Follow me on Instagram! ^__^

Hey guys! 

   So I have been having technical difficulties with my computer for a while and it crapped out on me around the time of my last post, so I've been using my Instagram as a mini blog! I show pics of the products and swatches, and of course I review! I will also be creating videos on my YouTube channel as soon as my computer is back up and running! Don't worry I haven't forgotten about all of you! 

   My Instagram username is Kikyo0083, and my Youtube name is chibineko06. I hope you all will join me! More fun an hilarity shall ensue soon! ^_^

Influenster Voxbox: Veet Easywax Electrical Roll-On Kit!

   Ok I was super excited when I got picked for another Influenster Voxbox! And when I saw it was a hair removal kit I was like hell yeah! Summer time calls for summer legs!

   So I didn't really get a chance to take a pic of the product in box and all of it's contents before use, the timing was impeccable when I received it. As soon as I opened the box my bf's little brother came running in asking me if I had wax and if I could wax his chest.

   So I used him as the guinea pig for this fun project! Muahahahahahaha! So here is a pic of how everything is supposed to look, as shown in a very nicely labeled pic from Lipglossiping:

   And here's how it looked after I assembled it:

 Pretty cool huh? With all the parts I kind of felt like I was building something menacing!

   It's pretty easy to put together, too. You just take the replaceable cartridge and place it in the warmer. Then you place the warmer on the base. Easy! Then you have to plug it in and let it sit for about 30 minutes so the wax heats up. I didn't like having to wait all that time, and neither did my bf's brother. And unfortunately even after 30 minutes was up I had to keep leaving it for an extra 10 minutes at a time to heat up so the roller would move.
   
   I also had an issue with the roller, it wouldn't move. I had to really push to get the wax onto his chest, and when I used it on my legs I had to push just as hard. If I was lucky an even coat of wax came out. Then came the fun part, applying the strip and lettin' er rip! Uuuuuunfortunately it didn't take much off. His chest wasn't even very hairy, he just wanted to be clean and smooth. We wound up using several strips to try and get it all off, but in the end this caused him too much pain and resulted in blotches and redness all over his chest. He refused to let me take pics of him during this time, he was too embarrassed, so here's an idea of what he looked like! (with a little less hair of course!)

I'm such a jerk, lol

   On my own legs I found that it didn't pull everything off either. I wound up having to shave anyway, to get what the strips missed.
   
   The wipes that come with it are fantastic though. They get all the residue off with ease and they smell nice. They're a bit on the oily side but it didn't bother me.

   Overall I feel that this product was good, just not for me. It was a bit of a pain to use, and I did not get the results I expected. I actually prefer Veet's Ready to Use wax strips that I received in an earlier Voxbox. The wax seems much stronger and it's virtually mess free! Those I would take over any other hair remover any day, I swear by them! This hair removal system seems best for waxing pros, which I am not.

   You can find this and other VEET products in drugstores!

I'm Back! E.L.F. NYC Store!

   Ok, I have been away for waaaaaaaay waaaaaaay WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY too long! There have been a lot of things on my end going on that have required my utmost attention, but I promise I will be around more often to bring you some bloggety - is that a word? - screw it - bloggety is a word now - goodness! 

   With that being said I wanted to share something that I am really happy about! E.L.F. Cosmetics has opened up their first store in NYC! And not just anywhere in NYC, the East Village! Why am I so happy? I am within walking distance from it! Can you say woo!? 

hell yeah!

   E.L.F. is known for super affordable but amazing studio quality makeup, and I was so blown away by how awesome the store looked!

   I didn't take pics when I went, so here are some pics from their Facebook page:

   I treated my mom to an E.L.F. shopping spree for Mother's Day, it was so much fun! The staff is super sweet and helpful, and as you can see the presentation is fabulous! And of course the best part, affordable makeup! I swear you can go makeup happy in there! On my first visit I needed 2 carrying bags between my mom and me! 


   I highly recommend checking out the new store if you're in NYC, if this one goes well I'm sure more will pop up in other places! Maybe even in your area! Check out their Facebook page for directions and of course promos and sweet sweet makeuppy - that's a word now too dammit! - goodness!

