Varuza Centella Asiatica Calming Essence Mist with Peptide Review

I’ve been testing out the @thevaruza Varuza Centella Asiatica Calming Essence Mist with Peptide. It claims to soothe sensitive and acne-prone skin, relieve redness and irritation, alleviate acne, lift, and firm. 

The key ingredients are their Cica 4 Complex which contains centella Asiatica extract 30,000ppm, asiaticoside, madecassoside and madecassic acid. There’s also damask rose water, and several plant/root extracts among other ingredients. 

The spray is fairly light-not super-fine and smells lightly of rose. It feels like water-not viscous. I should also mention that the bottle has a 360 degree design to easily spray hard to reach areas like the back. 

To use, I spray on clean skin (face and body). It absorbs quickly leaving a semi-matte finish (deeper with more sprays). Not sticky or tacky at all. Leaves my skin lightly moisturized/hydrated and prepped for the rest of my routine. It also helped calm some redness and pimples. Overall, I’m enjoying this product and the experience has been positive. 

I received this product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

Varuza I’m Real Natural Cotton Pads 300 count Review

I’ve been testing out the Varuza (@thevaruza) I’m Real Natural Cotton Pads 300 count. They’re premium eco-friendly cotton squares, made of 100% unbleached cotton, that has not been treated with chemicals like fertilizer/pesticides. So they have a natural beige color and tiny specs of cottonseed. The 3-ply square can be used alone or the layers can be separated to use as sheet mask (and other applications). They’re also lint-free. 

I’ve used the pads for several weeks and have enjoyed them. They’re soft but also strong and don’t fall apart. Very absorbent with zero lint so no fuzz is left on my face. I generally use them to tone and apply first essence, but I’ve also cleansed, and made diy sheet masks. I have not been wearing much makeup or nail polish these days, so I can’t speak on those. Though I feel like these pads can handle those easily. I’ve had an overall positive experience. 

I received this product from 08liter.com as part of a campaign which offers free and low cost products for honest review.

Dear, Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop Review

Dear, Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop is a water-based moisture serum that claims to provide hydration, anti-aging, anti-oxidant care, and help prevent moisture loss, like an oil, but without a sticky feeling. 

The key ingredients are Jeju green tea water, ferment extracts, ceramide, peptides, sodium hyaluronate, and rice and algae extracts. 

It’s clear, lightweight, slightly viscous, and feels just like the name, watery oil. I didn’t not detect any scent. 

I use 2-3 drops on my face, after cleanser and toner, day and night. It’s smooths over my skin easily and absorbs quickly. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and looking plump and glowy but not oily. Also, I’ve found this to be a great lightweight moisturizer, for my combo skin, when the weather is very warm. I’d recommend for all skin types. 

This item retails for $31 USD on wishtrend.com.

I received this product from 08l.com as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

My First Deciem - The Ordinary Order!

I got my first Deciem order some days ago and I'm really excited to try everything. They have several different lines but I got items from the super popular The Ordinary line. This line offers  a range of items from facial oils, acids like AHAs, BHAs and retinols, vitamin serums, foundations, and more. All at extremely budget friendly prices. I'm talking $5-$7 bucks for many of the products.

I heard about this line pretty much when it launched and I was definitely intrigued. However I didn't purchase right away despite the affordability. I just kinda made a mental note to try it someday. Well that mental note wasn't needed because I've been seeing and hearing about the line ever since. It was (and is) on all the blogs, YouTube, social media, magazines, and online beauty publications, and more. With many rave reviews to boot. 

So naturally I became more and more interested in trying some of these products. And one day, I decided to place an order. Well, just so happens that the items I wanted were out of stock. Not for just a day or two, but for weeks and weeks. Meanwhile, these same products were available on amazon and eBay for double and triple the price. Shout out to the resellers! 
So I signed up, on The Ordinary's website,  to be notified when the items were in stock.  After a few weeks I got emails stating that the items I wanted were available. HOORAY! I ordered right away. I got four items:  Glycolic Acid 7% Solution , Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%, Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA 2% Spheres, Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%.  The total cost for my order was $27.80; that's a fraction of the cost for many skincare products that contain these active ingredients. Plus shipping is free if your order two or more items. 

My main skincare goal right now is re-texturizing. And all of these products pretty much address this issue. Of course, I can't use them all at once-using acids together and/or with vitamin C is not recommended. This can cause major irritation. Also, when using a bunch of new products at once, it's harder to tell what's making a difference. For better or for worse.  So I started (for no particular reason) with the Glycolic Acid 7% Solution during my nighttime routine. And so far, so good. I've been using it for about three weeks and I'm seeing some results with smoother and brighter (less dull) skin. I'll be switching these products out soon and taking note on how each of them work for me. And perhaps I'll come back with reviews. Stay tuned!

