Review

How ’bout Them Samples?! Review

July 13, 2016July 12, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood8 Comments

You may remember that as part of my “strict no buy”, I had decided to try to use up a bunch of the neglected samples that I have already received from various places and sample boxes. Some products were awesome and I used them up right away, others have taken me longer to use.

Here’s my review of the samples from the first group of what I have been trying out…

Acure Day Cream: This day cream has a nice citrus Christmas like scent to it. Not sure if that quite makes sense, but the way it smells reminds me of Christmas. I have enjoyed using this cream. It isn’t overly awesome, but it has kept my face moisturized without feeling greasy. The price for a 1.75 oz bottle is $16.99USD. After using this sample my opinion is that I would buy this day cream based on the sample.

Caress Love Forever Body Wash: As I have mentioned before, I am very sensitive to different scents. I wasn’t sure if this body wash was going to give me a headache, so I was a bit apprehensive about using it at first. It has “fragrance touch technology” that is supposed to make the scent last longer. I was nervous that if it bothered me I might be stuck smelling it all day. Fortunately, it didn’t bother me at all, and I found that it actually smells absolutely wonderful! The scent really did last for a long time! I really enjoyed this body wash.. It has a great lather and I actually got 7 washes out of this 1.8 fl oz bottle. I love this body wash! My opinion after using the entire sample, I will definitely be buying this!

Marlow Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion: This is a really nice thick body lotion. It has a floral scent that is very pleasant, but also quite strong. I feel like it is a honey suckle and gardenia flower scent. I got two full uses for my body out of this 2 oz sample, and have been using the little bits that are left for my hands. A 2 oz bottle is $3.99 and 15 oz bottle is only $8.99. I have a lot of body lotions to go through, so I won’t be buying this any time soon, but I would purchase this lotion based on the sample.

Nip+Fab Skin Glycolic Fix: There were only 5 pads in this sample. They may be awesome, but having only used it for 5 days I don’t see what’s the point of them. I don’t really have enough information with which to properly decide if I would buy this or not. At around $16 for 60 pads, I’m not really interested in taking the chance. Based on the sample I would NOT purchase this.

Nivea In Shower Body Lotion: I use body lotion every day. I love to keep my skin feeling hydrated. I LOVE the idea of this. It would be such a great thing to be able to streamline my shower routine. I got 5 uses out of this 2.7 fl oz bottle. I really wanted to like it, but I just didn’t. I wasn’t a fan of the scent, a bit too manly for me. But I would have forgiven the scent if it made my skin feel hydrated. It didn’t. Instead I felt as if my skin had a weird film on top of it. Based on the sample I would NOT purchase this.

Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat: Yes, yes, we all remember that I completely complained about getting this pink gel coat from ipsy. I gave it a try based on the high recommendations of Amy from The Makeup Case and Lizzie from lizzielovesbeauty, and I will admit, they are right it is really good. I like the way it makes my nails look and feel. Am I going to spend $30 on another bottle when this one runs out…Absolutely NOT! But, if you are really into nail polish and keeping your nails super healthy, then I think it is a great product. Based on the sample I would recommend purchasing this, but will not be getting it for myself (you all know, nail polish just isn’t my thing).

Rimmel Show Off Lip Velvet: I won’t go into great detail because I wrote an entire post about this liquid lipstick. If you want to know what I think about it you can read more by clicking HERE. Spoiler alert, I like it a lot. If you want a great liquid lipstick that is not uncomfortable this is a good one! A 0.18 oz. tube is $5. This particular shade307 Meteoric Matte is a great one for making teeth look whiter. Based on the sample I would purchase another Rimmel Show Off Lip Velvet.

Vasanti Brighten Up Exfoliating Cleanser: The first time I used this I hated it! It has super fine granuals for the exfoliants. It felt as if I was rubbing sandpaper on my face. Not exactly a pleasant feeling. Since then, I have been using this product in the shower. I think the extra water makes a big difference. My skin does feel smoother after using it. I don’t necessarily love it, but I’ll finish using the rest of the bottle. A 4.23 oz. bottle is $34.00 Based on the sample I would NOT purchase this.

I have really enjoyed trying out these samples, and I have already started using another set of samples. Stay tuned for that post coming soon. How about you? What do you do with all the beauty samples you receive? Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Looking Joli Good!

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #27

July 11, 2016January 7, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I love Jessica Smith, she is so encouraging! You will definitely feel the burn after doing this 35 minute strength circuit workout! (You don’t need to have a step in order to do this workout.)

Take 15-30 minutes and improve your day! Your heath and wellness is worth it! Remember to keep good proper form, warm up before, and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts? If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on FacebookLookin Joli Good

Health/ Fitness

One At A Time

July 10, 2016July 4, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

You don’t need to change everything all at once! Take it one step at a time, one day at a time, one choice at a time!

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good!

Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Gel Liner

July 9, 2016July 10, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

~Weekly Product Highlight~Rimmel Scandal Eyes Gel Liner~

Why has it taken me so long to start using gel liner? This product has seriously been a game changer for me! While I don’t wear a winged liner every day, when I do I used to only use liquid eyeliner. The first time I used this product I was speechless. I know it may seem crazy, but I was seriously so excited about how quickly and smoothly my wing applied. Where has gel liner been all my life?

