Back to School Giveaway (CLOSED)


Congrats, Sarah! Click the picture above to check out her blog.


It's time for another giveaway; the Back to School Giveaway is back!

Rules
This is open to followers/subscribers both old and new.

This open internationally. If there's an international winner, I will send it the cheapest way possible (unless you would like to pay for faster shipping -via PayPal) so it could take at least a month+ to get to you. :/

Any age can enter, but if you're still living with your parents, please get their permission to enter and possibly get a package on your doorstep!

Fill out the form only once.

The contest will end September 15, 2011 at 11:59 pm (Central Time)

Winner will be chosen through random.org and contacted on September 16, 2011 via email. Winner has two days to reply with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced via Twitter and blog post once address has been received.



Prizes
One winner will receive:
School/office supplies
MAC Lipstick (in the shade of your choice)
A surprise gift bag filled with cosmetics and beauty tools.

How to Enter
(giveaway closed)

Thanks for following and entering.

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Review: Organix Moroccan Argan Oil

Mention damaged hair and most will recommend Argan Oil in some form.  Argan oil is a vitamin-packed antioxidant from Morocco. As a hair treatment, it penetrates to soften, strengthen, restore shine, increases elasticity, and protects against UV damage.

Argan oil has mainly been found in high-end products and is rather pricey.  Organix has offered a cheaper alternative.  Each product from the line is $7.99 and can be found at any drugstore.


I've had this review half-written for ages, I just couldn't decide if I loved this line or they were just like all any other drugstore product. I finally came to the conclusion they're just so-so.

Background
I bought them one by one (usually with an Ulta coupon.) In the order I purchased: conditioner, oil, mask, then shampoo. I purchased the conditioner back in March (previous favorites post) and the remainder of the products a few weeks after each one. So all together, I've been using the line for a few months. I don't like reviewing a product until I've used it for at least two weeks.


About a year ago, I tried the Organix coconut conditioner (just because my mom/sister picked it up and it was in my shower.) So I knew nearly nothing about the brand - but Argan oil for $8, a reminder of my childhood (a L'Oreal fish-shaped bottle), and the fabulous smell drew me in. At first, I loved the products - the smell was amazing, my hair looked and felt great - but could this be what I like to call the new product syndrome?

Review
I do switch up hair products like you're supposed to. I've been using these on and off for a few months. I did use all four products together.  As all lines promise, "this works best with the remainder of our products from the line."

Conditioner • I feel like it's an above average drugstore conditioner but still doesn't compare to Joico K-Pak. It doesn't leave the silky feeling that I love after rinsing out conditioner. The scent lingers for a little awhile, not as long as I'd like for it to.

Renewing Treatment • (Mask) I haven't tried any other drugstore hair masks to compare it to.  The instructions say to leave it on for 3-5 minutes, which I feel like nothing can be done within that short of time and my thick hair. I'd leave it in for 10-15, (sometimes even longer but then it would just harden. In my opinion, I found it actually works a little better on wet hair.  My hair was softer and the ends weren't as fried.  But when it came to completely damaged hair, (freshly bleached) it didn't help at all. If your hair is normal and you just want a boost, this is the product for you. • I dislike the jar packaging, it's an extremely thick consistency but I'm sure it could've still worked in a squeeze tube (as all my high-end masks do.) It's just a hassle to screw the lid on and off, keep it out of the water and hold on the lid (especially if you use this in the shower.) I'll usually find product stuck under my nails as well... gross.

Shampoo • It's just your basic drugstore shampoo. (I still haven't found a shampoo I just adore.) It's sulfate free, so sometimes I didn't really feel like I completely got the clean feeling. The scent is great (the products all smell the same) but it didn't linger.

Penetrating Oil • (Serum) This is the only product I still use daily.It tones down the frizz, adds some shine, hydrates, and smells great. This is the only product that the scent actually lingers for awhile. • Again, I dislike the packaging. The flip-top when you need to hold the bottle at an angle/upside down to get a messy oil-serum out isn't convenient.  Maybe I'm messy or just in a hurry when I get ready but a pump would've made my life so much easier. - I did use the higher-end brand, Moroccanoil Oil Treatment a tiny bottle (1oz, if that) for double the cost. I purchased the original formula (should've gotten the light) and it made my hair a little oily. Yet Organix hasn't caused any oiliness, which made me wonder about the ingredients....


