Not Another LA Blonde

Tag: mud mask

Ipsy – August 2017

Good Morning and happy Tuesday y’all! I got my Ipsy bag at the end of last week and I’m going to be real honest… I like about half of what I got (maybe I’m just being picky lately, but I haven’t been super impressed with the last few bags I got)!

I know we never talked about the July bag, but with everything going on last month I just ran out of time!

Here’s the deal, I’m going to share with y’all what I got in my pouch this month and what I did or didn’t like about each item in my bag:

For starters, the theme of August’s bag was GOOD VIBES ONLY. My bag said Peace Love Lipstick. I liked this bag more than some of the others because of its simplicity and is cute enough to throw into my work purse.

The Products:

theBalm Cosmetics Voyage Vol. 2 Eyeshadow in Willkommen – Value for 0.57 g= $5.50

You can get the Face Palette for $39.50 which includes 9 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, a bronzer, a highlighter, and 2 lip/cheek creams. Famous for their triple-milled pigments and anti-aging ingredients, theBalm is one of our fave go-tos for gorgeous, cruelty-free products. The Willkommen eyeshadow is a deep caramel shade, perfect for creating boho-inspired looks. I think this color is super cute and if I didn’t already have like 5 of the same color then this would def be a keeper in my book. I really like theBalm products and look forward to receiving it in my bag!

FORMULA 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mud Mask – Value for 1 oz = $2.06

The full 3.4 oz mud mask retails for $6.99. You’ll instantly feel the tingle of this clarifying mask as it sucks the gunk out of clogged pores. AHHHH yes, I love masks that I can paint on my face! I prefer these over sheet masks any day of the week. This one smells really good and left my face feeling really clean but not all dried out like some masks make you feel. I can’t wait to use this again and with its inexpensive price I will definitely be buying this again!

sundays Nail Polish in No. 28 – Value for 14 ml = $18

This is a FULL size product!! Based in NYC, Sundays’ nail salons have spawned a cult following for their cruelty-free, non-toxic nail polishes! Sundays nail polish has an insanely shiny lacquer finish and a totally curated color selection. This color is a lavender grey and looks really nice on the nail. I normally do gel manicures, but sometimes a girl’s just gotta let the nails breath and use a regular ol’ polish. This color will be great when the weather gets a little bit cooler and we transition into Fall!

Make Up For Ever EXCESSIVE LASH Arresting Volume Mascara – Value for 2.5 ml = $7.35

The full size 8.5 ml mascara retails at $25. This mascara gives you the fanned-out lash look with its petite brush. The blend of soft and hard fibers on the brush allows you to layer on the formula and build up your lashes while combing through to nix clumps. I LOVE getting mascara in my bag!!! Personally, I love Make Up For Ever and was super excited to get this in my bag this month. I’ve been looking for a new mascara so this came at the perfect time. (side note: I haven’t purchased mascara for almost a year now!) I really like this mascara and it’s become my go-to in the morning.

Hey Honey Come Clean: Propolis & Minerals Facial Scrub – Value for 15 mL = $5.14

The full 70 mL cleanser retails for $24. The main ingredient in this scrub is Propolis extract (a healing and anti-inflammatory compound produced by bees). It helps dissolve residue, minimize the look of pores, hydrate, and brighten up your skin. It’s also packed with non-abrasive dissolving crystalline beads to help clear dead skin cells and blackheads for a smoother complexion. This is the perfect size to throw into my gym bag for when I shower after my workout during lunch. It has a nice feel to it because of the beads (I always feel like my face gets cleaner with them) and I am totally washing away all the sweat/makeup residue after my workout!

While I can’t guarantee an exact price of the products in the whole bag, I’ve estimated that the AUGUST bag is worth at least $38.05! While there was only 1 FULL size item in the bag, I think that the $10 you pay for the bag is such a steal compared to buying each item separately!

The cost of the box every month is $10 + tax and free shipping. So for 5 products (one of which should be full size, the low price is a pretty good bargain. The bag is great if you’re looking to try out different products that you may not currently use.

To subscribe to Ipsy use my referral link to discover new brands/products that you might come to love that you wouldn’t otherwise try!

XOXO

p.s Let me know if you got anything different that you absolutely loved!

Also, if you see something that you like/want feel free to check out Mercari if you have it. If I can’t find friends that want any of the goodies I’m not a fan of, I try to sell it!

August 15, 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
Target Beauty Box – April
I know, I know it’s not April anymore…but I wanted to share this with y’all anyway! I was unable to get my hands on the March Target Beauty Box, but I was able to snag an April one.

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.

Here is a BREAKDOWN of the APRIL goodies:
1. SheaMoisture Kukui Nut Facial Cream Cleanser + Face & Neck Cream – Value for 5ml = $0.42
The full size bottle retails for $9.99 for 4 oz for the facial cleanser. The full size face and neck cream retails for $14.99 for a 2oz bottle. Delivers youth-infusing vitamins and antioxidants to help protect against aging.
1. Juice Organics Deluxe-Size Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner – Value for 1.2 oz each = $2.10
The full size, 10oz shampoo and conditioner retails for $9.99. Volumizes, thickens and promotes healthy hair growth. I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve seen those results in my hair after using these, but they smell great and my hair stays smelling good long after I’m out of the shower. I’m pretty picky about my shampoo/conditioner routine to begin with and prefer to use items that enhance my blonde hair.
1. Burt’s Bees White Tea Extract Facial Cleansing Towelettes – Value for 10 count = $2.37
This is a full size item! Removes dirt, oil and makeup for all skin types. Ok, so I love Burt’s Bees to begin with, so the fact that this was in my box was a huge plus in my book! I really like these as they’re the perfect size to throw in my gym bag. I use them to give my face a little wipe down after my run at lunch time while I’m at work.
1. Hello Extra Whitening Pure Mint Flouride Toothpaste – Value for 0.85 oz = $0.91
A full, 4.2oz bottle retails for $4.49. Whitens teeth naturally; free of dyes, artificial sweeteners or flavors, microbeads, preservatives and gluten.
1. Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask – Value = $ 2.52
This is another full size item! Made with charcoal to naturally draw out impurities, help fight and prevent acne, and remove excess oil. I love getting masks in my boxes (as long as they’re not sheet masks!). I’ve never tried this one, and I can’t wait to try it out!
1. ACURE Pore Clarifying Red Clay Scrub –Value for 1 oz= $3.25
The 4oz bottle retails for $12.99. Moroccan red clay draws out impurities while black jojoba beads gently exfoliate to reveal clearer, smoother skin. I’ve never used this brand before, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked this facial scrub and the way it left my face feeling after using it.
1. Raw Sugar Lemon Sugar Body Wash – Value for 2 oz= $0.56
A full size, 25oz bottle retails for $6.99. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and essential oils to cleanse and nourish skin. I’ve gotten this brand before and I absolutely love it. I was so excited to see it in the April box and couldn’t wait to use it. It smells great and leaves me feeling fresh and clean.

THE VALUE

The value of this April Beauty Box is about $12.13. Since this box was only $7 plus shipping (mine was free shipping + 5% off since I have a Target Debit Card) this is a great deal! For this particular box, I felt that the value was a little low seeing as it only had 2 full size items and the rest travel size. This is perfect for trying out a new product that you may not normally buy.

I think this box is a great deal for trying out new things and products every month! I love the excitement of opening my box every month! I can’t wait to post about my May box!

XOXO
May 12, 2017