*NEW* Subscription Box - Bondi New York!

I had to remove this post because of the CRAZY TRAIN that ended up being the Bondi Subscription box. Basically, they took everyone's money, never manufactured the polishes that we purchased, canceled everyone's boxes, then refused to refund MANY people. If you'd like to read one person's account - check this Ripoff Report.

Complaint Review: Bondi New York

So the boxes I originally posted, they were the only boxes that ever came. I got refunded for about $30 for my remaining 2 months, but did not receive my $16 back for an extra box purchased. I stopped trying to get my money back after several attempts.

If you want to know more - just search Google for "Bondi New York" and lots of things will come up!

Summer Faves!

Heyyy there!

Today I want to share with you some of the products that I have been LOVING this summer! They aren't specifically "summer" products, but they have been amazing products for me. I cannot say enough good things about them! I love to recommend products, especially if they help solve a problem I am currently having. So here they are!

Current Problem: Acne

This is something that is always hard to admit, but it's something I have dealt with my entire life. I have acne. Over the years it has taken many different shapes, and sometimes I luck out and get rid of it for a prolonged period of time. My face was doing great for over a year, then suddenly this past January I started to struggle with acne again, in a MAJOR way. I was getting really bad cystic acne, mostly along my jawline and on my chin. I was trying everything. I even tried the oil cleansing method, after weeks of research. (It was this blog that really sold me on the idea...) That pretty much turned out to be the worst decision of my life! It made my skin so bad. I've spent 4 months trying to recover from it, and I have to say that I finally have it under control. The secret (and solution) ended up being to STOP USING ACNE PRODUCTS. I was drowning my skin in all sorts of medicines and chemicals and it protested by breaking out even more. Here are the 2 best products that helped me recover from half a year of cystic acne.

Mario Badescu Skin Care

I had heard about this line of products from a few different vloggers, but I figured it would just be like every other line of skin care I've tried...aka it wouldn't ever live up to it's promises. I was really disappointed in the Juice Beauty Acne line, which didn't work for me. I originally started using the Acne Facial Cleanser, but ended up switching to the Enzyme Cleansing Gel. These products have literally saved my face! I am so glad that I gave them a chance. I don't think I will ever use anything else. One thing I really loved about this brand is that you can go to their website and fill out a quiz before you decide to buy anything. The quiz will recommend what products to get for the skin issues you are having, and in a couple short weeks a package will appear on your doorstep with samples of all of the products! You get to try them all out before you commit to buying anything. To me, that shows they are confident in the effectiveness of their products. Click HERE to take the quiz and try them out for yourself!

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Anti-Aging Peel Treatments

Ok, so this product is very "out of the box" for me. It was recommended by a skin care specialist at Sephora when I told her about my acne issues. She gave me a free sample, and when she told me the price of this product, I thought "there is NO WAY I am paying for that!" I decided to try the product anyway, thinking that it wouldn't really do anything for me. It wasn't even meant to treat acne anyway, but she described it as "resetting your skin's pH levels to help combat acne and other issues". I was pretty much hooked after just one treatment. The 14 Day challenge box is $45, which is steep. She recommended that I try to use it twice a week, because every day would be way too much. I think I've actually really only used it once a week since I bought the pack. I still have well over half the box left.

Current Problem: Oily Skin

This is actually a LIFELONG problem for me, which I combat by using hundreds of oil blotting sheet! Anything else that I can find that will help keep the oiliness at bay is a plus.

Revlon ColorStayWhipped Foundation

Let's be honest here, I am definitely NOT a drugstore foundation type of girl. I love my stila and Benefit foundations, but I do NOT love the price tag. When I started watching a lot of beauty vloggers, I started hearing a lot about Revlon and how much they love their products. I decided to give it a try. I started with the ColorStay Liquid Foundation, which I liked until I discovered this product! The first time I wore it, I was impressed with how well it controlled my oil. I think I only had to use one oil sheet that day! I also noticed how when I got home from work, it still looked like I had makeup on! I was so impressed. Ever since that day it's been difficult for me to wear anything else. I am constantly reaching for my Revlon. The only thing that is a drawback is that it can feel sort of heavy on your skin. When the heat wave rolled through last week I had to switch to my BB cream because I just couldn't stand the feeling of ANYTHING on my face.

