Something different: A review on Homewell's Humidifier

I received this product via influenster for testing.

First, I was shocked to be picked for something so appropriate for myself as I have allergies and was congested due to sinuses or the cold when the product arrived. It's huge. the box was the size of box you that if you were a kid for Christmas you knew there was either an unconstructed bike or huge doll house inside.

The product is also massive with two water holders. It was hard to find somewhere to place this in my apartment that wouldn't trip someone. I found a spot close by the bed, but unfortunately on carpet - thus far no leakage! I tried it the night I received it and sure enough all my sneezing & clogged nose the next morning was gone. Don't know whether it was just its time to stop effecting my body or this humidifier helped. Since then, I don't wake up with a dry throat and feel like my sleep is more pleasant!

I would love to have tried in this a drier climate, somehow I don't think Atlanta winters are as harsh on my skin compared to the North East

First Impressions: GlamGlow Super Mud Clearing Treatment

YouTubers and bloggers alike have been raving about GlamGlow, I put this sample to of the Super Mud Clearing Treatment ($69 1.2oz) to the test! 

See that huge pimple? Let's see if it makes a difference

Freshly applied

Dried (after 20 minutes)

Results!

.I don't feel like this mask did anything for my skin. My pimple size didn't decrease or become less red. In comparison, I've been using Sephora's Mud Mask Purifying  & Mattifying ($19 2.03oz) and I actually prefer Sephora more. The Sephora brand is thicker in consistency, but it feels like both are doing the same thing. The GlamGlow version burned more than the Sephora one does. They both dry in similar ways. For something was expensive as GlamGlow I expected beautiful perfect skin after. I don't feel or see a difference after using that mask. For $50 less and nearly twice the size I'll stick with Sephora's version!

Birchbox - November 2015

Birchbox - November 2015

My Birchbox for November 2015 included:

• Harvey Prince - Sincerely
• LOC - Vibrant Matte Lipstick - Glam Life
• Obliphica Professional - Seaberry Serum
• Templa Spa - La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel
• theBalm cosmetics - FratBoy

3b Box - November 2015

 November 2015 - 3B Box

For $12/month, the 3B Box is an Asian Subscription box.

In November's box, subscribers received:

• Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream
• Ra&Gowoori Whitening UV Sun Cream
• Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence
• Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil Moisture
• A'Pieu Nonco Tea Tree Spot Patch 

No make up this month, but I'm excited to try the tea tree spot patch, because I have huge pimple on my cheek!

Real Technique Brush Sales

I'm super late to the game, but there's two awesome deals for Real Technique Brushes going on:

• Ulta Buy 1 Get one 50% off - Use the coupons that were available on coupons.com for $3 off for 1 brush from Real Techniques. These coupons have an expiration date of 12/31/15. Use 2, use the 3.50/$10 coupon. Depending on which brushes you pick out it's a great deal. (Do this in store!)
• Kohls Buy 1 Get one for $1 - AMAZING deal to get in on the new Bold Metals collection! If you have a Kohl's Charge use coupon codes "TURKEY30" and "SHIPMVC"
• I was able to get the 4 face brushes for $36.40 (pre-tax). They are normally $24-26 per brush.

Don't forget your favorite cash back website!

I'm a huge fan of Real Technique brushes especially that original purple eye set...maybe it's cause I have tiny eyes and they fit perfectly! They are super soft and are great deals! 

HOARDING.

I am a hoarder. I can't resist a good deal. I also can't resist getting samples or asking for them with purchase. But I am going to try to get a dent into my samples! I took out a few samples of my massive collection...I'm too ashamed to photograph it all, but here's my try to finish by end of 2015!

skincare galore to finish by end of 2015

what I tried tonight

I plan on keeping all my empties to motivate myself. I honestly need to get this under control!

Now makeup...that's another problem. HOW DO PEOPLE HIT PAN?!

Ulta Rants

I love Ulta.

I, in fact, love it more than Sephora - why?

Because of its membership program where every purchase earns you points that you can redeem for $ off your purchase. The more you accumulate the more the points are worth. I enjoy that they have a mixture of drugstore & high end, they usually have promotions for certain brands where you can get additional gifts with purchase,  they often have lunch break promotions where if you buy online you get even more, and lastly they offer times where you get double/triple points depending on the brand/month.

So why am I ranting about them today?