For some reason Rimmel has always been a cosmetic brand that I have overlooked. I am not sure why because it is a great brand with a lot of awesome products. Recently I have noticed that several of the products that I have been using and enjoying have been from Rimmel. This Rimmel Scandal Eyes Gel Liner is no exception.

The liner comes with a brush that has soft bristles yet is sturdy and holds up well while applying the gel. The gel glides on very smoothly and is quite forgiving. It doesn’t dry too quickly to be able to fix a mistake, but it does dry fast enough to become smudge-proof. I had no trouble applying the liner exactly where I wanted it and in the thickness I prefer. Cleaning the brush is easy too, I usually just wipe it with a dry tissue.

It comes in two shades: black and brown. I have mostly been using the brown shade and I love it! I have also purchased the black shade which I haven’t used as much, but the formula is still just as great and it is a super black black!

I have heard that some gel liners have a drier formula that can drag across the lid preventing a crisp line. The formula for this Rimmel Scandal Eyes Gel Liner is smooth and creamy and not dry at all. I have been using it daily for the last month and it has not changed in consistency at all. Not sure if this makes any difference but I am very careful to keep the lid closed tightly at all times, I even close it while I am applying it to one eye before I get more product for the other eye.

What does the Rimmel Website have to say about this …

“Draw The Line with Scandalous eye-looks!

• Up to 24 hours of rich, intense colour that doesn’t flake, smudge, smear or run.
• Easy to apply, glides easily
• Professional brush for complete control to draw the lines you want.

NEW SCANDALEYES WATERPROOF GEL EYELINER The new quick-drying formula glides on smoothly for a more natural-looking finish. The luxuriously creamy liner comes with an accompanying thin brush that allows you to effortlessly build and layer for an eye look that reaches dramatically eye-catching levels. Creates a smooth, smudge-proof line. 24 HR Wear!”

What about you? Have you tried any of these Rimmel Scandal Eyes Gel Liner ? What do you think? Have you used other gel liners that have been great? Have you used any that have been terrible? I would love to hear your opinion!

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on FacebookLookin Joli Good

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #20

July 5, 2016July 10, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesdays…

I have chin length, very straight, somewhat thin/fine hair (which is the main reason I keep it short). My hair is also more on the oily side, therefore, I have to wash it every day. All that being said, that doesn’t mean that I never use dry shampoo. I just use it for a completely different reason.

My tip for today is to use dry shampoo to add volume your hair.

Holding the can about 6-8 inches away from my head, I section apart my clean dry hair and spray the dry shampoo at the roots. I let it dry while I do my makeup and then style my hair as usual. The only difference is that I have a lot of added volume! Also, my hair doesn’t really hold much of a style, but if I spray it with dry shampoo first I can get a better curl or tease.

Let me know if you try it and what you think!

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Looking Joli Good!

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #26

July 4, 2016January 7, 2017 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

As I have mentioned recently, I found this site called SPOTEBI. I have really been enjoying it! It is exactly what I love: a ton of at home workouts for women!

29 MINUTE LEG CIRCUIT FOR WOMEN

This site has an interval timer and a playlist to go along with the workout. It really is an awesome site for at home workouts!

While this is just a screen shot, if you want to try it out with the real thing you can by going over to the SPOTEBI site.

You can check out the full work out at spotebi.com

Take 15-30 minutes and improve your day! Your heath and wellness is worth it! Remember to keep good proper form, warm up before, and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts? If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on FacebookLookin Joli Good

Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Rimmel London Show Off Lip Velvet

July 2, 2016June 26, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood22 Comments

~Weekly Product Highlight~Rimmel London Show Off Lip Velvet liquid lipstick~

Overall I am usually not a huge fan of liquid lipsticks. While the color pay off and lasting power is usually great, I don’t like for my lips to feel dry and uncomfortable.

I personally would not have bought this Rimmel London Show Off Lip Velvet liquid lipstick for myself, but I received it in a Walmart beauty box* As far as I know, in the US, this specific Rimmel London Show Off Lip Velvet is only sold at Walmart and Walmart.com. I haven’t seen it anywhere else.

*Side note: That is one of the things that I like the most about beauty boxes. Often I get items in them that I would not purchase on my own, yet I end up really enjoying them.

At first, since I don’t like liquid lipsticks, I was hesitant to even try this out. I was considering just passing it along to someone else, but then for some reason, I decided to swatch it and I really like the color. I have the shade 307 Meteoric Matte. The packaging is super cute as well. One of the things that I really like about the design of it is the doe ft applicator has a little divot in. Such a simple thing that makes a big difference. Just enough product collects in the little divot to cover my entire lips.

Unfortunately, my husband is not a huge fan of these darker/deeper/brighter shades of lipstick on me, so I don’t wear them too often. I will definitely recommend that if you are trying to decide on a liquid lipstick and whether or not to try out this Rimmel London Show Off Lip Velvet liquid lipstick, I say at around $5 it is a good one to buy!

