By Wishtrend Polyphenol in Propolis 15% Ampoule Review

I had the opportunity to try By Wishtrend Polyphenol in Propolis 15% Ampoule thanks to the 0.8liter try now campaign.

This ampoule contains propolis extract from the Auvergene volcanic region in France. There’s two polyphenols, catechin, and quercetin, which are antioxidants. Also contain cordata extract and zinc PCA to help soothe the skin and has antibacterial properties. Plus, there’s sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and betaine to provide moisture.

The aim of this ampoule is to aid acne-prone skin, blemishes, sensitive skin, soothe, increase moisture and improve pigmentation.

The consistency is like a medium-weight serum but more watery. I didn’t notice much of a scent. I applied it (about half of the dropper) after toner, as directed. I smoothed and patted it on my skin and it seemed to absorb quickly. Also felt a little oily-then tacky. And left a sheen on my face which looked oilier later. So I decided to use less and less each time I used it. And even with using a pea-sized amount, my skin looked a little oilier than I prefer for my combo skin. Despite that, I did notice some slight improvement. Skin looked plumper, more glow-y, and my overall tone looks clearer.

All things considered, I think this is a nice hydrating product. I’ll keep using-I’m interested to see more results with continued use. Though, probably just at night to avoid an oily daytime look. I’d recommend this for dry skin; those with combo to oily skin can use sparingly and/or at night.

This item retails for $32 on wishtrend.com. I received this product from 08liter.com as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

Benton Cosmetic PHA Peeling gel Review

Benton Cosmetic PHA Peeling gel is 

is a 2-step exfoliating product formulated with natural cellulose for physical exfoliation and with PHA (Lactobionic Acid) for chemical. It claims to improve skin tone by cleaning away dead skin cells/impurities.  And to smooth, soothe, and moisturize skin.

The key ingredients are natural cellulose, PHA,

chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. It’s white and creamy with a mild fresh scent. 

I massaged the treatment (a couple fingertips full) on clean, dry skin as directed.  It felt very creamy, smooth and moist. The exfoliation was gentle and mild. Though it took a little time for the product to clump and ball up. I massaged for about a minute and the product was moist the entire time-didn’t start to dry at all. After rinsing, my skin felt clean, smooth, and looked a little brighter. I’d recommend for all skin types. 

I received this product from @0.8L_USA as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

Mothermade Exfoliating Aqua Peel Gel with Green Tea Review

Mothermade Exfoliating Aqua Peel Gel with Green Tea is an exfoliating treatment that is formulated with natural extracts, vitamins, and both physical and chemical ingredients. It claims gently exfoliate, to hydrate, brighten, calm, and smooth the skin. 

The key ingredients are natural cellulose, vitamin C, willow bark extract, papaya extract, and green tea extract. 

It’s white and has a creamy gel-like texture.  And has a pleasant, herbal, lavender scent.

I massaged the treatment (a couple fingertips full) on clean, damp skin, as directed. I could feel the exfoliation, but it was very mild-not  gritty. And the product starts to ball up almost immediately after little massaging. After rinsing, my skin felt clean and smooth. There was no stinging, irritation, or redness. Overall, I’ve had a positive experience with this product. It’s a nice and gentle alternative to the harsh and gritty scrubs. I’d recommend for all skin types. 

I received this product from 08Liter.com as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers 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.

Klairs Midnight Blue Youth activating drop reviews

 Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Youth activating   drop 

is a highly concentrated, blue tinted serum designed to fight signs of aging and improve overall skin texture/health. It claims to add radiance and luminosity, stimulate the skin to encourage collagen production, improves the texture and elasticity, reduces pigmentation like age spots, and decrease appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also encourage reparative cellular activity to replenish, nourish and renew the skin.

The key ingredients are peptides EGF and bFGF. Also guaiazulen (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent derived from chamomile oil and is naturally violet) and adenosine (anti-aging agent). 

The consistency is very watery, so it runs down when I apply directly to my face. I’ve found that applying one drop at a time works best for me. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin a little matte. As for scent, I didn’t notice any. 

I’ve been using this for a little over two weeks, so haven’t noticed any long term result. Though, my skin is temporarily softer and smooth right after application. Also, the serum helped with some irritation (slight redness and small pimples) caused by another product. I’ll keep using to see results after finishing the bottle. 

This item retails from 24.50 to 30+ USD various websites . I received this product from 08l.com as part the try for 3.99 campaign which offers low cost products for honest review.

Not Quite Back! But.....

Hi, if anyone is reading. My last post was in August 2017. Since then, I’ve been quite busy with my daughter, who is now two. I’ve put my jewelry and Etsy shop stuff on hiatus and I’m not sure if and/or when I’ll bring it back. And of course, still trying lots of products. Lately, I’ve been able to try some fun and interesting skincare (mostly kbeauty) via 0.8liter.com. They offer low cost and free products for honest reviews. And you then need to post those reviews on social media. I’m currently posting those reviews on the Instagram account (@favethingsetc)  that I started for this blog. I figured, I could just post them here too. So that’s pretty much what my new posts will be here. I might also include my current subscription boxes which are vegancuts beauty box (I’m not vegan, I just like the box) and my sipsby tea box. We’ll see!

