Marisa Jensen: March 2013

50% off at theBalm.com 4/1/13 24 hours only!

11:57 PM

Rimmel Double Review on Both of their Fix & Perfect Face Primers

7:53 AM

A Rimmel Primer Review

{Purchased Product} {Some Affiliate Links}

Rimmel has come out with two primers that I've been loving lately, specially since I've been trying to clear my skin from a product disaster. The Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro 002 and Rimmel Fix & Perfect 001 Primer have been great at helping my foundation stay in place, even out my skin, without the pesty effect of even more breakouts. Thank's Rimmel!

My pet-peeve is when companies put loads of claims on products that don't deliver but don't you worry, these two little guys deliver and exceed expectations. Because everyone is different, I'd like to begin with explaining my skin type.

My SKIN: I have oily to combination, acne-prone, sensitive skin, with acne scarring, and chicken-pox craters lefts from when I was younger.

It's easy to say that I have a lot to cover or camouflage, so a good primer is a MUST in my world.

Let's begin with Rimmel's Fix & Perfect Primer 001 (left one in the picture). It claims to smooth skin, minimize pores and prolong foundation wear. I agree with every claim the company has made with this product. This is the very fist one I tried when I first purchased the two of them and I was so crazy to me that it had a tint to it.

I have to say, this covered my pores, it toned down the pinkess of my skin, it evened out my skintone while giving me a good canvas (face) to work with. What was even better was that the color of it didn't hinder my foundation color at all, so it didn't make my foundation look funny or off in shade. You can see the tint in the picture below. TIP: I would allow the primer to set for 30-60 seconds before applying the foundation.

Rimmel's Fix & Perfect Pro 002 on Left / Rimmel's Fix & Perfect Primer 001 with tint on right.

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer 002 claims to smooth, restore, illuminate, mattify, and protect your face giving you a 5-in-1 result. I wouldn't say this primer restores or protects my face because it has no spf in it, so exactly how it protects my face I'm not quite sure. What I know is that It does smooth out my skin, fill in all the pores, craters (you know that chicken-pox thing I talked about earlier), and creates even skin for my foundation application. Perhaps they went a little crazy with their claims but that's all it does. When you first apply it, it has a dewy consistency (seen in picture above) but dries matte (seen in picture below). It does have a brightening effect to it which I can see why they claim that it is illuminating but once the foundation comes on, that goes away so be prepared for a primer that just does it job.. PRIME! Fill in the imperfections so that you can have a better foundation application.

Rimmel's Fix & Perfect Pro 002 on Left / Rimmel's Fix & Perfect Primer 001 with tint on right

As you can see, after both primers have dried they both look matte in the skin. I do however think that the Fix & Perfect Pro 002 primer does feel more hydrating than the 001 on the right during the day. Because I have oil/combination skin I tend to go for the 001 primer and on my dryer days the 002 pro primer. Both primers works great at extending the life of a foundation, I've tried it with high end and drugstore and they have both performed well. I'd say it gave me a good 9 hours to a foundation that normally would last me 4-5 hours. When I can go through a long work shift without a touch-up, that speaks for itself.

If you are in the US you can find these at Rimmel.com, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Target and a couple of other stores. If your international, please Google to find the nearest Rimmel retailer near you.

Have you tried these primers? If so, did they work for you? If you haven't tried them, which one would you consider trying?

PS: Don't Forget about my Revlon Pacific Coast by Gucci Westman LipButter Collection Giveaway on the right sidebar.

Cheers!

Marisa

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have notbeen paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

acne

Avon Clearskin Product Review

10:12 AM

Avon's Clearskin Acne Skincare

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

About a month ago, I ran out of my favorite moisturiser and I had a brilliant idea to substitute what was working well with my skin for something that was a temporary substitute because I was on a holiday and didn't want to buy another bottle of my favorite moisturizer knowing that I had a bottle home. So, 3 weeks of using a product I clearly shouldn't have put on my face I broke out like crazy.

Shamefully, I have been trying to hide these little face monsters (acne) instead of treating the issue. So, on my trip to purchase the Avon giveaway items I ended up picking up Avon's Clearskin Blemish Clearing Pads which come 30 to a jar and contain 1.0% Salicylic Acid. I also purchased the Clearskin Blemish Clearing 2-in-1 Treatment & Hydrator with 2.0% Salicylic Acid.

