Happy Holidays Everyone!!

I know I'm a little late for this but I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!  I hope everyone had time to spend with friends and family...have good food to eat...and received gifts you guys all wanted. 

I'm thankful that I had all of that this year. It's so nice to be close to people you love and how everyone is so happy around the holidays. 

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Garnier BB cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector

I wanted another bb creams because my old Missha perfect BB cream was just too thick to my liking and also it giving my skin a grey cast. Maybe I'm just not using it correctly?  But how hard is it to put cream on your face?  Hehe

Well I found this cream at my local CVS. It was listed for $13.49 and I had a 30% off coupon. What a good price to try something new for the first time huh?

Well I'm really liking this cream. It's has a medium light coverage. It has SPF 15 in it. It goes on very smooth and it has a nice light floral scent to it. It not oily and doesn't make me break out. Just love it. 

How does people out there feel about this product??  Let me know. 

L'Occitane Lavender Scented Candle (Bongie Parcumee Lavande)

I received a box of L'Occitane products from a baby shower gift around two years ago and I just now taking them out of their packages and using them. 

I'll post these items separately. 

The first item I had taken out and used is the Lavender Scented Candle.  

It comes in a pretty candle holder. Pretty heavy in weight. And the smell of lavender is so good. It's very light and not over powering. (I don't know if its because I have a little bit if my window for fresh air)

The description on box: A LAVENDER candle fills the air with smoothing, relaxing aroma of blue harvest, like a summer evening in Provence. 

This candle is estimated to burn around 20 hours. 

Made in France. It's a 100g Net wt. 3.5 oz candle. 

Again since this was an old gift I'm not sure how much or if they even sell this product anymore. This is my first L'Occitane product. So far I like it. Anyone out there used anything from this line and liked it?  And pros and cons?  Please let me know!!

Dotting nails with a dotting tool

Another manicure. Please check it out on my Stampingnails.com site. 

Check out article here: http://www.stampingnails.com/2013/09/26/dotting-with-a-dotting-tools/

Stamping Nail Art with French Tips

I've done a simple French manicure with a floral stamp on my ring fingers. What you guys think?  

Check it out in my nail site:

http://www.stampingnails.com/2013/09/04/stamping-nail-art-with-french-tips/

Water Marble Nail Art

A new and different manicure that I've tried over the past week. It's water marbling. Please come and check it out on my nail site. 

http://www.stampingnails.com/2013/08/19/water-marble-nail-art/

Another DIY Floral Nail Design – with Forever21 Design Kit

I've been loving my last floral manicure so I did another one but with a swap of colors this time. Purple change to pink. White changed to blue. So what do you all think?

Check out one more picture on my main nail site here:

http://www.stampingnails.com/2013/08/08/another-diy-floral-nail-design-with-forever21-design-kit/

More Nail Art Tape

Another one of my sister's I would like to share with you. Again she's using the nail tapes. How pretty!!

Check out my nail site here for other nail manicures/pedicures or designs I've done in the past. 

http://www.stampingnails.com/2013/08/06/more-nail-art-tape/

Sally Hansen Polish with Golden Nail Tape

Another one of my sister's manicures. Check it out here: http://www.stampingnails.com/2013/08/02/sally-hansen-polish-with-golden-nail-tape/

DIY Floral Nail Design – with Forever21 Design Kit

A new manicure update.  Please check out my Stampingnails site for more information.

http://www.stampingnails.com/2013/07/18/diy-floral-nail-design-with-forever21-design-kit/

Bath and Body Works Haul

I received a coupon an online coupon for a FREE 3 wick candle with any purchase of $20 or more.  I believe this promotion has ended already but if you guys would like to try to see if it still works the Online code is TREATYOU20 and the code in store is 9290.

When stepping into the store my intention was just to purchase my favorite antibacterial soaps and to pick up my free candle.  The soaps were 6 for $20.  But of course the sale associates always persuade me into buying more.  Good thing this time it was just an extra bottle of lotions and nothing more.

So here's the lovely bag my items came home in. 

All the six soaps I picked were foam soaps.  Reason for this if you guys don't already know is the foam type soap is easier for my kids to use.

I got Ocean Pearl, Dahlia, Island Bamboo, Coconut Cove, Beach Flower, and Mango Paradise.  All have very pretty labels.  All smells great and perfect for spring and summer. 

This is the item the lure me into buying.  This is their true blue spa item.  I believe these Spa items are limited editions items.  They are trying to get rid of them so they were all currently on clearance.  They are all 50% off.  I just love the scent.  And also the jojoba oil is much lighter to use in hot weather compared to the shea butter products I had at home. So I thought I would give this a try. 

This is the Free candle I picked up.  Aloha Waikiki - Hulas & Hibiscus scent.  

Candle description:  An exquisite fusion of Plumeria petals, Tiare Blossoms and a hint of sugarcane that transport you to the big island.  Aloha Paradise!

