Hello and I miss you all!
With work, life, and school my life has been extremely busy.
However, I have missed blogging and Instagraming so much! So I made it my New Year’s resolution to restart and revamp my blog and Instagram.
What kind of content would you like to see? Throw all your ideas in the comments!
Be on the look out for new posts from me.
Thank you 🐷
I finally got around to using two of my foil sample packets. Ya know, the free sample with your purchase kind of thing?
Let’s see how much a single use sample can really affect my opinion on a product.
Fourth Ray Beauty AM to the PM Gel Cleanser
This gel cleanser is from ColourPop’s sister brand. This is also the first time I have ever tried a Fourth Ray product.
The cleanser has a pleasant scent. It foams up nicely, and did a lovely job at breaking down left over makeup and grime.
Would I purchase? Yes! Once I get through all the face washes I have acquired, I will purchase this one.
Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask
I enjoy one use mask samples. This mask only has to stay on for ten minuets, then you just wash it off.
There was no over whelming scent. I did notice that the pores around my nose are now a bit clearer.
Would I purchase? No, the Yes to Tomatoes mud mask is the exact same thing, and I think it works better.
That is it for my little sample review
What is a sample you have that you are excited to try?
Thank you for reading 🐞
Find me on IG @_notan_alien
Find me on SC @manda_janette
It is now officially my favorite month of the year, October! I love everything to do with it, fall, pumpkins, HALLOWEEN!
But, for now, let’s focus on my September beauty Empties.
Tarte Blush sample “Captivating”
This is not a product I will be purchasing. I have a million blushes that don’t get used as it is. The color is very pretty though. I also thought it important to mention I got a ton of use out of this little sample.
PUR Cosmetics Makeup Blender
I got this in a Boxy Charm before I cancelled my subscription. I really am not a fan of this sponge. It does the job, but it is nothing compared to the beauty blender. I will not be picking up another.
NYX HD Concealer “yellow”
This Concealer is really inexpensive, and usually on some sort of discount at Ulta. Unfortunately, it didn’t do much for me. It is very thin, so it gave no coverage. I will not be repurchasing it.
Wet n’ Wild Photo Focus Foundation “Shell Ivory”
I love this Foundation. It is the perfect match for my skin, cruelty free AND vegan AND very inexpensive. I have already repurchased this Foundation, and I used a half off coupon so it was only like $2.50!!
Smashbox Photo Ready Eye Primer “light”
This was just a little sample of the product. But, I really disliked it. It seemed to make my lids crease even more than normal. Will not purchase.
Bath and Body Works “Twilight Woods” body spray mini
If only bath and body works was completely cruelty free. I do enjoy this warm woodsy scent. Unfortunately, B&BW is not a company I support anymore.
Naked Scrubs “Lemon”
I got this body scrub in a vegan Cuts box and I am in love with it. It was really clean ingredients wise, the perfect amount of grittiness, and the smell was stunning! I want to try more of their products, so yes. I will be purchasing this product.
Ban Deodorant
This Deodorant smelled very sweet and nice. But, it really did not do its job. It would work for like an hour- then nothing. So, nope will not ever repurchase.
Nexxus City Shield Shampoo and Conditioner
I received these products for free from Influenster. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the scent. I also do not think that they perform well enough to cost $19 each. Will not be purchasing.
CVS Makeup Remover Wipes
I really enjoyed these wipes. Unfortunately, I don’t live anywhere near a CVS now. What is your favorite makeup removing wipe??
Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum
The scent of this stuff….I cannot stand it! I believe I got this ages ago in a Birch Box. It didn’t do anything for my acne anyway. Will not be purchasing this Serum.
Tony Moly I’m Real Red Wine Mask
I really enjoyed this mask, and thought the fit was great. Unfortunately, Tony Moly is not a cruelty free brand. Therefore, I will not be purchasing this mask again.
