Ricky’s NYC Mini Haul

So…Ricky’s had a 90% off sale. *throws money at the screen*

Now, what should have happened was…I should have bought a few things when the sale was at 75%, and left the rest until the 90% sale. Let me explain. When it was only (only. lol!) 75% off, my favorite, FAVORITE liquid lipstick was on sale for around $4 and some change. Normally they are $17 each. Yes, I’m talking about Roulette by Coloured Raine. The original plan was to buy three or four as backups, and also get Marshmallow and Soul by the same company, as they were also on sale for just over $4. But I messed around and waited too long. I waited. And I missed out on Roulette. Just gone. No more. Sold out.

How I felt:

I should have known that it would be gone quickly. I should have known!!! Since I couldn’t get the one that I really, really wanted, I left it all alone. Until that 90% off sale popped up.

There were only a few things that I wanted, but even if I’d only wanted one product, it would have been justified. Because 90% off. 😉

Brands: LASplash, Coloured Raine, Jane Carter Solution, INGLOT, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Bioderma.

Both Soul and Marshmallow were on sale for $1.70. *blinks* From $17 each…to $1.70 each. SOLD! I picked up one of each, as well as LASplash Studio Shine Valentina, which was part of the Dia De Los Muertos Lip Lustre collection. I also bought a matte lipstick from INGLOT in #435, and an OCC Loose Colour Concentrate in Authentic. Then there were the free samples. A sample of Bioderma Sebium H2O, Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Creme, and a small pack of Jane Carter Solution Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo.

Let’s break this down:

Coloured Raine liquid lipsticks – originally $17.00 each, bought for $1.70 each.

LASplash Valentina – originally $14.00, paid $1.40.

INGLOT #435 – originally $15.00, paid $1.50.

OCC Loose Colour Concentrate – originally $14.00, paid $1.40.

If bought at the regular prices, this order would have been $77.00. My total was $7.70 – adding on the shipping, the grand total was $13.69.

$13.69 vs $77.00 + shipping.

Yeaaaaaah, I think this was a good deal. Plus, I am super happy with my purchases. But the next time I see Roulette on super sale, I’m getting it right then and there. Yes, I’m still irritated with myself about that one. LOL!

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator. Say that three times fast!

Super quick review:

I was given the opportunity to try the Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule by Missha, and was happy to test it out. I have actually been looking at Missha products for awhile, so this is officially my entry into the brand. Night Repair is supposed to help smooth and firm up the skin, while giving moisture and nutrients to the skin as well. And I would have to say that it’s living up to its claims thus far. I added this to my nighttime routine, and when I wake up in the morning, my skin is moisturized, smooth, and bright, and who’s going to complain about that, right? 😊

Night Repair has Fermented Bifida as its main ingredient, and I find that my skin does really well with products that include a fermented ingredient. In fact, several of Missha’s products include a fermented ingredient. I look forward to continuing the use of this product, and incorporating more products from the Missha brand. Thank you @0.8l_usa and@missha.official for allowing me the opportunity to try this product out!

 

*this product was sent to me for review

Delivery from Hong Kong: Qeautybox!

I’d wanted to check out Qeautybox since it began, due to it being the brainchild of Queenie Chan, who you may know from YouTube as BeautyQQ. I’ve followed her channel for around seven years, and she’s always in a constant state of creativity, and has no problems with sharing what she does, and how she does it. Absolutely love her, love her energy, and also how nice of a person she is! She’s done plenty outside of YouTube, among which would be writing books, having a perfume line, and now…Qeautybox! It’s a box subscription service of sorts, but without the commitment. When new boxes are put together, you go to the website, order whichever box you’d like, and that’s it. You’re not locked down to a monthly subscription, or one where you have to remember to skip the month. Which is good, because some of us completely forget that we have the option to do that at times. *raises hand*

The Qeautybox that I ordered was one of the Travel boxes. The choices were the Airbus Box and the Boeing Box. I chose the Boeing. Included inside:

This clutch, y’all…this clutch. *heart eyes* It is a functional clutch purse, with a strap, and an extra pocket on the inside. Now, I cannot cram everything that I normally carry in my purse in this, because it would look quite bulky if I did, and I wouldn’t be able to zip it up. But you can still carry quite a bit in here! I love that it was designed to look like a credit card. Love!

