Review

How ’bout Them Samples #6 Review

March 15, 2017March 15, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood7 Comments

Since I started doing this several months ago, I have really enjoyed using and trying out these samples. Trying out all these new products through samples has really helped me to prevent unnecessary beauty purchases as well as helped me to find some great new products.

(I know that these reviews tend to be longer, but stick with me anyway… :-))

Here is the group of samples that I have been trying…

Befine food skin care exfoliating cleanser with brown sugar sweet almond and oats

I love this stuff! The scent, the formula, the way my skin feels after using it, the way it tastes, yup, I said the way it tastes!

I love that it is all natural ingredients! The sugar crystals melt into the skin as they exfoliate and the oil hydrates the newly exfoliated areas. I hated to see this sample end!

Now, this is where all beauty products are person specific. My friend used this and hated it! She said it left her skin feeling scaly and dry. (If you are reading this you can give me whatever is left in your sample 😉)

A 4 oz tube is $24. The only place I have found it sold is on the Be fine Website

YES, based on the sample, I would buy this Befine food skin care exfoliating cleanser with brown sugar sweet almond and oats

Crest Complete Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste

I have mentioned before that I have super sensitive teeth. I cannot use a lot of regular kinds of toothpaste. I usually use Sensodyne or Pronamel. Every once in a while I will use a different toothpaste just to see if my teeth can handle it.

I could use it for three days in a row before I needed to switch back to my sensitive toothpaste. That is actually really good for me. Usually, after only one use of regular toothpaste, I am wanting to pull my teeth out.

I really like the flavor and scent of this Crest Complete Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste.

This sample size can be bought for $0.99 and the 6 oz tube is around $3.50

YES, based on the sample, I would buy thisCrest Complete Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste.

Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash Moroccan Argan Oil

I love Dove products! This Moisture Bod Wash formula is no exception. I just really hate the scent. I feel like the formula leaves my skin feeling young, soft, and moisturized, but the scent leaves my skin smelling like an old lady.

The product claims “softer smoother skin after one shower,” I agree with that statement. Despite the fact that I didn’t enjoy the scent of this Moroccan Argan Oil body wash, I still used the entire 1.8 fl oz because I really loved the way it made my skin feel.

I have used other scents of this same formula and really enjoy them. I think there’s seven different scents included in the “nutrium moisture” line.

If you love a ton of lather from your body wash, you will really enjoy this Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash.

A 22-ounce bottle costs $5.50 and the 1.8 oz sample can be bought for $1.25.

YES, based on the sample, I would buy this, just in another scent.

Dr. Brandt Skincare PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator

This exfoliator is completely different from the Be fine. The granules are small and sand like. The type of exfoliation that this product gives is much, dare I say, “harsher” than that of the Be fine.

That being said, I only used this PoreDermabrasion Exfoliator once a week, if that. Although it is different, I still loved it. I liked how deeply clean it made my pores. I tended to use it in the shower, putting it all over my face letting the PoreDermabrasion part do its thing, then after a minute or two I rubbed it in and the let sand-like exfoliators do its thing.

When I want my skin to look fresh and clean, I used this product. Considering how small this sample is, I got several uses out of this 0.25 oz tube.

A 2 oz tube of this exfoliator is $58 at Sephora.

YES, based on the sample, I would buy this Dr. Brandt Skincare PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator.

Garnier Fructis fortifying cream conditioner

I love the way that this conditioner smells! It has a great sweet fruity scent. If that were the only thing I was basing my review on I would love this product. I just feel as if the actual conditioning aspect was lacking. My hair didn’t feel soft and manageable after I used this conditioner.

I just feel as if the actual conditioning aspect was lacking. My hair didn’t feel soft and manageable after I used this conditioner.

Overall I usually have enjoyed Garnier Fructis products in the past. There are so many other great conditioners to be found at the drugstore that this one is a pass for me.

A 25.4 oz bottle can be purchased for around $5.

No, based on the sample, I would not buy this Garnier Fructis fortifying cream conditioner.

Schwarzkopf essence Ultimate Diamond Color and Radiance shampoo and conditioner

I don’t have color-treated hair so I cannot testify as to how well this product works for that part of the claims. That being said, I love the way this makes my hair smell and feel.

The shampoo has a great lather with only a small amount of product and the conditioner is thick and rich. I only needed a small amount of product each use, so these 1.7 oz sample bottles lasted for a much longer time than I expected.