At the time, I didn't have much hopes for this product but was surprised that within just a couple of days my pimples where drying, disappearing and going away. Woah! I was pretty impressed. I still have 3 stubborn spots but it's working wonderfully for them and I feel like in the next couple of days I can start doing videos and taking pictures outside of my hand.

Today I have another trip to the Avon Store and I will definitely be picking up backups for these two little wonders. At a whopping $7.99 for both products this is a deal and a half. If you or anyone you know if having acne issues, I highly suggest you give these two little products a try. You might be surprised at how wonderful they work and how quick they work.

Cheers,

Marisa

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Update on the Revlon Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman Spring 2013

8:35 AM

Giveaway

NEW Revlon Pacific Coast by Gucci Westman Collection LipButters andBaby Stick review and swatches + GIVEAWAY!

3:22 PM

NEW Lip Butters & Baby Sticks from the Revlon Pacific Coast by Gucci Westman Spring 2013 Collection

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

The last couple of months, I have been on the hunt for the four NEW shades of the Revlon LipButters. I read you could find them at Target, then Ulta, then CVS, then Wallgreens. Even though I live in Miami, I've looked from Key West, Florida to Just North of Titusville, Florida.

This was some serious product hunting! Picture credit to Google Maps

I couldn't find them! I stalked the stores like no ones business and even had my hubby looking for me. Try getting your husband or boyfriend walk in and ask "Do you have the new Revlon LipButter in Juicy Papaya and Pink Lemonade?" The stares he got was outrageous but he was a great sport and even was proactive enough to go on his own looking for the display. So, now that you have a bit of a background on how hard these NEW four shades have been to find... when I found them, you know I had to buy all four not just for me but an extra four for one lucky person out there. More on the giveaway at the end of this review.

REVLON Pacific Coast by Gucci Westman Spring of 2013 collection includes:

4 New Shades of the Revlon ColorBurst LipButters in (Juicy Papaya, Pink Lemonade, Sorbet, and Wild Watermelon)
2 Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Quads in(Free Spirit and Sea Mist)
1 Revlon ColorStay Creme Gel Eye Liner in (White Mist)
3 Revlon ColorStay Baby Stick for Lips & Cheeks in (Pink Passion, Tahitian, and Sunset)
4 Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel in (Seashell, Tradewinds, Jungle, and Sunburst)

I personally picked up the LipButters and the Baby Sticks. I opted out of the shadows, nail polishes, and the gel eyeliner because I have so many similar colors in my collection.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade, Sorbet, Wild Watermelon, and Juicy Papaya

The Packaging for the new Revlon Lip Butters are the same as the old packaging which I like because they will go seamlessly with the rest of my collection and I still love the clear tops so that you can see the lipstick thru the cap. The formulation is the same, highly pigmented for their shade, smooth and moisturizing on my lips.

From left to right: Wild Watermelon, Sorbet, Juicy Papaya, and Pink Lemonade

As you can see these LipButters have a high shine to them and are very pigmented for a non-lipstick. Originally I was only going to buy Juicy Papaya and Pink Lemonade but once I saw these shades in person, I knew all four had to be included in my collection. Wild Watermelon is a beautiful orangey red. Sorbet is a vibrant fuchsia pink with blue undertones. Juicy Papaya is in my opinion the most beautiful color of the four, it's a peach color that its so universal I can imagine wearing this for work or at night with a smokey eye, the options are endless with this shade. While Pink Lemonade may look like it doesn't have pigmentation, it surely does... It's just very close to my skin tone. It's about the closest neutral that I have found for myself. I love how light it is, yet with a dark smokey eye or a very natural looking day this is also a great color. I really love the feel of these in my lips, they don't crease and get into fine lines, they just stay and make the lips feel hydrated while also giving you a pretty pop of color.

Revlon Baby Sticks from left to right: Sunset, Pink Passion, and Tahitian

The Revlon Baby Sticks where an unplanned purchase but I wanted to see how they would compare to similar products I own that are Lip & Cheek multi purpose. Sadly, I was unimpressed with two of the shades. The Revlon Baby Sticks are simply dual purpose Lip & Cheek gels.

