January Favorites and Finished Products, and Zoya Giveaway Winner

Here's my first Favorites and Finished Products for this year, 2012.

January Favorite Products

Finger Paints in Twisted: It was my favorite flake of the month. In all honesty, it's probably my favorite flakes of all time. This multi-colored flakes cannot beat any other. I posted a swatch, as well as, NOTW on top of black nail polish. It's gorgeous! Since my co-worker spilled the polish, I have less than half the polish. I'm just sad I cannot find another one! :(

Aveeno Smart Essentials Nighttime Moisture Infusion: It's been my go to moisturizer for daytime, even though, it says for nighttime. There's no rule you have to use it only for nighttime. ;) It's been helping with my dry, ashy winter weather skin. I low how thick and moisturizing it is. I'll be reviewing this soon.

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing: For years I avoided this product, because I thought it would be too rough on the skin. I strongly did not believe in being rough on your skin especially your face. It would cause dryness, as well as, be more easily pruned to wrinkles. I did not want to age quicker than I needed to. I wanted to prevent aging, but I was wrong! After using this product, I noticed it was not rough and it actually cleansed my face. I could see the dirt on the brush and my skin felt better. The best part I saw improvements with each use. I will review this as well.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in #25 Bad to the Bronze: It's been my go to product of the month! It's so easy to use, simple, and the best part quick. I apply UDPP and then with my finger apply this color. I don't need any other eyeshadows, and the best part it does not crease. I will be reviewing all my Color Tattoo in a future post.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in #25 Peach Parfait: I've been enjoying Lip Butters like everyone else at the moment. I don't think it's the most moisturizing product, but it does help me. Any help with my chapped lips is a big plus for me especially with this winter weather! Not only does it moisturize, I love that it has colors. It feels like I'm wearing lipgloss. ;) My favorite at the moment and my go to color is Peach Parfait. It's very natural and I think it looks great on me. I will review and post swatches of all the ones I have in a future post.

January Finished Products

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: I've been using this for years. I use a lot of products for my skin (toner, serum, moisturizer), and I see improvements. It can be a combination of products, but the most important thing is that I see improvements. That should be the only thing that matters. I strongly believe in serums, but no clue which ones are good since it's not noticeable. If it was as easy as let's say moisturizer, looking for hydration but it's not.

Would repurchase: Yes, I have another on the side but it was a gift.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator: I love the smell of this product, as well as, the cooling sensation on the eye area. This eye gel/cream is definitely more for younger aged skin, and I definitely recommend it for teenagers and young adults. For myself, I need something more thicker to battle my wrinkles. :( I enjoyed this product while it lasted. Check out my thorough review on this product.

Would repurchase: No, not for me since I need a thicker product. I definitely recommend this product.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Merry Cranberry: For the people who have been reading my blog for a long time knows I love the body butter from The Body Shop! It's thick, moisturizing, and the best part made from natural ingredients. I go through these products like crazy, but all worth it. My favorite flavor at the moment has to be strawberry but Merry Cranberry smells great too! You can read my thorough review on the body butter.

Would repurchase: Yes, definitely! I actually have quite a lot waiting to be used by me. Thanks to a wonderful friend who got me these as gifts. :)

The Healing Garden Relax Therapy in Green Tea: I received this in a gift set from a friend. She told me green tea was her favorite, and that she loved this product. When it came to fragrance, I thought it was okay. It's not fruity which I adore. Other than fruity flavored, I tend to not be drawn to it. It's an alright smell but not my favorite. Since it was a small sized body product, it made it easy to carry. For that reason, I used this as a hand moisturizer than an all over product. It's actually pretty moisturizing, but not thick enough for me for this winter weather. I think it's great for me for the fall weather.

Would repurchase: Maybe in other flavors.

L'occitane Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream: I received this as a freebie, and I am thankful since I've been curious about this product for years. It's very thick which makes a great moisturizer for this dry, winter weather. It also makes a great size to carry in your purse. Check out my thorough review on this product.

