InStyle Fragrances @ Walgreens

 "From the contemporary to the classics...
Instyle Fragrances offers a unique collection of impressions of the world's most popular designer fragrances, created from the finest fragrance oils and other ingredients to ensure top quality and long wear. Proudly made in the USA."

 

Disclaimer: I was not sent any of these products. I paid for them myself.

 

 

InStyle Fragrances are only sold at Walgreens and I do suggest checking them out. They come in simple packaging and glass bottles, reminding me of Jo Malone's perfumes. For a full 3.4 oz for about $12.00, these are great if you can find an exact or close dupe to the original scents. You will definitely save some money if you are satisfied with IS impressions of expensive perfumes!

An Impression of Lancomé Tresor

 

"Description: Love. Romance. Elegance. TRESOR is for a woman who understands that time is precious and moments in this fast-paced world are to be treasured. Because love is a treasure, and TRESOR evokes that feeling of everlasting love, it makes her as radiant and precious as the fragrance she wears. The elegance of rose, mugent and lilac and the sparkle of peach and apricot blossom are just a few notes that define this luminous fragrance. Use: Daytime/Evening."

 

This is an exact dupe to the original Tresor! This was actually the first perfume I got into and after receiving samples of the original and trying ISF, I realized I have a love/ hate thing with this scent. So, I figured I would save the money and stick to ISF if I am ever in the mood for some Tresor. I do recommend lovers of Tresor to try this impression.

 

An Impression of Marc Jacob Daisy

 

"A modern fresh sparkly floral-woody scent, seductive and intoxicating. Description: Fruity wild strawberry notes, intensive green aroma of violet with the sparkling spicy pink grapefruit combined with gardenia and jasmine. Use: Casual, comfortable everyday wear."

I don't feel like this is a dupe for the original Daisy. However, I like ISF's version better. The latter smells nice; sweet, but not sickly sweet. It can be strong though, so just don't spray too much of it. I recommend ISF's Daisy impression, not as a dupe, but as a good scent on its own. This bottle is my second of this scent!

An Impression of Dior, J'Adore

"Description: A fresh floral bouquet that captures the essence of the 21st century woman.Deeply sensual, totally feminine and as contemporary as you are. Contains notes of tangy mandarin, ivy leaves, champaca flower, red orchids, white roses, violets, Damascus plum, amaranth wood and blackberry musk. Use: Daytime/Evening."

This is yet another good scent from ISF. I think this is a close of not exact dupe to the original and expensive J'Adore. This has a nice, light scent in my opinion. I have wanted the original J'Adore for a long time, but for now, I will repurchase the impression by ISF.

An Impression of Chanel Chance Eau Tendre

"Description: Chanel the country's bestselling fragrance family, reveals its newest facet, CHANCE EAU TENDRE. CHANEL Master Perfumer Jacques Polge reimagines the decidedly young scent in a constellation of tender and vibrant notes, at once delicate and airy, with an intoxicatingly light, fruity trail. Use: Daytime/Evening."

The original Chance Tendre is another perfume I hope to add to my collection since I have loved the scent for a while. As for the one by ISF, I don't think it is a dupe for the original. It smells a bit funny (I know, not a great word to describe a scent), so I suggest if you like Tendre like me, the original will be worth it.

Have you tried any impressions by InStyle Fragrances? What do like/ dislike from them? Please let me know in the comments! For more info. about InStyle Fragrances like the other scents in the collection, please check out there site at http://www.instylefragrances.com/

Product Empties w/ Reviews #2

I haven't reviewed products in a long time, so before I get busy (with my last semester of uni!!!!!), I thought I should finally review some products I emptied out in the past few weeks. For my first post of empties, please click here. Remember, you can always click on the images to enlarge them. Hope this is helpful!

Veet Ready to Use Wax Strips Hair Remover for Face

After waxing my facial hair for over a year, I recently figured out my face broke out after waxing. I'm not sure if it is just this product that breaks me out or waxing in general, but I don't plan on waxing my face in a while. Waxing is painful at first, but it is worth it if your hair doesn't grow back fast. The wipes do help with the sting/ pain after removing the wax stripes and they smell nice; reminds me of Especially Escada... If you want to try this product, buy it on sale at RiteAid when they have +UP rewards.

