Product Review! Yalmeh Glory Eye Bright Gel!

So, in the lull of beauty boxes and post holiday life, I'm going a little nuts with my product reviews. Which is awesome because I LOVE being able to try new stuff and to talk about it. That's one of the reasons I've subscribed to so many beauty boxes and the main reason I started this blog.

Things are coming up for Totally Oblivious. And, I'm running with it!

And getting a little experimental. Today, I bring to you another RAVE review for a product I have had the opportunity to test that I totally did. 

Without further ado...

Yalmeh Glory Eye Bright Gel Review!

Contrary to ANY common sense, I normally have this weird avoidance to eye creams and treatments. I don't know if it's the fear of getting stuff in my contacts- which would be completely irrational being the amount of liners, shadows, and lashes I own. Or the denial of getting older and having to deal with crows feet and fine lines around the eyes. It really doesn't help when people constantly tell me I look like I haven't aged since I was 17/18 up until recently.

But, honestly, it would behoove a perpetual insomniac to actually use an eye product. Because, you know, those giant circles under my eyes are not really becoming regardless of any fine lines or wrinkles. But, as the title of my blog states- I'm totally oblivious sometimes when it comes to stuff like this. 

But, in starting this blog, I have made it my mission to try new stuff and to be a little less Totally Oblivious. And, so I took the plunge to try some new eye products. And I am SO happy so far.

And really pleased that I can write a really positive review about Yalmeh!

Here's some background on Yalmeh Glory Eye Bright Gel:

- Said to work on puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles.

- Contains botanical hyaluronic acid

- Contains Plant Stem Cells, Matrixyl 3000, and Vitamin E.

- Cruelty free! (Yay!)

- All natural ingredients! 

You know when people say something is the "whole package?" I really feel like this product hits the nail on the head with this. And it has changed my whole perception on the eye game.

I mean, look how pretty this is:

Regardless of the fact that I'm totally a sucker for pretty things, this packaging is very nice and looks gorgeous in the battle station that I am still working to put together in my tiny apartment and share with everyone!

The 15 ml tube has an almost matte finish and it easy to hold and work with. I actually really like that it comes in a tube instead of the prototypical pot. It makes the application MUCH easier for me.

The first thing about this product that really blew me away was the fact that upon opening the tube, I was greeted with a fresh cucumber scent. I really like and am intrigued by plant based, natural cosmetics. I just have an affinity to them. And this just smelt so fresh, clean, and and light.

It was like treating my eyes to a little spa vacation! The smell is reminiscent of slipping on a soft robe and just laying back and putting a couple cool cucumbers on your eyes while sipping lemon water. It's a great smell association for me.

The gel is very thick and hearty. For purposes of this blog, I squeezed out a wee bit too much to show you how it looks.

You don't need NEARLY this much around your eyes. Oops!

One little squeeze, dab about 3 times around the bottom of each eye, blend- and you'll immediately feel a wonderful, cooling sensation. The gel absorbs very quickly and you're eyes are left feeling plumped and refreshed.

Now, I wasn't born yesterday and I am fully aware that it's going to take a lot more than a little bit of eye gel to get rid of my dark circles. Such is life. Although it's a bit early in my usage to say that the gel is making a long term difference in regards to my bags, fine lines, and wrinkles- there is something I noticed right off the bat. And I can say that I did look a little more bright eyed as soon as it absorbed. That's a pretty good start for a product in my book.

This gel is TREMENDOUS under primers, foundations, and make up. It creates a really soft, awesome palette under your eyes to apply whatever make up you choose. I've tried it a couple different ways- with just primer, with primer and cover up, with just foundation, and with just setting powders. And every single product that I have used in congruence with Yalmeh works amazingly. 

It seems to create a soft base for around your eyes that works extremely well with make up. It doesn't have that greasy under eye cream/gel that makes setting mascaras and liners difficult. 

And honestly, that's what impressed me the most. So, I've been debating using it along with primer on my whole face. But, I haven't tried that yet.

But, it's changed the whole eye cream/gel game for me and has made me incredibly more open minded to working such products into my beauty routine. I felt comfortable and safe using the all natural ingredients around my eyes. And I absolutely love the smell. 

Yalmeh Glory Eye Bright Gel is a winner for me and I feel really lucky that I got to try it. I feel like I found a new little treasure!

Yalmeh's Glory Eye Bright Gel can be found on their website: http://www.yalmeh.com/

or on Amazon.com

I really suggest to try this one. It's becoming a favorite of mine! If you have already tried it- let me know what you thought!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

PSA! Ipsy January 2015 Sneak Peek #1!

