Review: Benefit Porefessional Hydrate Primer

Benefit Porefessional Hydrate Primer: This is a nude tinted face primer

The Benefit Porefessional Hydrate Primer (Retail Cost: $32) is easy to apply and has a nude tint to it that blends well into my skin tone NC25. I think this shade compliments a wide range of skin tones. It is very hydrating like you are rubbing water droplets on your skin and feels moist and cool. I like that its oil free so it won’t clog my pores and the hyaluronic acid formula helps provide 12 hours of hydration while feeling slick on my skin without any stickiness. 

The pictures below show "Before" without makeup and "After" with makeup applied on top.

 I applied with my fingers and it blended effortlessly into my pores. You do have to let it bake on the skin for a couple minutes to see it hide the pores but I think it didn’t do so well for my large pores or acne scars. I love that it comes in a tube so you can squeeze the right amount out and keeps the rest of the product clean from contamination.

My tip is to wait for 5 mins to bake before applying makeup afterwards like foundation or highlighter. 

It did make applying makeup a lot easier like you are working with a smooth canvas, which I was very happy to about. 

I highly recommend using this with liquid foundation. 

It didn’t irritate my skin even though it had a sweet fragrance to it and was easy to remove with a makeup removing facial cleanser and also with a face wipe.

This is one of my new favorite pore targeted primers because application is easy and does make applying makeup faster and smoother. There was no caking with my foundation, which is always a win!

*This is available at Sephora and retails for $32 full size.

x Carol 

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Review: SULWHASOO Bestsellers Trial Kit

Sulwhasoo Bestsellers Trial Kit

Sulwhasoo is a Korean skincare line that I have always been dying to try! This is their Bestsellers Trial Kit that was sent to me complimentary. I saw a big difference in my skin after first use, I am not even joking about this. This stuff actually works to improve my acne prone skin. 😍The only full size item is the serum, the others are like sample size in this kit but all the products smell heavenly if you like herbal scents or ginseng.

Close up look at all the items in this kit!

I’m reviewing in order of how to apply the items in this kit. The gentle cleaning foam is so soothing and makes me feel like I am enjoying a spa experience and it left my skin super soft and supple afterwards. The first care activating serum (largest bottle) smells so good! Like a hint of ginseng and other herbal goodies. The aromatherapy aspect of it makes me feel calm and relaxed. This absorbs quickly into the skin. The essential balancing water is very hydrating the moment it hits the skin. Like you feel like a cooling sensation like cool water on your face like you are refreshed and the tiredness from the day is washed away. The final step is applying the concentrated ginseng renewal cream. The moment I opened this it reminded me of those ginseng candies I used to have as a kid. ❤️ I personally love that smell and I really enjoyed using this face cream because of it.

When applied, I felt this warmth wash over my skin in a good way. Like it’s helping circulating the blood in my face to renew my skin and my complexion. It does feel a bit like when you apply an overnight mask but it isn’t sticky at all. Running your hands along the areas applied you can tell which parts has face cream and which doesn’t. I also applied this along my neck.

The back of the box with ingredients listed.

I woke up the next day and was amazed that some of the large pores I had closed and even the sebum on the inside was dry and could easily be removed. My skin looked smoother than the day before I started this skincare regimen. Some of the pimples I had that were puffy and turned dark because they are the kind that are like stuck inside the skin and come out looked lighter in color. The red pimples that were inflamed looked smaller and the white part came to the surface quicker than it would if I didn’t apply anything.

I am hoping it will heal my acne by penetrating underneath my skin and clear it up the more often I use this. My skin was glowing and looked rejuvenated! I had no adverse skin reactions even though my skin is sensitive usually to fragrances skincare and my skin type is oily. I never had this experience with any other skincare line so quickly that I saw results. I am definitely buying the full size when these babies run out.

x Carol

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*This product was sent complimentary by Sulwhasoo and Influenster in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Haul Post: Birchbox Acetastic 40% Sale

Sometimes Birchbox has random sales for ACE level members. These are the latest items I picked up during their 40% Sale on select items. I used my birchbox points to cover part of the cost.

Total Cost: $6.50 

(w/ 40% discount, free sample pack, Birchbox Points)

Actual Value: $62.50

January 2015 Birchbox: Unboxing + Review

This month's box was just okay for me with not much excitement in the January 2015 Birchbox. The best part of the box was the lip product. Let's begin the unboxing and take a close look at all the products from my January 2015 Birchbox.