That’s all my Empties for this month! Not to much, but that’s ok! What did you use up this month? Comment below!!
IG and SC @manda_janette
I absolutely love Influenster. Even if their app is acting up right now, and I can’t complete my tasks. Has anyone else had this issue?
Anyway, I love seeing what they send out in their boxes. Which you get by reviewing products and being chosen to do simple tasks.
This specific box came out to a total of $31.41, and it was 100% free!! It also contains products I will actually use, super fly Influenster, super fly.
Alba Botanical Acnedote Face & Body Scrub $10.45 retail value
This is a product I have tried in the past. I am doing a desperate post on it, so I won’t say much. But I will say, I was really pumped when I saw the full size in the box!
Tampax Pocket Pearl $6.99 for 36 pack
I will not get personal use out of these. My birth control has made it to where I do have periods. BUT, I always keep feminine hygiene products in my bag, just Incase there happens to be another lady in need. I have a little kit in an Ipsy bag, these are compact so they are discreet and won’t take up much room!
Not Your Mothers Natural Dry Shampoo $8.99 retail value
Dry shampoo!! I go through so much dry shampoo, and I really love trying new ones. I have eczema on my scalp, so the fact that this dry shampoo is unscented gives me high hopes. I will update y’all!! The dry shampoo didn’t even have attached tasks to complete, so it’s like a little extra.
Sinful Colors Polish and Transforming Top Coat $1.99
The red shade is meant to be the Transforming top coat. Apparently it is different with each use. I have not had good experiences with this brand in the past, so we will see. I may show my home done mani on my Snapchat manda_janette
Sour Punch Bites $1.99 Value
Free candy! What more can I say!? I love Sour Punch Straws, this little treat is right up my alley!
Balance Cookie Dough $1.00 Value
I wanted to love this, but it was just too bitter for me, sadly. I would like to try their other flavors though.
That’s it guys! What did you think? Have you received any Vox Boxes? Leave your feed back below!
Instagram and SC @manda_janette
Beautyandtidbits@yahoo.com
Hello everyone!
We are going to start this post, with a picture of a delicious raspberry margarita I had today. It is one of my favorite drinks, and empties posts are one of my favorite posts. It seemed fitting.
As my title explains, these are the products that made it through my move a little over a month ago, plus what I continued to use up, up until now.
In shower products:
Now that I no longer have a significant other #singleswag, I can buy whatever products I want. So I am working even harder on weeding out any products that are not completely cruelty free. It feels good to not be wasting money, and to really be moving these products out of my stash.
Dove gentle exfoliating soap bar: I always wash my face with a bar soap after I use micellar water, and before cleansing. My grandmother stock piles these. I believe I have a few more left, but I have found a great alternative for my face, in the Nubian Heritage Exfoliating Facial Bar (I believe it is called).
Tresemme moisture rich shampoo and conditioner minis: I have no idea how I even came to own these. Nothing too awesome. Wouldn’t purchase again even if I liked it.
Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom body wash: I really need help. Is BBW cruelty free?! So far I am thinking it is not. I love this scent and how soft the body wash makes my skin.
Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter body wash mini: I am 99% positive I got this in a pinch me Box ages ago. Did not like the scent. Apparently this is the soap my mother actually buys though. In case you were wondering a different perspective.
Tuscan Hills Vanilla Almond body wash: There was no scent to this. Did nothing for my skin. Pretty sure this came in a Christmas gift set.
Clean and Clear Moring Burst face wash mini: Even if clean and clear was cruelty free I wouldn’t buy this. I didn’t like the little beads in it. Nor did I like the scent. I did nothing to improve my skin.
Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo: UGH, how I wish herbal essence was cruelty free. So many great scents, and I find that their products actually work. I had used this Shampoo all through out high school. (Which was only four years ago!) Still a bit nostalgic though.
Random beauty products
Biobelle #primer sheet mask: I have a review for this if you are interested. It was the post before this one. Little hint, I love it!