The Ingredients
How could Organix sell Argan oil at just a fraction of the cost? Take a look at the ingredients.  The comparison between Organix (Drugstore) vs. Moroccanoil (High End) can be found here. Argania Spinoza Oil is pretty far down on the list for Organix. Nearly last on the Penetrating Oil ingredients.

Overall
Are they dupes? Highly doubt it. (I haven't tried all of the Moroccanoil products, judging by ingredients and cost - it's not likely.) The Organix line is a step above drugstore lines with their ideas and ingredients. But I still think $8 for drugstore shampoo that doesn't continue to produce amazing results after the first few uses is a little pricey.

The Penetrating Oil may be worth looking into if your hair needs a boost, this is on sale, and you can't find or decide on any other product.

Value Tips: Bed Bath & Beyond has mini bottles (travel size) for $1.99. Ulta has BOGO on Organix as well as 20% coupons, Rite Aid and CVS offer Extra Bucks, Target has 50% more free on the shampoo and conditioner (massive bottle for the same cost), my mom said she picked up some of the conditioner at Walmart a month ago for $2.

Rating
Product: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Packaging: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this line to a friend.

fish-shaped shampoo bottles,
-Kaitlyn

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June Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

Beauty:
I'd really like to pat myself on the back for not purchasing one single MAC product this month.  Most of these are all drugstore items and I know a lot of you will be appreciative!


Benefit High Beam
I've used 3 sample sizes and decided it was finally time to get (or swap for) a full size. It's great for brow highlighting and the lasting power is impressive too. Unfortunately, the applicator isn't the best, I have to blend it out with a makeup brush to get the finish I want. 

Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush - Spicy & Sweet
I've heard quite a few raves about this, so I wanted to try it out. The packaging is really cute - similar to Benefit's blushes. The pigmentation is amazing. This may be more pigmented than my NARS blushes, and only 1/5 of the cost! There are four colors within the box so you can create a few different looks; I usually just swirl my brush (definitely not the one it comes with) over all four colors.

L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum
This was the only product I "splurged" on this month. And for $12, it still isn't that bad cost-wise. It was a little pricey for a drugstore item. Some are comparing it to Rapid Lash and other lash-growing serums, but that's an unfair comparison.  This just helps "boost" your lashes; it conditions them, it doesn't have anything to make them grow faster. I used to wear quite a few layers of mascara; rubbing my make-up off night made my lashes very brittle. I apply this serum on clean lashes at night and immediately notice a difference in the morning. I only need one coat of mascara to get the length & volume I want now.

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish - Soft & Gentle
It's the only highlight [product I use anymore. It's the perfect subtle color (especially for fair-medium) skin tones. I apply this on the top of my cheekbones with the Sigma Tapered Blending Brush.  Occasionally, I use this for a brow highlight and on my chest and color bones, too.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock
I've never really worn sunscreen just because I couldn't stand the oiliness plus sweating.  I've been reading a  lot of skin articles and getting a little more paranoid about tanning and UV rays. This sunscreen makes me want to apply it - it smells great, dries immediately, and seems somewhat moisturizing. It feels like a normal lotion.

Nubar Nail Polish - 2010
My nail polish collection is much larger than it should be, but sadly, I'm already bored with most of the colors I have. This is a dupe for the limited edition and rare Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure. I've been wearing on top of any and every color just to see all the different results. It's large rainbow flakes, but with different colors underneath the result is always different.

NYX Lip Liner - Mauve
I found a nearby local-owned store that carries NYX products for cheap, I was looking for a lip liner to match MAC Velvet Teddy and I think this may be the one. It's one of those "the color of your lips but better"to give definition.

Ponds Cold Cream
I needed a replacement for my MAC Cleanse Off Oil (almost on my 4th bottle - not wallet friendly.) I had a few coupons and ended up purchasing this for only $2. For whatever reason, I always associated cold cream for older skin.  The concept of smearing a thick lotion over a full face of makeup was really weird at first.  It removes every trace of makeup and leaves your skin feeling moisturized.

