Review: By Terry Baume de Rose

Today's review is of a product that I've mentioned in numerous videos over the last couple of years. 

However, it's one that always comes with a disclaimer and one that I have hesitated to write a review on. The reason for all this wishy-washyness (not a word) is because of the hefty price tag. I almost feel as though this has become the "Product-That-Shall-Not-be-Named", but I've delayed long enough.

The By Terry Baume de Rose is my weakness! There, I said it. It's an ultra-luxe rose-scented lip balm that makes you feel like a princess. And on top of that, it works! It's incredibly reparative and gives you full, beautifully nourished lips all winter long. I have an arsenal, and I mean ARSENAL, of rosey-balmy lip conditioners that  I've collected in an attempt to find a dupe, and NONE come close to this beauty. 

How can some one justify $60 on a lip balm you ask? Honestly I can't. I will however be repurchasing this ASAP (just finished the pot - these pictures are a bit old). Not only is this an amazing lip repair, but it's also beautiful on the lips. I found myself wearing this as my main lip product for the day when I was just looking for something comfortable and flattering. It always makes my lips plumper and healthier; and totally kissable, making it the perfect date night lip product.

This is something for the luxury lovers and beauty junkies of this world. It's not for the feint of heart when it comes to dropping $$ on cosmetics. But for those of you in the prior category that have been living under a rock and have never given this a go, I urge you to spend your well-earned money on a tiny jar of lip balm. FYI it lasts forever :)

Love, 

Claire

R&D: Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Foundation

Hey guys! I'm here today with a video on my opinion of the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Foundation. Let me know what you think if you have tried this product!

Hope you enjoy the video!

Love, 

Claire

R&D: Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation

As a foundation junkie I have accumulated quite the assortment of both drugstore and high end face base products. Today's review is on a much more negative note than the last foundation R&D I put together. I find it so easy to just abandon the products that I don't enjoy and focus my blogging and youtube attentions to the products that deserve the hype and attention. However, I must remember that a negative review is just as important and informative as a positive. I hope you enjoy the video!

Thanks for watching!

Claire

Brand Review: Bite Beauty

After hearing so much hype about Bite Beauty over the last few months, I decided to throw in my two cents about the brand. In this video I go over the products that I have tried from one of my favorite lip products companies. I also talk a little about some of the information I learned from doing a little online research. Definitely check out the video below to see which products I recommend, and which products to avoid from Bite Beauty. I hope you guys enjoy!

Thanks for watching!

Love, 

Claire

Empties: April 2014

This is a big one. Get ready for copious amounts of makeup and skincare for your empty-loving viewing pleasure!

Products Mentioned:

Julep Volumizing Mascara (Black)

Julep Lengthening Mascara (Brown)

Blinc Mascara (Black)

Maybeline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner Black

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner Innocent 

Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream

Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer

A! Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissues, Vitamin E
MAC Wipes
Sesha Skin Therapy Rejuvenating Anti-Wrinkle Mask
Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner
Kiehl's Line Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate
Alchimie Forever Firming Gel for Neck & Bust
Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment
L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Serum
Nuxe Serum Merveillance
Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur
Marc Jacobs Eau de Toilette
Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap New England Autumn Bouquet (discontinued)
Softsoap Hand Soap Tuscan Fig & Plum (discontinued)
REN Neroli & Grapefruit Body Cream
Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow Shower Gel
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner
Organix (now OGX) renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Organix (now OGX) renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner
Tresemme Vitamin Enriched Heat Tamer Spray
Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray
Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

Sample/Travel Sizes

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara Black
Alpha-H Liquid Gold
Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Intensive Vitalizing Eye Complex
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Amore Pacific FUTURE RESPONSE Age Defense Cream
Tilvee Cranberry Balancing Facial Lotion
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster
Paula's Choice RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water
Marc Jacobs Honey Eau de Parfum
Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum
Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum
Kiehl's Creme de Corps
L'Occitane Amande Firming & Smoothing Milk Concentrate
Elemis Lime & Ginger Hand & Body Wash
John Masters Organica Evening Primrose Shampoo
Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo
Bumble & Bumble Thickening Conditioner
Phyto Phytobaume Hydration Express Conditioner
Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream (x3)
Tresemme Tres Two Hairspray
Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

Candles
Bath & Body Works Green Grass (discontinued)

Hope you enjoyed!
Love,
Claire

Review: Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

Costco was definitely the last place I thought I would find beauty products that would spark my interest. Surprisingly enough, a few months ago, I ran across the Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. I quickly pulled out my iphone and realized that it was half off! Price aside, I thoroughly enjoyed using this product (I went through it completely). 

