FASHION & BEAUTY

FabFitFun Summer 2019

August 8, 2019 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

Hi guys! I am back from another trip. My apologies for some delays in my posts. I’ve been so busy lately and had to take care of a lot of stuff. For today’s post, I would like to share with you the products I received for this Summer’s FabFitFun Box. As always, this season’s box is full of stuff I can use, even though there’s a couple of items that I already own, but they’re those items that I have always enjoyed using. I swear, I tried to make a decent flatlay for you all, but my cat Frodo (Dodo) just won’t let me. He pretty much photobombed most of my shots and I thought it might be fun for you all to see. I must let you know that this cat seems to work at the Department of Customs (lol) because he feels the need to inspect everything that gets inside the house, haha! Nothing goes through until he gets to sniff each and every item and gives his stamp of approval.

Sol De Janeiro

Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (mini/2.5 oz: 20 USD, 8.1 oz: 45 USD) – Reviewed further here. This is one of my favorite body creams ever. The smell can be quite strong but it’s nice and quite yummy. I love the shimmer that is incorporated in this cream.

Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel (mini/3 oz: 10 USD, 13 oz: 25 USD) – This smells like the Bum Bum Cream and it’s a creamy shower gel that foams really well.

Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream (4 oz: 28 USD, 8 oz: 38 USD) – This has always been my fave when it comes to treating my hair against frizz. I also love its scent and the fact that it doesn’t weigh my hair down. I wouldn’t mind receiving this all the time in my Fabfitfun box.

Invisibobble Original Duo Pack (16 USD) – This is my fave hair tie especially when I’m working out. It provides a strong grip for just about any activity you might be doing, yet it doesn’t leave any folds and traces on the hair strands.

Jennifer Zeuner Star Double Necklace (50 USD value) – Such a dainty minimalist necklace that goes with everything. I like how subtle it looks yet it also looks elegant.

Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask (39 USD) – I like this violet-ish clay mask. It takes a little while to set and dry on the face but it does purify the pores and take out excess oil.

Grace & Stella Rose Facial Spray (25.95 USD) – This is a really nice facial spray to use everyday. It’s great as a facial hydrator or to soften harsh makeup, and even to set it. A definite must-have.

Whish Exfoliating Foot Mask (32 USD) – This foot mask works really well in moisturizing the feet because it has a softening effect. It does have a somewhat strong coconut and verbena mix scent.

Coola Organic SPF 30 Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray (1.7 oz: 36 US) – I have mixed feelings about this makeup setting spray. It leaves a white powdery substance on the face and it sticks to my hair right after each and every spray. I’m not sure if this is such a good idea for being a setting spray at all.

Summer & Rose Navy Diamond Tote (50 USD) – This summer-ready comfy tote can carry just about anything. It’s perfect for any picnic and it’s 100% cotton. I love its strong yet comfy handles.

Oh, what an interesting Summer box to play with. What do you think of this season’s box? Did you like it?

Samaya Skincare Kapha Hydrating Cleanser & Anti-Ageing Cream Review

July 24, 2019 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

Hey guys. A few months ago, I talked about one of my favorite skincare finds that caters to natural and clean ingredients – the Samaya Skincare. Apart from creating products that blend the benefit of nature, they’re also based on Ayurvedic principles. You can read more about their background and skincare principles in my previous review HERE. In that review, I mentioned that my Dosha and overall skin constitution totally belongs to the Kapha range. The products in the Kapha range mostly have a nice soothing earthy scent and they work really well in restoring the natural balance of my skin. Recently, I had a chance to try the Kapha Anti-Ageing Cream and the Hydrating Cleanser. Here are my thoughts.

Kapha Anti-Ageing Cream (50 ml: £89) – This moisturizer has a lightweight feel with a soothing earthy scent. It feels very spa-like and it goes on creamy. The packaging is in a thick glass and it’s very easy to use. I love that my skin absorbs this easily and it leaves no sticky residue nor any whitish film. I don’t find the scent obtrusive at all and it’s actually quite relaxing. For my oily-prone skin, this works really well in maintaining its moisture and it doesn’t exacerbate the oiliness. For me, this is just what I need as a perfect everyday moisturizer because its consistency feels just right, that is, not too thick and not too thin. On top of that, it really makes my skin supple to the touch. Some of its main ingredients are Aloe Leaf Extract, Vitamin E, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Sandalwood Oil to mention a few.

Kapha Hydrating Cleanser (100 ml: £70.80) – The first thing that came to mind when I first tried this cleanser was how hydrating this cleanser felt. It is probably one of the most moisturizing and creamiest cleansers I’ve ever tried, and it’s just what I needed from a skin-drying long-hour flight. My skin suffers from blotchiness and dry spots whenever I’m on the plane too long, and also when I’m adjusting to my destination’s climate, air quality, and weather/temperature. It’s often during these times that I think a nice creamy cleanser will do the job in bringing back hydration to my skin. Oh well, thank goodness I think I now have a creamy cleanser to love. This Samaya Kapha Hydrating Cleanser will not only be good for my long-haul flights, but I can also see a lot of usage of this product in the coming Winter when my skin will get very dry. Additionally, this cleanser gently removes makeup and it works for sensitive or even oily skin, but if you tend to have dry skin, then this product is definitely meant for you.

This creamy cleanser comes in a tall, slim, heavy, glass bottle and its pump has been recently redesigned. In this review, I received the old pump design but I never really had a dispensing issue from it. Some of its ingredients are Turmeric Root Oil (Anti-inflammatory/Antioxidant), Saccharide Isomerate (lasting hydration), Gotu Koala Oil (stimulates collagen production), Sandalwood Oil (softening) and so much more.

