Review – Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye Cream

I honestly cannot remember the last time I received an eye cream in one of my beauty subscriptions.  This was a nice change, even though I had a Kiehl’s product not too long ago.  Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye Cream seemed different enough from I usually see in the monthlies and have received from Kiehl’s.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye Cream costs $37.00 USD for 0.5 fl oz.

What the manufacturer says:

Midnight Recovery Eye

A restorative eye treatment for younger-looking eyes by morning

• Leaves under-eye skin feeling strengthened and replenished
• Diminishes the appearance of fine lines
• Reduces puffiness and dark under-eye circles
• Infused with the same natural ingredients as Midnight Recovery Concentrate plus Butcher’s Broom, which improves microcirculation and reduces inflammation
• No parabens, fragrance, mineral oil or silicones

 

What Your Fairy Godmother says:

At first impression, this has a very pleasant scent.

It’s a thick cream, and you don’t need very much of it.  The sample was very typical sample size and I used it for almost 2 months.  So, even though the price is high you will get a lot of use from the regular size tube.

I’m not able to confirm any diminishing for lines.  I’m not saying it doesn’t work in the long run, but it didn’t make a difference in a month.

I don’t think it reduces puffiness.

I don’t have dark under-eye circles, so that claim didn’t apply to me.

Overall, this is a nice moisturizer, but I think if you are looking for some serious wrinkle relief, you may want to look into something that is specifically made for wrinkles.

Would I buy it? 

I would, if I didn’t already have a favorite eye cream.  I’m basing this on how well it kept my eye area moisturizer.  It was good, but what I’m currently using is better.

Thanks for reading!

~Anna

Review – Hey Honey Walk the Walk Propolis Foot Cream

I was very excited to see this in my December Bitchbox.  I suffer from dry skin and especially dry feet.  I’m constantly trying to moisturize them and add some softness.  So Hey Honey Walk the Walk was a nice surprise.

This retails for $23.00 USD for 5 Oz.  The sample which was under an ounce, lasted me for over a month.  I used this almost every night before bed.

What the manufacturer says:

WHAT IS IT:
A highly effective foot balm that softens, protects, and refresh your feet while repairing your dry, cracked heels.

WHY USE IT:
Propolis extract purifies and nourishes while naturally antiseptic sage and basil essential oils eliminate bacteria. Vitamin E promotes a supple, renewed texture as chamomile and Aloe Vera extracts soothe inflammation and discomfort. Take care of the feet that carry you around so you are ready for whatever the day brings! Bonus: It’s an excuse for a great foot massage!

WHO IS IT FOR:
Anyone with feet in need of TLC.

HOW TO USE:
Apply balm to clean feet and massage until absorbed.

What Fairy Godmother says:

The first thing I noticed about this was the scent.  It smells like herbal. Sort of minty, sort of menthol.  It smells natural, I liked it

When you apply it, it feels cool on your skin.  This feels so nice before going to bed, it cools down your tired feet and relaxes you.

It’s not greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin.

In the morning, you wake up with noticeably softer feet.

Any downside?  No, this does what it says.

Would I purchase?

Yes.  This is a nice foot treatment to keep around when your feet need a little extra attention.

Review – Air Repair Complexion-Boosting Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Birchbox introduced me to many amazing products this year, and the Air Repair Complexion-Boosting Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is one of them.  I actually wished this sample was bigger, that’s how much I enjoyed this moisturizer.

$21.00 USD for 2 Fl Oz of product

From Birchbox:

We’ll admit it: Our case of wanderlust shows no signs of abating. We could, however, do without the dulling effects travel (and stress and dry weather and…) has on our complexions. That’s why we never go anywhere without this intensely rejuvenating face cream. It’s packed with antioxidants and humectants to hydrate and revitalize skin, so that even at our most jet-lagged we’re still rocking a radiant complexion.

HOW TO USE

Gently massage onto face and neck after cleansing. Use as often as needed. For a more intensive treatment, apply liberally and let absorb into skin for 10–15 minutes. Remove excess with warm, moist washcloth.