The sneak peeks are starting to roll out! 

Today we have our first Ipsy January 2015 Sneak Peak!

Meh... I'm not a huge Pacifica fan... but does this smell like coconut??

Are you looking forward to this?

PSA: NEW!! 500 point Ipsy Points Perks Are Available!

I know I'm a little late on this (busy with Christmas!!)

But Ipsy has released some new 500 Point Perks!!

I'm grabbing another Crown Brush!!

Anything on your wishlist here?

Product Review! Valentia Organic Rosehip Oil!

I have another sponsored product review here for you!

For a couple of weeks, I have been trying out Valentia Organic Rosehip Oil. Let's jump right into the review!

Velentia Organic Rosehip Oil Review!

A little about Valentia's Organic Rosehip Oil:

- 100% Organic

- Contains Vitamin C and E (always a plus!)

- Said to reduce fine lines and wrinkles 

- Said to reduce scars and burns.

- Rehydrates Skin 

- Strengthens Hair and Nails 

I'm not going to lie, I had my doubts about this oil. I had never tried a Rosehip oil before and upon opening the bottle, I felt it was a bit too viscous of a liquid for me. And it kind of had a funky smell. 

As you can see, it is very thick:

So, I opted only to use it as a serum at night every other day. I decided to stop my usual night products to give the Rosehip Oil a chance. Plus, I didn't want to over do it.

Disregarding the color and the smell, the first thing I noticed about the application of the oil was the fact that regardless of the viscosity of the liquid, it almost felt like a dry oil. And was reminiscent of applying a primer. I was very surprised at this application texture and it really assuaged my worries of it being too oily. I'm not known to be a huge fan of straight oils. It dried very quickly and left my skin immediately feeling softer and more supple. 

After using the Rosehip oil for a week, I was actually kind of proud of how soft my skin felt at night and upon waking. And I broke the cardinal rule of touching my face way too much.

And it has been helping a lot with the dryness I get around my eye brows in the winter- which I have basically given up trying to deal with after years of Sisyphean battles. Good. I'm like the only person I know who gets flaky eyebrows and it's embarrassing.

I like this oil. I personally have to use it incredibly sparingly. Like 1 or 2 drops on my face and I don't feel like I get a lot of control with this bottle's particular dropper.

It also works very well as a hand and body oil. It has done wonders for my very dry, cracked winter hands that I've been working on fixing as well. And, I've also noticed my cuticles have been less likely to tear- which is a year round nightmare for me. 

That being said, unless extremely diluted with water or other products, I think this is too think to use on my typically oily, fine hair. Though I may look into some hair mask recipes to use it with.

I am going to keep using it as a night oil though because it has definitely grown on me!

Valentia's Rosehip Oil can be found on their website: http://valentiaskincare.com/

or Amazon:

Have you tried Valentia's Organic Rosehip Oil? What were your thoughts?

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

PSA: Birchbox January 2015 Aces Sample Choices Are Live!

Time to take your picks now Birchbox Aces!

Let's check out the 3 choices for this month:

Sample Choice:

Relax & Recharge Box:

or

The Tone It Up! Box:

I went with the Essential Elements hand lotion because I want to be surprised this month!

Which one are you opting for?

December Top 10- My Favorite Haul Items!

With a total of 11 Boxes this month and 59 ITEMS (!!) there was a LOT of hauling going on around my apartment this December. And with so many great items, I really wanted to do a Top 10 of my favorite items from December.


They're all such different items and I love them all for so many different reasons. So in no particular order, here are my Top 10 Beauty Haul items from December 2014!

1.  Kneipp Herbal Bath Oil in Balancing Lavender:

Sample Size at .67 oz (Approx $4). Full Sized listed at 3.38 oz for $20

Although technically from Glossybox's November 2014 box, I didn't receive it until December 9th. And my love for this product deserves it's own spot on the list. I have mentioned over and over again that Lavender is one of my favorite scents and is playing a big part in my upcoming wedding. This has a fabulous and strong French Lavender scent. A little goes a LONG way. Now, I don't have the biggest bathtub in the world. But, I used some very sparingly at first (definitely not half the sample bottle as the instructions suggest) and my bath tub was suddenly transformed into a gorgeous luxury spa getaway. I'm already stocking up on more on my trade boards!