Lead in Lipstick Hoax!

So my sister had posted up a shared link like this on Facebook:

HOLY CRAP! LOOK AT THOSE LIPS!

   Apparently it was from some medical study regarding the lead content in lipstick and specific brands. It also mentioned a test that could help you determine if your lipstick had lead in it. The study claimed that these named brands had such a high lead content, that using them could cause cancer. CANCER. That's friggin serious! I looked at the list and started to see what I had...and as I looked at my cosmetics my face went from concerned to

   I wanted to start tossing stuff away after  reading that, but then I noticed some improper "engrish" as I like to say when I become a grammar stickler. So I googled lead in lipstick and found this article on hoaxslayer.com about this exact post! Can you say, trolling?

   



Oh, and that "test" to see if your lipstick has lead in it? 

   
   According to the mentioned information from New Zealand's COSMETIC TOILETRY & FRAGRANCES ASSOCIATION, the "reactions described in the email occur when the test is done with any metal and just using plain wax which is a core component of most lipsticks." The person who wrote the article even performed the test and found that they got "positive" results with other substances. 


   This hoax has been making the rounds on the internet for a while, and every time it resurfaces some of the wording and even the list of brands change. When you further read the debunking article it even says that while the FDA has found trace amounts of lead in lipstick (which is concerning) it is very low and does not pose a risk. You can check out the FDA's website for any other cosmetic inquires!

   So don't fall for this when you see this posted on your Facebook or whatever you use, it is false and upsetting. The thought of me having to toss a bunch of my lipsticks pissed me off, so I can imagine what it'd make others feel like! And to hoaxslayer, THANK YOU! 

SOOOOOO BEHIND!

Hey guys!

   
   I know I haven't done any new blogs in what seems like forever, and for that I wanted to say I'm so sorry! A lot has been happening on my end, so it's been hard to keep up with blogging while balancing my personal affairs. I will do my very best to get some new stuff posted as it comes along, I will try and post up the beauty subscription boxes for this month and some other stuff I have. 

   Again I'm really sorry I've been AWOL and I will be posting soon!


*Actually I'm about to post about a lipstick hoax going viral on the internet, so stay tuned!*

Sample Society February

This month's Sample Society box blew me away! The assortment of products was really great, I even got a full sized product! 

   In my box I received a sample of LaRocca Skincare Hibiscus Cleanser, a sample of Immunocologie Treatment Creme, a sample of Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Mousse, a tube of Exude Lipstick Gloss, and a can of Maya Water Facial Mist.




LaRocca Skincare Hibiscus Cream Cleanser with AHA ($36.00 for full size)

   This creamy cleanser is supposed to gently exfoliate, but I honestly didn't feel any exfoliating. It doesn't lather like a soap but it spreads well and smells amazing! It cleans very well despite the lack of exfoliation and leaves my skin feeling super soft and smelling nice. I actually really enjoyed this cleanser, I might get the full size!




Immunocologie Treatment Creme Venomax ($275.00 for full size)

   This facial creme tightens skin and makes it look brighter. I didn't feel any tightening but I definitely saw it! My face did look brighter, and this creme paired with the hibiscus cleanser made my face so incredibly soft I was like omg! This costs so much, but the sample I received was a great size! I'll be able to enjoy luxurious supple skin for a while!




Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Mousse ($23.00 for full size)

   This is a volumizing mousse that you use on damp hair. After drying and styling your hair should look silky and plump. I liked how soft and alive my hair looked when using this, the volume was really nice! My hair looked silky and straight from the salon! Definitely a great product, I may get the full size. 




Exude Lipstick Gloss ($29.00)

   I thought this gloss was gorgeous! The gloss is in a lipstick shaped applicator that twists. The color is a shimmery red, it goes on a little light, but a bit of building up makes it look really nice! It isn't sticky at all and it lasts pretty long. I got the full size of this, yay! 