This “passport” is super cute as well! There are even stickers (“stamps”) inside to mark all of your Qeautyland travels. 😉 The luggage tag was a nice addition, especially as I was in need of a new one. 😀 The colors! *sparkles*

Above is the Best Sample Kit from CNP Laboratory, and the Jojo Azulene Mask.

The CNP Laboratory sample kit included one use of the Anti-Pore Blackhead Clear Kit, and I don’t get blackheads, but my pores clog very easily. I tried this kit (used the masks and the tools above), and the pores on my nose were cleared right out! It gives almost the same effect as the nose strips do, but far less painful, and is far more gentle on the skin. This is a product that I would like to use again.

The kit also included three samples each of the Invisible Peeling Booster (removes dead skin cells, revives and brightens skin – I have not tried this one yet), the Propolis Energy Ampule (kept my skin moisturized overnight), and the Mugener Ampule (did not see much of a difference, but it’s for irritated skin, and my skin wasn’t irritated, so…).

The JOJO mask was nice. There is a moisture booster essence (upper right corner of the package) that you put on first, and then you apply the sheet mask. The mask was moisturizing, but I did not see much of a difference in my skin with this one. It was relaxing, though, and it will always get points for that. I love sheet masks. I really do. I need to start a collection. *thinking and plotting*

The next three products were the Betadine Feminine Wash (self-explanatory – I haven’t used this product), Nature’s Unicellular Toning Water (used after cleansing to help hydrate skin – I’m ready to try this, but am waiting to, as I am almost finished with a micellar water that I’ve been using), and iS Clinical Cleansing Complex (deep cleanser – I really like this one. My face felt super clean after using it!).

NudeStix Lip/Cheek Pencil in Ripe. It doesn’t work for me as a lip color, but I can use it on my cheeks as a blush, heeeeeey! I love the container that it comes in, and it also comes with a sharpener. The company was thinking about us when they put that in there. Had to be. I mean, seriously, who doesn’t need an extra sharpener? 😀

This is a Korean Ginseng Berry Tea (link here), which is supposed to be good for immune system health, fatigue, and memory. All I know is that it tasted good. 😀

This FLOXIA Regenerating and Redness Control Cream was really nice. I don’t have much of an issue with redness, but the cream was very moisturizing. I got about four uses out of the sample, and used it at night. My skin was still moisturized and bright when I woke up, so this one gets the seal of approval based on that alone!

This is the Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel, and is a soap-free formula for face and body. Avène is one of my favorite brands, and I wish that it were easier for me to get my hands on it locally, or to get some of the company’s products that are available in other countries, but not in the United States. One of my favorite cleansing waters from the brand comes to mind, and I cannot get it here in the States, but I digress. *sighs* I have not tried this Cleansing Gel yet, as I’m trying to get through some other cleansing products at the moment. But trust and believe that I’m excited to try it! Again, I love the brand, as their products have always worked well with my skin.

This one made me smile, because I’d just returned from a trip where THANN products were made available in my room (thank you, Marriott!). I was telling myself that I should have grabbed a few more of the products when housekeeping came by and asked me if I needed anything…and then asked me if I wanted more products! Why did I say no?!? *laughs* But I came home and got this Qeautybox in the mail, having already forgotten what was inside. So when I pulled this out of the package, all I could do was giggle! This is the Rice Extract Body Milk from THANN. It doesn’t say which collection it’s a part of, but I’m going to assume it’s part of the Aromatic Wood collection (there’s also Oriental Essence and Jasmine Blossom), because it smells just like the products at the hotel, and they were the Aromatic Wood collection. It’s kind of a woodsy citrus scent, if that makes any sense. Orange and tangerine oils, and all of that yumminess.