I usually lean towards sweeter lighter scents when it comes to everything, but this shampoo and conditioner is an exception. It has a heavier richer more amber scent to it. I really like it!

The scent lasted all day long. Several times when hugging my kids at night when putting them to bed, my children commented on how great my hair smelled.

A 13.5 fl oz bottle costs around $14.

YES, based on the sample, I would buy this Schwarzkopf essence Ultimate Diamond Color and Radiance shampoo and conditioner.

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Wash

The texture of this black soap is weird. It is thick and molasses like without being sticky.

It has a strong clean scent. My skin literally feels squeaky clean, but not tight. I hate when cleansers leave my skin feeling super dry and tight.

A 4 ounce 118 ml bottle is around $17.

YES, based on the sample, I would buy this Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Wash

Village Naturals Therapy Concentrated Mineral Bath Soak

This item wasn’t pictured in my original post’s photo because I wasn’t actually planning to use it this time around. My daughter recently had the flu and then right after that ended up with a sinus infection, double ear infection and the start of pneumonia. Wow, not fun!

I used these bath salts in her bath every day. The scent is beautiful! I feel like bath salts really help with muscle tension and breathing problems. She really seemed to perk up after the bath. (I love when that happens!)

I also used the Aches+Pains Muscle Relief (green trim) version as well. It has a combination of eucalyptus, spearmint, and menthol. I think that this combo worked even better for her breathing issues.

This single-use 2 oz bag is $1 while the larger 36 oz (2.25 lbs) bag is $5. As far as I know it comes in three different scent combos.

YES, based on the sample, I would and did buy this Village Naturals Therapy Concentrated Mineral Bath Soak.

Another round of great samples. Most of them were winners!

If you would like to see past samples I have tried, you can read more by clicking HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Review

How ’bout Them Samples #6

February 16, 2017February 1, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

I don’t think that I have ever gone this long before without buying new makeup!

I cannot believe that I am still able to resist buying new beauty products! I am still really enjoying using all these samples. The longer I go on my “no buy” the easier it has been.

It is amazing just how many samples I have received. I must admit that until I started doing this “How ’bout Them Samples” series I often neglected using the majority of the samples that I received. I think a lot of times the excitement of getting the new things is greater than that of actually trying out and using the samples.

I have so many samples from ipsy bags, or Target boxes and others from Walmart beauty boxes. This has really been a great way to use them up.

Here is another group of samples that I have decided to try…

befine food skin care exfoliating cleanser with brown sugar sweet almond and oats

Crest Complete Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste

Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash

Dr. Brandt Skincare PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator

Garnier Fructis fortifying cream conditioner

Schwarzkopf essence Ultimate Diamond Color and Radiance shampoo and conditioner

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Wash

Check back in a few weeks and I will let you know what I think of each thing and if I would purchase the full size of these items based on my thoughts from using these samples.

If you would like to see which samples I have already tried out in the past you can read more by clicking HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three. I would also love to follow you on Instagram and Twitter as well, so let me know your username in the comment section below!

Influenster

February 11, 2017February 5, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

Obviously, if you have been reading my posts for any amount of time you know that I love to give my opinion and I love free stuff. There is actually a place online that both of these things come together…

Let’s just take a minute to talk about Influenster.com

“Infuenster is a product discovery platform that lets opinionated, social media savvy consumers like you discover and share knowledge on products through sampling, reviews, and more!”

Let’s make that easier to understand…

Influenster is a program that sends out boxes full of free stuff in hopes that you’ll use your social media influence to tell everyone you know what you think of these products. They call these sample boxes “VoxBoxes”

It is easy to get started. You just need to login toInfluenster.com and complete your profile by sharing some general information about yourself. Answer some quick questions about your shopping behavior to improve your discovery experience. You will then get matched with “campaigns” that you might be interested in.

After all the questions are answered, you connect your social media accounts like Facebook, Youtube, Instagram to create your “Social Impact.” You can also invite your friends using your referral link to increase your social impact.

I have gotten matched up with several things that I have loved! Clairol Hair Food, Soap Box Shampoo and Conditioner, and Persil Laundry Detergent. I have also gotten a few things that I wasn’t really interested in…Slim Fast.

