October 2014: Products I really like a lot!

Here we go with another one of my boring Favorite Things posts!  I am not sure if anyone reads them or not, but I enjoy writing about them! haha   Where you can purchase the items ~ I usually embed the link with the name of product heading, which is above the main image.  For example, you can just click on the link below to find the Mask House Eye Serum.

Mask House Celebrity Bee Tox Elite Eye Serum

A wonderful fellow-blogger and friend, Mrs Chic,  had sent me one “syringe” of this product when we had done a trade.   I hadn’t used it until a few weeks ago and I am in luff!!   This stuff is great, plus it is Bee Venom which is my obsession right now.    I am not sure why they call it Celebrity Bee Tox ~ I have to assume celebrities use it?  The term “Bee Tox” is a play on Botox ~ yes, it took me awhile to figure that out ~ no flies (or bees) on me!   At any rate, this wonderful gel, made from Bee Venom and grape seed oil, goes on smoothly under my eyes.  It almost feels like Smashbox’s facial primer.  I only use it nightly, as the grape seed oil is too rich for a day time serum for me.  Has it helped with the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles?   I think it is has helped ~ my eye area is very well hydrated at the very least!  My only complaint is the expense of this product ~ about $20.00 to $25.00 for a box ~ and even though I can get about 6~7 treatments out of one syringe, as a little goes a long way ~ it is still a pain to reorder. I purchased two boxes at once and hopefully, when I finish those two boxes, I will decide if I should make this a permanent addition to my eye care routine.

Product Description: Concentrated serum targets skin aging in the eye zone with a blend of bee venom and grape seed oil. Bee venom stimulates collagen and protein production to smooth out lines and wrinkles, while grape seed oil fortifies skin tissue and prevents melanin formation to lighten dark circles. Innovative syringe-type dispenser prevents oxidation to maintain serum efficacy and ensure a standard dose with every use.

image from http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.1.w5003-8075450369.18.vHseae&id=21639136114&scene=taobao_shop

image from http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.1.w5003-8075450369.18.vHseae&id=21639136114&scene=taobao_shop

 

 

Palan Crysence Organic Hair Essence 

I received this a LONG time ago (not in a galaxy far, far away, however) in my Global 12 Memebox and I just started to use it.  At the time I received it, I wasn’t sure I would use it at all, but I decided to try it recently and if it didn’t work for me, I could give it away.   I rarely use leave in products ~ my hair doesn’t like most of them, as they are usually for those with dry and/or damaged hair ~ which I do not have.   It is non-greasy and it isn’t an oil, but more of a lotion.   There is no scent to it, at least to me, and after I blow dry my hair, the texture of my hair is softer and doesn’t have fly-aways.      I only use one pump, maybe two, as I do not need a lot of it and it really helps control my very fine, very straight hair.   My hair seems more polished by using this finishing product.   Why this works for me so well is that it isn’t a hair oil product and doesn’t contain oils.

Alas, I cannot find this product anywhere for sale, so thankfully, I don’t use a lot of it and it will last me a while, but once it is gone, it is gone (unless someone can tell me where I can find it 🙂 )       Memebox had the value at $72.00, but who knows if that is the price it actually goes for?

PureFusionCosmetics Eye Primer

This is not a new item for me as I have mentioned it before on my favorite indie sites blog post a long time.  However, I keep reaching for it, and felt it was time to showcase it a bit.    This product comes from an etsy shop and I do love her eyeshadows, but I believe the biggest winner is the eye shadow primer she makes.  Alas, she is taking a break and her store is closed right now.  Once she reopens, I will be stocking up again!  This is one of the best eye primers I have used.  I like it better than Urban Decay.  Yep, you read that right.    This only comes in one color, which is a light shade, but it creamy, glides on smoothy and disappears into your skin tone.    My eye shadow stays on longer when I use this primer and it is long lasting.  You only need to use a little bit to cover both of your eyelids.    I have oily lids and this product works beautifully!  This primer sells for $10.00 for 4.5 mL pump bottle.

