post on a bloggers latest collection.

I confess that I have minor (moderate? Ok, major) obsessions: make up, shoes, accessories. Typical girly stuff really. I won't bore you with a mega-post, partially because I don't even know which brand some of these are, let alone how much they cost.

But this stash is from when I was travelling ... I could have sworn I only packed 4-5 glosses and 1 lipstick. Here's the true total:

I couldn't help but buy even more...the E.L.F. & NYC glosses on top are the latest addition.

I'm REALLY sad they don't make CoverGirl WetSlicks anymore. The lipglosses these days are stupid sticky. Yuck!

BirchBox Mega Review Update (Boxes 3-6)

Oops! I haven't blogged much and I definitely haven't done as many Birchbox reviews as I thought. Let me try to highlights instead of detailed reviews (though, I think we all know I tend to be wordy).

Birchbox #3 - July 2012

From BirchBox website

• Ada Cosmetics Bronzer sample, which I mistook for a full-sized eyeshadow pot at first. Heck, I used it as eyeshadow the first time. Oops! Pigmentation is light but the color is nice. On my skin tone, it'll best for winter when I'm not very tan.
• I haven't tried the GLOSS Moderne High Gloss Masque for my hair yet, but I'm looking forward to it. It's got all sorts of yummy sounding ingredients and smells like coconut. It should be enough for at least 3 uses, if not 4-5. If I really like it, and it works well for my hair, I might splurge $39 for the full size.
• Harvey Prince Hello perfume sample was light and summery and nice. I recommend it for people who like the not-overly-sickly-sweet floral perfume, but still like it light and sweet.
• Larabar uber Bananas Foster was yum.
• Stila It's Go Time Lip Glaze - I got a lovely, brownish shade which is in my comfort zone. I have decided I adore Stila products. If I ever splurge on makeup, it will definitely be either a Stila product or a BareEscentuals product.
• Birchbox Extra Birchbox Exclusive Earbuds...always good to have an extra pair of buds hanging around and these come in fun, bright colors. That said, the buds are cheapy and the sound quality isn't brilliant. These will be the emergency pair for desperate times.
• Overall, money's worth and more for sure. I'd be willing to pay full price for some of these products. Definitely a good "we're sorry" box..enough so that I went ahead and got the August box.

Birchbox #4 - August 2012

• DDF Brightening Cleanser works well, but wasn't "wow" different enough to justify shelling out $38 for a facewash
• Foil packets are a waste and that's basically what Stilla All Day Foundation, Concealer & Brush kit was. Too dark for my skin tone and not enough for me to judge fairly
• A free razor is awesome and a free $10 Schick Hydro Silk Razor is an awesome deal. Plus a coupon. 
• Unfortunately, I was missing 2/5 samples: Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur, which I would have been meh about and ShowStoppers Designer Fashion Tape, which would have been cool and useful.
• I notified Birchbox and received a very prompt, apologetic and helpful email. They gave me bonus points and comp'd my September box, which is good because I was planning to skip September after missing items in 2/3 boxes.
• Overall, got my money's worth. The products were nice, but I'd only get the Schich which was a Birchbox find, not a typical sample.

Birchbox #5 - September 2012

From BirchBox website

• Have I mentioned my dislike for foil packets? I got a two-fer in this box. The first was a Benefit foamingly clean facial wash and refined finish facial polish duo. Haven't tried it yet. I'll get around to it when I run out of my regular face wash. The reviews have been meh, nothing spectacular ish.
• The second foil was a Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Treatment Trio. Absolutely useless for me because I actually don't have a split end problem. Just because I have dry, frizzy hair doesn't mean I have split ends. And my hair isn't even all that dry. Just not that silky or anything either.
• Youngblood Mineral Primer is something I got a little excited about. I've been wanting to try out primers and I finally got a sample. I've used it a few times but haven't noticed any difference in my makeup application. Meh. At least I got to try it.
• Ooh tea! Ok, I'm not that much into teas, but hey, tropical green teas (Mighty Leaf Tea) are interesting. I'll try it soon.
• Color Club Custom Collection "Status Update" nail polish is out of my comfort zone since it's a grey. BUT I've been wanting to deviate from my normal pinks, pearls & maroons, so the timing was perfect. It's a nice slate grey kind of color and one coat is opaque enough for my taste.
• I did not receive the twistband that I was supposed to. Come on Birchbox! Not that I cared for an overpriced piece of knotted elastic, but I should get what you promise me.
• Overall, $10 was more than covered, but I wasn't impressed with the products at all. Half the stuff wasn't usable and the rest was meh.