In the mornings, after toning I would apply this thin, but yet moisturizing serum all over my face and neck and follow with other serums or directly with my moisturizer and sunscreen. Not only did it sink into the skin quickly and made me feel more hydrated, but the slight sheen/shimmer in the product gave my skin a beautiful glow that was perfect to go under makeup or barefaced. Since this product sinks into the skin so easily and doesn't feel greasy or pore-clogging at all, I would recommend this for all skin types.

Definitely browse your local bulk food supply store for this beautiful skincare bit (I also see it often at CCO's). Unfortunately, as much as I enjoy it, there are other serums I prefer and I don't think it's worth the full sale price.

Hope you enjoyed and let me know if you have ever tried any other Estee Lauder skincare in the comments below!

Love,
Claire

R&D: Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream

Another new series? Yes! I decided it was time to share with you my obsession with foundation/base products. To do so informatively and effectively, I've put together the first of many (hopefully) R&D videos. For those who may not know, typically, in the non-youtube/blogging would, R&D refers to Research and Development. Conveniently enough, it also stands for Review and Demo. Thus, comes the infinitely creative name of "Foundation R&D". This is where a graduate degree has gotten me...

Jokes and self-deprication aside, the first installment of Foundation R&D is focused on the Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream. One of my all time favorite foundation products of all time (featured in my Top Favorite Foundations video), this is the product that sparked my interest of Asian cosmetics. 

In case you are interested in purchasing this product, it can be found on Amazon (like everything else), however I have personally only purchased it from brick and mortar locations. One of those is local to me (here in Portland) and conveniently has an online store as well (with free shipping over $50). Pretty and Cute is an adorable (not surprisingly) beauty supply store right on the edge of Portland that is known for their great customer service and access to hard-to-find Asian beauty products (and no I am not affiliated with them and they have no idea who I am or that I'm writing these wonderful words about them). Hope you guys enjoy the review and demo and let me know in the comments below what you thought of this new type of video!

Love,
Claire

Review: Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayons

A brand that I have loved for over a year and a half is Bite Beauty. Focused on using primarily food grade ingredients, Bite Beauty is a lip product brand that truly deserves more attention. A line full of high quality products, they recently released limited edition Matte Creme Lip Crayons in bold and beautiful colors. During the VIB Rouge 15% sale I picked up three colors that I thought I would share with you today. I chose Kumquat, Sweety, and Satsuma.  

First things first, the lip pencils are creamy and incredibly pigmented. Not only are they a bold spring/summer statement lip but they are long lasting and comfortable to wear. I was curious to see if I had anything in my collection that was comparable (including limited edition shades). As you can see below Sweety is the closest to Milani Fruit Punch, but still not an exact dupe. 

While Satsuma is probably the shade that I had that most similar lippies, like Nars Yu and Mac Embrace Me, it still doesn't compare to them because the texture is unlike anything else I have. The faint citrus smell is pleasant and adds to the entire experience of this product. My only gripe is that they didn't make more shades. All the released colors are bright and bold, and for those that don't feel comfortable with such a statement look, cannot partake. However, a very similar product, the Bite Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencils are equally creamy and pigmented. However, they are glossy and don't come in a matte finish.

If you are a fan of the bold lip, I say run to your closest Sephora, the exclusive retailer of Bite Beauty, for the Matte Creme Lip Crayons. I have really fallen in love and look forward to wearing these in the upcoming warmer months. 

Hope you enjoyed!

Love, 

Claire

Empties: March 2014

Only after a mere two weeks, I completed enough products to fill up an entire bag to talk about! Many of the deluxe samples I tried ended up being full size purchases during the Sephora VIB Rouge 15% Sale. Check out the video below to see my mini reviews of all the products I used up during the last half of march (aka since my Current Empties video).