I love how this candle have a decorated cover too.

And as you can see from these pictures below that I'll be making another trip down to that store soon.  Hehe, I can't wait.  What are you all planning to buy?  What items should I try?  Let me know!!

Del Sol Outdoor Color Changing Nails – Electrick

Here's a polish I had laying around.  I decided to put some on and share with you this fun polish.  Check our the post here on my Stampingnails.com site!

Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat Nail Polishes - Wool Lite #100

Brought a new polish.  Check out my post on my Stampingnails.com site!

Silver Sparkle Nails - China Glaze & Nicole by OPI

Posted two pictures of my sister's manicure.  Go to my nail site and take a look.

http://www.stampingnails.com/2013/05/02/silver-sparkle-nails-china-glaze-nicole-by-opi/

Let me know how you guys like her manicure.  And please visit my other site.

Face Q Grape Seed and Green Tea Sheet Mask

This box of various sheet masks from Face Q was purchased a while back.  And just recently I've realized that it will expire by the end of this year.  So I opened the box and tried my first sheet mask from them.

I purchased this box from sasa.com.  I don't remember how much I got this box but I believe it was cheaper than the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  This box came with 10 sheet masks.

They are: 
2 Grape Seed + Green Tea Mask 
2 Luffa +Adlay Mask
2 Red Pomegranate Co Q10 Mask
2 Ocean + Aloe Mask Marine Collagen Mask 
1 Caviar and Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Mask
1 Peony Snow Lotus and Sake Yeast Whitening Mask

I love how sheet mask has a cute cartoon and a colorful packaging.

The first mask I tried was the Grape Seed & Green Tea sheet mask.  

Once opened I noticed it's very similar the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  

The description: 

Face Q Grape Seed + Green Tea Mask with a unique micro-emulsion technology turns nourishment into micro-emulsion particles that are smaller and easier to penetrate into the skin, improving moisture replenishment. Mask is made from 100% wood pulp with silk, it fit your facial contour perfectly, rapidly infiltrate moisture for the skin, after use your skin with become supple with natural radiance.

Formulated with all natural botanical extracts, grape seeds contain powerful proanthocyanidins antioxidant, can prevent the skin from oxidation damage, thus lose luster and flexibility. Grape seed also has synergistic effect with collagen and elastin, making skin a shiny and flexible, and prevent premature wrinkles and skin spots.

The sheet mask has a plastic lining.  The thin mask was tough enough that it didn't rip when I used it.  I remember reading from other bloggers that some complained that these mask ripped too easily.  Well it didn't happen to me.  There's also extra serum inside the packing.  I couldn't detect any scent to this particular mask.  So I believe this mask is unscented.  I left this mask on for 30 minutes and afterwards my face was smooth and moisturized.  I liked it.  The next day I noticed that my face did have some red blotches around my cheeks.  I'm not sure if it's related to this product or if it's some other new face product that I had tried out that day.  Since I have so much more left I will try these mask again and will let me know if these masks are irritating my skin or not.  

Over all I find these Face Q mask very similar to the My Beauty Diary masks.  Only difference is that I didn't find a scent and the price is cheaper.  Again, I will check back with you guys and let you know if this mask still continue to irritate my skin or not.  (I have combination skin)

Let me know what you all think of these Face Q sheet masks or this particular Grape Seed & Green Tea sheet mask. 

Business Insider Article on "There's A Huge Online 'Black Market' For Beauty Sample Castoffs"

There's A Huge Online 'Black Market' For Beauty Sample Castoffs

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/online-black-market-for-beauty-samples-2013-3#ixzz2OZzbi6gP

I ran into this article and I thought all you beauty bloggers or people who subscribe to the beauty bags or boxes out there should take a look.

My Scheming Camellia Japonica Hydrating Sheet Mask

Since I have so much old sheet mask to use up I decided to used this particular one from the My Scheming collection.  This sheet mask actually came from a mixed sheet mask box I've gotten from sasa.com.  It's actually one of the first sheet masks I've purchased from sasa.com too.(http://beautyfornewbies.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-first-purchase-from-sasacom.html)  

I find that these My Scheming masks are very similar to the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  I find that the quality are very similar.  

This particular sheet mask, the Camellia Japonica Hydrating mask is very hydrating.  It's prefect for the cold dry New England weather that we've been having.  I had the mask on for around 30 minutes.  I believe these masks are gentle to leave it even longer if you want.  The quality of the mask is pretty strong so it won't rip when trying to adjust it on your face or unfolding from the package.  I have a pretty round wide face too and it fits perfectly too.  After the mask is in placed on your face, you can take the extra essence or serum in the package and place it everywhere were you need a little extra moisturizing.  I used them around my neck area, arms, and hands.  

