Essence Beauty Cosmetics - an Intro and overview

I was recently introduced to a new line of cosmetics.
I personally spoke with the owner, Tennille about her line and here is what she said:

Our line is designed for all ages but our specialty is for women of color (not just African Americans). Our skin care and cosmetics are for all skin types including aging skin.  We will launch our mineral line soon for those who have delicate or sensitive skin.

We are known for quality products and for giving useful information that consumers can use to enhance their everyday beauty though portals such as our facebook page, website, blog and YouTube.

I was excited when she provided me with a few products for my own personal use!

Products are:
Waterproof mechanical eye liner pencil in Copper Brown (1.1 g)-
The product name describes the color well. It is exactly that. It is a great color to accent the eyes and give you a pop of color on your water line. It also stays put and does not budge. It is quite pigmented.

Mineral eye shadow in Brown Stone (1.5 g)-
This is a warm brown with a little bit of an orangey undertone to it. Swatched it has some silver flecks but on the lids it doesn't show- so it's not matte but not shimmery either. It is quite pigmented and can be used all over the lid with either a darker colored shadow in the outer crease or a light shimmery shadow on the top lid blended out (which is how I wore this).

Mineral blush in Brava (11 oz)-
This is a peachy (terra cotta) brown and in the pan there is some tiny gold flecks but on the face it has a nice matte finish. It is pigmented. Great for that dusty peachy/brown blush look with great staying power. I don't have anything like this and this is definitely my favorite out of the three products.

Swatches:

Here's a picture of how these products look on the face. =)

As you can see I'm Asian with medium beige skin (in Mac terms, I am about an NC25-30) and I think these colors flatter my skintone quite well.
If you have darker skin, it would still look great!
Lighter skin toned women can still use these products but I would just be careful and use sparingly as the products might be too pigmented and/or dark for those with light skin tones.


Close up of the eyes:

Essence Beauty Cosmetics information:

Additional questions or inquiries, feel free to contact Tennille.

Contact info:

Facebook.com/essencebeautycosmetics

Youtube.com/user/lovinlipgloss1

http://essencebc.com/

lovinlipgloss.blogspot.com

Thanks for reading ladies!!


FTC: Items were provided by Essence Beauty Cosmetics for personal use and review. Opinions are my own. No sponsorship or affiliation.

ZOYA nail lacquer haul ft. Ki, Tiffany, Coco, Charity & Trixie

I was super excited when my packages arrived today!!!

I ordered these when Zoya had that crazy sale where you get 3 nail laquers and only pay for shipping (which cost $6.95). =D

Zoya worked diligently to get all the orders processed and I waited about 4-5 weeks to receive mine! It was so worth it!

I love what I got!

I got Ki, Trixie, Coco, Tiffany and Charity.

(I also ordered Kelly but that was put on back order. I should be getting it shortly =))

And now for the pictures:

I haven't swatched them all yet but if you google Zoya nail lacquer swatches there are many bloggers who do an excellent job at swatching these!

I can't wait!! I'm gonna paint my nails with Ki tonight!!
So did any of you order any Zoya nail lacquers during this sale?
What did you get?
Please share!
Thanks ladies!
~Lisa

FTC: Nail lacquers purchased with my own money. No affiliation or sponsorship.

January Favorites!!

January Favorites include:


**Murad clarifying cleanser - $26 @ Sephora, Ulta, etc.
**Urban Decay Naked palette - $44 @ Sephora, Ulta, etc.
**cosmetic wedges - $1 @ the dollar store =)
**NYC smooth skin bronzing powder in Sunny - $2.99 @ retail stores
**Ultimate face Hi-Def angled brush from Wal-Mart - comes in a kit retailed @ $11.98
**MAC MSF in Medium Dark natural/shimmer - $26 (discontinued)


These are all items I've been reaching for this month.  I <3 them all!


What are your favorites for this month??
Feel free to share! As always, thanks for reading!
~Lisa

Don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY....

Before it ends on January 31st!!

There's still time!

Click HERE to be redirected to the giveaway!

Thanks everyone!

-BoxedupBeauty team

CVS Beauty Club??!!!

Here's what the benefits said on the website:

• 10% Off beauty shopping pass after enrollment
• $5 ExtraBucks rewards for every $50 spent on qualifying beauty purchases
• $3 ExtraBucks rewards on your birthday

You have an option to enroll online or in stores.

ENJOY your benefits!

*We were not compensated or affilifated by CVS.*

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing GEL vs LOTION

Here's a deeper look into both the lotion and the gel- what are the similarities and what are the differences?