The shade Sunset on the left has barely any pigment, I kid you not when I say I had to rub the product about 20 times back and forth to get the color that you see in the picture. I expected a highly pigmented red cheek and lip product and I got the exact opposite. The middle baby stick was the one that has the most pigment to it, two swatches and there went a bright color on my lips. The same pigmentation and swatch issue that I had with sunset I had with Tahitian... I had to rub it so hard for a long time to get any color to show. Tahitian is a light peach shade. Sunset and Tahitian really lack in pigmentation and feel different in texture than Pink Passion even though they should all be the same. If you decide to pick one of these up I would recommend Pink Passion but maybe Pass on Sunset and Tahitian.

In conclusion, I'm loving these New shades in the LipButter line and I think you will too.

I've bought a spare of each shade and I will be starting a giveaway open Internationally.

~ Giveaway ~

RULES: You must be 13 years or older or have your parents permission to enter. You must follow the "How to enter" instructions. You can comment as many times as you want or every day throughout this contest.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE: You will receive the NEW 4 Revlon ColorStay LipButters in the shades: Juicy Papaya, Pink Lemonade, Sorbet, and Wild Watermelon. (New unopened)

HOW TO ENTER: I will be relocating my subscribers list to my right sidebar. All you have to do is be a subscriber to this blog AND post a comment below on which shade is your favorite, if you've tried Revlon LipButters, or make any request for a particular review.

WHEN AND HOW THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN: This giveaway starts today March 21st and ends April 11th at midnight. That's 3 weeks this will be giveaway will be open. Rafflecopter will display the winner and the winner will be emailed once the giveaway has ended.

DISCLAIMER: This giveaway is not sponsored by Revlon and products where not provided by said company.

Good luck to all!

-Marisa

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

ELF

NEW Elf Complete & Ultimate Eye Kits

7:01 PM

Double Review on the NEW Complete & Ultimate ELF Eye Kits

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

I recently spotted these two Elf kits at Walgreens and at $4.99 each, it's was a deal. We all know Elf is affordable but sometimes a hit and miss on pigmentation so here is my thoughts on each kit.

Beginning with the Complete eye kit which comes with an eye shadow quad palette, a brush, eyelash curler, and an eyeliner.

The eyelash curler is pretty nice because it has a deep curve which is great for small eyes versus a flatter eyelash curler that can be a challenge to use. I find this one to be a pretty decent one, specially to travel with.

Out of the two kits, the Complete eye kit is the only one that names the Shadow palette "Happy Hour".

The brush is best for packing color on the eye lid. It find that it is soft enough to use, I have sensitive eyelids and I'm particularly picky about abrasive brushes. I approve of this one.

The eyeshadow quad's name is "Happy Hour" and it comes with a tiny mirror in the compartment the the dual applicator comes in. I don't use the small sponge applicators and I find the mirror a bit small to be useful but the eyeshadows are ohhh so worth the purchase of this kit.

These are the swatches of the Complete eyeshadow quad in "Happy Hour" with NO primer and no double swatch. I simply swatched once and was shocked at how vibrant and pigmented the colors where. I love every single one of them. I woke them without primer and they lasted about 5 hours without any fading by hour 7 I started to see fading and some creasing from my oily lids. The pink was the first one to fade, the rest of the colors lasted much longer on my eyes. The colors themselves are not named, that I know of! The highlight color is a a beautiful light pearleasant gold, then you have a light pearly pink, a taupe, and a satin brown. All of the shades are buttery and easy to blend not to mention that I didn't experience any fall-out at all. I'm very impressed.

The liner in both kits are the same, a black eyeliner pencil which both claimed to be brightening. While I'm not exactly sure how black liner is brightening, I find it very pigmented and easy to work with for a pencil liner (my least favorite to work with). As you can see in the picture above I did one swatch then one heavier buildable swatch.

The Ultimate Eye Kit comes with a quad eyeshadow (unnamed), a mascara, an eyeliner, and an eye primer.

The pencil eyeliner is the same as the Complete eye kit so refer to the swatch and my comment above.

The quad eyeshadow does not come with a name but unlike the Complete Kit, this quad has two matte shadows and two frost shadows. I was expecting to love this one but I was let down by the pigmentation of the matte shadows. I had to go over both matte swatches about 5-6 times for any color to show. It was very hard to build the color and even harder to see any difference with a primer under them. Primer or not, both matte shadows flat out suck. The frost shadows are pigmented but you can find these exact shades in other palettes where you can actually use all the shadows. I was really hoping the second shadow down would be a dupe to Buck from the Naked Urban Decay palette, but sadly it wasn't. If your tempted to buy it because you have that same thought, I don't mean to crush your heart, but your going to be disappointed.

