Brazilian Peel Review

I had the opportunity to try a product called Brazilian Peel.  It's an at-home, professional strength peel.  The one I tried was the acne peel kit. 

Here are the claims:

THE SCIENCE OF CLEAR SKIN


Clear + Prevent + Protect
The Antidote to Acne, Brazilian Peel Clear is an innovative two-step treatment program that clears and prevents acne blemishes, and protects skin from irritation, redness and aging.

Instantly unclogs pores & helps prevent acne

Reduces acne & visibly improves acne scars

Clinically proven to brighten, smooth & tone skin

Dermatologist tested to be safe & non-irritating

Scientifically formulated to hydrate & prevent over-drying skin

Easy to use, takes less than 1 minute daily, 10 minutes weekly

In independent clinical testing:

91% of users reported less oily skin

90% of users reported experienced a reduction in acne blemishes

89% of users reported clearer skin

83% of users reported smooth and soft skin
The Science of Clear Skin

Together, the dermatologic benefits of 25% glycolic, the antioxidant properties of natural açaì berry, the innovation of Q-Mag Neutralizer, and the acne-fighting properties of salicylic acid define the science of Brazilian Peel Clear, the Antidote to Acne.

Brazilian Peel Clear is formulated WITHOUT:

Sulfates

Synthetic Dyes

Petrochemicals

Phthalates

GMOs

Triclosan

 

The kit is a 4 week system and you start of doing a peel first.  It was kind of fun to do the peel because it gets warm on your face.  It tingled a bit but I left it on for the 10 minutes as directed and then washed it off with cool water.  My face still tingled for about 5 minutes after washing it off.  The kit comes with four peels and you do that weekly.

Every day in the time between peels, I used the Boost Pads.  The Boost Pads tingled and burned just a bit and had a similar feel of an over-the-counter toner.   

I repeated this process until the peels and pads were gone. What were the results?  I didn't notice that much of a difference in my skin after the process.  I do think my pores were cleaner though. I still had a couple of pimples throughout the process and didn't get any less than I normally would.  Overall, I think my skin isn't that bad to begin with so results may be better with someone who has problem skin. 

When I received this box, it retailed at Sephora for $79 but I see they no longer carry this exact product, however it's had rave reviews.  I do see that you can purchase just the peels now.  I've found this exact kit on other sites for $45. 

July Birchbox-The Final

I've been saying it for a long time, but now it's final.  After 14 months, I cancelled my subscription to Birchbox. (I also cancelled Beauty Army after only 2 months.)  July's box was my last box. I think it ended on a pretty good note though.  This month's box was all about the five senses so it included ear buds, mints, perfume, etc.  

I had fun receiving Birchbox, especially since it is a surprise each month and more often than not, I thought the boxes were sub par but what do you really expect for $10 a month?  Just a handful of fun items that may or may not be useful to you.  

Girly Organization

Many months ago, a couple of you asked how I organize my jewelry.  I don't have the best system but it works for me.  I may have more jewelry than the average person so this might not work for you.

You may have seen all the cute ways to display necklaces on Pinterest and while cute, I have too many necklaces for most of those ideas.

Here's what my necklaces look like with just a necktie-type hanger with a hook:

Earrings/chunky bracelets/delicate necklaces:

What it looks like altogether...this sits atop of the armoire that was given to me when my gramma passed away.  Inside it holds rings, pins, expensive necklaces and bracelets that I wear on often.

Perfume/Sprays/Lotions are held on a mirrored tray:

Makeup brushes on the vanity:

My makeup is organized in plastic drawers by type.  I bought the blue drawers during back-to-school season and cost $1-2 at Wal~Mart.

Makeup palettes are kept in the wicker basket drawers:

Finally, nail polish.  I did find this on Pinterest so this is how I store/display mine:

All of this stuff encompasses my bathroom. Our house isn't the most space-efficient but I do my best.  As much as I love the idea of having a minimalist home, when it comes to girly stuff, I fail miserably.  Plus I live with a pack rat who I'm trying to reform but it's a slow process.  At least he's willing.

June Birchbox

I received my Birchbox for June last week and again, it wasn't anything too exciting.  When I saw that I received a box of Band-Aid's, I thought, really?  But after looking a little closer, they're designer Band-Aid's and they are actually pretty cute.  Maybe I should cut my finger just so I can use them.

I received some $25 off some art thing which isn't exciting.  The soap doesn't smell too hot.  The perfume isn't bad.  I received a peach bronzer and it looks like a nice color.  I'm not sure about the Stainiac tint for cheeks and lips.  We'll see about that.

