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 🐷
Gripping primers are all the rage right now. While ELF does have some popular gripping primers under their belt, of course they had to come out with one that touts the gripping claim.
The ELF Power Grip Primer retails for $10. If I had to compare it to the Milk Hydro Grip Primer (the mini I have of the milk primer is lasting me ages!) I would say it is EXTREMELY comparable. I haven’t compared them side by side, but I have used them on alternating days and I haven’t noticed much of a difference. Honestly, I probably won’t pick up another Milk Hydro Grip Primer now that I have tried the ELF Power Grip Primer.
This day was my second time trying the Power Grip Primer.
On day one I learned that I don’t like using a brush with my coverage products when using this primer. It came out very patchy. (I forgot to take pictures!!)
Day two I used a sponge and all was well.
This was SIX HOURS into my day. Most of which I was wearing a mask. I noticed some wear down of my foundation on my nose, around my mouth, and cheeks, where my mask sits, but everywhere else looked fantastic! The ELF Power Grip primer really does increase the longevity of makeup.
This was the beginning of day three. I forgot to take pictures hours later, it’s allergy season so work is busy! But I noticed the same wear as the day before. I wish I would have taken pictures much later on either day to really showcase just how well the ELF Power Grip Primer improved the longevity of my makeup.
Over all thoughts?
BUY THIS! It will be $10 very well spent. Buy it from the ELF website, they always have great promotions going on and their rewards program is wonderful.
I would say the keys to really getting a “grip” on this primer is to use a sponge when applying your coverage products. As well as not using too much of the primer. A little really does go a long way.
I definitely think the ELF Power Grip Primer is a major win. Bye Bye Milk Hydro Grip.
Thank you for reading 🌻
I was very excited to try the L’Oréal Age Perfect Tinted Balm because I had heard some great things from YouTubers I really enjoy. So I had to pick it up for myself.
L’Oréal Age Perfect Tinted Balm retails for $12.97 at Walmart.
I picked up the shade 20 Fair. The balm is infused with a firming serum.
At first I thought it was going to be too orange on me.
But I think it actually ended up being a pretty decent color match for my face.
The texture of the balm is extremely creamy and does remind me of how it feels if you run your fingers over a cleansing balm.
The claims are:
1. Skin looks firmer
2. Smooths Lines
3. Conceals imperfections
4. Evens tones
Upon initial application I really enjoyed how the balm looked on my skin. I looked glowy and fresh. I can’t say my face looks firmer though. But I’m assuming that is more so going to happen after frequent use.
4 hours later I noticed my skin started to look more greasy, but not to the point it bothered me. I also noticed that the balm did transfer to my face mask. I also noticed the slightest oxidation.
At the end of the day 11 hours later, as you can see, everything has pretty much broken down and my face turned into an oil slick. I did not do any powdering through out the day, just to see how the balm held up on its own.
Final thoughts:
I think if I powder through out the day or only wear my makeup for 4-6 hours I would be in love with this balm. It is comfortable on the skin, I actually forgot I was wearing face product! I think this will be a go to product once the weather warms up. I am excited to see how my feelings about this balm evolve. I will be sure to do an update post when that happens.
What is your favorite base product? Leave a comment!
Thank you for reading 📖
The BoxyCharm base box is around $28 and contains five full sized (sometimes deluxe sample sized) beauty products.
Let’s just jump into my box!
Clara’s New York Stimulating Retinol Facial Serum $24.99
“A 96% blend of retinol and vitamin E oils intensely stimulates and moisturizes quenched skin.” I used up my Sunday Riley A+ retinol serum last month. I am not paying full price for that and I haven’t looked for a replacement. I am happy to have this and I hope it does something nice for my less than nice skin.
Saturday Skin YUZU Vitamin C Bright Eye Cream $32
I have accumulated quite the collection of eye creams. I am currently almost done with my Murad eye cream and I think I want to try this one next.
“This eye cream will improve moisture retention, hydrate, and blur the appearance of fine lines.”