Dermalogica Daily Microdermabrasion mini: I love this powdery stuff! It actually felt like it removed all the dead skin! Why does the full size have to be so expensive?
Burts Bees Facial Cleansinf Towelettes travel pack: I think these also came from pinchme? I love them. I have purchased them before, may again.
Batista Tropical dry shampoo: I think all the fragrance in this was really bad for my scalp eczema. I do love the original though!
Hygiene products:
Schmidt’s Rose Vanilla Deodorant: I love this stuff and will be buying it again. 10/10 recommended by me!
Dove men’s mineral sage Deodorant: This was actually sent to my ex to try. But I needed Deodorant so I took it instead. It was nice when I was in need.
BBW hand sanitizer in peppermint candy cane: I really dislike this scent, but I had it so I wanted to use it up.
Home fragrance:
Mainstays Cranberry Mandarin candle: My all time favorite scent. I always have back ups of it. It’s a beautiful, fruity scent. And I love it all year round.
BBW wall flower bergamot waters: I really enjoy this scent. If BBW was CF I would totally purchase it again.
Makeup
Wet n’ Wild Photofocus Concealer: I believe I said in my initial review that this was not my favorite Concealer. That initial opinion still stands. Probably will not purchase against
Smash Box Photo Finish eye Primer “light”: this was a sample (obviously). I hated it. It seemed like it made my lids crease more. Would not spend the money on it.
Anastasia Brow Wiz “taupe”: I kept the packing for my new one, because my finished one got tossed. But, I will gladly continue to pay the $20ish on this product. It’s the only way I can make my brows look decent!
Alright y’all that’s it for tonight! Thank you so much for reading. What have you used up recently?
What is a produc you think I must try? Which subscription service should I bring back? PLEASE comment below!
IG and snap chat manda_janette
*I can only attest to one time sample use*
You can purchase the full-size of this product for $36 at Sephora.
What the site says:
This firming moisturizer works as a serum, priming moisturizer, eye cream, neck cream, and sleeping mask in one. It’s highly enriched with egg yolk extract, albumen (egg white) extract, and inka omega oil to provide intensive nourishment to skin. It is also infused with collegen fiber to support the appearance of more elastic
It is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
My experience:
I found there was not much scent to this product, which I think is ideal for skin care. If was a really heavy moisturizer, yet it did not break me out. It did leave my skin feeling hydrated and healthy.
When using this product you need to make sure to pat it in to your skin, due to stringy bits of collagen. This was a bit strange to me, but again, I can not attest to the long term use of this product, so I am not sure if the collagen strings actually firm like they are supposed to!
I did not really see an improvement in the over all dullness of my skin, unfortunately.
I really do not see myself purchasing this. Honestly, 5 in 1 claims sound a little gimmicky to me. I also used to have an egg allergy when I was a child, so I am wary of exposing my skin to too much egg. Even if it is just a little bit of egg white extract. I do have the body cream to try as well so stay tuned!
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this little post. Have you tried this product before? Comment below!
Instagram and Snap @manda_janette
Beautyandtidbits@yahoo.com
*I can only attest to the one time use the samples provided*
I recently got the Shea Moisture Kukui and Grapeseed oil cream Cleanser and Face/neck Cream in the Target Natural Beauty Box and had to try it out!
The Cleanser:
The Cleanser retails for $9.99.
It made my skin feel extremely soft, and it smelt really relaxing. Perfect for the shower at night.
From the site:
Made with natural and certified organic ingredients.
Kukui Nut Oil rich in vitamins A, C, and E, helps to protect against premature signs of aging skin.
Grapeseed Oil is rich in beta-carotene vitamins D, C, E and antioxidants.
Olive leaf extract is moistrizing with powerfl antioxidant properties
Over all:
👍👍👍👍👍 I will be purchasing this, I love it!! My skin felt clean and fresh after use.