Voxboxes have full-sized free products that you get to review and keep, no charge at all. Some of the awesome brands that work with Influenster are Marc Jacobs, YSL, Makeup Forever, Reebok, L’Oreal, Georgio Armani, just to name a few.

Not all Voxboxes are the same some campaigns feature an assortment of products while others will spotlight one brand. One of my first posts on LGJ was about the Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Foundation that I received from Influenster. Some of the campaigns will give you virtual “VoxBoxes” These might be coupons you can print out or different tasks to complete on social media.

Some of the campaigns will give you virtual “VoxBoxes” These might be coupons you can print out or different tasks to complete on social media. One virtual voxbox I was part of was to take a picture of a product at the store and post it to a social media platform of my choice. That was it. Pretty simple.

These VoxBoxes are completely free. You don’t even have to do any of the requested social media tasks. The only thing required to receive future boxes is filling out a mandatory survey at the end of the campaign

So far I have been loving being a part of Influenster. Hopefully, you will join and have the same experience as well! Plus, you get free stuff and who doesn’t love free stuff!

I think that Influenster is a great way to receive free samples and try out new things. If you want to you can sign up using my referral link, http://www.influenster.com/r/1049268,

If you don’t want to use the referral link you can always just go directly to Influenster.com to sign up.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three

Review

How ’bout Them Samples Review

February 9, 2017January 20, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood6 Comments

I am still going strong with not buying new beauty items!

Since I started doing this several months ago, I have really enjoyed using up and trying out these samples. It has really helped me to not make any unnecessary beauty purchases!

Throughout this experiment, I have found a few great products that I have fallen in love with and added into my beauty routine.

Here is my review of this group of samples that I have been trying out this time around…

Biore Charcoal Pore Strips

Thankfully blackheads isn’t a huge issue for me personally. That being said, I still really love these types of poor strips. This one worked great. My pores definitely looked a lot clearer after using this strip.

A package of 6 strips costs around $5.50. ($0.91 each strip)

YES, based on the samples, I would purchase the Biore Charcoal Pore Strips.

Cetaphil Gentile Skin Cleanser

Personally, I love CeraVe cleansers, when given the choice between CeraVe and Cetaphil, I would usually choose CeraVe. That being said, I haven’t tried many of the newer Cetaphil products.

This little gentle cleanser is really great! I like the way it left my skin feeling clean but not tight and dry. Keep in mind that this is a facial cleanser and not a makeup remover. It doesn’t do a great job at removing makeup.

$10 for a 16 oz bottle and $3 for this small 1 fl oz sample/travel size.

YES, based on the samples, I would purchase the Cetaphil Gentile Skin Cleanser

Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Total Care Shampoo and Conditioner

I LOVE this shampoo and conditioner! The claim on the bottle is “Stronger more beautiful hair in 7 days.” I believe it! I could feel a difference in my hair after using these products for several days in a row.

The shampoo has a wonderful fresh macintosh apple scent that lasted all day. While the conditioner didn’t smell quite as good, it worked so well that I can excuse it for the lack of beautiful scent.

If I didn’t already have so many other shampoo/conditioners to get through, I would have already purchased these. I liked them that much!

Each product is priced around $6 each for a 22 oz bottle.

YES, based on the samples, I would purchase the Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Total Care Shampoo and Conditioner

Covergirl Intensify Me Lash Blast Liquid Eyeliner

This product claims to have the control of a pencil with the intensity of a liquid liner. It also has a paddle tip that can be thick or thin depending on which side of the tip is used.

I had really good intentions to try out this eyeliner which is why I put it into my sample pile… but I have so many other black liquid eyeliners opened right now, it would just be wasteful for me to open up another one. So, nope, I haven’t used this one yet. $7 for .034 fl oz liner.

$7 for .034 fl oz liner.

Based on the fact that I have not used this sample yet, I don’t know if I would purchase it.

Eco Tools Makeup Brush Cleansing Clothes

I was so excited about these clothes. I was hoping that they would be such a great product…yeah, nope. The idea is a good one, but the actual product just doesn’t work well enough to get the desired accomplishment. The wipes are a great size but are just kinda damp, not wet enough to really clean off the brushes

The idea is a good one, but the actual product just doesn’t work well enough to get the desired accomplishment. The wipes are a great size but are just kinda damp, not wet enough to really clean off the brushes really well.

I think that it is a really great idea… I don’t know if my expectations were just too high, but I didn’t love the way that these worked.