Picture above shows the shadows from the Ultimate palette swatches twice. The top row is without primer and the bottom row is with primer. As you can see, it really didn't make much of a difference.

The primer that the Ultimate kit comes with is a basic skin-toned primer that sheers out when blended onto the skin. If you look closely you can see it in the bottom of my hand in the bottom right picture. I wiped the top to create a crisp line so that you can compare bare skin and primed skin. With all the eye primers available I would not choose this one as the best one. Actually, I don't like this one! It didn't make the colors more vibrant or make them last longer on my eyelids.

The mascara was a shocker for me. I've tried other mascaras from elf and haven't found one I liked but this one I feel was decent. I like the volume and the length that it gave me. In the picture you can tell the difference with my bare lashes on the right and my lashes with the mascara on the left, and no I am not wearing false lashes. I have pretty long lashes and a lot of them but without a good mascara, it's hard to tell. I would recommend this Lengthening and Defining Mascara from ELF.

In conclusion, I'm enjoying the Complete Eye kit the most, and find the products to the the best bang for the buck in that kit. The Ultimate kit has more of a hit and miss in my opinion than anything. If your interested in the mascara, I'd check out your local target or eyeslipsface.com and see if they are carrying this mascara alone.

Hope this review has helped. Feel free to comment, let me know what you'd like me to review or tell me which Kit you like the most.

Cheers!

Marisa

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Avon

Avon Giveaway

2:10 AM

Enter NOW to win the Avon giveaway!

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize includes:

1 - Skin So Soft Signature Silk Shower Gels

1 - Secrets To Keep 1.7oz Perfume

1 - Secrets To Keep Roll on Perfume

1 - SuperExtend Infinitize Mascara in Black

1 - Lipstick Brush

2 - NEW Bronzing Gels in Light & Medium (not on the Avon store yet)

8 - NEW Totally Kissable Lipsticks in 8 different shades (Racy Red, Lovey Dovey Pink, Smitten Red, Lacy Mauve, Make Out Red, Plum Intrigue, Loving Lilac, & Naughty and Nude)

1 - Catalog Campaign 8

3 - Surprise Samples

You will be receiving the lipsticks that are still sealed with the black Avon label. The opened lipsticks are from my own personal collection and will not be the ones that you will be receiving, you get brand new ones unopened. That's why I showed both the actual packaging and the sealed black packaging protection in the pictures.

Left to Right: Racy Red, Lovey Dovey Pink, Smitten Red, Lacy Mauve, Make Out Red, Plum Intrigue, Loving Lilac, & Naughty and Nude

These are the most moisturizing lipsticks I have in my collection, arise from the Revlon LipButters. I just love these and I know you will too. The variety of shades will allow you to pull off any lip color for every occasion.

Left to Right: Racy Red, Lovey Dovey Pink, Smitten Red, Lacy Mauve, Make Out Red, Plum Intrigue, Loving Lilac, & Naughty and Nude

Interesting fact: You will be receiving one of the hottest selling shades in "Make Out Red" which is the shade the model is wearing in the campaign ad below.

Model is wearing shade "Make Out Red"

The Mascara I chose for this giveaway was by far the hardest decision I had to make. I find this mascara to be the one I have reached for the most in February and has pretty much become my new BFF from my Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof mascara that has been my forever love for the past couple of years. Avon's SuperExtend Infinitize mascara kicks my old love to the curve and has been permanently replaced in my makeup bag. I love the brush, the formula, and the longevity that I get out the SuperExtend Infinitize mascara. Hopefully the winner will love this one as much as I do.

Avon SuperExtend Infinitize Mascara

The two bronzing gels are new products that are not available for purchase through the website, you must contact me to order these directly through me. Because these are new products, I will not do a swatch on them yet so that the winner can really get the luxury enjoying the product before my review. I can say that these are amazing, specially with summer around the corner.

-RULES, HOW TO ENTER, DISCLAIMER & QUESTIONS-

Rules & How to Enter: You must follow the instructions on the rafflecopter widget to enter. You can have multiple entries, you are encouraged to share this with friends. This giveaway is open world-wide, I will ship to your country: should there be any tax when it enters your country you will be fully responsible in paying for that.

