GLOSSYBOX (January 2013) The man repeller Box

It's a little late but here is the January 2013 Glossybox.  This was a special box because these were items the blogger, the man repeller picked out.  There were some exciting full size items in this box!  Even the box was different from the usual pink glossybox.

Cute note from Leandra (the man repeller)

Items in the box

There were two full size items.  Tarte natural cheek tint (available March 2013) and OPI Liquid Sand from Mariah Carey Collection.

I was mostly excited about the Tarte natural cheek tint.  In the winter I use cream blushes a lot and I've been really loving Tarte products!  I haven't really tried out this product yet, but this product is very shiny and it feels rough when I swatched it.  :(  Hope it works out better when I try it out.  It's really a pretty color though.

OPI Liquid Sand from Mariah Carey Collection.  I was really glad I got this because I was really contemplating buying this but I figured these are one of those gimmicks or a trendy phase, so I didn't bother.  But perfect way to try it.  It's supposed to be glitter bomb with a matte finish.

Sebastian Potion 9 Styling Treatment.  Deluxe size perfect for traveling.

Rest of the smaller sample size.  I know the Le Metier De Beaute is expensive, but I hate little packet samples. bleh... but the remainder of the items were good travel size.  I haven't tried Estee Lauder mascaras in awhile, so that should be fun. 

Can't wait for my next box.  I hear the theme is international style.  If you haven't signed up for Glossybox and you want to try it, please use my referral link if you wouldn't mind. :)  Also don't forget to purchase it through ebates.com where it gives you instant rebate for your online purchases including glossybox.  I have already got $145.00 back from online purchase since September! Why not save while shopping? :)

CC Cream: The next BB Cream? Olay CC Cream Review

Everyone knows BB Cream was such a big phenomenon in Korea and other parts of Asia and has now made it's way to the US and now everyone and their mamas are making one (I don't think any of the non-Korean BB creams are what they claim to be, IMHO).  Pretty much all the makeup brands, even drugstores brands have one of their own (Smashbox, Bobbi Brown, Maybelline, Garnier, Revlon, etc...).

So what is next? CC Cream?  CC stands for Color Control, or Color Correct.  Honestly, I haven't heard a peep from the motherland (Korea) about CC Cream, but I have been seeing a slight buzz about the "NEXT BEST THING AFTER BB CREAM" is CC Cream in the magazines and the web.  I think the Westerners got pissed off about not creating BB Cream first... so now they are trying to beat anyone else to it! haha

I heard Oil of Olay had released their CC Cream, Total Effects 7 in 1 Tone Correcting Moisturizer with SPF 15 in three different shades and also Olay CC Cream- Total Effects Daily Moisturizer + Touch of Foundation.

 Picture from PG Estore

I found them at CVS for about $22.00 which isn't cheap.  But this was the CC Cream in the US, so I got it while CVS was giving back $10 for spending $30 on P&G Products, and I had loads of coupons. :)  Since I have been trying this out, thought I do a quick review for you guys.

Oil of Olay's Description:

This CC Cream provides instant coverage plus correction to fight 7 signs of aging, including uneven tone, age spots and dull skin.

• This all-in-one triple stream formula combines a daily anti-aging moisturizer, SPF 15 sunscreen and sheer tint for younger-looking skin.
• Instant skin perfecting coverage + correction to fight 7 signs of aging + UV protection
• Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging: Fine lines and wrinkles: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Uneven Tone: Balances and helps even out tone. Age Spots: Reduces appearance of age spots. Gentle Exfoliation: Improves surface cell turnover. Dryness: Provides nourishing moisturization. Moisture Barrier: Strengthens skin s natural defense against moisture loss. Luminosity: Recaptures youthful luminosity

*FYI- Some of the older bottles don't have the "CC" on it, but it's still the same product.

 

Here's a little squeezed on my hand

And working onto my hand

And after

MY THOUGHTS:

The consistency of this product was very liquidy even though it dispenses as a cream.  I guess it's because this product has skincare gel formula mixed in with the slight color cream.  Right off the bat I was able to tell this was going to be a sheer coverage and it was.  But I still thought let's not underestimate this "NEW CC Cream".  But as you can tell in the picture above, it has NO COVERAGE.  I have come to a conclusion that perhaps, this particular CC Cream was not meant to be heavy coverage like the BB Cream.  Which could be why Olay created the version with foundation added in.

This may help you in slightly masking the redness, but that is about it.  After using this for over a week, I have concluded that this is a skincare product, not cosmetic.  Unlike the BB Cream, which kind of is both.  Also, Olay's CC Cream was meant to be color correcting with length of time.  So you are not going to notice any difference instantly.  They claim, "instant skin perfecting coverage", but I did not notice any "perfecting" in my skin whatsoever.

