Swatches & Stuff - February 2015 + Giveaway

Hi friends,

I am back with another episode of Swatches & Stuff in which I go over products I have used during the last 30 days and let you know to either "Buy it or Bash it"!
I am also doing a giveaway this month, you may scroll to the bottom of this page to enter the Giveaway! 

You can watch the coordinating YouTube video here:

Swatches & Stuff - February 2015

1. Liz Earle - Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (not pictured above):

Liz Earle - Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I was given a sample of this cleansing system by Jane from England as part of a RAK she had sent me. This is a wonderful cleanser (though pricey here in the US) from the UK.
It comes as a two part routine: the cleanser itself which feels like a clay (minus the opacity) that you would apply to a damp face. Then, the cleansing cloth, a double layer of muslim you would soak and wring in hot water before applying to your face to remove all cleanser cream that is left over.
All together, I felt my skin has felt more hydrated and moisturized since I have started using this product. It has a wonderful scent (Eucalyptus) which is very refreshing. Does not leave a greasy residue on the skin, and leaves the skin soft and supple. Thank you Jane for sending this sample to me, I truly enjoy it and would recommend it.



2. St. Ives - Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Face Moisturizer

St. Ives - Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Face Moisturizer

This is about as basic (in a good way) as you can go when it comes to moisturizers. It is cheap (under $8 for a huge 10 oz tub) and does everything you would want a moisturizer to do. It basically leaves your skin supple while nourishing it with Elastin and Collagen as a wrinkle treatment. I am not using it for that purpose at the moment, I am only looking to keep my skin hydrated until I can purchase a treatment cream again. This is better than Nivea and by far the best drugstore moisturizer on the market. It is lightly scented, the formula is neither heavy nor greasy, it absorbs well (and fast)...It is just the perfect in between products moisturizer or if you are looking to save money and get something with no frills. 
The tub is so big, I would recommend you decanter some of the product into a different jar for everyday use. You can also apply it to your neck and decollete, elbows etc. St. Ives also has a Body Lotion variety which I like, as well as a Body Wash .




3.  Dermapeutics Hyaluronic Lift Serum

Dermapeutics Hyaluronic Lift Serum

I was looking for an inexpensive Eye Treatment at TJ- Maxx and found this eye serum for under $10 (It is sold under $25 on Amazon).
The texture is definitely something you need to get used to, it is very slippery and comes out as a clear gel like (yet fluid) serum. Though it glides over your skin, it needs to be worked through as it will absorb. After a few minutes, you will feel a tightening of the thin skin under your eyes, thereby giving you the appearance of a lift. It is someone an instant lift in that regard.
The main ingredient (Hyaluronic Sid) is known for its firming and depuffing properties so I would say it is a good option if you do not want to spend a huge amount of money on an eye treatment.  



 

4. Heel to Toe Natural Lava Rock Pumice Stone  

Heel to Toe Natural Lava Rock Pumice Stone

 

If you have scaly feet or need to prep your heels for the Spring and Summer months, I just cannot rave enough about this pumice stone. It is not only natural, it does an amazing job in transforming your feet in just three uses. All you need to do is stand in the shower, lather some soap on your heels (or elbows) and scrub away. Just like that, racks, dryness, ridges etc. are gone!
I love, love, love this pumice and it is cheap (under $8).







 

5. MILANI Fierce Foil Nail Lacquer - Rome  

MILANI Fierce Foil Nail Lacquer - Rome

 
I am not a big fan of glitter nail polish. However, this one is very different in that while it adds pizzazz and bling to your nails, it is not over the top. It basically comes out as a muted (dulled) mirror finish that is elegant rather than "in your face". The formula is also very good, it applies well with no streaks, stays on for a good 5 days and, as opposed to regular glitter polishes, comes off easily.
I have been gravitated towards Milani Color Statement Polishes lately as I find them to be good quality for my busy lifestyle. 







6. Women's Dior 'Diorshow New Look' Mascara - Black 


I have had this mascara since Christmas. Everyone raves about it and I thought I would give it a try. Well, I don't.
The brush is another one of those gimmicky plastic flexible things that promises long, individual lashes.
While I love the pigmentation (jet black), this mascara is too wet and clumps on the second coat. 
For the price (upwards of $30) it is a big disappointment as it is High End and supposedly better than Drugstore brands. Well, not on this one. I can find a better mascara at my local Drugstore.
I am not recommending this mascara.










7.  Chanel Coco Rouge Lipstick - Jean


 I am in love with this lipstick. The formula is simply wonderful. It is very moisturizing, applies well, stays on, great pigmentation, does not dry your lips. What else could you ask for? Simply the best!
The color (Jean) has just the right blue undertone to make it a fabulous wear with jeans, of course, as well as anything that would fall within the cool tones. It is a good day wear as well as an elegant evening wear. I just love it. If I had all the money in the world, I would purchase them all!




 

8. Alba Botanica So Smooth Gardenia Hawaiian Shampoo and Conditioner

Alba Botanica So Smooth Gardenia 
Hawaiian Shampoo and Conditioner

I was looking for a natural shampoo and conditioner duo as a way to prevent any further damage to my hair and scalp since I am allergic to Zing ad Nickel (both ingredients are found in most shampoos).
I have used this twice thus far and feel this is a good enough shampoo/conditioner formula. I picked the Frizz/sleek formula because of my unruly mane, however, this formula only comes in one scent, that of Gardenia, which I find to be very overpowering. It is just too flowery for me. If they could do the same formula in a more woodsy or nutty scent, I would be hooked. So, I do not think I will be repurchasing this product because of the scent. Otherwise, it does a good job at cleansing my hair, my scalp does not itch afterwards and it seems to be delivering on its anti-frizz promise. If only I could get pass the smell!


 


9. Copco Tea Thermal 

Copco Tea Thermal

I do not think it could get any better than this when it comes to drinking tea on the go (or around my house). This little gizmo allows you to infuse tea with its own lock in infuser and carry it in a double wall thermal tumbler.
Not only does it keep your drink hot (or cold), it also allows the tea to seep just enough without ever getting bitter since the water level goes down as your sip from the tumbler. It s just genius!
You can either use loose leaf tea or bagged tea and you can also use fresh fruit if you want to flavor water. The infuser is removable if you do not want to steep anything at all and the entire unit is super easy to wash.
I am loving it!




 

10. Cool Mist Compact Humidifier

What an amazing gadget! 
I have had sinus problems for a long time. In the winter, with the heat in the house and the cold weather, it has gotten worse and to the point where my ears became affected and in turn my neck. I was waking up with a stuffy nose, headache and stiff neck every single morning until I started using this tiny unit.
It is basically a cool continuous mist unit you would place on your bedside table and orient towards your head. 
One water refill will last 12 hours.
In just one night, my sinus cleared. Just like that!
Run to your Walgreens and get this little gadget for yourself if you suffer from Sinus Headaches!

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I hope you have enjoyed these reviews, there were a lot of items to consider as great alternatives to the expensive stuff from Department Stores and great products to try (aside from the mascara).

Since I have not done a Giveaway since late November, I thoughts it was time to give back to my subscribers and readers again so here goes:

The February 2015 MGC Giveaway!

February 2015 MGC Giveaway

The giveaway contains the following items:

1. Two CoverGirl Cheekers Blushes
2. Milani Mascara
3. Milani Eye Liner
4. NYX Butter LipBalm
5. Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascar Body Scrub
6. Copco Tea Infuser/Tumbler

Follow the directions below to enter the Giveaway.
The Giveaway will be running until 03/11/15 (8 PM).

a Rafflecopter giveaway















 

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Sophia, NJ


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