Have you tried this line before? If so, how are/were your results. 

A Quick Hello - Maybe I'm Back

It's been well over a year since I've blogged so I thought I would just pop in to say hello. My last post was on November 24, 2014 and I mentioned how I would make a video to explain why I've been absent. Well, that didn't happen and I went all of 2015 without making one post or youtube video.
The short story is, I became a wife and part homeowner (that means mortgage) at the end of 2014 and my priorities changed a bit. I was also  plenty busy with my etsy shop and I was a vendor at  Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar  almost every month last year. That means I was making lots of jewelry. I was also taking on some temps jobs. Last year was pretty full year so blogging and making videos took a back seat.

 I can't say how often I'll blog and/or youtube this year.  Though I have been trying out some pretty cool products lately. Especially the Korean beauty stuff which really blew up last year. I've bought my fair share of sheet masks, essences, and ampoules and some of them are really fantastic. Most of my purchases have come from Memebox but I've tried a few other shops too.

 I've also been experimenting with different hair products and I think I've found a couple of holy grails including TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask; my hair LOVES it.  FYI, tgin products are buy 2, get 1 free at Sally Beauty Supply through January.

So, perhaps I'll post here and there with updates and some of my latest faves. We'll see! Stay tuned until then.












Photo sources: sallybeautysupply.com, memebox.com

July 2014 #Birchbox Unboxing - #Powerup

I got my July 2014 Birchbox a few days ago and filmed the video right away! This month's box is a collaboration with Women's Health Magazine and the theme is Power Up. Check out what I got this month and let me know what you think.
Do please subscribe to my Youtube channel - rate, comment, and subscribe!
Join Birchbox HERE

Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Let me know what your fave is.

Please change video setting to HD for higher quality viewing!

June 2014 #Birchbox Unboxing - Away We Go!

Got my Birchbox this month and I couldn't be more pleased. When I first picked up the box, I noticed it was a little heavier than usual. Then I opened it and realized why. Also, one of the items I got has a retail value over the amount of two Birchboxes. Check the video to see what I got this month. And please rate, comment and subscribe!
Join Birchbox HERE 

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video

The Makeup Show Chicgo 2014 - Random Footage

Here is a little bit of footage from The Makeup Show Chicago 2014. Actually it's more like a walk through. The show was about to end and it was starting to empty out a bit. So, I thought it'd be a great time to film a quick video.
Also, check out my hauls from The Makeup Show here:
Part 1 - Blogger Swag Bag
Part 2 - My Purchases

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video

 

Nourish Organic Face Cleanser #Giveaway

Nourish Organic is running a giveaway this month for it's Moisturizing Organic Face Cleanser. There will be 5 winners and entering is so easy! Just complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter below. The more you complete, the more chances you have of winning. Good Luck!


Here's a little info about the Face Cleanser:
"This gentle cleanser washes away impurities without drying, irritating or causing redness. Cucumber hydrates and soothes. Watercress, rich in antioxidants, helps protect skin from free radical damage. Fragrance-Free. Alcohol-Free. Gluten-Free. Vegan."

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links for which Favoritethingsetc will receive a small commission if products are purchased from the link.

#Birchboxbrag - Three products for $3.20

 I decided to do a little shopping in the Birchbox shop. And I got 3 full size products but only spent $3.20 of my own money.Woo Hoo! Check the video and let me know what you think. And don't forget to rate and comment on the video. And please subscribe!
If you're not a Birchbox subscriber, you can join HERE to start getting beauty samples and racking up points.

Ulta Beauty Haul - Nyx, Smashbox, and more

I've gone beauty shopping at Ulta couple times and I thought I'd share what I picked up. I was armed with a gift card and a few coupons so I was able to stretch my dollar a little. Check out what I got and let me know what you think.
Do you shop at Ulta? Have you tried any of these products? Let me know.


   

Bzzagent Buzzkit Unboxing Neutrogena Triple Repair Hair Care

I love trying products! Especially when they're free. Thanks to Bzzagent, I'll be testing out the Triple Repair Hair Care line by Neutrogena. If you're not familiar with Buzzagent, it's a social marketing company that matches products/services with consumers and gets a conversation going. Check out the video to find out a little more. And signup, for free, HERE.

Dr. Sponge Konjac Cleansing Sponge Review!

Have you heard of Konjac cleansing sponges? They're suddenly all the rage in the beauty/skincare world, though they've been around for some time. What are they? Well, they're cleansing sponges made from the  Konjac root  and they're noted for their gentle but effective cleansing and exfoliation.

