Fall Haul

Happy Fall, Y'all! It's officially Fall as of last Friday. Between sweaters, Halloween decor, and Fall-scented candles, I've been pushing fall for a few weeks now. Here's a collective haul of a few things I picked up for the season:

Bath & Body Works
I've been really into candles recently, I usually burn cotton or clean smelling candles, but decided I'd pick up a few Fall ones.  First, I picked up the mini ones, I fell in love with S'mores and wanted a full size.  (I ended up returning Autumn for another S'mores, but forgot to take another picture.)  There's a current Bath & Body Works coupon  (spend $10 get a mini candle free.)  They were also running a promotion of the 3 wick candles, 2 for $20.  (One is originally $19.50) so, good deal!

S'mores is definitely my favorite out of all of these, which is so weird since I hate food scents.  Marshmellow Roast is good, too. It's similar to s'mores but has the bonfire scent in the candle.  My least favorite was Leaves, it smells like cinnamon cider to me.

I also picked up Vampire Blood from the halloween collection, I purchased it last year and am almost out.  It's one of my favorites.  It says plum, but smells more berry-ish... like a Bonnebell chapstick from when I was not even a preteen yet.

 

Butter London
I highly dislike Ulta, I received their "21 Days of Beauty" newsletter multiple times but just threw it away.  I was browsing twitter and someone mentioned Butter London was bogoFREE at Ulta only on that certain day for the promotion.  I've always wanted to try out these polishes but I refuse to pay more than $10 for a nail polish. (These are $14 each.)  I litterally ran to Ulta after class.  I really wanted All Hail the Queen  (of course out stock, as always, Ulta.) I got my second choice - Come to Bed Red, and picked up Chimney Sweep with the intention of exchanging it once stock was back in.  I ended up keeping and using both.  I really like them - formula is perfect, staying power is normal.  I was beyond shocked when they allowed me to use the store coupon, too. (It was a new sales associate - prestige brand and I was already receiving an item for free is a definite no, but I thought I'd try anyway.) So basically, these polishes were only $5.25 each, which makes me love them even more.

Clinique

I was walking through the department store and saw Clinique Bonus Time signs every... I did need Eye Makeup Remover.  I was a few dollars away from the free gift, so I also picked up Bottom Lash Mascara, it has been on my to-try list for quite some time.

First impressions are I do like the mascara  - I was kind of expecting one of those gimmicky products, but it actually claims what it's supposed to do.  I will have to say I'm a little disappointed with the size, I was expecting more product, it's even smaller than the deluxe sample size of mascara.

As for the gift, I was only interested in the toner & moisturizer, the remaining products I'll probably give away or swap.  My counter was already out of face powder, but the still provided me with a tiny brush...

A'Gaci
Work is requiring us to dress up more now.  My wardrobe mostly consists of skinny jeans and oversized shirts.  I purchased these three items from A'Gaci along with a few other basics. and dress shirts from Express.

I purchased a few other odds and ends but I'll show them in my September Favorites.

smelling s'mores,
-Kaitlyn

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August 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."

Milani Nail Polish in Black Cherry
I was really impressed with the quality and staying power of the polish, I've always been an OPI girl, but I really liked this color.  Black and red have always been my "go-to" shades, and this makes a happy medium.

OPI Ridge Filler
Recently, my nails have started flaking and peeling making an uneven application.  I discovered this and haven't painted my nails without it.  Between buffing and this ridge filler, my nails are super smooth and even, making polish last even longer.  My only complaint is this fills in white instead of clear, so transparent polishes are out.

Organix Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream 
I did a full review on the 4 original Organix Moroccan Argan Oil products and wished for more styling products - well a dream came true.  I put this on my damp-dry hair and scrunched away.  My hair had a little bit more wave, less frizz, and smelled great.

Revlon Photoready Concealer in Fair
I purchased a second, it's great for under the eyes and spot treatment.  Really creamy and blends like a dream.

Trim Nail Buffer
My nail polish was constantly chipping and peeling off.  I did a little research and most said their polish lasted a few extra days just by using a buffer, I agree!

Wet 'n' Wild Megaslicks Lipgloss in Crystal Clear 
I now own 4 of these (Walgreens has a promotion going on running these for .99 cents until mid-September.)   It's just a basic good-quality clear gloss. Moisturizing and loaded with shine.  Plus, a unscented and nonsticky formula!

dreams come true,
-Kaitlyn

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July 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."

Products
Essie After Sex Nail Polish
A cranberry metallic red, so pretty for any skin tone; application is surprisingly smooth.

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge
This is supposedly a "failed dupe" to the Beauty Blender sponge. (Only because of its different shape, it can't roll on foundation perfectly like the beauty blender can.) I don't wear foundation so this "flaw" (comfort spot for your fingers) doesn't matter to me. I do really like this sponge for blending concealer in perfectly as well as cheek highlight.  I've tossed the old white, cheap sponge wedges for this!

Joico K-Pak Conditioner
I've always been a K-Pak fan, especially the Hydrator. I've been using drugstore conditioner for awhile just to be cost efficient.  (At the beginning of the month, I scored a liter of this for $7, it will probably last me forever.) I feel like you can use a low-end shampoo and a high-end conditioner and still get great results.

Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner
I've used MAC Technakohl religiously for three years in. I decided it was time to give a drugstore eyeliner a try. I'm glad I did. I saw so many magazine advertisements for this eyeliner, I did a little research, and found myself purchasing it about a week later. It's a cream liner - such a smooth application.  It is completely smudge-proof and lasts all day.


OPI I Lily Love You Nail Polish
A hot pink with tons of flaky glitter.  It's just as pretty as Teenage Dream but a hot pink shade. However, it's too opaque for my liking, instead of wearing 5 coats to get the color of the bottle, I usually put this over a regular hot pink.

OPI Malaysian Mist Nail Polish
Another perfect nude polish for the time being, calling all pale girls!

Versace Bright Crystal Perfume
I'm awful at describing scents, but I think this may new perfume. It's a fresh/clean scent but has a  feminine touch too. It's an all-day scent, night or day. I received a little (GWP) bottle and have been using it every day. I'll most likely be purchasing the full-size bottle soon!

here's to 5 coats,
-Kaitlyn

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Back to School Giveaway (CLOSED)

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

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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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