Saturday, November 22, 2014

BirchBox November Edition

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I'm so behind on my monthly beauty subs! My schedule has been so hectic with me moving and working. With the holidays approaching at full speed, I fear things will get worse unless I get some organization in my life!

OK, enough ranting about that. Let's get down to this month's beauty box courtesy of Birchbox who I just have to mention was super late this month due to my first box going MIA. My replacement finally arrived today and I am not impressed by any means.

Birchbox: $10 monthly. Ships in the US and limited areas internationally.

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Honeycomb ChocoPads (Full-size, $1)

What the hell? I specifically indicated that I wanted NO SNACKS on my profile and Birchbox's hardheaded tail decides to send me one anyway. The reason? They wanted to try something different for their subscribers. Ummm, if I say I don't want to try snacks, don't put me on the list to be a guinea pig for them. Sure, it was tasty and I enjoyed it but it was all done with an attitude due to the fact that something more desirable could have been sent in its place. Verdict: Thumbs down.


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Tocca Cream DA Mano, Bianca (Full size, $10)

This lotion has a nice scent and made from Green tea and lemon but it smells of roses to me. I am unsure of the thickness or consistency of the product since I am in no huge rush to open it. I have so many bottles and tubes of lotion for my ashy hands, I just don't need to add to the collection even if the harsh weather is upon me and my hands. I'll probably trade this for whatever.
Verdict: Thumbs down

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Lauren Mercier Supreme Mascara (Full-size $25)

I swear on Jesus's sandals if another beauty sub send me one more mascara, I am going to scream! Is mascara the holy grail of makeup or something? I have so many right now and my two favorites are Urban Decay's Perversion and Teeez Cosmetics Desert Metals mascara. Plus, I have so many unopened mascaras in my beauty arsenal, including the 3D fiber mascaras! Enough already!
Verdict: Thumbs down

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Amika Nourishing Mask (Full size, $28)

This was my "pick a sample" item. It smells divine but too damn bad it's too a little sample! I mean, what can I use this on? My pubic area? I have thick hair and the contents in this tube will probably be enough to cover one half of my hair. Nonetheless, I am curious about so I will use this as soon as my argan oil hair mask runs out.
Verdict: Undecided

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Dr. Brandt pores no more vacuum cleanser (Full-size, $45)

Hmmm, for some odd reason, Birchbox is trying to play matchmaker with my pores and dr. Brandt. I don't have any enlarged pores or blackheads so I wish they would stop sending me pore issue items and dr. Brandt products. It does have a nice scent but I don't see myself using this anytime soon. Hey, Birchbox, if you want to hook me up, hook me up with some lipstick or better yet, a man! Oops! I have one of those so I'll have to go with the lipstick.
Verdict: Thumbs down

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Harvey Prince Petaly Noir (Full size, $55)
Thanks Birchbox for yet another perfume sample. Harvey Prince perfumes are slowly growing on me and this sample vial is no exception. The combination of jasmine, vanilla and orchid scents are heavenly. I plan on wearing this tonight to intoxicate my boyfriend's senses, get lucky, and by that I mean at least four rounds of "awesomeness"! Ahem, don't ask me to elaborate, you pervs! Wait...Hold up! That ninja just canceled on me! I'm wearing it for someone else then!
Verdict: Thumbs up

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Lauren Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (Full size, $43)

This was meant to be a bonus and I almost missed this since it was under the tissue paper. Wow, bonus foil. Don't I feel special. Yea, this is going in the "Never gonna use" pile. Thanks
Verdict: Thumbs down

Well, this box has been less than impressive compared to the other less than impressive Birchboxes that I have received. But what they miss in sample options for me, they make up with their point system. members earn 10 points for each completed product feedback survey (look for the feedback icon on every product detail page). Only products sampled through Birchbox are eligible for feedback points. Also, every 100 points equal $10 in credit that you can use in the Birchbox shop to purchase overly expensive items like Harvey Prince products and whatnot. Me, I'm saving for an overly priced Mia Clarisonic. Woohoo!

Most people liked my box but eh, i was not happy with the snack, more mascara and pore stuff. Birchbox, leave this here babyface alone! Here's hoping December will be a better month for me.

Want to sign up? Use my link:
https://www.birchbox.com/invite/g64kk

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Colon Cleanse by Hera Prime Review

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Retail Value: $17.97 (60 caplets)

My diet sucks. Literally. I've tried eating right but not only is the good stuff expensive (why does 12 doughnuts costs less than a bag of grapes, I don't know), but it's boring. That's how I use to think until, ahem, going to the bathroom became a chore.

Sparing you the dirty details, when it seems as if constipation was about to win this long, dry battle and split me to no end, I decided to try detoxing. Along with my cucumber and lemon water, I decided to give Colon Cleanse by HeraPrime a try.

According to the directions, 2 pills taken twice per day should help aid the cleansing:

Day one: Nothing
Day two: Nope
Day three: Wtf? Am I that backed up?
Day four: Surprise!!!

I liked that when it did began to work, it was gentle and didn't make me feel as if I had to run to the bathroom and there no stomach cramps associated with digesting the pills. I do feel a little bit energized and I don't feel as sluggish as before.

If you're looking for a quick turnaround, these may not be the right pills for you. However, I liked the fact that it took a bit for the ahem, elimination process to start and now I'm more regular instead of "going" every three days.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

CushionCare Memory Foam Seat

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Retail value: $48.99 (Black Friday sale price)

About three weeks ago, I slid down 13 steps leading from my bedroom and landed HARD on my butt on the landing. Man, words cant express the excruciating pain I was in! To top it off, I have a job where I am required to sit for long periods of time! There was no pillow, blanket, cushion in my home that could help soften the blow and pain I felt when sitting and getting up! I dreaded the simple task of sitting in a chair or getting in my car. 

When the opportunity to review this product for in exchange for a honest review, I jumped at the chance! I submitted my petition for this cushion and prayed that I would be accepted and I was!

The cushion came packaged securely and wrapped in plastic with a nice welcome card. The seat itself is nice and firm and the cut out provided much needed relief from the pain of my tailbone due to the constant pressure of the seat of my chair. It allowed my injury to heal without constant pressure on the bruising.

I am no longer in pain, yet I still use this cushion to this day. It is still firm and it actually helps my posture as well. I'm glad I didn't settle for one of those standard donut pillows as suggested. This seat is a godsend! 

You can view and order CushionCare from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00I9753UI

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Instanatural Dead Sea Mud Mask Review


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Retail value: $25.94 (16oz jar)
I ashamed at the age of 38, I am now starting to think about facial skincare. All of my life I've had a babyface and looked much younger in appearance and I think I want to continue to do so!

From serums, creams, moisturizers, etc. I have taken a nosedive into preserving my youthful appearance for as long as I can. I have yet to to try any facial mask, so when given the opportunity to try Instanatural's Dead Sea Mud Mask, I had to jump at the chance since I am a huge fan of their products.
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The jar is huge and the amount of product for the price is reasonable ( and I am a cheapskate). With weekly use, I can easily see this product lasting at least six months if not longer. The consistency of mask is nice and thick and it only required one scoop for me to spread the desired thin layer onto my face (avoiding the eye and lip area) as instructed.
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Once applied and as it began to dry, the tightening effect that took place was nothing short of amazing! It pulled so tightly on my skin, I could barely move my lips and I loved it! I let it sit for 15 minutes, then reluctantly rinsed the mask of with warm water, following up with the other products I use in my skincare routine. Here is the result after ONE USE...
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No filter! I loved this mask so much that after much nagging and convincing, my boyfriend gave it a try and he also fell in love with it! He also had the audacity to suggest that I give him weekly facials now. Ummm, not with my mask, I won't!
Seriously, this mask even trumps a well known and much pricier mud mask that I tried just a week prior to receiving this product! Instanatural wins again in the skincare department!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.