Would repurchase: Maybe, I think it's a little bit costly for a small amount product.


Now for the Zoya Nail Polishes Giveaway winner...

it is...

#11...

Congratulations to Diana PaperDoll! :)

You have 48 hours to contact me with your name and address. E-mail me at aly_4realz (at) hotmail (dot) com. If you don't contact me within 48 hours, I will draw a new winner.

Thank you Verve 360 for the wonderful giveaway! :)

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are bought with my own money except for Aveeno, Estee Lauder, The Healing Garden, L'occitane, and pictures taken from the Zoya website. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Lashem Double Trouble Mascara

I was fortunate to receive products from Lashem. I don't know about you guys, but I have always been curious about this brand! The first time I heard about this brand was in a commercial. An actress talking about how her lashes grew using the serum.

Thankfully, I receive the famous Measurable Difference Lash Gel to try. I also received the Double Trouble Mascara and a tote bag. I will review the Measurable Difference Lash Gel in a future post. For this post, I'm going to review Double Trouble Mascara.

Before I review the mascara, let me show you the tote bag. It's a sturdy, cloth bag with ropes as a handle. The handle reminds me of the "I'm NOT A Plastic bag" bag. Do you remember that bag or am I that old? :X If you can tell, I really like the handle. :)

Now for the review...

Product Review: Lashem Double Trouble Mascara

Where to purchase: Lashem.com
Price: $19.99 for 0.20 fl oz/ 6 mL

Made in USA

Definition on the back: Double Trouble Mascara adds definition & intense dimension for seductive, sultry eyes. One end contains flexible fibers to give you luscious, voluptuous lashes. The other end gives you longer, fuller lashes. Double Trouble Mascara creates the illusion of bigger, bolder, beautiful lashes that go the distance.
Ingredients:

Thoughts: To be honest, I wasn't too sure what to expect. I have never heard of this mascara. The first thing I did is read the description from the box. After reading the description, I was extremely excited! The mascara especially the Lengthening has fibers. One thing I love about Asian mascaras is that they have fibers. You can see the fibers on the wand, as well as, seeing your lashes lengthen as you use the mascara. I was hoping the same for this mascara!

The mascara has two ends.

One end of the mascara is the Volumizing; gives you luscious, voluptuous lashes. This is the first wand you use in the step or you can use it alone. You don't have to use both wands together. It is all up to you. I prefer to use both, but that's me. The first couple of times I used this wand it was on the dry side. I'm not too sure why but after couple of weeks, the wand got moist. It was easier to use when the wand was moist. When it comes to this wand, I did not notice much on my lashes. I think it'll be more noticeable on people with thin lashes especially light hairs.

The other end of the mascara is Lengthening; gives you longer, fuller lashes. This one has short, thin fibers. I can see it lengthening your lashes, but not by much. I think if they had more fibers, you can see the lashes grow. Nevertheless, it still does its job. I also noticed it's very moist. I'm not too sure why compared to the Volumizing. Since it's so moist, it weighed my Asian lashes down. If I had naturally curly lashes, it would have kept my lashes up. Unfortunately, I was born with straight thick lashes. For that reason, I wish they would make it waterproof. It'll be so much better for people like me.

Now for how the mascara looked on me. I used both wands on my lashes.

I noticed my lashes are a bit longer and thicker. I really like how black the mascara was. That definitely was a plus! :)

Pros:
* Contains fibers.
* Gets volume and length at the same time.
* Do not have to use both wands.
* Darkens the lashes black.
* Great for people with naturally curly lashes.

Cons:
* Volumizing was dry.
* Lengthening was moist.
* Holds my lashes down.

Would repurchase: No, unless they make it in waterproof.
Rating:    3/5 Tobey's Paws

Thank you Lashem!!! :)

You can follow Lashem on their Facebook and Twitter.

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

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin

Disclaimer:  The product mentioned in this post is bought with my money. Perricone is sponsoring the giveaway. I am not affiliated with the companies nor getting paid to advertise the products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Please don't forget to enter Zoya Nail Polishes Giveaway. It ends February 1st, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST.