Packaging, Price & Product:
They both come available in either a 1.7 oz tube ($13 usd) or 4.2 fl oz bottle ($24.50 usd) with a pump.
Trial and travel sizes are available in many GWP promotions.
I haven't seen these sold in any other sizes.
They have a faint pleasant scent, reminiscent of lemon grass but many Clinique skin care products carry this scent so if you're familiar with this brand, this scent shouldn't be anything new to you.

Lotion (designed for normal/dry skin):
The moisture drink developed by Clinique dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for very dry skins, or skins dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the T-zone. Softens, smooths, improves.



My thoughts:
The lotion moisturizes well but for me, it is too greasy on my skin. It has a nice whipped consistency and is easy to apply but it doesn't sink into my skin.
The lotion is better suited for people who have dry to normal skin.


Gel (designed for oily skin):
The oil-free moisture drink developed by Clinique dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for skins comfortable in the cheeks but oily in the T-zone or oily all over. Oil-free formula softens, smooths, improves.



My thoughts:
The gel also moisturizes well and feels light weight on my skin. It has an almost watery-like consistency and is also easy to apply. It sinks right into my skin and leaves a very smooth feel on my face.
The gel is better suited for people who have oily, combo and even normal skin can benefit from this.

*****

Overall, I like the gel better (as I have combo-oily skin) and I have been using it daily for the past 3-4 months now. This will be great for me in the spring, summer and fall seasons. I do have to say though, that during this cold/dry winter season I tend to use just a tad more around my nose and chin (since those are my dry spots) and that does the trick! I wouldn't necessarily say this product is "dramatically moisturizing" per se, but it definitely smooths out my skin texture and in a way, acts like a face primer.
It's recommended that you use this twice a day, but I just use it in the mornings.
As I've said, I've been using my bottle for 3-4 months now and it's only 1/3 of the way down so this should last me through this new year!
Yes, I plan to repurchase!

Thanks for reading ladies!
Have a nice day!
~Lisa

Credits: Clinique.com, google

FTC: Products were purchased with my own money. Reviews/thoughts remain my own.

Vanicream moisturizing skin cream - an overview

Here's a skin cream I'm trying and have been using this month!
I heard about it through other bloggers.

Vanicream is:

A non-greasy, long-lasting moisturizing cream that is easy-to-spread, quickly absorbed and non-comedogenic (does not cause blackheads). Also available as a lotion.

• Dermatologist recommended
• Non-irritating, non-staining
• Soothes red, irritated, cracking or itchy skin
• Soothes and retards the blistering of sunburn
• Use as a night cream and for massage
• Apply as needed to face, hands, feet and body
• Apply after bathing, showering, swimming or sun exposure
• Apply before exposure to wind or cold
• Beneficial in skin problems such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, and ichthyosis which may be aggravated by lack of moisture
• Used as a compounding base by physicians and pharmacists
• Formulated without common chemical irritants

So far, so good!
It's moisturizing enough for my dry skin, especially during this cold/dry winter!
I wish it had a little scent to it though, even a simple "baby powder" scent would be nice since plain lotion smells chalky to me.

Where to Buy: any drugstore should have this in stock.
It retails anywhere from $12-$15 depending on the size and where you buy.
Mine is a hefty 1 lb tub so it cost me $14.50 but it should last me at least 1 year.
The good thing about this is that my 3 year old son can also use this, since he has dry/sensitive skin.

bargain makeup brushes

I'm sure we're all well aware of the many affordable, yet useful brush brands such as ELF, Sonia Kashuk, Studio Tools, ecotools, etc.
Well here's another one you can add to your list!

These are called Ultimate Face set Hi-Def brushes and they are sold exclusively at Wal-mart!
I bought this set of 4 face brushes (all of which are very useful) for $11.98 (that's about $3 per brush)!
These are soft synthetic brushes that come dense and sturdy.

The set includes:

1 foundation brush (which is great for cream or liquid foundations)
1 deluxe concealer brush (great for concealer!)
1 mini powder brush (I use this for highlighting with my NARS Albatross)
1 contoured cheek brush (great for blushes or contouring with bronzer)
   it also comes with a little black cosmetic bag for ease of travel with the brushes

So next time you're in Wal-mart, have a look!
They are a great bargain!

Thanks for reading ladies!
~Lisa

FTC: As always, we are neither compensated or encouraged to review this product. Brushes were purchased with my own money. I just wanted to share these bargain brushes with you all.