Current Problem: Dark Circles

Seriously, I HATE getting older! Not only have I started to see very fine lines showing up under my eyes, my dark circles have been out of control! I have very dark colored veins, which is part of the problem. It can be a you-know-what to cover up those circles though. I originally purchased Hard Candy Glamoflauge to cover up the circles. It worked pretty well, but by the end of the day it always settled into my fine lines and I couldn't deal with it anymore. I still think the product is great, just not right for my own personal under eye area. So here is what I found that seems to work better for me.

 Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

I decided that I needed a concealer with some highlighting effect to it, and this has been what's worked best for me! Since nothing completely covers my dark circles, if I have something that highlights then they don't show as much. As you can see, I'm already on my second one.

Current Problem: Chipped Nail Polish

Ohhh nails. I love you but I hate you sometimes too! My nails seem to dislike most polish formulas. I am also very rough on my hands and nails so my polish tends to chip very quickly. Here are my solutions to chipped polish!

Bondi Nail Polish

To combat chipping, you have to have a GOOD nail polish. I'm a big fan of Zoya, and now I've found another brand with amazing formula. Unless you get Glossybox, you may not be familiar with Bondi New York. I'll save you the drama (unless you want to hear about it - read all about it HERE) but basically we were supposed to get a Bondi polish in our June boxes, but it didn't happen. In light of this, the owner of Bondi kept us all informed as to what was happening and also offered GB subscribers multiple discounts and specials on their polishes. Turns out they have the greatest customer service on the face of the planet, and everyone was just so thrilled by that that we all bought polish! I am so glad that I did! It is the best formula I have used in a LONG time. I had on the silver for SEVEN DAYS without chipping! It was unreal.

Glisten & Glow HK Girl Fast Dry Topcoat

There are no words to describe HOW MUCH I love this topcoat. I ordered 2 bottles during the winter, and I refuse to use anything else. Most people love Seche Vite, but I am not a fan at all. All it ever did was make all my polish shrink up and get too thick to use about halfway through the bottle. This stuff is totally my HG topcoat and I will continue to use it as long as I can get it! (You have to buy it online, it isn't sold in stores. If you are interested in trying, click here!)

Current Problem: Pale Skin

I know for most people, the solution would be easy - get outside and tan! But alas, this is not my answer. I have very sensitive skin and I burn very easily. I have to wear sunscreen everywhere! I'm also not the biggest fan of just sitting outside and sweating while I'm trying to get a tan. It's just not my thing. I'd much rather get my color out of a bottle - as long as it doesn't look orange! Here is what I have been using this summer.

St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion

As much as I hate tanning, I do like to have some color during the summer months, especially if I am wearing shorts or a dress. This is the answer to my problem! You put it on and it stays put until you wash it off in the shower! It doesn't wipe off when you sweat or on your sheets when you sleep. It's a great product for anyone who wants just a little color instantly!

I hope you decide to try out some of these products - ESPECIALLY if you find yourself having any of the same problems that I've been having! 

Let me know what you think about these products!

 

 

Ipsy My Glam bag - July 2013!

Another month...another Ipsy bag!

Ipsy has easily turned into my FAVORITE subscription "box". Even though I don't always love every product each month, I feel like I get the most use out of the products that ipsy sends. Even if it's something I haven't tried before, I always find myself wanting to try everything! Here is what I recieved in my bag this month!

July My Glam bag contents:

• Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray
• Coola Rose Essence Tinted Moisturizer
• BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample
• Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Fuschia Flirt
• Nailtini nail polish in Mai Tai
  
  
  My thoughts:
  HealthySexyHair Beach Spray
  I haven't had much luck in the past with sea sprays or texturizing sprays, but I decided to give this one a try anyway. It's a great brand so why not! Honestly, it didn't do much for my hair. It looked poofy and messy, but it did give it some volume and texture. I threw some curls in it after it dried and I'm liking the way it looks! 
  
  
  Coola Tinted Moisturizer
  I received a sample of Coola from a trade, and I liked it so I was excited when I found out I was getting the tinted version. When it comes out of the tube, it looks promising:
  
  When I put it on my face, the color just magically disappeared! I didn't want to use a ton of it, because it looked a little oily and I already have very oily skin. So this product was just ok for me. I'll definitely finish the little sample tube of it.
  