I first saw these sponges a few years ago on an Asian beauty site. And though I was intrigued I didn't buy them. Then, last year sometime,  I was browsing on AbesMarket.com and Dr. Sponge konjac sponges were on sale (about $6.99), so I decided to give them a try. There were several varieties including original, aloe vera, lycopene, charcoal, green tea, pearl powder, and lavender - I chose aloe vera.

Once I got my sponge, I used it for a couple months according to the instructions. Please check the video to hear my thoughts about this product. And let me know if you've used this product before and how you liked it.

January 2014 @Birchbox Unboxing

Here's my first Birchbox of the year! Check out what I got. And it was starting to get a little dark, so please excuse the lighting. Please watch in HD.

Join Birchbox HERE!

From l to r clockwise

Nail Rock Nail Velvet (Full Size ) $7.00 value 

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream (1.6 oz) full size retails for $19.99

Juicy Couture Couture La La (.05 oz sample vial) Full size retails from $70-90

Inika Mineral Eyeshadow - eternal marine  (Full size .04oz) $20 value

Burt Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion (0.25oz) full size retails approx. 17.99

Birthday Haul - Pacifica, Sephora, Goodwill, and More!

My birthday was on July 27th and I just wanted to show a couple of the things I got. And I'm focusing more on birthday perks/rewards from some of the companies I follow than actual gifts. FYI, I filmed this video a while ago but have just been able to successfully get it off of my camera *sigh* Thankfully, I was able to upload it before the end of this month. Check it out to find out more. Please rate and subscribe. And please watch in HD. Oh, and I'm at the beau's place here.

          Coconut Kiss Lip Butters and Enlightened Gloss from Pacifica

                     

                     
              Beauty Insider Birthday Gift From Sephora

             Canon Powershot A4000 IS

              Tone Fitness Gloves

                 Buffalo top from Goodwill

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links for which Favoritethingsetc Blog will receive a small commission if products are purchased from the link. 

Beauty Bargain Find: Elf Jumbo Eyeshadow Stick

So, I was walking around Target yesterday and I came across these Elf Jumbo Eyeshadow Sticks. They were on clearance for $1.74 while the regular retail price is $2.00. I think they were marked down because some of the pencils' crayons were separating from the base. The pencils I bought were in perfect condition though. Yay! 

Although I REALLY don't need another cosmetic item. Ah, we'll. I'm such a sucker for clearance

Target Beauty Box June 2013

Target occasionally offers little cosmetic bags of samples for free. All you do is sign up for one and they send it. Though the bags are limited and you have to be on the lookout for when they become available. Well, this time Target offered a beauty box and it was only $5 dollars so I ordered it. I received it about a week ago and was pretty pleased with the contents. Check out what I got in the video! Be sure to rate, comment, and subscribe!

May 2013 Birchbox Unboxing

I got my Birchbox a few days ago but am just getting the chance to open it today. Check out what I got and let me know what you think.
Join Birchbox HERE

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle Leave-in conditioner (1 oz spray)
full size retails for $21.95

LA Fresh Oil-Free Face Cleanser Wet Wipe (2 wipes)
full size retails for $9.99/30 wipes

Cotz Face Balanced Mineral Complex (3gr sample tube)
full size retails for $20

Cargo Lip Gloss in Route 66 (full size)
retail for $14

Acroball Pure White hybrid ink pen (1 pen)
$6.24/4pk

My Free Samples From Mario Badescu

Hi all! Just a quick post to show you the free samples I got from Mario Badescu. I simply went to their website, filled out this questionnaire to determine which products would be best for. Next I was shown the recommended items for my skin type and given the option to purchase them. I did not buy anything though. I just left the site. Then a few days later I received an email asking me if I wanted samples and how to get them. And of course I wanted some. And about 10 days later, I got them. I was recommended 9 products and received 8 samples (their popular drying lotion was not included). They also included a product guide and an application to show how to use the products.  I have not tried them yet but I'll be testing them soon. I'm not sure if they're still doing this but give it a try. If you have already sampled these or use the line, please
let me know how you like it.




Here's what I got:

Collegen Moisturizer
Cucumber Tonic Mask
Drying Cream
Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Hyaluronic Eye Cream
Seaweed Night Cream
Special Cucumber Lotion (not shown)
Strawberry Face Scrub

NYC IndividualEyes & Kiss Ever Pro Lashes via Influenster

Hi all! I made a quick video showing me apply the NYC IndividualEyes eyeshadow palette and the Kiss Ever pro lashes that I received in the Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012. Check it out and please rate, comment and subscribe. Oh, and although I love beauty and makeup, I am by no means an expert. I just do my average, everyday makeup here.Also, I must mention that these product were sent to me, free of charge via Influenster.