The Rosy Snail's Madelaine Chocolates Giveaway

I just entered The Rosy Snail's Madelaine Chocolated Giveaway!

She reveiw the chocolates here and the look absolutely divine.

I hope I win!

Wanna know how you can enter?!?

Click the Madelines Chocolates logo below to go to The Rosy Snail's Giveaway!

 

Good Luck and Happy Caramel Filled Primping!

Garden Botanika

I'd like to introduce you to Garden Botanika.

This is a naturally based and cruelty free beauty line.
Since becoming a mom, I have become more aware of what we are doing to the environment and what we will be leaving for our children and I love bunnies, so I've begun exploring natural, cruelty-free line!
Enter Garden Botanika!

I have their 1-2-3 skincare program that included the system for Normal/Combo skin, which includes the Balancing Gel Cleanser, Balancing Neutralizing Tonic, and the Balancing Daily Moisturizer.  In addition to the 1-2-3 step program I also have the Always Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream (you know how I love my eye cream!)

All of the 1-2-3 step products smelled heavily of citrus, specifically orange, but once it absorbs, it fades to a light citrus scent.  The inital bam of cirtus was a little offputting, but when it absorbed they are really nice.  The cleanser washes away clean without drying and removed most of my makeup, save my waterproof mascara that only comes off with eye makeup remover.  The tonic is non-drying as well, with no stinging or burning, just orangey refreshment!  The moisturizer was thick and absorbed pretty slowly, but it was nice as a night-time moisturizer, and the eye cream was similar, but with a slightly doughy scent.

Overall, I thought this set was nice.  I might have needed the combo to oily set, however, this will probably be perfect for the dryer months.

I will definately be checking out more from Garden Botanika, especially the Lip and Cheek Stain!
You can find Garden Botanika at on their website, here.
And on Facebook, Garden Botanika.

Happy Organic, Cruelty-Free Primping!

Firmoo.com

I was given the opportunity to reveiw the Online Optical Services at Firmoo.com.

I chose my frames online and before I even noticed it, they were in my mailbox.

They had a large stock of eye-wear to choose from and different lens thicknesses for those like me with a higher prescription.

 So here is what I received:  My glasses, a cleaning cloth, a very sturdy hard case, a soft case and a screw tightening kit on a keychain.  This is all standard for other online optical retailers I've tried, but I will say that the case was much nicer than most!

 So do I like them...

YES!  I think they're super fun, choosing the right frames was easy, the prices were very reasonable, purchasing was very easy, and shipping was quick!

What's more?!?  You can get your first pair free!  

Check them out at Firmoo.com and please let me know Erica from Erica's Primp and Polish sent you!

Happy Sighted Primping!

Beautyfix Fall 2012

This is my second Beautyfix box and I was pleased with it for the most part.  I was ecstatic with my first box, so it would be difficult to measure up.

The first item is a Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray, which you can never have too much of.  This is the thing to have if you live in Texas, where even in the last week of September, it's still in the 90's.
This is a full size product and retails for about $19.

Next I have the Kinerase Photofacials clenser.  I think that this one sold out rather quickly, but I managed to get my hands on it, so I'm super excited!
The full size cleanser is 5 oz and retails for $40, giving this a value of $16.

Then we have this Lisa Hoffman Night and Day Serum.  It promised to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, encourage collagen production, and supply protection.
This product retails for around $45.

Next is the Guinot Gommage Biologique Biological Peeling Radiance Gel.  I love face masks so I was super excited about this one too!
This sample has a value of $11.65.

Next up is the Eminence Cinnamon Lip Plumper.  This stuff stings like none other, but smells great and really does plump (basically the stinging irritates the lips so they swell!)
This is a full sized product and retails for $26.
 
Another cosmetic item I grabbed with the Cattiva Divino Lash Mascara.  How cute it this packaging?!?
 
It also has a really nice bristle brush.
This is also full sized and retails for  $24.

Now on to the products that I had issues with, one small issue and one larger issue!

Next, I got the Nick Chavez Horsetail Root Lifting Spray.
 