This is my 12th or 13th box I've received and I've been mostly disappointed with them.  Why can't I cancel this subscription?!  I just love the element of surprise.  I think I will be cancelling soon though.  I know, I know, I've said that before but I've actually joined a subscription box better suited for me.  I'll write about that when I receive my first box in July.

Summer Solstice/Avon Giveaway

Happy Summer Solstice, aka, Happy Summer!  Ok, I know that the first official day of summer was yesterday but today is the first full day of summer and I want to celebrate with a giveaway.

I think we've all heard of Avon, right?  I was given the chance to review one of their fragrance's, Free O2.  It's described as "Like a breath of fresh air, it reawakens the spirit.  An uplifting expression of refreshing white peach tea, airy honeysuckle and soothing milky musks." 

When I tried the scent, I found it to be sweet, but not too sweet.  It's a very light scent and definitely not overpowering.  It has the slightest hint of musk and I think it would be a good scent for a younger or older female.  It's a perfect scent for summer, which is why I'm giving it away on the first full day of summer!

Avon has all sorts of products, not just makeup and skincare.  They also carry jewelry, items for the home, clothes and accessories and products for the guys too...and their stuff is affordable.  If you're interested in purchasing anything during the month of June, it's 99 cents shipping for any order.  

The rules for the giveaway are easy.  Leave a comment with your email address and tell me what your favorite Avon product is.  If you are unfamiliar with the brand, check out their site and find what product you like and comment about that item.  

For extra entries, do any or all of the following, leaving a separate comment for each:

1. Blog about this giveaway and send me the link
2. "Like" Avon on Facebook
3. Become a follower of this blog on Google Friend Connect (new friends only)

The giveaway will end on Saturday, June 30th at 10 pm CST and is limited to those in the United States.  I'll draw the winner the following day or two. 

Good luck!

    

New Feet

I have new feet for the beginning of summer.  I had the most relaxing pedicure on Thursday night.  Oh, and I have two cats that need to be right next to me when I'm trying to take pictures so I thought I might as well use this pic.

Girls, any pedi's for you yet?  If so, do you like your toes a color or just a French?  I prefer a French because I think it looks clean but I like color too.

A nice set of toes with Fuzzer smelling Powder's butt

May Birchbox

Here are my goodies for the May Birchbox.  It was a "Gossip Girl" inspired box, but because I've never seen that TV show, the concept is lost on me.  Here's what was in my box this month:

Birchbox/Zoya Collaboration

Birchbox and Zoya teamed up to offer a trio of nail polishes that were colors inspired by three bloggers as shown below as voted by fans.  I really loved these colors and decided I needed to get them.  The set cost $22 with free shipping but since I had some Birchbox points accumulated, I was able to knock off $10 and get it for $12.  The package arrived early last week and the colors are so beautiful and perfect for summer.  I'm pretty sure I need to be done with Zoya for awhile now.  I have PLENTY of colors to last me through the whole year, but I can't promise anything when it comes to addictive little company.

Birchbox

Makeup Makes Me Happy

Sometimes it pays to talk about the things that interest me on this blog.  An advertising agency contacted me and sent the following goodies to me because I talk about makeup and beauty items.  I was more than surprised when I received all this stuff including items from Smashbox, Bath & Body Works, Sally Hansen, Burt's Bees, John Frieda and a few other brands that are new to me.  Yay for beauty!

Birchbox- April

First off, THANK YOU so much for the blog love I received in yesterday's post.  I really needed to know you guys are out there reading and it keeps me going.

Moving on, I received my Birchbox for April in the mail last week and I was disappointed.  I know I keep rambling about how I plan on cancelling if the next month is bad but I think I just want to make it a year and then I'll probably cancel.

This month's box included, get this, laundry detergent.  Ok, the little drops look cute and convenient but I want beauty products, not household products.  If I didn't get a mini Zoya in the color Lotus (which I almost bought at one time), I would have been even more disappointed. The box also included a sample of Taylor Swift's perfume, which isn't too bad but not very exciting and an organic moisturizer and a hair mask. I don't know how this equates to at least $10 worth of product. Let's get it right for next month, Birchbox!

Sample Society Beauty Box

I found what looks to be like another great monthly subscription beauty box.  It's called Sample Society which is a collaboration between Beauty Bar and Allure magazine.  It was just released this past March and here are some of the goodies that went out in last month's box:

The first box—the March box included: Fekkai Advanced Glossing Cream (1.6 oz), Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (.45 oz), REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask (15 ml),Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen (.14 oz) and Oscar de la Renta Espirit D’Oscar Eau de Parfum Rollerball (.1 fl oz).

