Sneakpeeq Purchase - Paz Collective Five Smooth Overlap Ring

If you haven't checked out sneakpeeq.com, you are missing out on some great prices on lovely products.  I wanted to share with you the newest addition to my jewelry collection, the Five Smooth Overlap Ring from The Paz Collective (pazcollective.com).  On sneakpeeq, it was called the Supernatural Silver Coil Ring but on The Paz Collective website, it is referred to as the  Five Smooth Overlap ring.

THE PAZ COLLECTIVE is a sterling silver jewelry company based in New York City that represents the best of the contemporary Mexican and Indian designers as well as their own collections.  Some of their items contain semi-precious stones from India.  Their website boasts that all their jewelry is handmade in their Taxco, Mexico and Jaipur, India workshops.  THE PAZ COLLECTIVE is a charter member of The Silver Institute, an honor bestowed on 6 companies whose jewelry was deemed to represent the best in sterling silver design.

I don't know about you, but I love supporting local companies, especially those that offer quality products.  I will definitely be adding to my jewelry 
wardrobe with new pieces from The Paz Collective.

The Five Smooth Overlap ring originally retails for $75 but I was able to snag one for $37 plus shipping, a savings of 51%.

Overall rating: Booyah!  I just love silver jewelry and love the construction and feel of this ring.  I also love that I was able to snag it at such a great price.

Sneakpeeq.com is an e-mail service that offers a variety of products at discounted prices.  The product sales change daily.

Beauty Box 5 - September 2012 Shipment

Beauty Box 5 is a new beauty sampling program that costs $12 a month, $30 per quarter or $100 per year (www.beautybox5.com).

  

Here is a list of my September 2012 shipment contents and descriptions as reflected in the insert card:

H.Wood.Beauty - Lip Shine - Poppy  - .14 oz/Full size; Retail $16.00 - The perfect addition to any makeup bag, this hydrating, sheer-color lip shine is packed with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and mango, avocado and shea butter. A promotion code for 25% off is provided.

Goat Haus Dairy - Bath Melts - 1 melt; 50g; Retail $2.50 - Taking a bath never left your skin feeling this good! Drop one of these handmade goat's milk bath melts into your tub and relax…your skin will thank you!

Silk Naturals - Eyeshadow - Silver Lining - .18 oz/$4 - Let's face it, a girl can never have too many eye shadows and these lovely, loose mineral shadows are no exception!  Gluten free and predominantly vegan, they're perfect for sensitive skin and a great addition to your ever-growing collection!  A promotion code for 5% off is provided.

Nastassja Skin - Enzyme Facial Peel - .25 oz/7.5 ml sample; Full size 2 oz/$45 - Great for any skin type, this revolutionary facial peel is packed with free-radical fighting antioxidants and uses papaya enzyme to gently eliminate dead, dry skin cells.  A promotion code for 25% off is provided.

Nume - Hydro Punch Hydrating Shampoo - 20 ml/.67 fl oz; Full size 8.45 oz/$24.99 - Introducing Hydro-Punch, a revolutionary synergy between traditional Moroccan Berber, Moroccan Argan Oil, and the SERATIN-K Protein Complex (patented technology).  This formula is enriched with the SERATIN-K Patented Technology, an active, protein-based complex shown to provide excellent moisture, binding capacity, and hair follicle nourishment for a smooth and silky feel.  Professional hydrating shampoo for dry or coloured hair.  Made with naturally strengthening Bamboo, your hair is cleansed thoroughly as sage extract and Jojoba oil increase the moisture level of your hair.  Natural Argan oil from Morocco contains exceptionally high levels of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (omega-6), for countering dryness in hair and loss of elasticity while preventing dull hair and split ends.  A powerful antioxidant agent mends damage caused by weather or harsh chemicals. Healthy Vitamin E helps to regain 

shine and a gorgeous, vibrant look.

Overall rating: Booyah! for the variety of items this box included, not to mention the value.

Have you tried Beauty Box 5?  What are your thoughts?

Glam Bag/Ipsy August and September 2012 Shipments

The August Glam Bag, themed "Endless Summer," was an orange mesh zipper bag that was trimmed in hot pink with skincare, fragrance, eyeshadow, and nail products as well as a bonus lip product from My Glam.  (Incidentally, My Glam has become Ipsy so all references to the program and website will refer to their new name.)

