Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Swatches & Stuff - December 2015 + Giveaway!

Hi friends,

This is the last Swatches & Stuff for the year so let's go out with a BANG!




Here is the companion video if you want a more in depth review of all the products mentioned in this blog:


Use the links (in blue) down below to check items for further info.

1. Nivea - In Shower Body Lotion - Very disappointed with this product. While it does what it says it does, the awkwardness of the bottle (resting on its narrow end) and the fact that you spend more time rinsing it off than it would take to put regular lotion on - make this a gimmick in my book - C+.

2. Avon Power Serum - This is actually pretty good but a bit pricey for AVON  ($40) in my opinion. A good serum that is fluid without running all over the place (hence not wasteful like some other serums). It provides a good canvas on which to put your treatment cream. This one particularly targets aging signs such as dark spots, fine line, loss of elasticity and loss of hydration. I apply it morning and night (mostly night though) after cleansing with my Clarisonic brush. Other serums do similar jobs though.B.

3. Avon Anew Platinum - Day Cream - A very good and affordable (under $20) day cream with an Spf of 25. It targets firmness, sagginess, fine lines and wrinkles as well as creepiness on your neck and decollete. I mix it with my Lancome Foundation for an even coverage. It does not clog my pores but does leave a bit of dewiness on my skin by end of day. I like it a lot. A-

4. Avon Anew Platinum - Night Cream - This is an excellent night cream. It is not greasy, no tacky feeling or oiliness in the morning. It is more gel like than a cream which makes the application not only easy and fast absorbing, it is also cooling to the touch. So far I have noticed my skin, in particular my jaw line, looking firmer. A great buy for under $20. A +

5. Avon Anew Platinum - Eye Cream -  All I can say is wow! This reminds me a lot of L'Oreal Revitalift Eye Cream which used to be my favorite one in my mid 30s. It offers everything you can ask for from an eye cream - it is thick, penetrates well, super emolient and best of all - fine lines almost disappear within a week! You use a small metal ball applicator  (provided with the cream) to de-puff your eyes as you apply the cream. Truly excellent. A+.

6. Avon Anew Platinum Cleanser -   A creamy cleanser that takes off makeup and dirt without drying your skin. I find it leaves my skin moisturized without leaving an oily residue. It does not work well with my Clarisonic because this is a non foaming cleanser though. B.

7. Avon Eye Shadow Primer - This is an excellent alternative to other brand name primers. I like this one in particular because it is not waxy, but rather fluid. In fact, it feels more like a souffle type cream than a primer. I use it all over my lids as well as my under eye area to even out skin tone. Feels like velvet and does not melt on my skin unlike the waxy types. Eye shadow stays on all day with this. A+.

8. Avon Eye Shadow Duo in Crushed Orchid  First, let me tell you about the price: this is under $5. What? YES! Under $5, you can't even find a $5 eye shadow duo at the drugstore. Second, this stays on ALL DAY, it will not move (especially if you use the primer). I honestly had no idea that Avon products were that good! No fall out, great application, high pigment....just great! A+

9. Avon Luminous Blush in Warm Flush -  Just the right amount of shimmer to make it equally beautiful for daytime and nighttime wear. Again, no fallout. Great quality. A+

10. Avon Color Indulgence Lipstick in Peach Petunia - This is not a full coverage lipstick, more like a sheer, yet, it is very pigmented and has amazing stay on. It is not drying, does not feel tacky either. I am definitely checking out additional colors within this line. A.


So this was my first time trying Avon products and I dare say I am pretty impressed. So much so that my December Giveaway is all about Avon!

Here is the Giveaway:






Contains:

Avon Shadow Duo in Crushed Orchid
Avon Luminous Blush
Avon Light Beige Eye Primer
Avon Lipstick in Peach Petunia
MicaCosmetics Bronze Eyeshadow (not featured).

Giveaway rules:

You must be 18 or older
You must be a subscriber to my YouTube Channel 
You must like my Facebook Page
and write a comment in the comment section of this blog.

All instructions are in the Rafflecopter giveaway gizmo down below (if it does not load, try again later).

Giveaway is open internationally and until January 14, 2016.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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


Connect with me:









Want to send me a product for review? Have a product review request?


Mailing address:

My Great Challenge
PO Box 402
519 Pompton Avenue
CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009-9998




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 and products were purchased with my own funds. I am affiliated with  all brands listed below.


********************************************************************




e.l.f. cosmetics
Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.



C.O. Bigelow



Visit My Great Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

 

Sunday, November 15, 2015

GlobeIn Artisan Box - Cozy and Giveaway!

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Master Bathroom Makeover - Part I - Hard Water Deposit with some caulking

Here is part one of my bathroom makeover in which I tackle the hard water deposit AKA crustiness at the bottom of my shower door and redo some caulking!