 

A Sample Society membership introduces consumers to the latest trends and innovations in beauty through sampling. As members, customers receive the following every month:

• Five deluxe-size samples from premium brands such as By Terry, Dermalogica, Fekkai Advanced, and Bond No. 9. Samples are deluxe-size, meaning they are intended for more than one use, allowing customers to truly experience and test products’ efficacy.
• Original content written by Allure editors with each month’s samples, giving the customer relevant expert information that can optimize her experience and ultimately help her make purchase decisions.
• A $15 gift code that can be used toward the purchase of any product from the featured brands received that month (not just the specific product sampled), meaning that each box pays for itself.
• A one year subscription to Allure magazine

The monthly cost of $15 seems like a good deal, considering that if you are interested in purchasing one of the featured brands for the month, the $15 gift code can go towards the cost of the purchase so your box ends up being free. 


The program is so popular right now that there is a waiting list for new customers who want to try it out.  I've put my name in and we'll see how quickly I can get signed up.  Do you think you're interested in signing up? 

Beauty Army- March Box

I received my Beauty Army box in the mail earlier this week.  I picked these items myself so when it arrived in the mail on Wednesday, I didn't getting around to opening it.  In fact, I just opened it up today, Saturday.

I do love the box it comes in and can be used again for organization or using as a gift box but when I opened up the box, I thought, why would I have chosen that product?  I looked online and yes, I did choose all of the products in the box, however I probably chose those six because there wasn't that much to choose from in the first place.  I'm like all the other Beauty Army subscribers, which want more makeup samples and a little less skincare products.  I think for the past two months, it's pretty much been exclusively skincare items.

Anyway, here's what I got and I'll use the products but let's see some makeup next month or some more variety in products otherwise I'm cancelling!

Zoya Spring Blooming Color Haul

I took advantage of the Zoya Spring Blooming Color promotion a couple of weeks ago and I received my package this past Monday.  Don't they look lovely?

Colors from left to right: Caitlin, Pippa, Coco, Paz, Midori and Bevin

 

 

For those that haven't tried Zoya, it's a must.  I polished my nails with the color Cho last Sunday and they still haven't chipped yet.  It's by far the healthiest formula as well as the lowest-maintenance nail polish around.  

Cho- My color still going strong

If you've never tried Zoya and would like to, here's your perfect opportunity.  They have a Share the Love program which helps both of us out.  If you click on the link below, it will direct you to Zoya's website.  Once there, create an account and a $5 coupon will be credited to you to be used on an immediate order.  Once you sign up, order and pay, I will get a $5 coupon as well for the first customer and up to a $15 coupon for five customers. Sign up for pretty nails!  Plus, I've never paid full price for a bottle of nail polish yet.  They have promotions going on quite frequently.

Click over here! ► ►► https://www.artofbeauty.com/rd/FC3DDA

And if you want to wait until April 1st, the Beach & Surf collection is coming out.  I think I'll need Shelby.  

 

As for all my friends that are current Zoya customers and you participated in the Spring promo, show off the colors you got on your blog.  I know Ang and Kristi did it and what about you, Krysten?

March Birchbox

I received my March Birchbox in the mail last week.  I discussed recently that I think I'm over Birchbox and just when I feel I'm ready to cancel, I get a box that I like.  March's box was one of the best I've received.  I guess I'll keep hanging on for a month at a time.

On the same day I received my Birchbox, I also received some makeup brushes I ordered from Makeup Geek.  If you love makeup and want to know more about the latest products and reviews, tutorials or order products from the store, check it out.

Beauty Army- My First Box

Remember when I talked about all the different beauty subscriptions?  I received my first month's box for Beauty Army.  If you don't recall, Beauty Army allows you to pick your own deluxe samples, which means you are getting what you want but despite picking my samples, I had forgotten what I had chosen so it was still a fun surprise when the package arrived last week.

Here's what I got:

The body wash smells yummy and is formulated without sulfates and parabens and the whipped shea butter is organic and smells like bananas.  It feels awesome on your skin.  I've used it on my hands and they are the softest!  I wasn't exactly sure how the next time would work but I've found out tonight that I'll have a window of 7 days at the end of March to log on to Beauty Army and pick my next set of samples.  I think I'm going to like this.  If you love anything beauty related and love sampling products, it's seems to be a great deal.