spring 2016 walmart beauty box -- classic

hi guys! i was recently alerted that this time, walmart began offering two different beauty boxes for purchase, both are $5 each. prior to this, they had two or so different boxes that shipped out each season, presumably based upon your age group...because that's one of the things it asked in your profile. i made a separate post for the "trendsetter" subscription, which you can click here to see what i got in it. if you'd like to subscribe, you can sign up here. ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. colgate optic white platinum express white toothpaste in fresh mint (1.45oz--mini, ret. $1.97) -- so i used the tube that came in my trendsetter box..and no. this is not my definition of a fresh mint flavor. more like medicinal. bleh!
   repurchase? no
2. neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick in almond nude (.08oz--mini, ret. $6.77 for .011oz [$1.38]) -- this is the same shade that came in my trendsetter box, so i'll be passing this one along.
   repurchase? nah
3. banana boat sun comfort broad spectrum spf 30 sunscreen (1oz--mini, ret. $7.49 for 6oz [$1.25]) -- got one of these in my march target box, but i'm interested in trying it out this summer--if i ever go do anything in the sun, lol!
   repurchase? maybe
4. jergens wet skin moisturizer with monoi oil (2oz--mini, ret. $6.99 for 10oz [$1.40]) -- i got one of these recently again too! this came in one of the january target boxes. i actually really enjoyed samples of the coconut one, but i don't really like the scent of the floral one.
   repurchase? maybe the coconut one
5. cetaphil gentle skin cleanser (1oz--mini, ret. $10.39 for 16oz [$0.65]) -- i'm interested in trying this out, since i've heard great things about this. super awesome that it's unscented!
   repurchase? maybe
6. dove dry oil moisture body wash (1.8oz--mini, ret. $5.97 for 22oz [$0.49]) -- this smells super good!! well most argan oil products smell like this..but yeah. i can't wait to try it!
   repurchase? maybe
7. roc multi correxion 5-in-1 chest, neck, & face cream (.17oz--mini, ret. $23.72 for 1.7oz [$1.38]) -- has an older, florally type of scent to it. i'm not really a fan, so this is getting passed along.
   repurchase? no
8. curel rough skin rescue (.7oz--mini, ret. $7.57 for 20oz [$0.26]) -- this feels very nice. the texture or thickness the perfect mix of lotiony and body cream. it doesn't have a strong scent, and i can't wait to use it!
   repurchase? maybe
9. neutrogena healthy skin liquid makeup sampler card (~$12 for 1oz) -- i've actually been interested in trying this, and now i have almost all of the colors to try color matching! woohoo.
   repurchase? maybe
10. extra advertisement cards

