Swatches and Stuff - April 2015 + GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hi friends,

I am back with another episode of Swatches & Stuff and what better time to celebrate Spring and Mother's Day but with a Giveaway! (Scroll down to the end of this post to enter the giveaway).

Here are the items I have reviewed for you for the Month of April 2015:

Swatches & Stuff - April 2015

You can watch the companion video here:





1. Yves Rocher Wrinkles & Lifting - V Shaping Line:




I have purchased the Day and Night creams as well as the Serum (pictured on left).

As mentioned in the video above, I am a big fan of Yves Rocher and have been for many many years. I am also affiliated with the brand in that I receive a small commission for purchases made through links provided in this blog - it is a small way of remaining afloat and supporting my blog and vlogs.
Over the years, I have purchased every line of skin care Yves Rocher makes - bar none. Some I thought were terrible, some I believe far surpass high end lines (e.g. the forever mentioned Elixir 7.9 Youth Intensifier). I am honest about the line and my affiliation to the brand does not alter my opinion. If it sucks, it sucks!

When Yves Rocher introduced this new line earlier this year, I had to give it a try and be able to provide you with another honest review, so here goes: I LOVE IT!

While the regular Serum Vegetal line (the red cap) was just Okay for me, this one is simply amazing. After one week (ONE WEEK) I am already seeing a difference in my skin. It feels more supple while being tighter. In fact, after the first night time application, I felt an immediate tightening of my skin and that felt good for the first try. The serum is used daily, morning and night. The day cream is thicker than the night cream. Both have the trademark scent you find in all Yves Rocher products in that it has this cut grass, hay and flower scent that is not overwhelming. Personally I like it and am so familiar with it that it is almost a comfort scent to me.
These products are made from 87% organic plants - the main ingredient being "Ice Plant" which is known for restoring skin's elasticity.
Products are made in Ireland and France.

This line is for mature skin (50 +) and while I am still in my mid 40's with combination to dry skin, I am very, very pleased with the results.
This line is also currently on sale at 46 % off on their site.
I recommend. A+.




2. Estee Lauder 'Pure Color' Powder Blush - Electric Pink:

'Pure Color' Powder Blush - Electric Pink

It is not like I needed yet another blush, especially after having completed a big makeup purge a few months ago. However, my Valentine's Day gift card needed being used! So really, what is a girl to do but to just go ahead and splurge on some high end makeup!

This is a fine powder - very compact (pressed) in a matte finish. While the packaging is gorgeous with the trademark Estee Lauder Gold, it is not smudge proof and a bit hard to open. That would be my only negative for this blush which is otherwise absolutely gorgeous. The color I picked (Electric Pink) is just the perfect shade of pink peony/rose for Spring. So elegant and so feminine. It looks fantastic on my fair skin tone, wears all day too!
I tell you, if I had all the money in the world and was to chose just one makeup brand - just one - I probably would splurge on everything Estee Lauder has to offer. Their makeup line simply does not cease to amaze me.
I am also recommending this one. A+.



3. Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Shine Lipstick in Passionate and Pink Dragon

Passionate

Pink Dragon

Tinted lip balms are by far my favorite form of lip color. They provide just the right hint of color while maintaining appropriate level of moisture throughout the day. They are also easy to reapply, without a mirror, when I am on the go.
There is nothing bad to say about these two lip shines aside from the lack of color swatch sticker at the end of the tubes.
The packaging is adorable and magnetized so that the tubes do not accidentally open when tossed in a purse (things like that matter when you are a messy person like me). The two colors, though similar in that they have blue undertone, are a perfect compliment to one another as a transition from day (Pink Dragon) to evening (Passionate).
I do not know what it is about my rediscovering the Estee Lauder brand lately, but I am yet to be disappointed. Want to splurge a bit? Get these two, or maybe just one, but try them. I love them both! A+.




4. N.Y.C. City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in Purple

City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in pruple

Totally unnecessary purchase on my part as I certainly do not need another purple shadow. Anyway, this is cheap and you pretty much get what you pay for.
While this is a super large (jumbo) pencil that will cover a good part of your lid in one swipe, it is not all that easy to apply. I would expect the tip to somewhat melt a bit on contact with warm skin but it does not. It does provide a nice shade of dark lavender/pale orchid in metallic hue after several passes and I am currently using it as an eye liner.
I simply was not wowed with this jumbo pencil and am nit running to the store to get different shades.
That being said, it does last all day as per the 24 HR claim. So if you are going to work and just need a quick makeup fix in the morning, this might do it for you. I am just not a big fan of jumbo pencils and would much rather play around with brushes. C+.