Total Cost: $10.00

Actual Value: $23.88

Review: Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant Toothpaste, Mouthwash, and Toothbrush

I was given the opportunity by Smiley360 and Arm and Hammer to test out their new #TrulyRadiant oral health care line promising a whiter smile in just 5 days. They sent me an oral health kit with a Truly Radiant Whitening and Strengthening Fluoride Rinse, Spinbrush Truly Radiant Deep Clean Manual Toothbrush, and Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant Rejuvenating Toothpaste to test and keep.

This review post will talk about my results and my honest opinion on how well these 3 products performed after using it for 7 days.  I included swatch photos with before and after shots of my teeth to show my results.

"NEW ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Toothpaste does much more than just whiten, it goes beyond the surface to strengthen, clean and repair tooth enamel for a radiant smile in just 5 days and the Spinbrush™ Truly Radiant™ Deep Clean Manual Toothbrush is the only manual toothbrush that features a rotating head, plus elongated, all-access bristles that get deep in-between teeth to help blast away plaque. Truly Radiant™ Whitening & Strengthening Fluoride Rinse is the first and only rinse that whitens teeth, strengthens enamel and prevents stains without alcohol or peroxide." -- Arm and Hammer

Truly Radiant Whitening and Strengthening Fluoride Rinse

Truly Radiant Whitening and Strengthening Fluoride Rinse

Advertised Benefits:

• Get a white smile in just 5 days
  (*When used with Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant toothpaste and toothbrush.)
• Strengthens and restores enamel
• Stain Defense Technology helps stop stains before they start
• Provides long-lasting freshness
• Peroxide-free formulation designed to white without irritation
• Alcohol-free

What I liked the most about the mouthwash was that the one from Arm and Hammer doesn't contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. So as you are swishing it around, you feel no intense burn or tingling sensation like it's competitors. After you are done rinsing your mouth, you are left with a nice clean feeling and minty fresh breath. It was able to gradually lift away some previous stains I had on my teeth from drinking coffee and other dark colored beverages. I didn't see new stains appearing on my teeth.

I think using the Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant Whitening and Strengthening Fluoride Rinse really helped make my teeth look whiter and feel cleaner as opposed to using just the Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant toothpaste alone. I will definitely buy this when my bottle runs out.

Spinbrush Truly Radiant Deep Clean Manual Toothbrush
(Soft Bristles)

Spinbrush Truly Radiant Deep Clean Manual Toothbrush (Soft Bristles)

Advertised Benefits:

• Bristles rotate as you brush to help blast away plaque
• Features elongated bristles designed to clean hard-to-reash places
• Available in soft- and medium-bristle firmness

The manual toothbrush I received in my kit was a soft-bristle toothbrush. Compared to soft bristle toothbrushes that I used from Crest, Oral B, and Colgate, I think this Arm and Hammer toothbrush is more firm but it isn't painful to use as a soft bristle toothbrush.

The shape of the toothbrush head is also smaller when you compare it to other toothbrushes on the market. I would classify it as a compact toothbrush and can fit perfectly for people like me who have a small mouth.

The selling point for this toothbrush is that the top circular bristles are able to rotate while you brushing and pushing it against your teeth. I didn't really notice much turning whenever I used it. At most it would make maybe a quarter turn in the direction I was brushing. If you want a rotating toothbrush, this does not compare at all to Arm and Hammer's Spinbrush that is battery operated.

I wasn't too impressed with the toothbrush itself though because something the plastic parts on the toothbrush head irritated my gums. I wouldn't recommend buying this toothbrush and don't think it is necessary to use this toothbrush with Arm and Hammer's mouthwash and toothpaste get the "Truly Radiant" results.

Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant Rejuvenating Toothpaste

Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant Rejuvenating Toothpaste

Advertised Benefits:

• Cleans, strengthens and repairs tooth enamel
• Light and crisp mint flavor
• Cool sensation that lasts and lasts
• Clinically proven to whiten in just 5 days to beautify your teeth and smile
• Fresh from the Dentist Feeling of Clean

Swatch of Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant Rejuvenating Toothpaste

I really enjoyed using this toothpaste and I felt that the intensity of the mint was just right. It wasn't to the point of feeling like your mouth is burning. Instead, the taste and sensation is very cooling and is not as strong as the mouthwash. It leaves a sweet mint aftertaste like the sweet mint Orbit bubblegum.

