Whole Foods Market ::Beauty Fair:: ♥

So I happen to be grocery shopping at Whole Foods the other day and I noticed a sign in their beauty department about a 'Beauty Fair' coming up on Memorial Day Weekend.

The beauty fair was on Sunday from 1-4pm.  I looked online and I believe this was only for the Redmond location.  I didn't see other stores listed under this event.

I decided to take baby L with me.

Beauty related events don't interest my Husband so it was a date for just me and baby L.

There were vendor booths with speakers for each brand and I even scored some free samples!

2 chic Ultra-Sleek Collection by Giovanni

I received foil samples of their shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner.

The Seaweed Bath Co. 

Argh..I just realized these are volumizing shampoo and conditioners. 

O well...

I spoke with the lady at the booth about this one .

This actually contains seaweed in it.

She even mentioned that the unscented products are perfectly safe to use for babies as well.

A DIY Hand Scrub

There were samples of homemade hand scrubs with directions on how to make them at home.

Ingredients can be bought at Whole Foods, of course.

I grabbed the vanilla hand scrub.

Burt's Bees renewal firming serum

I've never tried a skincare item by Burt's Bees so I'm excited to try this.

This also came with a $3 off coupon.

Aubrey Moisturizer Sunscreen

I can always use more sunscreen.

This product is vegan, gluten free and completely organic.

Hemp Hearts Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds

wow!  I've never heard of hemp seeds.

I've heard plenty about chia seeds though.

Sprinkle on salads, yogurts or cereal.

Mineral Fusion Lip Gloss - *Captivate*

I made one purchase--a lip gloss.

Mineral Fusion is a preservative free natural brand.

I had a $3 off coupon from the Whole Foods beauty bag so I decided to redeem it.

I received a sample of their mascara which works pretty great.

I wanted to try a different product so I went with this lip gloss because the shade attracted me.

The beauty fair was fun!

and of course...I love receiving free samples.

I hope they do it again!

DERMSTORE order ♥

I received a coupon code for DERMSTORE in my Target Beauty Box and since I needed a couple items I decided to take advantage of it.

If you didn't know, Dermstore is an online beauty shop and they include lots of skincare items.

(Also make up, hair care, body care...but I want to say mainly skincare)

DHC eyelash tonic - Eyelash conditioner

This product helps nourish and strengthen your lashes.

You apply to your lashes before applying mascara.  It can also be used as a conditioner for your lashes in the evening. So far I've used it a couple times but haven't noticed much difference yet.

I'm sure this is something that takes time to take effect.

$14.00 (20% off discount) $11.20

Laura Geller Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub

I blogged about my new 'lip exfoliating' discovery, thanks to my sister.

The elf Lip exfoliator works but I wanted to venture out more and see what else is offered out there.

I love Laura Geller products and they happen to have a lip scrub so I decided to try it out.

This is a vanilla mint flavored gentle exfoliating sugar scrub.

I'll wait to use up my elf exfoliator before opening this up.

$16.00 (20% off discount) $12.80

FREE SAMPLES

Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic

I had to look this up.  This is an "ultra-powerful antioxidant serum for all skin types".

Apply 4-5 drops to your dry face and neck.

This looks like a powerful anti-aging serum.  I'm not sure I really 'need' this right now and I'm very intimidated by this.  A full size (1oz) costs $162.00... holy cow!

This sample doesn't tell me how much is in here but it's probably work $30~$40 if I had to guess.

 

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare - Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel packet

I received a similar sample from Dermstore in the past.

Still haven't used it... It's an extra strength face peel and I just don't need any harsh peels right now.

I'll save them for a later use.

Skin Ceuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector

This product helps restore stubborn discoloration/unevenly pigmented skin.

I suppose this applies to me...I have freckles (but I actually like them).

Not sure if I'll try this out yet but again, this is another Skin Ceuticals product and a full size is a whopping $90.00 (for 1oz).  These are some pricey products.

This sample is probably worth ~$20 or so?

dermalogica Active Moist

This sample was busted when I received it.  The packet got slashed by something.