approximate product value: ~$9

spring 2016 walmart beauty box -- trendsetter

hi guys! i was recently alerted that this time, walmart began offering two different beauty boxes, both are $5 each. i'll make a separate post for the "classic" subscription as soon as it comes in, but here's this season's trendsetter box! if you'd like to subscribe, you can sign up here. ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. colgate optic white platinum express white toothpaste in fresh mint (1.45oz--mini, ret. $1.97) -- i'm not sure if i used this kind before or not, but i've really been liking the crest 3D white toothpaste in radiant mint. this stuff is gross. no. not minty, tastes medicinal!
   repurchase? maybe no
2. biore baking soda pore cleanser (1oz--mini, ret. $6.76 for 6.77oz [$1]) -- i've been actually using this face wash recently, and i've been liking it. not my absolute favorite, but it definitely gets the job done.
    repurchase? maybe
3. jergens natural glow daily moisturizer for fair to medium skintones (2oz--mini, ret. $8.21 for 7.5oz [$2.19]) -- this smells really nice! i'm not sure how i'll like this compared to their bb body lotion, but it seems like a similar concept.
   repurchase? maybe
4. john frieda brilliant brunette subtle lightening shampoo (2oz--mini, ret. $8.97 for 8.3oz [$2.16]) -- this smells pretty nice. i'm not planning on using it though...don't exactly want to lighten the color my my hair.
   repurchase? no
5. curel itch defense body wash (1oz--mini, ret. $6.62 for 10oz [$0.66]) -- this doesn't have much of a scent. i'm intersted in trying it out, but i don't really have dry itchy skin.
   repurchase? probably not
6. cerave healing ointment (.0085oz--mini, ret. $14.63 for 5oz [$0.03]) -- never really used the sample of aquaphor i got in one of the previous boxes, but we'll see.
   repurchase? nah
7. neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick in almond nude (.08oz--mini, ret. $6.77 for .011oz [$1.38]) -- this is a very flattering nude color for me and feels very nice and balmy.
   repurchase? probably not, this is a nice size and i'm not looking for new lippies right now
8. vera wang embrace periwinkle and iris (sample, ret. $28.32 for 1oz) -- i know that i've said many times that i hate floral scents... but this one's actually an exception. it's pretty nice, an older, sophisticated scent.
   repurchase? probably not
9. neutrogena acne correct & cover pink grapefruit moisturizer (sample, ret. $9.42 for 1.7oz) -- i'm definitely interested in giving this a try, but i'm not sure that i'll get a full size, for the price and there's other things i like and use.
   -- i like the "available at walmart" sticker that they were compelled to adhere to this card. because you know, the walmart beauty box it contains products that aren't sold at walmart. >.>
   repurchase? maybe
10. burt's bees bb cream in light/medium (sample, ret. $15 for 1.7oz) -- this shade is probably going to be too dark for me, so i'll pass this along.
    repurchase? probably not
11. loreal age perfect glow renewal facial oil (sample, ret. $15.13 for 1oz) -- still not getting on the facial oil train, so i'll pass this along.
    repurchase? no
12. extra advertisement cards

approximate product value: ~$9

march 2016: sephora play!

hi guys! i didn't make it to my apartment office until today to pick up my sephora play box! but i haz it nao! (theme: the perfection collection) i'm excited to try these out! ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. kat von d tattoo liner in trooper (.007oz--mini, $19 for .02oz [$6.65]) -- you guys already know that this is my favorite liquid liner! also, i didn't feel the need to swatch it, since i've already done so in the past.
   repurchase? yushhhh
2. sephora collection the perfectionist: airbrush sponge (ret. $12) -- yay! another sponge to add to the i don't really use sponges collection!! dry, it seems very soft and springy, similar to my beauty blender. i'll have to give this a try and let you guys know!
   repurchase? dunno
3. smashbox photo finish primer oil (.1oz--mini, ret. $42 for 1oz [$4.20]) -- yay a new dry shampoo to try out! the only issue i have is its light floral scent, but it's not super overpowering, so it should be interesting. haven't tried dry shampoo in this format before.
   repurchase? no
4. murad invisiblur perfecting shield (.17oz--mini, ret. $65 for 1oz [$11.05]) -- this has the feel of those siliconey primers that i like, but it spreads out a lot thinner. it has a slight indescribable scent, but it's not super noticeable.
   repurchase? probably not, for the price
5. fresh soy face cleanser (.6oz--mini, ret. $38 for 5.1oz [$4.47]) -- i've had many a foil sample of this in the past and never got around to using them, guess i've got an excuse now? the scent doesn't seem very strong, so that's good.
   repurchase? maybe
6. maison martin margiela replica beach walk (sample, ret. $125 for 3.4oz) -- this is a very strange perfume. when i initially sprayed it, it smelled exactly like a walk along the beach. then i waited a minute or two and it smelled floral somehow. waited another minute or two, and it smelled like a sweaty sunscreened person on the beach (in a good way). kind of bizarre, i don't, but i don't like it.repurchase? no
7. mysterious empty sample container -- this was included with almost no information. from what i gather, maybe you bring it with you to the store to get color matched? the page in the booklet regarding this just says stuff about their colorIQ thing. but why would you bring this little guy with you to the store when they have gazillions of these there already?? so weird.
8. 'coupon' for an extra 50 points on the next in-store purchase

approximate product value: ~$38

what i got for my birthday!