Sephora 500 point perk - Philosophy skin care set

So I recently redeemed my 500 Sephora Beauty Insider points.
I was super excited to receive it!!
Firstoff, because I've been wanting to try Philosophy skin care for quite some time now.
And secondly, these were good sized trials and it cost me $0. =)

Here's what came in the PHILOSOPHY Resolution GREAT SKIN Set:

Purity Made Simple-one step facial cleanser 2 fl oz./59.2 ml
Hope in a Jar-original formula mpisturizer for all skin types  12 ml/.4 fl oz
When Hope is not Enough firming facial serum  .375 fl oz./11.1 ml
Sample eye hope  advanced anti-aging eye serum

So far, I've tried all but the eye serum!
I like the facial cleanser best! The facial serum is nice, it sinks right into my skin and makes it feel supple. Not sure if the moisturizer fits my skin type, it's thick and a tad on the heavy side.
So, have you reached any of the Sephora Beauty Insider points perks yet?
What are you getting? or What did you get?
Share =)


Thanks for reading!
~Lisa

CVS Beauty Sale - 50-75% off

If you haven't heard yet, most CVS drugstores is clearing out tons of cosmetics in their beauty aisle.  Usually this happens at lease 2-3 times a year where they will put many items on sale.

via CVS.com

The selection may be random per store, as one store may have a certain item discounted whereas another store will not be discounted.   Get anywhere from 50% to 70% off selected items.  If you see a orange/pink or green round stick with either 50% or 75% off, then you know that it will be discounted at the register. 

Some items I found on sale were: 

L'Oreal HIP lipglosses

Revlon Lipsticks

Revlon Nail polishes

Neutrogena Face Products

Maybelline Mascaras

CVS Sale Tips:

Be sure to check out CVS ad for any BOGO deals 

Items without the sticker may be discounted (stock guy probably missed item))

Coupons: find them, use them, and save some more money

Start now, many stores may be cleared out already

As for me, I did check out my local CVS store, but I didn't find anything that I really needed or lemmed for.  Lots of items were already gone, so I just left, which is good, as I need to be saving some money! I know the sale has been going on for a few weeks now in various places, but many are just starting out this week.  Do try to go and buy some items if you have time and the money! This is definitely a great sale!

Show us what you bought and saved!!

~mary~

(We are not affliated with said company nor receiving any compensation for mention)

Goopy and thick nail polish?? What am I supposed to do with it?!

This has happened to one too many good nail polishes in my collection, so I decided to do something about it!
There's a product made specifically for thinning nail polish!


Here's the one I purchased.

Develop 10 Nail Polish Thinner.
I got it at Ulta for $5.99 (it's a 4 oz bottle). There are other retailers that sell nail polish thinners- look for them in salon stores, beauty supply stores, etc.
I've already thinned out some of my favorite polishes and now they're back to a great, smooth consistency!

Simple Directions:
All you need is a few tiny drops of this stuff directly into your nail polish bottle. Put the bottle top back in screwed tightly. Then swirl your bottle around between your hands. I do not recommend ever shaking your nail polish as it creates bubbles, which makes polish application less smooth.
That's all!

Tip: Don't go crazy and stock up on nail polish thinners or grab the biggest bottle. My 4 oz bottle will last forever and more since I only need the tiniest amount per nail polish.
And yes, this stuff works for base and top coats too!!
I've already thinned out my Seche Vite (which I swear by!).

Great product to invest in, huh?
Thanks for reading ladies!
~Lisa


credits: google, ulta.com

Benefit Bella Bamba blush - a first look

Hello there!
After seeing swatches and reading reviews I couldn't resist it anymore!
I caved in and decided to buy Benefit's latest boxed blush- Bella Bamba.

My thoughts-

On the product:
I think this is a great addition to my growing blush collection.
It's very pretty, quite pigmented and super easy to work with. It's a watermelon pink (meaning, it's a bright and deep pink- a rosy pink) with a pretty gold sheen to it.

On the packaging:
I'm not a fan of these boxed powder blushes because I find them inconvenient and bulky. This one in particular is different from Benefit's usual boxed blushes as this one flips open and close. At first I had a hard time opening the lid because I had to wiggle it to open since I didn't want to rip the box. I'm getting the hang of it, but I still don't particularly like the flip top packaging.

On the price:
Benefit's blushes are $28 for a full sized box and this is no exception. Although I do think it's quite expensive, I have high hopes that this blush will last me years to come! So with that thought in mind, I don't feel so guilty about forking over almost $30 for one blush. =)

Overall:
Yes, I do recommend this blush.
If you wanted to only get one blush from Benefit's blush collection- this would be it!

Now for your viewing pleasure, the swatches!

Thanks for reading ladies!

~Lisa

FTC: Product was purchased with my own money. Reviews/thoughts are my honest opinion.

Affordable Clothes, Shoes, Accessories and MORE!

Ever wanted to find some websites that has affordable fashion for ladies???  Well, I happened to bump into this two websites while trying to look for some new pumps.  I thought I'd share.  Both are pretty similar fashion and are reasonabley priced.  Click on each link and check it out! 

http://www.gojane.com/

http://www.urbanog.com/

We are not affliate or compensated by these websites.