I have worn this “lip velvet” several times now and so far have enjoy it. I wouldn’t really call it a true matte, and it never completely dries down. Both of those things don’t bother me since I personally don’t like the look or feel of matte lipsticks on me. While even at around 4 hours later the color still transfers, overall the color also lasts around 6 hours. I don’t know about other shades, but this one in particular wears off for the most part evenly. Does it look great at the 6 hour mark, no, not great, but it also doesn’t look terrible either. It didn’t look too bad after eating while I was wearing it either.

I didn’t find that it feathers or runs, even without a lipliner. I have to be a bit careful when I first apply to not get any on my teeth or the outside of my lips because it will stain the surrounding skin. I feel as if this particular shade would look great all all skin tones and colors. Added bonus this shade makes my teeth look super white!

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Looking Joli Good!

Health/ Fitness · Quote

Focus…

July 1, 2016June 27, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

The answer is not to focus on what we are giving up, not on what we can’t have, or what we are missing out on. Instead to focus on the health; focus on what we are getting and gaining and how wonderfully amazing that in itself is. Rome wasn’t built in a day, it was built brick by brick. Choose to take back your health one day at a time! Day by day, meal by meal, choice by choice.

Focus on health | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on FacebookLooking Joli Good!

Make up · Review

Fun In the Summer Sun

June 30, 2016July 1, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

I LOVE summer!

Summer is by far my favorite season of the year! The best part about the summer is all the beautiful sunny days, the worst part about summer is sunburn!

Unfortunately for me, most sunscreens usually make my skin break out. It is a catch 22, do I chose to get breakouts or sunburn. Since I have fair skin and work as an oncology nurse, I usually opt to suffer through the breakout while saving my skin from the sun. Thankfully there are all different kinds of makeup that can make you look good while also keeping you safe and healthy while you are in the sun. Fortunately with these products I don’t have to choose between the two. It is so nice to not have to look like a greasey mess with breakouts while protecting myself from the sun’s rays.

Here are a few that I recommend:

ChapStick Ultra, Moisturizing Lip Balm, SPF 30- Trust me from personal experience, you want to prevent your lips from getting sun burned! This lip balm has SPF 30. Reapply often and be glad that you have spared yourself the pain of burnt lips.

Lorac Breakthrough Performance Lipstick- If you have been reading this blog for any amount of time you already know that I am a HUGE fan of Lorac Cosmetics. Here is another awesome reason to love them. This lipstick is not only moisturizing, long wearing, paraben-free, and has Vitamin E and olive fruit oil for anti aging, but it also has SPF of 15. It comes in 5 beautiful shades and right now is on sale for only $10 on the Lorac site.

bareMinerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 This paraben free foundation was the winner of the Allure magazine Best of Beauty. It comes in 20 different shades and is available at Sephora, Ulta and Nordstrom for around $18.

IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ “Why did IT Cosmetics create this product: To finally give women an all-in-one multi-tasking beauty miracle that truly gives full, flawless, perfect coverage, protects your skin with SPF 50+ from the harmful rays of the sun and is clinically proven to improve skin texture and hydration. IT Cosmetics worked with plastic surgeons to develop a multi-tasking correcting cream that is true scientific breakthrough. It’s packed with anti-aging ingredients that is clinically proven to improve skin and works on all ages, that doesn’t crease or crack!” Available at Ulta and Itcomsmetics.com for $38.00.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup with SPF 55. SPF 55 is no joke! Overall I really like the Neutrogena brand. They have a lot of great products to offer. This compact provides buildable coverage without it feeling greasy and heavy. It blends easily, is oil free and dermatologist tested. You can find it at Target, Walmart and most drug stores or at Ulta for around $14.

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

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #19

June 28, 2016July 4, 2016 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesdays…

Remember last week I told you about my tip for concealing your blemishes? Well, this week’s tip has to do with blemishes as well. Instead of concealing, I’m going to tell you what I do to heal them faster.

If you are a mother you probably already have this product on hand…

I’m talking about diaper rash cream!

Zinc Oxide which is usually the main ingredient in diaper rash creams is great for spot treating acne breakouts as well. What Zinc Oxide does to helps protect, dry, and soothe little irritated baby bums, it also does for acne breakouts. When I have a breakout, after following my usual nightly facial cleaning routine, I apply a small amount of Zinc Oxide cream to the effected area.

I prefer Boudreaux’s Butt Paste (in the red tube, not the yellow one), and not just because its name is super fun to say, but also because it has the highest percentage of Zinc Oxide in it.

Let me know if you try it and what you think!

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good!

Looking Joli Good

Kindness is beautiful!

Tag: makeup review

How ’bout Them Samples?! Review

No Gym? No Problem! #27

One At A Time

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Gel Liner

~Weekly Product Highlight~Rimmel Scandal Eyes Gel Liner~

Tip Tuesday #20

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesdays…

My tip for today is to use dry shampoo to add volume your hair.

Let me know if you try it and what you think!