Here's a review of the items I received and descriptions as reflected on the brand websites:

Eclos - Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream - 7 ml/.25 fl oz deluxe sample; Full size 60g/2 oz; $24.99 - This medium-weight moisturizer with restorative benefits helps smooth and brighten for a youthful finish. Hydration replenishes dry, dulling skin suffering from the signs of aging. Powerful extracts and antioxidants boost collagen levels for noticeable tightening and firming. Exclusively formulated with rejuvenating Apple Stem Cells, clinically proven to significantly reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture in two weeks. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or dyes, mineral oil or petroleum. Directions for use: Apply to clean skin day and night. Can also be applied over EclosTM Cellular Activator Face Serum for optimal results.  My thoughts: I liked the feel of this product but didn't find the sample large enough to result in a firmer skin or a reduction in my fine lines.  For a drugstore product, I did like the formula though.  There is mild fragrance to the cream. There is an offer code for $10 off as well as a free cleanser on ipsy.com.

Eclos - Cellular Activator Facial Serum - 15 ml/.5 fl oz. deluxe sample; Full size 50ml/1.7 fl oz. $24.99 - This lightweight serum from Eclos helps wake up skin's self-renewal process to revitalize fatigued, stressed skin. Unique plant extracts help boost firmness and tone to smooth out fine lines and damage. Exclusively formulated with rejuvenating Apple Stem Cells, clinically proven to significantly reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture in two weeks. Comfrey, Gotu Kola, Tumeric and Green Tea antioxidants shield against skin aging environment assaults, helping to prolong a youthful appearance. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or dyes, mineral oil or petroleum.  Directions for use:  After cleansing, lightly smooth a thin layer over skin in the morning and at night. May be used underneath EclosTM Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream for optimal results.  My thoughts: I liked the texture of this serum.  There is a mild fragrance to it though.

Demeter - Roll On Perfume Oil - Clean Skin - Full size .29 fl oz/$10 - Simple. Subtle. Singular scents. Each Day. Everywhere. Demeter Perfume Oils are long-lasting and formulated with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E to pamper and soften the skin. The convenient roll-on applicator is perfect for anyone looking for a great scent on the go. Apply to pulse points, wrists, and neck. Use as needed to refresh fragrance. Or, mix, match and layer them directly on the skin to create your own personal fragrance experience.  What's sexier than clean, post bubble-bath skin? A blend of orange, lemon, white rose, bergamot peach and vanilla, make for the perfect shower-fresh scent.  Clean Skin by Demeter is a virtually transparent and delicate fragrance. Smells like the best version of you - just better.  My thoughts: This fragrance was very mild and pleasant.  Great for my gym bag as it is a workout-friendly scent.  There is also a 20% off coupon code on the ipsy website.

Circus by Andrea's Choice - Nailcolor - Spectacle - 13.2 ml/.45 fl oz; Full Size price unavailable as product launches Fall 2012 - The Circus Collection includes: Reverso, Ringmaster, Spectacle, Somersault & Tightrope. Each chip-resistant shade is vegan, cruelty free and free of Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP.  My thoughts: This polish applies somewhat streaky so it requires several coats, though it dries to a glossy finish.  Spectacle is a bright, orange shade more suited for my tootsies as I prefer neutral shades on my hands.

S.A.L.T.Y Cosmetics - Eye Shadow - Glama-ZOID! - 1 g jar; Small size 1.25 g/$4.50 - S.A.L.T.Y. Cosmetics is dedicated to producing a line of loose mineral, luxury eyeshadows, custom blended by hand. The array of colors and shades is designed to help you express your inner diva! Glama-ZOID!, an iridescent violet pink satin has a sexy touch of light reflecting sparkle. This shadow is perfect for all skin tones and works as an amazing highlighter for brow bone and inner corners. Best of all, this shade was created exclusively for the myglam community. We hope you glam it up and enjoy.  My thoughts: This opalescent shadow is finely milled and makes a nice highlighter not just for the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes, but a light application along the bridge of the nose, top of the cheekbones and over the cupid's bow provides a nice luminescent effect.

myglam - Glam Gloss - 01 - 7 ml/.23 fl oz - My thoughts: This light pink lip gloss is very smooth and not too sticky.  I love the texture of it.  Unfortunately, there wasn't any information on ipsy.com.  Wondering if there are more to come.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  for value of the product contents and introducing me to Eclos skincare products, the lovely, wearable Glam Gloss, lovely highlighter and the full size Clean Skin perfume oil.  These made up for the BOO-BOO! polish shade which did not suit me.

***** 

The September Ipsy Glam Bag, was a sleek, black zipper bag with a wristlet handle that contained hair care, nail, eye and lip products as well as a bonus $20 promo code for Just FAB.

Here's a review of the items I received and descriptions as reflected on the brand websites:

SOHO - Smudge Brush  - Full size $5.97 at walmart.com - The SOHO Smudge Brush is the perfect tool for creating a modern smoky eye and works great for smudging liner, blending colors, and for applying shadow directly into the lash line. The brush has a sleek, lightweight aluminum handle with a dense, contoured brush head for superior application. My thoughts: I find the handle too long but like the feel of the brush as well as the bristles.