Products Mentioned:

Shiseido Facial Cotton

Julep Quick Dry Drops

Philosophy Fresh Peaches with Cream Body Lotion

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Honey & Vanilla Dream Body Wash & Foam Gel (discontinued)
Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo
Rene Furterer Fiorvanti No-Rinse Detangling Spray
Joico K-Pak Shampoo
Joico K-Pak Conditioner
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50
PCA SKIN Clearskin
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum
Marc Jacobs Lash Lifter Gel Definition Mascara 20 Blaquer
MAC Prep + Prime Lash

Samples

Aqua di Parma Colonia Intensa

 Prada Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion
Amika Oil Treatment
Phyto Phytobaume Hydration Express Conditioner
Phyto Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Brilliance Shampoo
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser 
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray
Sephora Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15
Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Dior Capture Totale One Essential
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

Candles

Bath & Body Works Wild Strawberry (discontinued)

Hope you enjoyed, 

Claire

Favorites: March 2014

Over the last few weeks I found a few new favorites that I wanted to bring to your attention. One of my favorite skincare lines, First Aid Beauty is back in my life in full swing. Featuring both a cleanser and exfoliator from the line in the video, I'm only scratching the surface on plethora of amazing products First Aid Beauty creates. Stay tuned for a Brand Review video of First Aide Beauty in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my March Favorites!

Love, 

Claire

Review: First Aide Beauty Face Cleanser

As of late I am falling madly in love with many products from the First Aid Beauty Range. Not only are they reasonably priced for high quality products, but they contain no nasty ingredients, are safe for all skin types (including sensitive), and are incredibly effective. In the past I've only used the shaving cream, and was very impressed, but recently I've gotten my hands on some of their most basic and best selling products. Today's review is on the First Aide Beauty Face Cleanser. 

Creamy and foaming but without stripping the skin, this white cleanser has been great for my hyper-sensitive skin. The last few weeks have also proven to be intensely stressful and my skin shows it! First Aide Beauty to the rescue with this calming and fragrance-free cleanser. After makeup removal I lather this all over my face with either my hands or in combination with my Clarisonic, I feel refreshed and cleansed, without that "tight-skin feeling". I definitely recommend this delicate and lovely cleanser for anyone and everyone. If you are suffering from irritated and acne-prone skin (like me) the First Aide Beauty Face Cleanser with surely calm your woes. 

Love, 

Claire

Review: Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water

As promised, this year I'm making sure that I give credit to the stand out products that I love and recommend wholeheartedly. I have found that many a "holy grail" item has slipped through the cracks and never been put on stage to receive it's well deserved applause. Today's standing ovation goes to the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water. Compared to the famed Bioderma, along many others, I have come to the conclusion that this is the best cleansing water I have ever used.

After soaking the Shiseido Cotton Pads and holding it over my eye makeup for a few seconds, I am able to swipe away all of my makeup. Without any oily residue, no rubbing or tugging needed, my makeup comes off almost magically. It honestly feels like water, hence the name, without any burning or irritation. Two reasons why this takes the cake versus Bioderma. The first is that it is ever so slightly more effective at makeup removal and second, it is incredibly easily accessible via Sephora.com, Barneys, and even Hautelook. I recommend trying the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water for anyone interested in an easy, effective, and high quality makeup removal product. Do note that I highly discourage this to be the sole cleansing step in your routine, this is only for makeup removal, not cleansing. 

Hope you enjoyed, and let me know in the comments below if you've tried anything from Koh Gen Do!

Love, 

Claire

2013 Favorites: Hair, Body, & Tools

Finally, the last installment of my overdue 2013 Favorites featuring haircare, body care, and tools (including brushes). There were a surprisingly large amount of items in this category, and many extremes (i.e. mentions of Bath & Body Works items while also Oribe). I've found myself over the last year really getting into makeup brushes and starting to appreciate the art of a well manufactured brush and that affects it can have on your makeup application. I've even already made a few more brush investments in 2014 that I'm excited to share and review! Let me know what you think of the video in the comments below and I hope you enjoy!