This sounds like just what I need. The past month has been a JOKE it’s been so horrible. My under eyes look like I’ve took a stroll through hell. Hopefully this eye cream can help make it look like I’ve got my life together. (I do not).
Bali Balm Pineapple Lip Scrub $23
BOXYCHARM STOP SENDING ME PINEAPPLE LIP SCRUBS. IM ALLERGIC TO PINEAPPLE.
I guess my friends are going to get to fight over another pineapple lip scrub. Nice.
OPV Beauty Loose Setting Powder $22
For some reason I’ve been super into trying out setting powders lately. Hopefully this one is a winner.
Alleyoop Multi-tasker 4-in-1 Makeup Brush $28
This is neat. I like this. It’s going into my on the go makeup bag I keep in my backpack. I think it’s going to come in handy.
Here it is all put together. I probably won’t ever use the sponge end, but who knows.
That is it for my BoxyCharm base box. It’s a bit of a boring box. But I think I’ll get use out of everything but the lip scrub.
What was in your BoxyCharm this month?
Thank you for reading ❤️
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First off, happy new year! I hope 2022 brings you all joy, good health, and good vibes.
Today we are going to unbox my very late December Boxy Base Box.
Algenist Triple Algae Eye Renewal Balm $68
$68 for an eye cream!? Skin care prices blow my mind. I’m glad I get so much in subscription boxes. But then I fall in love and have to shell out the big bucks. This eye cream is “clinically shown to help reduce dark circles, bags, puffiness, lines, wrinkles, and crows feet in just ten days.” That’s some pretty big claims. I’m excited to see if this product actually works the way it claims.
Studio Makeup Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Serum $45
This came to me at the right time. I was just thinking about how I wanted to try a hyaluronic acid because my skin has been getting so dry with this cold weather that has been coming and going in Missouri.
Seraphine Botanicals Luna Liner Water Resistant Liquid Liner $18
I was also just thinking about how I need a water proof or resistant liner. Hopefully this one can actually hang around with my watery left eye.
Araceli Bella Sponge Duo $24
I haven’t ever heard anything about this sponges so I am interested to see how well they work. Into my jar of unused sponges they go.
OPV Beauty Spotlight Palette.
This was a bonus item. I’m not sure why I got it. It is a pretty color story and from the swatches I did do the shadows seem to be good quality.
Dito Cosmetics Limited Edition Venus 12 Shade Palette $29.99
I have seen this palette on random peoples Instagrams and unboxing videos. However I don’t know much about it. It is pleasing to look at and the theme is neat.
It swatches nicely. I just don’t think I’ll use any of the glittery shades.
That is it for my unboxing! I like it well enough. What was in your box?
Thank you for reading!
I have heard a lot about the Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer on YouTube and I just had to try it for myself.
The Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer retails for $6.96 at Walmart.
The primer comes out as a blue jelly and feels very cooling and hydrating when you spread it on your face. Once it dries down it does feel a little bit sticky to the touch, but it isn’t bothersome on the face. It reminds me a ton of the Milk Hydrogrip primer. So much so that I do t feel the need to repurchase the Milk Hydrogrip primer now.
This picture was taken right after I applied my makeup. Everything sat very well on my skin. I made sure to use a foundation and concealer that I trusted to give the primer a fair chance.
Here we are four hours later. Everything is still looking good! I did notice my pores looked a bit large, but nothing I had on claimed to be pore filling.
Here we are 8 hours after application. I noticed makeup had rubbed off on my nose and my chin thanks to my mask. I also noticed that there was much less creasing under my eyes and in my smile lines than normal.
I highly recommend this primer. It is a great drugstore alternative to the Milk Hydrogrip Primer and it works wonders. It won’t break the bank and it does it’s job nicely.
Thank you for reading 🎈
Find me on Instagram Manda.janette
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The BoxyCharm base box is $25 a month and contains 5 full sized ( sometimes deluxe sample sized) products.
Let’s get into this months unboxing!
Glow on 5th Refresh and Reset Brightening Mud Mask $30
I have yet to try this mask but, I am excited to! It is infused with ginger root and taurine to re-energize skin and minimize fatigue, boost circulation, and help with rehydration.