Thankfully the product didn't leak in my box.

Too bad though because I would've definitely tried this one out.

It's a moisturizing lightweight fluid for hydrating your skin.

All in all, I love the Lip Scrub and Eyelash Tonic I bought for myself but the samples were underwhelming.   They just don't have much relevance to me.

BIRCHBOX Limited Edition ::Lovely Day Box:: ♥

My Lovely Day Box arrived today...finally!

Shipping took longer than usual and was delivered via UPS.

This order includes the Limited Edition 'Lovely Day Box', an Illume Candle and a Mystery Sample Pack (free with a $35+ purchase).

The 'Lovely Day Box' is $62, the candle was $11+ and all I paid was $3.64!

This is why I love Birchbox ♥

I will explain how I used my Birchbox points at the end.  

Bonus Item

Mighty Leaf Tea Set - 3 pouches

This has been the bonus item for a while now.

I've received them in just about every purchase order since last November.

Since I love tea, this is a nice bonus.

Free Mystery Sample Pack

You can always add a Free 'Mystery Sample' on orders over $35.

I received:

V76 by Vaughn Energizing Shampoo/Conditioner Foil Samples

Camille Beckman Platinume Gold Hand Therapy Lotion

The lotion is a repeat but I've never tried the shampoo/conditioner.

I'm curious as to what they mean by 'Energizing' shampoo/conditioner.

Add-on Purchase

Illume Monogram Boxed Votive - Letter "I"

So I'll explain here--I had 600+ points to spend.

When you redeem your points for purchase, you can only use them in increments of 100's.

And since I had 600+ points, I HAD to use 600 points. (no less)

So I added the Lovely Box, used a 20% off code then added this candle so I could get full advantage of the 600 points.  My total came to $63.64. I redeemed $60 in points and paid only $3.64!!

This candle is a Soy Candle, very cute and smells great!

I picked "I" for Ivy of course♥ 

The 'Lovely Box'.

The info card.

A first look.

This box was packed!  Lots of goodies.

Rituals Foaming Shower Gel - Fresh Eucalyptus & Rosemary

I've never tried anything like this before.

A foaming shower gel.  I have a feeling I'm going to like it!

My item value $3.75

(Full size value $15.00)

Caudalie Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting

This product helps to fade and even out dark spots.

My item value $26.34

(Full size value $79.00)

Living Proof. Nightcap Overnight Perfector

Another 'new' kind of product for me.

'Beauty sleep for your hair'.

You apply this to your damp hair at night before bed, then wash it out in the morning OR style in the morning.  This should leave your hair smooth and glossy.

Now this is my kind of product.

My item value $7.00

(Full size value $28.00)

Nails Inc. Gel Effect Nail Polish - in *Porchester Square* and *Mayfair Lane*

I think these shades are adorable!

They are like a pastel gray and pink.

I'm currently wearing my ipsy nail polish now but I'll use these next!

My item value $8.60 x2

(Full size item $15.00 x2)

Davines Anti Aging Hand Cream

I'm only familiar with their Hair care products so I was surprised to see that this hand cream was by Davines.  It's quite large and it will be a while before I use this.  I have quite the collection of unopened hand creams at the moment.

My item value $14.00 (Full size!)

Illume Demi Perfume - *Coconut Milk Mango*

This is a rollerball perfume.  I almost prefer this application over the sprays.

Smells just like it--coconut and mango.

I like it!

My item value $14.00 (full size!)

Cargo Blush - *cannes*

A very 'cute' blush with an orange undertone.

I know this will last me a long time.

My item value $26.00 (full size!)

jouer Lipstick - *meg*

This was an interesting shade for me.

It looks more coral in my swatch (below) but when I applied it to my lips, they came out much lighter.  Pretty well pigmented too so it lightened my lip color.

This will be great on days that I use very little make up.

My item value $24.00 (full size!)

Greenleaf Candle Tin - *Bella Freesia*

This is quite large and it smells very nice.

I read some reviews and some people thought the smell was too strong and smelled like perfume.