(Pictures has all rights reserved by gojane.com)

E.L.F has 50% OFF all Brushes!!!

Eyes lips face are having a 50% off sale right now on all of their makeup brushes.  Its ends on 1/17/2011.  Stock up while you can!!!  It starts as low as .50 a peice!  SERIOUSLY!

Coupon Code: RTB

I personally LOVE their studio brushes.  I own 4 of them and they have not failed! :) 

(we are not affilated with e.l.f cosmetics and were not compensated)

Murad Clarifying Cleanser - an overview

So a few weeks ago I walked into Sephora in search of a new cleanser.
I spotted this cleanser and took a look at it. I'd heard people talk about it before and the reviews were promising. This line is owned/created by a reknowned dermatologist, so it's considered to be a prestigious line of skin care.
I was set to purchase it but then the SA started talking to me and she insisted that I try it before I buy it. She offered me a sample, so I thought "what the heck, why not?!"
I used it later that night, and kept using it for the next 3-4 days.

I noticed a difference in my skin.
It felt clean and clear  (not only after washing my face, but even hours afterward).

A little info about my skin- I am quite acne prone, have combo-oily skin and I blemish up really easy. One scab will affect my overall complexion and can stay visible for months! (ahhh!)

Therefore, I love products that work. Products that make a visual difference!

A little info about the product-

Retails- $26 for a 6.75 oz bottle (Sephora, Ulta, etc.)
but there are websites where you can get it for a few dollars cheaper than retail value.

Texture- It's a somewhat runny yellowish/clear gel consistency. It lathers up in a rich foam, not too bubbly. It has a pine-sol like scent (reminiscent of lemons) but it's very faint.
A generous dime size amount is enough to cover and rinse your entire face.

Packaging- flip top plastic bottle that is stored upright. Nothing special, convenient. No issues.


Straight from Sephora's site:
Clarifying Cleanser
What it is:
A maximum strength acne gel cleanser.

What it is formulated to do:
Effectively treats and prevents acne and skin breakouts by reducing 99.9 percent of irritating surface bacteria in less than one minute. Penetrates deep to keep skin clean and clear.

Active Ingredients:
-Powerful Antibacterial Ingredients: Fights bacteria on contact.
-Salicylic Acid: Clears skin and prevents future breakouts.
-Chamomile and Green Tea Extracts: Comforts irritated skin.

Overall Rating:
I give this a 5/5 because it does what it claims to do (as I've been using this for 2+ weeks now).
Price might be a little steep for some but if you think about it- a bottle should last 3-4 months so it's like paying $6-8 per month for clear/clean skin? So worth it imo.

Credits: Sephora.com, google



Zoya Freebies! Get 3 Free Polishes

Since receiving over 20,000 Likes on Facebook, Zoya has offered a great many an awesome GIFT!   

Zoya is offering 3 full size polishes of your choice for FREE!  I really do mean Free!  

(All you have to pay for is shipping.)

Go and "like" Zoya on Facebook, choose your colors, and enter code FB2011 to get your free polishes.  This promotion is good till January 7th, 2011.  That means only a day left to get all these freebies.  Zoya offers tons of colors to choose from and with their Color Finder, its even easier to find the colors you want.

Go to Zoya to get your Freebies today!

I already ordered my set! I'll probably get some more tomorrow, since its the last day.  Shipping is around $7 so basically you get 3 for the price of 1, as one Zoya polish runs about $7 each.  Once I get my polishes I'll do some swatches and post up some pictures! What colors are you getting?

~Mary~

New Year's GIVEAWAY!!!

Hey Bloggers!  Thank you for participating in our MAC Giveaway last month.  This month, we're hosting another giveaway that will go along with the cold season.  Giveaway ends Jan 31st!!  Here's whats included:

Hello Kitty Tote and Container filled with goodies!!!  (Container can be used as a makeup brush holder too!)

Here's a closer look: A fulle size lotion from Bath and Body Works in Cucumber Melon, 3 travel size lotion in Sweet Pea and 2 are Secret Wonderland.  A Carmex lip balm and a Ponds anti-dark moisturizer.

AND Last but not least, a $10 Gift Card to Victoria Secrets!

I'll include 2 other items in the giveaway that have not been mentioned.  It'll be a SURPISE!

RULES:

1. Must be a follower.

2. For US bloggers only (Sorry to our international bloggers).

3. Ages 18+, If under 18 you must ask your guardians permission.

4. One entry per person. 

5.Post below: ENTER ME, your E-Mail Address  and tell us your current favorite beauty or fashion "item".

**Anyone who posts more than once will be disqualified**

*All items were purchased with our own money and we were not sponsered by any of these companies.*