I'm on a row reviewing Maybelline products! I'm going to review their new cream blush.

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in Pink Punch

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

Please don't forget to enter Perricone Super Giveaway. It ends January 29th, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Please don't forget to enter Zoya Nail Polishes Giveaway. It ends February 1st, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST.


It's been awhile since I reviewed a product *sigh*. Whenever I want to take pictures on the weekend (I can't on the weekday since I work), there's no sun. :/ My reviews might be late, but it's better now than never or at least I like to think so! ;)

Pittsburgh Salons

Please don't forget to enter my Perricone Super Giveaway. It ends January 29th, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST.


A wonderful PR from Verve 360 Pittsburgh salons is giving one of my readers a chance to win a Zoya nail polish set. How nice of them! They are giving out from the Fall 2011 Collection, Smoke & Mirrors, in Anja and Jem.

"Zoya nail polish in Anja can be best described as: A rich, deep, vampy red-toned wine purple with a glossy creme finish. This vampy shade is both sexy and elegant."

"Zoya nail polish in Jem can be best described as: A dark red-toned purple base with metallic dark pink highlights and subtle gold duochrome flecks. This shade has it all; bold color, vampy drama, bright sparkle and a glam rock persona."

How to enter:
1. You must be a public follower of my blog with Google username (I will check). PLEASE do not just follow for the giveaway and then once the giveaway is over, stop following. It's just not polite!!!
2. Open only to the people living in U.S. except for Hawaii and Alaska.
3. You must be 18 years or older. If you're younger than 18, please get your parent's permission.
4. You must leave a comment "why do you like Zoya?" Creativity in answer is appreciated, but you don't have to. If you don't have a comment, you are NOT entered.
5. The giveaway will end in 10 days, February 1, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST (Pacific time).
6. The winner will be drawn with a random number generator. You have 48 hours to contact me at aly_4realz (at) hotmail (dot) com or else a new winner will be chosen.

Extra entries:
1. If you follow Verve Wellness Facebook page, give me the username you are using to follow. (+1)
2. If you follow my Facebook page, give me the username you are using to follow. (+1)
3. If you follow Verve Wellness Twitter page, give me the username you are using to follow. (+1)
4. If you follow my Twitter, give me the username you are using to follow. (+1)
5. If you follow my Twitter and re-tweeted the giveaway, give me the link. (+2)
6. If you added the giveaway on the side bar of your blog, give me the link. (+1)
7. If you added a post but is on a separate giveaway page, give me the link. (+1)
8. If you added a post and is on the main page, give me the link. (+3)

Thank you Verve 360 for sponsoring the giveaway!!! :)

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are pictures and descriptions taken from Zoya website. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Hollywood Beauty Event

Please don't forget to enter my Perricone Super Giveaway. It ends January 29th, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

LA Glow will be hosting Hollywood Beauty Event this coming April 15-16th, 2012 at Sheraton Universal Studios.

"The Hollywood Beauty Even is the 2-day hands on training event where you learn from the best of the best in fashion, film, beauty, and editorial hair and makeup artistry. Don't miss your chance to experience the event that puts you on the fast tract to success!"

Video 1 - What Is The Hollywood Beauty Event? from LAGLOW on Vimeo.

You can also win 2 tickets to the event! Check out http://www.facebook.com/glowofficial.

Good luck and you don't want to miss this opportunity to attend a wonderful event!!! :)

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. I am just passing along information I received. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Super Skincare & Get Super Perricone

Super Skincare & Get Super Perricone... Have you checked out the Super Skincare line by Dr. Nicholas Perricone? Basically the website says it in one sentence, "the antioxidants found in the world's most powerful Superfoods are combined with time-tested, patented technology for an innovative new line of preventative, protective and therapeutic skin care." Doesn't it sound great!?!? I hear it all the time that antioxidants are good for you to prevent future health problems, as well as, protect. For example, you get antioxidants from blueberries and it's suppose to neutralize the free radicals (unstable molecules linked to development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other age-related conditions). Not only do you get antioxidants from food, it now comes in your skincare line!