Monday, November 2, 2015

Master Bathroom Makeover - Before Tour



WOO Hoo! I am back with another big step by step project! I am now moving on to my Master Bathroom so here is the before tour!


Thursday, October 29, 2015

Swatches & Stuff - October 2015 + GIVEAWAY

Hi friends,

I am back with another episode of Swatches & Stuff and as promised, a HUGE giveaway! (Scroll down to the end to enter the giveaway)

This is the companion video to this makeup and skin care review:

       


Products I have reviewed this month:

Yves Rocher Anti Age Global - Skin Care Line

In 6 days*, visibly regenerate your skin appearance with 4G Plant Source Cells. The Anti-Age Global line fight the key signs of aging: hydration, wrinkles, firmness, density, radiance, regeneration, dark circles and under eye bag... for skin that appears visibly younger. Used daily this anti-aging skincare is targeted to women over 40. It can be used as a cure for women in their thirties. (From YR Website).

1 . Yves Rocher - Anti - Age Global - Serum 


Anti Age GLobal Serum
I like this serum as much as I liked their previous one (Elixir 7.9). This is very fluid, yet absorbs well and provides almost immediate results. You will feel your skin will appear plumped and hydrated with just one application. I would say it is a miracle worker but then again, I think I just love serums a bit too much. If you have aging, sagging skin, this one is definitely for you! If you are starting to see signs of aging, you know the ones, the fine wrinkles along the side of your cheeks etc. You might want to stop time and start this treatment ASAP!  This is part of YR's Intensive Treatment line - for skins in need of a perk or aging skin. ($75).











 


2. Yves Rocher - Anti -Age Global - Day Cream
3. Yves Rocher - Anti - Age Global - Night Cream 


Day Cream

Night Cream
These two are packed with the same ingredients you will find in the serum mentioned above, namely centaurea cyanus flower wate,  butyrospermum parkii (shea) butt, pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract, aphloia theiformis leaf extracter and panax ginseng root extract.

I find these two creams to suit my combination skin very well. I would say that what I like the best about them is that they do not leave an oily film on my skin and do not clog my pores. In fact, this is the finest my pores have been in the long time and a lot of YouTube subscribers have commented on my skins these past few weeks. I really cannot add anything more other than it works! (Day $60.12  Night $53.14).



4. Yves Rocher - Anti- Age Global Eye Treatment:

Anti Age Global - Eye Care
http://amzn.to/1jVDhDK
This is a good eye treatment - it comes with an unconventional applicator (a slanted wand) you use instead of your fingers as a way to minimize skin pulling during application. The cold sensation tip also provides relief for puffy, tired eyes. I like this one a lot, it seems to suits my eyes well and I dare say that my crow's feet are not as visible as they use to. In fact, if I skip one treatment (on that one night I am just too tired to do anything about my skin) I will notice the difference. Out of all 4 products in the line, I would recommend either the serum or this eye treatment. ($49.95).









5. Maybeline - Cover Tattoo - Eye Shadow Pigment in Pink Rebel

Color Tattoo in Pink Rebel

This loose eye shadow delivers a serious amount of WOW! Seriously, this is hyper pigmented and also hyper shimmery. If you are into mattes these days, this one is not for you. However, if you are looking for an amazing amount of pigment, for your eyes to simply pop with color and light...RUN to the store (or click here) for this is an amazing pink which will turn lavender and deep purple in different lights and angles. I fell in love, I am going to try more colors. So there! ($3.99). 






6. Ulta - Legendary Lengths Mascara

Legendary Lengths Mascara

 This is a good run of the mill mascara that does not clump and though it will not give you absurdly long lashes, it will give you a good coverage and believable lashes. It's only $10 at Ulta and since this is the first time I try an Ulta Brand, I am now considering checking out other products from their store brand as this was did not disappoint! ($10).












 



7. Coastal Scents - Revealed 3 Palette
Revealed 3 Palette

I have been using this palette every single day for the past two weeks and cannot rave about it enough. Beautiful pigments, great stay on, easy application (though some fallout) - I find it to be very versatile in that you can create a variety of looks from day to night without much fussing around. Right now it is pretty much all I need - an easy to use, sleek to carry and inexpensive palette ($14.95).
Just an FYI - The Revealed Palettes by Coastal Scents are their version of the Naked Palettes by Urban Decay. Only you get 20 shadows instead of 10 and for a fraction of the cost!





 

I have reviewed all 3 revealed palettes in a previous video, you can watch it here:




I hope you liked this quick review for October 2015 but let's get serious and on with the giveaway!

This is  the October 2015 Giveaway from me, to you:

 

Giveaway Contents:

1. Yves Rocher - Rinsing Vinegar for hair
2. Yves Rocher Anti -Age Global Serum
3. Pyramids of Egypt Hand Cream
4. Revealed 3 Palette by Coastal Scents
5. Lancome Samples (x2)

Rules of the Giveaway:

Open internationally
Must be 18 years and older
Must be a subscriber of MGC YouTube Channel (1 entry)
Like me on Facebook (1 entry) 
Comment down below and on the YouTube Video (1 entry)

To enter, follow the Rafflecopter prompts below.