hi guys!!! my birthday passed and i gots some new and exciting stuffs! the thing that really sucks about my birthday being this time of year is that there's only 2ish months between christmas and my birthday. and there's a whole 9 months until christmas, making self control very difficult! =P anyway, here's what i gots... ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. vizio smart tv -- originally, i wanted this as a second monitor for my desk at work. but once i saw it in person, it's hyooj!! so i'm going to keep this one at home as my new tv and take an older tv to work to use as my monitor.
2. super mario gummies -- teh paul's friend is a pretty goofy person, so to not come to my birthday dinner empty handed, he was thoughtful and brought me these.
3. laundry sorter cart with individual removable bags! -- this was something teh paul wanted! lol, well i was the one who wanted it first and he liked the idea, so he got it for me since it was on my list. we ended up not putting the casters on it because we're not wheeling it places.

1. nyc metro girl unscented makeup brush cleanser, freebies: inner chi coconut soap, tea tree & lavender face mask
2. christy cali LSU charm for my pandora-esque bracelet

1. bluetooth mouse -- so i can use it with my tablet when traveling. using a stylus just isn't enough for me, and our tablet is a poorly designed p.o.s. not always responsive. and sometimes, i'd rather travel with it instead of my laptop because of the size and weight.
2. purseN amour travel case in black & white tuxedo (polka dots and stripes)

sephora: one of my friends got me a gift card, so i spent it all on a few of the new anastasia beverly hills single shadows (4 for $40 with case), code freebie: giorgio armani fluid sheer 2

pink champagne, macaroon, chocolate crumble, rosette, truffle glitter; fluid sheer 2

beautylish: my grandparents gave me some money, so i got a natasha denona paletta 5 in 08.
note: though it looks like there's a gap in the upper right corner of the pan wells...these are not magnetized to the palette. i ended up having to glue one of them back in after wedging something in there. on another note, that makes them super easy to depot if you wanted to do so! third, there was no brush or applicator in that bottom section..so i'm not totally sure what that's about..

glaze, smoky quartz, golden rose, dark sepia, golden beige

makeup geek: eyeshadows in barcelona beach, goddess, bleached blonde, purely naked, travel vault palette -- only complaint about this palette is that it fingerprints waaay too easily, and that kind of sucks, otherwise, it works great!

barcelona beach, purely naked, bleached blonde, goddess

colourpop: lumiere 2, weenie, aquarius -- aquarius is very interesting. most of my other lippie stix have a vanilla scent, this one smells like caramel.

weenie, aquarius, lumiere 2

aquarius

lumiere 2 (it was a sassy bun day!)

not pictured: one of my friends gave me a gift card to the loft, but i haven't picked anything out yet.

march 2016 ipsy bag

hi guys! guess what i've got?! my march IPSY BAG*! (theme: hello spring) sorry this post is a little late, they delivered it saturday at my apartment and i didn't get it until last night..then i had to go to work today. ugh! haha, just kidding. ~Lin-chan ^.~

here's my impressions:

1. marc anthony nourishing argan oil of morocco 3 day smooth perfect blow dry cream (1.69oz--mini, ret. $8.99 for 6.76oz [$2.25]) -- i don't typically blow dry my hair, but i am still interested in these kinds of things. this does have an argan oil type scent to it, but it's light.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
2. NoTS 28 remedy balancing toner (.3oz--mini, ret. $59.99 for 3.4oz [$5.29]) -- this is very interesting. it's a clear gel, almost like a slightly more solid version of hand sanitizer that dries pretty quickly. it does have a slight alcohol type scent to it as well.
• likelihood to repurchase: probably not
3. pixi beauty beauty blush duo in rose gold (.16oz--full size?, ret. $18) -- so, ipsy's sad attempts at protecting this product were all for naught. they even had this little guy wrapped in a thin bubble wrap pouch in addition to it being in a bubble mailer. and it still died. thankfully, ipsycare responded to my email within about 2 hours--on a sunday night no less. and i went ahead and dumped the contents into a dish with some 91% isopryl [rubbing] alcohol and proceeded to re-pot this. after letting it dry for about a day, it came out really nice. it's very light, like a highlighter. i'm not so sure how well this would work as a split pan, half blush, half highlight. because combined, these aren't much of a blush. but it is super pretty!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
4. nyx cosmetics lip suede in pink lust (.13oz--full size, ret. $7) -- oh yeah~ lookit this color!! LOL. no. color aside, the formula is pretty interesting. it doesn't have a scent to it, and it dries down kind of slowly. it does transfer very easily (it got on my teeth, repeatedly while swatching), and it stains extremely easy. it was the last swatch i applied to my arm, snapped several consecutive photos, and immediately wiped it off... in less than 2 minutes, there was a stain on my arm. yep. i'm not sure if this is an issue with this shade, but it was pretty patchy, and i could see brownish splotches where my natural lip color was showing through.
• likelihood to repurchase: no
5. manna kadar 3 in 1 blush highlighter eyeshadow in fantasy (.1oz--full size?, ret. $19) -- this is such a pretty shadow/highlighter/thingy for yo' face. it's a little stiffer than most highlighters--like more of a standard, non-creamy pressed eyeshadow. the color is super gorgeous!
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
6. redeemed points: befine exfoliating cleanser (1oz--mini, ret. $24 for 4oz [$6]) -- i am all about the scrubs! i can't wait to give this a try! it does have a sweet scent to it, probably from the almond and brown sugar.
• likelihood to repurchase: maybe
7. green & red floral ipsy bag -- it's cute. not totally my thing.
8. card with company info/discount codes
1. essentiellebeauty.com: 20% off purchase, code: ipsypromotion20 (exp. 4/30/16)
2. pixibeauty.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsymarch (exp. 4/30/16)
3. nyxcosmetics.com: 40% off 1 be gone! lip remover, code: nyxbegone (exp. 4/30/16)
4. mannakadarcosmetics.com: 30% off purchase, code: [no code provided..] (exp. 4/30/16)
5. beaugachis.com: 20% off purchase, code: beautifulipster (exp. 4/30/16)
6. beabombshellcosmetics.com: 25% off purchase & a free lip crayon, code: ipsy25 (exp. 4/30/16)
7. crownbrush.us: 25% off purchase, code: 2016crownipsy25 (exp. 4/30/16)
8. firstaidbeauty.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy15 (exp. 4/30/16)
9. zjashop.com: 20% off purchase & free shipping, code: ipsy2016 (exp. 4/30/16)
10. temptu.com: 20% off purchase (some exclusions), code: ipsy20 (exp. 4/30/16)
11. mellowcosmetics.com: 15% off purchase & free shipping on $40+, code: ipsy (exp. 4/30/16)
12. luxiebeauty.com: 30% off purchase, code: ipsyluxie (exp. 4/30/16)
13. starlooks.com: 15% off purchase, code: ipsy0416 (exp. 4/30/16)
14. modelcocosmetics.com: 20% off $39 purchase & free shipping, code: ipsy20 (exp. 6/30/16)
15. livingproof.com: free travel-size prime style extender cream $22+ purchase, code: ipsy (exp. 4/30/16)
16. evologie.net: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 4/30/16)
17. aphroditeusa.com: 30% off purchase , code: ipsy30 (exp. 4/30/16)
18. veramona.com: 25% off purchase & free double ended vera mona brush, code: ipsy2016 (exp. 4/30/16)
19. ofracosmetics.com: 40% off purchase, code: ipsyofra (exp. 4/30/16)
20. skonecosmetics.com: 10% off purchase, code: ipsymarch2016 (exp. 4/30/16)
21. esalon.com: 50% off esalon perfect ending leave-in conditioner, no code needed, ends 4/30/16
22. margaretdabbs.co.uk: 20% off purchase, code: ipsy20 (exp. 4/30/16)
23. colourpop.com: $5 off purchase, code: ipsycolourpop (exp. 4/30/16)
1. $5 is awesome! you can either use it toward shipping ($4.99), or spend $35+ to get free shipping!!

approximate product value: ~$51.54? + $6

rose gold blush, fantasy highlight, pink lust

pink lust

*Affiliate Link.