Products Mentioned

Korres Body Butter Guava

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream

Origins Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash

Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow Shower Gel

Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Malibu Smooth Body Scrub

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish

L'Occitane Almond Delicious Hand Cream

Beauty Blender

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Real Techniques Contour Brush

Real Techniques Multi Task Brush

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush

Sephora Classic Mineral Powder Brush #45

Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush #56

Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki

Sonia Kashuk Domed Blusher Brush No. 29

Sonia Kashuk Blusher Brush No. 2

MAC 150 Large Powder Brush

MAC 109 Small Contour Brush

Kevyn Aucoin Concealer Brush

Bobbi Brown Ultrafine Eye Liner Brush

MAC 217 Blending Brush

MAC 219 Pencil Brush

MAC 286 Duo Fibre Blending Brush

MAC 239 Eye Shading Brush

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray

Love,
Claire

2013 Favorites: Skincare

2013 Favorites or not the following products below that I talk about in the video linked are all time favorites. These are the products that really stood out to me over 2013. In truth, I would have very much like to have uploaded this video when it was filmed in January, but due to life, moving, surgeries, and an inability to handle my sh*t, I bring you the second installment of my 2013 favorites today! I definitely felt as this was still relevant and quality content and I certainly hope you guys enjoy!

Products Mentioned:

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water

Lancome "Eau Fraiche Douceur" Micellar Cleansing Water

Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover

Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil

Shiseido Facial Cotton

Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish

Origins Modern Friction

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

Kiehl's Over-Night Biological Peel

Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater

Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum

Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skin Tone Illuminator

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster

NUDE Radiant Day Moisturizer

PCA Skin Clearskin

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye

Clarins UV Plus HP Multi-Protection Day Screen SPF 40
Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 34
Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Skin-Clearing Treatment
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Mario Basdescu Healing & Soothing Mask
GLAMGLOW SUPER-MUD Clearing Treatment
Skin 79 Rose Moisture Mask
KORRES Lip Butter Guava
BY TERRY Baume de Rose

Love,
Claire

Empties: January to Mid March 2014

During my absence I still collected my empty products in anticipation for review! I hope you enjoy the video below and be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see more!

Products Mentioned:

Suave Kids Detangling Spray Double Dutch Apple*

Phyto Phytheol Intense Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo*

Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head for Sensitive Skin*

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, & Rosewater*

Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap*

Earth Therapeutic Recover-E Cucumber Eye Pads

Masque Bar by Look Beauty Brightening Sheet Mask*

Masque Bar by Look Beauty Anti-Blemish Mud Mask*

The Face Shop Essential Collagen Sheet Mask*

Panier de Sens Nourishing Body Lotion w/ Organic Olive Oil*

Bath & Body Works Shower Gel Vanilla Bean Noel (Limited Edition)

Vera Wang Shower Gel Lovestruck

Bath & Body Works Sleep Luxury Bath Honey Vanilla Dream*

Aveeno Stress Relief Foaming Bath*

Hourglass Film Noir Mascara

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara 005 Burgundy

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NW20*

Model Co. Lip Luxe Duo Dusk/Striptease

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Soap Holly Citrus Wreath (Limited Edition)*

Travel/Sample Sizes:

Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum

Ojon Rare Blend Oil

Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Vibrant Color Shampoo

Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Conditioner

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo*

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner*

Wei East Black Mushroom Beauty Therapy Re-Elasticity*

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew*

AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra Gel*

Nature Republic Fresh Green Tea Toner*

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner*

First Aide Beauty Facial Radiance Pads*

Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Cleansing Foam*

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift & Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm*

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Fresh Rose Face Mask*

Boscia Bright White Mask

Laura Mercier Tarte au Citron Hand Creme (Limited Edition)*

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream*

Farm House Fresh Agave Nectar Body Oil

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Vanilla Apricot

Elemis Tranquil Touch Indulgent Bath Elixer*

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Body & Hand Wash*

Gucci Guilty Eau de Toilette*

Marc Jacobs Dot Eau de Parfum*

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup*

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara

Lancome Definicils Prescious Cells Mascara*

Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Retsina*

Candles

Bath & Body Works Autumn (Limited Edition)*

Fresh Picked Blackberry Spice (Limited Edition)

Snowed In (Limited Edition)*

Mystery Candle (see video)*

Caudalie Divine Candle (mini)*

* = I would repurchase

Love,
Claire