Hello You! It’s about time for this month’s Sephora Play! Hmmm, I have mixed feelings about this June’s box contents because a lot of the stuff I got seemed way too familiar, except for one. It’s kind of annoying because I seem to keep getting the same stuff over and over again, and I think I’ll probably unsubscribe from this box pretty soon. However, I’d like to give it a few more chances and I’ll let you guys know whether I’ll actually say “Bye Felicia” to Sephora Play. But anyways, here are the stuff I got this month and check out what I think about them.
Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips (1.69-6.7 oz: $9.50-$26) – If you’re looking for that all-around makeup remover that can do the task of removing all kinds of stubborn makeup even down to the waterproof ones, plus the fact that it’s very gentle to use around the eyes, well this original and cult-classic favorite from Clinique will never let you down. I like keeping some travel versions of this remover because it’s very useful to have. Also, right now I’m using the Balm version of this, and it’s really great (reviewed HERE).
Cover Fx Perfect Setting Powder in Light Translucent (0.14-0.35 oz: $14 – $35) – This is a newness for me, and I seem to really love this talc-free loose setting powder. I’ve only used this for a couple of times and I have to test and investigate this powder more. So far, my initial impressions are really positive. This powder seems to really work well with baking and it’s not ghosting on me, lol. It very fine-milled and so fluffy and it seems to control the annoying oiliness that normally seeps through my makeup over time.
Marajó Nourishing Cleansing Crème (8.5 oz: $29) & Deep Treatment Butter (5.3 oz: $29) – I already received this in my March 2018 Box (HERE). I never liked this before and I still don’t like this now. This makes my hair very oily even after washing as if I had not washed it at all. I also didn’t like the smell and texture. For the price, there are better options out there.
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (2.5-8.1 oz: $20-$45) – I’ve been using this body cream a lot and had taken a break from it for a while, right now I’m on the Açai Body Power (further reviewed HERE). This cream has a nice sweet Vanilla scent and the texture is so creamy and so hydrating on the skin. It’s one of my most beloved creams (see the rest HERE) and it doesn’t disappoint. Also, the shimmer of this cream is amazing and it makes the skin look radiant and Summer-ready.
Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream (4-8 oz: $28-$38) – I don’t use a lot of drama to my hair. Just a nice shampoo and conditioner will usually do the job, and perhaps with the help of an effective heat protectant from time to time whenever I feel like blow-drying it, which I don’t do much often these days. But if you ask me what’s my favorite styling product, I would say that it would have to be this No Frizz Nourishing Cream from Living Proof. I always keep a tube of this on my bathroom shelf, and it works like a charm. It tames frizzies, flyaways, and it makes the hair look shiny. For a more detailed review of this product, click HERE.
So, as I’ve said before, I’ll let you know if I’m actually going to stop subscribing to Sephora Play. I’m thinking of giving this subscription a few more tries, but maybe not. It depends. There’s another subscription box I have in mind and it seems really promising. A friend of mine talked to me about it and had shown me her box, and guess what? I was really smitten. So stay tuned and will update you guys soon. Ciao!
Hey Everyone! As far as I can remember, I’ve always been a fan of body lotions, believe it or not. I know some people tend to shy away from using them because they don’t really like the feeling of the cream on their skin. I’m the opposite, as long as the lotion is non-greasy and non-sticky, it will always find a space in my home. If I’m not hoarding lipsticks or eyeliners, you will find me hoarding body lotions. Ha! Yeah, it all started when my mom used to douse me with the good ol‘ Johnson and Johnson. From then on, some things had never really changed.
As opposed to my oily-prone face, my skin overall tends to get really dry, especially during cold seasons. I’ve suffered from dry patches, skin bumps, and itchy dry irritated skin. That’s why I always make sure that I have body lotions and foot creams on my bedside table. Speaking of foot creams, check out this review of my favorite foot moisturizers, seen HERE. Anyway, if you’re into lotions like I do, or if you’re looking for some good body creams or body moisturizers in town, here are the body lotions that got me through every Winter and early Spring. Some of them are my holy grails, while some are my recent discoveries.
Nivea Cherry Blossom And Jojoba Oil Infused Lotion (16.9 fl oz: $5.49) – This is probably one of the best-scented drugstore body lotions you could find. Its floral scent smells really nice and apart from its really cheap price, it’s hefty packaging is guaranteed to last a long time. I love that it comes in a pump dispenser, which makes it really easy to use. However, this isn’t like most of the Nivea body creams and lotions that I’ve tried before which are really creamy and moisturizing. This one is infused with Jojoba oil, so the consistency of this lotion is kind of thin, yet not necessarily oily. It’ll moisture your skin well for the spring or summer but you may venture into something else for the winter because this isn’t the thick and creamy type. More like a good every affordable everyday lotion.