$7 for 25 clothes.

No, based on the samples, I would not purchase the Eco Tools Makeup Brush Cleansing Clothes

Hello Mojito Mint Floride Toothpaste

I have super super super sensitive teeth! There are several kinds of toothpaste that are just too abrasive for me to use. This Hello Mojito Mint Fluoride Toothpaste didn’t bother my teeth at all. It has a very different yet pleasant flavor. It really has a limey minty taste to it. I really enjoyed using this toothpaste. I got several days out of this .75 oz sample.

It has a very different yet pleasant flavor. It really has a limey minty taste to it. I really enjoyed using this toothpaste. I got several days out of this .75 oz sample.

$4.50 for a 5 oz tube

YES, based on the samples, I would purchase the Hello Mojito Mint Floride Toothpaste

NSPA Coconut Rich Body Butter by Nirvana Spa

Have you ever heard of this brand before? I have never heard of it before, so I don’t really know anything about it other than what I know from this body butter sample.

The packaging says “Warning: our products are so fruity and juicy you might be tempted to eat them. Well don’t, they are not food.” I thought that was pretty cute and funny…

As far as the product itself, I was underwhelmed. The texture of the butter was good, thick and creamy, but it just didn’t leave my skin feeling hydrated. The scent was only ok. Instead of having the nice natural coconut flavor like I expected and like what I am used to, it smelled fake and manufactured.

I have been using it on my heels on my feet. It does work pretty well for that.

At a price of $18 for 200 ml, I can definitely find a better product at a much better price.

Nope, based on the samples, I would not purchase the NSPA Coconut Rich Body Butter

S.W. Basics Exfoliant

This is an all-natural exfoliant. It is made of organic oat and almond flours and mineral-rich sea salt. Due to the all natural organic ingredients, I really wanted to like this product.

I got two tries out of this sample size. I definitely didn’t enjoy it either time. Instead of exfoliating my face it basically just turned into mush on my skin. Kinda weird.

A 0.7 oz bottle costs $12 and a 3 oz bottle is $24.

Nope, based on the samples, I would not purchase the S.W. Basics Exfoliant.

What about you? Have you tried any of these samples before? What did you think? Did you buy the full size based on your experience with the sample size?

If you would like to see which samples I have already tried out in the past you can read more by clicking HERE.

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 Second Shower Mask

February 4, 2017February 1, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood4 Comments

~Weekly Product Highlight~

It was recently my birthday, (Happy birthday to me!) and since it was my birthday, I ate a lot of junk! Like, a lot of junk…!

Due to eating more sugar, candy, and junk than usual, my skin has been a mess! When my breakouts are typically along my jawline when they are sugar related. I hate having skin issues from sugar!

Anyway, long story short, I used this Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 second shower mask every day for about a week and my skin started looking awesome again in no time!

I have normal to combo skin, and I can use this mask in the shower every day without any issues or irritation.

When first applied it feels great! There is a wonderful tingling sensation. It’s probably all in my head, but because of the sensation, I can feel it working deep down in my pores!

Only a small amount of the mask is needed. Less than a dime size is more than enough to apply over my entire face. After applying the mask all over my face I let it sit on my face while I wash my hair and body. I love that I can to more than one thing at a time and not waste time waiting for the mask to work. After I finish washing up, I gently massage my face with the exfoliating beads and then rinse it all off. My face feels soft and smooth and cool from the menthol.

When I first started using this I thought that one thing I would change would be that it had more exfoliating beads in it. Although, since it is for daily use, it is probably better that it has fewer and is a gentler exfoliator.

Just to warn you, this product has alpha hydroxy acid in it which can increase sensitivity to the sun. If you are fair skinned like me and burn in the sun, you will want to be extra careful! Personally, I have found that sunscreen doesn’t even help when I have used a product with AHA in it. If I know that I am going to be spending time in the sun in the future, I will usually stop using a product with AHA in it two weeks in advance.

The 1 oz tube samples lasted me about 2 weeks, and a 5 oz bottle lasts me about 2 months of everyday use.

A 5 oz bottle of this Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 second shower mask costs around $5. (worth every penny in my opinion.)

I have used two 1 oz samples and an entire full sized bottle. I have also already purchased a second full-size bottle, so obviously, I really like this stuff!

What does the Clean and Clear Website have to say about it?