Something important to point out is that the Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant Rejuvenating toothpaste is not very foamy compared to Aquafresh or Colgate Optic White toothpaste. I know there are people who prefer large amounts of foam when brushing their teeth.

With this toothpaste, it forms a light foam with small bubbles just enough to gently polish away stains and debris on the teeth. There is baking soda in this toothpaste but it is finely milled. While using this toothpaste, I did not feel any abrasiveness on my teeth so I didn't have to worry it was damaging my tooth enamel.

Final Thoughts
I am a tea, coffee, and dark beverages drinker so teeth staining or discoloration is a main concern for me. On day 5 of using these products, I felt that my teeth looked a bit whiter but nothing drastic.

I honestly couldn't tell if this toothpaste was making my teeth any whiter or improving its appearance when looking at them in the bathroom. It wasn't until looking at the "before" and "after" photos from 7 days of use that I could see a big difference! 

"Before" photo taken indoors in bathroom; "After" photo taken with natural light in my room

Surprised to say my teeth became a lot whiter than before but I don't think its whitening power will be as strong as using Crest White Strips if you are expecting to see pearly white results in the future.

If you decide to make the switch to Arm and Hammer's Truly Radiant toothpaste or mouthwash, I recommend using both the toothpaste and mouth rinse together to get the best results.

For more information, coupons, and a free sample of Arm and Hammer's Truly Radiant products from Smiley 360 click here.

Join the conversation and see pictures of whiter smiles online by searching #TrulyRadiant on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Have you tried Arm and Hammer's toothpaste, toothbrush, or mouth rinse before? 

What did you think of the results? 

What is the current brand of toothpaste/mouth rinse you are using?

x Carol

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*This post is sponsored by Smiley 360 and Arm and Hammer. I received a #TrulyRadiant oral health care kit from them to test and keep. I was asked to write an honest review on my experiences from using these products. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Photos used in this post belong to Intrice Blog unless otherwise stated.

Review: Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner and Gentle Eye MakeupRemover

Rimmel London is one of my favorite drugstore brands because their eye makeup products have been non-irritating and have amazing color payoff. They are a drugstore brand originating from the United Kingdom and is currently sold in many drugstores across America.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Black

I was selected by Influenster to test out Rimmel's Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner in black as well as Rimmel's Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. Here is my honest review on the performance of these two products after wearing the eyeliner for a full day.

First Impressions:

My favorite thing about the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner is that it glides so smooth on the eyelid. There is no tugging whatsoever as you draw the line. The black pencil from the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner collection is a pure black and has no sparkles. The length of this pencil looks like it will last at least a month if you use this eyeliner everyday.

As for the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, it is a generous size plastic bottle and on the packaging it says "Just let it go...", which is a motto I have been following a lot lately and makes me think of the overplayed song from Frozen. I don't think it was their intention to allude to the movie though.

The cap is very secure so you don't have to worry about it spilling while it tosses around in your luggage bag. If you accidentally knock it over, it won't spill everywhere. I really like how I can easily pop the cap open and pour the eye makeup remover one drop at a time onto a cotton pad to avoid over soaking it.

Review:

Even though the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner is in pencil form, I was still able to draw a nice thin line on my upper eyelid. After I finished drawing the line, I used an eyeliner brush to smooth it out to create a more natural appearance for the line. If I wanted to do a smoky eye, the kajal kohl gel like consistency makes it easy to blend and smudge to your heart's content.

Pro: Glides smooth on the lash line

One of the reasons why I don't usually wear eyeliner everyday is because sometimes my lids become very oily. This causes the eyeliner to imprint on my eye crease in the area where my eyeshadow would sit. So looking at the mirror in the middle of the day, I might see an arc appear on my lids.

When testing out this liner, I wore it without applying powder underneath and just used Urban Decay Eyeshadow and Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion.

Love that I can draw such a thin line with the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner Pencil!

At the end of the day, my left eye looked the same with no smudging. However, on my right eye there was an imprint of the eyeliner on my eyelid crease. This probably happened because I have more eyelid creases on my right eye. Surprisingly, the intensity of the black for the eyeliner did not fade on both eyes even though the color transfer happened to one of them.

