Swatches & Stuff - November 2014 + GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hi friends,

I am back with another episode of Swatches & Stuff, and yes, there is a big giveaway again this month, to celebrate you, and the Holidays!

Here is the complete video, instructions as to how to enter the giveaway are at the bottom of this post.




1. Palmers Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil for Face - From $9 up to $14.99.

Who would have thought a face oil that cheap and that simple would make such a difference on a skin like mine! I like to joke that my skin is Bipolar, you never know what I wake up to. Sometimes it is super oily, sometimes it is super dry, at other times, it is a bit of both. This is beyond combination skin, really.
I came across this face oil at my local CVS Pharmacy, having heard other youtubers rave about it, I did purchase it but with some reservation because it is, after all, oil!
It turns out that this is the opposite of oily on my skin, it absorbs and penetrates rather quickly and does not leave a sheen on my skin. Overall, I think it has made a difference in those areas prone to dryness like my jaw line and around my scalp. It is also a good emollient for my cuticles. I really like this face oil. Having tried other brands, this one is well above average.








2. Yves Rocher Pure Light - Light & Luminous Foundation - From $22 to $12.10

Yves Rocher Pure Light - Light & Luminous Foundation

You guys must be so tired of my constant raving about this foundation formula from Yves Rocher. Truth is that if I had to pick one product that makes it to the top of my favorites each year, this foundation would take #1 spot, year after year.
I have tried every brand under the sun, none provides the result that this foundation does. First, the company claims that it will give you a second skin effect, that is true. You can barely see it, yet it covers just enough to even out and conceal. To me, this beats any BB or CC cream out there. The finish itself is beautiful, a velvety sating smooth that leaves enough dewiness to make you look fresh without a shine. I am not sure how they manage the luminous part of the foundation without shimmer, but they do, I simply glow when I wear this formula.
It s currently at 48% off ($12.10) on the YR site.

3. Yves Rocher - Polishing Foot Scrub - From $11 to $6.05

Polishing Foot Scrub

What a fantastic find! This foot scrub is packed with beads and moisture. Unlike other scrubs I have tried in the past, this one does a great job. The package itself is small and appears more like a deluxe size yet, such a little goes a long way. 
I have been using this for weeks and barely made it to the half mark.
Fabulous Lavender scent, it is super concentrated when it comes to scrubbing beads. You can use it on your feet and your elbows. It also leaves a silky finish to my skin, so I guess it is also a good moisturizer. I can't see myself switching to another brand at this time. I really like this one way too much! It is currently at 45 % off on the YR site ($6.05).











 4. Bath and Body Works - Wild Madagascar Vannila Bean Body Scrub - $16.50

Unlike other scrubs from BBW, this one is a creamy formulation. It goes on smooth and really does a good job as a all over body scrub. Their other formula which is more of a sugar scrub with an oil base, will dissolve almost immediately upon lathering (not to mention the gooey residue left behind on the walls of the tub). This one however, will lather and provide a moisturized finish, no glistening oily residue in sight.
It washes good too (which is kind of important since it is a body cream cleanser after all).
I like the scent, it is a rich vanilla, but not as strong as the Vanilla Noel from a different series at BBW.
Most of the time, I would say every two weeks, BBW offers online specials (in store as well) where you can buy 3 signature products and receive three for free. I plan on stocking up on this Vanilla one as well as other scents with the same formulation. 
Use this Coupon Code valid until 12/24/14 and receive $10 off any purchase of $30 or more. Coupon Code: F143259







 

5. Crown Brushes - Syntho Series Makeup Brushes - Price will vary.


So many people rave about so many different high end brushes, sometimes I can see how difficult it is to make a decision as to what brush you should get.  The bottom line is that just because it is Brand X, it does not mean the quality will be there. 
Case in point, I have an Estee Lauder Brush that is mediocre at best. I came across this brand through an Ipsy Bag I received a few months ago, and was instantly wowed. So much so that I had to rush and splurge on a few more brushes for my vanity (truthfully, I did not need any new brush).
 