Belif Body Bomba Lotion in Lemon Verbena (8.4 oz: $26) – From the makers of the popular Aqua Bomb moisturizer and a true K-beauty favorite, comes a really nice lotion that smells exactly like what it says, a lemon and verbena blend that is both invigorating and really replenishing. This lotion doesn’t feel sticky nor too heavy. Its scent is not overpowering and its formulation gets absorbed by the skin easily. It has a rich soft feel that moisturizes the skin all throughout the day.
Tocca Stella Crema Da Corpo Body Lotion (9 oz: $20) – A lot of people mentioned that this particular lotion does not smell like the popular Tocca Stella Eau de Parfum. While I haven’t really sniffed the Stella Perfume to be able to compare both products, I can tell you that there’s a lot to like about this body lotion. First, it comes in a really nice vintage-looking, easy to open, unique packaging, which makes it for a great item on your vanity table or tray. Second, it has this kind of a Mediterranean scent, which will make you feel nostalgic about your previous sojourn to places like Italy or Spain. Just imagine smelling a blend of roses and mix with blood orange or mandarin while strolling under the nice warm Mediterranean sun. This lotion will set you in the mood for that. Third, this doesn’t feel too thick nor too thin, and it’s non-greasy. I believe this is a nice everyday lotion with a slightly fruity and very floral scent that will grow on you as you keep using it.
Sol de Janeiro Açaí Body Power Cream (2.5 oz: $20, 8.1 oz: $45) – I’m a big fan of Sol de Janeiro body creams. I’ve repurchased the Bum Bum Cream several times that right now I’m kind of taking a break from it. So I’m currently enjoying their Açai Body Power cream which is pretty much similar to the Bum Bum Cream in terms of texture and consistency. Both comes in cute packaging and both also have fine shimmers to them. The Bum Bum Cream has golden shimmers while this Açai Body Power Cream has a peachy glow. What I love about this is its fresh floral scent and its shimmers have a very summery vibe. On the other hand, the Bum Bum Cream’s scent can be too heady for some, but this Açai Body Power is just a delight to use every day. Overall, I do recommend both creams whichever scent you may prefer, because you won’t only get lasting skin hydration from them, you’ll also get that shimmering skin effect.
Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion (6.5 oz: $43) – This lotion has a really nice clean non-irritating scent. A scent that is reminiscent of a lot of high-end creams, which are light and luxurious. It has a very soft and very lightweight feel but very moisturizing nonetheless. It’s the kind of lotion that you know you’re going to love the moment you apply it on the skin, and it doesn’t interfere with any perfumes or colognes. Also, it doesn’t feel greasy at all and it’ll melt into your skin easily. Moisturizing even to the driest part of your body. Overall, this makes for a great everyday lightweight body moisturizer.
Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm (4.1 oz: $35.00, 17 oz: $97.00) – I love love love this body cream. It’s so good and you just can’t get enough of it. It’s like you just ate a thousand fresh oranges and the scent of its skin lingers on your hands, fingers, and all over the body. It moisturizes the skin well and it leaves rough dry areas supple. It isn’t greasy and it isn’t sticky. Your skin will absorb this easily and it will smell so refreshing and invigorating. It’s so good yet it’s so pricey, but it’s well worth it. P. S. I also use this as a hand cream because I love that it has a nice not too light and not too thick texture.
Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion (8 oz: $18) – This is another great lightweight lotion that has a nice crisp slightly lemon scent. It a great unisex body moisturizer with a scent that disappears over time rather easily, which makes it ideal for everyday use, even to those who couldn’t stand any kind of fragrances in their skincare products. It’s quite similar to the Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion above, but this kind of feels even lighter and it’s perfect as a Summer body hydrator.
Philosophy Amazing Grace Whipped Body Crème (8 oz: $35) – This body cream is not only cute with its millennial pink packaging, it also hydrates the skin well like no other. It has a whipped consistency and has a very thick rich texture that softens dark rough areas of the body. It’s so moisturizing and it’s great for calluses or any other dry irritated skin. It’s lightly scented with the popular Philosophy Amazing Grace fragrance, which is fresh, clean, and light, and it comes in a hefty tub container that you can use all throughout the Winter season and beyond. Speaking of Winter, this is a great lotion to use during the dry cold months, and you don’t really need to apply a lot of it in order to get its moisturizing effect. Just a little bit goes a long way.
Fresh
Seaberry Restorative Body Cream (6.8 oz: $27) – True to its name, this body lotion is really soothing and calming to the skin. This has a bit of a curative effect, that is because this literally calmed my skin bumps at least all throughout the day of using this. Its texture is also not too thin and not too thick and it’s very hydrating. I don’t particularly like its strong lavender scent but it’s a lotion that not only keeps the skin smooth and soft, it actually softens and hydrates the dry rough areas.
Sugar Lemon Body Lotion (10 oz: $23) – I’m a long time fan of this line of body lotions from Fresh, and this Sugar Lemon scent is my second most favorite. It’s a fresh sort of sweet refreshing scent that will last throughout the day and the next. It can be overpowering at times, but it’s not bad. The lotion itself is lightweight but it moisturizes well. It’s great to use every day whether you have sensitive skin or not, and the packaging is cute and decently sized.