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. 

Update with reviews- Influenster Breezy #VoxBox Unboxing

I received the Breezy VoxBox, courtesy of Influenster, about a week ago. And it was so heavy, I couldn't wait to open it. I made quick video opening the box and showing everything inside. Check it out! And I'm planning to update this post with some reviews. Click HERE to join Influenster. 

Origins A PERFECT WORLD™

SPF 40 AGE-DEFENSE MOISTURIZER WITH WHITE TEA

I thought this moisturizer was ok. First of all I love the scent. It has that wonderful Origins spa-like smell. It's a little on the thick side but it applies and spreads easily. It does has spf but I was able to rub it in with no white cast (I have medium-deep skin tone). Left my skin a little oilier than I like though. 

A PERFECT WORLD™

AGE-DEFENSE EYE CREAM WITH SPF 20

I thought this eye cream was ok. I didn't detect much of a scent. It was a little thick. I have a medium-deep skin tone and I had to work a bit to rub out the whiteness from spf. Seemed to moisturize well though. 

Head & Shoulders Volume Boost Anti Dandruff Shampoo  

I thought this shampoo was ok but not really for me. It smells very nice. Give a good rich lather and rinsed clean but left my hair a little on the dry side. I'd use it in a pinch but wouldn't replace my usual shampoo. 

Head & Shoulders Volume Boost Hair & Scalp Conditioner
This conditioner was ok. Smells nice and left my hair fairly conditioned. My styling products seemed to work quite well afterwards. However, my hair seemed to dry out pretty quickly. I would only use this occasionally.

Nair Hair Remover Wax Ready Strips

I'm not usually a waxer but I tested  these out . Worked quite well on my lil peach fuzz stache. Didn't irritate my skin either. Though I'm not extremely sensitive. And there was a little pain with the rip off, but that's what I expected with waxing.

Profoot Heel Rescue Foot Cream

This product works quite well. It's rich and creamy but not too thick. Absorbs nicely, has a neutral scent, and is not at all greasy. And I noticed a difference in my feet after a few uses. They were definitely softer and smoother.

Sour Punch Ragin' Reds and Pineapple-Mango Chili Straws
Everything you'd expect from this type of candy. Fruity, sour, but not too sour, then sweet. Also chewy and a little sticky

Life Update: I'm A Mama #newmom

Hi all, I thought I'd pop in and tell you about my big life update. And as you can see from the title I am a new mama now. On May 2 , 2017, my husband and I welcomed our baby girl, Malia Camille, into this world. And if you're following me on any other of my social media platforms, then you probably already know. I just wanted to update here because, although the I don't post often, I didn't think it would be right to post about products and such before mentioning this news.

 Also if you're following me on any other social media platforms, you probably noticed that I didn't post anything about being pregnant. And I'm sure that probably seems odd in this age of sharing and over-sharing. However due to a few issues and complications here and there, I just wanted to get my baby here safe and sound before sharing anything. We didn't ever tell our parents until we were four months in. And at this point, I was so sick, making announcements /social media was the last thing on my mind. Anyway, that's a story for another day.

In other news, I finally decided to open Instagram accounts for my Etsy shop (@jazjewelzdesign) and for the blog (@favethingsetc). I'm hoping to be a little more consistent in posting on those than I am here, on twitter, and on my personal accounts. So follow me there if you wish. See ya there!

Influenster Ole Henriksen Balance VoxBox

I received the Ole Henriksen Balance VoxBox, courtesy of Influenster, a couple of weeks ago and I was pretty excited. This box featured Ole Henriksen's new Balance skincare line that is geared toward oily skin but without stripping. I made a little video explaining the box; check it out and check out my mini reviews below.

Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser

The cleanser is pearly in appearance and has a gel-like consistency. I removed my makeup with an oil before cleansing. I used a pea-sized amount of the cleanser on damp skin-the lather was sort of milky and creamy. The scent is herbal and slightly medicinal but not overpowering in my opinion. Afterwards, my skin felt clean, cool, refreshed and not stripped. 

Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

The toner has a herbally scent similar to the cleanser

And left my skin quite matte. I also felt a slight cooling sensation but no tingle or irritation. 

Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator

This product is pretty lightweight and absorbs quickly. It left my skin fairly soft and matte. I used abou two pumps which was just enough. And of the three products, the hydrator seems to have the mildest scent, though still somewhat herbal.

Overall I thought the line worked well. The products were pretty effective while still being gentle and  non-stripping. I didn't experience any breakouts or irritation. My skin is currently combination so I've been trying the line just once a day, otherwise it would be too drying. Once summer hits, and my skin gets oilier, I can use it more. 

These products were sent to me for reviewing purposes-opinions are all my own.  

Influenster Eat Well Be Well #VoxBox

I received the Eat Well Be Well box, courtesy of Influenster, a couple of weeks ago. This box featured several food brands that offer some healthier food options. I made a little video explaining the box; check it out and check out my quick reviews below.