5.CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Fuchsia Flame

Stay Brilliant in Fuchsia Flame

I am really starting to be quite impressed with Covergirl Outlast Nail Polish collection. These little gems dry fast, stay on for a good while, are easy to apply and are just the right kind of fluid that they are neither goopy nor runny.
This shade, Fuschia Flame, is relatively new and though it looks more like a Fall color to me, it is actually very wearable in the Spring. Looks gorgeous on toes as well.

I really like this collection. Get your self a few! A.





7. Nuance Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm

Nuance Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm

So, I gave up, I have finally given my money to Salma Hayek's line of cosmetics - give me props for resisting over an entire TWO YEAR period!
Anyway, this is a dual balm, it can be used on lips (similar to the rose vaseline) or on cuticles. I use it for my cuticles and keep it in my purse so that I can apply throughout the day.
It's just okay for me, nothing extraordinary but it does moisturize my overworked fingertips and seems to have made a difference, thus far. I just do not care for the formula as it is very goopy and too vaseline like for me. But I guess it is just a matter of preference. The packaging is very cute though. B.




8. Ali Express - Foldable Beach Hat:

Image source

Image Source

I have found the cutest hat on AlieExpress. While I am not one to promote purchasing anything form China, I just could not resist the price (under $10) for this adorable beach hat.
Because I do not use sunscreen, I need to wear hats in the summer, it also allows me not to frown all day, thereby reducing the wrinkles (one can only hope). So I am always on the lookout for easy to carry hats that can be tossed around and would not care if they were to be lost or damaged. At this price, I can have a bunch of them to last me a season or two and not care as to whether they get damaged. (Not sure if you are aware but good hats are hard to find and very expensive).
Anyway, this is made of nylon, it has a very wide brim which is adjustable thanks to the wire insert. You can either wear it as in the picture above or loop your hair through the hole. I just love it. They come in different colors too. The only problem with this purchase is that it took 3 weeks for it to arrive at my door!


So, that was my Swatches & Stuff for the month of April 2015 - How about a giveaway!

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

In honor of Mother's Day I am having another great giveaway for you ladies!

Here is what you could win:

Mother's Day Giveaway - 2015

Contents of the giveaway:

Estee Lauder/Lisa Perry pouch

Yves Rocher 7.9 Elixir Youth Intensifier (Full Size)

Yves Rocher Shower Gel in Lotus Flower (Full Size)

Angled Brush by Luxie

ELF Blending Brush

ELF. Eyeliner Brush

Estee Lauder Mascara Sample

Estee Lauder Pure Color Shimmer in Pink Parfait

Yves Rocher samples

Please follow the rafflecopter directions below. The Giveaway is OPEN UNTIL 05/10/30.

There will be one winner, picked at random by the widget and the package will be mailed to you provided you give me your address within one week of winning.

You must be 18 years or older to participate.

This is open internationally as well.

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:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE

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. 

My Advertisers:



Too Faced - New Chocolate Bar (#2) is here!

















Visit My Great Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Ipsy Glam Bag - March 2015 - Full Review

Hi friends,

I am back with a full review on all the products I received in my Ipsy Glam Bag for the month of March 2015. As always, this blog post is the companion to the original open bag video for the same month, which you can watch here:

Not familiar with Ipsy Glam Bag? It is a cosmetics and skin Care samples subscription box for which you pay $10/month . Each month, you will receive 5 items (there is always one full size) that are always a mix of skin care and makeup. The greatest thing about Ipsy Glam Bag is that you earn referral points when your friends subscribe through your link, as well as additional points for your reviews. In turns, your earned points may be used for the purchase of more samples on the website itself. You also get competitive coupon codes for full size products. Need I say more? I love Ipsy! Click here to get your own subscription!

Here is what I received for the March 2015 bag:

Ipsy Glam Bag March 2015

1. Pur - Liss Beauty - Pur Delicate 4 in 1 Facial Cleanser:

Image Source

Cleanse the day away in one simple step with this sulfate-free blend of Soy Milk, Whole Oat and White Tea. This gentle cleanser leaves your face silky soft, without a trace of impurity. The 4-in-1 sulfate free & non-drying formula gently washes away dirt and makeup (even mascara!), while soothing and toning skin. (quoted from Ipsy Website).