Giveaway open until November 15, 2015 

The winner will receive a message from me and will have one week to respond.

Good luck! 

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


Connect with me:









Want to send me a product for review? Have a product review request?


Mailing address:

My Great Challenge
PO Box 402
519 Pompton Avenue
CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009-9998




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 affiliated with e.l.f. and all brands listed below.


********************************************************************




e.l.f. cosmetics
Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.



C.O. Bigelow



Visit My Great Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

 

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Aquarium Adventure - Camden, NJ (DITL)

Here are the highlights from our trip to the Camden, NJ Aquarium AKA Adventure Aquarium where they keep Hippos and sharks galore! Enjoy!

Visiting the USS New Jersey (BB-62) DITL

Here are the highlights from our visit to the USS New Jersey (BB-62) Battleship in Camden, NJ. Enjoy!



Friday, September 4, 2015

2015 - Atlantic City Air Show and Casinos - Ft Blue Angels and F-22 (DITL)

We had a wonderful day trip in Atlantic City - saw the Blue Angels for their annual Airshow on the beach as well as the F-22 Raptor. Walked through a few casinos and dined at the Borgota Buffet. Fun times ahead!





Sunday, August 30, 2015

Selling on eBay || How - to and What I am Selling ||

Here is a video showing you step by step instructions on how to put something up for sale on ebay. I also show you all the stuff I am currently selling!



Friday, August 28, 2015

12 ingredient you should never eat

Hi friends,


No worries, I am not going on a food rant or anything like that but I found this article and thought you would be interested.
Deep inside, it just bothers me that we continue to feed ourselves with all the wrong stuff, not to mention that it is approved in our food.
It's time to revisit the shopping list.
I just wish they would give actual examples of brands with these 12 ingredients.

Here is the article from Rodale Organic Life:

12-ingredients-you-should-never-eat


Sophia, NJ.

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


Connect with me:









Want to send me a product for review? Have a product review request?


Mailing address:

My Great Challenge
PO Box 402
519 Pompton Avenue
CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009-9998




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 affiliated with e.l.f. and all brands listed below.


********************************************************************




e.l.f. cosmetics




Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.






Visit My Great Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

More Stuff to Sort and Purge

I am waging war against storage baskets, bins and crates!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Grocery Shopping (Week of 8/26/15)

Here are the deals I scored with COupons and Sales for the week of 8/26/15.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Swimming in Clutter || Another BIG Purge ||

OMG! You won't believe how much stuff I still have to get rid of...And more pens too!

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Bathing the Dogs (DITL)

If you ever wanted to know whether the FURminator works...here goes!

First Floor Purge || Books + Baubles ||

Woohoo! I got rid of so much stuff, there is an echo on my first floor!



Thursday, August 20, 2015

Ipsy Glam Bag - August 2015

This bag was a dud for me!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Swatches & Stuff || August 2015 || e.l.f haul + GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hi friends,

I am back with another episode of Swatches & Stuff - August 2015 edition with a GIVEAWAY! (scroll down to enter the giveaway).

This time around it is all about e.l.f with a mini haul and some great products to review!


e.l.f. Haul || Swatches & Stuff || August 2015
If you do not want to read the review and would rather watch the companion video (and the actual swatches), here it is:






1. e.l.f. Studio Poreless Face Primer - $6


e.l.f. Studio Poreless Face Primer
Outstanding! Simply OUTSTANDING! Who would have thought that a simple $6 bottle would give you the same results, if not better, than my old $35 Benefits Porefessional!
This is a semi opaque fluid, which comes, in a pump and obviously contains some type of silicone to fill in pores. I apply it over my foundation for a perfect - flawless finish. I tell you what! Not only does it leave my skin as smooth as a baby's butt, it also mattiffies it. I was seriously surprised by the results and can only recommend it. Get it here!







2. e.l.f. Studio Gotta Glow Lip Tint Perfect Pink $6


e.l.f. Studio Gotta Glow Lip Tint Perfect Pink
This is basically a dupe for the Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening. Only this one is $6 instead of $24!
What is it? An untainted lip balm that becomes pigmented as it comes into contact with your skin Ph and heat. The result is a baby lip pink that is the perfect "I just woke up but look at me fabulous nonetheless" look!
It takes about 10 minutes for the color to take on its full pigmentation. I am not sure whether each skin would produce the same tint, so if you have tried this little gem, comment down below and let me know your thoughts. 
The only drawback is the formula, while not gooey, it is a bit too "oily" and shinny and sleek for my taste. Otherwise, a great conditioning lip balm with just the right amount of pink. I love it. Get it here!




