Not Another LA Blonde

Tag: elf cosmetics

12 DAYS OF BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR
Happy Monday!! Can y’all believe it’s almost Christmas!? Where did December go?? I got this advent calendar quite a while ago and I’m only just now getting around writing about it. With all the shopping and holiday party planning I’ve been doing, I just ran out of time to share this with y’all.

Get merry and bright with the 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, a Target Exclusive! This unique curation is a great way to sample favorite items from some of our top brands to keep you looking and feeling festive all season long.

The box is an unbelievable value of $58 for ONLY $15! I’ve never gotten this Advent Calendar from Target before so I was super anxious to see it in person and try everything out! This box is still in stock and can be purchased here.

Here is a BREAKDOWN of the goodies:
1. Maybelline Great Last Mascara– Value for 0.15 oz = $1.56
A full size, 0.43 oz., tube retails for $4.49 in store. “This mascara features a lash-doubling formula that glides on to build great-looking lashes. The lash-building brush makes it easy to get a full-lash look.” This mascara was also in the November Beauty Box that Target offers once a month. I think that this mascara works well and is fairly inexpensive. I used to use this brand ALL the time, but somewhere along the way, strayed away but I think I may be making my way back to this mascara after testing this one out!
1. e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator– Value = $3.00
FULL SIZE!! “A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect.” This is not a product that I was particularly excited to receive, and did not actually try it out. I’m sure that the product is great, but it’s not something that I was interested in.
1. HASK Argan Oil Repairing Shine – Value for 0.625 oz. = $0.25
A regular 15 oz. bottle of this oil is $5.99 in the store. “This lightweight, alcohol-free oil absorbs instantly to provide frizz-free shine without leaving an oily residue. Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and penetrates hair to restore shine and provide soft, silky results in dry, damaged hair.” I have actually used this product before and liked it. With the weather in SoCal being so dry lately, I found this to be the perfect remedy to keep my hair healthy and shiny.
1. Acure Eye Cream–Value for 1 oz. = $8.99
This is a full size product!! “Edelweiss extract and chlorella provide deep hydration to protect the skin’s moisture barrier…you won’t believe your eyes.” Unfortunately, this was another product that I did not try. I really wanted to like/try everything in this box, but my eyes are sooo sensitive that I couldn’t risk having a reaction to this eye cream.
1. Pixi Glow Tonic–Value for 0.5 oz. = $2.20
A full 3.4 oz. bottle of this retails for $15 in store. “Original 5% Glyolic acid Formula with Aloe Vera and Ginseng. Gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, revealing healthy glowing skin. For all skin types. Clinically proven results.” This was such a life saver the last few weeks with all the wind/dry weather we’ve been getting. My face was soo dry and peely, I looked like I had powder all over that I didn’t know how to blend haha This was a great product and I highly recommend it.
1. Vichy Mineral 89 Face Moisturizer–Value for 0.15 oz. = $1.99
A full 1.69 oz bottle of this moisturizer retails for $22.49. “Mineral 89 combines the highest concentration of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water enriched with 15 minerals and Hyaluroinc Acid to enhance long term hydration, essential for healthy skin.” It left my skin feeling super hydrated which was nice. This moisturizer is a little on the pricey side and I probably wouldn’t purchase on my own.
1. NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Stick– Value = $7.99
This is a full size product. “Get your glow on with the NYX Professional Makeup Bright Idea Stick. This glitzy, shimmering cream cosmetic is perfect for highlighting and strobing, and brings just the right amount of sparkle to your look.” This highlighting stick comes in 8 colors. This is another product that I didn’t try out. I’m not great with makeup as it is, so I don’t even try and get into the whole highlighting thing.
1. Nexxus New York Salon Care Humectress Ultimate Moisture Protein Complex Intensely Hydrating Masque– Value for 1.5 oz. = $3.99
This is a FULL size product! “Nexxus Humectress Hair Masque for Dry Hair works by binding moisture deep within each hair fiber, distributing Elastin Protein, and creating a protective barrier of moisture.” Hair masks can be such a life saver during the winter months. They’re also great if you get your hair colored on a regular basis as they keep your hair looking healthy and not all dried out! This one is inexpensive and can be used a few times!
1. Honest Beauty Everything Organic Facial Oil – Value for 0.03 oz. = $1.65
The full size 1 oz container of this facial oil retails for $55. “Replenish moisture-depleted skin by amplifying its natural defenses for a supple, smooth and youthful look. Think antioxidant-dense, pure seed and fruit oils — each drop rich in the same fatty acids and vitamins known to feed your body.” I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again…I am not a face oil kind of girl. I know, I know, there are sooo many benefits to using it, but I’m just not into it at the moment. Plus, the full size of this one is super expensive!
1. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – Value = $5.99
“The rounded sides of the sponge help blend large areas of the face with a repeated dabbing or stippling motion. The precision tip helps cover blemishes and imperfections, and the flat edge helps contour around the eyes and nose.” These are perfect for blending your face makeup and my mom uses them all the time! You can get them pretty much anywhere, but this is a good price!
1. Eylure False Eyelashes Natural No.031 – Value = $3.74
“Eylure Naturals No.031 is a loosely woven, compact lash that delivers extra length & fullness. The unique ‘curve’ of Eylure’s lashes allows the lash to ‘hug’ the eye, making application easier and wear completely comfy. Handmade and reusable.” Ok, who doesn’t love a good pair of false lashes? I love putting them on and making it look like I actually have eyelashes for once. These are super inexpensive and go on easily and look super natural if you’re going for that look. I will definitely be purchasing these at a later date.
1. Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash – Value for 0.7 oz. = $3.99
“Harness the power of the ocean with marine extracts. Coconut water and natural actives come together in our gentle sulfate-free foaming cleanser that removes daily toxins and make-up.” Ok, this face wash smell sooo good. I threw it in my gym bag and the coconut scent really smells fresh after a nice workout. I would definitely buy this face wash!