Sonia Kashuk Metal Eye Lash Comb
I've heard of people using all types of odd items to get rid of mascara clumps - specifically safety pins and bobby pins.  I've always used a plastic eyelash comb, not the greatest - but got the job done.  I've been loving most of the beauty tools from Sonia Kashuk, so for $3 (coupon), I thought I'd try it out, and I'm glad I did. With just one sweep of the metal comb, the lashes are completely clump-free and separated.

Urban Decay Naked Palette - Sidecar 
I'm still loving the Naked palette, but specifically the color Sidecar. It's a super shimmery champagne. I've never been much of a one-color eyelid person but because of laziness and humidity, I have been opting just for this color.



Thrift Stores
I mainly look at the home decor and accessories.  Occasionally, I'll browse through the clothes and find a high-end item like new or new with the original tag for about 10% of its full price.  Nearly all thrift stores (not consignment) that I've been to get all their items donated and the profit goes to charities.  So you can feel even better about getting an item for cheap and knowing your money is going to a charity of their choice.

My favorite finds of the month were these throw pillows for $2.50 each and three canisters for $5.00 total.

boosted lashes & thrift finds,
-Kaitlyn

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Review: Urban Decay NAKED

 "Everybody wants to look good NAKED!"


Review: Urban Decay NAKED Palette
With endless blog and youtube reviews out already, this one may seem insignificant. But this review is specifically for the people who decided they would "pass" on the palette. Those that thought "I have too many neutral eyeshadows" or those that just couldn't justify spending $48.00 on some eyeshadow. - I was one of these people. Plus, with the palette being so rare (limited edition/high demand) I couldn't get my hands on it anyway.


The palette came out in fall 2010, and for the first months it was going for twice it's value on eBay and multiple other cosmetic swap/sale sites. Finally, Urban Decay started producing the palettes faster by replacing the double-ended eyeliner pencil with a brush, but that made a price increase from $46.00 to $48.00 - some weren't happy, but at least Urban Decay was able to supply more.


COST
I did want the palette but even after endless good reviews, I still didn't know if it would be worth it. About a month ago, when I was picking up some shampoo- there it was, one Urban Decay Naked palette remaining. I considered it fate, caved in, and purchased it.

Do I regret it? No. It's the best "I'm not going to spend that much money on that" but then I bought it anyway purchase I've ever made. I've had it for a month and have used it every day. For the rest of you that are cheap (but most likely will splurge on high-end cosmetics - ME!) let me help you justify the cost:

Good Karma Eyeshadow Brush retails for $26.00
Travel Primer Potion retails for $9.00
Then there's 12 x .05oz eye-shadows - (one full size .05oz retails for $17.00) - 12 x $17.00 - $204.00
$239.00 worth of product for $48.00 (about 80% savings) Plus, it's all in one sleek mirrored palette.

I had no problem spending $11.00-$14.50 on an occasional MAC eyeshadow. With MAC, you get the same amount of product - .05oz. With the naked palette, (putting the primer and brush aside) $48.00/12 = the eyeshadows end up being $4.00 each. MAC, the same amount of product for $11.00 (pan) or $14.50 (limited edition/pot.) So, which is the better deal again?


COLORS
Virgin - pale shimmer nude
Sin - champagne frost
Naked - matte beige
Sidecar - shimmer medium bronze
Buck - matte brown
Half Baked - copper frost
Smog - dark bronze
Darkhorse - deep chocolate
Toasted - shimmer dark brown
Hustle - shimmer dark plum-brown
Creep - blue-black shimmer
Gunmetal - blue-gray metallic


REVIEW
I love it. There are a few things I do dislike (cons below) but the good wins over the bad. All of the neutral colors are gorgeous - highly pigmented, great staying power, not chalky, no fallout. I love the palette so much I immediately swapped/sold most of MAC eyeshadows (and by most I mean nearly all - I went from 30 to 8.) I've used it for a month and there's really no sign of use - no surface dents/dips or anything, I feel it will last for awhile!


Every day I use both Virgin & Sin all over the lid and as a highlight, Sidecar on the outer third lid, and Darkhorse in the crease. I often use Buck as an eyebrow filler.

