Review

How ’bout Them Samples…

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…

how bout them samples | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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.
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Love and Life

A Little Bit About Me

Hello everyone! I thought that since several of you have recently followed I would introduce myself a bit more.

Here is a list of  questions to get to know a little more about me…

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
My hair is perfectly straight, and I even though I absolutely love how easy it is, I can’t really wear it too many different ways because of how straight it is.
2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?
I have never dyed my hair.  It is still the same exact color that God gave me.  If I do need to start dying it, I will definitely let a pro do it.
3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?
I am a pretty routine kinda gal, so pretty much stick with the same general style, but usually when I mix it up I am not even that far from my usual.
5. How often do you change your nail polish?
If you have been around Looking Joli Good for any amount of time at all, you already know the answer to this question.  Never, I don’t polish them.  It drives me nuts if my polish chips at all!  So instead of having to redo them as soon as that happens, I just don’t polish them. (Ain’t nobody got time for that!) I get my feet done at the salon (not as often as I would like to).  I don’t get my fingers done because I don’t like to have my cuticles pushed back, so gross!  Just writing about it now makes my fingers hurt!
6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?
My toes are ALWAYS polished,  so yes, I definitely polish my toes in the winter! I prefer the way my feet look better with polished toes.
7. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
Depends on what look I am going for. If it is just a more natural face then 10ish minutes, but if I want to take my time and be more detailed then probably around a half hour.  (Don’t ask my husband or kids though, they’d say I spend 3 hours every day putting makeup on. Don’t I wish I had that amount of time!)
8. What do you do first? Face or eyes?
Usually face because I take the most time on the eyes, so I don’t want to spend too much time in the beginning and then end up running out of time to do the rest of my face.
9. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
I love makeup, but I also get overwhelmed by too much stuff.  I would say I am a makeup wearer, but not a makeup collector.
10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?
Never, and I don’t ever plan to start.  I think that they look good in certain situations, but as a mom to two youngish kids, totally not necessary in my life at this time.
11. Do you wear makeup when you’re home alone or with family?
Well, I definitely love to wear makeup and look nice for my husband, but if it is just my husband and kids hanging around at home all day, I usually will not put makeup on.  My husband always tells me “You don’t need to wear that stuff.”  I guess I probably don’t really NEED to, but I really do enjoy it.
12. Will you leave the house without makeup?
Um, well…yes of course, I don’t really like to, but I will if I have to.
Hello! I'm Laura Joli from Looking Joli Good! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Are you still with me? Haha!
13. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you’re getting dressed?
Yes, for church, special days, and work. I plan ahead and get it ready at night, but usually otherwise it just depends on how I feel that day.
14. How often do you change your handbag?
Quite often.  Generally when I find a great purse I will use it for a while, but if I am wearing something nice and it doesn’t match my outfit I will switch to another one.
15. How often or when do you workout?
Five to six days a week, in the morning. (yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I am pretty obsessed!)
16. Left handed or right handed?
Right handed
17. How tall are you?
5″4′ …ok, ok, ok…5″3 1/2′
18. Do you speak any foreign languages?
Nope, but I have been trying to learn French…Il va assez lentement cependant.
19. How many pets do you have?
You that have been following for any amount of time know all about my sweet 10 year old Boston Terrier, Tessie.  She is my best friend and the sweetest, kindest, most loyal dog.
My cute dog Tessie | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
20. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
Yes, I do.  If more than one person I trust recommends a product I will add it to my list.
21. What are some things that you like to do with your free time?
I love to exercise and take long walks with Tessie.  Obviously I enjoy blogging in my free time.  I love to read!  (I have read a book a week for the last 5 years)
22. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?
I have a Nikon D3300 but a lot of the time I just my phone a Nexus 7.
23. How often do you clean your house?
Every. Single. Day. Feels as if that is what I spend the majority of my time doing…I actually like to clean and do house work.  (although if you ask my family they will say I spend all my time putting on makeup and talking…lol)
24. What’s your favorite color?
I am a girly girl all the way and as unoriginal as it probably is, my favorite color is pink.
25. Do you swear?
Nope, never.