3. e.l.f. Essential Lipstick Classy $1


e.l.f. Essential Lipstick Classy
True, this is a $1 lipstick! And so, the low expectation will ring true. While this is a pretty pink color (a bit pale for my skin tone) the packaging is super cheap and the tube feels like it will eventually break apart, leaving chunks of lip goo all over your makeup bag. It also has a very strong bubble gum scent, which to me is a real turn off.
The formula is okay, nothing to brag about.
Overall, I would say this is a good starter for a young gal who is trying on makeup for the first time, it won't break your bank and it will still give her results. It's just not for us ladies who like to feel a bit of pampering when we apply color. Out of all the e.l.f products I have tried over the years, this one is a dud but you can still get it here for your little one!





4. e.l.f. Essential Instant Lift Brow Pencil Taupe $2

e.l.f. Essential Instant Lift Brow Pencil Taupe
I needed a new brow brush and came across this duo pencil/brush for $2. While I would usually go for a darker color, I picked the lightest one (taupe) to fill my brows and was not disappointed as this one actually matches my brows almost perfectly. It is a pretty handy thing to have and one that saves time (not to mention money).
The formula is neither too waxy nor too dry and I found it was really easy to apply and fill in where I have been a bit too tweezer happy!
Why spend oodles of money on the brow expert products when you can get the same results for $2! Get it here!




5. e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blush Rose Royalty $4

e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blush Rose Royalty
This, is the cutest little thing! This is a cream blush that comes in a jar tiny enough for a lip balm, hence super handy when you are on the go.
e.l.f made this treasure in only two colors, the one I picked (Rose Royalty) and a more coral tone (Peach Perfection).
It is a good formula, not too creamy, but rather velvety and it actually feels dry on your cheeks. The color itself is subtle enough for a "no makeup-makeup" look. 
So far, it does not feel like it will clog my pores as many cream blushes do. I am falling in love with this one! Get it here!





6.  e.l.f. Studio Intense Ink Eyeliner Blackest Black $3

e.l.f. Studio Intense Ink Eyeliner Blackest Black
Real talk! Felt tip eyeliners are not for everyone! I personally prefer pencils or gel eyeliners you can apply with a brush as they seem to afford a bit more control over the application.
Finding myself a bit rusty when I first tried this one, I sort of made a mess. But, and with practice, this is actually not bad at all.
First, the pigmentation is seriously "intense" as its name suggests. This is jet black and unfortunately comes only in this color (too bad, I could use a purple one). If you are on the market for a serious cat's eye eyeliner in the like of the late Amy Whinehouse, this one is for you!
Overall I found the formula to be okay, it might be a bit dry which leads me to believe that it will get drier over time. The application, as mentioned above, is not always that precise as it leaves jagged edges along creepy lids. And one little "oops" will cost you: I learned that the hard way as the stuff will not come off that easily.
If you are the Eyeliner Queen, or want to become the Eyeliner Queen, try your steady hands on this one, for the price of $3 you won't feel so bad if it did not work out for you. Get it here!





7.  e.l.f. Studio Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette $10

e.l.f. Studio Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette Mad for Matte
Let's not get all excited here, this is not the Holy Grail of matte palettes! But it is pretty darn close!
As a matter of fact, I am rating it higher than the L'Oreal Nude Palette which I thought was pretty good.
This one contains nothing but mattes (JOY) in very wearable and versatile colors (10 in total). The left side can be used as a nude, everyday and subtle look, while the right side can be used for a more smokey look. Or mix and match for more contrasts.
Very little fall out, great stay on, overall great quality when considering the price. The only con: the shadows are rather small so one needs to use smaller brushes. The palette itself comes in a pretty sleek, portable design with a mirror. Another great on the go tool. I like it a lot. Get it here!



*******************************************************************************

And now for the giveaway!

This could be yours:




The August 2015 Giveaway includes three of the products reviewed this month:

1. e.l.f Rose Royalty Blush
2. e.l.f Gotta Glow Lip Tint
3. e.l.f Mad for Matte Palette
and a carry all pouch (upcycled from one of my Ipsy bags)

Here are the rules:

Open to everyone 18 years or older  (parental approval required) and internationally as well.

You must be a subscriber to my YouTube Channel
You must "Like" my Facebook Page
You must leave a comment on my blog

Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter entry form below.
The giveaway is opened until August 30, 2015 when one winner will be picked at random.
The winner will have one week to respond with a mailing address.

Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


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


Connect with me:









Want to send me a product for review? Have a product review request?


Mailing address:

My Great Challenge
PO Box 402
519 Pompton Avenue
CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009-9998




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 affiliated with e.l.f. and all brands listed below.


********************************************************************




e.l.f. cosmetics




Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.






Visit My Great Challenge's profile on Pinterest.
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