Customer service

1) I moved nearly 3 months ago, changed my address before I moved, and also received an order to my new address - I still have not received an ad. I reached out to customer service and they said it takes nearly 2 months to receive an ad - that sounds like 2 months of business you're losing out on Ulta.

2) E-mail promotions. I without a fail have been receiving emails from Ulta and when I reached out to customer service about the ads - the e-mails stopped. I told customer service - they said I'm on the system, but still no e-mails. Then I reached out and said I'm not getting any still and its strange because I know during the 21 days of beauty - there's emails everyday! Still seems like a bad business strategy to not have these two ways to reach your customer base have such a long lag...

Here's what Ulta Guest Services said:

We confirmed that our email department has ensured everything within your email account is up to date. We sent roughly a few emails a week, and you should be on that list. If you do not receive 1 email in the next week, please let me know.

Return Policy
Sephora has this unlimited return policy and will refund your original payment method with proof of purchase. If you lost your receipt they can look it up via your account  and give you store credit which you can use in store or online. Even without the box, Sephora will accept it.

Ulta on the other hand, must be returned within 60 days with proof of purchase. But if you lost your receipt or its been longer than 60 days they will give you store credit which you cannot use online - which is annoying. In addition, if you used points or a coupon or bought at a discount...well good luck. 

Cashback
Sephora has to be on every cash back site from fatwallet (3.5%), ebates (8.0%), topcashback (5.0%)
Ulta (comes and goes) right now fatwallet (1.0%), ebates (6.0% Wow - that's a first being so high!), topcashback (2.0%)

Also - if you're looking to redeem cashback from credit cards, ibotta, etc. good luck finding Ulta giftcards. 

Skincare Haul

More than makeup, I have an obsession with skincare, as someone with a medium uneven complexion acne prone, oily T-zone, but otherwise normal skin. I'm always on the hunt of what to use to make my skin better. After all when I'm 70 I want to look like I'm 50 and if that means starting to invest now then I'm all in!

Today while driving, I noticed weird red lines appearing on my cheeks and my immediately thought is oh my gosh what is happening! I need to stop at Sephora ASAP and ask them what is going on and what can I use to fix it. So...that's what I did. I stopped by the Lancaster Park City Mall in PA and went into this Sephora for the first time. Besides being an oddly but cool shaped store (like a triangle) I was helped immediately and sent over to the skincare guy who's first question after my name was "What status are you?" I was taken aback because 1) I've never been asked this 2) What does it matter? I've spent a pretty penny on Sephora the past year made VIB for the first time in my Sephora lifetime.

Anyway, he basically led me to the Skincare screen which I am unimpressed with because I came in to talk to a person not stare at a screen together with. He recommended a few vitamin C serums and we talked about other aspects of skincare like my routine (Don't you feel like you are always judged if you name some drug store brand skincare items?) I mean my routine uses a mix of high end and low end, but I love my drugstore products.

AM:

• CeraVe
• Clinique Acne Toner
• Clinique Eye Cream
• Aveeno w/ SPF

PM:

• Either Shisheido Ibuki with my Clarisonic or an Acne Cleanser from Korea/Australia
• Clinique Acne Toner or sometimes Paula's Choice ABA (not really a fan)
• Clinique Eye Cream 
• Olay Serum if I feel like it
• Olay Night Cream or Manuka Doctor Night Mask or Korres Rose Mask

Anyway after my experience in Sephora, I wanted to try out that "Quarter Life Crisis" Origins just came out with so I headed over to Bonton to get a sample. I was helped by a lovely lady Michelle who totally got me by telling me Bonton is currently doing the Goodwill presale that is 20% off and if I sign up for a Bonton card today that's another 20% off. So I spent my time thinking whether I should do this and at first its like no, I need my points for travel, but eventually I gave in. That's 36% off skincare/cosmetics and anything in the store....how can I say no? I can't pass up a good deal.

Origins:

• Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb
• Checks and Balances
• Modern Friction

Then I had to call my mom and see if she wanted anything so I stopped by Lancome and got her a night cream. They also have a gift promotion going on!

I saw that they have theBalm and man oh man, was I tempted to get the Mary-Lou and Cindy-Lou compacts. I said no luckily and headed to Clinique. Here's what I got there:

Clinique:

• Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector (for my acne scars!)
• Makeup Brush cleanser (is it weird I love this product?)
• Acne Toner
• Cheek Pop in Peach Pop

I was so fearful Clinique got rid of their Cheek Pop because I've been eyeing it for awhile now. Not that I need another blush that I don't know how to apply correctly especially since I just bought the It Cosmetics CC + Radiance Palette. 