Ingredients: Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Triethylhexanoin, Polyethylene, Trihydroxystearin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Isopropyl Lanolate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Mica. Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides

Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb

Last month, I discussed my love for indie perfumes, because I like off-beat and unique scents.  This month, I am going to talk about a commercially made scent, but with a twist….It is actually a man’s cologne.     I know, I know….I am only supposed to like girly floral scents, yeah?  Never try a man’s cologne, right?  Wrong on both counts!!   Well, back in the early 1990’s, I wore Obsession for Men, as I liked that scent much better than the ladies version.   This is now my second perfume that I will wear that is designed for a man, but women like to wear it too!!  I am not weird, read the Sephora reviews 😉    The bottle is a cool smoke grey glass “grenade” (for the “explosive scents” ~ wink, wink) and it is very strong.   You do not need a lot of this cologne that has notes of cinnamon, chili, saffron, pepper, vetiver, fir and tobacco.  The initial impression is a deep and wonderful creamy scent of spices and the dry down is like cherry tobacco.  Seriously.   This  is a sweet, earthy scent.   It is seductive ~ I cannot stop sniffing myself when I wear it (which I have to make sure I don’t do that too often in public due to the strange looks…) I received a sample in one of my Sephora orders and I immediately purchased the 1.7 oz version of this, which is MORE than enough.  They have larger sizes, but I doubt I will ever finish this one, as just one spritz is all I need.  The 1.7 oz retails for $90.00 at Sephora.

An explosive encounter between two accords with detonating tones: the first, explosive, fuses zesty, fresh notes while the cold spices leave their icy bite. The second, addictive, combines a middle note of incandescent spices with a wholly masculine combination of leather and tobacco as well as the brute force of vetiver.

Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Cinnamon Leaf, Pink Pepper, Lavandin, Chilli, Saffron, Elemi, Vetiver, Balsam Fir, Tobacco Accord, White Leather Accord.

 

 

Crafts2Love Scarf Set

I have written about Crafts2Love before ~ I have a blog review here and they were also mentioned in last month’s favorite products.  I commissioned Nadia ~ one of the sisters who makes these beautiful items ~ to make me a wine colored scarf, for the fall and winter.  She dyed some wool for me and we went over the design and colors ~ a few days later, she had created this wonderful work of art ~ as well as matching gloves and brooch!    This set is so lovely, with its deep burgundy/wine colors, bright rose and earthy browns, with some ocher yellow accents.    I cannot speak highly enough of this shop and the two sisters who create the most lovely items in felted wool and silk.   They also create iPhone bunny cases!! How cute is that?   Anyway, please check out their shop and look at their items ~ you can also look at the sold items as they will create a version for you if you want that style!  Plus, if you have ideas of your own, you can work with them, like I did, to create a unique, hand crafted item just for you that extremely affordable.    The sisters are based in Europe ~ Hungary and Ukraine, but I find that their shipping times are quick ~ I receive my orders within a 7-14 day time span.  I cannot speak more highly about their items ~ they are truly works of art and I highly recommend them!

Here are the professional photos taken by Crafts2Love from their etsy shop  They are brighter here due to the direct sunlight

 

Facial Scrubs

 

Notably, two that I have been using quite a bit ~ Ipsenature 5 Seeds Apple Water Brightening Scrub (what a mouthful) and  Skin Food Honey Red Orange Mask.  What a minute, I did say scrubs, so why is there a mask in this list?  Because it is a scrub…will explain further on.

I did a review on the Ipsenature 5 Seeds Apple Water Brightening Scrub, which I purchased in the Memeshop a few months ago.  I really do like it; I feel it is gentle enough to use several times a week and yet it is effective in cleaning out my pores and exfoliating dead skin cells.  It is a creamy cleanser with little seeds of walnut, apricot, strawberry, rice powder and corn powder and made with 8,000 mg of apple water extract.   If you would like to know more about this scrub, please read my review here.

No, you can’t eat this.

