Review on Nicole's Bath Delights

Last July I received a few soaps from Nicole's Bath Delights, you can check out my first impression blog post and video HERE. I finally finished my last soap recently and I must say, I really enjoyed her soaps! They smell really good, none of them were too strong and the scent lasted on our hands for a good few minutes after each wash. They lasted a really long time, I always had one in our master bathroom and one in our guest bathroom. The soaps that had fine glitters in them were my favorites, the glitter never stayed on your hands and the soaps didn't feel gritty. As for the scents, I enjoyed all of them, mostly I liked the ones that smelled like perfume.

Here are the scents I tried out:
Abercrombie & Fitch
Coco Mango
Beach Daisy
Cucumber Melon
Burberry Brit
Viva La Juicy

My favorites were Coco Mango, Cucumber Melon and Viva La Juicy (I have this perfume and it smells exactly the same!)

Nicole's Bath Delights
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicoles-Bath-Delights/193496133997382
Email: brittanycastaneda18@yahoo.com

*Product(s) were received for trial/review; these are my honest opinions

Shopping - Sephora

Since my birthday was on April 11, I knew I had to make a Sephora order this month so I could score the Fresh Lip Treatment duos they are offering as birthday gifts this year. I also took advantage of their Earth Day special offer where you got a FREE Origin's moisturizer with any online purchase. Of course I got a little geeked over choosing my 3 free samples, sadly I didn't get one of the ones I chose so they substituted it with something else - not a fan, but I'll hold on to it to include in a future giveaway or gift.

Wet n' Wild Club Havana, Heatwave

Recently I went on a little CVS trip, mainly just to get out of the house on my own - while BF stayed with the kiddies. While picking up a few things we needed for the kids and the house, I couldn't resist their sale on WnW polishes, 2 for $3! I chose 4, but decided to wear 2 of them for my mani this week, Club Havana and Heatwave.

Club Havana is a bright, creamy orange. It applied nicely, but needed 3 coats to be completely opaque. I'm LOVING this color! It's in the new formulation with the new brush shape - both of which I'm a big fan of now and I'm looking forward to trying more shades from the Megalast range.

Heatwave is a bright and pure coral leaning more towards a red coral, it has Summer written all over it! It applied so smoothly, only needing 2 coats to be completely opaque. Out of these two, this is my favorite, mainly because I'm obsessed with reds and Heatwave is an easy red tone to wear.

BF says these two colors would look good as a gradient, so I might go buy some sponges to try that out soon.

Base Coat: Barielle Nail Rebuilding Protein

Top Coat: Barielle Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender

Cuticles: E.L.F. Essential Nourishing Cuticle Pen

Jorie Magazine & the Beauty Blog Directory

Today marks the release of Jorie Magainze's first issue! I was contacted by Jorie Magazine a few weeks ago asking if they could list me in their Beauty Blog Directory, of course I said YES! :) Ever since then I have been anticipating the launch of their first issue. I'm all for magazines geared 100% towards beauty, it's hard to find good articles all about beauty that aren't all about products, if you know what I mean.

Anyways, I'm currently making my way through the first issue (trying to snuggle my 2mon old while feeding my 18mon old and enjoying some coffee #multitaskingmamabloggers) and if this was a paper magazine, it'd definitely be one I'd save in my magazine stash for inspiration. OMG the art in this magazine ROCKS!

I'll link the full issue here: http://issuu.com/joriemagazine/docs/jorie1?mode=window&printButtonEnabled=false&backgroundColor#222222

China Glaze Crackle Glitters; Tutorial

After posting my review and swatches on the new China Glaze Crackle Glitter polishes, I had a few people ask for a video showing how I did my swatches and how the crackle polishes work. I apologize for the poor lighting, I tried to utilize the natural light, but I didn't take into consideration that I'm right handed the window should have been to my left rather than my right.

Hope you find my little video helpful :)

Claim Your Klout Perk!

I just claimed this Klout perk and got a link so you can too! Click HERE to claim this Klout perk

Influencer disclosure
I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

Julep Glow On Age Defying Hand Brightener

I received the Julep Glow On Age Defying Hand Brightener in the January Julep Maven box that I was able to get on promotion for only a penny. I was really disappointed to see this hand lotion as the extra goodie in the boxes, since I'm only in my 20's and not showing any signs of ageing in my hands. But I figured I'd try it out and review it solely as a hand lotion.

I have been using this lotion on my hands after every hand wash (which is a lot with two kids in diapers) as well as every night before I go to sleep. I haven't noticed any change in the condition of my skin, I still have dry knuckles, dry cuticles (I stopped using my cuticle oil while testing this product) and most of all I haven't seen any improvement in the "age" or "brightness" of my hands. It's a decent hand lotion, it's moderately moisturizing, but the hydration doesn't last as long as some other hand lotions I have used in the past. It probably lasts a good 3hrs until I feel the need to apply more. The scent is mild, not at all perfume-ey. The consistency is pretty thin, almost like a facial lotion, significantly thinner than a body lotion.

