Category Archives: PRODUCT REVIEWS

Product Review: April Birchbox

Hey Rosés,

For April’s Birchbox, our favorite monthly beauty sample subscription service provided products with Mother Earth’s stamp of approval. Eco friendly and non-toxic beauty and lifestyle products to celebrate Earth Week.

Let’s take a look at this compilation of natural ingredients that even includes laundry detergent!

Juice Beauty Oil-free Moisturizer

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles


 

This oil-free moisturizer is part of Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Collection that uses naturally derived ingredients to combat uneven skin, blemishes and acne, even for sensitive skin and allergies. I could feel the rich difference of it being loaded with high levels of fruit juice rather than water. The moisture lasted all day without extra touch-ups for my dry skin, and my skin felt flexible without any shine.

Ingredients: Organic juices of pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, punica granatum (organic pomegranate juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe leaf juice)*, organic botanical extracts of cucumis sativus (organic cucumber extract)*, taraxacum officinale (organic dandelion leaf extract)*, salvia officinalis (organic sage leaf extract)*, melissa officinalis (lemon balm leaf extract), vegetable glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, panthenol (Vitamin B5), tocopherol (Vitamin E), algae extract, ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C), ethylhexyl (octyl) palmitate, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, phenethyl alcohol (sage derived), citrus aurantium (sweet orange & petitgrain) and cinnamomum camphora (ho wood) pure essential oils *certified organic by a USDA approved agency

 

Zoya TRUE Spring Collection Nail Polish in Tru

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This metallic light grape red-toned purple is bold enough to wear year-round. The gold shimmer gives color-changing red and orange effects in the light. Zoya is a great non-toxic brand free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor which can easily irritate skin. With 2 coats and top coat, this color lasted 9 days before serious chipping.

Ingredients: N/A

 

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift Perfume

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Similar to Taylor Swift, this is a fun, light and girly scent. It has an aura of flowers and fruit, perfect for daytime and weekend flair, but I wouldn’t recommend for evening or date night.

Ingredients: N/A

 

amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

I love this deep conditioner! A creamy sensation made with natural ingredients that left my scalp clear and each hair strand fully hydrated. The Moroccan argan olil and obliphica oil nourish strands in this sulfate and paraben free formula. After using this as a deep conditioning treatment I was able to go three days without added water or product, and it kept its moisture without added frizz.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetrimonium chloride, Panthenol, Behentrimonium chloride, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene glycol, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Hippophae rhamnoides (Obliphica) oil, Ascorbic acid, Citric acid

Dropps Laundry Detergent

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

These eco-friendly individual laundry detergent packs are easy to toss in the washer. The ingredients are fabric friendly, excluding the enzymes used in typical detergents that can damage colors and fabrics. They also make dye and scent free for sensitive skin.

Ingredients:
Fresh Scent
Laureth (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Polxoxyethylene Oleyl Ether (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Propylene Carbonate (Progessing Agent), Hexylene Glycol (Processing Agent), Agua (Water)
Scent + Dye Free
Laureth – 7 (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Polyoxyethylene Oleyl Ether (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Ipa (Progessing Agent), Hexylene Glycol (Processing Agent), Agua (Water)

 

What are your favorite eco-friendly products?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

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Product Review: mybody Skincare and Chemical Peel

Hey Rosés,

A few weeks ago I attended the launch party for mybody’s newest product, NECK-CESSITY at Dr. Pearlman’s. This at home anti-aging treatment works to revitalize dark spots and signs of aging specifically on your neck and décolletage. It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and creasing, while also smoothing uneven textures and firming skin. Launched in April 2012 it is now available through select dermatologists and skincare professionals featured on the website.

 

L to R: Founders Therese Clark, David Watson, Christine Watson

mybody was founded by makeup artist Therese Clark, Harrods executive Christine Watson, and skincare pioneer David Watson (co-founder of Philosophy, so you know it’s good stuff!). They have a full collection of products that can be mixed and match to create a customized regimen to treat acne, sensitive skin and anti-aging. These hidden treasures are dispensed by skincare professionals only, but you can find authorized retailers on their website www.lovemybody.com

 

While at the party I had my first chemical peel ever! The “myProbiotic Peel” is a trademarked non-invasive chemical peel that essentially tricks the body into thinking it’s injured so it will produce natural wound healing defense peptides. As someone whose face has fallen off from many products, I was certainly hesitant, but this peel was even gentle enough for my eczema and reaction-prone skin. It did not burn, sting or leave any redness or peeling that day, or the next, or even the day after next! In fact, its nickname is “The Lunchtime Peel” because you can literally get it done in 15 minutes then go back to work, no hiding and no intensive recovery time needed.

 

Along with the myProbiotic peel and NECK-CESSITY is the full collection of paraben-free cruelty free at home treatments. Below, my review is for the sensitive skin line, which I highly recommend for all seasons, skin types and ages.

 

Step 1: Clean Routine Revitalizing Foaming Cleanser

Champagne Rating: 5 out of 5 bottles!