Carol's Daughter - Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer - 10 ml/.38 oz. deluxe sample; Full size 1.7 fl oz; $25 - A repairing lotion that instantly binds the frayed and separated ends of your hair so you can skip the trim and keep your length. For over 2,000 years, Tahitians have used Monoi Oil for its natural reparative properties that undo and prevent damage from the sun, sea and surf. Made of ingredients that only grow in Tahiti, Monoi Oil is made in a 15-day ritual using Tiare Gardenia Flower blossoms and Coprah Coconut Oil. Apply a pea-sized amount to wet or dry hair. Make sure to smooth completely through to the ends. Style as usual.   My thoughts: As I have dry, color-treated curly hair, this repairing treatment is right up my alley. There is a $5 off code on ipsy.com that I will definitely be taking advantage of.

Jane - Sparkle Gloss - Sparkle Pink - 6 ml/.2 fl oz;  1/3rd of the Friends of Jane Collection (3 tubes for $9.99) - Shimmer Gloss offers moisturizing, light reflecting medium coverage for your lips. Your lips will relish in the moisture-rich, Vitamin E infused formulas for a variety of gorgeous lip looks. Wear alone, over lipstick or mix and match to create custom shades.  My thoughts: The gloss has a nice texture but as I found that I needed to be careful when applying to be sure that the rich, deep pink color was evenly distributed.  There is a promotion code for 20% off a future purchase of $14.99 or more on ipsy.com.

Mirabella - Eye Colour - Semiformal - Full Size 2g/.07 oz; $10 - Eye Colour mineral eye shadows create flawless, long-lasting looks with an alluring array of shimmer, sheen and matte formulations. Semiformal Eye Colour, one of 40 shades available, contains a lightly pearlized sheen to softly illuminate the eyes. This talc-free formula gives smooth application and beautiful, pure color. The formula is also paraben-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free as well as D4 and D5 free.  My thoughts: Semiformal is a shimmery medium brown shade that is perfect for a transition shade.  There is a promotion code for 30% off on ipsy.com.

Circus by Andrea's Choice - Nail Color - Tightrope - 13.2 ml/.45 fl oz; Full Size price unavailable as product launches Fall 2012 - The Circus Collection includes: Reverso, Ringmaster, Spectacle, Somersault & Tightrope. Each chip-resistant shade is vegan, cruelty free and free of Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP.  My thoughts: This polish applies somewhat streaky so it requires several coats, though it dries to a glossy finish.  Tightrope is a vibrant purple-fuschsia  shade more suited for my tootsies as I prefer neutral shades on my hands.  I will say of all the Circus shades I have received, I did like this one the most.

Overall rating:  Booyah!  for value of the product contents and introducing me to Carol's Daughter products; can't wait to try the other products in this line.  

September 2012 BeautyBar.com/Allure Sample Society Shipment

Allure Magazine has partnered with BeautyBar.com in launching a beauty sampling program.  Each monthly shipment costs $15 dollars and contains 5 deluxe samples as well as a $15 gift code for a future purchase of $50 or more, and a booklet of tips.  If you end up using the code, the box pays for itself.

The September 2012 shipment contained the following:

• Ahava - Purifying Mud Mask (0.9 oz/25 g; full size 4.4 oz/$30) - Apply this unique mineral mud mask once or twice a week. It contains purifying and softening qualities, clears skin of excess oils, roots out the grime and blackheads, and prevents the formation of blemishes.

• Borghese - B Gloss - Fiore (Sample 0.16 oz/4.73 ml; full size 0.21 oz/$18.50) - Borghese B Gloss Lip Gloss is a lush, glossy color that accentuates lips and provides high-shine looks. Moisturizers deliver a soothing treat while high style pigments add luminosity.
  • Has a long-wearing formula
  • Vitamins A and E deliver moisture
  • Avocado oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera soothe lips
  Especially Suited For: All skin types
  Essential Elements: Borghese B Gloss Lip Gloss comes in a 0.21-ounce tube.
  For Best Effect: Wear Borghese B Gloss Lip Gloss alone for a sheer natural look. Also use it over lipstick for a glimmering accent.
  
  
  

  
  

  

• Cellceuticals - Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser (2 fl oz/60 ml sample; full size $35) - Tender Touch
  Ideal for even the most sensitive skin, CellCeuticals Extremely Gentle Cleanser removes impurities and makeup without drying out the skin. This daily cleanser hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling supple as it removes facial and eye makeup. This product is appropriate for all ages.
  • Ideal for sensitive skin
  • Hydrates as it removes impurities and makeup
  • Appropriate for all ages
  Especially Suited For: All skin types
  Essential Elements: CellCeuticals Extremely Gentle Cleanser is formulated to remove makeup without stripping the skin of essential moisture.
  For Best Effect: Use as directed.
  