I have debated whether to return this back to CVS, but I have noticed that it works well under my foundation, keeping my skin hydrated, and it does have added skincare benefits, so I decided to keep it and use it as a primer.

I have heard TheRaeviewer mention that she got her hands on Chanel CC Cream from Asia, and from the looks of it Chanel's version has much better coverage.

I cannot tell if CC Cream is going to be the next "BB Cream". Because I only have one brand to base this off of.  And I get the feeling each brand is going to do their own thing and call it a CC Cream.  But based off of Olay's version, I'm going to have to say no.  If I see a difference on my skin in the next couple of months, I will do an updated review, but I like my instant skin fixes that BB Cream can provide, and this Olay's CC Cream is not going to cut it.

I wouldn't recommend Olay's CC Cream, especially if you are looking for coverage. I wouldn't bother.  This was a total miss for me.

GLOSSYBOX (November 2012)

Here's what I got for November's Glossybox.  The theme for November was Tis the Season to be Glossy.

It also came with the Glossybox magazine.

I received the Incoco Nail Polish Appliques (Nail sticker strips) in full size (retails for $8.00 for 16 strips) in a neutralish brownish taupish color.  I'm not fond of this color, but I'm excited to try this brand of nail polish strips.  I have tried the Sally Hansen and the Sephora one, and while I loved the Sally Hansen one, I absolutely hated the Sephora stickers.  So I wonder which category these will fall into....

Illamasqua LTD, Lip & Eye Medium Pencil in the original size (Retails for $20).  I love Illamasqua products (if you haven't heard of this brand, it's a UK brand, and their nail polish, foundations, and anything pigmented are amazing).  This is supposed to be dual for lip and eyes and while this is a beautiful color, I don't think I'll be putting this on my lips any time soon.  My friend got this pencil in a red color, which I doubt she'll be putting that on her eyes.

Skin &Co. Roma Truffle Serum- Hydro-Toning Face.  I'm not sure of the size I received, but definitely it's a deluxe size not full (Full Size retails for $36.00 for 1.01 oz.)  Very intrusted to find out what truffle will do to my face. kekekeke

NUME Style Arganics by Nume Argan Oil and I received the 10 ml size.  (Retails for $5, and $59.00 in full size which is with 4 oz).  This is argan oil for your dry damaged cuticles.  I have tried Josie Maran hair oil, so I will be comparing this to Josie Maran oil.

Kryolan for Glossybox Blusher in Rosewood and I received the full size of 2.5 grams (retails for $17).  And the swatch below.  It's a nice dusty pink, and it reminds me a lot of Benefit's Dandelion.  Very natural slight pink.  Texture was silky smooth and you can tell it was finely milled.

Then the last two items I received were coupons/gift certificates.  This one was a free coupon for something if you signed up for their website, but when I went, I did not see that option, so I guess this one is a waste.

This one sounds awesome.  $100 gift certificate towards professional styling tools and hair extensions.  However, their products are in the $180- $200 something range, so I guess if you really like their products you can get something for half off.

So that's it for the November's Glossybox!  The value of this box is about $70, and if I were to use the gift certificate, it'd be valued at $170!  Good value huh for $20 with shipping?

While I found this box to have a lot of products that I can use, other than the Illamasqua eyeliner and the Kryolan blush, I wasn't that excited... but we will see once I use the products. 

Hope everyone is enjoying December and getting in the spirit and having a blast celebrating whichever holiday you celebrate! :)

GLOSSYBOX (October 2012)

Got my October 2012 Glossybox!  This month's theme is SpaLuxe. 

It came with a Glossybox Magazine.

I love getting Glossybox! It feels like I'm receiving a gift every month! :)

Listing of the contents.  Received 5 items with 2 full size items. 

Contents of the box.

Received half size of Carols Daughter's Coconut Shea Souffle. I never heard of this brand until couple months ago, but it looks like it's an up and coming company.  Saw few products at Sephora.

Alterna Bamboo Luminous Shine Mist.  It's a spray to help make your hair strong and glossy.

Alessandro Int'l Pedix Feet Heel Rescue Balm.  I have something like this from Julep and I absolutely love it, so I'm gonna have to try this out to compare to Julep's.

Secret Garden Exfoliating Loofa Soap in full size.  I think this one is going to be my favorite.  It's a loofa built into the soap! Genious!  And it smells like grapefruit, and it smells absolutely wonderful!