For more info. about this product, please go to http://www.veet.us/products/facial/easygrip/veet-ready-to-use-wax-strips-hair-remover,-face/

Cococare 100% Vitamin E Oil

 

I have been using 100% Vitamin E Oil for over 7 months for my acne scars/ blemishes. After using this for the first 3 months in a row, I became a believer in using products consistently for at least 2-3 months before making any claims! I feel like this product has definitely lightened my marks, especially on my forehead, but also on my cheeks. This is very thick and 1 bottle lasts me a little over a month. It is a little "expensive" for the amount you get, but I don't mind since it is 100% oil and if it claims to help blemishes, I am willing to pay the price. I can't give this 5 stars though, because this might be the reason for the disaster around my eyes and a little next to my nose. My dermatologist says it is from this product and although I am not 100% convinced with the idea, since the disaster only started happening this past month after using it for over half a year, I will stop using this and see if I get any more dry, flaky, red, rashes. My advice, just don't put this anywhere near your eyes. I thought it would help my dark circles, but it just made my skin around my eyes more discolored...

For more info. about this product, please go to http://www.cococare.com/hand-body/vitamin-e/100-vitamin-e-oil-28-000-i-u.html

Montagne Juenesse Dead Sea Mud Pac

 

I am still on the hunt for my perfect face mask so I decided to try this one. The light mint green colored kelp and seaweed mask smells okay and lasted for one use on my face (it is a trial size). It feels light, almost spongy when applying, which isn't a problem. After 10-15 on the skin, I washed off all the product and my face looked brighter and felt clean! I wish this brand sold their masks in tubes like Freeman, because I plan to buy a few more of these to try and find my favorite! They are affordable and good for a quick spa at home :)

 



For more info. about this product, please go to http://www.montagnejeunesse.com/face-masks/mud-face-mask/dead-sea-mud-pac

Make Up For Ever Mascara in Smoky Extravagant and Lipstick in N9 Copper Pink

I received this sample set of 2 MUFE products from Sephora for my birthday in January 2014 and showed it in a haul post. I loved these products! The mascara added length and volume as well as some curl, especially if used with a lash curler. The product lasted a lot longer than I thought it would. (Don't worry, I didn't start using it in the beginning of 2014!) The light pink shade of lipstick has a slight smell which didn't bother me, and I loved the color on my lips. I still have a little bit left in the lipstick, but it is almost done :( This set is no longer available although the products are. As much as I would love to repurchase the lipstick in a full size, I can't justify spending $20 on it!

For more info. about this product, please go to http://www.makeupforever.com/us/en-us

Renuzit cones in After the Rain and Pure Breeze

I purchased these scented products to leave in small closed areas like my closet. I love this idea! Pure Breeze is my favorite of the two. I plan on repurchasing some more Renuzit cones to try and find my favorite scent in the brand. I highly recommend others use these or similar products to help keep small enclosed areas smelling nice without having to constantly spray aerosol cans.

For more info. about this product, please go to https://www.renuzit.com/product/cones/

Let me know in the comments below what products you finished up recently and what you think of them!

Walmart Winter 2014 Beauty Box

Here are the goodies I got in my 2nd beauty box from Walmart. To learn more about this subscription program or to see what I got in my 1st box, please click here. If you would like to sign up to receive your own box, please click https://beautybox.walmart.com/.

By the way, if you are a parent, expecting a baby soon, or need gift ideas, Walmart also has a baby box. For more info on this box, please go to https://babybox.walmart.com/

Disclaimer: I wasn't sent these products. I paid for them myself.

Let's get digging!

Again, the Walmart box came wrapped in plastic so the box wasn't dirty and can be reused!

You will know what season's box you received because it will say it on the included card inside.

 

I received 2 samples with coupons included. I have thought about buying the Maybelline powder, so I can try that now.