Birchbox #6 - October 2012

• This box was a week late in getting sent out (usually ships out on the 10th of the month). It shipped from Edison, NJ and took a week to get to me .. could've gone and picked it up myself in one day haha
• LA FRESH acetone-free nail polish remover ... 2 sachets. Ok, cool. I'll use it on the go... or give it to my mum when she's travelling.
• LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry bar. It's a hefty size for a bar, so that's good. But Birchbox, please stop sending me food! I signed up for makeup/beauty stuff!!!
• Naked Princess Naked Shine Luscious Lip Gloss. 0.008oz sample size. That's like 4 drops of water. Ok, enough for 10ish uses. Would I pay $26 for a full size (0.1oz)? Hell no! I can get better formula & variety of colors from CVS.
• willa Clear Face Moisturizer is a nice travel size item. I'm not particular about products being natural but it's an added bonus. I'll see how good it is after a few uses. Thankfully it's not a foil sample ;)
• theBalm cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer .. the name makes me feel like it will turn me into a man! LOL It's supposed to be a highlighter-eyeshado-allover shimmer in one. It's a light yellow-golden color that will work best as a highlighter. Cute packaging and I'll get a decent number of uses out of it. But I wouldn't buy it because I adore my Stila all-in-one way more (I'll blog about that later).
• Overall, utterly disappointing box. The samples almost didn't total $10. The products aren't things I would invest in; they don't seem tailored to my needs/wants. I've given it the 6 months I promised I would and have been disappointed more times than not. So because of that, and I can't afford throwing away $10/month right now, I'm cancelling my monthly subscription.

Caveat: I do like the concept and BB has introduced me to a lot of products I've liked or would like to try. I will come back to it eventually, but only after they've worked their way through these growing pains (terrible twos) and up their standards a bit. I'm not the only one complaining so they clearly have to change things. They can't afford not to, especially with Ipsy as competition.

I'm actually quite sad leaving BB. It was fun getting a box of goodies in the mail every month.

If you're not deterred by my somewhat bad experience, and you want to sign up for BirchBox, you can head this-a-way to sign up.

I take it back!!!

I take it back! I like Stainiac. It's a brilliant product. The first that I've tried that really doesn't feel like anything on my skin. It's so lightweight and sheer that it's utterly natural looking. I love love love that it doesn't feel like I have lipstick or gloss on. Even on my cheeks it feels like nothing: no stickiness, no heaviness, no nothing!

My lips look like I've been eating berries or a popsicle and my cheeks have a natural flush.

I doubt I'll spend $17 for the full size, but this little tube will be set aside for special occasions.

The only thing I don't like is the slightly off putting, bitter-chemically smell and taste to it. But those kind of disappear after a while.


I also tried the Yu-Be moisturizing cream last night. Woah mama! It's quite amazing. My feet have been horribly dry and cracked this summer - blasted heat! I tried the cream for the heck of it, before passing out. I woke up to much improved, nearly 100% healed feet. And I only used one pea size dab for both feet! Definitely a great product. Might even be worth it at $16 for the 1.25oz tube if you have really dry skin issues (my sample size is 0.1oz and will last me a long time).


I'm not too excited by the sneak peak of July, but since Birchbox has partnered up with Glamour, and they don't talk about absolutely everything they're including in the different boxes, I am really looking forward to my July Birchbox. I really hope I get the Stila One Step Bronze. *fingers crossed*

I think I'll give Birchbox one or two more months. If I don't get a single 100% satisfactory box by 5 months of trial, I'll switch to checking out MyGlam, Cravebox, Sindulge, LookBag, or Glossybox ($21/month, but it seems to have more full-size and high-end products). Honestly, there are so many of these subscription services, it becomes a luck of the draw with what you get with each per month. But I think 5-6 months a service is a reasonable amount of time to decide whether to stick with it. And at $10 a pop for most of these, I don't feel too guilty or overindulgent (especially since the value of the box exceeds $10 every time).

