Drugstore Beauty Basics Bundle Review #2

I'm back with Drugstore Beauty Basics Bundle Review #2 (as you can see from the title ;) For those of you who aren't familiar with what these posts entails, this is a series I made up to showcase reviews of beauty products (i.e. for skin, body, etc.) that I recommend and think would be helpful to others who are looking for something similar. You might notice that many of these products have been mentioned as repurchases. In other words, they are my fav. product in that category, which is why I continue to buy them and restock those items! Like I mentioned in a previous post, in addition to my feelings about these products, I have included available info. by Paula Begoun, the author of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 9th Edition. I have read through some of her reviews and took note on what she and her team had to say about the products I will be reviewing in this post (and future ones iA). While I don't agree 100% with her, it is still worth knowing and sharing.

The five products down below are basic beauty products that can be found at any drugstore i.e. RiteAid, Walgreens, CVS, even Bed Bath and Beyond. Hope this is helpful :) Click the images below for a larger view. To see the 1st post in this series, please go here

*Everything was purchased by me. I am not being sponsored.





Nivea Kiss of Moisture

What Nivea says: This rich formula provides long lasting moisturization to protect lips from dryness
~Enriched with natural Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter
~Leaves lips feeling soft and looking smooth

What I say: I love this! Nivea is a my new favorite brand for lip care. This one in particular is moisturizing and helps dry/ cracked lips, especially in the colder months. The smoothness of this Kiss of Moisture feels like butter on the lips and is very comfortable. All of the Nivea Kiss of... have cute packaging too. Get these on sale @ 2 for $3; it is worth it!

What Paula Begoun says: This is a basic, wax-based lip balm that does a good job of taking care of dry lips. It is housed in a convenient Chapstick-style container. It is irritant-free and a reliable, inexpensive option.

Price: $2.99 - 0.17 fl. oz.
Cosmetics Cop Rating: Good
Last Updated: 1/22/2013
Jar Packaging: No
Tested On Animals: Yes

For more info. on this product/ to purchase online, check out:
http://www.niveausa.com/products/lip-care/A-Kiss-of-Moisture-Essential-Lip-Care

 St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash

What St. Ives says: Wrap your skin in soothing hydration with this ultra-moisturizing St. Ives Oatmeal Shea Body Wash. This rich and creamy formula, containing oatmeal and conditioning Shea butter, creates a gentle lather that helps clean and soothe dry, skin. Use daily with St. Ives Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Body Lotion to achieve the soft, smooth and healthy look and feel that your skin deserves!

Product  Benefits

- 100% Natural Moisturizer

- Paraben Free

- Dermatologist Tested 

- Hypoallergenic

What I say: An affordable, paraben-free, body wash. This lathers nicely on a luffa and makes me feel clean after use. This has a good amount of product for the price and smells nice too. Repurchased this a ton of times, which means it is a my fav. body wash!

For more info. on this product/ to purchase online, check out:
http://www.stives.com/product/detail/357547/oatmeal-shea-butter-body-wash

 Gud from Burt's Bees Natural Hand Cream

 

What Gud says: Let the delicate scent of cherry blossoms and almond milk delight your senses while the natural moisturizers soften your digits. Now that deserves a hand.
• Unabashedly girly-girl fragrance.
• Softens, silkens and smooths.
• No parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals.
• Never ever tested on animals. No way!

What I say: I love Gud's Natural Hand cream in Floral Cherrynova so I've repurchased this a bunch of times. It has everything I want in a hand cream. It smells nice, thick enough to help dry hands, is affordable, small enough to travel everyday with, and doesn't have parabens! I highly recommend this product!

For more info. on this product/ to purchase online, check out:
http://www.gudhappens.com/natural-personal-care-products/hands-hand-cream/floral-cherrynova-natural-hand-cream.html

 Clean and Clear Persa Gel 10

 

What C& C says: CLEAN & CLEAR PERSA-GEL 10 Acne Medication is a unique formula that goes to work immediately, releasing the medicine deep into the pores where pimples start. This maximum strength Benzoyl Peroxide acne medication is the same prescription formula recommended by doctors.


