Benefit They're Real! Mascara

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post is given to me. I am not affiliated with the company nor getting paid to advertise the product. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Please don't forget to enter SkinSpirit $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway. It ends Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. PST (Pacific time).

Please don't forget to enter Aveeno National Oatmeal Day Giveaway. It ends November 18, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. PST (Pacific time).


Sephora birthday gift this year, 2013, was a Benefit sample kit.

L'occitane 25% Shea Ultra Rich Face Cream

End of last year (2009), while checking out the outlet, I noticed a little store that sells skin care products. I have never heard of this brand even though it's popular... lol~ :X I'm slow when it comes to skin care products but I noticed I'm much better this year (2010). That's a different story... hehe~ Anyways, I decided to try their famous facial cream. I told the saleslady I have the driest skin since it's winter and she recommended this product for me. I bought the sample packet that comes with three of the same facial moisturizer. I used one of them (I need to use the other two) and decided it's time to review it... hehe~

Product Review: L'occitane 25% Shea Ultra Rich Face Cream

Where can you purchase this: Sephora, Loccitane stores, and their website at www.loccitane.com
Price: about $39

Made in France

Information from the website: New paraben-free formula, the Ultra Rich Face Cream is specially formulated to hydrate, nourish and protect dry and damaged skin. The perfect moisturizer for those with dry or dehydrated skin, who are in need of intensive hydration. The formula is exceedingly dense and creamy, although rapidly absorbed without leaving an oily film. It has been proven to increase skin hydration for 24 hours.

In addition to 25% shea butter, the formula is made with wheat and chestnut extracts, which strengthen the skin. These extracts are rich in vitamins and minerals to help replenish the skin’s hydrolipidic film and restore balance to the skin’s barrier, defending it against harsh environmental conditions.

My thoughts: My initial reaction is that it sounds great especially for my dry skin that needs a lot of hydration. It wouldn't hurt to try... hehe~ After finishing one tube that took me about a little less than a month, I realized it wasn't for me. It didn't hydrate my face as the saleslady mentioned, as well as, the website. After I moisturized my face with the cream, I could still feel the tightness and it didn't disappear as time went on throughout the day *sigh*. I actually felt like I needed more cream on my face which I did apply... hehe~ :X

Pros:
* It's from a natural/organic product.

* Cream is thick.

* Melts in your skin.

Cons:
* Didn't moisturize.

* Felt tightness.

* Smelled like butter.

Would I buy this again? No.
Rating: 2/5 Tobey's Paws

Hints of moisturizing your face:

* After you apply the moisturizer and it still feels tight (say about 10 minutes later), it isn't doing it's job. You need a heavier moisturizer.

* If it's moisturizing your face but say an hour later, your face is shiny/oily then the moisturizer is too heavy for you. You need a lighter moisturizer.

I'm sure you guys know these rules, but it doesn't hurt to say it... hehe~ ;)

Two weeks ago, I checked out Sephora and noticed they're selling Benefit Lust Dusters for their Sweet Steals (click here to learn about Sweet Steals). Unfortunately, they changed it last week but it doesn't hurt to check it out at your local Sephora... hehe~ ;)

They had two different sets of Benefit Lust Dusters, but I thought I'll get more use with these colors... hehe~ I got them in light, natural colors. I think they will look great in the inner corners, as well as, bottom inner lids. :)

The first color is white, pure and it's called Snow Bunny.

The middle color is Nugget.

The last color is Goldilocks.

I also swatched the colors for you... hehe~

The colors from left to right are Snow Bunny, Nugget, and Goldilocks.

Today (well it won't be when this is posted), I met with Kalmo and had a good time eating lunch and shopping. I didn't buy much, but a headband for myself (I know I need to stop *sigh*) and a gift for Tobey... hehe~

I couldn't refuse this headband for several reasons. For one thing, it's unique and the other is that it's gorgeous!... hehe~ I bought this from Charlotte Russe.

I bought this at Old Navy. It's such an interesting product... hehe~ I'm so easily amused!... hehe~ It has a snap-on button on the side where you can snap it together. Then un-snap when you want to put water in the square bowl-like cloth. I bought this to take Tobey along like the dog park. I don't like him drinking out of the water bowl at the dog park... hehe~ It's really nasty! :X

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my own money. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Cucumber Kim-chi (oi kim-chi)

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile! I had a hectic 3 weeks both good and bad (family visit, no internet, computer problems, dad having a minor surgery, etc). I want to believe things will look up... wheee~ One of the things I did last week is make oi kim-chi.

If you need some guidance with the ingredients, you can check my Korean Cooking 101. ;)

Ingredients:

cucumbers
sea salt-coarse
water
2-3 bunch of leeks
6 green onions
1/4 bell red pepper
chopped garlic
1/4 onion
1/2 c. red pepper powder
1/4 c. fish sauce
1 tbsp. sugar

Step 1:

Recent Hauls (Benefit, MAC, and Shu Uemura)

I bought quite a few things last week *sigh*. :X I just couldn't refuse with these sales/special deals... hehe~

The first thing I bought was from Sephora. I didn't know they have a monthly special called Surprise Steals Sweet Steals. Basically, every month they sell different products for $10. It's a surprise because you don't know what it will be each month... hehe~ It's a steal because it's only $10 when in reality it's more than $10. What a deal!!!... wheee~ The only bad problem about this is that it's only in-store. You cannot find this online unfortunately. :( You have to check your Sephora store every month to see what they have to offer. It's always located at the cashier so you don't need to go far... hehe~ ;)
I finally got something from my wishlist (I took it off my wishlist since it's fulfilled)... wheee~ I've been wanting to try the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner. What a great deal getting two for the price of $10! Each one cost $19 normally and getting them for this price. I just have to say run to your nearest Sephora... hehe~ ;)
The first color is in Recess. My first initial reaction is it looks like MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre. I just swatched the colors on my hand and they are different. Recess is a more shimmery cream color, whereas, Soft Ochre is matte yellowish color.
The second color is in Honey Bunny. I also has an initial reaction comparing it to MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. I think Honey Bunny is more on the light pink, whereas, Painterly is more neutral.


The second haul was from the CCO. I bought two things I've been wanting for a long, long, long time!!!
I am really into MAC Paint Pots, and have been wanting in Soft Ochre for months. When I saw this at the CCO, I freaked out. I think the lady next to me thought I was crazy because she gave me a dirty look... lol~ :X
I was about to cash in my products when I saw this laying around at the cashier. I freaked out and asked the sales lady if it's Petticoat. She nodded and without thinking, I bought it... wheee~


My last haul is from the Lancome store (don't remember the exact name) at the outlet... lol~ They sell Lancome products, perfumes, and Shu Uemura.
While looking around, I saw the Shu Uemura eyelash curler. Oh mi gosh I couldn't refuse!!! I've been wanting to try this curler for a year now. I had to get it even though it's the last year collection. The best part it only cost me $12!!!... wheee~ What a great deal! :)

EDIT: It's called Sweet Steals not Surprise Steals. I'm such a fool mixing them up *embarrassed*... lol~ :X