If you have the same eyelid problem as me when wearing eyeliner, our best options would be to check up on it throughout the day and clean it up with a q-tip or apply a thick layer of powder on the lid to absorb the oil on our oily eyelids.  If you have other tips on solving the "arc imprint" problem let me know in the comments. :)

When it came time to remove my makeup, I used the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. It was able to remove my eyeshadow, waterproof mascara, and most of the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner. There was no burning, stinging, or irritation when applying it to my eye area. It didn't feel greasy either like other brands of waterproof eye makeup removers.

I did have a little bit of panda eyes going on for my bottom eyelid but wiping that area with a q-tip dipped in the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover removed the stain. I am very happy that these two products can work well together.

I did try using the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover to take off my Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner one time and it did not budge. So I wouldn't recommend this drugstore brand makeup remover to take that eyeliner off. The staying power is too strong, haha!

Final Thoughts:

I would say that the Rimmel Scandaleyes  Eyeliner in black is a keeper and is affordable in the range of drugstore makeup. It has good color payoff, lasting staying power, and is sparkle/glitter free! It doesn't smudge as much as other drugstore brands so you don't need to worry about looking like a raccoon by the end of the night. Other colors I want to try from from the Scandaleyes collection are deep blue, silver, and brown.

As for the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, it performed a lot better than I expected. I like that it is truly non-irritating, oil free, and took off 100% of the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner. For the price, I think this is an affordable drugstore makeup remover.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner (Rating: 5/5)

Retails: $4.49 at Ulta

Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (Rating: 4/5)

*Didn't get a 5 because it doesn't work with all types of eyeliners and mascaras

Retails: $7.94 at Walmart

What do you think of Rimmel products? 

Have you tried the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner or Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover?

Share your thoughts with me in the comments.

x Carol

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*I received these products for free to keep from Influenster as part of their FrostyVoxBox and was asked to write an honest review. Opinions expressed in this product review are my own and are based on my own experiences when using these products. Photos in this post belong to Intrice Blog unless otherwise stated.

Review and Tutorial: Evian Brumisateur Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray

The Evian Brumisateur® (Brew-meez-ah-tour) Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray is a new line of facial mist from the company. For those who haven't used facial mists before, they are a good way to quickly rehydrate your parched skin or can be used to set makeup at the end of applying your look.
I was sent an Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray to try and write an honest review for my readers.

Prior to getting this opportunity, I did not know Evian made a product like this. I mostly just know the company for their spring water. I do like using facial mists in general though because I live in a place that gets hot and humid so my skin gets very thirsty. This is a great way to quickly feel refreshed and moisturized if you cannot rinse your face with cold water.

It is compatible with all skin types including the most sensitive. The mineral water mist is pH balanced with the level of 7.2pH, which is close our body's normal pH levels. This product is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

According to Evian, this product is popular in their French market where French women, famous for their beauty savvy, have long depended on the special benefits of Evian Brumisateur as part of their daily skin care regime.

"With each misting, evian® Brumisateur® (Brew-meez-ah-tour) Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray helps hydrate, tone, and soothe all skin types including sensitive skin leaving the skin looking healthy." - from Evian (Youtube Video)

Walmart Winter Beauty Box 2014 Unboxing

This is an unboxing post about the items I received in my Walmart Winter Beauty Box 2014 that I ordered. They include items from Jergens, Maybelline, Olay Fresh Effects, Nivea, and L'Oreal. I was not as impressed with the this box compared to my Target Beauty Box that costs the same but the size of the products were all deluxe sample sizes.

Total Cost: $5.00

Estimated Value: $10.75

Review: Frosty VoxBox from Influenster

Photo Credit: Influenster.com

This my first VoxBox From Influenster and I am excited to talk about all the wonderful products in the Frosty VoxBox. I was one of 15,000 bloggers in the Influenster network selected to receive their Frosty VoxBox.

For this winter themed box, it came with a total of 8 items relating to beauty or food. In this review, I will talk about what I liked and disliked from this box. I have to say my favorite item is definitely the EcoTools Hair Brush!