Overall, these two all-natural Ayurvedic products from the Samaya Kapha range of skincare are very well-done and they both deserve to be a staple in everyone’s daily skincare routine simply because they truly deliver and their ingredients are fab.

For more information about the Samaya Ayurveda Skincare, please visit their website samayaayurveda.com

* Products provided by Samaya Ayurveda Skincare. The reviews, photos, and opinions herein are solely mine.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 Top Picks

July 19, 2019 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

Hi guys. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 is currently on and today it’s going to be open for everyone until August 5, Monday. I didn’t have a chance to shop during the early access for cardholders because I’ve been busy traveling and had just gotten over my jet lag. I do have some items on wishlist though, and a lot of these items are the ones I’ve been eyeing since last year. Speaking of last year’s sale, I didn’t get to shop that much either, so with this year’s Nordys Sale (which I think has the best selection of on sale items so far), I am definitely purchasing some stuff.

Check out my wishlist and top picks below. The prices shown are the current sale price.

1. Bobbi Brown Instant Glow Lip & Highlighter Set (35 USD)

2. Charlotte Tilbury Easy Portable Pocket Sized Eye Palette (55 USD)

3. Giorgio Armani Iconic Glow Set (90 USD)

4. Diptyque Set of 5 Travel Size Candles (55 USD)

5. Nest Grapefruit, Ocean Mist & Sea Salt & Bamboo Votive Candle Trio (30 USD)

6. Tom Ford Eye & Mini Lip Set (88 USD)

7. Beautyblender All That Glitters Makeup Sponge Set (35 USD)

8. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil Mini Duo (72 USD)

9. NuFace White Trinity Anniversary Facial Toning Kit (217.75 USD)

10. Nars Private Paradise Face Palette (42 USD)

SHOP THIS LIST BELOW

Last year’s sale, I wasn’t able to purchase any Tom Ford items since they got sold out immediately, so, this year, I’m really loving all the TF sets. Also, the Giorgio Armani Iconic Glow Set is TDF, and if you’re a fan of scented candles, the Diptyque Set of 5 Travel Candles is such a good deal. If beauty and skincare tools are your thing, I’ve been eyeing the NuFace White Facial Toning Kit which has always been pricey but it seems really good for toning the face. Additionally, who couldn’t resist the Nars Private Paradise Face Palette? You’ll get a contour, highlighter, and blush in one single palette, along with shades that match to your skintone.

Not really sure what’s my criteria in choosing the items below. I do notice that a lot of the items in the Nordstrom Sale are mostly wardrobes that are meant for Fall. While that’s also nice, for me, I think I don’t really plan to buy my clothes in preparation for the upcoming season. I have more of a “buy now, wear whenever” approach to clothing, LOL.

1. Vince Camuto Cabbage Rose Toile Sleeveless Chiffon Blouse (52.90 USD)

2. BLANKNYC Suede Mini Skirt (64.90 USD)

3. Caslon Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee (18.90 USD)

4. Halogen Check Blazer (89.90 USD)

5. Thread & Supply Wubby Fleece Pullover (49.90 USD)

SHOP THIS LIST BELOW

I’ve always been curious about the Thread & Supply Fleece Pullover. I don’t own one. It seems really comfy and I think I could use it for whenever the temps go low. The BLANKNYC Suede Mini Skirt is really nice.

6. All In Favor Wrap Top (25.90 USD)

7. ASTR The Label Lace Midi Dress (58.90 USD)

8. Halogen Ribbed Sweater (29.90 USD)

9. Halogen Tie-Waist Twill Pants (65.90 USD)

10. Spanx Thinstincts Mid Thigh Shorts (38.50 USD)

11. Spanx Power Short Mid Thigh Shaper (23.90 USD)

12. Halogen Single Breasted Blazer (85.90 USD)

13. Something Navy Flecked Crewneck Sweater (49.90 USD)

SHOP THIS LIST BELOW

Now, there’s a lot of things on this list that I love. First of all, the Nordys Sale is the best time to buy Spanx at a cheaper price. These things are useful to smoothen the lumps and the bumps. The Halogen Twill Pants seem really chic, and I’ve got to try that ASTR The Label Midi Dress that everyone’s talking about. I’m just not quite sure about the sizing of that dress though. Also, not sure if I could pull off that All In Favor Wrap Top.

14. BLANKNYC Faux Fur Teddy Coat (64.90 USD)

15. Rails Whitney Print Shirt (98.90 USD)

16. J.Crew It’s in the Stars Tee (25.90 USD)

17. Spanx Higher Power Mid-Thigh Shaping Shorts (24.90 USD)

18. Frame Le High Waist Skinny Jeans (139.90 USD)

19. Spanx Undie-tectable Lace Hipster Panties (15.90 USD)

20. Rails Hunter Plaid Shirt (99.90 USD)

21. Rebecca Minkoff Jody Croc Embossed Leather Circle Crossbody Bag (185.90 USD)

SHOP THIS LIST BELOW

Last Winter, I was dreaming of Teddy Coats. This year, I’m eyeing that BLANKNYC Faux Fur Teddy Coat. I also love the Rails Clothing because they’re all so comfy and that Whitney Print Shirt is giving me a laid-back Summer vibe. I also saw the Rebecca Minkoff Jody Croc Circle Crossbody bag IRL and it’s really sleek and stunning.

And that comprises my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 Wishlist and Top Picks. Are you shopping for this year’s sale? What’s on your list?

follow @reviewsandotherstuff

reviewsandotherstuff

1,724