9 months

hi guys! we have finally reached the 9 month mark, a whole year is quickly approaching!! and i've got some news for ya. well, not news about me per se. at the beginning of this month, two more of my friends quit to seek greener pastures and go back to school. a third friend got an offer for her dream job and is leaving pretty soon too. a fourth friend is actively looking elsewhere. so our original group of 20 is shrinking down to 16 (maybe even 15) very soon, which is pretty saddening. but at the same time, i'm happy for them because they haven't been happy with their jobs, so i guess it works out.

me personally, i am ok with where i am. my project is finally taking off, and i'm learning a whole lot. i don't have to travel much, i mean 1 week out of 9 months isn't bad at all! and the purpose of our project is for us to be stationed in our office anyway. financially, teh paul and i are doing fine, even though i'm not making nearly enough for the amount of stress this job involves (the job, not my project). i think eventually, there may be a time where i begin to think the same as my friends who have left, but i'm still trying to see the brighter side of things for now. i haven't been on this project long enough to want to rage quit think about moving on yet. at the beginning, i had intentions of staying until teh paul finished school (which who knows how much longer that'll be, but that's another story...). but i was pretty skeptical of my job in the first few months because of a lot of horror stories we've heard and poor management at our office. but i've been pretty much just taking things a day at a time and hoping for the best. so, who knows where i'll be in the coming months, but i'll keep you guys posted! ~Lindsay-chan ^.~

notd: sinful colors wonder mint

first notd of 2016! because my project's a-rollin and i never want to wear business-appropriate colors, i haven't wanted to waste time painting my nails.. aside from like clear polishes. so a couple days ago, i got my march target beauty box and they included this nail polish! i'm not as huge of a fan of cream polishes because sometimes they can be streaky or patchy or i feel like they look or feel thick.... anyway, this one's no exception, but with careful application, it's not so bad. and from a distance it looks very nice! ~Lin-chan ^.~
this is two coats with american classics gelous advanced nail gel coat on top.

march target beauty box

hi guys! the march target box was at my door today! yay~! ~Lin-chan ^.~

1. clairol hair food moisture shampoo & conditioner (.33oz each--sample, ret. $9.99 for 17.9oz [$0.37]) -- these'll be passed along seeing as though this contains a moisturizing shampoo.
   repurchase? no
2. laneige water sleeping mask (20ml--mini, ret. $24 for 70ml [$0.75]) -- i actually got one of these quite a while back and never got around to using it and passed it along. i think i'll do the same again.
   repurchase? nah
3. sinful colors nail polish in wonder mint (ret. $2.02) -- such a pretty tiffany blue! i will have to do a separate swatch post later, since this isn't really a business appropriate color.....
    repurchase? maybe
4. nugg face mask - revitalizing (1 pod, ret. $3.29) -- i will have to try this one out. i've tried one of their other masks in the past, but not this one.
   repurchase? maybe
5. caress shower gel in adore forever (1.8oz--mini, ret. $3.99 for 13.9oz [$0.65]) -- first and foremost, can i get this color in nail polish form?! so pretty. it's a holographic magenta pink! anyway, the scent is pretty nice. i still haven't tried the other sample of this i got (in love forever--also want this as a nail polish, holo purple!), so i'm not sure about the 12 hour fragrance claim.
   repurchase? maybe
6. not your mother's beach babe texturizing sea salt spray (ret. $2.99 for 2oz) -- yay more sea salt sprays..because i still haven't gotten half way through the first one! (this makes like 5 by the way........) i've never tried anything from this brand before, but i've heard a few things about it in the past. the scent of this is really pleasant, an artificial coconut but not overwhelming. very interesting.
   repurchase? dunno
7. banana boat sun comfort broad spectrum spf 30 sunscreen (1oz--mini, ret. $7.49 for 6oz [$1.25]) -- this is quite interesting. when i first applied it, it half smelled of coconut and half of nasty ol sunscreen. but now that it's dry, it just smells like coconut tanning oil or something. also, it is undetectable on the skin, no layer of lotion slimy feel.
   repurchase? maybe
8. you are amazing juicy grapefruit body lotion (1oz--mini, ret. $3.99 for 8oz [$0.50]) -- this is a very thin or light lotion. scent is a bubble gummy artificial grapefruit type scent, very interesting. i'll probably pass this along since i'm not sure how i feel about the scent.
   repurchase? maybe
9. $3 off $15 coupon