I didn't find it strong...and the smell is mild.  Not strong for me.

However, I did not light this up yet so maybe it smells stronger lit up?

My item value $10.00 (full size!)

Harney & Sons Wrapped Tea Sachets - 7 sachets

Wow, look at all of these tea bags!

Some of them sound a bit crazy...but I'll promise to try them all out.

My item value $3.36

(Full size value $9.95 for 20 sachets)

I thought this box was very well curated for all the Moms out there.

I like the addition of non-beauty products as well, such as the candle and tea set.

The total value of this Limited Edition box (roughly) comes to $145.65.

Including all bonuses, add-ons, the total is $161.07.

  I only paid $3.64 out of pocket so this was the deal of all deals!

Now I'm off to enjoy some of my new products.

yay!

Sephora Order ♥

I finally placed my Sephora order.

I received a $50 gift card over Valentine's day and had been debating what to get.

My husband knew I had a perfume I wanted--Stella by Stella McCartney ♥

I purchased just that, and a couple other things.

A first look.

I don't know why it came in such a big box!

It was well packed though.

Here is my haul, including free samples.

Stella by Stella McCartney ♥♥♥

I love this perfume!  I discovered it through a free sample I got in my previous Sephora order.

I can't explain the scent but I just love it.

And the packaging is adorable.  It looks like a big diamond★

$50

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

I learned about this from one of the beauty vlogs I watched.

I mean, of course there would be a mascara solely for the bottom lashes!

I always have a hard time applying my bottom lash--I will always get mascara smudges under my eyes, it never fails.  The vlogger recommended the Clinique bottom lash mascara.  

I'm a fan of Clinique so I had no hesitation.  Purchased it, used it and I love it!!

$10

Sephora Collection Ombre Bobby Pin Ups in Blue

I like to browse their SALEs of course but usually don't find anything.

I added this because it was only $3 and I think they are super cute.

$3

FREE SAMPLES

bareMinerals Original Foundation deluxe sample & mini Kabuki Brush

I redeemed this with a coupon code.

There were tons of codes--free cleanser, magazine sub, samples, etc.

I chose this one because I'm new to 'foundation' products and wanted to try this one out.

3 Free Samples with every order

Hello Kitty Eau de Parfum

This smells familiar...I can't pinpoint it but it smells nice.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

I love hair masks.  My hair is so damaged I'll try any and all kinds.

Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher

This sounded interesting so I added it.

'Infused with micro-algae.  Smooths texture, boosts radiance and detoxifies'

So I'm happy that I finally  have my own Stella (my sample ran out).

It's absolutely my favorite scent right now.

LOVING the CLINIQUE mascara and the bobby pins were a good add-on.

So happy with my order!

DERMSTORE order ♥

So I discovered that the DERMSTORE carries DHC products...and they had a mystery coupon sale the other day (25% off) so I snagged a couple DHC products.

They came out cheaper than if I had ordered through the DHC site.

Nothing too exciting since these are repeat products but I'll still break it down.

DHC Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

So far my favorite eye makeup remover.

Super gentle on your eyes and it seriously takes everything off.

$12.50 (25% off coupon) $9.38

DHC Acerola Lotion

This stuff is amazing and it's a classic.

My mother introduced me to this product years ago with the Acerola kit and it's ♥♥♥♥!

A liquid lotion / toner.

Instant hydration and works wonders for your skin.

$18.00 (25% off coupon) $13.50

Free Samples

You get free samples with every order on DERMSTORE.

I received:

Miss Jessies's Jelly Soft Curls

This products helps your curls stay soft and shiny.

Apply to damp hair and voila.

I don't have curly hair....but wavy hair.  I wonder if this might work for my hair.

A little goes a long way...all you need is a small dime size amount.

This sample might last me a while!

$1.60 value

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil & Primer Sample

This was unexciting...I already have the full size Deep Cleansing Oil and I received the primer in my DHC order multiple times.  I guess they felt the need to throw in some DHC samples since I bought their products.  O well, I will still use them ♥