2. Vasanti Cosmetics Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil in Rose Gold:

Sample Size at .03 oz (Approx $13.50). Full Sized listed at .04 oz for $18

Although losing my first liner in the huge fail that was my original Birchbox Decked Out! box, I was SO happy I was able to get a replacement in my follow up, AMAZING Birchbox Decked Out! 2.0 Box. The liner is GORGEOUS. It is super smooth, highly pigmented, and overall a beautiful product. I absolutely adore it!

3. Burberry Beauty Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base in Nude Radiance:

Sample Size: 0.17 oz (Approx. $8). Full Sized Listed at 1 oz for $48

From my December Sample Society Party Prep box. I really like this! A little goes a long way with this extremely shimmery lotion. I swatched maybe a drop on the back of my hand and the fluid spread evenly and significantly- but still felt light. The champagne color is gorgeous. This is truly a great product that I will definitely use to highlight for holiday parties! 

4. L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil:
Sample Sized at .5 oz (Approx $6). Full Price listed at 3.4 oz for $42

I got to try this out in my L'Occitane L'Occibox that I snagged for $15! The price tag on this item leaves me to consider the fact that I would never have bought this on my own accord. However, the sample has sold me! It smells absolutely wonderful and acts like a dry oil.

5. Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche De Beaute:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 1.7 oz for $32!!!

This is a FABULOUS, Full Sized item from Glossbox's December 2014 Holiday Box. Though I haven't tried it yet, I am really excited to give this mask a shot and love the opportunity to try a full sized Nuxe product!

6. Cailyn Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchid:

FULL SIZED! 2.5 g listed at $15.00!

This was one of the items I was most looking forward to in receiving in my Ipsy Thinking Of You Glambag. And it totally lived up to expectations! The shadow is easily applicable, stays in place, is a beautiful color, and is highly pigmented. I also think it's extremely complimentary to Birchbox's Vasanti Rose-Gold liner. And it has sealed the deal on my Holiday look!

7. Davines Repluming Trio! 

Replumping Shampoo, Repluming Conditioner, and Replumping Hair Filler Superactive (!!!)

Shampoo Sample Sized at 12 ml (Approx $1.25), Full Sized listed at 250 ml for $25.50

Conditioner Sample Sized at 12 ml (Approx $2.05), Full Sized listed at 150 ml for $25.50

Hair Filler Sample Sized at 50 ml (Approx $19.75!!), Full Sized listed at 100 ml for $39.50

From my awesome Birchbox Decked Out 2.0 box! I feel that one of the consistent themes I have running through this blog is that I forever bitch and moan that perfume vials and foil hair product packets should NEVER be considered a deluxe sample in a subscription box. It's borderline insulting considering most of these items you can get for free. That being said, Birchbox did this right. First, the trio contained 1 large and gorgeous looking "centerpiece" sample worth nearly $20. The shampoo and conditioners were extra, additional items. AND you still got 20 extra Birchbox points for rating them. That's foil packet samples done right!

8. RGB Nail Polish in Oxblood:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $18

Another item from my Sample Society December box to grace the list! Although a tad bit more watery than I prefer- this polish is AWESOME! Besides the fact that it is yet another full sized item, the color is AWESOME and it looks great on me. My fiance even complimented how much he liked it!

9. Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black:

Sample Sized at .8g (Approx $8). Full Size listed at 1.2 g for $12

An awesome little surprise that kind of caught me off guard in my Target Beauty Box For Her box. This is a game changer for how I viewed Pixi. My 110% beauty need that I don't think I've left the house without wearing in over 15 years is black eyeliner. Black eyeliner is my litmus test. And if your company can't master the fine art of black eyeliner, I can't hang.

And this liner is FABULOUS. Seriously. It's like a gel pencil. It's supposedly waterproof and pretty natural. It has a nice, even smooth feel, goes on softly. But, still manages to stay fairly intense after I tried to rub off the swatch. For $12 a stick full sized? Pixi, you officially have my attention now...

10. Absolute! New York Nail Polish Remover Pads in Lavender:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 32 Pads for $2.99

And, finally! I am sort of fascinated with this little addition to my Beauty Box 5 Merry and Bright box! This TINY little canister contains 32 nail polish remover pads. And doesn't smell too terrible either. I haven't had the opportunity to use them yet. But, asking around, I've gotten some awesome feedback on them. Plus, I won't spill this!

Overall, there were so many products that I loved from all my boxes this month. But, some items really stood out among the masses. 

It was an awesome December and now I can't wait for 2015 and all the awesome Unboxings in my future.