For example,

the Crinkle Eraser contains red algae. The "ocean's richest source of minerals that helps maintain skin's elasticity" (taken from the website).

A wonderful PR is willing to give one of my readers a chance to win one product from the Super Skincare line from Dr. Perricone. How nice of them! :)

How to enter:

1. You must be a public follower of my blog with Google username (I will check). PLEASE do not just follow for the giveaway and then once the giveaway is over, stop following. It's just not polite!!!

2. Open only to the people living in the U.S.

3. You must be 18 years or older. If you're younger than 18, please get your parent's permission.

4. You must leave a comment "which Perricone Super product you will need and why?" Please be detailed about the product and the reason. If you don't have a comment, you are NOT entered.

5. The giveaway will end in two weeks, January 29, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST (Pacific time).

6. The winner will be drawn with a random number generator. You have 48 hours to con tact me at aly_4realz (at) hotmail (dot) com or else a new winner will be chosen.

Extra entries:

1. If you follow my Facebook page, give me the username you are using to follow. (+1)

2. If you follow my Twitter, give me the username you are using to follow. (+1)

3. If you follow my Twitter and re-tweeted the giveaway, give me the link. (+2)

4. If you added the giveaway on the side bar of your blog, give me the link. (+1)

5. If you added a post but is on a separate giveaway page, give me the link. (+1)

6. If you added a post and is on the main page, give me the link. (+3)

Thank you for sponsoring this giveaway!!! :)

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are pictures taken from Dr. Perricone. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Vivite Daily Antioxidant Facial Serum

Last year, I won a Vivite giveaway from SkinCareRx.

It included two Vivite products, Facial Cleanser and Facial Serum. They were nice enough to add a Duwop blush. I will review the blush later.

I already reviewed the Vivite Exfoliating Facial Cleanser. It contains both scrub and cleanser in one. Pretty genius idea I might say since most brands you need two products. Since it contains granules to exfoliate your face, it isn't highly recommended to use more than twice a week. You don't want to be rough on your skin. For that reason, this product lasts a long time. Even after months, I hardly noticed a decrease in the product. Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this product! :)

Now I'm going to review the Facial Serum since I'm almost done with the product. :X

Product Review: Vivite Daily Antioxidant Facial Serum

Where to purchase: SkinCareRx, online, etc.
Price: $109 for 1 fl oz/30 mL

Made in USA

Description on the back: Exfoliates, hydrates, and protects skin while reducing the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles. Perfect for daily use under makeup.
Ingredients:

Thoughts: I first used the cleanser before I used this product. I had such good thoughts about the cleanser that I went into the serum with high expectations. It's kind of bad to go into a product with high expectations. If they don't meet your standards, you are disappointed by the product. It's better to go into a product without any expectations or at least that's what I think.

There's nothing special about the packaging. It's very simple. I guess it's a good thing since so many companies focus on packaging. Believe it or not a lot of the products cost more because of the packaging *sigh*. The packaging can cost more than the product. :/ For that reason, this product must be good since it cost so much!

It doesn't have any scent which is a good thing or at least for me. It's better than smelling bad.

It's a clear, beige-colored product. You only need a drop or two for the face. It's very cooling to the skin, and I noticed some hydration once you apply it. If you have extremely dry skin, it doesn't hydrate but it will help. As time goes on, I can see an improvement on hydration but it can be a mixture of serum and moisturizer. It's also very light. It doesn't feel like you're' putting heavy products on your face.

When it comes to improvements, I am not too sure on this. My fine lines and wrinkles do not seem to disappear, but it's suppose to prevent future lines and wrinkles. I guess in this concept it does help, but it can be a mixture of products I use on my face (cleanser, scrub, Clarisonic, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen). I know I use a lot of products, but I am trying to prevent future wrinkles and age spots. I guess overall, I am very lucky I look younger than my age! :)

Pros:
* Simple packaging.
* No scent.
* Antioxidant.
* Daily usage in the morning.
* Light.
* Hydrates.
* Improves the skin.