Disclaimer: Avon is not sponsoring this giveaway, I am. These items where purchase by me and not given to me by Avon or it's companies.

Questions: Please post your questions on the comment section below. I will answer them as soon as I can. By posting your question you might be answering someone else's question, therefore eliminating a couple of hundred emails sent to me asking me the same thing.

Hope you all enjoy this giveaway and Good-Luck to the winner!

xoxo,

Marisa

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

balm Jovi

Balm Jovi Rockstar Palette by TheBalm

5:25 PM

Balm Jovi Rockstar Palette by TheBalm

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Balm Jovi Rockstar Palette by TheBalm

I've never owned a product from TheBalm until Birchbox sent me a sample of the Blush in Hot Mama! and I was immediately curious about the product line. The blush was so buttery soft and pigmented. It lasted all day, so I thought with all the rave going on about "other" palettes from theBalm why not take a shot at this bad boy and see if we got along like Hot Mama and I did. Sure enough, I get my package and the first thing I notice was the portability, the design, and the creativity they put behind this palette.

Not only did this palette have the shadows, blush, highlighter, AND two lipsticks, AND a nice chart, AND razor thin, but it has a FULL FLEDGED freaking heart shaped very very handy and usable MIRROR. Not one of those cheapy, I can barely see myself mirror, I think I'm in a clown house mirror, but an amazing crystal clear big mirror. So, this is where I start thinking there has to be something wrong right? Nice looking palette the shadows must suck and the lipsticks have to be cheap. Ummmm.. no Marisa... NO!

Left: Blush in DON'T YOU WANT ME? Right: Highlighter in SOLID GOLD

Let's begin with the blush and highlighter since those where the two that I dug into first. The blush is matte light pink salmon that looks like a natural blush on the cheeks. I love how natural it looks, it looks like i'm blushing without blushing which I guess is what I wear blush because I'm pale white. Ok, the highlighter well it's soft and buttery but I like the natural look that this one gives, perhaps because of the golden undertones. I find sometimes highlighters can be too white casting and this one has more of a gold/suntanned look to it.

Top row is the Heavy Metal Shadows (METAL-ICA, IRON MAID-IN, LEAD ZEPPELIN, ALICE COPPER). Mid Row is the Classical (ADAGIO, ALLEGRO, MODERATO, PRESTO). The bottom row is Alternative (BLINK 1982, THE STROKE, REN, THIRD EYE BLINDED).

The shadows are separated into three sections of 4 shadows. I won't go into detail on each shadow or you will be here all day with me but there is some fall out with the Heavy Metal section mainly because they are so pigmented you can easily grab too much on your brush and make a mess so be sure to tap any excess off your brush before application. The Heavy Metal section seem to me metallic finish shadows, the Classical are all matte shadows of which are incredibly buttery and easy to work with, and the Alternative section are more of a satin finish. All the shadows are easy to work with but remember they are VERY pigmented so a little goes a long way and make sure to tap that brush before applying to your eye so you decrease the chance of any fall out. I'm very impressed. So far my favorite and most reached for shades in the palette have been Alice Copper, Moderato, Adagio, Blink 1982, Rem, and Third Eye Blinded.

Left lipstick in shade MILLY / Right lipstick in shade VANILLY

Last but not least, the lipsticks! I'm not calling these glosses because by no means are these glosses, they are highly pigmented full-coverage lipsticks in a pan. They are not dry which I love, for a pan lipstick they are pretty moisturizing and stay on for so long. My boyfriend was shocked at how long the red (Vanilly) shade stayed on my lips. I wore that bad boy for nearly 11 hours with minor fading. Milly is more of a light mauve pink and Vanilly is a bright red with blue undertone.

This is the back of the palette. They didn't miss a beat with their design, and quite honestly I'm addicted to this palette. I've been testing this product for a month and it's all I've been wearing. Now that I tested, played, approved, I can move on to my next palette... no worries, this one is staying at the top of my makeup vanity for easy reach.

Hope you enjoyed this review, please don't forget to subscribe in the bottom right!

XOXO,

Marisa

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Birchbox

December 2012 Birchbox Review - Shamefully Late

12:49 AM

December 2012 Birchbox Box - Super Late Review

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Ok, shame on me for being late with my box reviews, but I've been so busy that even the videos I've made haven't even been touched. Not to mention I left the Flash-drive with the videos to edit at home and now all I can do is settle for a lame blog review. I can however tell you that this box was not even close to being lame. I place full sized orders immediately because I knew I was going to LOVE some of the products.