Birchbox Review 2 - June 2012

I just received my second Birchbox a couple of hours ago. Yay!

To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this one. But since I got at least my money's worth, I can't complain.

Here's what they promised:

And here's what they delivered:

At least this time everything on the list was included in the box. I was, at first, thrown off by men's sample cologne but then I read the card and realized it was a Father's Day bonus. Phew!

The Eyeko eyeliner is a full size product. So that alone makes the $10 subscription worth it. Score! Not to mention I love makeup :D I wish it had been a bolder color, but I can't really complain about basic black either. Will try it out and see.

The Melvita Rose Floral Water smells delicious! It also comes in lavender, which would have been just as lovely. However, I'm not about to pay $22 for a bottle of this stuff. Granted a full size is 6.76oz versus the 0.96oz that I got, but the latter will be more than enough for this summer.

I'm not sure I'd wear the Stainiac in Beauty Queen on my cheeks, but I will try once. I think I was expecting something a bit more lip glossy, but it's definitely a gel. It stains in a purpley-pink (in a good way) and is incredibly light weight. I'll update with a picture of my lips or cheeks if I like it. I got a sample size in my box (0.04oz) and the real deal is 0.3oz for $17. Who prices this stuff!? Oh yeah, it doesn't smell all that good and has a slightly weird taste.

The Yu-Be moisturizing cream came just in time. My feet could use some TLC. Unfortunately I think I can only squeeze out, max, 2 times worth of moisturizer out of that itty-bitty tube. No worries, vaseline does the same job and is significantly cheaper. ($16 for lotion, really?)

Ok, I know I'm a med-geek and all, but these fashion band-aids did nothing for me. I'd go as far as saying, stupid! Really seriously!? Apparently there are idiots out there who pay $15 for 20 band-aids. Suckers!

The men's cologne is a bit meh. Happy Father's Day Daddy! Hope he likes the scent.

I'm very jealous of all the people who got the Stilla One Step Bronzer in their box. That would have been amazing! Hint hint, wink wink!

So yes, overall..not bad. At least this time, it's all useful in some way or another (and I didn't get a lame zip-lock bag like some). I'm hearing some rumors about next month's box already, so fingers crossed I get some good stuff. Off to tweak my profile a bit. ;)

Birchbox Review 1 - May 2012

Ooh I received my first Birchbox on May 9, 2012!!!

A little background on Birchbox - for $10 a month you get a monthly package of "goodies" (mostly beauty supplies). They are usually sample size items, but once in a while Birchbox slips in a full size product. Now, most of the stuff in the box is worth well over $10, even at sample size; so the deal-seeker in me was excited to try out this service.

Sadly, my first Birchbox has left me a little disappointed.

Here's what they promised:

And here's what they delivered:

Birchbox has you fill out a questionnaire asking for various information, including your age range, skin type, etc. Having selected the appropriate age range, I was extremely perplexed to receive the Kiehl's Abyssine Cream+. Fortunately, I have no need for this product, yet - now if there had been anything for graying hair, that's a different story. So this one goes to my mum ... nothing says "Happy Mother's Day" like anti-wrinkle cream eh? ;) (ps - some of the ingredients are actually natural)

Back to the top of the list - the Bulgari Omnia Crystalline. It's actually quite nice. Definitely feminine, but not so floral. Smelled more like a crisp, light musk. Not at all overwhelming, but it lingers in a nice way. I do believe I've found my new favorite scent. Not sure I'll ever spring for it at $64.00 for a 1.33oz bottle, but if someone's feeling generous and wants to gift it to me, I won't complain ;)

I didn't get a Color Club nail polish, and clam bake coral sounded perfect for my upcoming cruise. Bummer! Instead, I got a Sugar Rose tinted lip treatment. It goes on smooth and smells like lemonade, which is perfect for summer! There's no way I'd pay $22.50 for a 0.15oz tinted chap stick (with SPF 15), but I'm content with my 0.08oz sample.

The Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF in 20 Glow promises a lot. I'll try it out on the cruise and let you know if it delivers. The list of ingredients starts off with all sorts of natural things like jojoba oil and soy amino, but of course devolves into some unpronounceable chemicals and silicone. I'm a little skeptical, but still willing to try.

No Twistband hair tie for me. Instead I got a trivia sweepstakes card. Since I don't watch Gossip Girl, this does nothing for me. I would much rather the Color Club nail polish!!!

And finally the bonus xoxo note-card. Cute. Useful. Bit of a cop out.

So not 100% satisfied with my first Birchbox. 2 out of 6 items are hits and will be used with reverence (Bulgari & Sugar Rose), while the rest will be tried/tested and probably never given a second thought.

But I'll stick it out and see what Birchbox has to offer in June. I'm hoping the bounty is better.

There's a referral link at Birchbox, but since I've only had a semi-good first experience, I'll hold off until I get a better feel for it. (every friend referral + sign up = 50pts, 100pts = $10 at Birchbox ... 50pts does not equal $5 however...so sad!)

My "Fat-Day" Fix-it

I'm a firm believer of ignoring the image norms of contemporary times. Instead, I think we should all learn to be comfortable and happy with ourselves, regardless of shape and size.

But that's usually easier said than done.

It is incredibly gratifying and a wonderful boost to my self-esteem when I get a compliment on my looks from a completely unexpected source. Kind or flattering words remind me that beautiful isn't one single concept; instead it means something different to everyone.

Writing a sticky to remind our selves that we are beautiful doesn't always do enough. Hearing "you're beautiful" or "you're so pretty" from a family member doesn't always ring true, because, after all, their opinions are biased. It's a pity our computers can't pick up on our emotions and reassure us on a low day (blast, no magic mirrors that can talk back to us either).

Instead, I find it helps me a little to pass a compliment to someone else on my low days. To see someone else smile because I took a moment to notice them and say something goes a long way in making me feel more content.

What do you do on your low days? What makes you feel more beautiful and confident?

be-YOU-tiful

I joined the Twitter bandwagon nearly a year ago - and it's coming as a huge shock to me that I'm 37 days away from my first TwitterVersary. One discovery led to another, until I started following ProjectBeauty.

ProjectBeauty is a phenomenal endeavor taken upon by two very sweet and passionate young ladies who believe that everyone is beautiful and that everyone should recognize this fact about themselves. 

A long time back, I'd discussed writing a post about self-image and beauty, and now I think it's high time I got around to it. I just don't know how to go about this. It's a topic that will definitely take more than one post; this is just the beginning of an exploration and understanding.

Body image is something I personally, constantly struggle with. My fat-days outweigh my thin, pretty days and it takes a toll on my self-esteem. But over the course of the past few years, I've slowly learned to accept that my size and weight are only a part of my beauty.

Today is all about image, about marketing yourself: for a job, a relationship, a brand, anything, everything. So of course, physical image plays a large role. As far as first impressions go, the visual makes an impact long before you can open your mouth to say Hi, my name is...

Physical beauty is highly subjective. For some its a size 0 waist, prominent cheek bones, bottle blond hair, and a tall stature. For others it's a "meat on the bones" figure, crazy curly hair and pinchable cheeks.

The thing we have to realize is that we are humans, not machines. We are NOT supposed to look alike and fit a certain mold. We ARE supposed to come in different shapes, sizes, colors, heigts, hair types, etc. Machines and robots off of an assembly line are supposed to be cookie-cutter perfect, each one piece matching the one before it and after it. Humans come from a rich background of history, culture and experience, and this reflects in both our personality and our appearance.

But beauty, for me, goes beyond the physical. Inner beauty plays a large hand as well; things like attitude, personality, a persons actions and inactions.

Let's take Aishwarya Rai for example. She's been touted as the world's most beautiful woman. Men and women alike are infatuated with her and consider her an ideal beauty. Her attitude and personality act like a strong repellent for me. I can't see beyond those aspects. Or, rather, those things color my view of her and I consider her more plastic and "not beautiful."  In contrast, my mom - who isn't a beauty queen - is a kind, sweet, strong and passionate person. For me, she's one of the most beautiful women ever.

That's what I've got for now...expect more in the series, because I believe this is an important topic to talk about.