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?

Once Upon a Time on ABC Sunday @ 8/7c

Ever since I did my first review on a TV show, I have wanted to do a review/ impression of Once Upon a Time. The show is currently on its 3rd season, but for those who are not familiar with this ABC show, below is a little bit of the plot from seasons 1 and 2.

Season 1 (Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_Upon_a_Time_(season_1)

The show is based on the theory that there is an alternate universe where every classic fairy tale character exists—a world that has a loose connection to our world. On the night of her 28th birthday, bail bonds collector Emma Swan is reunited with Henry Mills- the son she gave up for adoption ten years ago—and takes him back to his hometown of Storybrooke, Maine- a place where nothing is what it seems.

Henry has in his possession a large book of fairy tales and is convinced that Emma is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming who sent her away so she would be protected from a powerful curse enacted by the Evil Queen, a curse in which she is the only one with a happy ending. It's because of the curse that everyone in Storybrooke is frozen in time with no memories of their former selves—except for the Queen, who is Storybrooke's mayor and Henry's adoptive mother Regina Mills. Emma refuses to believe a word of Henry's "theory" and returns Henry home, but then decides to remain in the New England town...and causes the hands of the clock tower to move for the first time in 28 years. As Emma stays in Storybrooke and soon becomes Sheriff following the sudden death of Graham Humbert, Regina's antagonistic attitude raises her suspicions and prompt her to move in with Henry's teacher Mary Margaret Blanchard, who is really her mother Snow White...

Snow and Charming reunite with each other and Regina returns to her mansion alone as Emma begins to wonder why no one is returning to the Other World since the curse is broken. Rumplestiltskin reunites with his true love Belle and takes her to a Wishing Well deep in the heart of the forest, a well with the power to restore that which one had lost. He takes the potion and drops it into the well, causing a purple cloud to emerge and consume Storybrooke as the Clock Tower strikes 8:15.

Season 2 (Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_Upon_a_Time_(season_2)

Following the curse being broken by Emma Swan, the purple smoke that brought magic to Storybrooke by Mr. Gold clears and the residents reunite as their fairytale selves. Emma, Snow White/Mary Margaret and Prince Charming/David try to stop the wraith from taking Regina's soul. However, Emma and Mary Margaret are sent through the Mad Hatter's hat and are transported to part of the fairytale land whose inhabitants were spared from the curse. The two later form a bond with Aurora and Mulan, who agree to assist them in finding a way back to Storybrooke. On their journey, they meet Cora, the mother of The Evil Queen/Regina. She forms an alliance with Captain Hook to also find a way to travel to Storybrooke...

With the aid of Hook, Regina attempts to put a plan in motion that will help transport herself and Henry back to the Enchanted Forest. Her plan revolves around a fail-safe that was planted within the curse, which if triggered could wipe Storybrooke off the map and kill all of its inhabitants. Regina tricks Hook, though it is revealed that Hook was double-crossing her in collaboration with Greg and Tamara, the latter two kidnap her. Against Neal's protests, Emma believes that Tamara had something to do with Regina's disappearance. She is later proven to be correct when Mary Margaret and David find Regina being tortured by the pair. Tamara then shoots Neal, sending him through a portal to the remaining part of the Enchanted Forest, after revealing to Emma that he still loves her. Greg and Tamara begin the trigger to destroy the town, though it is stopped by Regina and Emma. However, Greg and Tamara then kidnap Henry and take him to Neverland. Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Regina and Mr. Gold join Hook on his ship with his magic bean to follow them to Neverland and save Henry.

My Thoughts on Seasons 1 and 2

So what do I think of Once Upon a Time from the beginning? The show first caught my attention from the trailer. It looked action packed and who doesn't like fairy tales with a twist? I started watching season 1 after I found out they could be watched online on ABC's site! The season was close to the end, but I managed to watch over 5 episodes one after the other to catch up. Plus it was interesting! OUaT has a lot to learn about family life/ relationships so it is definitely modern with all its problems. There are some parts in the show that are inappropriate, so it might not be suited for a young audience. Between seasons 1 and 2, I think I liked the first better because the idea was new of course and had a lot of suspenseful parts. I really liked the backstories to different characters, especially Rumple's and Regina's/ the Evil Queen. If you missed either seasons or any episodes, you can watch them on Netflix.com or try borrowing the season collections for free at your local library!

Season 3!!!

I know this post is getting long, but the story doesn't end there. I was excited to hear that there would be a season 3! It wouldn't make sense to end the way it did in season 2. After all, fairy tales are known for there happy endings ;)

From the 4 episodes so far in OUaT season 3, I liked episode 3 the most. The addition of Tinkerbell was nice and included more of Regina's past, which was interesting. But, the ending was a bit weird with the revelation of Mulan having feelings for her friend Princess Aurora (Spiderwick Chronicles anyone?!) when previously Prince Philip seemed to have caught Mulan's attention...

I feel like Peter Pan is lying to Henry that Henry is destined to save magic. Didn't Pan want to destroy it by using Owen and Tamara from season 2? And although it is nice to have Hook on the good side so far in the season, I feel like he is a mystery. He doesn't seem to share much info. on his past, yet is risking his life to help Emma, her parents, and Regina. It will be nice to see a backstory of Hook to learn more about him! I think that is about it for this review/ impression post on OUaT. I might continue to do this once in a while, so check back for more. Also, leave your thoughts on the show for me to read in the comments below! Watch season 3 episodes here

I got the Varsity Voxbox!

Like the title says, I received a VoxBox from Influenster yesterday! I can't wait to try and review them ;) See below for more pictures of what's inside and check back soon for product details and reviews. *I received these free products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. If you would like to join Influenster, please email me/ comment below for an invite!

 

 

Tide Pods

Tide Pods™ is the only unique 3 in 1 Detergent that contains a Detergent + Stain Fighter + Brightener all in one small pac. All you need to do is pop in 1 Tide Pod pac to clean any size load. It can be used in any washing machine and dissolves in any temperature, even in cold!

 

Airheads Xtremes Bites

New Airheads Xtremes Bites are the perfect balance of sweet and sour, just like the Airheads Xtremes belts. These rainbow berry bite sized pieces are easy to eat and perfect for sharing with others. Rainbowberry Airheads Xtremes Bites are available in a 6oz peg bag.

 

 

Clearasil® Daily Clear® Refreshing Superfruit Wash

Delight your senses with NEW Superfruit cleansers from Clearasil® Daily Clear®. Formulated with a blend of Superfruit Extracts, Vitamin B3 and blemish prevention for radiant skin day after day.

 

 

Kiss Nail Dress in Babydoll

Give yourself the perfect manicure or pedicure in no time with Kiss® Nail Dress. Quick and easy to apply, these strips stick on in minutes and come right off with no remover needed! Your manicure will last a week, chip free – available at Walgreens.

 

 

New York Color Big Bold Plumping & Shine Lip Gloss in 467 Pleasantly Plump Pink

Have you always dreamed of the full, plump lips? Get voluminous lips in one effortless stroke with NYC’s Big Bold Plumping & Shine Lip Gloss! This sultry gloss adds up to 50% more volume and four hours of shine for lasting wear!