approximate product value: ~$12

february favorites

hi guys!! sorry this post came up so late. my work project is taking off and as soon as i get home, i just want to veg out. so sorry that this took a while just for a few measly items! ~Lin-chan ^.~

baby face, sable, barcelona beach, havoc

1. eyeshadow trifecta: makeup geek baby face, barcelona beach, ulta sable -- i probably mentioned this combo on here before but these are still my go-to's. these three shadows have been the basis for pretty much every eye look i've been doing lately. i use baby face on the browbone, apply sable in the crease upward close to the browbone, and barcelona beach in the crease. then i'll apply either an inner corner highlight type shade or just my main shade across the whole lid.
2. makeup geek havoc -- i love pairing this with the three shadows mentioned above. ugh it's so good. these photos do not do this shadow justice, because it's so freaking difficult to photograph. so here's a sad attempt of me trying to capture the gorgeousness of this shadow.
3. lamora beauty flat top kabuki brush -- i received this brush for christmas and i've been really enjoying using it! i think that this is a great, inexpensive alternative to the sigma F80, at about $11. i haven't been using it quite as frequently as i used the beauty junkees flat top kabuki, which basically died after 4 months of continuous use, so i'm not sure how long this one will last me, but we'll have to see!
4. estee lauder advanced night eye repair (not pictured) -- i forgot to grab this for the photo, but for whatever reason, i've been enjoying this eye "cream". this has more of a silicone-y primer texture and feel to it, and i don't really know if it's giving me supah amazing benefits or not...but i've been enjoying using it! haha.

review: influenster target dry spray voxbox

 

hi guys! this took me forever and a day to throw together, but here we go! at the end of january, i received another influenster* voxbox containing two dry deodorant sprays from dove. and now i'm finally making my review of them! ~Lindsay-chan ^.~
dove [women's] dry spray in cool essentials

1. this is actually my second dove spray deodorant, the first being the "beauty finish" one, which i purchased on the idea that i liked the solid deodorant of that scent and never tried spray deodorant before, so why not give it a shot? and i wasn't super happy with it, partially because the scent wasn't the same. the deodorant lasted well throughout the day, but....
2. the major issue i have, which i'm not sure if this is for all aerosol body sprays or just the dove spray deodorants -- is that i'm having major reactions to the aerosol-ness of them. like i can't even be in the same room i used it in until it airs out. the aerosol-y smell it leaves makes it difficult to breathe or just makes me want to gag. does that make sense..? probably not, but that's been my problem while using both of my dove spray deodorants and teh paul using his. even putting clothes on and then spraying it on under clothing did not help. it alleviated some of the gag-reflex issue, but i still had to close off any rooms we used it in until the smell dissipated.
3. which brings us to the "cool essentials" flavor. i didn't have any issues with the scent, i thought that it was nice and fresh. it did not make me think of cucumbers as the photo kind of implies. it did last very well throughout the day (the scent and keeping me dry), but i can't say for sure that this will hold up well in the summer months, especially in louisiana heat and humidity. but for the cooler months, it's not too bad.
4. repurchase? no

dove men+care dry spray in extra fresh

1. on one of the occasions that target offered men's 'beauty' boxes, they included dove men's "clean comfort" dry spray. teh paul was reluctant to use it at first, but eventually it grew on him to the point where he repurchased another to take on his italy trip last summer, and later the solid version of this scent. 
2. the "extra fresh" scent, i'm not as much of a fan of. i feel like the scent fades super fast and it's not anything special. he's ok with either of these scents--i guess because he's a guy and doesn't really care, and 'yay free deodorant', so he hasn't really said much about this one.
3. repurchase? maybe, but more likely the clean comfort scent

#trydry #target

disclosure: I WAS NOT COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST, HOWEVER I DID RECEIVE A SAMPLE FOR MY REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND NOT INFLUENCED IN ANY WAY. ---- and not only that, i purchased a men's and woman's dove spray deodorant for us to try prior to receiving these.

*Affiliate Link.