There was an issue in shipping and the nozzle was detached from the bottle when I received it.  But I was able to pop it back on and it seems to be working fine.
This is a full sized product and retails for $22.
 
The next product was the Snowberry Smoothing Eye Serum.  My other skincare love is eye products so I was super excited to get this one, so imagine my disappointment when I received something half the size of what I was promised.

 What I received was a .24 fl oz sample.

What was promised was a .5 fl oz, which is full size and double the size of the sample received. The packing slip even notes a larger size.
I have not received a response from Beautyfix as to what happened here, but as soon as I know, I'll let you know.
As is the product is worth  $26.50.

Even with the issues, I'm still pretty happy with this box, because for $49.99 I received  $190.15!  That's AMAZING!

Happy Quarterly Primping!

Starlooks September Starbox

Starbox is the best subscription box for color cosmetics!  In fact, if you're one of the ones complaining about not having enough color cosmetics in your other sub boxes, then quit them and get Starlooks Starbox!

With Starbox, you'll received 3-4 full sized makeup items.

So, lets just jump right in:

First of all, each box is different depending on the theme and what's in the box.  This one is a classy white box and ribbon.

The picture on the front of the card it from the looksbook for the month.  It features the items in the box and hints at the theme from the month.

The first item in this box is the i primer in clear.  I have never seen or had a clear colored eye primer, so I'm excited to try this.  It doesn't seem to be a sticky primer, which is what I'm used to, but based on the quality of other products I've used from Starlooks, I anticipate it'll be good.

These are not available for sale yet, but based on the cost of their other items and the quality, I'll estimate this at about $15.00!



The next item is this palette with 5 full sized shadows in it.  These eyeshadows can be worn alone or over another shadow.  When worn over another shadow, they morph them into a duo-chrome, which is a fun trick!
This palette retails for $30.00!

Here they are swatched with no primer or other shadow underneath.  The green and the yellow are very similar, but would likely look different depending on what you put underneath it.  (Note: the swathces are in reverse order from the palette!  oops!)
 
The last item is a little bonus.  These cute crystals that can be attached using lash glue.  The model in the looksbook has them at the inner corner of their eyes and it's beautiful!  Some people got more jewels on their boxes.


As always, there is a little crystal in the box, which is a nice touch!

Starlooks Starbox subscription only cost $15 a month, and this box has an estimated retail value of $45 for just the primer and palette!
So, now that you've read my review head over to Starlooks and sign up for your own Starbox and let them know I sent you!

September MyGlam (Ispy)

I love the idea of subscription boxes!  A cost efficient way to try different beauty products from different brands seems like the best idea ever...in theory.  There are good and bad beauty sub boxes and then there are GREAT ones!  I understand that everyone isn't going to love everything, but MyGlam has been the best value and I've been the most happy with the products, purchasing full sized at times.

I am thrilled with my MyGlam Subscription and will never let it go!

So, here is what I received this month:

MyGlam has recently changed their name to Ipsy, but it seems to be the same service as always!  You can read more about their new name the Ipsy website.

The first item, too big to fit in the bag itself was this SOHO Smudge Brush.  This is the largest smudge brush I've ever seen!  I used the smudge brush to smudge out liner on the top and bottom lashline, but using this in my already small eye space smudges it all the way to the crease!  However, it works really well to do a soft cut crease.

This brush retails for $5.97.

The next item that kind of goes with the brush is the beautiful Mirabella color called SemiFormal.  It is a loose pan, so thank goodness I have my Stick With It Palette!

This eyeshadow retails for $10.00, which is the entire cost of the subscription!

Next is this Jane lipgloss.  Honestly when I saw that it was Jane, I wasn't too impressed.  I always thought that Jane was cheap, price and quality, but I think I may have been mistaken.  This lipgloss is really pigmented in a kind of year round magenta pink color.  It comes in a trio of glosses, called Friends of Jane, the proceeds of which go to an organizations that empowers women, which you can check out here.

This lipgloss has a value of $3.33

And here are the two colors swatched!  I apologize for the difference in picture color, but I'm experimenting with a new camera!