I thought this was a good face cleanser, It comes as a creamy formula which worked very well with my Clarisonic Mia II. It did not dry my skin and took ll my makeup off. What else can you ask from a cleanser?  It's a bit expensive ($36) when considering that most of it will go down the drain! B+

2. Dr. Brandt - Anti AgyingMattifying Lotion:

Image Source

“An apple a day keeps the lines away.” This oil-free, lightweight lotion is formulated with apple stem cells to help delay the natural signs of aging by maintaining the longevity and activity of stem cells in the skin. Simultaneously, retinol stimulates new cell turnover and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Brandt’s multi-tasking formula provides the best of both worlds, delivering anti-aging and pore minimizing/mattifying benefits.(Quoted from Ipsy Website)

Here is another example of something that is way to expensive for what you actually get from it! There are a lot of mattifying lotions on the market, this one is $55 and they pretty much all do the same thing and contain the same ingredients in order to "mattify" your T-Zones. This one does have a nice fresh, citrucy scent and feels a bit like a spa, however, it's nothing more than a very fluid lotion that will keep your skin matte. Beware, that means that your fine wrinkles will become more visible as it is not a flexible lotion upon being absorbed into your skin. In fact, I am not sure if it was a reaction to the mile long list of ingredients or simply the fact that it is mattifying, but this formula, I felt on my skin - in manner of a mask - all day! Too expensive, little result, not for me. I would rather stick with my blotting tissues and setting powder. C+.

3. Boo Boo Coverup - Concealer:

Image Source

Have a Boo-Boo? Skip the bandage and the shiny ointment. Look your best even while you heal with Boo-Boo Cover-Up for face and body. Our innovative formula offers great coverage for skin imperfections while containing ingredients known in nature to promote healing. (Quoted from Ipsy Website).

Let me get straight to the point here: I hate this product! It is the equivalent of opening a tube of acrylic paint and putting it on your face. For $20 per tube, while the coverage is complete, it is very difficult to blend. Powder looks awful on it and it ended up cracking along the edges by end of day, making it even more noticeable. It did not help that the shade medium is way too yellow for my fair skin tone. This is not a product for me. But if you are prone to blemishes or need to cover something completely such as a birth mark, you may want to try this alternative to DermaBlend. D.

4. Jessica Liebeskind - Vintage Illuminating Face  Highlighter:

Image Source

Add a beautiful wash of color and subtle, sexy shimmer with the ILLUMINATING FACE HIGHLIGHTER. Created to be worn on top of fresh, dewy skin or as a delicate highlight over pretty blush – the reflective pearls add radiance on contact delivering a diamond-like finish to the skin. (Quoted from Ipsy Website).

This product is out of stock already and I know why! It is AMAZING! I do not like nor do I use highlighters, but this one, I fell in love with the minute I sampled it and have been using it ever since! It is the perfect peachy - pearlescent hue that is subtle and in essence does not look like a highlighter, in fact, I have received nothing but compliments since using it in that my face now "glows". You better check their site and get your own (when it is in stock again). Well worth the $20. A+.

5. NYX Cosmetics - Butter Lipstick in Hunk:

Image Source

Pamper your lips with a hydrating kiss of smooth Butter Lipstick in 22 luxurious shades. The delicate texture of satin fused with the high color saturation creates an even finish on lips that’s long-wearing and beautiful. (quoted from Ipsy Website).

I am already a big fan of NYX Cosmetics, I love their lipsticks, their eye shadows and blushes. When considering this is a mass retailer brand, the results are at times as good if not surpassing high end brands.  I already own a couple of the Butter Lipsticks and was pleased to get another one, unfortunately this was the wrong shade of wine and purple for me as it is much too dark. I do use it for a dramatic effect on my inner lip or as a dab, otherwise, full strength is just too dark. Cheap, under $7, I would definitely recommend that you check other colors within this range of NYX Butter Lipstick since the formula is perfect! B+.

And this will conclude the full review from the Ipsy Glam Bag for March 2015. It was a great bag to receive, not so much when it came to sampling. I really did not care for the Dr Brandt Mattifying lotion nor the Boo Coverup. Otherwise, still a great bag!

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

Sophia, NJ


Connect with me:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE

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

My Advertisers:



Too Faced - New Chocolate Bar (#2) is here!

















Visit My Great Challenge's profile on Pinterest.