  
  BH Cosmetics Eyeshadow Sample
  If you know me, you know how much I LOVE my eyeshadow! I love to play with the colors and blend them to make new colors. You can never have enough eyeshadow! I know some people were complaining that the color payoff wasn't very good, but I didn't have any problems with it. I found that applying it with a sponge applicator vs. a brush helped a lot. The color went on more vibrant with a sponge. Another plus is that I am constantly using browns and purples on my brown eyes, so it was a win for me!
  Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Fuschia Flirt
  I don't think ipsy understands how many of these crayons/balms/stains I have picked up recently from subs and the store. I'm swimming in lip crayons! I wasn't too excited about this, but I *DID* want to try it! I definitely don't have a color like this. It's basically Barbie pink on my lips! I would have liked it better if it were more fuschia than pink, but what can you do! I'm sure I will find some way to use it!
  Nailtini nail polish in Mai Tai
  I wasn't sure if I was going to keep this or not, but once I saw the color I just had to try it out! It dries a little darker on your fingers than it looks in the bottle. I have to say that even though I'm pretty pale, it looks good on my fingers! I did top it off with a coat of N3 Coral Reef because I can't just wear nail polish without some design or bling!
  
  Overall - I'm happy with my bag this month! I always think it's well worth the $10 I spend on it. Thanks for another great month, ipsy!
  
  
  Here is my completed look using my products from this month!
  
  
  

 What did you get in your ipsy bag this month?? Were you happy?! Comment to let me know!

June 2013 - Beauty Box 5

Happy Sunday!!

Yesterday I received my first ever Beauty Box 5 box. I was excited to see that little teal box in my mailbox! I had seen a couple spoilers online, but I was unsure as to how many different box variations they usually have. With ipsy and Birchbox, there are often dozens or more variations. After a little bit of digging, I found that there were only two variations with BB5.

Here is my first ever Beauty Box 5!

My box contained:

• Coolway Shampoo & Conditioner
• Just Being Sexy Body Bronzer (2 packets)
• Minxxette Brush Hanger
• Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Facial Soap

Coolway Cool Cleanse Shampoo and Cool Hydrate Conditioner - 1oz each

I know a lot of people are not very excited to get shampoo and conditioner in a beauty box, but I feel that these samples are a good size. I also like that they gave everyone both the shampoo and conditioner to try together. I haven't used these yet, but I smelled the shampoo and it smells really good! It has a subtle yet fruity scent to it. I should be able to get get 3-4 uses out of the bottles, so I am looking forward to trying this.

Cost of full size product: $25.00 for 8.6oz bottle

Value of sample: $2.91 each ($5.82 total)

Just Being Sexy Body Bronzer - 8mL packets (2)

Ehh. I wasn't very excited about this product. At least they included two foil packets so that there will be enough product to try out...hopefully! From what I read on the package, I am assuming this product is very similar to St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body lotion. I own this product and I actually really love it. The Just Being Sexy claims that it won't rub off, and that it is safe for face and body. It's also made in the USA and not tested on animals! I will be looking to try this product out soon.

Cost of full size product: $49.00 for 6 fl oz

Value of sample: $2.37 each ($4.74)

   Minxxette Brush Hanger - small size

I don't really have too much to say about this product. I might use it, but having just one isn't very convenient when I have so many brushes! For those of you that have NO IDEA what on earth this product is - it's a plastic little brush holder that you hang your brush on so it can dry after you clean it. I don't really see any need for this product.

Cost of product: $4.69

Shea Terra Organics - Rose Hips Black Facial Soap - 1oz

I was SO EXCITED to get this item! This is a highly coveted product over at the Makeup Talk forums. (Shout out to my MuT ladies!!) Since I struggle with acne, this product sounds like the perfect product for me. It's supposed to lift away dead skin cells, even skin tone, firm skin, and fight acne. Sounds pretty miraculous, huh? I cannot wait to try this lovely little product!

Cost of full size product: $18.00 for 4oz

Value of sample: $4.50

Total value of box: $19.75

Overall, I was very pleased with my first box. I paid $10 for this box, so it paid for itself. I will definitely be using all of the products that came in my box this month.

What subs have you guys received recently?! I'd love to see what you're getting!!

 

Mini TJ Maxx Haul!

Today I FINALLY got my butt to TJ Maxx! I have been wanting to go for weeks, but my schedule has been crazy hectic! But today was free and clear and I made sure I got over there. My main reason for stopping there...MUST FIND PACIFICA!

Some very pretty little birdies over at Makeup Talk had mentioned seeing Pacifica items at their local TJ Maxx stores. I was skeptical because I live in Michigan, nowhere fancy, and I doubted that I would be able to find it here. But I had to try!