Did you stick with me for the whole post? Did you notice that I skipped #4?  I hope that you enjoyed learning a little more about me.  Hope you have a great day!

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #46

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday: Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Ever wonder where you should be putting blush on your face? This weeks tip will help you to know where to place your blush according to your face shape.

blush face shape | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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

 

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!

Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Lips 101 After Hours by Preventive Measures

~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.

lips 101 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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.

lips 101 preventive measures | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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.

A portion of the proceeds are donated to skin cancer research | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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!

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!

Beauty Subscription · Make up

Ipsy December 2016 Glam Bag

 

Another month has flown by and tomorrow is Christmas!  I love Christmas, what a wonderful time of year!  Family, parties, food, fun, and cookies (you know I love cookies!)

Almost all the ladies that I work with now subscribe to ipsy.  I always loving seeing what everyone else received in their bags.  It is like opening a shiny pink wrapped gift every month!

(If you don’t know what ipsy is you can check out my previous post all about it by clicking HERE)

December’s theme is “carpe p.m.” Forget rules, responsibilities, and to do lists. Right now, there’s only fun! Decide to live in the moment.

december ipsy glam bag | LookingJoliGood.wordpress.com

While I have heard many people disagree with me, I think that this months bag is super cute!  The material a fuzzy furry pink material.   It is a nice rectangular shape with the zipper across the top.  This one has a little pull handle and it is supposed to double as a wristlet clutch “perfect for all your holiday events”!

As usual my daughter took one look at the bag and said “I  want it!”  As usual I told her we can share it.

Here is what I got in my bag for December:

ipsy december 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

City Color CosmeticsBe Matte Blush in Fresh Melon, Blackberry, and Guava

city color be matte blush | LookingJoliGood.wordpress.com

This blush trio is very smooth and pigmented.  I really like that all three of the shades included are matte.  It seems as if most blushes have some sort of sparkle in them. While they are beautiful on their own, I have been wearing all three colors swirled together.  Another great thing about this blush it is also cruelty free!  Colors included are fresh melon, blackberry and guava.  How cute that they have fruit related names.

citycolorbematteblush

Ultra-fine pressed powders are unbelievably simple to blend, so we can go from peekaboo

  • Fresh Melon is a perfectly sweet pink. Blackberry teases with a hint of mauve. And Guava adds some peach flavor. All three shades look stunning on any skin tone.
  • Mix and match to create custom colors just for you.
  • Can’t stop, won’t stop. Color that takes us from dawn ‘til dusk.

Hikari Cosmetics Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Iris

hikari eye liner | LookingJoliGood.wordpress.com

When I first saw this I was not happy at all!  I have gotten so many black eyeliners in my recent ipsy bags.  I was planning to pass it along to a coworker.  Come to find out, this liquid liner is actually purple.  I will be keeping this one and giving her another unopend one that I have.

eyeliner swatch | LookingJoliGood.wordpress.com

  • Late-night party ready. Goes on smooth and won’t smudge.
  • A stiff upper tip. Pointed end doesn’t bend or wiggle, so we can create incredibly precise lines.
  • Pigmented enough to give color with one coat. But we like to intensify the hue by layering it.

NYX Professional Makeup Prismatic Shadow in Fireball

I think that ipsy has decided that this is the color of eye shadow that I need to be wearing.  The last 6 eyeshadows that they have sent me have been some form of this shade.  That’s ok, I like eye shadow and I like this color with my eyes.

nyx fireball | LookingJoliGood.wordpress.com

This shadow is so pigmented!  It has super rich color with a metallic shimmer in just this one single swipe.  This eye shadow formula is awesome!  Smooth and creamy. I don’t know why I haven’t heard more about these NYX shadows.  Have any of you tried these?

nyx fireball eyeshadow | LookingJoliGood.wordpress.com

  • Go it alone. No primer necessary to turn on the glitz and get a look that lasts.
  • Standout formula. Soft texture makes the shadow easy to blend, without flecks falling onto our cheeks.