“What’s great about it
- CLEAN & CLEAR^® Deep Action 60 Second Shower Face Mask is designed to work with the steam of your shower to deeply, but gently exfoliate away traces of dirt, oil and dead skin that can clog pores. You’ll be able to feel the deep clean as the tingling sensation builds, and in just 60 seconds, your skin will look brighter, healthy, and feel refreshed!
Recommended for
- Everyday Face Cleansing
Directions
- Wet your face then squeeze out a quarter-sized amount of the mask onto your palms.
  
  Apply to mask evenly all over your face.
  
  Now the important part: Let the mask sit on your face for 60 seconds… feel free to multi-task during this time.
  
  After the quick 60 seconds is up, gently massage your whole face as you rinse thoroughly off.
  
  If you get some in your eyes, no need to panic, just rinse your peepers with water.
  
  Use 2-3 times per week alone or right after your favorite cleanser
Ingredients
- Inactive Ingredients: water, cetearyl alcohol, PPG-15 stearyl ether, cellulose, glycolic acid, glycerin, polysorbate 60, steareth-21, magnesium aluminum silicate, kaolin, potassium cetyl phosphate, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, caprylyl glycol, microcrystalline wax, fragrance, menthol, ultramarines, ferric ferrocyanide, red 30, talc”

Have you tried this Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 Second Shower Mask? What do you think about it? Did you like it?

Hey, I’d love it if you would come follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Make up · Review

Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette

January 21, 2017January 16, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood10 Comments

Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette

Includes twelve eyeshadows in a warmer, neutral-hued theme. Nine out of twelve shades are matte, which is something that I love about this palette.

Cruelty free. Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or gluten. Dermatologist tested.

$45.00 for 0.63 oz.1.50 g / 0.053 Oz x 12 shadows

I have wanted this since it was released! I received this beautiful tarte tartelette in bloom palette for Christmas from my son. He knows that eyeshadows are what I really want for Christmas.

The colors of the shadows included are exactly what I want for everyday use! These shadows are pigmented, smooth, so easy to work with and blendable. Getting a beautiful eye look takes half the amount of time it does with other shadows.

I love the way that you can go across and break this palette down into quads, creating a beautiful eye look using those four shadows together.

As you will notice in the swatches below, the shadows apply much darker than they appear in the pans. These swatches are applied with a dry compact flat brush and I applied a shadow primer to my arm.

charmer (off white) matte
jetsetter (warm taupe) matte
rocker (shimmering taupe) shimmer
smokeshow (black brown) matte

flower child (peachy nude) matte
smarty pants (tan) matte
firecracker (bronze copper) shimmer
activist (dark brown) matte

funny girl (champagne) shimmer
sweetheart (peach) matte
rebel (chestnut brown) matte
leader (aubergine) matte

Look at the difference in the color in the pan and the swatch on the shades jetsetter, sweetheart, and leader!

Packaging is super slim and so pretty, with a nice big mirror inside the cover. The shadows have a light sweet white chocolate scent to them… I love that!

While wearing and even more so when swatching these shadows I realized that a few of the shades reminded me of shades from my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. The similar shadows are: flower child/ foxy, firecracker/chopper, and rocker/YDK. (I didn’t add swatches of flower child and foxy because as you can tell from the above photo neither of them show up on my pasty white pale skin.)

Here are my cons about this palette…

1.) There’s a lot of fallout for several of the shades. If you look closely in the above swatches you will notice the shadows that have the most fall out. When applying the shadows I really need to tap my brush off and then tap it off again before applying.

2.) There is really no need for both the deep brown shades: smokeshow and activist. They are so similar to each other that having both of them in the same palette is kind of a waste. I would have preferred another lid, transition, or crease shade instead of two dark similar shades.

*If you have cooler undertones then the original Tartelette Palette is probably a better choice for you. It is also a completely matte palette. I don’t own it yet, but I think that it is absolutely beautiful and will probably end up purchasing it eventually.

tartelette amazonian clay matte palette | lookingjoligood.wrodpress.com — These are the cooler shades in the Tartelette Amazonian clay matte palette. I just want to point out that the lower left shadow is called “Super Mom” and I absolutely love that!

What does the tarte website say about it?

“Introducing our tartelette 2 in bloom palette – featuring 12 brand new, never-before-seen shades. With 9 mattes and 3 lusters, these lid liner and crease pairings allow you to create stunning, smoldering looks without the guesswork.