Here is what I came home with!

 A! Absolute Make-up Cleansing Tissues, 60 Count - $4.99

Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Butter - $3.99

Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Luminizing Body Butter - $3.99

NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette from The Runway Collection, Jazz Night - $3.99

Let's start with the NYX Eyeshadow Palette. Let me tell you, I've been on a NYX kick for quite some time now, and I still haven't gotten enough! I was very happy to see this palette. They had another color palette with darker shades and pinks. I almost bought that one too - but I stopped myself. My train case is so overloaded! 

I took a look at Google to find out how much these are going for...and they are retailing for about $10 across the internet. I paid $3.99! 60% off is a great deal in my book!

NYX 10 Color Palette in Jazz Night

Top row of shadows - 

L: indoors with flash

R: indoors with natural light

Bottom row of shadows

Top: indoors with flash

Bottom: indoors with natural lighting

Overall I feel the color payoff is GREAT! I am exciting to begin using this palette and I feel like I got a really great deal.

Next, I have what I went to TJ Maxx to look for...PACIFICA! I was really hoping to get one of these two products in my May ipsy bag, but I didn't. But that's OK! Because I have them now! If you have never heard of Pacifica, I highly recommend them! You can find a small sampling of their products in Target stores. Or you can just check your local TJ Maxx.

 On the left is the bronzing butter, the right is the luminizing butter.

Indoors with flash. I rubbed some on my arm - you can see the slight shimmer it gives.

I think for me, I am going to like the bronzing butter the best. It has gold flecks in it and gives your skin a tiny bit of color. The luminizing butter has silver shimmer in it. It is also gorgeous, and can I tell you they smell divine!

These very same butters retail on Pacifica's website for $7.00 each. I paid $3.99 each, which is a 40% savings!

I picked up the Absolute Makeup Removing Tissues on a whim. I recognized the brand from May's Glossybox (check out my review HERE) and decided to buy them, even though I was not a fan of the perfume stick I received. I still wanted to try the brand! Plus there are 60 towelettes, and for $4.99 that is a great price. I tried them out and I really like them! They are soft and very moist so they take makeup off easily. They also smell great, very citrusy! 

Looking online, these retail for about $6.99 online. Not a huge savings but still a good price in my book!

Make sure you check your local TJ Maxx for great buys on your favorite products!

What deals have you found lately??

May Glossybox - First Impressions

Ahh...Glossybox. I had such high hopes for you! I wanted to try a new (to me) sub, and I had heard such good things. I watched reviews and chose what I thought would be the best box for me. I bought the three month plan, just to be on the safe side. I'm glad I did. I've been pretty underwhelmed for the price. Here is my May box.

Etre Belle – Collagen & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask

This product looks pretty promising. I am a bit concerned about using it because I have very sensitive and acne-prone skin, but I may give it a try. The biggest issue I have with it is that it doesn’t tell you how long to leave it on. Any suggestions?

European Wax Center – Voucher and Body Wash/Body Lotion foil packets

Hmm. First, I was not excited about the foil packets, but I thought, “Ok, I’ll give them a try”. Then I checked the website for the Wax Center locations, and the closest location is almost 300 miles away. Yep, this one was a total fail for me.

Nicka K - Absolute! Solid Perfume Stick in Lux 369

I was kind of excited to get this product. I love solid perfumes, especially when they come in stick form. They are so easy to take with you and simple to apply. I opened it to take a whiff, and the first thing that came to my mind was “Grandma!!” The website describes it as:

Vibrant and radiant, yet soft and feminine. A graceful scent that evokes white floral notes with an underlying refreshing hint of sweet citrus, Lux 369 is flirty, airy and delicate.

Well. I could sense the white floral notes…but no citrus. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe after I wear it I will like it more. I WISH they would have sent me Rhythm 125 – now that one sounds nice!

Sebastian - Volupt Spray spray-gel

Another Sebastian product, yippee. I don’t usually use spray gel, but I might be able to use it during the summer on the days I don’t feel like doing my hair. At least it smells better than the hairspray, which STINKS!

My Prime – Multi Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer

Although most people were under whelmed by the possibility of getting this product, I am actually kind of excited to try it. If you know me, you KNOW I have some oil issues. BLECH, but it’s life. I’m always looking for products to help cut down/tame the oily mess that happens on my face. I did swatch it on my hand, and it feels nice once it dries. It does take a few minutes to dry though. I plan on giving it a try tomorrow!