December 2014 Birchbox Unboxing

I thought my box was being held hostage at the post office since it took so long to arrive. From stalking the tracking number updates, my Birchbox was sitting at my post office facility for about 3 days. After the long wait, here are the samples I got in my December 2014 Birchbox and my reactions.

Total Cost: $10.00

Actual Value: $56.37

Target Beauty Box Winter 2014 (For Her Edition)

My Target Winter Beauty Box (For Her Edition) finally arrived after about a week. I ended up not getting the same colors advertised in the photo for the CoverGirl Eye Enhancers palette nor for the Revlon HD Lacquer on the website. I am assuming that for everyone ordering the "For Her" edition of the Target Beauty Box that these two 2 items' color selections will vary. In this post, I will also list an exclusive coupon code you can use on your next online Target.com beauty order.

Total Cost: $10.07 (w/ tax + 5% RedCard discount)

Actual Value: $50.00

Here are the items I received in my box and a quick first impressions review of each product.

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen (Exclusive to Target) in Black

Retails: $9.99 

The only other Pixi product I own is their lip balm and so far I like it. I am hoping that this Pixi eyeliner will be just as moisturizing. The eyeliner in that came with the Target Beauty Box is not the full size eye pencil and is slightly shorter. From doing a quick swatch of this, I already like the color of this black eyeliner and it glides smoothly on the skin, no tugging or dragging whatsoever. 

Photo Credit: Intrice Blog

When pressing my finger on top of the swatch I made, the eyeliner doesn't pick up on my finger. When rubbing it, the eyeliner didn't smudge or budge. It only got a little bit lighter but still looks black and didn't fade to grey. Looks like the Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen will be a good eyeliner to use everyday. Pixi products are formulated free of parabens, mineral oil, and preservatives. If you have skin sensitivities then this brand is definitely worth considering.

Revlon HD Lacquer in HD Pink Diamond

Retails: $7.99

I already knew when ordering the Winter Target Beauty Box that I would not use this product no matter what color because I personally don't like shiny glittery lip products. I planned on gifting this product. The color in the promotion photo was a red shade and was hoping I would get that one or another versatile shade but I ended up getting a bubblegum pink. The lip lacquer has a cute imitation diamond gem glued on top of the application wand. If you look at the gem closely, it can be used as a super tiny mirror. This item was full size.

Hair Food Thickening Solution (Exclusive to Target) by Clairol 

Retails: $11.99

If you were able to get your hands on this season's beauty box before it went out of stock online and read the fine print, the boxes would either come with the Hair Food Thickening Solution or the Hair Food Hair Mask. I was hoping for the hair mask but received the thickening solution. I think the spray bottle is the full size version. I did a quick test run and here is my review for this product.

Like Pixi, the Hair Food product line is formulated free of parabens, mineral oil, and preservatives. I never heard of this until receiving it in the box. The Hair Food Thickening Solution claims to give you bouncy hair and it says the 3.2 fl oz bottle is enough to last for 1 month if used everyday. You spray it around the root areas of your hair then massage it into the hair. It says 15 sprays is enough to cover the whole head. This would be good for those who have flat, limp hair or those who want extra volume and body.

The first thing I noticed is that the scent of it is not very pleasant. It smells like a mix of rubbing alcohol, mint, and kiwi. There is a warning on the box about it being flammable, which sounds a little scary. Just don't use a blow dryer on your hair when you use this to be on the safe side.

When I tested this on my own hair, my hair was flat at the roots but looked a bit more voluminous after application. Maybe it gave it about a quarter to a half inch of lift. It does take about 3 minutes to see a difference. 

While applying and massaging it into my hair, the scent started to remind me of cough medicine or Chloraseptic cough drops for some reason. There is also a small tingle sensation when you feel the Hair Food Thickening Solution touch your scalp because it has menthol (mint).

When touching my hair, it does feel like I have hair product in it. The Hair Food Thickening Solution doesnt evaporate completely. It feels like when you put mousse in your hair and it's still wet. However, my hair does not feel hard like I used hairspray and there's no visible sign there is hair product. It applies and dries clear with no flakiness or hair product residue.  After a couple minutes, the alcohol and minty scents eventually do fade and you are left with the "kiwi" scent in your hair.