Powered by: Amazonian clay

Amazonian clay: nature’s most perfect ingredient for better, longer, truer wear
mineral pigments: soothe and soften skin

Product performance: Calling all firecrackers, flower children, activists and sweethearts! Discover 12 stunning new tartelette shadows to set your beauty routine into full bloom. Powered by tarte’s signature Amazonian clay formula, you’ll get the same pigmented payoff, blendability and weartime as the original tartelette – all in a chic, portable palette with a beautiful floral twist.”

Also included in the packaging is a card with two tutorials for different eye looks that can be made with different shadow combinations.

Overall this is a beautiful palette. The shades are wonderful for everyday use. The shadows are smooth and easy to blend.

I definitely highly recommend this Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette.

Review

How ’bout Them Samples…

January 12, 2017January 5, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood4 Comments

I am still going strong with not buying new beauty items! Of course getting a bunch of new stuff for Christmas has helped a lot. In the meantime, I am still trying to use up samples that I have already received and often neglect.

Since I started doing this several months ago, I have really enjoyed using and trying out these samples. It has really helped me to not make any unnecessary beauty purchases! I don’t think that I have ever gone this long before without buying new makeup!

I think a lot of times the excitement of getting the new things is greater than that of actually trying out and using the samples. So far, so good. I have so many samples from ipsy bags, or Target boxes and others from Walmart beauty boxes. This has really been a great way to use them up.

Here is another group of samples that I have decided to try…

Biore Charcoal Pore Strips

Cetaphil Gentile Skin Cleanser

Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner

Covergirl Intensify Me lash blast liquid eyeliner

Eco Tools makeup brush cleansing clothes

Hello Mojito Mint Floride Toothpaste

NSPA Coconut Rich Body Butter

S.W. Basics Exfoliant

Check back in a few weeks and I will let you know what I think of each thing and if I would purchase the full size of these items based on my thoughts from using these samples.

If you would like to see which samples I have already tried out in the past you can read more by clicking HERE.

Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Lips 101 After Hours by Preventive Measures

December 31, 2016December 30, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

~Weekly Product Highlight~Lips 101 After Hours~

I love chapstick! Well…I should rephrase that, I love smooth, creamy, moisturizing chapstick. I hate stiff waxy sticky drying chapsticks.

This Preventive Measures Lips 101 After Hours by Preventive Measures is exactly what I want from a chapstick. It is what my chapstick dreams are made of: creamy, smooth, moisturizing, and sweet smelling!

I had never heard of thisPreventive Measures brand until I received this Lips 101 After Hours in my October ipsy glam bag. Since receiving this chapstick I have been using it constantly. I carry it in my pocket with me every where I go.

While the packaging is just your typical run of the mill nothing special white chapstick tube container, the product inside is anything but run of the mill. “The technology is a double-layered encapsulation of actives in powder form microspheres. The unique structure protects actives from premature release from oxygen and heat. Time, friction, or moisture will trigger release of the actives from the system.” I don’t know exactly how the time release feature works, but I know that it definitely does work!

The formula slides onto the lips easily without any pulling or tuggin leaving my lips feeling soft and moisturized! (I HATE it when chapstick application tugs and pulls and does more harm than good.) It smells sweet and fruity, similar to a pina colada or passionfruit flavor. It was love at first swipe.

It comes in two formulas. The After Hours version that I have, and an SPF 30 broad spectrum UVA/UVB lip balm in a citrus/tangerine scent. The SPF 30 version keeps the lips protected and hydrated throughout the day. Both formulas include the innovative time release moisture.

The SPF 30 Lip Balm is $15 USD for a 4 gm/ 0.15 oz tube. Lips 101 After Hours Lip Balm is $13 USD for a 4 gm/ 0.15 oz tube. You can save $7 USD by purchasing them together for $21. These balms are made in the USA by Chayya Products Inc.

Both lip balms can be purchase at www.preventivemeasures101.com and a portion of the proceeds are donated to skin cancer research, which as an oncology nurse is near and dear to my heart.

What does the Preventative Measures Website have to say about it?

“We created Lips 101 After Hours with the same extraordinary  technology and innovative ingredients without the SPF 30. We increased the moisture ingredients to maximize its benefits  to the lips. In Lips 101 after hours, we have formulated the product to intensify  the benefits to relieve cracked, wrinkled and dry lips. Increasing the anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory delivery system  technology.