Earth Balance Buttery Spread
This is a product that I've used kbefore and I like it quite well. I use it the same way I'd use real butter: to cook, bake, and as a spread. And I think it works really well. It melts, blends, and spreads like real butter. Also, has a similar buttery taste. I'll definitely repurchase and try some of the other varieties. 

Udi's Gluten-free Pepperoni Pizza

As mentioned in the video, I went to the store with the intention to buy bread but didn't see any. So I opted for this frozen pepperoni pizza. Note, I haven't had frozen pizza in a while so I don't have much to compare it to besides what I've had in the past. And compared to those it was pretty good. Especially for gluten-free. Not as good as homemade or delivery, but decent and good in a pinch. And please note that I don't follow a gluten-free diet, but I try (and have tried in the past) gluten-free from time to time. 

I cooked it in my conventional oven according to the directions. Then I decided to add a few minutes cooking time to make sure the crust was as crisp as I like. There was a nice balance of cheese, sauce, and pepperoni. It was mildly seasoned but not bland. Though I did add a few of my own seasonings and toppings just to punch it up a bit.  

Evol Enchilada with Bacon

I've seen this brand around for years and have tried a few items here and there. They have a pretty wide selection available so it took me a while to choose. Then I finally settled on the Enchilada with bacon. It was pretty good-not too salty but definitely not bland.  And was very saucy; there was plenty of sauce left after I had eaten the enchiladas. I thought the fillings ration were balanced and the size was right too; not too large or small.

Glutino Pretzels

This was the only food item that came in the box. They were crunchy but not too hard. Not too salty and the pretzel flavor was mild. 

Overall, I enjoyed this box. I really love trying out new products and food items. I'll definitely be checking out more items from each of these brands. Are you familiar with these brands? If so, what are your favorite products. Let me know in the comments. 

Disclosure: This box was sent to my by Influenster for testing purposes 

My #BlackFriday, CyberMonday, SmallbusinessSaturday Deal

Hi All! I know it's been ages since I posted here but the last few months (especially this month) have been quite challenging. I'll get into that in another post. Today I just wanted to share the Cyber weekend deal I have for my Etsy shop. Use code BLCK2016 to get 20% off your order of $20 or more! This is a great deal for my small shop because most items are already pretty reasonable. Plus shipping is already included (even items under $20). Take advantage because there will be some shipping changes coming in 2017.

And in case you're wondering, here's what happend with my Play By Sephora box.

Play By Sephora #SephoraPlay August 2016

Hi all! I got my August 2016 Play by Sephora box a few days ago and cracked it open right away. This is my second Sephora box and so far it's ok. Next month's box will determine if I keep the subscription or spend that $10 on some new sheet masks ( as if my collection isn't large enough). Check out the video below to see what I got. Let me know what you think.

@Influenster #ReviveVoxBox

Hi All! Popping in to share the Revive VoxBox that I received courtesy (yep, free for testing purposes) of Influenster. You can check out my Unboxing video and a few photos below. Click HERE if you want to learn more about Influenster.

#SephoraPlay Play by Sephora Unboxing July 2016

 I haven't subscribed to a subscription box in a while, but I decided to give the Play by Sephora box a try because I saw a couple cool boxes on social media. And since I've shared some of my other boxes with you all in the past, I thought I'd share this one too. Check the videos and photo below and let me know what you think.

Are you subscribed to any boxes? Or, are there boxes that you want to subscribe to? Let me know in the comments.

                             

Influenster #SproutVoxBox Unboxing

Hi all! Popping in to show you  Influenster Sprout Vox Box Unboxing. The video is filmed on my phone so excuse the quality.

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

I'll Be Back Soon!

Hi all, I hope you've been well! I haven't made a post here since August 14, 2014. Whew!  I've had a couple life changes that caused me to take a break from some hobbies. Including blogging, vlogging, and even social media.  Actually, I've been sort of semi-absent from social media for a little while. I've been posting here and there on instagram  and on my jewelry Facebook.  Other than that, I've been pretty quiet. I will be back though. Stay tuned for an update vlog that I plan to make soon. See ya then!

August 2014 Birchbox Unboxing - Hibernation

Here is my August 2014 Birchbox unboxing which I'm satisfied with. Though, If I weren't such a spoilerphobe, I could have received a better different box with products I'm more interested in.
Also, Birchbox thinks I'm Queen! Check the video to see what I'm talking about. Let me know what you think and don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe!
Join Birchbox HERE


Are a Birchbox subscriber? If so, did you like you box this month? Let me know in the comments.
Please watch in HD for better quality viewing!

 

July 2014 Treastsie Box Unboxing (Get First box for $4.95)

Here is my Treatsie box for the month of July! And I have to say this has been my favorite box so far. Treatsie box offers high-quality, artisan sweets and I got my first box for free. I just had to pay the shipping cost which is $4.95. And you can do the same by going to Treatsie.com and there should be a prompt asking if you want a free box. Of course you say yes and continue the sign up process. Otherwise the box (shipping included) costs $19.95
Check out the video to see what I got and please watch in HD for better quality viewing!