THE VALUE

For only $15, this box is such a steal! It comes with quite a few full size items which is great! There were so many items that I had never used before that I loved and will be purchasing again. Of course there were a few that I was a little unsure of or wouldn’t pay that high of a price for, but it’s nice to have the option to try them out! This is perfect for trying out a new product that you may not normally buy. This would also make a great last minute Christmas gift for that beauty lover in your life!

Again, if you would like to purchase this box from Target, you can buy it here.

XOXO
December 18, 2017
Target Beauty Box: July
Happy Thursday!! Thank goodness it’s almost the weekend; it’s just been one of those weeks that seems like you have a million things to do but not enough time! For instance…this post, I got my box in the mail about a week ago and I’m only just now getting around writing about it.

The Target Beauty Box is a one-time purchase monthly box that includes deluxe and full-sized beauty products that you can find at Target and of course other retailers.

The box varies in price from $7-$10 so it’s relatively inexpensive to purchase a box. This month the box was $7! I like that you can choose every month if you want to buy the box or not since it’s not an actual subscription.

Here is a BREAKDOWN of the JULY goodies:
1. Scunci Cashmere Headwraps (Black & Charcoal) – Value for 2 = $2.00
You can buy a pack of 6 headbands for only $6 at Target! Taking comfort to a whole new level! Feel the difference with just one touch of these Super Soft Comfy headwraps. The thicker, black and grey headbands were included in my box. Normally I would love these, but I have about a million of these in my drawer. I also have fine, thin hair so these tend to slip easily and never stay in place while I’m working out. These are perfect if you have the right shape head or really thick hair that keeps things in place.
1. e.l.f. Illuminating Mist & Set – Value for 2.02 oz. = $3.00
This is a full size product!!! This fine mist creates a natural glow on the skin with ultra-fine, light-reflecting particles for an instant illuminating effect. Infused with Vitamin A, C, E, and Green Tea to help hydrate, nourish, and brighten the complexion for a healthy looking radiance. The lightweight, comfortable formula is perfect for all skin tones. Helps improve makeup wearability and prevent color from running or fading. I don’t actually use setting spray, in fact I currently have an unopened MAC one in my makeup drawer at home. I think that this spay would be good because it is inexpensive and I know a lot of people who rave about not only this brand, but this product as well.
1. John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon – Value for 0.15 oz. = $0.20
The full size, 4 oz. bottle of this is $5.39. The sample size I got is probably only big enough for one use. Instantly smooths hair and camouflages frizzy ends for a flawless, shiny finish. Use anytime, anywhere. This was one of the only products that I was truly disappointed by. I don’t have frizzy hair and have never had the need to use this type of product before. This is definitely one that I will not be using.
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer – Value for 0.25 oz. = $2.65
A full, 1.7 oz. jar retails for $17.99 in store. This is a refreshing, lightweight water gel that instantly quenches and continuously hydrates skin. This sample size seemed very tiny to me! I like and use a lot of Neutrogena product, so when I saw this I was excited to try it out. I tried this out one morning as a day moisturizer, but I would recommend using at night since it has a little bit of a smell to it. I only used it once since the sample was so small, but for the price I would buy this product to use on a regular basis. I liked the way this felt smooth on my skin and it didn’t feel thick even wearing it under makeup. I would recommend this product to be used at night before bed.