ipsters who sample this shadow in their Glam Bag will receive Bedroom EyesFireballJaded or Punk Heart

Symphony Beauty Snow Cream Moisturizer

This stuff smells amazing!  Because it was hard and frozen from being outside in my mail, I thought it was going to be the consistency of coconut oil.  In actuality it is more like a gel.  I haven’t used it yet, but I am looking forward to trying it out.

symphony beauty | LookingJoliGood.wordpress.com

Zero gravity. This weightless whipped gel moisturizer feels as light and fluffy as fresh snow—and has us dreaming of a white Christmas.

  • Instant gratification. Absorbs immediately and leaves our faces looking fresh and hydrated.
  • Cut the grease. No sticky or tacky residue left behind. Just super smooth skin.
  • Oh, do glow on. Vitamin E nourishes and helps brighten up our complexions.

tarte Cosmetics Deluxe Maracuja Oil

I have heard really good things about this oil, so I am really excited about trying it!  During the winter months I add a drop or two of oil to my foundation, so I will definitely get some good use out of this oil in the next few winter months.

tarte maracuja oil  | LookingJoliGood.wordpress.com

Oils can seem scary (um hello! who wants to look greasy?!) but this multitasker left our skin quenched, nourished, and dewy—not shiny. You’ll want to have a bottle on you at all times.

  • Packed with complexion heroes like skin-brightening Vitamin C and repairing fatty acids
  • Use it for a zillion other things like frizz-fighting, on-the-go manis, makeup removal
Over all I really like this month’s bag!  I can’t wait to see what is to come in 2017!
Did you get a glam bag this month?  What did you get in yours?  Were you happy with your samples?  Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out?  Let me know in the comments below.

Don’t forget, if you don’t already subscribe and would like to try out ipsy, you can use my referral link by clicking HERE!  Also, if you are interested in seeing my other recent posts about ipsy click HERE.

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!

 

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #44

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

 

This week’s tip is how to avoid that dreaded gap between your eyeliner and eyelashes…

While there is no “wrong way” to do your makeup, and if you like the way that something looks go for it and do what makes you feel pretty!…All that being said…

I remember when I was a junior in college I had a friend that always had a gap in between her eyeliner and eyelash line.  For some strange reason, it seriously drove me nuts!

gap eyeliner | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

When eyeliner is done correctly your lashes will look fuller and your liner will make your eyes stand out.  To achieve this is as simple as wiggling your eyeliner directly into your lash line.  Yup, that is it!   If you need to you can even lift your upper lid and tight lining underneath you lashes.  This way your eyeliner with be an enhancement and not a distraction from you beautiful eyes!

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Gel Liner | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #50

Can you believe that the year is almost over? I have been posting these no gym no problem posts since the very first week of January and we are now on week 50!

I love workouts that use compound movements along with weights. Two birds with one stone!  This is a great quick workout that uses both body weight and weights.  Take some time today to improve you health and well being. You are totally worth it!  As always, no excuses, just do it!

no gym no problem | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

walkout-push-up.gif

squat-with-heel-raise

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!

 

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #49

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!

No Gym? No Problem! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Flat Stomach Routine No Gym? No Problem! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Flat Stomach Routine No Gym? No Problem! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.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!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!

 

Review

How ’bout Them Samples # 5 Review

how bout them samples | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
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 prep and protect | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
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

candied vanilla hand lotion | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
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
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 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
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 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
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.lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #48

Usually around this time of year with the holidays and colder weather it is tough to stay motivated to workout and eat right.  You know I love my girl Jessica Smith!  She is so encouraging and has some really great workouts. I love to use weights and build my muscle’s strength.   When using the weights, do whatever works for you.You can either use one set of smaller and larger weights like Jessica does, or just a set of smaller weights, or if you feel more comfortable just your own body weight.

Do you have 30 minutes to improve your health and wellness? Yes, You Do! No Excuses, Just do 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!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, 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 user name in the comment section below!