Do you have a Top 10 list of favorite beauty items this month? I'd love to see if you felt the same way about some of the items you received. What was your favorite?

Product Review! Foxbrim's Vitamin C Lotion

A couple of day's ago, I posted my first sponsored product review for Foxbrim's 100% Pure Argan Oil. And was happy that I could give the product rave reviews.

I have another Foxbrim sponsored product to review for you tonight! And I am REALLY happy with what I have to share! Without further ado...

Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion: Complete Hydration Review!

I received my Foxbrim Vitamin C Lotion around the same time I received my Foxbrim Argan Oil. And I really think that Foxbrim, a company I was not familiar with before, is gaining a fan in me.

I was sent a full sized, 1.7 fl. oz./ 50 ml bottle.

And, ladies and gents, I have found my new perfect moisturizer! Seriously, I can't get enough of this stuff!

A little about Foxbrim's Vitamin C Lotion: Foxbrim uses some great all natural ingredients including 15% Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, MSM, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Green Tea. Foxbrim advertises that this lotion is good Effectively lighten spots and discoloration, Reduce wrinkle formation and existing wrinkles, Refine and even skin texture and Promote skin cell turnover.

Take a look...

One thing I noticed right away that I really liked was the large pump designed for the lotion. It's a pretty cool look and easy to use:

Where to start? I absolutely ADORE this lotion. And although Foxbrim has sponsored this post by providing me the item- I think they may have also created a HUGE fan for life.

First, this lotion is so light. It's like putting a little cloud on your face. Regardless of the Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter, there is basically NO greasy feeling to the lotion at all. AT ALL. I felt like I could really lather it on without a care in the world. Fresh out of the shower, it left a light cooling feel and absorbed super fast. 

Although basically scentless, it has a very light Jojoba/Shea scent which I didn't mind at all.

Although the Vitamin C lotion could also be used as a body lotion- I think my skin may be a bit too dry for it and my mileage may not be great for the size of the bottle. But, I have also been using it as a hand lotion. And it is an AMAZING hand lotion! Going back to the whole idea that it has such a non-greasy feel, it has worked wonders on my dry hands and I don't feel "bogged down" by the synthetic oils that are typical in a lot of hand lotions.

I'm thinking of stock piling this lotion. It's absolutely perfect! Thank you Foxbrim- you have a new loyal customer!

Foxbrim's Vitamin C can be found on their website: www.foxbrim.com

Or on Amazon.com:

Have you tried Foxbrim's Vitamin C lotion? What were your thoughts?

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mini Unboxing and Haul! Finally got my Laura Mercier Set!

I know that this isn't really an unboxing or Blog appropriate.

But, I'm just incredibly excited to finally get my hands on the mini Laura Mercier Setting Powder and Fan Brush!

This sample was available in Ipsy's November Glam Bag as well as Birchbox's December Box.

I didn't receive it between 3 different boxes :( 

I even called the Birchbox SOHO shop to see if it was a sample option for the Build Your Own Box. It wasn't!

I finally called Birchbox and the customer service was able to help me find it! 

For a limited time, you can get a mini Laura Mercier Setting Powder and Fan Brush for FREE as a gift with purchase when you spend $25 on Laura Mercier products in the Birchbox Shop. 

So, I cashed in some Birchbox points for a Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Orchid. I already have the Caviar Stick in Plum- which I adore.

And today, it finally came!

I am in love! And so happy I was able to get this! Thank you Birchbox!

Unboxing! Starlook's Starbox Happy Holidaze Box!

What it is: Starlook's is an online cosmetics company that releases a new Starbox of makeup every month.

Where to get it: starbox.starlooks.comHow much is it?: $15.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: High end, cruelty free cosmetics
What are the Perks?!: Starlooks.com just recently rolled out a points program where every $ spent on the site equals 1 point used towards discounts on their site.

So, little disclaimer. I've made a huge mistake! A number of days ago, I posted what I thought was a spoiler for the Starlook's holiday box. Due to the confusing wording on the Starlook's website, I thought subscriber's would also be receiving Starlook's Panty by Post Set. Apparently I lied and that wasn't part of the holiday set. I am SO sorry about any confusion this might have caused anyone. I was a little let down. But, I did receive one GORGEOUS pallet! Let's have a look...

Starlooks Starbox December 2014: Happy Holidaze 

Unboxing and Review!

The Box:

Upon Opening:

The Palette!!:

The palette is one variation of Starlook's $99 15 Shade Shadow Palettes. The palette I received is not actually on their list of palettes on the site. I received 15es10 in Mermaid (Ultimate Satin).