Cons:
* Not well know brand; hard to find in stores.
* Expensive.
* Not attractive packaging.

Would repurchase: Maybe, if it wasn't expensive.
Rating:  4/5 Tobey's Paws

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post I won in a giveaway. I am not affiliated with any company nor getting paid to advertise any products. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Physicians Formula Palette in Nude Eyes and Nail Polishes

Happy belated New Years!!! I hope everyone had a good one. :) Mine was spent with family. Whenever I spend time with family, it takes me a week to get rejuvenated. :X My nieces and nephew take the energy out of me, but it's all worth it. :)


When Physicians Formula Palette in Nude Eyes came out, I had to get it right away. Not because it's only nude (which that's the only thing I wear), but the cute packaging. Isn't it amazing how packaging can sell people!?!? :X

Product Review: Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in #7564 Nude Eyes

Where to purchase: drugstore, retailers, online
Price: $11.29 for 0.26 oz/ 7.7 g

Made in USA

Direction on the back:

Ingredients:

Thoughts: Like I was saying the packaging is one reason this palette sold me! Honestly, it shouldn't be but I am the first to admit I am really into packaging of beauty products *sigh*.

I love the lace on light pink package. It looks so sexy. Doesn't it remind you of lingerie? They added the cuteness with the light pink bow. The lace on the package is definitely real lace and not a picture. You can feel the lace while you rub your fingers on it.

One thing I found interesting about the palette is how it opens. It usually opens on top, but this palette opens to the right. I like how different and unique it is! :) It also comes with a sponge applicator with a tip. The tip is suppose to help you line your eyes if you use the shadow colors, and the side is to use for the eyeshadows. I do not know how good the sponge applicator is since I never use it. :X

Now I need to look at the quality of the palette not the initial attraction. I think the colors are gorgeous! I can see myself wearing all those colors on daily basis except for the far left, black. I'll use black but it's seldom. I also like that it comes with direction of the colors on the packaging, but I hardly follow them. :X I tend to go with the flow.

For the swatches...

The first 5 colors from the left.

The last 4 colors from the left.

I was kind of disappointed the colors were so light when I swatch them. Who knows it might be better on the eyes, and I did not use a primer to swatch these. Using a primer might make a difference.

Now for two looks I came out with...

I used the fifth color from the left on the lid. Then I tried to contour with the fourth color. I noticed it didn't make a difference so I contoured with the second color from the left. I used a primer, UDPP, before the look and it didn't show up much.

Here I used fourth color from the left on the lid. Then I lighted the crease area so it blended more with the highlight color. I used the fifth color from the left. The color showed up more, but I wasn't blown away. It just seemed like a typical brown color.

Overall, I'm not blown away with this palette. If I just want for the outer layer (packaging), this is it. Packaging might sell me in the beginning, but you need something more to last a long time. The colors are light and nothing original.

Pros:
* Physicians Formula; brand I trust.
* Cute packaging.
* Nine colors in one palette.

Cons:
* Not pigmented.
* Primer helps a little bit.
* Typical colors.
* Nothing spectacular.
* Cannot grab certain colors without grabbing the neighbor colors.

Would repurchase: No, not this color palette. The other Physicians Formula Shimmer Palettes I have are good.
Rating:  2/5 Tobey's Paws


I'm going to end this post with some nail polishes I bought. I bought two Essie polishes.

This is Essie in Shine Of The Times. I heard it's a dupe of Sally Hansen in Hidden Treasure. Since I missed out on Hidden Treasure, I had to get this.

This is Essie in As Gold As It Gets. I was not planning to get this until the cashier told me this was more a success than Shine Of The Times. After getting this, now I can understand. I'm so into flakes at this moment. I want to get their white one now. :X

I also got one OPI polish.

This is OPI in Peach-A-Boo! I saw it in the clearance section at Ulta. I thought it was a gorgeous color and being on sale, I could not refuse.

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.