Can't have enough face wipes in my opinion. I wonder if this 10 pack of Olay fresh effects makeup removal wet cloths is full size?! 

These are generous sample sizes of Loreal Oleo Therapy shampoo and conditioner. They smell good and since I have been into sulfate free hair products, these are perfect. Can't wait to try them!

 

This Jergens BB Body skin cream smells nice and is a good sample size to carry in bags. It does have a slight tint, but even on my medium/ brown skin tone, it is not a problem.

I wish the Maybelline lipstick in Maple Kiss came wrapped. The color is nice though and I have bought some to try in the past with no success. Now I have my own to play with!

 

Final thoughts

Overall, I am enjoying my Walmart boxes. I love the amount of products I received in both, the variety, and the price is good too. I plan to keep my subscription to this beauty box and can't wait for my next ones!

 

Let me know in the comments below what you think of Walmart's beauty box or what you have received in yours!

Merlin

First impressions

So I was getting tired of Once Upon a Time (now on its 4th season...) and was looking for another TV show to watch. I remembered some friends mentioning Merlin and how much they loved it, but for some reason, I thought it would be like The Lord of the Rings (which is not my favorite). So, I hesitated to watch it for a long time. In my boredom, I finally decided to see what it's about.

I was really surprised that the first few episodes got me interested. The show overall is suspenseful. Some parts of Merlin are scary, sad, and disgusting! I think the show really emphasizes on destiny and revenge. Merlin (the show) is nothing like what I thought it would be and I'm glad I found a new favorite TV show!

Watch Merlin!

I know I'm late on it, but watching Merlin after all 5 seasons are complete isn't so bad. I don't have to wait for episodes to air and can watch them at my own pace. I am currently on season 5 and watch Merlin on hulu.com. All 5 seasons (65 episodes) are free on hulu.com and if you haven't watched Merlin yet, you can still watch them here at http://www.hulu.com/merlin. Beware of the ads on hulu though. They ruin the fun of continuously watching Merlin!

The characters

Speaking of Merlin, this time the MAIN character of the show, I love his funny sarcastic remarks! He is also very brave, smart, and a good friend, especially to Arthur. For this reason, I hate how Arthur treats Merlin. Arthur does eventually admit they are friends, so I guess their "horseplay" is just how Arthur shows he cares and needs Merlin.

Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon, is probably one of the dumbest characters, despite him being king. Uther is also a big hypocrite, which I hate! From the "good" characters, I dislike Uther the most. Arthur is different I think, because people like Merlin make him believe in himself and that he is a worthy individual. The two Pendragons are quick to overlook facts and not believe those who are trustworthy.

Gwen, along with Merlin, is another one of my favorite characters. She is really  smart and looks for good in others, especially in Arthur! At first I didn't like how the only woman of color on the show (if I can remember correctly) plays a lower class character. But it did make sense in the end.

Morgana! I didn't have a problem with her in the first few episodes, but once she turned bad, I really hated her. I'm sorry fans of Morgana, and please excuse me saying this, but she is an evil b****!!! This is what I think every time she messes things up and tries to take revenge. I know there has to be an evil character, but if Merlin would just have killed her the many chances he got, everyone's life would be easier. I feel like almost every other episode includes her and the ones that don't, are fillers. I don't mind the show taking a break once in a while from focusing on Morgana and some of these episodes are actually good.

Final thoughts

I enjoyed watching Merlin and am a little sad that I am almost done with the series :( I really wish there was more! I highly recommend the show to everyone, especially to those who are interested in the story of King Arthur or fans of shows/movies with magic.

Black Friday 2014 Haul

I went a little crazy and did a huge haul this Black Friday. I did go in store to Bed, Bath, and Beyond as well as JCPenny, but didn't get anything exciting from the two. The exciting items (in my opinion) were purchased online. You might notice I got a few things I mentioned in my last wishlist/ shopping list ;) I used ebates and saved even more money then I would have without it. This is my first Black Friday (BF) using ebates. I wrote about ebates here and HIGHLY suggest the site for online shopping throughout the year! Feel free to join ebates using this. You will NOT regret it!

Anyways, below are the items I purchased online on Black Friday. Click on the images to enlarge them. I also got a new battery for my HP laptop, but I don't think that is interesting to share, so I didn't add a picture. Here are my goodies :) Remember, I did not pay full price for any of these. That is the great thing about shopping during sales like BF!

Disclaimer: I am not trying to show off or brag. I just want to share my exciting purchases that I might review on this blog in the future iA, especially if it is requested!

Macy's
This is my first time purchasing anything from Macy's. I was excited about everything I ordered and the great deals too! Ebates gave 10% cashback from Macy's and Macy's.com had there own BF deals for different items.

 

I fell in love with the colors, tassels, and print on this Say What? Juniors' Fringed Floral-Print Kimono. This is my first kimono and I have worn it once since I received it a few weeks ago. My only compliant is the size. I thought I ordered a large because when I wore it, the kimono felt and looked big on me. But, I got a medium, so the size seems to run up. Or maybe it is because I am extra petite for my age ;)

For more info. about this item, please click here.



 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, a new winter coat! I have been wanting a new winter coat and thought about getting one with a skirt at the bottom. I found the Celebrity Pink Hooded Ruffle-Hem Peacoat on Macy's site and decided to get it in black and large to see if I like it. Two pictures show how the coat looks tied. It is fitted and although it isn't as long as I wanted, I do still like it. The nice collar makes it look a little military style, which I like and it does keep me warm.

 

For more info. about this item, please click here.

 

 

Please excuse the upside down tag. I have no clue why it came this way, but no one can see it when it is it on anyway.

 

 

 



I found this GUESS Juliet Avery Satchel and fell in love with the print (as you will see). I have wanted a bag that has black and brown in it, and I am guessing (and hoping) that once the bag is worn, after a while the tan straps will darken a bit to a clean looking color. This is my first structured/ satchel bag and after wearing it since I got it, I don't mind the shorter straps. I did NOT get the detachable strap with 23" drop as written in the details of this product. The bag can fit more if the 2 side straps are loosened. A nice charm bracelet comes with the bag (which is too small to be worn even on my tiny wrists), so I leave it on the bag. There is also a back pocket which is good to keep quick to get items, like keys and a phone.  

 

For more info. about this item, please click here.

 



 

 

 

ebags.com 

This will be my 2nd purchase from ebags.com. Ebates gave 20% cashback and ebags also had 20% off on purchases, including the bag I chose!

 

 

This is probably the most exciting thing I got on BF; a new and bigger crossbody bag that looks like an expensive Chanel bag I will never buy! I loved this GUESS Juliet Crossbody Flap bag since I first saw it on Macy's.com and really wanted it. Ebags' deal on BF was too good to pass up so I decided to get it. Just like the Guess satchel bag above, this one also came with the bracelet and is the same print, which I love! It looks classy and would be nice to wear to fancy invites like parties or weddings. It can be worn crossbody or as seen in the picture above. I wish it had a back pocket, but I can deal with it not having one. The inside does fit a lot, as I have seen. I cannot wait to finally put this bag to use!

 

For more info. about this item, please click here.

 

Walgreens

I got 25% off on walgreens.com for BF!

 

I finally got my own epilator! Now I can save time and money (in the long run) when it comes to removing unwanted hair. I have used this a few times and it does hurt a little. It takes some time to completely remove all the hair, for example on each arm. The end result looks clean and feels smooth so to me, it is worth using an epilator. 

 

Personal MicroDerm

PMD isn't on ebates, but I did use a discount code sent by PMD to my email to get it for even less then the sale price!

 

For more info. about this item, please click here.

 

 

My PMD took way too long to come, but it finally did yesterday. I haven't tried this yet, but am looking forward to clear skin again. 

 

I plan to do in-depth reviews after I use some of these items a bit more. These are just my first impressions. If you got any good deals on BF, share the details with me in the comments below!