NUXE Reve de Miel Facial Cleansing and Makeup Removing Gel

I'm going to begin with my favorite, the NUXE Reve de Miel Facial Cleansing and Makeup Removing Gel. The sample size I believe was .5oz which was generous but lasted only two weeks. It smells and has the look and almost the feel of a lightly textured honey. It's simply delicious! As a makeup remover it worked great, just not so well on water-proof mascara. General cleansing with this product is just wonderful and works even better paired with a Clarisonic if you happen to own one. It gives a slight tingle but nothing that caused severe reaction to my sensitive skin. My face felt clean and fresh and helped clear up some light acne that I was having. The full bottle has lasted me longer than the trial size because I alternate this cleanser only for morning use. I feel it's better because it gives me that fresh clean wake-me-up feeling I need in the mornings. Full size is 6.7 oz and costs $19.00

Chuao Chocolatier Assorted ChocoPod

My next favorite product, can you guess? A Chuao Chocolatier ChocoPod sample! I ate that bad boy immediately and I swear I think I flew to heaven and back in my desk chair. These aren't your regular ole chocolates, your Hershey's, your Reece's pieces of goodness, no no no, these are the most delicious pieces of chocolates you will put inside of your mouth. Don't believe me, try them yourself. My favorite was the Firecracker one, the Spicy Maya, The Salted Chocolate Crunch, The Maple Bacon, and the Honeycomb. Yeah I couldn't just pick one but they are in order from my first favorite and so forth, you get the drift. These come in the cutest box, when I received them I thought they had sent me a necklace by accident. It was just chocolates, I was still excited. I can't describe the flavors, but my honey and even my co-workrs can attest that these are some delicious little treats for any chocolate lover and a great gift. You get 7 VERY generously sized chocolates individually packaged, each it's own flavor, at only $6.00

{The next couple of samples I didn't love so I will be brief}

Miss Jessie's Original Pillow Soft Curls

This product is meant to "deliver fluffy, touchable curls and larger than life volume, without weighing down your hairs natural bounce," well I didn't experience this. This made my hair flat, broke my curls, and made my hair look weighed-down and life-less. It does however have the best smell ever... it smells like bounty sheets which I love. For some reason I got great complements on how great my hair smells and how fresh and clean I smelled. So, if you don't mind having your hair up in a pony and smelling like you've jumped in with your laundry in the dryer with 100 bounce sheets I'd steer away and get a better curling product. If you want to smell fresh and have flat hair to put up in a pony, the retail price for this bad boy is $22.00 for 8.5 fl oz.

Juliette Has a Gun Perfume by Mad Madame

Juliette Has a Gun came in the cutest presentation, a small envelope with a vial of perfume; however, it wasn't for me. The smell was too strong and as I have learned, perfumes and mascaras are one of the hardest to review because everyone is so unique in the qualities they look for in these items. I'd suggest going to sephora or anywhere that carries it to try it out before you buy it just incase. So, here are the notes of the perfume: rose, freesia, and black currant open up to earthy wood notes. Balancing the sweet floral scents are base notes of white musk, tolu balsam, and vanilla absolute. If you think this would appeal to you the 100ml bottle is $135.00 and has quite a cute packaging if the smell is your style. P.S I gave my sample to a friend and on her it smelled amazing, on me not so much so it depends on your body chemistry.

ModelCo SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss

Oh ModelCo, ModelCo, what can I say about good ole ModelCo products. I'll be nice and just say I'll pass. I wouldn't even pass this on to a friend it's that bad. I have yet to try a ModelCo lipstick or Gloss that doesn't smell bad, break, or is overly sticky. The only plus side about the packaging is the mirror on the tube. I'll leave this review here, or I could end up on a vent-a-thon. Price$16.00 ouch 4ml in the tube. Not impressed.

That was my December 2012 Birchbox, if you don't know that Birchbox is, basically it is a monthly subscription where you get deluxe beauty and lifestyle samples for just $10.00 a month. It's a cheap way to try product from brands you probably wouldn't have heard from.