I would recommend using this from time to time but not everyday even though it says you can because of its main ingredients. From reading the ingredients on the bottle, alcohol is the first ingredient so that means most of it is made of alcohol and probably why its flammable. Not sure how amazing this product is for hair for prolonged use because alcohol will dry out your hair instead of moisturizing it. This does contain dimethicone, which is silicone based to leave your hair feeling soft by coating hair strands but doesn't actually moisturize your hair either. 

L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza Mascara in Black

Retails: $7.99

This is a new macara line from L'Oreal and it has a unique rubber "double wing butterfly" brush shape. It is supposed to extend your lashes like you are wearing false lashes with the ends fanning out more than the inner eye area like butterfly wings. I don't know why but for some reason I kept reading "intenza" as "influenza" whenever I saw this in store. The closest word that I can think of that rhymes with it is influenza so maybe thats this happens.

On the box, it says this mascara formula is clump-free, flake-free, and smudge-free. Looking forward to trying this and seeings if it works as great as it sounds. 

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Kit in Blushing Nudes

Retails: $4.49

The eyeshadow colors in the Blushing Nudes kit are white, light pink, rosey pink, and brown. Only the white and the brown colors have a slight shimmer to them. I am not sure if the pink colors will show up clearly or look right on my yellow skin tone. 

I like the compact size of the CoverGirl Eye Enhancers palette making it great for carrying around in a purse in case you need to touch up. I think the Blushing Nudes palette colors would be better for those with ivory or fair skin.

ChapStick Total Hydration Lip Care (Exclusive to Target) in Sweet Peach 

Retails: $2.99

Another reason why I ordered this box is because I needed a new chapstick and luckily this was part of the beauty box. The Total Hydration line is also new this season for the brand Chapstick. It claims to keep your lips moisturized for up to 8 hours with Omega 3/6/9 (for anti-aging purposes I am guessing) and gives a youthful appearance for your lips upon application.

I already started using this because it is finally cold now in Florida and my lips are starting to get dry. The Chapstick Total Hydration in Sweet Peach is a white color in the tube. This applies clear and leaves lips looking shiny and balmy.

It has a light peach and floral fragrance to it. I personally wished it was just peach flavor with no floral scent. This feels very emollient on the lips but I have not had it on for 8 hours and already my lips feel dry again after an hour. I don't think this works as well as it claims and feeling a little disappointed. I wouldn't recommend this lip balm if you are looking something that only takes about 1 or 2 reapplications throughout the day.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (Sample Size 20 ml)

Retails: $23 Full Size (80 ml)

This was the product I am most excited about from the whole beauty box. Laneige is a Korean beauty brand and it's owned by AmorePacific. They just started having their products available at Target this year. Laneige is one of the drugstore brands of Korea but their products are affordable and work well. The idea of a "sleeping mask" is new to me but I can't wait to try this product. Outside of the US, this product is named "Water Sleeping Pack EX."

It is a super moisturizer that is gel-based. You apply it on at night, go to sleep, and then wash it off the next morning. On the Laneige international website, it says the "Sleepscent" of the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask can calm stress by smelling it for 3 seconds. I think it isn't written on the box of the US version of this because most people wouldn't believe it. This has a light refreshing scent and the gel cream is a sky blue color.

Here is a link to the international page to read more about this product:
Water Sleeping Pack EX

Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Serum (0.1 fl oz Packet)

Retails: $29.99 Full Size, 1 oz

Boots No7 is a drugstore brand from the UK and is now available at Target. Their products are all hypoallergenic and can be used by those with sensitive skin types. This serum supposedly is anti-aging and promises to reduce wrinkles and deep lines in 4 weeks. It promises younger looking skin in 2 weeks.

Like all serums, you would apply this after cleansing but before using a moisturizer. This contains the ingredient matrixyl, which I noticed is popular in any skincare product these days that are "anti-aging." Not sure if the No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum really works. I don't think this sample packet is enough to use for an adequate period time to see results. I also think the price of this full-size is very expensive for a drugstore brand.

From reading through the ingredients, this does contain sulfates, parabens, and dimethicone.

Coupon Codes

Besides these products, the Target Beauty Box came with a $10 Dermstore unique coupon code for each box. This time there is no minimum purchase limit like in last season's beauty box. 

In a way, you are getting your $10 back but to spend elsewhere. In the information card about each product in the beauty box, it also came with 1 coupon to use at Target.com and 1 in-store.