My Thoughts:

I never had to use it as a mask, my skin has been pretty okay so far.

However, I loved this as a moisturizer.  This was my daytime moisturizer.  It absorbed beautifully and created a nice canvas for additional product application. Whenever my skin started to feel drier, I reached for this and my skin was back to normal or better.

I used to most often after camping and other outdoor activity.  It worked so well.

I’m really impressed with hyaluronic acid!  I think this ingredient works amazingly to hydrate skin.

Will I purchase?

Possibly, or I will look for another hyaluronic acid product.  However, I don’t think this is too expensive to buy and use when your skin really needs it.

Have you tried Air Repair or another hyaluronic acid moisturizer?

Thanks for reading!

~Anna

Review – Coastal Scents Blush and Bronzer Duo

This face duo was in my November Birchbox.  This is actually a pretty generous sample, and when you buy the full size for $19.95 USD, you actually get a number of additional shades.

I’ve used Coastal Scents before and I’m usually very happy with their products.  This was no exception. The color pay off of the products is good.  They are finally spun powders and blend very easily.

As for these two particular shades, one was better than the other . The blush, is so pretty.  The bronzer is so light, it’s almost invisible.  It almost looks like it would be better suited as a highlighter for a darker complexion.

I didn’t even bother photographing the btronzer because it hardly shows up.  I’m actually wearing both in this picture.

Overall, I think it’s a good product and I like the full size product even more.  So many colors!

Would I purchase this?  yes, I would.  I think it’s a good deal for the dollars.

Have you used the Coastal Scents blushes?  Do you like them?

~Anna

Birchbox December Reveal – last box of 2016. How did Birchbox close out the year?

Ahhh 12 little boxes.  Some awesome, some okay.  But always something new to experience.  How did the December Birchbox do?

Ren Flash Hydro Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion

Laura Geller Mascara

A pocket mirror!

Hey Honey Walk the Walk  Propolis Foot Creme!

Atelier Cologne which I dropped and broke the second this picture was taken.

Saphira Hair Mineral Mud

At first impression, I’m very excited to try the foot creme.  It’s winter and my feet are so dry!  Also, I’m sorta happy for the pocket mirror.

What was in your Birchbox this month?

Thanks for reading!

~Anna

Review – Hustle Butter Luxe

Cost $25.00 for 30ML Hustle Butter Luxe

I wasn’t very excited about this cream and I’m usually wary of products that are marketed as “multipurpose”.    I’ve let it languish on my shelf for a couple weeks, routinely bi.-passing it in favor of other moisturizers.   Until I decided to give it a try.

First up, here is what Birchbox says:

BIRCHBOX BREAKDOWN

Don’t go without this newly revamped face and body balm, packed with super-nourishing hyaluronic acid and algae. Originally developed to heal tattoos, this multipurpose cream primes, moisturizes, and heals any skin. What’s more, the rich formula works equally well as facial moisturizer, makeup remover, hand cream, and even as a sunburn healer when you (oops!) forget to slather on the SPF. This is one powerful balm that never stops hustling.

HOW TO USE

Dab it on whenever and wherever you need moisture and protection.

My thoughts:

Initial reaction was surprise and tiny alarm because this stuff is THICK.  Like coconut oil in solid form thick.  Like you sort of have to work to dig this out of the pot, thick.

But, okay, I dug it out.  Examined it.  And decided that it would be okay as a night time under eye cream.

And…

BOY WAS I RIGHT!

This stuff is amazing!  AMAZING!!!!

Pros:

It leaves my skin so hydrated.

It hasn’t clogged any more.

It’s got a great price point at $25.00 especially since a little does go a long way.

You can put it on elbows and hands and cuticles.

Cons:

NONE

Have you tried Hustle Butter Luxe?  Do you like it?

Thanks for reading!

~Anna

Review – Parlor Moisturizing & Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner

In my October Birchbox, was a pair of Jeff  Chastain Parlor products; Parlor Moisturizing & Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner.