Sasa.com description:

My Scheming Camellia Japonica Hydrating Mask contains natural camellia extract to increase the moisturizing and soothing function. And, it also repairs skin. Hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate, and jojoba oil improve skin and prevent moisture loss. The mask comprehensively firms skin and leaves it watery and lustrous. 

how to use it

1. After cleansing, remove pearl paper and place the mask over your face. Press it lightly onto your face.

1. Leave on for about 15 – 20 minutes before removing the mask.

1. Pat and leave for essence absorption.

I will re-buy this sheet mask again.  It's a great quality mask in an affordable price.  I apologize I don't have the exact about that I've purchase this at but I'm sure you can find this information on sasa.com very easily.  The My Scheming products are also cheaper than the My Beauty Diary sheet masks.  So if you don't want to spend the extra buck or two for it I will certainly consider buying My Scheming sheet masks. 

FREE Bath and Body Works Take Home Samples

First time ever that I've seen Bath and Body Works giving out take home samples to try.  I was so excited!  Who doesn't like free stuff right?  They had a couple of small buckets placed in front of their store.  A lot of people were taking advantage of them and taking handfuls and handfuls...and putting them in their bags.  If they had handed them out at the cashier's desk, then maybe can than monitor the process and stop people from abusing it.  Because sooner or later they might stop giving things out.

I took three samples and my husband took another three for me.  That's not being too greedy right?  hehe...The samples are all from their Fresh Picked line.  They are all fruity smells.  I actually really like all their scents from this line.  Unfortunately, on these small containers they did not list the names of the scent or what kind of items they are.  The thicker substance I I'm sure is lotions.  But the gel type I'm not sure if they are body washes or hand soaps.  I guess I'll just have to test them out and figure it out that way.

The containers are very small but cute.  They don't leak, so once you're finished with the product you can always wash and reuse them.  You can fill them with your moisturizers or face cleaners.  Maybe even use them as small pill boxes.

Once there's another big sale for sure I"ll go back and buy some hand soaps from this line.  Again, I love all their fruity scents and I love their new packaging.  They are a very classic look to them.  Anyone tried this new line yet?  And favorites I should try?  Please let me know!!

NY Asian Haul - The Face Shop and Detclear

Sorry but it's been a while since I've last posted.  I've been sick and kids have been keeping me busy as usual.  :)

This weekend I was at a wedding in New York so I was actually able to do a little shopping.  So now I have something new to show you all.  There were so many things to look at there and I was always tempted to buy more.  I was able to control myself and got these items below.

Items only purchased items from The Face Shop and from Mitsuwa, Japanese Supermarket in New Jersey.

At the time I wanted to check out the Missha store that I used to shop at.  But I guess 3 years since I've been back is a long time because now The Face Shop had taken over the shop.  I was still very excited because I have never used The Face Shop products before and now it's my face to try.

While I was there I purchased a bunch of face sheet masks.  They were $2 each and with the special they were currently having it was buying 10 and gets one free.  Of course I took advantage of that and got myself an extra one.  I brought two types of sheet masks.  I brought 4 essential masks (I don’t know how else to explain it) and 7 Real Nature masks (two I had given to my sister so I didn't include the pictures here.  I will post later once my sister tries it out and let me know how she liked it). 

#1.  Lemon
#2.  Pomegranate
#3. Soybean
#4. Aloe Vera
#5.  Rice
#6. Raspberries (not in this picture)
#7.  Olive (not in this picture)

#1.  Hyaluronic Acid
#2.  CO-Q10
#3.  Pearl (two)

And lastly from the face shop I purchased a peeling gel mask.  I've always wanted to try them.  I've heard so much about the Cure gel but of course that's $50 and I was too cheap to buy it.  So this one at the face shop, the White Jewel Peeling Gel was only $15, I pick myself a bottle.

Once I checked out they had given me a couple of samples.  I got two FLEBOTE Collagenic EX V lifting cream, two FLEBOTE White Crystal Effect Essence, and two Rice Water Bright Cleansing foam.  Anyone out there tried these items?  How do you use these and how do you guys like them?  Please share with me.

I've also sighed up to be a member.  Membership is free.  And with this purchased I earned 10% off my next purchase and 5% after that on my other purchases.  But since I don't live in New York anymore I think it will be a few years before I'm able to return and use my discount.  Oh well.

And look...Kim Hyun Joong!!  After doing a little research I found out that he's now the official international ambassador of the Face Shop brand.  I remember him from the Korean TV drama Boys Over Flowers.  Hehe...

Once I got home I found out I've over paid for my sheet masks.  Damn it!!  Sasa currently has a sale for $1.50 each.  Damn damn damn!!  Oh well...

The next day I went to the Mitsuwa Japanese market and purchase the Detclear Fruit Peeling Gel.  This one was $17.  I've heard a lot of good things on this item too.  So again, once I get the chance I'll compare two peeling gels I've purchased on this trip and let you know now I feel about them both.

So any recommendations on other The Face Shop items I should try?  Or other Asian beauty products?  Let me know.  I really want to try more.