Maya Water Facial Mist ($34.00 for full size)

   While I thought this was nice,  my first impression was that I couldn't help but feel  like all I was doing was spraying water on my face. It was very refreshing, but it didn't feel like anything special. This mist sets makeup and hydrates skin. I was pleasantly surprised, it does pretty well as a setting mist and made my skin feel rejuvenated and fresh! It dries quickly too, so you don't feel like you just doused yourself with a hose. I think this product is ideal for the summer, and I will probably be getting the full size when the warmer weather comes!




If you would like to join Sample Society you can sign up here! Use my code KIKY6620 to donate to charity! 

Glade Expressions Review

   I was selected for another Bzzkit for Glade Expressions! ( I'm on fyaaaaah!) this time I had to review Glade Expressions fragrance mist and Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser. We were given coupons to get them for free, all we had to pay was the tax. We also got some coupons to share! There was a good and a bad side to this Bzzkit, I found the fragrance mist very easily at my local drugstore, but I couldn't find the oil diffuser ANYWHERE! I went to every drugstore in my neighborhood, and the ones near my job, and nothing! I do not live anywhere near a Walmart so I was pretty heartbroken that I couldn't find it. But I refused to just throw in the towel, so I went online and found one and bought it myself!

   The fragrance mist I got was the Pineapple and Mangosteen. I love it! It makes my house smell so delicious! One spray and my room is an exotic getaway! I like the spray nozzle as well, it protects the opening from falls. All you have to do is squeeze the neck of the bottle and spritz! I want to try the others, I think I saw a lavender one online, and I am a lavender nut! Everyone who came into my house was loved what they smelled! The best thing was that it helped with pet odors! I have three little dogs, who make enough of a mess of things as it is. Needless to say, smell can be an issue, especially when guests come over. This spray doesn't cover the smell, it gets rid of it! My hallways smelled super fresh, what a relief!

   I bought The Lavender and Juniper Berry oil diffuser, I love how long it lasts! It comes with the decorative stand, a diffuser card that absorbs the oil, and the oil bottle, which sits in the stand. All you have to do is click the card into the bottle and set it where you want. I love the cute stand, it's better than an air freshener cone. I know I'm not a huge fan of announcing that I worry about how my house smells, so this decorative diffuser is also discreet. I am in love with this scent as well, I love walking into my room and being engulfed in lavender!

   
   You can find the spray at some drugstores and supermarkets, but the oil diffuser is hard to find. Walmart definitely has them though, so go to your nearest one or go online and experience Glade Expressions for yourself!

Ipsy February

   I was kind of hoping for a nice Valentine's Day themed Ipsy glam bag this month, since most of the other subscription services seemed to be going for a Hollywood theme thanks to the Oscars. But they went with an A-List themed assortment of products that focused on making us glamorous and camera ready!

this month the lining was red!

   In my bag I received a Mica Beauty gel eyeliner, a mini tube of POP Beauty mascara, two Lash Cards, a mini eyeshadow quad from Coastal Scents, and a mini tube of Pixi's Poreless and Flawless face primer.




Mica Beauty Gel Eyeliner, Black ($35.00 for full size)

   I think this was my favorite product in the bag! This eyeliner is so creamy and easy to apply, it just glides on! I have an angled eyeliner brush, and paired with that I had great coverage! This eyeliner is highly pigmented, and it lasts all day! There was no smudging at all, and even though my eyes teared up a bit the eyeliner didn't come off at all! I had never used a gel eyeliner before, and I honestly have to say next to liner pens this is one of the best liners I've ever used!




POP Beauty Mascara, Black ($18.50 for full size)

   This is a pretty nice mascara. It gives lashes a full and dramatic look and dries quickly, but honestly as far as volume it falls kinda flat (makeup humor XD). 

   I do like how full it makes my lashes look, so the lack of volume isn't a big deal. Im glad I got to try this though, I didn't even know POP had mascara!




Lash Card ($6.99 for 10 pack)

   I received these exact same samples in my Beauty Army box, so I kinda gave the side eye when I saw the little banner in the corner of the package that said Ipsy exclusive. 

riiiiiiiiight.......

   Anyways, just like I said in my Beauty Army review, these are good and serve their purpose. Each card is good for at least two uses, and prevents mascara from getting on eyelids and under the eyes. You can also use it as a liner stencil, something I figured out not too long ago. I'm sure it's nothing new, but it was new to me.




Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Quad (prices vary)

   This quad has some nice shades for a great smokey look. The shadows are highly pigmented, they blend well, and there was no creasing or fallout. This quad will last me a good while, so I won't be needing the full size anytime soon.




Pixi Poreless and Flawless Face Primer ($29.00 for full size)

   I wasn't sure I'd like this, but I was pleasantly surprised. While it didn't make me look poreless, it did make my pores visibly smaller. It didn't feel greasy on my face and it absorbed well. It didn't dry out my face either. A little goes a long way too, and it spreads very well. I don't really need this, but it was nice to try.






If you would like to join Ipsy you can sign up here!

MAC Year of the Snake Cockney Lipstick Review!

   MAC released an online exclusive line in celebration of Chinese New Year. This year is the Year of the Snake, so they created a small collection of makeup with colors inspired by the East featuring vibrant and shimmering colors!

   I only got one item from this collection, a lipstick called Cockney. It is a sheer yellow-red multidimensional pearl. It is very creamy and the color is pretty. Since the color is sheer, you will have to build up a bit. Another really cool thing about this lipstick is that it has a snake imprint in it, the perfect touch!

Julep February: A-List Glam!

   This month Julep got us red carpet ready and set us up with some A-List nail colors for any event! This month's box also came with a couple of little treats as well!
   This month Julep gave us colors inspired by the Academy Awards! They also introduced holographic polish, colors that dry matte but have a multicolor sheen to them! We also got an eyelash curler as a bonus gift for Hollywood worthy eyes!

   In this box Julep also introduced their new Oxygen Nail Treatment and Freedom Polymer Topcoat, two nail products that are just awesome!

   I switched up my box this month and swapped my Classic with a Twist box for an It Girl Box. In my box I received Joan, Marion, Rebel and the Freedom Polymer Topcoat. I also got two add ons, Oscar and the Oxygen Nail Treatment. 




Joan ($14.00)

   A plum with rose gold shimmer. You get good coverage, but you may need a second coat, sometimes it can be a bit streaky. It dries fairly quickly.




Marion ($14.00)

   A smoky blue with silver shimmer. It has great coverage, you should only need one coat. It dries quickly.




Rebel ($14.00)

   A silver holographic. I thought this was really cool, it dries super fast and when light reflects off it you see rainbows! It has great coverage too, only one coat is needed.




Oscar ($14.00)

   A gold glitter polish. This is a nice glitter, and it dries quickly. However, the glitter doesn't look even on the nails, so a second and even a third coat might be needed depending on how much coverage you're looking for.




Freedom Polymer Topcoat ($18.00)

   This is hands down the best topcoat I've ever used! It goes on like a polish, but gives gel coverage. In natural light it dries quickly, and for longer lasting results  you can dry it under a 60 watt bulb. Whichever way you dry it the results are fantastic! My manicures last much longer, my nails didn't chip for a few days.  It's like I have armor on my fingers! My nails are able to withstand work, chores and carelessness since using it. The only downside this topcoat has it that once the polish starts to chip, it doesn't just chip, it peels away. I guess it bonds to the polish, but in a way this kind of makes for easy removal without the need for polish remover. Either way you look at it this is a great topcoat, and I will definitely be getting more when I run out!




Oxygen Nail Treatment ($18.00)

   This is a really cool nail product! It's a tinted nail treatment that helps to repair nails that are prone to breaking and peeling. I have both of those issues, and this stuff is like nail makeup! The polish is a light pink tint, you may need to use a second or third coat to actually see the color though. This gives your nails a chance to breathe between polishes with a subtle hint of color. I hate going bare on my nails, I feel naked. This actually wasn't so bad, and it lasted pretty long without chipping. I did see an improvement in my nails the first time I used it, but I haven't been diligent with it honestly. I love my colors too much! But I will be using it more often now, since the peeling is getting a bit more frequent. You should not use a color polish over this by the way, the point of this is to give your nails a break! Some people have been using it under colors which totally defeats the damn purpose, but to each their own. They suggest using it once or twice a week, so I will have to get to repairing! 



If you would like to join Julep you can sign up here!