Next is the Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer.  I've tried other Monoi products and I've loved the smell.  I just had my hair cut, so I'll have to wait a minute to try this.

The value of this sample is about $6.00!

And finally, the much anticipated final color from Andrea's Choice Circus collection.  These colors are so vibrant they cannot be caught accurately on camera with any setting I've tried thusfar, so I apologize for the color discrepancy.

These aren't available yet, but I estimate the cost at about $8.00 as that's in line with other 3-Free polishes!

So, if you were adding as I went, you'll know this bag has a value of $33.30 and included 3 full-sized products!  All for $10.00!  Where can you get a better deal than that?!?

Happy subscription glam primping!

Dermstore.com

I recently made a purchase from Dermstore and wanted to review not necessarily the items I received but my buying experience.

The Dermstore website was easy to navigate and moved smoothly through the pages.  Finding was I needed was as easy as looking to menus divided by product type, price range, and brand.  Ordering was just as easy, even using a coupon code.

When I went in, I was looking for the Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Moisturizer.  What I ended up with was the moisturizer, a Deborah Lippman nail polish and a Dermstore Lip Quench.  When I ordered the first two, they send the Lip Quench for free, which is a $12.00 value.

So here is what I received, the moisturizer, nail polish, lip quench, and two samples!

Also, shipping was free.  This was a very pleasant shopping experience and I will definitely be using them again.

Happy Online Primping!

BzzAgent: Dentyne Ice Split 2 Fit

As you may know, I participate in the BzzAgent program, which is a Word of Mouth Marketing agency that provides members with free or reduced price merchandise to review.

The most recent campaign I participated in was The Dentyne Ice Split 2 Fit.

The idea was to review the new packaging for Dentyne Ice.

 This is the package I received from BzzAgent.  Each package has 3 packs of gum, 1 wintergreen, 1 polar ice and 1 peppermint.

 With the new package redesign, it comes with 16 pieces, which is 33% more than in previous packages.

 The gum foil packs also slide out of the packaging like this.  Unfortunately, they do not fit in very snuggly, so they slide out when they are just sitting in your bag.

 The other feature of this packaging is that it splits into two, so you can break it in half to fit it into your pocket or share with someone else.  Honestly, if I were going to share, I would just give them the foil pack rather than rip up my package and I don't really carry gum in my back pocket, but I can see where maybe someone going to the club that wants everything in their pockets might.

The verdict is that the new packaging is not going to make me decide whether or not I purchase this gum.  I would purchase this gum because I like this gum!

Check here for more info on Dentyne Ice.

 Or here for more information on BzzAgent!

Happy Fresh Breath Primping and remember Always Practice Safe Breath!

BzzAgent: Unreal Candy

Candy UnJunked!

Sounds good to me, tell me how!

I recieved coupons to try the Unreal Candy for free from BzzAgent.

First of all, what is Unreal Candy?  Unreal Candy was created when a 13 year old kid realized that the junk that makes candy bad for you, the hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, artificial flavors, artificial color and preservatives aren't there to make the candy taste better but to make it cheaper to produce.  Hence was born the idea to create candy without all the junk!

Now we have Unreal Candy!

The packaging is so cool.  Here we have the UN 54 - Chocolate Candy Shell Peanuts, the UN 41 - Candy Shell Chocolates, and the UN 8 - Chocolate Caramel Peanuts Nougat.

That's quite a mouthful, but what you received is an awesome candy that's slightly less sweet, but still enough to satisfy a sweet tooth and much better for you!

A little comparison to the national brands is in order:

An unreal UN 8 compared to a Snickers bar looks like this:

Calories: Unreal - 200, Snickers - 280

Sugar: Unreal - 17, Snickers - 30

Total Fat: Unreal - 12, Snicker - 14

Carbs: Unreal - 25, Snickers - 35

Not bad for something that tastes this good!

Check out Unreal Candy and BzzAgent!

Happy Unjunked Candy Primping!

