Darby Smart

Damn FB ads got me.  I did check out My Subscription Addiction and saw that she received a cute cupcake kit and was interested in seeing what Darby Smart had to offer.  When you sign up, you get a $10 off coupon which I applied to my order right away since it expires after you log out.  Instead of ordering a subscription, I wanted to know exactly what I was ordering and opted for these 2 terrarium kits to try out.

Excited to try these out!  I did see some mixed feedback on the site, but I guess you can't please everyone!  I really dislike feedback that is specific to a personal order, seen on an open feedback forum.  There is an email or phone number that you should utilize rather than inundate a space with negative comments about how your order was messed up.  I do like reading how people enjoyed or did not enjoy the contents as that is helpful when people are constructive with their crits.

Housewares - what gets me excited!

As much as I love make up, I love housewares just as much.  :D

Rachael Ray Hard Enamel Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

I finally used an Amazon gift card from last Christmas and picked up this set.  I settled on Rachael Ray's set based on reviews online and from friends as well as the price point.  I have an ideal set I would like, but that can come later.

Cost: $96.99 on Amazon & Prime is available

Welcome to the darkside...

My personal PC died the other night and I jumped the gun and bought a MacBook Air.  Some friends referred Power Max when considering an Apple MacBook purchase.  Not only do they have excellent customer service and are a certified Apple reseller, they are TAX FREE.  Gotta love Oregon for that!  I ordered this yesterday and received it today.  Incredibly happy with my purchase and a big thanks to Heidi for a wonderful experience.  I would highly recommend Power Max!

Balea Deep Cleansing Face Mask

Tried this out a few weeks back and even saved the other half to mask again, but totally sluffed.  What a waste!  These packets have at least 2 applications, so be sure to seal this up or store the extra in an empty jar.  This was a clay mask had a cooling feeling to it which was nice.  I do enjoy a good clay mask that will help draw out impurities.  And draw them out it did.  Sometimes your skin gets worse after masks because of the dirt and grime that get pulled to the surface.  I had a few blemishes show up after a few days, but nothing a topical salicylic acid treatment couldn't help fix.

Pros:
-Affordable
-Easily 2 applications

Cons:
-Only found in Canada

Would I recommend this to a friend?  Maybe.  I wasn't able to find this on the Think Dirty app, but something tells me it might have a high rating like the Balea Detoxifying Mask did.  Proceed with caution.

NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream

Obsessed!  I picked up San Paulo, then snagged Transylania and Monte Carlo.  I am loving the matte lip trend lately!

San Paulo - Plummy pink

Monte Carlo - Deep cranberry red

Transylvania - Matte deep violet

Lemming: Copenhagen - Matte rich plum (Not offered on Ulta.com anymore, but on the NYX site!)

Cost: $5.99 at Target & Ulta

Pros:
-Tons of colors from dark to light
-Comfortable matte lippy
-Soft application

Cons:
-Can be drying (exfoliate, then apply balm and blot before applying)

Would I recommend these to a friend?  Yes and I have!  Even with the scent making this product rating high on ThinkDirty, I still love these lippies and it is an affordable option to add to your collection.

Dirty! :( Mainly due to the scent

The Honest Co. Organic Nipple Balm

Nipple Balm as Lip Balm!  Well, I was hoping that this would be a good option to use at home.  Fall & Winter weather wreak havoc on my skin, especially around my lips.  EOS had not been cutting it, anything with any menthol or camphor makes it worse and my usual back up Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm was not helping either.  I ordered this with my bundle and tested it out at home.  

Think Dirty Rating:

The oils really warm up with your fingertips and it liquefies quickly creating a slick surface on your lips.  I would probably use this for chapped skin like around my lips and nose, but probably not for my lips.  This might also be good as a cuticle balm or moisturize areas on hand, but not sure about carrying this around in my purse.  Haha!  "Why do you have nipple balm in your bag?"

Cost: $13.95 from The Honest Company

Bella Beauty Beaded Curling Wand & Game Day Hair

Curling wand obsessed these last few months.  I bought a tapered one, which I still need to master.  Next was a large barrel and then this beaded one that I found at TJ Maxx on clearance for $12.  Score!  I had been eyeing a bubble wand, but didn't want to drop a lot of money on an appliance I wouldn't use very often.  This wand makes my hair BIG.  I love it, but it does take some time styling as well as some time for the waves to relax.

Standard on/off switch

Looks sorta like... :D  Haha!  

The heat protection glove is not the best quality. I use another glove & kept this in the box.

 On to the Game Day Hair!  Sunday, Game Day.  I wish I was going to the SEAvsSTL game, but was actually headed out to a couple gatherings.  Still casual and repped my gear!

 For heat protection, I apply Alterna's Caviar CC Cream throughout my hair and lightly spray Paul Mitchell's Stay Strong hair spray.