  

  

• Diptyque - Eau de Toilette Fragrance (32 ml/.06 fl oz sample; Full size 3.4 oz/$120) -  Made for both women and men, the Diptyque Eaux de Toilette use the finest raw materials to relate a childhood memory and poetically reinvent and enhance nature or a journey, real or dreamed of. Philosykos, which in Greek means "friend of the fig tree," is an ode to the entire tree: the green, pungent freshness of the leaves, the wood warmed in the sun and the milky flavor of the fruit.
  • Uses the finest raw materials
  • Philosykos is in Diptyque's Fruity Family
  • An ode to the fig tree
  Especially Suited For: Both men and women
  Essential Elements: Philosykos Eau de Toilette comes in a 3.4-oz. bottle.
  For Best Effect: Apply to pressure points as needed.

• Stila Cosmetics - Smudge Crayon - Umber (Sample; full size 1.7 oz/$22) - Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Primer + Shadow + Liner Dazzle is a 3-in-1 gel-based product that glides on with ease and stays in place until you say when. This creamy, multi-pearl formula is infused with emollients for a smooth, comfortable application. Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Primer + Shadow + Line Dazzle also provides rich, bold color for more than 6 hours of continuous wear that won't crease over time. The best part: There's a pull-out sharpener conveniently hidden in the base so your product can be ôon pointo no matter where you are.
  • 3-in-1 product
  • Creamy, multi-pearl formula
  • Glides on smooth
  • Provides rich, bold color for more than 6 hours
  • Contains a pull-out sharpener
  Especially Suited For: All skin types
  
  Essential Elements: This creamy, multi-pearl formula is infused with emollients for a smooth, comfortable application.
  
  For Best Effect: Apply to eyes as needed.
  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

September's tips:

1. How to Bring Out Your Eye Color
2. Break Out of Your Fragrance Rut
3. Lasting Lip Gloss 101
4. Big Blemish Questions - and Answers
5. 3 Really Good Reasons to Wash Your Face at Night

Overall rating: Booyah! This month's shipment contained items that are suitable for my skin type and who doesn't love a budge-proof liner?Guess what I'll be using my $15 gift code towards?

Membership is limited so if you get the chance to join the Sample Society, I highly recommend it.

Total Beauty Fall 2012 Collection

Total Beauty offers all kinds of beauty advice and information as well as a sampling program called the Total Beauty Collection (totalbeauty.com).  I decided to try their Fall 2012 Collection ($15), which included 5 deluxe samples and two bonus offers as follows:

Jonathan Product - Dirt Texturizing Paste - Sample; Full size: 3.35 oz/$26 - This non-greasy, non-sticky texturizing paste is infused with ingredients that'll smooth tangles, repair damage, and condition your hair.

Alison Raffaele - Reality Base Foundation - Skintone 3 - Sample; Full size: 1 oz/$38 - This creamy, oil-free foundation is super hydrating and lightweight.  This shade works best on light to medium skin tones.

Pur~Lisse - Pur~Protect SPF30 - .5 oz/15 ml Sample; Full size: 1.7 fl oz/$55 - This moisturizer has superpower ingredients that protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.  Apply to a clean face 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Academie Paris - Cleansing Water - .5 fl oz/15 ml Sample; Full size: 250 ml/$48 - This gentle formula removes dirt, oil, and stubborn makeup -- without rinsing.  It can be used in the morning and evening on your face and eyes.

Academie Paris - Antioxidant Cream - Sample; Full size: 1.7 oz/$90 - This moisturizer contains vitamins C and E, which smooth fine lines and help create a youthful glow.  Blend into clean skin before applying makeup in the morning.

BONUS ITEMS:

eSalon Custom Hair Color Gift Card  - valued at $19.95 - With eSalon's innovative service, professional stylists use your personal hair profile to blend your very own hair color.  This individually-tailored hair color, made of salon-grade pigments, ensures that every application will produce beautiful, long-lasting results.

Fiafini - Divine Hydration Moisturizer  - 2 0.17 oz Samples; Full size: 1.7 fl oz/$38.50

Overall rating:  Booyah!  I don't recall filling out a beauty profile with Total Beauty so I was surprised to receive samples I can use.  I initially thought the foundation shade would be too light but it blended nicely into my skin and I was surprised by how hydrated my skin felt in spite of the fact that the foundation was oil-free.

This is my first order from Total Beauty.  Have you tried their collections?  What are your thoughts?