The second scrub that is in heavy rotation is Skin Food Honey Red Orange mask.  I purchased this off of eBay and it is readily available there.   I thought this would be a sugar mask, but it is actually a facial scrub that uses fine grain salt as the exfoliator ~ so no matter how tempting this scrub looks, it is SALTY.  I know this because I got some into my mouth when I was using it.    It comes with a spoon, because you do need to mix it up each time you use it as the salt does settle to the bottom of the jar.   This is one sticky messy scrub, but I love it.  I feel that the salt helps remove excess oil a bit more than most scrubs and the gloopy mess that is the honey and red orange extract is so moisturizing, which helps balance out the salt.    I only use this once a week and I put it on first thing when I am in the shower, gently massaging it onto my face and then I leave it on for about 5 minutes.   Then I massage it off, rinsing with warm water.  I do not recommend doing this outside of the shower, because if you do not rinse it well or it gets into hair (raises hand), you will have a nice sticky mess on your hands ~ I speak from personal experience.  This has a light honey  scent and it comes in a squat glass jar, so be careful that you don’t drop it in the shower, as it could break.  Also, be careful you don’t think this is real honey and put some in your tea or spread it on your toast!

Product Description: A scrub mask pack that exfoliates rough dead skin cells and reveals smoother and firmer skin underneath with New Zealand’s Manuka honey and Californian orange extract.   Manuka honey of New Zealand, renowned for its powerful anti-bacterial properties than other honey, provides skin with superb moisturizing virtues.  Collected exclusively from the flowers that grow one the New Zealand Manuka bush, this honey provides superb moisturizing properties to the skin. The New Zealand native Mooris have used the Manuka honey to care for their skin for centuries. Oranges grown in Southern California contain high amount of sugar and vitamin C that keep skin supple and moisturized. Added with these two foods, this mask pack has natural exfoliating AHA ingredients to effectively remove dead skin cells while hydrating skin.

Ingredients: Sucrose, sodium chloride, water, honey, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, glycerin,pectin, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, sodum citrate, phenoxyethanol, caramel, CI 17200, parfum

I do not really recommend the Honey Red Orange mask to those who have dry skin or even combination skin types who lean on the drier side.  I feel that the salt in this scrub would cause your skin to dry out pretty badly, even with the honey.  However, it might work great for those who have dry skin, I do not know, but I feel that I should warn you that the salt could dry your skin out even more than you wish it to.   For me, due to my oily skin, this is perfect for my skin type.   This is an affordable product and you can find it for under $20.00 on eBay.  You will get addicted to this scrub ~ I purchased another one fairly quickly!

 

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

I’ve sworn by Clinique’s High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara for the last few years and I have always turned up my nose to other mascaras.   I received a sample of UD’s Perversion in my ipsy bag a few months back and I brought it with me when I went on vacation. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it because the last time I used an Urban Decay mascara, I was so disappointed by it ~ it was dry, flaky and it didn’t do anything for my lashes ~ this was the Lush Lash mascara, btw.  

I was surprised at how much I liked Perversion, based on my previous experience with UD’s mascaras, and I have been using this mascara now since September.    It is very similar to Clinique and I love the long lashes it gives me.  This is an intense black color, so if you do not like the darkest of blacks, do not get this.  Please note that just like Clinique’s High Impact, Perversion is a wet mascara and if you do not know how to apply it, you will get clumpy lashes.  I hate mascaras that are on the dry side, so I am used to wet mascaras.  I find that they give me the look I want ~ long dark lashes, without having to do multiple coats of mascara.     The only negative I have about this mascara is that it will smudge on my lower eyelashes after a few hours.  Thankfully, I rarely put mascara on my lower lashes, as that is a common problem for me ~ my lower lashes are a decent length, so no worries there.  I will swap between Clinique’s HIEV and UD’s Perversion mascara.  I think that Clinique is still slightly better due to the non-smudging issue, but Perversion comes pretty darn close. You can get it at Sephora with a limited edition Subversion Lash Primer. 

Ingredients:

• Hairdensyl: Complex blend of proteins and amino acids that stimulates lash growth.
• Honey Extract: Provides deep nourishment.
• Sea Idrolized Elastine: Stimulates the hair follicle.
• Marine Collagen: Protects lashes.

Water, Synthetic Beeswax, Acacia Senegal Gum, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (Cera Carnauba/Cire de Carnuba), Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polybutene, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Soluble Collagen, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Behenic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Oleic Acid, Mel (Honey/Miel) Extract, Sodium PCA, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Glycogen, Serine. [+/- (May Contain): CI 77499 (Iron Oxides)].

