Bat an Eyelash is a lifestyle blog about jewelry, makeup, belly dance, or anything else that my catch my interest.
I am a merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel. Please check out my boutique or share it with someone who may enjoy it. www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/loriannlv
So I didn't blog about my May or June Birchboxes because they just were kind of "meh." I was actually thinking of cancelling my Birchbox. I was really worried for this month's box as well because there were many samples that I've already gotten from Sample Society that I wasn't really interested in. Thankfully, I got box #12 and there is only one Sample Society repeat.
Color Club Summer Pastels in Blue Ming Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $8) I'm just not that into nail polish or nail art. Don't get me wrong. I admire those of you that have the patience and steady hands to do amazing nail art but I just don't go crazy for nail polish. This color is not one that I'd ever really consider wearing unfortunately. I have it up for trade.
Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black Full Size (Full Size Retail $15) The precision pen tip allows you to control the thickness of the line you create and vary the intensity of your look. Plus, the fade-proof formula will hold up all day and night. I'm so thankful I got this color in black. The olive does not appeal to me at all. I never thought that I'd be good at applying winged eyeliner or that it would look good on me. The Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner has prove me wrong on both counts. I loved this! It applied easily and was long lasting. I have a performance coming up in September where we are performing a piece from the 1940s. This will definitely help me get that 40's look down. I'd be interested in getting my hands on the purple version of this that a few people received.
Harvey Prince HelloPerfume vial (Full Size Retail $55 50ml) Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this scent has all-day staying power. A top note of Meyer lemon captures the scent of fresh-squeezed lemonade, while Satsuma mandarin adds a double fruity note. Next up, summer forsythia and pink plumeria—traditionally found in Hawaiian leis—give the scent its heady floral layer. I really like Harvey Prince perfumes. I wound up purchasing the full size Yogini from my first Birchbox. Hello reminds me faintly of Flowerbomb but isn't quite as floral which to me is a good thing. I like Hello and will use up this sample but I don't know that I will purchase.
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl (Full Size Retail $38 1.7 oz) The formula has light-diffusing minerals, which give skin a soft glow and also smooth over any fine lines. Antioxidants like ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract help improve skin, and SPF 20 wards off UVA and UVB rays. I also received this in my Sample Society box this month. The Sample Society was twice as big but in a color too dark for me. Pearl is the lightest color they carry. There was something about the color that still doesn't suit me. I think it is still too yellow. I thought it was a bit too shiny for my liking as well. I may be spoiled by BBs but I wanted more coverage from this.
Larabar uber Bananas Foster(Full size retail $12.69 qty 5). I love Larabars! I have an Apple Pie bar nearly every day. I also really love Blueberry Muffin and Ginger Snap. Larabars are made from actual food ingredients. All are gluten free. Most are also soy and dairy free. I received Bananas Foster and I have to say it wasn't my favorite flavor but I'm still a big fan of the brand overall.
Birchbox Earbuds Lifestyle Extra not for sale. I haven't used these yet but I'm glad to have a spare pair of earbuds. This was an unexpected addition and I think these lifestyle extras really set Birchbox apart from other subscription services.
What is Sample Society? Sample Society is a monthly subscription service that is a partnership between Allure magazine and Beauty Bar. For $15 a month you get five deluxe sized samples and a one year subscription to Allure. You also receive a $15 gift code towards the purchase of any of the brands in your box. It's nice that you have some flexibility and don't have to buy the exact product. You can also use your gift code multiple times. The booklet also includes some tips on how to use the products.
Borghese Tono Body Lotion (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $36.50 8.4oz) An extra-rich treatment creme that locks in hydration with moisture intensifying molecules. The body is veiled in invisible moisture, which becomes obvious in both the appearance and texture of the skin. Firms and smoothes skin tone. I've been using this for a few days. It has a definite fragrance to it that I don't dislike but I don't care for either. I'd say it's what you expect for a lotion.
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Golden(Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $38 1.7 oz) Jouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20 evens out imperfections and fades the appearance of fine lines with its light-diffusing multi-mineral formula. This lightweight, water-resistant, hypoallergenic tint features SPF 20 to protect from UVA and UVB rays while ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract deliver antioxidants to the skin, promoting a healthy complexion. Water-resistant, hypoallergenic and oil-free. This was also in my Birchbox this month. I got my Sample Society box first. There's quite a disparity between the two. The Sample Society size is much more generous. Unfortunately, Golden is too yellow for me. I've arranged to trade this over on MUT for a sample in Pearl. My tiny sample from Birchbox is also in Pearl. YAY. Jouer is also sending me some samples. I've definitely been favoring my Holika Holika BB lately but I'll give this moisture tint a try. Here's a picture showing the difference in the two sizes.
vbeaute Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Cream (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $85) VBeaute Eye Never is an age-defining, line concealing eye cream that immediately smooths and silkens the delicate skin around the eyes, minimizing the appearance of puffiness, lines and wrinkles. Formulated with the brand's powerful age-defying complexes, this eye cream boosts collagen production while protecting against free radical damage. At the same time, it helps increase moisture and relax muscle contractions to help prevent future signs of aging. I've heard some people complain about the small size of this sample. Hello, it's an eye cream! How big are your eyes? I've gotten at least three days of morning and night time usage of this. I haven't really noticed any difference though.
Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencilin Lavender Lite and Grape (Full size. Retail value $26) This smudge-resistant pencil is easy to apply and long-lasting. The soft texture and rich pigment allow for precise definition and shaping. Full sized makeup product. YAY! But I really only use lip liner when I wear red lips. So I'll probably be putting this up for trade.