At the time of writing this post, all 3 versions (For Her, For Him, and Naturals) of the Winter Target Beauty Box have sold out. If it wasn't sold out, I would put the links in the post to order. 

When it was the Fall Target Beauty Box, there was still some left to order when I wrote the blog entry for that box. Looks like this seasons boxes are more popular than last season. 

As promised, here is the coupon code you can use for a future Target.com beauty order: 

***Online promotion code expires on 2/1/2015

• "$3 off your next Beauty Department purchase of $15 or more" promo code: TGTBEAUTY

Have you tried any of these products before? What did you think about them?

If you ordered the Winter "For Her" Beauty Box what items and color selections did you get?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or tweet me @intriceblog. :)

x Carol

Instagram - Twitter - Pinterest

Exclusive Review and Swatches for Makeup by One Direction Tins (Limited Edition)

Photo Credit: Markwins International

Just in time for the holiday season, One Direction recently released its new collectible limited edition Makeup by One Direction Tins with Markwins International. These make perfect standalone gifts or stocking stuffers for lovers of makeup as well as fans of One Direction.

I was lucky enough to get an exclusive look at 3 of the 5 makeup tins in their limited edition collection and share photos with my readers and write an honest review about the makeup. Each of these limited edition tins features one out of the five bandmates of One Direction. The tins I received feature Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik from One Direction.

Besides my review of these makeup tins along with makeup swatches, there is also a giveaway in this post! Don’t forget to check the end of this post to enter for your chance to win your own limited edition Makeup by One Direction Tin.

***Giveaway is open to residents of U.S. and Canada and sponsored by Markwins International***

My 3 limited edition Makeup by One Direction Tins: Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik // Photo Credit: Intrice Blog

“Created for—and inspired by—fans of the world's biggest band, this limited edition beauty collection is fun, bold and a tad mischievous, just like ONE DIRECTION!” – from Makeup By One Direction

Target Beauty Box Fall 2014 (Unboxing)

I was surprised to see this arrive in the mail yesterday. I know I am late to the party for the Target Beauty Box but thought I should still do an unboxing because they are fun. I especially like the lipstick color that came in my Target Beauty Box. It seems like the lipstick is the only item in the box that you do not know what color you will get until it arrives. This box only costs $7 on Target.com but does include tax depending on where you live and it ships for free. If you have a Target RED Card the 5% discount still applies to this order.

Actual Cost I Paid (w/ tax): $7.42 

Review: Model Co Bronzer in Shimmer

Model Co Bronzer in Shimmer

Model Co is an Australian beauty brand and does not test its products on animals. They describe their products as "innovations and smart beauty." The Model Co Bronzer was the first item I ever owned from Model Co receiving it as one of my Birchbox samples from a previous month. The bronzing powder I am reviewing is in the shade of "Shimmer."

"BRONZE SHIMMER is a light-reflecting bronzer that brightens and illuminates the complexion, giving the effect of a natural tan with a hint of shimmer. -- from Model Co (official website)"

Target Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types and tones (according to the Model Co website)

Review: Walmart Beauty Box (Fall 2014)

The Advertised Fall Beauty Box // Photo Credit: Walmart Beauty Box

Walmart issues its own "Beauty Box" every quarter just in time for each season (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) and the cost is only $5 ( $0.00 Samples + $5.00 shipping cost = Advertised as "Free"). I just received my Fall Walmart Beauty Box yesterday after waiting for 2 weeks. I ordered my box on September 4th, which I think is the first day they opened the application period to order their Fall box. 

Total Cost of Box: $5.00

Actual Value of Box: $21.86

Review: Benefit Posiebalm

Benefit Posiebalm from Birchbox (Sample Size)

Benefit Posiebalm (Full Size) // Photo Credit: Birchbox.com

Color Swatch of Benefit Posiebalm in Poppy Pink

Contains: Mango Butter -- Moisturizing for the skin

Targets: Dry lips, chapped lips

Available Colors: Poppy Pink

The Benefit Posiebalm is a hydrating tinted lip balm created by Benefit Cosmetics. According to the official website, it claims that this product will give you softer looking lips and a perfect pout. The active ingredients in this lip balm are mango butter and sodium hyaluronate working together as moisturizers for you lips. It is also a versatile shade of pink that looks flattering on all skin tones.

Now, does it work?