Anyway, if you are looking to stock up at a great deal! You should totally get in on this Goodwill Presale! You can't bring it home today, but it is shipped to you on March 12th!

Influenster VoxBox: New York Color

These products were provided to me free for testing purposes by Influenster

I absolutely love Influenster, because I've been able to try make up brands that I've seen, but never had the guts to buy. I hear so much about high end make up, that I always welcome a cheaper alternative that does the job.

This was the smallest VoxBox I have received yet, but who cares? I'm grateful!

NYC Big Bold & Precise Felt Tip Liner

After recently receiving an Eyeko Liner & using my Stilia Stay All Day Liner, I know for a fact that I absolutely hate this NYC liner. First of all when I opened it, it smells like a marker. Second the color isn't as strong & opaque as my other two liners. The one plus about this liner is that it has a good tip for making a cat eye (similar to the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner shape). I probably will not be using this liner again. The staying power is pretty good, but that smell totally throws me off!

NYC Big Bold Angel Lash Mascara

I have short lashed that need curling so many mascaras do nothing for my lashes. This is the same as those. It's okay. Nothing to write home about, and for some reason after I apply it, it feels like my lashes get stuck together or stuck on my eye. It's a strange feeling cause you feel the tug. It doesn't move and hasn't run (I have super watery eyes). So I just think this is a mediocre mascara, probably not a purchase for me either. But I will continue to use it cause its all right.

Can't wait for my next Influenster box! I'm crossing my fingers for VS Workout Gear since I'm on this health kick lately!

Tomson Testing: Organic Matcha Powder

I received this via Tomson to test, which is perfect for me because my latest and greatest hobby is making ice cream. My boyfriend's favorite is green tea! I also have been making green tea cupcakes, so let the green tea craze continue. I enjoy using this powder for making various sweets. I have yet to use it for a smoothie or latte, but I plan to! This green tea is similar to the ones I buy in Asian Supermarkets. The taste is similar. I honestly will go with whatever is easiest for me to get and price wise. I usually get around 2oz for $9.99 at the supermarket this retails for $25 on amazon. So pricing is close, but I can get a better deal at the market.

Birchbox Bookclub

As part of BirchBloggers, I can enter into monthly drawings for Birchbox's Book Club! In October I received Gillian Flynn's series of Gone Girl (now a motion picture), Dark Places, and Sharp Objects. I read really slowly so I'm only 1/4 of the way of Gone Girl (that and my boyfriend said we should watch the movie before I read the book). I'm so excited that Birchbox has these offers for their blog members! It just makes me love Birchbox even more!

I'm so happy to be reading again!

Birchbox November

Birchbox keeps arriving sooner in the month for me! I don't mind I love being the first to discover what products they picked for me this month! 

• Amika Nourishing Mask - Full size, $28 (Choice product)
• What: Paraben-free treatment that conditions and repairs with superfruit sea buckthorn berry.
• How: Once a week, smooth onto lengths and ends of damp hair. Leave 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
• Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Wash - Full size $15
• What: Infused with marine extracts, this gentle wash leaves skin hydrated and freshly scented.
• How: Squeeze onto loofah or washcloth, and work into a rich lather. Apply to skin, then rinse.
• Perlier Absolute Comfort Body Butter - White Almond, Full size $34.46
• What: From the Italian skincare brand, this richly noruishing cream improves tone and elasticity.
• How: Massage the velvety treatment into skin, focusing on dry spots.
• Red Flower Illuminating Rose Collagen Renewal Face Serum, Full size $86
• What: Nutrient-packed, hydrating treatment that boosts elasticity and helps prevent wrinkles.
• How: Using fingertips, blend a few drops onto clean face, neck, and decolletage.
• theBalm cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer, Full size $24
• What: This shimmery, soft pink highlighter perks up your features with a natural-looking glow.
• How: Sweep onto cheekbones or eyelids, or lightly dust onto face for a luminous look.
• Bonus: Chocolate Almond Butter for a decadent, all natural treat, Full size $12.99