Last but not least, Modelco Lipduo, lipstick and lipgloss.  Not sure of the color.  This one was also full size and was valued at $39, so definitely got my money's worth with just this one alone.  I like the consistency and the color of this lipduo, but I'm not quite sure of the mirror situation.  The mirror is in the middle but the lipstick and lipgloss wand is attached to it, so you can't really look at it while putting this on, which I feel like defeats the purpose of having a mirror on it in the first place.... but whatever the case, this is what I got. :)

Swatch of the lipstick

Lipgloss on top of the lipstick



Overall, I was happy with the items received.  I think last month's was better, but I can't always love what I'm getting blind.  But the quality and the value of the items received is very good.  Second month and still loving Glossybox.

If you want to try it, click here my referral invitation .  And don't forget to go through ebates.com.  They give you I believe 12% rebate off your purchase.  You should also check out gazillion stores you can get cash rebates from.

Also want to remind the readers to check out my previous post for the giveaway!  Last day to enter is November 11th, 2012.  Check post here for the details.

100th Post: GIVEAWAY & Miloberry Favorites!

FINALLY! My 100th Post. What a milestone! Thank you all my subscribers, readers, random visitors, friends and just everyone!!! Love you guys for all your continuous support and comments! It kept me going to this milestone!  Hopefully there will still be 200th, and 300th... and so on...

For my 100th post, I decided to list my all time favorites (as of October 2012) for my 100th post.  These are products that I absolutely loooooove!!!! I didn't have a chance to review all my favorites, so I'll just be listing them here. And keep reading for the Giveaway information!

 SKINCARE:

Facewash- Philosophy Purity

Moisturizer- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (see my review here)

SPF Moisturizer- First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Face Cream

Eye Cream- Clinique Moisture Surge

Face Cleansing Oil- Shu Uemura

Sunscreen- Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

All in One Product- Embrolisse Lait-Creme Concentre (24 hour miracle cream)

Tool- Tanda Zap for zits

Exfoliator - Philosophy Microdelivery Peel
Treatment: Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense Corrective Serum

FACE MAKEUP:

Foundation - YSL Le Teinte Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation (see my review here)

Under Eye Concealer- Benefit Erase Paste

Face Concealer- Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil (see my review here)

Powder- Chanel Loose Powder (see my review here)

Blush- Benefit Coralista

Bronzer- Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

Highlighter- Dior Diorskin Shimmer Star in Amber diamond
Brushes: Real Techniques Brushes

EYE MAKEUP:

Mascara - Dior Show Waterproof

Eyeliner- MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

Eyebrow- Shu Uemura Hard Formula
Eye Shadow- Urban Decay Naked Palette

Eye Primer- Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Face Primer- Smashbox Photo Finish SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex

LIPS:
Lipstick: Dior Addict in It Pink
Lip Gloss: Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Sandy
Lip Balm: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Rose

HAIR PRODUCTS:

Shampoo/Condition- Ovation Cell Therapy (see my review here)

Hairspray- Living Proof Hold Flexible Hairspray

Misc. Hair Product- Living Proof Thickening Mousse

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY: 

These are the items that will be included in the Giveaway Bag!  (Chosungah Luna Pore Tightening Shu, Urban Decay All Nighter Spray XL size, Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Collection, Clinique High Impact Mascara, Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette, All Human Hair Eyelashes)

Now for the rules:

1. You must be a follower on either one of these: If you follow all four, then even more chances for you!

Blogger

Bloglovin

Facebook

Twitter

2.  Please tell me in the comment below, your favorite blog post of mine, OR what other posts you'd like to see.

3. You can also comment on the facebook post that has the link to this post.

(These are not requirements, but more chances you can win)

4.  For more chances to win, share this facebook post on your wall! And have them like my Facebook page! I welcome new readers! :)

5. For more chances to win, share this post on twitter: Copy and paste this:
"Follow @miloberryblog #miloberrygiveaway for a chance to win 100th Post Giveaway Bag! http://tinyurl.com/8l2p948"

You may enter either of these ways ONCE! The last day to enter will be November 11, 2012 by 11:59 PM.  I will announce the winner via Blogger Post, Facebook, and Twitter.  You will have 48 hours to claim your prize!  Good Luck Everyone!!! And Thank you!

First GLOSSYBOX (September 2012)

I gave in and subscribed to the beauty subscription box, GLOSSYBOX. Basically it's a box sent to you with 5 deluxe and/or full size products every month for $21/month (this already includes shipping and taxes) and cheaper if you decide to do 6 months or 1 year.  I've tried few other beauty box subscription service and I think with GLOSSYBOX, you get way more things that you can use or valued way more than the other boxes. 