Overall, I wouldn't really recommend this hand lotion, especially since it costs $32.00. I will use it up as a night time hand lotion, but I definitely won't be repurchasing it.

Julep.com: Glow On Age Defying Hand Brightener / $32.00 / Size: 3 oz.
Julep Glow On Age Defying Hand Brightener visibly minimizes the appearance of fine lines and age spots on your hands, adding radiant glow and evening skin tone. Contains rare African plant extracts that are clinically proven to block melanin production and reduce hyper-pigmentation and micro light diffusing technology gives hands an instant glowing and luminescent appearance. Advanced emulsion system imparts water-resistant, non-greasy softness. For best results, use after exfoliating hands with Julep Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub. Does not contain: parabens, sulphates or phlthalates.

Krystal's April Beauty Army Kit!

This month Beauty Army announced a new feature on their website, the option to skip a month. Of course, with my luck, they enabled this feature 2 hours after I made my sample selections after spending an entire morning of retaking my beauty profile and stressing over which samples to choose as I wasn't thrilled about any of my options. But, it's all okay because the value of my kits always surpasses the $12.00 a month charge, so I really can't ever complain ;)

On a very sad note, my foundation sample had a hole in it and it leaked all over the box and the other samples as Beauty Army isn't wrapping them individually anymore. You can actually see my raw reaction to finding my box all messy in my unboxing video. I was able to clean everything up and I attempted to save the foundation sample tube by taping it up - doesn't work, so I'll probably have to depot it into a container (if I can find one).

Oh, and my MAD Skincare Eye Defense Shielding Serum is defunk - the pump doesn't work, so I'm not sure how I'm going to get the product out to try it - if you know a safe way of getting the product out, let me know.

I should also add that they changed the exterior look of their boxes - no more catchy beauty words/phrases, but it's still chic and reusable!

So, you can see why I'm not very happy with this month's kit - I do like a couple of the samples, but overall I really wish Beauty Army enabled the Skip A Month option before selection windows started. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it now... onto the samples.

Krystal's January Beauty Army Kit: http://www.beautybykrystal.com/2012/01/krystals-january-beauty-army-kit.html
Krystal's February Beauty Army Kit: http://www.beautybykrystal.com/2012/02/krystals-february-beauty-army-kit.html
Krystal's March Beauty Army Kit: http://www.beautybykrystal.com/2012/03/krystals-march-beauty-army-kit.html

What Is Beauty Army?
Check out my pre-launch blog post explaining what Beauty Army is, what they have to offer, details on how much it costs and information on how to sign up for your very own Beauty Army Kit!
My Future LOVE For Beauty Army!: http://www.beautybykrystal.com/2011/12/my-future-love-for-beauty-army.html

Here's what I CHOSE for my April Beauty Army Kit:

Babor High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 30

MAD Skincare Eye Defense Shielding Serum

Aquolina Pink Sugar Eau De Toillette

Pur-lisse Pur-Protect SPF 30

MyFace Cosmetics Mymix Foundation (Medium 02)

Chella Razor with Brush and Comb

Babor High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 30

A conditioning, water resistant lotion with high protection factor to protect the face and body from sunburn. Treats and protects extremely sun-sensitive skin. Contains macadamia nut oil, sunflower seed oil and micronized titanium dioxide to condition the skin while providing maximum protection against the sun's harmful rays.

Product Size: 6.8 fl oz / $32.00

Sample Size Received: 1.1 fl oz

MAD Skincare Eye Defense Shielding Serum

A light weight serum designed to protect, hydrate and nourish critical areas around the eyes. Infused with a blend of natural extracts including cranberry, apple and phellodendron which help to rid the skin of damaging toxins and help to combat environmental and emotional stress.

Product Size: 0.5 oz / $54.00

Sample Size Received: .13 oz

Aquolina Pink Sugar Eau De Toillette

Two drops of perfume and the world is tinted pink. Pink is the color of femininity, sweetness and passion. Pink is the color of emotions, of sensuality and indulgent innocence. Pink Sugar is a cloud of sweetness that lasts long on the skin.

A unique olfactory experience interlacing fantasy and reality. The encounter of femininity and inner childhood. The earliest memories in life are also the most addictive. Nostalgia of cotton candy tinted with gourmand raspberry, tickled by the greenness of fig leaf, and lifted by the citrus notes of bergamot and Sicilian orange.

Product Size: 1.7 fl oz / $45.00

Sample Size Received: .06 oz

Pur-lisse Pur-Protect SPF 30

Stay protected with pure flower power. Our unique peptide complex, Lotus Lupine 5, and Hydra-Shield Complex boasts superior full-spectrum sun protection in a light-weight nourishing moisturizer. Skin is pampered and protected against premature aging caused by the day's rays.