What I say: An affordable acne fighting gel that I have repurchased a number of times. When I first used this, after a day or two, the pimples were completely gone! Like any other product, your skin will get use ... to the product so take a break after a few days and/or switch up your products. Persa Gel does dry out the skin if you constantly use it, so moisturize a lot after the gel is off your skin and only use it on your spots. A great deal and must try product with $1 coupon from C&C's website.

What Paula Begoun says: Persa-Gel 10, Maximum Strength remains a very potent, fragrance-free topical disinfectant for blemishes. It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, the maximum amount approved for over-the-counter sales. Although this amount can be drying and potentially irritating, this is an option for stubborn cases of acne.

Price: $6.49 - 1 fl. oz.
Cosmetics Cop Rating: Best

Last Updated: 11/20/2013

Jar Packaging: No

Tested On Animals: Yes

For more info. on this product/ to purchase online, check out:
http://www.cleanandclear.com/product/acne-treatments/persa-gel-10-acne-medication

 Veet Fast Acting Gel Cream Hair Remover for Legs and Body

What Veet says: Say goodbye to stubble in a flash with our Fast Acting Gel Cream. It dissolves hair — rather than cutting it — so hair takes twice as long to grow back. Less time having to worry about shaving means you’ll have more time for other things — like what to do this weekend!

What I say: I've repurchased this product a number of times. The rose scented one doesn't smell as bad as the cream with Aloe Vera in my opinion. I use Veet's cream on my underarms, arms, and legs. It does take time for the hair to dissolve, but it is worth the painless hair removal. If it starts to sting, just make sure to wash it off asap. You'll be left with smooth skin and hair-free for a good few days to a week. Of course everyone's hair growth rate is different. Buy this on sale at RiteAid when they have +UP rewards or print Veet coupons from google.

For more info. on this product/ to purchase online, check out:
http://www.veet.us/products/creams-lotions/fast-acting-gel-cream-hair-remover-tube-with-essential-oils/

Pros. & Cons. of Continuing Your Education After High School

I thought about doing this post after I came to the conclusion that college/ university is actually worth the effort. Now I know school isn't for everyone, but if you have the option to continue your education after high school or don't know what you want to do with your life, then I highly suggest attending some sort of college/ university/ trade school, etc. Simply put, below are my reasons for why I feel this way.

Pros.
1. learn a wide range of subjects
2. different perspective on life
3. preparation for future career
4. more free time (if you schedule your time wisely)
5. taste of independence and responsibility
6. learn more about yourself (i.e. interests) by doing things out of your comfort zone
7. chance to make money (i.e. job on campus or refund)
8. make new (lifelong) friends
9. fresh air and "exercise" (by walking ;) on campus

Cons.
1. expensive
2. time-consuming
3. will feel boring/ pointless sometimes
4. concerned about safety

For anyone currently in any sort of school, hang in there. I know it may feel like torture sometimes, but one day, you will miss (some of) your past experiences. You will look back on these days and smile/ laugh at the good times and memories you had. Just a reminder to myself and others to stop complaining and start enjoying.

I'm sure there are more reasons than what I have listed here, so let me know what you think in the comments below.

My Favorite Fall/ Autumn Nail Colors

I haven't done a NOTW (nail of the week) post in a few months. I thought this time I would do a collection of my favorite nail colors that I will be wearing for fall/ autumn. These are just my personal picks for the next few months and I do plan on doing more for each season as most of the colors do vary. So below for the colors! (And please excuse any mistakes on/around my nails.)

 Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear-Golden-I is a nice transition color. Golden 1 is a good pick for both summer and fall.

 Wet N Wild Nail Color: Burgundy Frost #412A has been one of my favorite colors since I started to paint my nails. It is a rich opaque color in 1-2 coats.

 Doesn't Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color: Blue Moon look beautiful? It could pass as black at first, but is navy blue with some shimmer.  I only have 1 coal on my nails, but try another coat for a darker look.

 Wet N Wild Shine Nail Color: Black is good for a standard black that everyone should own.

 

 

I currently have on Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer: Mystic Green This is my newest addition to my collection. I have been obsessed with the olive color and love this!

 

 

I had on Wet n Wild Fast Dry Nail Color: Saved by the Blue 230C with some Sally Hansen Laser on top. This color alone is still a nice vibrant color amongst all the typical dark fall/ autumn colors. I love this color on my fingers and toes and think this is a beautiful color for all seasons!

What are your favorite affordable fall/ autumn colors?