Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel Review

I don't usually talk about cleansers, but I thought it would be a nice change of pace since I actually finished this product. This is a sulfate-free cleanser and makeup remover. Although I got this as part of my Birchbox, you can get this here.


This cleansing gel claims to be made from amino acids that deep cleans the skin while protecting its natural moisture. I found it to be a mild cleanser that didn't leave me bone dry (a good thing), while doing a fairly decent job of removing makeup (although not all the way). I had no problems with irritation to my skin, so that's a big bonus as well.  The only downside is that it has a rather strong herbally smell. Luckily it doesn't linger for too long afterwards.

Bottom Line: It's a nice gentle cleanser (as long as you don't mind the smell), but it doesn't remove all makeup (even though it claims to be a makeup remover as well). I personally will not be buying a full-sized item since it doesn't fully meet my needs.

CND Sticky Anchoring Base Coat Review

As I continue my search for the perfect base coat, I've decided to try out the CND Sticky Anchoring Base Coat. If this is the "Sticky Base" that I often hear reference to, then it's supposed to be good and worth a try. I got mine at Ulta, but I believe Sally's sells CND products as well.

This is touted as a soft, sticky base coat that anchors nail polish so it won't chip or peel. It does live up to these claims. I do feel like my polish lasts a little longer, and doesn't chipped as quickly as my polishes usually do. It's a thinner formula that applies easily and evenly, leaving a very slight (nearly colorless) green tint. This tint doesn't affect the polish color on top. The only downside to this base coat is that it doesn't protect the nails as well as other base coats. I find that some of the darker polishes (like dark greens) have stained my nails.

Bottom Line: If you have issues with chipping nail polish, this is the way to go. Just be careful with staining polishes. If you don't tend to wear darker polishes, this won't be a problem. I like this for most of my polishes, but I'm still on the look out for stain-protecting base as well.

Maybelline The Colossal Cat Eyes Volum' Express Mascara in Glam Black: Review & Swatches

Next to blush, I think the makeup item that gets me into trouble (as in sucks me in to buy it when I don't need it) is mascara. It doesn't even have to be the newest and greatest on the market, it just needs to be new to me and I'm hooked.  Now buying the Maybelline The Colassal Cat Eyes Volum' Express Mascara was out of necessity (I was on a trip and didn't pack one), and I've never tried it so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

This mascara is a collagen formula that has a "claw" bristle brush that plumps and spikes out lashes at the corners. All this is to mimic cat eyes without clumping. I found this to be a dryer formula that would leave an occasional fiber flake behind.  It did a beautiful job emphasizing my almond-shaped eyes by really flaring out my lashes and giving volume. The issue I had is that since it's already a dry formula to start with, it became too dry and unusable quickly.

Note: I thought I took a pic of this on my lashes, but I guess I didn't. My B.

Bottom Line: The shelf life once you start using the mascara isn't worth it for me personally. If you don't mind not being able to use this for a longer time frame, you should look into it since the effect is cat-i-licious!

Milani Eyeshadow Primer in Nude: Review & Swatches

I don't know about you guys, but I'm personally excited that finally drug store brands are finally creating eyeshadow primers that work, and today we have the Milani Eyeshadow Primer. Of course this particular gem has been out for a few months at this point in time, but I still like giving my two cents, especially since my super greasy lids require a primer.

To continue reading the review, click the link below.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara: Preview, Review, & Swatches

The Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara is a product I got from Influenster to try out and review. As stated in prior posts, just because I got it for free does NOT mean that I won't give my honest opinion. This mascara should be coming out in stores near you this month, and some of you may have even seen it already.  This mascara is another fiber mascara with a special "Grow Lash Complex" that helps your eyelashes lengthen with continued use.

To continue with the review and see swatches, click the link below.

SquareHue June Box: Review & Swatches

Why is this post late? Well refer here to get the answer to that question. June's SquareHue box theme is SoBe (abbreviation for South Beach).  I think city name abbreviations are silly, like WeHo for West Hollywood.  That said, June's box colors are hands down the best collection thus far.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

June Ipsy Glam Bag: Contents & Mini Review

So another month goes by, in which I didn't get this post out earlier in the month. My bad. That said, I haven't had internet access at my place for the last week (ya I know it's not a legitimate excuse if I finished the post earlier).  I still have no internet at home, but I have time to kill at Starbucks before I need to be in for the day.  Now that I got all the housekeeping items out of the way, I figure I should get to the task on hand. June's Ipsy Glam Bag theme is On the Wild Side. This is the first bag I TRULY dig. I liked the color of the May bag, but I like both the color and style of this one. The lime green zipper accent is fabulous, especially the way it's on the side (vs. the top). The material is sturdier as well, which is an added bonus.

To see what's inside the bag and some mini reviews, click the link below.