“Lips 101 has reinvented the ordinary lip balm with innovative technology and a SPF 30 protection. Made with shea butter, safflower oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, chamomile and a medley of “super fruits” (pomegranate, red grape, grapefruit, apple) for anti-oxidant properties. Lips are protected and hydrated throughout the day and receive ultimate moisture throughout the night!”

I also really like the back story of this company and Anjani Singh:

“After 20 years of experience as a chemist in the skincare industry, Anjani Singh was inspired to create her own line of unisex skincare products. Concerned with the growing population of skin cancer she set out to create a unique, preventive SPF 30 by incorporating the technologies of a time-release moisturizer….launching Preventive Measures 101 as her own private label, dedicated to make a valuable difference in the lives of both men and women.”

I really love this product, the moisture technology, brand, and awareness behind it!

Review

How ’bout Them Samples # 5 Review

December 7, 2016January 5, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I told you a few weeks ago that I would let you know what I think of each of these samples and if I would purchase these items based on my experiences with the samples.

Since I started doing this a few months ago I have really enjoyed using the samples and trying out these new things.

Here is the review of the fifth group of what I have tried out…

Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 second shower mask

I was having some skin issues and couldn’t figure out what was going on. I think it may have been because I was eating more sugar and candy, but maybe there was something else going on, I don’t know. Anyway, long story short, I used this Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 second shower mask every day and my skin started looking awesome! This 1 oz tube lasted me about 2 weeks.

A 5 oz bottle of this Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 second shower mask costs around $5. (worth every penny in my opinion.)

I have used this entire 1 oz sample and have already purchased a full-size bottle, so obviously…

YES, based on the sample, I would and did buy this Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 second shower mask.

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash

I have used a few different Dove body washes and I usually love them. I don’t know if I just got a bad batch, but I didn’t like this body wash at all. The scent was ok, kinda shea butter like, not too strong. The consistency was really thick and creamy, so I thought it would be great, but it let me down. I had a really tough time getting this body wash to lather. I also had a tough time getting it out of the bottle…too bad, I had high hopes.

A full sized 22 oz bottle costs $5.50, this sample size can be bought for $1.19.

Based on the sample, NO, I would not buy this Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash.

N4 Lumiere d’hiver Super Comb Prep and Protect

This N4Lumiere d’hiver Super Comb Prep and Protect has a nice pleasant soft scent. It has a lightweight formula that leaves my hair feeling soft, and looking shiny and healthy. My daughter loves to have me spray this in her hair.

A full sized 6.7 fl oz. bottle costs $32 and this sample 1 oz size bottle costs $9.

Based on the sample, YES, I would buy this N4Lumiere d’hiver Super Comb Prep and Protect

Mor Candied Vanilla Hand and Body Lotion

While I did like the way this lotion smelled at first the longer I wore it the more I disliked it. It has a very strong vanilla bean scent to it and it definitely smells sweet like candy. But too sweet and too candy like. The lotion itself was ok, but the scent was just too strong to get over.

The sample size costs $2.25 and the full sized 100 ml 3.3 fl oz tube costs $25.

Based on the sample, NO, I would not buy this Mor Candied Vanilla Hand and Body Lotion

Swisspers Cotton Rounds

I both love and hate these cotton rounds. The exfoliating bumpy side is absolutely wonderful! The opposite smoother side leaves little cotton pieces all over my face. Because I like the bumpy side so much I can forgive it for the little cotton left overs.

Based on the sample, YES, I would buy this

Vaseline Intensive Care unscented lotion

This is one of the best hand lotions that I have used in a long time! It sinks into the skin quickly without leaving a greasy feel to the skin. A 10 oz bottle costs around $3.50.

As a nurse and mother, my hands get so sore and dry from washing them so many times a day. I have already used this entire 1 oz. sample and have bought a new full sized bottle. So that already being said…

Based on the sample, YES, I would buy this Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion.

Vitabath Gelee

This bath and shower gel was great but kind of strange at the same time! It had a wonderful lather that was actually a bright green like the color of the gelee. It definitely left my skin feeling clean without being overly dry. And while it has a clean scent, I didn’t love the way it smells. It reminded me of the soap that I used to use at the hospital to clean the patients. Pleasant, but kind of clinical at the same time.