I’ve received Parlor products in Birchbox in the past, and I’m usually a fan.  Most recently, I had a sea salt spray from the line, and loved it.

This shampoo and conditioner are rather expensive.  Be prepared to pay $22.00 USD for 8 Fl oz of product.  You can buy it through Birchbox. Here is what they say about it:

BIRCHBOX BREAKDOWN

This gently cleansing shampoo from NYC stylist Jeff Chastain is a triple-threat of fortification, hydration, and repair. Infused with the brand’s signature scent of ripe peach, fresh cut grass, and white woods, it’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and color-safe.

My thoughts

So, just a shampoo.  It was nice.  It smelled nice.  It lathered nice.  It was…well…nice.  But it did exactly what it was supposed to do – clean my hair.  And it did that.  It didn’t wow me with anything.

Same goes for the conditioner.

One thing to note – it was gentle on my color treated hair.

However, I didn’t find it to be any more or less moisturizing than any other high end shampoo.

Would I buy it?

Not for $22.  Sorry, Parlor!

Have you tried the Parlor Moisturizing & Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner?  Do you like it?

Thanks for reading!

~Anna

My Birchbox Reveal – October 2016

Ann

 

I’m most excited about the Clarins serum!

I’m already a fan of Parlor hair products.

I’m neutral about the mascara.

I’m not sure what the butter is for, body or face.

What did you get?

~Anna

Review – Klorane Waterproof eye make-up remover

 Klorane Waterproof eye make-up remover with *bonus* soothing cornflower.

I received this sample in my Birchbox.  You can also get it from Sephora and it retails for $16.00 for a little over 3 fl oz.

What they claim:

What it is:
A bi-phase waterproof eye makeup remover with soothing cornflower.

What it does:
This gentle formula quickly removes all types of long-lasting makeup, even waterproof, and strengthens eyelashes without any oily residue. It is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, and is enriched with cornflower extract to soothe and decongest.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates

What else you need to know:
This product is also hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested, silicone-free, phenoxyethanol-free, and vegan. It is formulated to reduce the risk of allergy.

Since the 12th century, cornflower has been used for its medicinal properties to relieve tired and irritated eyes. Its blue color was considered a token for healthy eyes.

Research results:
In a clinical study on eyelash loss after daily application of Klorane Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover for 2 weeks:
– 75% reduction in eyelash loss was measured

My thoughts:

I will just come out and say it; this is probably the best eye make-up remover I’ve ever used.  There is absolutely no eye sting. Zero.   Nada.  Zilch.  My eyes don’t water, burn, itch.  NOTHING.

Does it remove eye make-up?

Yes, as good as any other eye make up remover.  Go over the eyelid a few times, let it soak into the lashes a bit and you are make-up free.

Do you have a reduction in eyelash loss?

Actually, maybe.  I had noticed the other day that I am losing less eyelashes.

Does it stay oily after using?

No

Will I purchase?

Yes, very much a yes.

Review – Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray

I really enjoy hair products, especially ones that fill my fantasies with thick and long hair.

Thickening hairspray, you say?  You had me at “thick”!

I think this was a Birchbox item. My apologies for not remembering.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray retails for $29.00 for 8 oz of product.  You can get a trial/travel size for $10.00 at Sephora.

From Sephora: 

What it is:
A setting spray that offers a moderate hold for all hair types.

What it does:
This spray lifts and holds all hair types—thin, thick, straight, or curly. Use it for blow-drying, setting, protecting from heat, adding volume, lifting, controlling, and finishing any style. Pair this must-have formula with Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner for a little more heft.

My thoughts:

Does it work?

I spray this on my hair after I wash it at night.  What this does is give me more volume and bounce to my hair the next day.  I don’t think it lasts past 1 day of use.  It does fade out and you will need to reapply.  However, if you over use it too many days in a row it becomes sticky.  It did on my hair, at least.  My hair is thick/thin.  I have a full head of fine hair.

Would I re-purchase?

Yes, but not at the full size.  I think the trial size goes a long way, and I don’t use it very regularly.

Thanks for reading!

~Anna