This sounds exactly like what I need right now. My skin has not been the best.
Trèstique Foundation Stick “Crete Cloud” $30
I was kind of skeptical about this product. Then I tried it. It gave my skin a luminous look with a nice medium coverage. The stick has an attached sponge ( which I didn’t try). The case is also refillable, which I think is great!
Seraphine Botanicals Primrose and Cream Lip and Cheek Cream Palette $42
The creams apply well over powder and give the cheeks a nice kiss of color. I do not like them on the lips however, they don’t really give off much color payoff when applied to the lips.
Trust Fund Beauty Better Than Therapy Lip Oil $18
This is a really nice lip oil. It feels very soothing and hydrating. I do like that it’s clear so it can easily be applied with out a mirror. I have been using this at night and my lips actually are doing much better.
Amnh Skincare Unicorn Dreams Body Butter $20
I am in love with this body butter. It feels really good on the skin and smells fantastic! It does look a little greasy, but that doesn’t bother me I use it at night and my skin is covered up anyway. I would definitely purchase this product when I run out.
That’s all for my unboxing!
I’m pretty happy with this months box. I am going to get use out of all the products. I am excited to see what next month brings.
Thank you for reading 🦃
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I have no self control and I resubscribed to BoxyCharm. This is the Premium box and I believe the price recently increased so it’s somewhere between $35-$39.
Persona Cosmetics Identity Two Palette $42
This was the item I picked. This palette is beautiful and I think it’s the perfect color story for the fall and winter months. Though I am going to use it all year round.
Every shade is very pigmented and buttery! They are super easy to work with. They really do blend like a dream.
Rodial Blush Drops $50 “Sunset Kiss”
The card says this is a new launch.
The color is buildable and easy to blend out. It really made my skin looked flushed, healthy, and glowing. I really love these liquid blush drops.
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Veil Mist $29
First off, the bottle is very nice. It’s a heavy frosted glass bottle. I wouldn’t travel with it, but it looks nice siting out in my beauty area.
“…calms, refreshes, and hydrates for a radiant lasting glow on bare skin or with makeup. Achieve poreless, luminous, and translucent looking skin with this luxurious mist that features a soothing, antioxidant packed cucumber water base. Instantly deliveres a glass skin finish with hydrating, soothing, and glow getting ingredients. Results build over time to help skin look and feel hydrated, radiant, plump, and bouncy from within.”
On first impression I think this most did good things for my make up. My skin look very glowy. I’m excited to see what it does on bare skin!
Nudeskin by Nudestix Lemon aid Detox and Glow Micro Peel $34
I have not tried this chemical peel yet. It is supposed to be clarifying and detox pores of excess oil, dirt, and pollution while visibly rejuvenating skin tone and texture. This sound like it’s going to be really clarifying and brightening. I have high hopes. I am going to have to give this peel and try and update y’all later!
Riddle Oil Original Roll on $50
The scent of this roll on is AMAZING! I am absolutely in love! It also lasts on the skin a nice long time.
“…amber and musk. This oil naturally creates a signature scent that is unique to you. “
I think this is going to be my new everyday scent.
Trèstique Eye Duo Good Vibes Mascara and Eye Pencil $44
This is a mascara I have gotten before but didn’t try. My mom loves it, so I’m glad I got to try it for myself. It really gave my lashes fantastic length. However, I do not like the little lash curler contraption.
The eyeliner has great staying power. It lasted basically all day in my water line and tight line.
Full face done with products.
I am so happy with this box! It’s an incredible value that came packed full of fantastic products. I am so glad I resubscribed!
Thank you for reading 🎈
Find me on IG Manda.janette
Find me on snap chat manda_janette
I have no self control and I resubscribed to BoxyCharm. This is the Premium box and I believe the price recently increased so it’s somewhere between $35-$39.
Persona Cosmetics Identity Two Palette $42
This was the item I picked. This palette is beautiful and I think it’s the perfect color story for the fall and winter months. Though I am going to use it all year round.