For more info go to www.birchbox.com

Happy Shopping,

Marisa

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

balms

Whisper Me Pretty - A review on the Maybelline Color Whisper

9:08 PM

Maybelline Color Whisper Review & Dupe Alert

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Left #25 Lust for Blush - Right #70 Faint for Fuchsia

I was a bit hesitant to get these because I own every single shade of the Revlon Lip Butters, but in my recent hunt for the new Revlon Lip Butter shades (Juicy Papaya and Pink Lemonade), I needed something to get my lip fix and in a hurry. I didn't go crazy, so I settled for two colors: #25 Lust for Blush & #70 Faint for Fuchsia.

Left #25 Lust for Blush - Right #70 Faint for Fuchsia

To my surprise, the Maybelline Color Whispers are pretty pigmented on the lips for a hydrating lipstick. It is in no comparison to a Revlon Lip butter, that has a much more opaque color pigmentation, but they are more pigmented than the Loreal's Color Riche Balms. These Color Whispers have buildable coverage, comfortable to wear, and pretty long lasting as long as you are not eating or drinking constantly.

Left #25 Lust for Blush - Right #70 Faint for Fuchsia

These are two light swatches of the colors I got. The more you go over, the more coverage you will get. Target in my area is selling these for $5.99, CVS for $7.99 with a promo, and Walgreens for a similar price as CVS. Prices will vary by location and promotions. I would definitely recommend this product and would give it a 8.5 on a 1-10 scale. I took off points because it will rub off fast if your drinking or eating, so constant application will be needed. Also, I just got mine at CVS with my 20% off coupon and used a my $5.00 off extra bucks, so it was like getting one free and the other at a discount. I you have the Coupon and some extra bucks to spend, I'd suggest getting them at CVS.

{On a side note, #25 Lust for Blush might just be a DUPE for Revlon's New Lip Butter Shade in Juicy Papaya. I can't share the picture here on my blog because I do not own the rights of it, so if you are like me and have been on the look out for Juicy Papaya, Lust for Blush might just be the next best thing.}

Happy Shopping!

Marisa

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Wayne Goss Makeup Artist- Makeup Brushes

12:25 PM

face

Target's Que Bella Face Mask Review

3:00 PM

Target's Que Bella Face Mask Review

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

The Que Bella Face Masks come in three different varieties: Revitalizing, Rejuvenating, and Refining. One of the immediate things that I noticed when opening the package, is that the masks are not color coordinated like they resemble in the packaging. The material feels like a thick VIVA paper towel saturated and folded in somewhat of an odd way. The eye holes are already cut out, as well as the nose hole/slit; however, the mouth hole you have to rip out. The mouth section comes with it ready for you to rip but it's an inconvenience, not to mention you have to squeeze the mask which makes you loose some of the good stuff that you want to go on your face.

The fit of the mask was very off, I felt like a white Darth Vader. I have a round face which made it hard for the mask to stay on my face around my chin. Perhaps a little tweak with scissors on the chin area will help. My honey and I have the Rejuvenating and Revitalizing mask to try, so we will do an update on those soon.

On the positive side: The Refining mask felt great after the application. It made out faces feel really clean and refreshing. The mask smelled like papayas which we love. In the video my honey said it smelled like medicine but he was joking, since you don't know him he has a bit of a dry sense of humor. He liked it, off camera he admitted it. He just didn't like the fit so we will take scissors to the next masks and see if the experience is enhanced.

Overhall for a whopping $2.50 per mask and a total of $5.00 at home spa experience for my honey and I, we give it a 7.5 on a 1-10 scale. If the mask had a better fit the rating would be a solid 9.

Check out the video of our experience. :-)..... Marisa and TJ

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

50% off theBalm Cosmetics

A Rimmel Primer Review

Avon's Clearskin Acne Skincare

Revlon Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman Spring 2013

NEW Lip Butters & Baby Sticks from the Revlon Pacific Coast by Gucci Westman Spring 2013 Collection

~ Giveaway ~

Double Review on the NEW Complete & Ultimate ELF Eye Kits

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Enter NOW to win the Avon giveaway!

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

-RULES, HOW TO ENTER, DISCLAIMER & QUESTIONS-

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Balm Jovi Rockstar Palette by TheBalm

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

December 2012 Birchbox Box - Super Late Review

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Maybelline Color Whisper Review & Dupe Alert

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

Target's Que Bella Face Mask Review

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

FTC Disclaimer: All products where purchased by ME. This review is my honest opinion and my experience with the product. I have not been paid to write this review. Some if any links below might be affiliate, some might not.

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