And like all palettes, I can't use 100% of the colors. But the greens are OUT of this world and there are many beautiful shades. I'm sold!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: $99.00!

 Box Score:8/10

Final Thoughts: For only $15 I got this awesome palette. So, I'm insanely happy. Though I'm not sure if other would be the same. And, I'm a little upset that with the odd working on the website, I was expecting to receive the additional set. But, overall, it's been a great holiday season when it comes to subscription boxes and Starlooks pulled it off!

Did anyone else get a different palette? Feel free to share here!

Unboxing! Glossybox December 2014 Holiday Box!

What it is: GlossyBox is a monthly luxury beauty subscription box.
Where to get it: GlossyBox.com
How much is it?: $21.00 + tax monthly
Types of Products: Each box contains 5 luxury deluxe or full sized beauty products.
What are the Perks?!: Write reviews, refer friends, and take surveys to add up GlossyDots. 1000 GlossyDots earns you a free month of GlossyBox!

It seems Glossybox is stepping it up with their shipping! Which means my holiday Glossybox is ON TIME this month! And I'm excited to unbox for you! Let's dive right in...

Glossybox December 2014 Unboxing and Review!

So excited for this box. I still remain incredibly impressed with their packaging and their December 2014 Box is beautiful! 

The Box:

Upon Opening:

Gorgeous!

The Haul!:

1. Ciate Mini Paint Pot in Yule Rules:

Sample Sized at 5ml for $8.00 at Sephora

As a huge Ciate fan, I am in love with! I'm iffy about sparkly nail colors, but Yule Rules is an absolutely gorgeous turquoise sparkle! I know what I'll be wearing on Christmas!

2. Toni & Guy Leave In Conditioner:

FULL SIZED listed at 100 ml for $16.99

Glossybox just keeps winning for me! Besides the fact that I am in love with leave in conditioners, I get a full sized item?! It smells really nice and fresh. Love it!

3. Bellapierre Mineral Lipstick in Burlesque:

FULL SIZED listed at .12 oz for $19.99

Awwww you can't win 'em all. Although I'm glad that this is yet another full sized item, I can't use this lipstick at all. It's a fabulous color- just not for my lips. To the trade boards!

4. Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche De Beaute:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 1.7 oz for $32!!!

Glossybox coming in for the win!! I am SO excited to try this! A full sized $32 item?! It came beautifully packaged in a nice gift box. I'm stunned!

5. Ritual Cosmetics Miracle Scrub in Ginseng & Ginko Biloba:

FULL SIZED! Listed at 2.5 oz for $17!

You have to stop this nonsense Glossybox! You're going to spoil me! Now, I'm pretty vocal about not being a huge fan of face scrubs. But, I cannot get ENOUGH of hand and body scrubs. It smells awesome too! And, I was in desperate need of something like this. Thank you Glossybox!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: 93.98!

 Box Score:10/10!!

Final Thoughts: Although this is only my second Glossybox, I feel they really out did themselves with their holiday box! First, the packaging is absolutely gorgeous. All the products were basically full sized! And the value is out of this world. I'm going to have to say that sans the lipstick, I am looking forward to using all these items. 

PSA: I have completed my FYI Page: Birchbox Montly 101

Last week, I posted my first FYI: Beauty Box 101 Page for Ipsy. 

With all the amazing things I have had the opportunities to write about on my blog, my 101 pages needed some extra time.

I have FINALLY completed my FYI: Birchbox Monthly 101 page for you to read and learn all about Birchbox and their subscription boxes. 

You can find all my review pages on the top, left side of my blog panel.

But, for now, here is my direct link to my FYI: Birchbox Monthly 101 Page!

Hope you enjoy!

It there's anything else you would like to know about Birchbox please let me know in the comments and I'll be glad to add it to the page!

PSA: Birchbox January 2015 Editor's Choice Box #2- Tone It Up!

Here's a breakdown of Birchbox's January 2015 Editor's Choice Boxesyou didn't watch the video I just posted:

Second one up is the Tone It Up curated January 2015 Editor's Choice Box:

Tone It Up!

This box will include samples of:

1. Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette - Latte??

2. Aqua Reveal Satin Bright Soft Water Peel

3. Klorane Dry Shampoo

4. Whish Body Butter - Lavender

5. Coola ER Plus Radical Recovery

Is this the box for you??

 Let me know in the comments below!!