 

 

 

First of all, I appreciate when a large collection has clearly labeled the steps in order (and time of day) and named the products for what they actually do! This creamy cleanser serves as a makeup remover, cleanser and toner all in one, even removing eye makeup and foundation.

Step 2: Beat the Rush – Anti-Redness Treatment

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Rosacea and acne sufferers rejoice! A hydrocortisone free (reduces risk of irritation) serum that soothes inflammation from blemishes, sunburn, and heat rash. It also reduces redness and the appearance of rosacea triggered flushing and blotchiness. This will be my go-to during summer’s unforgiving heat blasts.

 

Step 3: Safety Blanket – Gentle Hydrating Lotion

Champagne Rating: 5 out of 5 bottles!

 

 

One pump of this cross between a light cream and rich lotion will actually wrap your face in a calming blanket. It was a great layer of protection without being too heavy, and did not irritate when directly applied to my eczema. I would recommend full application at night, and a lighter pump or spot treatments for daytime use.

 

Step 4: Protect & Serve – Tinted SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This oil-free silicone based moisturizer is lightweight and non-reactive for all skin types. The tint only comes in one color, which left a gray shadow on my face. I was able to use it as a primer but had to layer on warm-toned powder to even my skin out.

All products are distributed by physicians and skincare specialists, you can can easily locate participating partners through their physician: www.lovemybody.com/physician

 

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

 

*All images via mybody
*Ingredients not available at time of post
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Product Review: March Birchbox

Hey Rosés,

This month Birchbox teamed up with Teen Vogue for a fun, playful and spring formal event-prep box of samples. Teen Vogue’s beauty guru Eva Chen also provided great makeup and hair tips for special occasions and everyday glam. Great sensitive skin and allergy-friendly brands like Tarte and Essie return with bright colors for spring. There were also great alternatives for the sporty girls, and anyone transitioning from processed hair to natural hair.

Take a look at some great finds for your next special event or to add a pop of color:

 

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint in Lucky

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

I was looking for a pale pink matte, and this came just in time! The giant crayon glides on smoothly with a texture in between a lip balm and matte lipstick. It has moisturizing vitamins A & E with a hint of color, clicks to refill (no pencil sharpener needed), and so sheer it actually looks nude. Perfect to wear alone or a great primer for lipstick or lip gloss. Be forewarned the strong peppermint oil smell and tingle, but has a sensitive skin-friendly formula: paraben free, sulfate free, mineral oil free.

Ingredients for Lucky: Octyldodecanol, candelilla cera/euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax/cire de candelilla, C12-15 alkyl ethylhexanoate, isopropyl palmitate, cyclopentasiloxane, silica, nylon -12, VP/eicosene copolymer, copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax /cera carnauba/cire de carnauba, phenyl trimethicone, disteardimonium hectorite, hydrogenated coco-glycerides, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, caprylic/ capric triglyceride, propylene carbonate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, dimethicone, caprylyl glycol, sorbitan stearate, benzophenone-3, tocopheryl acetate, sodium saccharin, castor oil bis-hydroxypropyl dimethicone esters, retinyl palmitate, salicornia herbacea extract, dimethyl isosorbide, palmitoyl hexapeptide-14, tin oxide, mica. (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides (CI 77489, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), red 6 lake & red 7 lake (CI 15850), red 27 lake (CI 45410), red 40 lake (CI 16035), yellow 5 lake (CI 19140), yellow 6 lake (CI 15985), blue 1 lake (CI 42090).

 

Kate Spade New York Perfume in Twirl

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Twirl is the perfect name for this scent, it’s a mixture of flirty and fun with fruit and floral notes. Light enough to wear during the day for work or brunch, yet stimulating for wear in the evening for cocktails or a date. Each spray makes me want to dance, either with a cupcake or a cutie ;-)

Ingredients: alchohol denat, parful/fragrance, water/aqua/eu, propylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, butylphenyl methylpropional, citral, citronellol, farnesol, geraniol, hexyl, cinnamal, hydroxycitonellal, hyrdoxyisohexyl, 3-cyclohexene carbonxaldhyde, limonene, linalool, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl, methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, orange 4 (ci 15510), yellow 10 (ci 47005)

 

Kérastase Elixir Ultime

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This nourishing oil can be used as a leave-in conditioner or pre-blowout heat protectant, but I used it as a shine serum on curly hair. It’s thick but not greasy or heavy. It smoothed top-side frizz and added a hint of shine when applied to dry curly hair.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Zea Mays / Corn Germ Oil, Argania Spinosa Oil / Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Kissi / Camellia Kissi Seed Oil, Pentaclethra Macroloba Oil / Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Coumarine, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum / Fragrance.

 

Twistband Hair Tie

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This fun evolution of the hair tie causes little breakage and maintains elasticity even when wet after the gym. It did leave a dent on curly hair, perhaps straight hair has better luck. Great for rosés transitioning from perms to natural hair, and athletes who don’t want breakage after a workout.