Also as a sidenote, if you go through ebates.com you also get 15% back.  So think of getting this box for a little less than $18.  Great deal.

So to show you what I got this month.  By the way, I love the box it comes in.  It's totally reusuable for a gift or to store things in.  Real sturdy, cute pink box!  And when you open it, it's wrapped up with a bow like a gift. :)

They have a theme/ or a name for the box each month.  This month was Fall Forward, inspired by the Fall Fashion Runways from Fashion Week.

Description and the price for each of the items received.   Sorry the picture is crooked. >.<

And in my box:

From left to right:
1. OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel - It controls your shine for 8 hours.  I received full size valued at $30.
2. GKHAIR Hair Taming System, Balancing Shampoo (the description didn't match the actual bottle).  From the look of it, it looks to be about 3 to 4 ounces of product.  Valued at $7-8.
3. GKHAIR Hair Taming System, Balancing Conditioner.  Balued at about $7-8.
4. Kryolan Moisture Rich Lipstick in GLOSSY pink.  I received full size valued at $14.
5. Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 in Color #31.  I received full size valued at $29.99!!!!!  I actually already own this BB Cream.  I just didn't know they make number #31, which was more perfect for olive tone ladies.  But wow... worth $30 alone!

So I received total of approximately $90 worth of products.... Wow!!!!

I'm definitely keeping this subscription. Definitely worth it... From what I've seen in the past, it's always worth over what you are paying and you get awesome products.  I'd recommend GLOSSYBOX. 
Don't forget to go through ebates for your rebate.  And if you'd like to join this, please let me know so I can send you a personal invitation for GLOSSYBOX!

Is Baby Oil Safe & Chaper Solution to Eye Makeup Remover?

A friend of mine suggested that baby oil is the cheaper way to remove eye makeup.  Hmmm... why didn't I think of that?  It's safe for babies, it's made of mineral oils (which I believe is non-comedogenic), so it shouldn't clog pores... so got me thinking, but decided I was going to research before I slather that all over my eyes....

To cut to the chase, the answer is NO.  Baby oil is made to moisturize and retain moisture on your skin.  It may do a great job of releasing your heavy eye makeup, but it may not be safe to use on your eyes or it may leave residue that can continue to enter your eyes every time you blink. 

Quoted from http://www.dcareaeyecare.com/ (looks to be an optometrist website).  To see the entire post, go here:

If you wear heavier eye makeup, you may need to use a make up removal product. Do not use baby oil or Vaseline. "Light" makeup removal products are better. The key is that AFTER you have used the makeup removal product, wash your face and gently "shampoo" your eyelids with a mild, non-creamy facial soap or cleanser. And, in the morning, wash your face and eyelids again.

I think if you want a safer, cheaper way to remove eye makeup, you can try Baby Shampoo.  According to Dr. Oz:  See the entire post here:

Baby Shampoo for Easy Makeup Removal
There’s no excuse for going to bed with your makeup on. If other makeup removers irritate your  skin or are too expensive, baby shampoo is a good alternative. It contains lauric acid, derived from coconut oil, which is non-toxic, making it safe for eye-makeup removal. Simply pour some baby shampoo onto a cotton ball, tissue or wash towel and wipe away your makeup for a clear complexion.

Personally, I have sensitive eyes, not overly, but enough that my eyes will water up from time to time.  And it was due to the eye makeup remover.  Everytime I try to start fresh from day to night time makeup, I remove all my makeup and my eyes start to water up!  My solution to that was, cleansing waters. I use the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water.  This only happens, when I try to put on full on makeup twice in one day.  For my daily routine, I always use Clinique Take the Day off Makeup Remover, which is really great at taking off waterproof makeup.  I've tried many of others, but this is my holy grail eye makeup remover!

I researched this quite a bit, to make sure it's safe for me to use, and I've seen "Yes, it's safe and great!", to "No, it's not safe".  I say, when it's not intended for that use, especially your eyes and your face, it's not worth the risk.  Like I wouldn't put body lotion on my face, just because it's lotion.  They are just made differently to suit different needs....

Sometimes it's great to find cheaper alternative to expensive cosmetic/ skincare items.  But I think when it comes to your eyes, it's better to be safe than sorry.  So I'd have to say NO! DO NOT USE BABY OIL! If you are someone who have been using them and are completely fine with it, just becareful and try not to get it to close to your eyes, and make sure you completely cleanse around your eyes with your face wash.  But if you really do want cheaper alternative to eye makeup remover, go with Dr. Oz's recommendation and try Baby Shampoo.

I also hear, Neutrogena's Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover is really good.  Haven't tried it yet... And this is only $8!

Let me know if you tried using baby oil method and your experiences...