Cons:
Creep and Gunmetal were a big disappointment to me. I'm a big fan of a smokey eye - with no hints of blue. These 2 together nearly look like you've smeared on blue eyeshadow.

Creep really should have been a true matte black for eyeliner, especially since the newer version of the palette doesn't come with any.

The brush was another disappointment. It's decent at packing on all-over lid color on. But I feel like this is more of a concealer brush. It's nearly identically to MAC 195. - I much would've rather had the double-ended eyeliner, but then I still probably wouldn't have this palette due to slow production...

RATING
Product: 4.5/5
Value: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Overall: 4.8/5

The Main Point: If you don't already have it, BUY IT. This palette needs to be in everyone's makeup collection.

Naked forever,
-Kaitlyn

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May Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."


Joico K-Pak Liquid Reconstructor
I've used the Hydrator now for about six months and I've loved it. (I didn't care much for the Reconstructor because of the banana scent.) I really needed a detangler because I was tired of using a child one. This was the solution; it fixes damages, detangles, and protects all in one.

OPI Big Apple Red
The perfect OPI red I've been searching for. It's just a classic red - there is no orange, purple, or blue hues that you find in most red polishes.

OPI Skull & Glossbones
This and silver shatter where the only colors that really caught my attention with the Pirates of the Carribean collection. It's a nude soft gray, basically a good neutral shade for your collection. (Unfortunately, I did have to pick up the mini set just for this polish because it was always sold out.)

MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralized Skinfinish
I forgot which collection this was from, I finally arranged a swap for it on makeupalley.com and got my hands on it. It's the perfect color and mix of shimmer for a great highlight anywhere - brow bone, cheeks, body.

Revlon Photo Ready Concealer
This is one of those "she made me do it" products. (Kandee Johnson) - I was on the hunt for a good under-eye concealer. None of my MAC concealers were cutting it. I picked this up in the lightest shade (fair) and it matches perfectly - I'm not sure if I'm extremely pale or these just run darker. It's great for Under-eyes and red spots, splotches, and blemishes it isn't so great for.  This well on it's way to being my favorite drugstore product.

Sigma E40 Tapered Blending
I do have MAC 217, but I use it for crease application.  I desperately wanted the 224, but just couldn't justify $30 on a brush - this is supposedly a dupe (no clue how it compares) for 1/3 of the cost. I don't put any product on this brush, I just blend out what's already been applied - it does a great job.

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover
Another supposedly dupe, for one of the Lancome removers. (again, I have no clue how it compares.) I was tired of rubbing my eyes raw with MAC Cleanse Off Oil (more just for the face than mascara) this was the highest rated drugstore remover. It was only $9 - it doesn't sting the eyes and it gets the job done more so than other drugstore removers and Cleanse Off Oil but it still takes 2-3 swipes to get everything off.


Tangle Teezer
I have no clue what has been going on with my hair recently but it's just been such a knotted mess. I have insanely thick hair so brushing while wet, yanking out tangles, etc. Never really mattered - I had hair to spare. (ha) I realize that's not healthy or good for my hair. While browsing Sally's, I discovered this - only $9, I figured it was a worth a shot. I came home and read reviews, they were all awesome. I'm not sure how it works exactly, a hollow brush with soft bristles but it manages to gently get all the tangles out, on both wet and dry hair.  It works pretty quick and it's painless. (With the exception of those huge knots.) But this is a must-have for people with thin, brittle hair and that are extremely tender-headed. - It also distributes conditioner evenly to your hair in the shower. I have noticed if I back comb my hair with this dry it gives great volume.  Basically, a 3-in-1 product.


Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden
This is a base and primer in one - the color is a light nude. This product gives a blank canvas and is great for really making eyeshadows pop and will help out those who have bluish veiny eyelids.

Urban Decay Naked Palette
At last, I got one of these (only a year later.) A full review to come later on in June. I could never find these in store, I wasn't going to completely hunt for it or pay an inflated price. I was picking up shampoo and there it was - one Naked palette remaining... I considered it fate, caved in, and bought it. Let me just say I absolutely love it, so much I actually sold or swapped most of MAC eyeshadows.

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