Benefits:

Hydra~Shield Complex provides balanced UVA/UVB sun protection, while Vitamin E and Soy Proteins let skin's softer, supple side shine through

White Tea calms sensitive skin

Absorbs in an instant for quick-dry application

Non-whitening formula allows for under makeup perfection

Directions: After cleansing skin, apply liberally. The most effective use is 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Product Size: 1.7 fl oz / $55.00

Sample Size Received: .5 oz

MyFace Cosmetics Mymix Foundation (Medium 02)

Light, ethereal foundation for Medium skin with yellow or olive undertones that tans easily.

Medium 02 creates an even, healthy, golden glow.

Matches Mycover concealer and Mymatch powder for perfectly seamless results.

Transforms uneven, spotty and blotchy skin tones while feeling and looking invisible.

Product Size: ? / $34.00

Sample Size Received: .5 oz

Chella Razor with Brush and Comb

For a quick touch-up or when hairs are too short to pluck, this unique grooming tool fine tunes your brows. For closest results, stroke razor lightly against the grain of the hair’s directional growth.

Product Size: 1 Razor with brush and comb. / $10.00

If you are as excited as I am about Beauty Army - click here to join: (my referral link) Join Beauty Army

Then jump over to Beauty Army on Facebook and say "I just joined the beauty revolution! Thank you Beauty By Krystal for recruiting me, I can’t wait to choose my own samples!" (feel free to tag me in the post too)

You can also tweet about it by saying "I'm joining the #Beauty Revolution http://on.fb.me/oHF5yB Thanks to @BeautyByKrystal & @BeautyArmy #luxury #beauty #samples"

ELF Studio Translucent Matifying Powder

The ELF Studio Translucent Matifying Powder has been my go-to blot powder for over a year now. I've repurchased this twice already, and even bought an extra for my professional kit. I love that this powder is translucent because it never adds more coverage than I need, which means when I'm touching up my makeup, it won't make my face look cakey. I don't use the sponge applicator that it comes with because I don't find it works very well on me. I tend to use either a puff applicator or a tiny kabuki brush to dust my skin when I need to reduce some shine.

The packaging is very sleek and the large mirror inside is very useful. I would recommend this to everyone because we all could use a little matifying sometime in our day. I've also used this on BF in the past when we take photos, men don't care if they are shiny, but if we're taking a nice photo, I want him to look fresh too :)

EyesLipsFace.com:
Product Description: Achieve even flawless skin that’s smoother, redefined and shine free. This translucent powder works on a wide variety of skin tones to help set your makeup in so it lasts longer. The silky lightweight formula also miraculously mattes skin to diminish oil and shine for a beautiful and healthy look!
Directions: Use the sponge to blend in the powder over the face, neck and décolletage as a setting powder. Reapply as needed throughout the day for a refreshed look.
$3.00 / .13oz / 3.8g

China Glaze Crackle Glitters; Review & Swatches

Well, it took me a week to get these swatched (the kids were anti-me-working all weekend/week), but I think they are worth the wait. Next month, China Glaze will be releasing their Crackle Glitter polishes ($9ea), click HERE to see the press release info.

Glam-More: "Bold fuchsia" this is definitely a bright fuchsia and it's packed full of glitters. Compared to the other three polishes, this one is much more dense and easily covers the nail with glitter in one swipe.

Gleam Me Up: "Bright sky blue" A pure bright blue almost sky blue, this one is not as glitter dense as Glam-More, you have to be very generous when applying. The pinky nail has a light application, similar to how you would normally apply your polish color, where you swipe a bit of the polish off the brush against the rim of the bottle. If you don't wipe any polish off and just apply it directly on the nail, your crackle will look more like the other three nails.

Jade-D: "Radiant bright green" In the bottle, this looks more like a bright green, but once applied it looks more like a green-toned gold. Don't feel disappointed though, as a gold glitter crackle polish this is amazing! It's definitely one of my favorites of the bunch. The glitter density is less than the other three polishes, but if you are generous in your application you can get a really nice coverage, enough to see the crackle effect for sure.

Luminous Lavender: "Luscious light purple" this is a very light and bright lavender, or light purple. It's not as densely packed with glitter as Glam-More and Gleam Me Up, but it's much more packed than Jade-D is. This is a great color, but it's tricky to play with. It doesn't show up well on medium ranged shades, but on top of dark or super light polishes it gives a great glow to your manicure. I would have to say this is my least favorite of the bunch only because it seems harder to pair it with other shades to get a decent, appealing manicure.

Base Coat: Barielle Nail Rebuilding Protein

Top Coat: Barielle Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender

E.L.F. White (3-4 coats)

E.L.F. Black (1-2 coats)

*Product(s) were received for trial/review; these are my honest opinions