 

 

There was also a card included in the Qeautybox for use with Y5Buddy Pocket WiFi Egg rentals. It’s only good for a specific set of countries, and is good for two free days of the rental service. I’ve never tried to use a service like this one, but it has always interested me. I might have to try it the next time I’m overseas, if it’s available wherever it is that I land. This particular card is only good until November 1st of this year, and I have no set travel plans for the rest of this year, so unfortunately I won’t be using this one. But it’s a great idea!

 

So that was it for my Qeautybox! As far as the price goes, each box is different. The Boeing Box ships from Hong Kong and costs HK $198.00, which for me came out to be around $37 USD (with shipping). It’s pretty affordable, and you get to try out some things that may not be readily available in your country. Which is good, because…being exposed to new things! But maybe not so good if you really love the product! Which is why it’s nice to be able to order from overseas. 🙂 If you’ve ever tried out Qeautybox, let me know how you liked it in the comment section below! 🙂

Review: My Professional Skin Care

*I was sent these products from My Professional Skin Care.

Well, hello there! Long time, no see! You know that I absolutely love skincare products, and when I was contacted by My Professional Skin Care (myprosc.com) about sending a few of the products out, of course I was on board! I want to send a thank you to Diana for the opportunity to try out this line! This is a company based out of Israel, and with over 20 years of research and development put into their products, the seal of approval from dermatologists and surgeons in the country, as well as the ingredients used and quality control standards, I felt really comfortable with trying out these products. I was sent the Rejuvenation Face Cream Step 1, Tzalakton for fading scars, and the Margior cream.

 

I decided to start out with one product, and then incorporate another, until I was using all three. The first product that I used was the Rejuvenation Face Cream Step 1. According to the website:

“This intensive night cream powered by lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids, which are known to visibly rejuvenate your skin, increase firmness and elasticity, reduce skin sagging and lines and wrinkles appearance for a morning awakening to a stronger and younger looking skin. 

This scientifically advanced formula deeply hydrates, rejuvenates and helps achieve a firmer, smoother, brighter, luminous and overall younger-looking skin while delivering ultimate protection against toxins and free radicals.”

I have mostly been using this cream at night after cleansing my face. I have occasionally used it in the morning as well, as it can be used in the AM and PM. I have to say that I really do like this product. When I use it at night, I wake up in the morning with glowing skin, which is always, ALWAYS a plus in my book. I’ve noticed that my skin looks hydrated, which I love, as sometimes the moisture gets sucked right out of my skin at night, which is amazing, as my skin is super oily. I’ve clearly been doing something wrong. But I’ve been doing something right by using this cream! This is a product that I want to continue using, especially during the summer (super humid) and winter (super dry) months. Also, I liked that the website mentions that this product is also suitable for Asian and dark skin tones. The fact that the company took the time to test this out on different skin tones and make this statement was absolutely appreciated.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

The second product that I incorporated was the Tzalakton, which was recommended to me when I mentioned that I deal with some hyperpigmentation. The website states:

“Tzalakton is a Perfect Treatment’s flagship product ─ a revolutionary preparation that helps to reduce the appearance of scars, caused by  multiple sources: burns, keloids, pimples and residual marks, post acne, chicken pox, smallpox, sun damage, marks from hair transplants, signs of skin exfoliation (scrubs), laser treatments, surgery and more. It also improves the appearance of blotches, freckles, and hue build-up (melanin).

Visible results after just a few weeks of proper use.

This preparation is non-invasive, does not operate through peeling, does not burn or sting. Also suitable for children.”

The website states that you can see results after a few weeks. I saw results after a few days. It’s not that it was completely removed in days, but there was such a visible difference that it kind of shocked me. I wasn’t ready! I now understand why this is the company’s flagship product – they have bragging rights on this one, for sure. However, as with anything else, results will vary with this product. It will depend on the severity of the issue that you are using it for, the amount of time that you wear the product before rinsing it off, and the length of time that you are using it for. For me, I use it every two or three days, and I only leave it on for 30 minutes. However, according to the instructions, you can leave it on for up to three hours. I have a few surgery scars from when my gallbladder was removed a few years ago that I want to try this on, and my mom wants to try it on a scar that she has from a stereotactic breast biopsy. Given the results that I’ve seen on my face in such a short amount of time, I’m expecting to see good results on these areas as well!