A 32 oz bottle costs around $38, and as far as I know there are 4 scents available, so maybe one of them is better.

Based on the sample, YES, I would buy this Vitabath Gelee, but in the other scent that is available.

I have been doing really well with not making any unnecessary beauty purchases! I don’t think that I have ever gone this long without buying new makeup! I think a lot of times the excitement of getting the new things is greater than that of actually trying out and using the samples.

If you would like to see which samples I have already tried out in the past you can read more by clicking HERE.

Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

MILANI FIERCE FOIL EYESHINE Review and Swatches

December 3, 2016December 4, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

~Weekly Product Highlight~MILANI FIERCE FOIL EYESHINE

A while ago my sister gave me this little quad of Foil Eyeshines. They didn’t work out for her, so she figured that maybe I could try them out. That is a great thing about makeup, a product that doesn’t work for one person can be a winner for someone else.

The shimmer effect and beautiful colors of these foil eyeshines are outstanding! While they can be worn on their own, I always wear it with a primer or a base like the Milani ShadowEyez Eye Shadow Pencils.

At first look in the pans I thought the shadows would a metallic shimmer, but once applied it actually comes across as a glittery finish. Despite all the glitter, they dry quickly with a smooth texture. They have a similar texture and feel as Colorpop shadows…a little bouncy and wet, yet not really wet… that totally clears things up doesn’t it.

I have heard some people complain that for them these shadows wore off quickly or creased. Or like for my sister just didn’t work out. The website does say “Reapply as needed”, seriously though, who wants to have to reapply eyeshadow through out the day?

Personally I have worn these for more than 8 hours and it still looked beautiful. I think it just depends on your skin type and how oily your eyelids are. I found them to be a great success.

The applicator it comes with is not the typical foam tip type that most shadows come with. Instead it is more like a small rubber spatula. I don’t really find that it works well, so I just apply these shadows with my finger tips.

These quads are available in 4 different shade combinations: neutral, rose gold, purples and blues. I have the color quad 02 ROME Lush Lavenders & Smokey Purples. These are available for $9.99 at most drugstores.

What does the Milani Website have to say about the MILANI FIERCE FOIL EYESHINE

“A next-level eye glimmer with a foil finish that lights up the eyes. More shine than shadow, Milani Fierce Foil Eyeshine glides smoothly across lids, leaving a buildable sheen that looks beautiful worn alone or on top of eyeshadow for extra intensity. Create endless looks, highlight, define, color and accent your eyes. Available in four expertly curated palettes named after Italy’s starriest cities.

Tap applicator onto color and glide over eye, starting close to lash line. Blend and build with applicator or fingertip to create a luxurious look. Reapply as needed. A little goes a long way!”

Have you tried any of these MILANI FIERCE FOIL EYESHINE? What did you think? Did they work out for you? Did you find them to be long wearing or have to reapply them?

Here is the group of samples that I have been trying…

Befine food skin care exfoliating cleanser with brown sugar sweet almond and oats

Crest Complete Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste

Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash Moroccan Argan Oil

Dr. Brandt Skincare PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator

Garnier Fructis fortifying cream conditioner

Schwarzkopf essence Ultimate Diamond Color and Radiance shampoo and conditioner

Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Wash

Village Naturals Therapy Concentrated Mineral Bath Soak

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Here is another group of samples that I have decided to try…

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Let’s just take a minute to talk about Influenster.com

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I am still going strong with not buying new beauty items!

Here is my review of this group of samples that I have been trying out this time around…

Biore Charcoal Pore Strips

Cetaphil Gentile Skin Cleanser

Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Total Care Shampoo and Conditioner

Covergirl Intensify Me Lash Blast Liquid Eyeliner

Eco Tools Makeup Brush Cleansing Clothes

Hello Mojito Mint Floride Toothpaste

NSPA Coconut Rich Body Butter by Nirvana Spa

S.W. Basics Exfoliant

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~Weekly Product Highlight~

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~Weekly Product Highlight~Lips 101 After Hours~

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Clean and Clear Deep Action 60 second shower mask

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash

N4 Lumiere d’hiver Super Comb Prep and Protect

Mor Candied Vanilla Hand and Body Lotion

Swisspers Cotton Rounds

Vaseline Intensive Care unscented lotion

Vitabath Gelee

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~Weekly Product Highlight~MILANI FIERCE FOIL EYESHINE

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