Influenster: Resource Water

I had the pleasure of being chosen for a ModaVoxBox from Influenster. Within the box had a Resource Water which was perfect given that I was planning on doing a 7 mile hike at Ricketts Glen State Park, PA. Resource Water has electrolytes which is exactly what you need after lots of sweat. The trail was moderate difficulty at some points because it was a lot of uphill & downhill. But the trail is gorgeous there was many beautiful waterfalls and it was well marked. I didn't drink much during my hike and felt fine after. I did finish up the Resource Water (which tastes like water with a little extra taste) its not noticable, but I'm really all about weird tasting waters and knowing a difference (for ex. I always know which water is Danon's). But I am super thankful for Resource water cause I'm the type that gets dehydrated easily so this helped me survive the hike!

resource water with electrolytes!

chilly fall day but still beautiful

Ricketts Glen State Park (1 of many water falls)

Influenster: ModaVox Box

All items in this post were provided to me to review by Influster.

I love Influenster. I love getting products to be able to test them out to see whether I would be willing to purchase it. I hate when you spend money to purchase something and you realize that you don't like it. (For ex. those funky flavors of Lays chips). This week I received my Moda Vox Box.

Resource water (water w/ electrolytes which I am bringing on my hike this weekend!)
Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa Hot Chocolate will be trying this soon since it's gotten chilly!

Rimmel: Scandal Eyes, Moisture Renew Lipstick, And a Moisture Renew Lip Liner
PS Rimmel is one of my favorite drug store brands! (LOOVE Scandal Eyes Liners)

Love the color and the feel. It's like lip balm on the lips!

Hair Food - This smells amazing. I tried it last night
Jergens - also bringing this on my camping trip!

Puffs - is this not perfect for the car? I always keep a box of tissues in my car and it gets beaten up so this is perfect!

Sephora currently has its 20% off F&F sale going on now (until 10/31/14) through Sephora.com. I decided to cash in and buy a few things!

• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette ($58)
  -3 x 0.11 oz Cheek shades in Luminous Flush (champagne rose), Incandescent Electra (cool peach), Mood Exposure (soft plum) 
• Origins Best Sellers ($38)
  - 1 oz Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash 
  - 0.5 oz Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores 
  - 1 oz High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream 
  - 1 oz GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturizer 
  - 0.5 oz Plantscription™ Youth-Renewing Face Oil 
  - 0.5 oz GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream 
• Tarte Pigment of Imagination Deluxe Cheek Set ($10)
  - 0.05 oz Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in Mirage (soft peachy pink) - 0.17 oz Cheek stain in Fantasy (champagne highlighter) 
• Sephora Express Nail Polish Remover ($5)

My Sephora F&F Haul

Package for Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

Isn't it beautiful?!

Swatches as you can see it barely shows on my
NC35 skin (medium), but this is the kind of blush I like

Tarte Set It's really small but what did I expect for $10

Love the stick color - beautiful!

Physician's Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls in Bronze Pearl

Yesterday I ventured to CVS because Physician's Formula had another $7 Extra Card Bucks deal when you purchase $10 in Physician's Formula. I wouldn't buy Physician's Formula (PF) without this sort of deal because PF never has coupons online nor in the paper. I decided to halt my blush obsession for a bit and venture to a highlight. I currently only use Benefit's Watts Up samples (which lasts me forever). I really love Watts Up and would purchase a full sized one when I run out of the two sample tubes. (Hopefully never!)

I used to think highlighting the cheek bones was a totally unnecessary step (same with blush), but after playing with it. I really like how it lights up my face. I was skeptical about this product because I have read a lot of reviews saying this is too shimmery or too light. So I went for the darkest color they have for medium skin (bronze pearl) because I hate it when cosmetic items make me look like a ghost. I'm not into that Asian-trend.  

This highlighter comes out to $13.99 so after the ECB, it's half priced at $7 + tax. Overall between testing it yesterday and wearing it today, I really like it. I mean its not as convenient to bring around like the Watts Up sample, but it definitely does the trick and seems to be the right color on my skin to give me that glow finish I want.

Don't you wish blogger could rotate pictures?

Mirror + Brush on the bottom

You can barely tell its on but its shimmering a bit!

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Tamanna Palette

I have been eyeing the Anastasia Beverly Hill Tamanna Palette for $29 at Sephora, but alas, after receiving the 20% Friends & Family code and asking friends if they needed anything (after all who doesn't love a discount?)...it was out of stock. I also just ran to the Sephora in Philadelphia to find the whole shelf the product was gone (including it's play with me sample). So being the obsessive person I am and totally loving the colors and knowing that it's limited edition, I needed to find somewhere else that had it and had a discount.