Giveaway: Stick With It

I've recently receive the Stick With It Palette, and I am in love with the product!

Stick With It Palettes says that storing and protecting your makeup is as easy as Pop! Set! Go!

This palette works without magnet or adhesives, so any eye shadow can be used.  The sticky surface allows you to place and replace eye shadows, blushes, etc over and over again.  No need to worry about the palette's sticky surface getting dirty with eyeshadow because it cleans up easily with pre-moistened towelettes.  Not only that, but unlike other magnetic palettes, the sticky surface allows you to  place brushes, pencils, and small implements in it without sliding around and damaging you makeup.  For the environment conscious this impact-resistant plastic case is also recyclable so it is earth friendly.

Wanna see it?!?

 Here it is!  It's a very pretty, shiny gray with a beautiful design on the front.

 So here is the sticky surface.  As you can see it's on both sides.  I already had some shadows in there that I pulled out to demonstrate the function of the palette.  As you can see, there is a little shadow fallout, which can be wiped clean with a Wet One!

 One thing my The Rosy Snail and I thought this palette could use is a mirror, but it doesn't come with one.  To show the true versatility of the palette, I put a mirror in there, along with my favorite Real Techniques brush and black eye liner.

 When you have your palette just how you like it, place the vellum sheet between the sides and close it up!

Want one of these beauties for yourself?!?  Well, I was lucky enough to receive a second one to giveaway to one of you lucky readers!

How to Enter:
1) You MUST be subscribed via email to win!

2) Follow Stick With It on Facebook!

3) Follow Erica's Primp and Polish on Facebook

4) Follow Erica's Primp and Polish on Twitter

5) Comment below only AFTER having completed these task.  Leave a comment about why you need this palette!

You must complete all 5 items to be entered.  Winners will be chosen using random.com.
Giveaway will close October 25th, so don't wait to enter!

Good Luck and Happy Sticky Primping!

The Rosy Snail's True Lemon Giveaway

Hey, I just wanted to let you know I entered The Rosy Snail's True Lemon giveaway!

This giveaway includes a huge prize pack!

You can find it on The Rosy Snail's blog!

Or just head strait over to the rafflecopter by clicking the True Lemon Logo below!

September Bulu Box

I received my first Bulu Box last month, and while deciding if I was going to put it on hold while I did HCG, I missed the window, but I'm kind of glad I did.  This box was AWESOME so lets jump right in!

 Here is the package as you first open it.  I kinda love that they don't have a whole lot of waste with the packaging, like a box inside a box, but everything is packaged well enough to where it's not damaged in shipping.

 Here is the card that come in it with a lovely piece of eye candy!  BONUS!

 The first item is this Athlete Octane Liquid Endurance Shot.  This product claims to dramatically increase overall endurance and reduce recovery and soreness!  I will have to look and see if this is HCG compatible because it could sure come in handy for my Salsa dancing classes!

This sample has a value of $5.83.

 On a side note, I noticed this had seemed to separate and as I shook it a bit, it seemed a bit thick, so we'll have to see.

 The next item is a weight loss product that has been much sought after after being featured by Dr. Oz.  The claims are that this is a stimulant-free way to lose weight, by curbing the absorption of dietary fact and support weight loss.

This is a full sized bottle that retails for about $3.79.

 The next item is this Hawaiian Coconut Energy drink mix.  This product claims to provide energy with an electrolyte-rich, hydrating drink mix with antioxidants and vitamins.  I'm hoping that this is HCG friendly and I think it might because it is zero calorie, zero fat, zero carbs and zero sugar.

The value of this sample is $2.30.

The fourth item is Eight Ball Neauro Edge.  It claims to increase your mental focus and provide a boost of energy.  Four energy items in one box!  AWESOME!

The value of this sample is $1.99.

The last item was a discovery sample.  I received the multi-vitamin from this company in my last box, but this is a different flavor so I'm excited to try it!

The value of this sample is $0.77!

Overall the value of this Bulu Box was $14.68.  Not bad for a $10 box.

Want your very own Bulu Box, check them out here!

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy, Healthy Primping!