1. Que Bella Limited Edition Duo – Dead Sea Mud & Pineapple Peel Off –Value for 2 = $2.00 (approximate)
These masks usually run from about $1.99-$2.99 depending on which one you buy. Two masks nourish, firm and refresh skin with Dead Sea minerals, vitamin C and amino acids. I couldn’t find these 2 online, but I know that they were limited edition so they may be sold out already. I like this brand and have used many of their masks before, so I was excited to see these in my box. The Replenishing Dead Sea mud mask and the hydrating pineapple peel off mask both left my face feeling refreshed and like I didn’t just have a breakout a few days earlier. I love masks and I love this brand so I would recommend to anyone who asked!
1. Secret Cool Waterlily Clear Gel Deodorant – Value for 0.5 oz. = $1.06
A full, 2.6 oz. deodorant retails for $5.49. Quick-dry deodorant with new, reactivating scent technology offers long-lasting odor protection. This is the perfect size for my gym bag! The scent is great because it’s not overwhelming but you still smell fresh. I usually switch my deodorants between Secret and Men’s deodorant so that my body doesn’t get too used to one type.
1. ACURE Day Cream – Value for 1 oz. = $9.70
A full, 1.75 oz. tube of day cream retails for $16.99. face the day with gotu kola extract and chlorella. This powerhouse combo helps moisturize and protect with a one-two punch. Honestly, in my opinion, this brand tends to have a funky smell to their products. I’m not sure if it’s just the ones that I’ve used, but I really didn’t want to take any chances with this one so I didn’t bother to try it out. I’ll see if any of my friends want this product because I have a few who love this brand.
1. Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Value = $1.47
This is actually considered full size since they do sell a 7 pack of wipes in store! This size is perfect for traveling or for throwing into your gym bag for on-the-go purposes. Dissolve dirt, oil and makeup (even waterproof mascara!) for clean, fresh skin in one easy step. I love getting things like this in my boxes because then I never have to buy my makeup removing wipes at full price! I use these daily after my workouts during lunch time. These don’t irritate my face and they don’t dry out my face either.

THE VALUE

The value of this July Beauty Box is approximately $22.08. Since this box was only $7.27 including tax and shipping (I have free shipping + 5% off with my Target Debit Card) this is a great deal! There were 8 items in my box this month and 2 were full-sized items. This is perfect for trying out a new product that you may not normally purchase.

I think this box is a great deal and I love trying new products every month! I also love the fact that if I don’t like the box one month, I don’t have to buy it! The only thing is if you want the box, you have to be quick because they do sell out every month. I can’t wait to see what will be in the August box!

XOXO

P.S. If you see something that you like/want feel free to check out my Mercari app to see if I’m selling any of the products I didn’t want. If I can’t find friends that want any of the goodies I’m not a fan of, I try to sell it!

*Any products I sell on my page are 100% unused/unopened (if sealed) and 100% authentic*
July 20, 2017