 

Pretty in Pink ~ Night Skincare Routine

I was looking at my bathroom shelves and noticed that this month, I was using a lot of PINK products.   I thought they all looked so pretty together that they needed a photo opp ~ plus I really like all of the products!!   The wine colored glass jar is just a knick knack ~ I was being artistic 😉  These are not all of my night time skin care products ~ I have a few more ~ but they aren’t pink 😀

 

        

image from http://www.amazon.com/Banila-co-Clean-sherbet-cleanser/dp/B0080M092E

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm   This is Korea’s number 1 cleansing cream and it has a sherbet-like texture.  This is good for all skin types and contains acerola, papaya and herbal extracts to help moisturize the skin.  I like to take a small bit of this, you do not need a lot of cleanser, and massage it into my face.  This cleanser just melts into a liquid and cleans my skin.  It has a light cherry blossom scent, which does disappear once you start using the product on your face.   I  do not wipe the cleanser off, as I don’t like that method, so I use some warm water to remove the balm and then follow up with a cleansing foam and then my cleansing water.

Ingredients :Mineral Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Polyethylene, Butylene Glycol, Water, Rubus Suavissimus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Lead Extract, Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Leaf Extract, Angelica Polymorpha Sinesnsis Root Extract, Papaya Fruit Extract, Acerora Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, BHT, Butylparaben, Acid Red 18, CI 15985, Spice

Oh no, MINERAL OIL!!  Actually mineral is not bad for your skin, as it is a noncomedogenic ~ its molecules are too big to enter into your pores.  It also has great hydrating properties for your skin as well.  I do not like to have mineral oil around my eyes, however, so I do not use this to remove eye makeup ~ I use my Secret Key Oil Free Lip & Eye Makeup Remover for that.    Other good stuff ~ Papaya Fruit Extract are exfoliant enzymes which help remove dead skin cells ~ Acerora Extract (aka cherry) is a potent antioxidant, with Vitamin A and C.

cosDNA.com analysis 

image from http://www.ebay.com/itm/Secret-Key-Oil-Free-Lip-Eye-Remover-100ml-Perfect-waterproof-remover-/271635477172?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

Secret Key Oil-Free Lip and Eye Makeup Remover I got this in a trade from someone who got this in a Memebox.  I love Secret Key items, so I was pretty happy to get this and it is oil-free.  I use it for my eye makeup and it does get off everything, including those stubborn gel Korean eyeliners!!

Product Description: Secret Key’s Oil-Free Lip & Eye Makeup Remover works to thoroughly remove even the  most stubborn waterproof makeup such as mascara, eye shadow, and lip stain.  Free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, benzophenone, ethanol, and artificial colors, this formula is infused with papaya, strawberry, pumpkin, aloe vera, green tea and rosemarry extracts, and is extremely gentle and nourishing for the skin.

Key Ingredients

image from http://www.ebay.com/itm/Secret-Key-Oil-Free-Lip-Eye-Remover-100ml-Perfect-waterproof-remover-/271635477172?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

image from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AVS18OI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Insobeau Perfect Deep Clean One-Step Cleansing Water  I didn’t purchase the Pinkaholic Memebox, because I am not (really!!) into the color pink.  I mean, obviously, I LIKE the color, but I won’t purchase a box because it contains pink colored products…..would I?  Not so sure now – lol.  I saw this as the spoiler for the Pinkaholic box and I really wanted to try this, but didn’t want to purchase the box.  Yes, this item is almost the cost of the Pinkaholic Memebox, but I do have a lot of products!!   So, this is all I really wanted.    I use this after I cleanse with the Clean It Zero Balm and remove my eye make-up with the Secret Key makeup remover.   This is a refreshing, soothing cleansing water that I do not need to rinse off.