Many sites do not carry this palette, but of course the Anastasia site does! Luckily the site offers free shipping for orders above $29. In addition, if you sign up for their newsletter you can get 10% off using the code "WELCOME10". Although this does not match the 20% off at Sephora (and no Sephora points), it is still a good deal considering Sephora is out of stock and who knows if they will restock.

It also is available from Nordstrom price matched for ($26.10) great if you want to use a CB portal & 5% Chase Freedom for department stores!

For $29 and loving the fall colors this might be my new travel palette! I will swatch when it comes in.

I did contact Sephora to ask if they willing be restocking this and this is the response I got:

According to our inventory system, we do not have an estimated date for when the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna Palette will be back in stock and available to order. Alternatively, we recommend the Make Up For Ever Artist Palette as these colors are similar to each other.

PS the Make Up For Ever Artist Palette is $42.

Target Beauty Box

Target offers a one-time beauty box (Click Here) for $7 + free shipping. Unlike other beauty boxes, you know what you are going to get when you order this box. I wasn't sure if I would order this box, but after reading what other people thought about it and learning that the dry shampoo itself was $7 I figured why not. After all, I always wanted a NYX Milk to try. I do wish that Target would do a seasonal box subscription similar to WalMart so that I can always be guaranteed to receive one in the future. 

love Target

The products

Coupon!

Laneige BB Cushion Sample

Nude Ballet. More like a lip gloss than a lipstick

Products Include (Straight from Target's website)

• Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray (2.2 oz): A favorite of runway stylists, this massive-hold spray adds brilliant shine and brushes out in a flash, leaving hair with a clean, satin finish. ($6.69 full sized received)

• Fekkai Professional Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo (1.7 oz): Revive your blowout instantly with an airy mist that absorbs dirt and oil leaving hair clean, fresh and lively ($7.99 for 1.7oz (received) - $19.99 for 4.9oz)

• Laneige BB Cushion Sample (Target Exclusive): Pat and press your way to perfect skin with revolutionary 5-in-1 cushion technology that brightens, protects, cools, covers and prevents shine. ($34 for full size)

• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (.18 oz): Glide-on glam. A velvety blend of mineral oil and powder, this creamy pencil does double beauty duty as a radiant eyeshadow. ($4.49 full sized received)

• L’Oréal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lipstick (.18 fl oz): Knockout hues meet conditioning care in a gorgeous formula infused with precious micro-oils that intensify color, smooth lips and add shine. Colors will vary. ($7.99 full sized received)

• Target Coupon: $3 off beauty purchase of $15 or more. Offer valid at Target or Target.com.

Birchbox October: What a Win!

I received my Birchbox for October early, and boy am I pleased. When I saw a sneak peek that it would be possible for you to get a beauty blender, I crossed my fingers and hoped, because a Beauty Blender has been in my Birchbox cart for awhile. I just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

October Products

This is what I selected for my October Box

In Kitty

Isn't the top cool? Its clear so you can see the color!

Swatched. A nude/pink my MLBB!

Tuscan Honey isn't the container cute?

Camille Beckman Lotion for Dry Hands

My Beauty Blender & Solid Cleaner

In my October box I received:

• beautyblender + deluxe solid cleanser - I've been praying to the Birchbox gods to get this! I tried it this morning and the makeup gurus are right - it applies like an airbrush. I wet my beauty blender and squeezed the liquid out. Put some foundation on the back of my hand dabbed the beauty blender in and then dabbed it on my face. No lines like a brush application and it applied well.
• Camille Beckman - Tescan Honey Glycerine Hand Therapy - I'm going to force my bf to use this because he has really dry hands from washing it a lot.
• dr. brant - pores no more vacuum cleaner - I'm going to force my bf to try this too to get rid of his blackheads - luckily I don't have many blackheads so I'm skeptical to give a review on this for its purpose if I don't have blackheads. 
• ModelCo - Party Proof Lipstick in Kitty - I just tried this on and it feels like lipbalm. MLBB. I love this so much. I might be investing in the line...
• Sage and Fasten - Onward - I'm usually not big on perfume samples, but this is a rollerball and I actually really like the scent