Every shade is very pigmented and buttery! They are super easy to work with. They really do blend like a dream.
Rodial Blush Drops $50 “Sunset Kiss”
The card says this is a new launch.
The color is buildable and easy to blend out. It really made my skin looked flushed, healthy, and glowing. I really love these liquid blush drops.
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Veil Mist $29
First off, the bottle is very nice. It’s a heavy frosted glass bottle. I wouldn’t travel with it, but it looks nice siting out in my beauty area.
“…calms, refreshes, and hydrates for a radiant lasting glow on bare skin or with makeup. Achieve poreless, luminous, and translucent looking skin with this luxurious mist that features a soothing, antioxidant packed cucumber water base. Instantly deliveres a glass skin finish with hydrating, soothing, and glow getting ingredients. Results build over time to help skin look and feel hydrated, radiant, plump, and bouncy from within.”
On first impression I think this most did good things for my make up. My skin look very glowy. I’m excited to see what it does on bare skin!
Nudeskin by Nudestix Lemon aid Detox and Glow Micro Peel $34
I have not tried this chemical peel yet. It is supposed to be clarifying and detox pores of excess oil, dirt, and pollution while visibly rejuvenating skin tone and texture. This sound like it’s going to be really clarifying and brightening. I have high hopes. I am going to have to give this peel and try and update y’all later!
Riddle Oil Original Roll on $50
The scent of this roll on is AMAZING! I am absolutely in love! It also lasts on the skin a nice long time.
“…amber and musk. This oil naturally creates a signature scent that is unique to you. “
I think this is going to be my new everyday scent.
Trèstique Eye Duo Good Vibes Mascara and Eye Pencil $44
This is a mascara I have gotten before but didn’t try. My mom loves it, so I’m glad I got to try it for myself. It really gave my lashes fantastic length. However, I do not like the little lash curler contraption.
The eyeliner has great staying power. It lasted basically all day in my water line and tight line.
Full face done with products.
I am so happy with this box! It’s an incredible value that came packed full of fantastic products. I am so glad I resubscribed!
Thank you for reading 🎈
Find me on IG Manda.janette
Find me on snap chat manda_janette
My classes got cancelled today so I decided to do a full face of Honest Beauty! Well, an almost full face.
Everything Primer Matte $22.99
I started with the Honest Beauty Everything Primer in Matte. I use this primer all the time. It’s a lotiony texture and leaves my skin feeling hydrated, but not looking greasy.
The Everything Cream Foundation in Snow $21.99
This is a foundation I have raved about before and still love it. It can be used with out a concealer because it builds up so easily without looking cakey.
Snow is the perfect match for my light skin and I will continue to use and love it.
Get it Together Eyeshadow Palette $22.99
I have used this palette a few times and it isn’t the best I’ve ever used, but it also isn’t the worst.
None of the shades are particularly creamy and the pigmentation is okay. They do look very pretty on the eyes. I used the first three shades and the cream shade to do more of a romantic look today
Dusk Reflection Illuminizing Glow Powder $19.99
Dusk Reflection is the darker shade and I use it as bronzer. I love this stuff. I use it all the time. It sinks into the skin so well and doesn’t look like too much.
Midnight Reflection Illuminizing Glow Powder $19.99
This is the lighter shade. It’s a great highlight! Not over the top, not to shimmery. It just looks like the light is hitting your face perfectly.
Cremé Cheek Blush in Rose Pink $12.99
I use this blush all the time. It sinks nicely into the skin and I love that it makes me look slightly sunburnt even though I never go outside.
It is a beautiful rosey color and works well on my skin tone.
Lip Crayon in Sheer Rose $12.99
I tend to reach for this lip crayon on no makeup days. It’s comfortable and gives your lips and really nice kiss of color!
I really love how this look turned out! I highly recommend checking out everything! Maybe not the eyeshadow palette, but it does create pretty looks.
What’s your favorite Honest Beauty product?
Thank you for reading 🎃
Find me on IG Manda.janette
Find me on Snap Chat manda_janette
Beauty & Tidbits 