Amore Pacific – Color Control Cushion Compact

I believe that this was supposed to be the “big ticket item” in this months box. I got number 106 "Almond Blush". Sadly, it’s awfully dark for my skin. It’s also too orange. I read the insert and it sounds like a great product in theory! I just wish that I could try it out.

Overall…it was an ok box. I’m kind of glad it’s my last month of 3. I know that they are hyping up next month’s box and it’s supposed to be “amazing”, but I just don’t want to waste any more money with them. I’m going to take my $21 and get a different sub! Thanks for an ok 3 months GB. I may be back!

What did you guys think of May?

 

Favorite Nail Polish

As you will come to find, I am a HUGE nail polish fan. I love painting my nails and practicing my nail art skills. I am in no way a professional, but I AM getting better!  I still don't know how people get those perfect lines around their cuticles, but I guess with practice mine will improve. Here is a list of some of my FAVORITE polishes that I own.

 Maybelline Color Show - Pink Shock

This one was a very pleasant surprise for me. I love some drugstore polishes, but I didn't think this would end up being one of my favorites. I love how it's almost a jelly, but has good coverage. It's one of the only polishes that I own more than one bottle of. It retails for $2.99 most places. Sometimes you can get them 2 for $5 if you watch for sales. (Meijer is having one right now!)

 China Glaze - Flip Flop Fantasy

Flip Flop Fantasy is such a fun summer color! I added some nail art over mine, but it's gorgeous on its own. If you have a Sally Card, you can get it for around $5.50 there. Not a bad deal at all!

 Lush Lacquer - Minty Chip

I am beyond OBSESSED with this indie brand of nail polish! Lush Lacquer has THE BEST polishes, in my opinion. If you are looking for something unique with lots of "glitter", you need to check them out! (I say "glitter" because it's not always sparkly. The "glitter" in Minty Chip is matte and doesn't sparkle. You can see the effect, though.) Their polish retails for $9 for a full size bottle. If you are like me and can't decide on just one, you can purchase mini bottles in any combination of colors you choose! I love that option, and often opt for it. It looks like they are a tad bit backed up at the moment, so if you are impatient and want your bottle NOW, you can find some of their polish on Llarowe.

 KBShimmer - Where My Peeps At?

KBShimmer is another one of my favorite indie brands. Christy's polishes are beyond amazing, and the quality is always phenomenal. They go on smooth and last as long as any polish you would buy at the store. KBShimmer polish retails for $8.75 a bottle.

 

Forever Polished - Cherry

Forever Polished is a new indie brand for me. I only own two of Ashley's polishes, but I am absolutely floored by the quality of "Cherry". I wore it for four days and it had no chips at all! It also took on this glazed look, and I was asked more than once if I was wearing shellac. I have never had a polish like this one before. I am looking forward to ordering more polish from her! Forever Polished retails for $5-$8 a bottle.

What are your favorite brands of nail polish? Why do you like them?

Comment below and let me know if you have any favorites for me to check out!

Leave your debit card at home!

Welcome to Cents to Fab! My name is Lo.
I've been tossing around the idea of starting a beauty blog for quite some time now. Months. Thoughts that ran through my crazy brain tended to be:

• Will anyone actually read this? Do I even WANT anyone to read this?
• What on earth do I know about beauty?! *insert self-doubt HERE*
• Can I commit to this? 
• What if I run out of things to say?
• Am I good enough at writing?
• Who let the dogs out?

Quite honestly, that's how my brain works. If you put a shiny thing in front of my face, I will have no recollection of the conversation we were just having. But I digress.

The reason I REALLY wanted to start a beauty blog is because I am pretty good at finding great deals.  I love me some shopping! Sadly, I do not have an infinite pile of money. If I did, I'd be swimming in it, sipping piña coladas all day. But I work hard for my money. (So hard for it, honey!) Which is why I like good deals!

What will you be able to find on this blog? My ideas include:

• Deals on clothes, makeup, and jewelry
• Beauty and product reviews
• Subscription service reviews (what up, Ipsy!)
• Nail art
• Elvis convention photos (erm...that's a whole different blog)  

At the end of the day, I hope this is a place you can come to for ideas on how to look and feel great without spending every cent you've ever made. I also hope that you can find and score some of the same deals I get! 

I'm no expert, but if I can help you save money and be fabulous, then I've done what I've set out to do.