I just shake my hair out and see where it parts and that's it for the day.  Besides, I was going to wear a beanie anyway!
Like my snowflake jammies?  Those are from college, circa 1998!  Can't get rid of these fleecy pajamas!

Start off  with the bottom half of my hair and clip the the top.  I don't know how people can curl without separating, that's some skill!

My preference is to wrap away from my face.  I hold the wand with the opposite hand pointing downward and then curl with the same side hand.

After letting it set on the wand for about 10-15 seconds, I unwrap and let the tendril settle.  Before moving to to the top layers, I spray the bottom layer again to lock in the curl.

 After both sections are done, I run more CC cream through and then spray more hairspray and run my fingers through to separate the waves.

Ready to go!  Jersey, check! Beanie, check!  I did a quick face with MAC StudioFix, It Cosmetics Limited Edition Holiday Naturally Pretty Celebration Matte Palette (becoming my go-to lately!), Anastasia Brow Wiz, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer and Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara.

Congrats to the Seahawks!  #1 Seed, NFC West Champions 2 years in a row baybee!  I missed out on watching this game and had to listen on the radio+keep refreshing the Seahawks app and my Twitter feed for score and commentary.  LOL!  I hope my Bruver-In-Law recorded this game so I can watch it!

Nourish Organic Facial Skincare

Finally got to try the Nourish Organic Skin Care bundle I scored through this IpsyMe deal and ready to review!

I have used the 3 items for about a month now and have some good and bad feedback.  Let's start with the bad.  The cleanser smells bad.  I don't know how to describe it, but it smells like oysters to me and even the moisturizer has a slightly similar smell.  I hold my breath as I wash my face!  I do like the way it feels after washing, clean but not tight and will use this up until it is done.

The good, the serum smells wonderful like oranges and I find that having that layer before moisturizing helps to smooth on the lotion easier.  Like I said earlier, the lotion has a similar scent to the cleanser, but it is much more faint.  I only need 1 pump of the serum and 2 pumps of the face lotion to cover my face, neck and ears.  Yes, I moisturize my ears, the area behind and the back of my neck.  You can't forget about moisturizing and protecting all your skin!

Think Dirty Rating:

Cost: Prices are on the Nourish Organic Website
Cleanser - $13.99
Face Lotion - $21.99
Serum - $23.99

Pros:
-Natural and organic
-Clean ratings on Think Dirty

Cons:
-Pricey
-Weird smell

Would I recommend this to a friend?  Sadly, no.  As much as I want to really like this brand and the products, I can't get over the smell.  I'm just waiting to finish these off since they do work well and don't irritate my skin.  

A little holiday bonus!

Got this cute pack in my Honest Co. order.

Sugar cookie kit with a snowflake cookie cutter. How sweet! 

Beautylish Lucky Bag - Fukubukuro

A fun collection offered from Beautylish, their Lucky Bag 2015!  I was not quick enough to pick up the MUA bag that I really wanted, but did get the Bold bag.  Looks like there is still stock left of the Bold bag, so if you're interested, I would suggest ordering one NOW.

Here is a great write up of the 2014 Bold bag by SheSaidBeauty.

Oleavine 100% Plant Based Konjac Sponge Infused with French Red Clay

Advertorial

I wanted to be able to try another konjac sponge to compare the difference in brands.  I was given the opportunity to try out Oleavine's sponge infused with French Red Clay.  The clay is supposed to stimulate blood circulation and promote skin regeneration.  Since this is 100% plant based, it is biodegradable and eco-friendly.  What's also great, is if you're not satisfied, there is a 100% money back guarantee from Oleavine.

This is the sponge right out of the box.  It is fairly large in size.  On the lower end is a string to hang it up to dry after use.

Side by side comparison of the Oleavine sponge next to the EcoTools sponge - both are dry and not at full size.  You can already tell the Oleavine is much bigger.

Even hydrated, the Oleavine is still bigger in width than the EcoTools.

Another difference is that the thickness of the sponges is thinner.  I prefer the Oleavine over the EcoTools because it is easier the wider sponge feels better to hold.  The rounded shape of the EcoTools sponge is a little awkward and with the small size.

The description of the Oleavine sponge also says that you can use this without any cleanser, but I prefer to use this with a facial cleanser.  I have used this for 2 weeks now and feel that using this sponge is much better than just using your hands to wash your face and the texture provides some exfoliation that leaves your skin soft.  The thinner thickness allows for the sponge to dry faster too and the string to hang makes it easy to store.  Overall I am impressed with the quality of this sponge and would purchase this after 2-3 months of use, maybe the one with French Green Clay.

Cost: $10 @ Amazon & Prime is available

#tomoson #oleavine

This product was obtained through Tomoson.  I have not been monetarily compensated for this item.  My write up of this product reflects my own opinion after a trial period and have provided an honest review.