Ingredients: N/A

 

Essie LuxeEffects Collection in Set In Stones

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Wear this glitter nail polish alone for a silver disco ball effect or as a top coat for a blast of bling. The formula is free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. Great for sensitive skin, and safer with out toxic chemicals. I’ve tried plenty of glittery nail polishes and this is one of the easier ones to get off without having to scrape your nails.

Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Silica, N-Butyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate-4, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Benzophenone-1, Polyurethane-11, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate [+/- May Contain / Peut Contenir, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Ci 15850 / Red 7 Lake, Ci 77000 / Aluminum Powder, Ci 19140 / Yellow 5 Lake, Ci 60725 / Violet 2

 

What is your must have for a formal spring event?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

*All images via Birchbox
*All Items can be purchased on Birchbox for a discount with membership

 

 

 

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Product Review: Simple Skincare for Sensitive Skin Launches!

Hey Rosés,

Finally, it has arrived! The sensitive skin gods have opened the gates! British sensation Simple Skincare has officially launched in the United States, ready to cleanse, moisturize and heal even the most delicate skin. This line is made specifically for sensitive skin. The products are loaded with great natural and gentle ingredients like vitamin B5, chamomile, and no perfumes or dyes. Best of all, Simple carries a full collection of products including face wipes, scrubs, and eye care.

Whether you have oily or dry skin, rosacea or uneven skin tones, there is a solution for everyone. The website even has a sensitive skin community and an ingredients glossary to educate you on their products.

I recently tried the line and fell in love, see my review below!

 

Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

This is unlike any face gel I’ve tried before. It contains no soap, lightly foams and does not dry out skin. It washes away clean without leaving any residue, and does not strip away natural oils. This is a great wash for normal, oily, dry and combination skin, and I noticed it soothed the redness of my sunburns.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate

 

Soothing Facial Toner

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

This toner is great for grabbing any dirt or makeup left behind. It’s like a liquid moisturizer and didn’t leave my face tight. It also works great as a pre-wash make up remover. Note this product does contain parabens. I would even go so far to say this could substitute a full face wash if you are ever on the go, at the gym, or anticipating a morning-after walk of shame – no judgement, just stay moisturized!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Sorbitol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Panthenol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Propylene Glycol, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Methylparaben

 

Replenishing Rich Moisturizer Lotion

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

The whole line is full of light products that give just the right amount of moisture and coverage which is exactly what this lotion does. It’s not heavy or greasy, and can be used for a deep night cream or a light day lotion.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Polyacrylamide, Stearic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caprylyl Glycol, Laureth-7, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Disodium EDTA, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Serine, Sodium Hydroxide, Urea, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol

Simply amazing! Do you have sensitive skin?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

 

*All images via Simple Skincare
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Birchbox Review: February Box

Hey Rosés,

The February Birchbox was filled with products to keep you soft and glowing for Valentine’s Day, both two features that can be hard to achieve if you have sensitive skin and allergies. There were some great finds in this love box, see what got the best ratings below.

To see which other Birchboxes had great products, check out December and top-notch January.

 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant®

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

Excellent alternative for skin that normally rips and tears from abrasive exfoliants. Once you add water to this powder it feels thin, but after a few days I did notice smoother skin like a normal exfoliator but without the irritation. The powder is also great for travel since dry spills are easier to clean up than liquid spills.

Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Allantoin, Papain, Salicylic Acid, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, PCA, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Cyclodextrin, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Limonene, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

 

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Bronze

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

Love this tint! The hint of bronze shimmer prevents that gray shadow I fear from most tinted moisturizers with SPF. It gives light enough coverage to have that “no make up feel,” but just enough for a dewy look. SPF 20 sunscreen will block sun’s evil rays and wrinkles while gentle moisturizers keep you soft. It does contain parabens so unfortunately I cant give it a full 5!

Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 0.05%, Zinc Oxide 0.05%. Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Chloride, Lysine, Panax Ginseng Roodt Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Phytantriol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Boron Nitride, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Dextrin Palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Iron Oxides.

 

colorescience pro® Mineral Bronzer Face Color in Kissed By The Sun

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

This self-tanner and bronzer actually came in a reusable “Go and Glow Travel Puff.” Such a fun concept, the puff and special pouch comes pre “moistened” with dry bronzing powder and you can store in your purse for quick touch-ups. Once the makeup is gone, puff can be washed and reused. Love the Eco-friendly use, but the actual powder was a bit chalky and made me look too matte. I do recommend for oily skin looking for a matte powder, self-tanner and puff in one. 

Ingredients: Micronized titanium dioxide and micronized zinc oxide, mica, iron oxide and bismuth oxychloride, manganese biolet, carmine, and pearl powder.

 

Eye Rock Designer Liner

 Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

For those who have trouble creating a cat or winged eye, these eye liner strips were fun and easy to put on! I used tweezers to apply the self-adhesive press-on eye liner, and did a quick trim with scissors to fit my eyes. It was fun for a night on the town, but doesn’t look natural enough to wear during the day. There was no irritation from the adhesive glue, but towards the end of the night it was getting loose and started to ripple. Birchbox recommends using lash glue to combat that.

Ingredients: N/A

What was your favorite product in February’s Birchbox?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

 

*All images via Birchbox
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