The final product was the Margior cream. The website states:

“Margior soothes and restore moisture levels for a smoother and healthy skin appearance. Margi-Or meets all skin needs for moisture and nourishment. Can be applied as a soothing mask.

Powered by Lavender oil which is known for it’s ability to relieve itching, decongest irritated areas, thereby accelerating the healing process. it also contains powerful antioxidants that fight harmful effects of pollutants on the skin. The Lavender oil is known for it’s burn healing properties. In addition, lavender oil also acts as a pain reliever.

Margior is enriched by Tocopherol – Vitamin E derivative that acts as a strong antioxidant.

Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.”

This is the one product that I had concerns about, only because one of the ingredients is Lavender oil…and I am allergic to lavender on some parts of my body. I absolutely cannot use anything with lavender on the back of my neck, wrists, legs (thigh area), or on my scalp. And it does something different in each area. Scalp area = rash, wrists = burning sensation, neck and legs = actual burns. So you can see why I have been avoiding using products with lavender on my face. But I decided to take one for the team this time, because I really wanted to try this product. Especially as it is recommended for use after both the Rejuvenation Cream and the Tzalakton. I wanted these products to work as optimally as possible. So I decided to try the Margior on my jaw line and just behind my ear to see if there would be any reaction. And guess what? No issues whatsoever. Guess who is slathering this all over her face? *points to myself!* The soothing/cooling/moisturizing effect with this product is absolutely real, and you definitely smell the lavender in this product. It is an absolutely lovely product, and I’m glad that I was able to try it out with no issues.

Product prices as of 6/12/16:

Rejuvenation Face Cream Step 1 = $79.00

Tzalakton (sold with the Margior cream) = $129.00

Margior (by itself) = $69.00

(The company ships worldwide as well)

I’m not the kind of person to say that I liked a product when I didn’t, and I believe in being respectfully honest about it. With that being said, I have really enjoyed using these products, and I can see them being some of my staple products from here on out. For me, they did what they claimed, and I am happy that they have worked out for me. If you are interested in trying any of the products,please go and check them out at myprosc.com! 

Influenster: YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara

Hello there! I had a chance to test and review the new and improved version of the Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara, and let me tell you…I love this stuff. Absolute truth.

First, the details:

According to YSL Beauty, the new formula doesn’t dry out, and can help to create dramatic looking lashes (increase length and volume). It is also formulated to create more care for the lashes with the use of B-5 Pro Vitamin to strengthen and protect the lashes. The brush is made of nylon fibers, ensuring maximum volume and color, and the mascara comes in six colors – High Density Black, Burgundy, Rich Brown, Deep Night, Fascinating Violet, and Extreme Blue.

And now, I have to say, again…I love this stuff. The first thing that drew me to this product was the packaging, because you all know that I’m a sucker for pretty packaging! I received the mascara in High Density Black, and it is true to its name. This mascara glides on so smoothly, and although it did add some length to my lashes, it wasn’t as dramatic as it would be for some, as my eyelashes are really short and super fine.

However, I was still impressed with the application, and had no problems with flaking or sensitivity, which I was thankful for. There’s nothing like having a mascara flake floating around on your contacts! Talk about irritating. So I’m glad that I haven’t had this problem with the Volume Effet mascara. I also love the fact that this mascara is lightly scented, and that it smells rather delightful! No slight chemical scent like you get with most mascaras. I will say that the quality of YSL beauty products has always been consistent in my opinion, and I can absolutely appreciate that.

Have you tried the new formulation of the YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara? If so, let me know how you liked it! If not, is it something that interests you, or you think that you might try? Leave a comment down below! 🙂

* I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes