Category: Body
Target Beauty Box – August 2016
I totally neglected the Target Beauty Box that arrived right before I left for Mexico…poor little beauty box, left all alone in my mail pile…
August’s box is “Make the Grade” and includes: Juice Organics Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner (more coconut – I am loving anything coconut in my hair right now); Secret Clinical Strength Smooth Solid Deodorant; Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects; up & up Women’s 5-Blade Razor (I’m hairy as fuck – I can always use extra razors); Olay Makeup Remover Wipes; Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (this is my JAM); CoverGirl Katy Kat Eye Mascara (this might up being a collector’s item, since Katy and CoverGirl are being sued by Hard Candy for copyright infringement); and NYC Get It All Lip Color in “ExtraordiBERRY”.
This box is jam-packed with stuff – a good buy, for sure.
The box was $7 with free shipping and 5% off with my Red Card. As always, it included a $3 off $15 beauty purchase coupon.
Serpentina
Serpentina is mine!
It was supposed to launch on Kat Von D’s site last Tuesday and Sephora on Wednesday…but it launched early on Sephora and then immediately sold out. I was annoyed, to say the least..but then it restocked on Sephora on Wednesday and I was able to snag it. Phew, that was close. I missed out on the Mi Vida Loca palette, so I couldn’t wait on this one.
The Kat Von D Serpentina palette ($45) is inspired by Cleopatra. It’s 9 shadows – two matte, eight shimmer AND a jar of loose gold pigment. I’m scared of loose pigment, but I figure a few Q-tips will save my ass. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet…tomorrow?
Sephora was also giving out five samples instead of three. I picked Bumble and bumble. Surf Foam Wash Shampoo & Conditioner (I used a sample of this on a Vegas trip – it was nice); Tatcha Balanced Pore Perfecting Water Gel Moisturizer; Sol de Janeira Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (the package says Fast-Absorbing Body Cream Tightens and Smoothes Like No Other – so I’m supposed to tighten and smooth my bum bum?); Dr. Jart+ BB Beauty Balm; and Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift and Firm Prism Cream (good thing I noticed that the back of the pouch said to use it as a highlighter before I made the mistake of covering my whole face with it). I tried to use a promo code to get a Deluxe belif sample, but it was sold out and I didn’t get shit. So sad.
…only $86 to Rouge Status for 2017.
The Triumphant Return of Peony
I tend to get really excited about the Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale…but this time is different…it’s like a dream come true.
We all have discontinued scents that we pine over. For my mom, it was Love’s Baby Soft Lemon. For my husband, it’s the original formula of Van Cleef & Arpels Tsar. One of mine is Bath & Body Works Peony. (Some of the others are B&BW’s original Rose and Cedar & Clary Sage; and Victoria’s Secret Delicate Petals and Secret Charm).
The last time I was able to buy it was in 2004, when I was pregnant with my son. I loaded up at a Semi-Annual Sale. My stock had lasted well into 2009, because I remember having some left when I moved into this house. I’ve been holding onto that last quarter inch of Fragrance Mist, wearing it a few times a year.
On Sunday, one of my dreams came true – Peony is one of Bath & Body Works’ flashback fragrances.
Since I happened to have a 20% off + free shipping code from my last online order, I went ahead and used the website. Flashback fragrances are $3.75 – whoa! I loaded up and got 4 Shower Gels, 2 Body Creams, 2 Fine Fragrance Mists and 1 Lotion. I’ll probably get more before the end of the summer…
I wasn’t exactly running low on Hand Soap…but I bought 24 anyway because they were on sale for $3 each…and 20% off made them $2.40. Plus, I didn’t have to carry them out to my car. I was a bit disturbed when I opened the box – it looks like they just dumped them in there…but they all look intact.
There were 3 different coupons in the box…I’m predicting another haul before the end of the sale…I’ve got a whole ‘nother month!
Target Beauty Boxes – June 2016
One for me and one my man…
My box was $10 and loaded to the gills: Pantene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo (a HUGE bottle – but no conditioner!); SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Creme Rinse (I guess I can use this with the Pantene Shampoo); Pixi Mesmerizing Mineral Duo in “Apricot Glow”; Laneige Water Bank Serum (love Laneige); S.W. Basics Exfoliant (Um, basically granola); L’Oreal Paris True Match Cushion Foundation in “Nude Beige”; L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Volume Filler Cream (what will I be filling with this?); Soap & Glory Righteous Butter Body Cream (yum); Yes to Cucumbers 10-count Facial Wipes (How many of these do I have now?); CoTZ Face SPF 40 (coming to Mexico with me); and e.l.f. Lip Kiss Balm in “Bare Kiss”.
His box was $5 and not nearly as full: Nautica Life Cologne (husband said NOPE); got2B Glued Spiking Glue (husband shaves head, son has long hair); Marlowe No. 142 Men’s Shave Gel; Axe White Label Night Body Wash; Old Spice Hardest Working Deodorant; Dove Men + Care Complete Care 2-in-1 Shampoo; Nivea Men Creme (moisturizer?); Schick Hydro Men’s Razor; CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar (the box opened slightly and left soapy flakes all over the inside of the box); and Remington Beard Boss Beard Oil (husband said nope, but I’m gonna make him try it). With all these travel sizes, he’s ready to travel, too!
As always, I got 5% off with my Target Red Card and a coupon for $3.50 off any beauty purchase of $15 in each box. I also remembered to use the $3.50 off coupon from last month’s box – SCORE!
Allure Beauty Thrills – May 2016
As a pleasant surprise, Allure Beauty Thrills offered a pre-order several weeks before the May box went on sale. They offered all three of this year’s boxes for $199.95, with free shipping. That’s a $20 premium compared to buying each box separately…but without the hassle of making the tiny ordering window – guaranteed boxes!
I was a bit worried when I lifted the box – it seemed WAY lighter than previous boxes. When I opened the box, it even seemed less full – lots more bubble wrap and paper. But there are plenty of products…they’re just smaller. Inside the May box: Hask Macadamia Moisturizing Shine Oil (I have SO many HASK vials); Burt’s Bees BB Cream in “Light Medium” (I bet this stuff is good) and Burt’s Bees Lipstick in “Magenta Rush”; ChapStick Total Hydration 3 in 1 Lip Care in “Coconut Hydration” (this shit is the BOMB – I used up the last one…who EVER uses up a chapstick?); Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Battery-Operated Spinbrush (I already have one from another box, so I gave it to Lily) and Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Toothpaste; Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Intensive Renewal Serum; Completely Bare Calm Down Ingrown Hair, Razor Bump & Redness Eliminator (perfect for summer crotch rash); Caress Mystique Forever Body Wash; Compeed Blister Cushions (I need these – I have a few shoes I’ve been avoiding); Coppertone CLEARLYSheer FACES SPF 30 (Definitely going to try this while out fishing this weekend); Degree Women Dry Spray in “Daisy Fresh”; Not Your Mother’s In A Heart Beat Blow Dry Accelerator; Pureology Pure Volume Style + Care Infusion (the tube is the weirdest ever – an inner layer and outer layer); Redken Beach Envy Volume Wave Aid (yup, more of it); Rituals Magic Touch Body Cream (that sounds almost TOO sexy); scünci Everyday & Active 3x Stronger Braided Elastics (LOVE these); Simple Skincare Micellular MAKE-UP Remover Wipes; Sonia Kashuk Double-Zip Clutch (It’s HUGE); Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Hairbrush (I’m gonna be chasing Little Orphan Lily around the house with this); TIGI Bed Head JOYRIDE Texturizing Powder Balm (the fuck?); and VersaSpa Gradual Tanning Face Moisturizer (a whole lot of NOPE).
I feel like I’ll be using more of the stuff in this box than in past ones…now all I have to do is sit back and wait for my August box to arrive.
Target Beauty Box – May 2016
$10?!?!?! What happened to $5 and $7?
May’s box seems a little pricey compared to more recent boxes…but when I cracked it open, I could see why – lots of products…and higher end products. Inside the “Spring Fling” box: Andalou Age Defying Night Repair Cream (I’ve never heard of this brand…all I can think of is “slicing up eyeballs, oh, oh oh, oh”); Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream (I have a couple of these stored up, but I love them); L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Pen La Lacque in “Lacquerized” (bright red); Clairol Hair Food Kiwi Dry Shampoo (hmmmm…); Derma e Firming DMAE Moisturizer; Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream (weird); CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (perfect for my travel bag); Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil (I’m thinking this will work great with my Clarisonic); and L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronzing Towelettes (can I get a “fuck no”?).
As always, I got 5% off with my Target Red Card and a coupon for $3.50 off any beauty purchase of $15.
Amazon Luxury Beauty – Spring 2016
So now Amazon is getting in on the beauty box game. They offered this luxury beauty box for FREE with a qualifying luxury purchase…or $8.99 by itself. I opted to just pay for the box.
I have never heard of most of these brands, but there are a few gems inside the box. Let’s see what I got…L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate Body Cream; Sabon Body Lotion in “Delicate Jasmine” (yummy); Ahava Deadsea Water Mineral Hand Cream; Toppik Hair Fattener (odd); bliss Foot Patrol; La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid; Julep It Girl “Carla” ( I don’t have this one!); Juicy Couture Malibu; Nuxe Merveillance Regenerating Night Cream; Vichy Idealia Life Serum; Lierac Mesolift Serum; Vincent Longo Sweet Melody Trio Eyeshadow (I fail to see how these colors would look good on the eye – matte violet, baby pink and mint green…uh, NO.); Shaveworks The Cool Fix (for ingrowns and razor burn – yes please); Marvis Cinnamon Mint Toothpaste; Calvin Klein Euphoria; and Catherine Malandrino Romeance de Provence.
Something in the box smells like patchouli, but I haven’t figured out what it is yet…
There was also a coupon for $10 off a $50 luxury beauty purchase…I may have to browse…
Sephora Play! 08 – The It Crowd
Oh, hi there Sephora Play! The 8th box is “the It Crowd”, something I’ve never really been a part of…
This month’s box has several products I’m excited to try…Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil (it smells AWESOME); Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment; Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream; NARS Satin Lip Pencil in “Rikugien” (I have one of these from LAST year’s Sephora birthday gift); Sephora Collection Colorful Cheek Ink Blush Gel in “Peony”; and Derek Lam 10 Crosby “2AM Kiss” (it smells like something I’ve smelled before, but I can’t place it.)
If you haven’t signed up yet – now is the time. This is by far the best subscription box I get every month. Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
April Birchbox – Effortlessly Elegant
Yet again, I chose the curated box option this month. “Effortlessly Elegant” is a collaboration with Rifle Paper Co. and includes products to get you ready for Spring.
I chose this box primarily for the Laura Geller Naked Blush -N- Brighten in “Tropic Hues”. For the last three decades, I haven’t really paid attention to blush – but for some reason, 2016 is the year I started freaking out about blush. Weird. Also in this month’s box: Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellular Solution (What the fuck is the deal with Micellular Water?); Dr. Jart+ Liftra Contour Cream; PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Volumizing Lifting Spray (I think a I have a full set now); and Tocca Crema de Mano in “Guilietta” (green apple and tulip – not bad).
If you would like to try Birchbox, click on my referral link – https://www.birchbox.com/invite/5453f – I’ll get 50 points if you join.
Ulta…Note?
Ulta gives out unique coupon codes for their spring 20% off, so I didn’t have a cute name for this post…Instead of one or two big things, I bought a lot of little stuff. I also bought some gifts for another upcoming birthday, so those items are not shown, of course.
I can’t pass up 97 cent polishes, so the first thing I added to my cart were essie “Strut Your Stuff” and China Glaze “Long Kiss”. I then added two Freeman Beauty Masks – “Sweet Tea & Lemon Peel-Away Clay Mask” and “Apple Cider Vinegar 4-in-1 Foaming Clay”. I wanted to try another shade of Makeup Revolution Lip Euphoria, so I got “Aura”. I added another Zoya Remove+ for shits and giggles.
There were so many gifts with purchase last week! I got free Redken pack with Beach Envy Volume Texturizing Shampoo & Conditioner, Beach Envy Wave Aid and 25 Benefits One United Multi-Benefit Treatment (I have a full size of this that I use all the time). I also got a free Ahava pack with Dead Sea Crystal Osmoter Facial Serum (the fuck?), Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask, Time to Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer, Dead Sea Water Mineral Body Lotion, and a free tote bag. By far, the best samples were in the free Smashbox bag, which came with all this: Ahava Beauty Before Age Uplift Day and Uplift Night Cream, Parissa Brow Shaper Mini Wax Strips (I don’t have eyebrows, but I have a mustache – wonder if it will work?), pür Correcting Primer, Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Gel (NO), Estee Lauder Modern Muse Le Rouge (me likey), Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue (me no likey), MyChelle Dermaceuticals Refining Sugar Cleanser, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (for real), StriVectin Advanced Retinol Intensive Night Moisturizer, It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, LORAC POREfection Mattifying Face Primer and Benefit Benetint.
Oh ya, also samples of Benefit Dew the Hoola Bronzer and Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation.
Phew…my fingers are TIRED.