The face and neck cream:
Retails for $14.99
This had the same scent as the Cleanser. However, I thought it was too thick. Almost like Greek yogurt!
From the site:
Aging Skin
SheaMoisture’s Kukui Nut & Grapeseed Oil Youth Infusing Face & Neck Crème hydrates and illuminates skin. Infused with mineral light reflectors to instantly give a brightened and more youthful looking appearance. Kukui Nut and Grapeseed Oils deliver a nutriant rich formula with vitamins D, C, E and beta-carotene to protect while infusing skin with hydrating moisture, leaving skin texture perfect for makeup application.
Directions: Apply morning and evening on the face and neck.
• Made with natural and certified organic ingredients.
• Kukui Nut Oil rich in vitamins A, C, and E, helps to protect against premature signs of aging skin.
• Grapeseed Oil is rich in beta-carotene vitamins D, C, E and antioxidants.
• Mineral light reflectors help highlight and illuminate for youthful looking skin.
Skin Concern: basic care, visible pores
Recommended Skin Type: mature, sensitive, oily, normal, combination
Used For: moisturizing, anti-aging, Wrinkle Reduction, skin texture improvement
Over all: 👍👍 Not for me, maybe because my skin hasn’t aged much. But, this is not something I will be purchasing.
I hope you liked this sample review, thank you for stopping by. Have you tried these products before? Comment below!
Instagram and snap @manda_janette
Beautyandtidbits@yahoo.com
Before I get in to the actual review of this line, I wanted to let you all know that I am currently on vacation. This post is being written from my phone, therefore the format will be a little off.
A few weeks ago I got this new line from L’oreal in a Vox Box from Influenster. I want it to be very clear thay this is NOT a company I purchase from, due to my cruelty free stance. I did, however, want to try this line because of how it is supposed to be formulated.
The bottles also state that they are cruelty free, but L’oreal tests where required by law. Rather than leaving those places.
*I did test these over a week long period, even a few days more*
Shampoo:
For a sulfate free shampoo, I was very pleased with the lather it gave me. Sulfate free shampoos tend to lack the latherimg capablitites. The scent (rosemary), is also very nice. It did not irritate my scalpe, which is easy to do. My hair felt very clean after ward’s, and I didn’t feel the need to ‘re wash it the following day. 👍👍👍👍. Not five beacuse of the brand.
Conditioner:
I have to say, this is a fantastic conditioner for the drugstore. It left my hair feeling great, even after the first use. And with out all the chemicals! After extended use my hair was softer and much less frizzy.👍👍👍👍
Elixir:
I had high hopes for this product because I am a big fan of hair elixir type things. When I used it and let my hair air dry it did nothing. If I used it before styling or on dry hair it made my hair feel almost gummy in parts. This is a big 👎👎👎
*I did get these products for free, but all opinions are my own. *
I hope you enjoyed this quick review, while I was on vacation. Thank you for reading! Find me on snap and instagram @ manda_janette
XoXo manda
* I can only speak for short term use of this product, from a sample packet*
The Marc Jacobs (Under) Cover Coconut Perfecting Face Primer, has been all over YouTube. The packaging is beautiful, and it is connected to a brand that screams luxury beauty.
From the site:
“What it is:
A skin-smoothing, makeup-extending primer infused with five types of coconut to nourish and hydrate the complexion.
What it does:
Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer brings the refreshing feel of coconut to your face while it perfects and extends makeup wear. With its hydrating, nutrient-rich formula, it is especially ideal for normal to dry skin types to create a smooth and improved skin surface before applying foundation. It’s enriched with concentrated coconut extracts that form a natural, vitamin-rich barrier between your skin and makeup. The coconut water-derived polysaccharide complex mirrors the effect of synthetic priming ingredients, allowing your skin to breathe without compromising the skin-perfecting benefits. The result is makeup that stays on longer and skin that appears younger-looking and better than ever.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates
What else you need to know:
Under(Cover) is inspired by Marc Jacobs’s love of coconut water, and a “deconstructed coconut.” The five most essential coconut ingredients help prime and smooth skin:
Coconut fruit: features skin-boosting vitamins and antioxidants.