Hesperides Grapefruit Body Lotion (10 oz: $23) – Of all the Fresh body lotions, this is by far my most favored scent. I have used this for as long as I can remember, together with another lotion below, and it is SO good. Using this is always a refreshing experience and I love that it’s lightweight, it goes into the skin easily, and it keeps it moisturized for the whole day and the next. The fresh grapefruit scent is so irresistible and also noticeable on your clothes the following day. I highly recommend that you give this one a try.
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Sweet Citrus (8 oz: $35) – Here’s my other favorite body moisturizer. One that is somewhat thick, very rich, and oh so creamy. My go-to body lotion every Winter and early Spring. This is so moisturizing it literally melts on the skin like butter, and with its Sweet Citrus scent, it’s hard to find another product that could topple this. I’ve probably tried all the different scents of this particular body butter, but I always come back to the Sweet Citrus one because it’s simply irresistibly refreshing as if you’re in a spa, and it’s never boring. I get a lot of compliments about how good I smell whenever I use this. Since this body butter is infused with Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, and Shea Butter, it’s an ideal product for people dry skin, and perfect for cold dry seasons. It’s also great as a cream to heal dry cracked heels of the feet and it’s non-sticky and non-greasy
Korres Body Butters
Yoghurt (7.95 oz:$31) – This is my latest discovery from last Winter. I got so curious about this since I’m also a fan of Korres skincare products. I find that this body moisturizer really delivers in moisturizing dry rough skin very well. It’s really thick and is very creamy, because of that, it takes a good amount of rubbing and dabbing on the skin to get the product to spread evenly. If you don’t do that, it might just sit on top of the skin. But it’s really not a big deal since this body butter not only keeps the skin smooth and soft, it’s also not sticky nor greasy. The yoghurt scent is my most favorite because it’s light, clean, and calming.
Guava (7.95 oz: $31) – Smells like sweet guava. This is ideal for those like tropical scents in their body lotions. This body butter is really thick that it’s a good idea not to put a lot of it on the skin due to the richness of its consistency.
Whether it’s winter or summer or in any season, I’m always on the lookout for a well-scented and well-performing body creams. I’m a big fan of creams that not only moisturizes the skin during cold dry months but also illuminates it during bright sunny days for that glowy and radiant look, not to mention having irresistible scents. But, there’s not a long of body creams or even lotions like that nowadays. I may have found one drugstore brand but I got bored with the scent and the shimmers were too much. So my quest for that ideal body cream went on, that is until I received a sample of Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and Açai Body Power Cream.
I have read amazing reviews about these two creams and I was so excited to try them myself. The first thing I noticed is that these two creams both smell divine, delicious, refreshing and addicting. Their scents are very different from each other yet both are very pleasing to the senses and have very rich textures. They also have very fine shimmers (mica) and are very moisturizing and easily absorbed by the skin. Hmmm, might be the body cream I have been looking for.
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream: pronounced as “Boom Boom” in Brazil, this cheeky-named cream is not only ideal for the bum but also works great for the legs, arms, tummy and basically all over the body. It’s meant to tighten the skin and reduce or prevent cellulite with its active ingredients like; Guaraná (has fives times the caffeine and promotes natural circulation while smoothing skin), Cupuaçu Butter (locks in moisture), Açai (antioxidant) and Coconut Oil (softens and moisturizes the skin). You just have to massage this cream in a circular motion and enjoy the delicious pistachio caramel scent or should I say vanilla ice cream plus the added shimmer. Though the toning or skin tightening effect remains to be seen, this cream feels so good you just can’t resist it.
Açai Body Power Cream: with tiny flecks of peachy Mica for an all over body glow, this one of a kind super moisturizing body cream is loaded with antioxidants like Açai, moisture-locking Cupuaçu Butter and softening Coconut Oil. Almost the same ingredients found in the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream but without the Guaraná, yet this one contain the most potent form of Açai for a resilient and healthy-looking skin. The best thing about this cream is that it gets absorbed by the body easily and is also very lightweight like the Bum Bum Cream. But it doesn’t stop there, the scent is extremely refreshing, flowery-fruity and irresistible to the point that it’s so addicting you couldn’t stop sniffing it. At one point, I thought it smelled like Diptyque Baies Candle, and we all adore that scent, right? I think I may have found my ideal body cream, especially for winter.
Bottom line, even though these two creams don’t have SPF, I highly recommend these Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and Açai Body Power Cream by Sol De Janeiro. I think they’re truly great to have whether you’re frolicking near the beach (just be sure to add Spf), or just hibernating in the cold winter months. You may or may not notice the tightening effect or the cellulite reduction effect of the Bum Bum Cream but you will definitely love it for its super-yummy scent and hydration benefit. As of the Açai Body Power Cream, you know you’re getting the antioxidants for your skin with a breathtaking scent.