These are wonderful, though synthetic, they feel like mink on your skin. They are dense, malleable brushes that leave a beautiful finish regardless of whether you are using a powder or wet formula as your makeup. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

The best part is that they are relatively inexpensive when considering the quality you receive in return. I think the most expensive one in the bunch on the left was the face blush and I paid under $16 for it. The site currently offers 60% off, so the original price is under $40. Still, at $40 it is less than what you would pay for MAC or SIGMA and the quality is just as good, in some cases, better!













6. Milani - Color Statement - Nail Polish- From $3.99

 I really believe that the quality is there, at least in 3 of the 4 featured on the image on the left.

From left to right:
Ruby Stone,  Ultra Violet, Pink Beige and Imperial Purple .

I kept reading about the red one (Ruby Stone) on line and thought I would check out their formula. Turns out the red one is not my favorite, both with respect to formula and color. I thought that it was a bit too fluid and did not have a great stay-on. Matter of fact, it lasted about 48 hours before chipping.
The pink one however (Pink Beige) lasted almost an entire week, and same with the Imperial Purple and the Ultra Violet, which is my favorite. Just a quick heads up, they are cheaper to purchase from the Milani Site itself.
These are very good when considering the price at the Drug Store which is almost half of what you would pay for an Essie Nail Polish with a mediocre formula.


7.  Yves Rocher - Grand Rouge Lipstick in Soft Coral and  Incandescent Coral- From $16 to $9.50

Grand Rouge Lipsticks

I own several lipsticks in this range and really like them. Having recently discovered that there were new shades in the series, I jumped right in, of course.
The Grand Rouge formulation is a creamy lipstick with a good stay, I also find that it does not bleed and can be worn without a lip liner.
These are currently on sale of the Yves Rocher Site for $9.50 instead of $16. The lipsticks I received by mail were in French and the numbers I provided in the video are not the same as the one on the website, so here are the correct reference numbers:

left is Soft Coral #702: a beautiful pale pink that is the perfect nude with a hint of color.
Light is Incandescent Coral # 1408: I was anticipating a darker shade of pink, it turned out this one is far too orange for my skin tone.


8. Yves Rocher - Quad Eye Shadow in Sophisticated Pink - From $19 to $11

Yves Rocher - Quad in Sophiticated Pink

These are on sale as well currently at $11 instead of $19.
Beautiful colors, great pigmentation. I really wish they had a larger variety of colors in this quad collection because I would love to buy a few more, unfortunately, there is only another 5 quads, all in colors I would not wear. 
This quad has three shimmers and one matte (darker shade) which can be used both dry or wet (as an eyeliner).
I am wearing it in the video above and I think it's a good look for me.  I would recommend these, they are a higher quality than what you find at the drugstore.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++ GIVEAWAY++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In celebration of over 6000 subscribers on my YouTube Channel as well as the upcoming Holidays, I am doing another giveaway. This is what you could win:

 

1. Bath and Body Works - A Thousand Wishes Collection (Body Spray - Body Lotion - Shower Gel in full size)
2. Yves Rocher Foot Scrub (Full size)
3. Yves Rovher Quad Eyeshadow in Sophisticated Pink (Full size).

Giveaway guidelines:

You must be 18 years or older to enter
You must be a subscriber of MGC on Youtube
You must follow me on my Facebook Page
You must follow me on either Twitter or Instagram.

The Giveaway is open Internationally and until DECEMBER 15, 2014.

Follow the Rafflecopter instructions to enter the giveaway. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for reading my blog and watching my YouTube videos! Share the love!

Sophia, NJ


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This blog contains affiliate advertising, this is how I support my blog and YouTube Channel.  I was not solicited to advertise for the products mentioned above, all opinions are my own. I am affilited with Amazon and  Yves Rocher. I am not affiliated with any other brand mentioned above.