Coconut water: features nutrients for hydration and smoothing.
Coconut milk: helps prime and smooth the complexion and blur imperfections.
Coconut polysaccharides: help prime the complexion.
Coconut extract: provides a natural coconut fragrance.
Research results:
In an independent consumer study of 32 women wearing Under(cover) for over 8 hours:
– 100% agreed Under(cover) smoothed rough patches
– 100% agreed skin felt smoother with Under(cover)
– 97% agreed Under(cover) improved skin’s surface
– 97% agreed Under(cover) provided a smooth canvas for foundation”
This primer cost $44. Get it, here, from Sephora.com
My experience and thoughts:
I like this primer. But, I do not like it anymore than the one from Too Faced. The Marc Jacob’s primer feels, smells, and works fantastic. I was curious about how clean the ingredients are, so I looked up the product, then the first few ingredients on EWG.com, there was no info about the Marc Jacobs primer, and very little about any of the ingredients. Marc Jacobs Beauty is CF, their fragrances however, are not (According to Cruelty Free Kitty). So, not really a brand that I want to buy from in general.
I think this is a great product, but not one I am willing to pay $44 for, when I like one, that is almost exactly the same, for around $10 less. The packaging just isn’t as pretty on the cheaper version.
Hope you enjoyed this short post. Thank you for reading! What do you think of this Marc Jacobs primer? Which coconut primer is your favorite? Comment below! You can also find me on Instagram and Snapchat as manda_janette
XoXo Manda
*I had this product in a one time use sample, so can not speak for long term use just first impressions.*
GlamGlow is a skin care brand, that became pretty popular, due to instagram and youtube beauty gurus. It consists of a multitude of super expensive masks and mask sets.
The full-size of this specific mask costs $69.
From the site:
“Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Oily
✔ Combination
What it is:
A skin care mask designed to visibly clear the complexion.
Solutions for:
– Pores
– Acne and blemishes
– Oiliness
If you want to know more…
The SUPERMUD® Clearing Treatment was clinically developed to address common skin concerns, which include blemishes, redness, scars, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. The potent mud formula supports skin’s natural oil balance, while a proprietary blend of six acids works to dramatically brighten and soften the complexion. Activated-X charcoal lifts away dirt and other skin congestions, resulting in a refined, healthy-looking complexion.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates
Research results:
In a consumer study on a number of participants, after 1 day:
– 94% felt their skin looked renewed
– 91% saw an improvement in skin clarity
– 94% felt the product gently cleared their skin
After 3 uses over 7 days:
– 98% reported their skin looked renewed
– 97% saw an improvement in skin clarity
– 97% felt the mask gently cleared their skin “
My experience:
I hate the smell. It smells like black licorice, which I really dislike. So that is a big mark off itself sense I have to set around for 15 minuets with it on my face. As time wearing it drug on, my face started to burn. At the time of use my face was severely broken out, so I was hoping that this mask would improve my condition. Preferably with out pain.
10 minuets after washing the mask off my face, I took a look into the mirror. This mask works! The first time! The nasites on my face were sucked dry. I am incredibly impressed. If you can deal with the smell and pain, this mask is 100% worth what is costs.
However, I can not deal with the smell. The pain, whatever beauty is pain, but the sent is too much. It sounds like such a small down fall, but it is sitting there, on your face, for an extended period of time. The scent doesn’t go away either after rinsing off the mask. I just can not do it.
What Glam Glow masks do you like? What scent can you not stand? Comment below! I hope you enjoyed this little sample review, you can find more on Instagram and Snapchat manda_janette
XoXo Manda
Beauty & Tidbits 