Sisley-Paris Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $250 1.4 oz) This formula uses botanical, mineral and aromatic extracts to replenish skin’s thirsty moisture cushion in the epidermis, dermis and stratum corneum layers of the skin. Skin is left intensely moisturized and revitalized, so that wrinkles and line lines are minimized and elasticity and youthful appearance are restored. Anti-aging aside, I live in the desert. So I'm all about products that are super hydrating. This has a slight fragrance to it that I don't really mind too much. I've been using at night since I use a BB during the day. I like it but I don't love it enough to go for the full size.
Even though there are a couple of products I'm not terribly jazzed about this month, Sample Society is definitely my favorite of my subscription boxes. I've definitely been introduced to products I never would have tried and the sizes are ample enough to really try a product out before making a purchase. I don't mind investing in an expensive product if I know beforehand that it's going to work for me.
This month I indulged and bought myself some more high end items for my birthday but other than that I haven't been buying many products this month. I've actually been using a lot of things from my subscription services and from free samples with purchase.
NARS Blush in Orgasm I have to admit this is very similar to the Milani Luminoso blush which was my favorite blush in February. I like the formula of the NARS a little better for some reason I can't really describe. It just has the feeling of a higher quality product.
AmorePacific Tinted Treatment Moisturizer I got these samples with my birthday haul. Generously sized I got multiple uses out of the first little pod I tried. Fell in love with it! The lightest color works well for me. I tried out Fair today and it's just a tad too dark. Unfortunately the full size of this product is $70! So I don't see myself buying it anytime soon. I will have to admire you from afar AmorePacific. I still have the Light-Medium and Medium samples if anyone is interested.
Bond No.9 Nuits de Noho This came in my May Sample Society Box. It smells slightly exotic and indulgent. I absolutely love it. I don't wear it everyday because I'm trying to make this sample last. I wore it recently for one of my belly dance performances just to give myself that extra boost.
StriVectin SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles also from May Sample Society and the QVC Test tube. I was using this for a few weeks prior to my performance. It definitely lessened the appearance of my belly stretch marks and the scars from my recent surgery. I'm a believer.
e.l.f. Angled Blush Brush I originally bought this brush with contouring in mind but I like it for general blush application. Besides I still haven't quite figured out that whole contouring thing. The fibers are really soft and seem to pick up just the right amount of product. I just looked and didn't see these on e.l.f. Hopefully they aren't discontinued. This brush is cruelty free.
Sorry I've been neglecting my blog. I did get sucked into Diablo3 but I also really got sucked back into belly dance. I had an amazing weekend last week at a festival. I may blog about it. Would you guys be interested in a performance video?
So I told myself I was just going into Ulta to get my points from my last purchase and pickup UD 24/7 in Perversion and one or two things from they NYX section. I also needed to the nail polish I bought last time but my Mom liked it so much I gave it to her. I just needed to go in CVS to return some blush (Maybelline FitMe blush sucks btw). What is it they say about the best laid plans of mice and men?
The Haul:
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eyeliner Perversion
NYX Mechanical Lip Pencil Plum
NYX Mechanical Lip Pencil Nude
NYX Hi Def Photo Concealer Green
NYX Xtreme Lip Cream Buttery Nude
NYX Xtreme Lip Cream Natural
Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinte Natural
Ulta Nail Lacquer Steppin' Out
Ulta Nail Lacquer Goddess
Ulta Nail Lacquer Freshwater Pearl
Ulta Nail Lacquer Dance Teal Dawn
Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Concealer Ivory
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eye Shadow Tough as Taupe
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat
Sample of Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation Buff 4C
Ulta products are still buy two get two free. My CVS still has a good selection of the Color Tattoo shadows. Most everywhere else is sold out or only has purple. Word has really gotten around about that one being the dud in the batch.
Since I've been recuperating, I haven't wanted to bother with putting my full face on. If you're on the go or just not used to wearing a lot of makeup, give a tinted moisturizer a try.
All you need is a tinted moisturizer you like and a tinted lip balm or lip gloss and you are set! You will look more polished without looking too "made up". It also doesn't require much effort. I know for us desert dwelling women, moisturizer and lip balm are a daily must have! So you're really not adding anything to your daily routine.
In addition to a lip gloss or a lip balm you can add some blush or mascara but this is completely optional. I add a little blush because I'm so pale. It's nice to get a little color back in the cheeks. If you have combination or oily skin you may want to apply powder to the T zone area.
Cover Girl Aqua Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($6-8) In Fair to Light is extremely sheer. It works OK as a moisturizer but did not have nearly the pigmentation or the coverage I expect from a tinted moisturizer. The texture was that of a thin liquid. Bat's Rating: 4 (only because it does actually moisturize)
e.l.f Studio Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($3) In Porcelain Works well as a moisturizer. The coverage was fairly good. If your skin is pretty even toned this may work for you. The color of this was too dark and too yellow for me. The texture is similar to a foundation but it wears very light. Bat's Rating: 6.5
MAC Studio Tint SPF 15 ($30) In Light Works well as a moisturizer. Full coverage without feeling heavy on the skin. Texture is similar to the e.l.f.. It's firm but it applies easily. It is the most expensive but this is one of those times, I feel you get what you pay for. One tube goes a long way as well. Bat's Rating: 9
MAC Studio Tint, e.l.f Studio Tint, and CG Aqua Smoothers is the shiny line to right of the e.l.f
You can see in the above picture just how sheer the Cover Girl is. No coverage at all. It was a big disappointment.. Here I am with the MAC Studio Tint and Estee Lauder Lip Gloss in Berry.
Trying not to sneeze!
The day I shot this video I picked up Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus for $7. I love it! If you're a fan of Burt's Bees you'll like this product. It glides on smoothly and doesn't feel heavy or sticky on the lips. It lasts about two hours.