Product Description: Enriched with tangerine peel extracts, lemon balm extracts and various vitamins, this One-Step Cleansing Water works to cleanse  away makeup residues and dead skin cells while soothing, moisturizing and protecting the skin at the same time.  You do not need to rinse this off! Deep cleansing water. Removes make-up one step, without the need for additional cleansers. Requires no further washing with soap-based funds. Including requires no washing with water. Gently removes makeup and impurities from the skin without over drying the skin, softens skin keratin, aloe extract has a calming effect. Does not contain alcohol, parabens, mineral oils, artificial colors

Ingredients:  Purified Water,Butlene Glycol,PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate,Dipropylene glycol,Portulaca Oleracea Extract,Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice,Orange Peel Extract,Lemon Balm Extract,Chamomile Extract,Fennel Leaf Extract,Sodium Citrate,Disodium EDTA,Citric Acid,Seawater,Phenoxyethanol,Methylisothiazolinone

cosDNA.com analysis

 

 

 

 

image from http://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=587735177

insobeau Acnic Blemish Spot Solution   I received this in my Free From Oil & Trouble 4 Memebox and I have been using it as needed.  This does work to reduce acne flareups and help heal my pimples before they become a problem  The pink powder solution controls the oil during the night and with the liquid layer, will help reduce the redness of acne and speed up the healing process, while remove dead skin cells.  To apply, do not shake the bottle.  The pink solution is  supposed to be at the bottom.  Take a cotton swab (bud, Q-tip) and insert it into the bottle, dipping into the  pink solution and then applying that onto your acne.  You only do this at night as you will have a bunch of pink spots on your face!  
   

Product Description:  Consisting of half liquid and half pink powder, thic Acnic Blemish Spot Solution utilizes a combination of both layers to target skin troubles and red spots.  Its mandarin and unshin oil formula from Jeju Island is rich in Vitamin A, B1, B2, and C for reliving skin redness and stress levels and protecting the skin from possible infections and further damage.

Major Ingredients:  Niacinamide, unsyu oil, Houttuynia extract, salicylic acid,bergamot extract

Ingredients: sd alcohol 40-b, calamine, glycerin water, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, dimethyl sulfone, niacinamide, azelaic acid, phellodendron amurense bark extract, monarda didyma leaf extract, phellinus linteus extract, paeonia lactiflora root extract, centella asiatica extract, beta vulgaris (beet) root extract, houttuynia cordata extract, chamaecyparis obtusa leaf extract, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, salicylic acid, colloidal sulfur, fragrance

image from http://item2.gmarket.co.kr/English/detailview/item.aspx?goodscode=587735177

cosDNA.com analysis

image from http://www.skincaregenies.com/products/korea-pure-label-pomegranate-waterdrop-sleeping-mask-120g-nib-us-seller

Pure Label Waterdrop Sleeping Mask Pomegranate  This was another product I received in a trade and I totally love it!!  This comes out as a creamy-gel, but once applied to my face, it turns into a watery gel that is absorbed by my skin.  You just tap it into your skin to absorb completely.   My skin is so smooth and soft when I wake up!  This will be a repeat purchase and it isn’t that expensive either.

Product Information:  It solves skin dryness by moisture evaporation restraint from skin during sleep also gives abundant moisture by forming moist membrane to skin. When it applies in your skin, a water drop has occurring by pomegranate extract. Jelly type can feel refreshment by ingredient Gatuline RC & Vitamin E derivative etc, make vitality skin by recover from stimulated skin during daytime as well as give supply abundant moist and nutrition, help make up next day morning. Convenient sleeping pack because it doesn’t have to wash off or take off before sleep.  It’s a facial treatment to address exhausted and dull skin that improves skin quality for a brighter and more lumious complexion.  This overnight facial-in-a-bottle is a breakthrough in beauty sleep because it includes a moisturizing agent and stabilized vitamin E which shows instant results to reveal a brighter, more even-toned and exceptionally radiant skin

How To Use: After skin care at nighttime, apply it proper amount in your face except around eye evenly then tap it to absorbing well and sleep with leave it. Don’t have to wash off because of absorbing type.

Ingredients: water,cyclopentasiloxane,glycerin, butylene clycol, peg-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, sodium chloride, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, cetyl PEG/PPG 10/1 dimethicone, tocopheryl acetate, punica granatum extract(120mg), methylparaben, ethylparaben, betaine, fragrance,cl14700

cosDNA.com analysis

I hoped you enjoyed reading about my favorite products in this October edition.  It seems that I had several products that were hard to find, and I apologize for that.  Maybe if there is enough buzz about them, they will made easier to purchase.  Let me know if you have tried them and what you think about these products or comment on your own favorite recent finds!

[ descriptions in italics are from the linked product’s website ]