Boscia, Garnier, Victoria’s Secret, and Sephora
Happy Friday, darlings! I wanted to do a review on some beauty products I purchased over the past few weeks. I will review each product individually and let you know if it holds up to its claims and if it’s worth a repurchase.
The four products that were used in my Beauty Experiment: Boscia “Black Luminizing Black Mask”, Garnier “Radiance Renewer Cleansing Gelee”, Victoria’s Secret “So Sexy Style Body & Hold Volumizing Mousse”, and Sephora “Rogue Shine Lipstick in the shade Flashy”
Boscia “Luminizing Black Mask”: I received a sample of this from Sephora, and after reading it’s claims that it delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening effects – I figured I had to try it, instead of letting it collect dust in the back of my makeup drawer with the other samples that have been long forgotten! My initial reaction when I squeezed a tiny sample patch onto my finger was how thick and sticky it was – almost like tar. I immediately decided the best way to apply this mask was with a foundation brush. You can use your fingers, but you will be scrubbing your hands furiously to get it off! I will tell you I was nervous…maybe even a little intimidated by the consistency of it. Would this ever come off my face?! After application I sat on the couch (all the while being laughed at by the hubby) and after a few minutes I began to feel it tighten. I left it on for about 30 minutes. Before peeling it off I patted my face with my fingertips making sure it was completely dry all over. I then started the peeling process. I started at my jaw line and worked my way up. It doesn’t come off in one whole piece. It will come off in big pieces, but rest assured, it will come off! After the mask is removed use a warm cloth to remove any residue. This will come off easily.
Note: Make sure when you apply the mask to avoid your eyes, hairline, eyebrows, and lips -or you will be in for a painful experience.
My verdict: I LOVE this mask! My skin was instantly brighter. My husband who was laughing at me the whole time I wore it said, “Wow, your skin looks brighter,” when he saw the results. My skin was visibly brighter, and my pores were smaller and less visible. My skin felt vibrant and alive. I would highly recommend this product, and will be purchasing it myself when I have some extra $$. You can purchase it online or at your local Sephora store for $34 (2.8 oz).
Garnier “The Radiance Renewer“: I can’t say I was very impressed with this product. It claims that it gently renews & smoothes – for fresh, radiant skin. When I first pumped it into my hand it was very thick and got stuck between my fingers. I learned there was a special trick to using this, (at least for me anyway) I had to wet not only my face, (as I usually did) but also my hands. I had to make sure to pump it directly into the center of my hand, lather, and then apply to my face.
My verdict: After a week of using this product I haven’t noticed a difference. The positives are that it doesn’t leave behind a film, and it does a good job of washing away all traces of dirt and makeup. It’s a good cleanser if that is what your needs are, but if you are looking for a cleanser that makes your skin brighter and renewed – this isn’t it. I will not be repurchasing this product. The number one factor is – the scent. It smells like “Off!” Yes, the insect repellent. I don’t know if the scent of “Off” has changed over the years, but it smells like the same scent my mother would spray on me from head to toe when I was little. I can’t get beyond it. If you are still curious to try it out you can purchase it at most any store for around $6.
Victoria’s Secret So Sexy “Body & Hold Volumizing Mousse“: Who doesn’t want hair with amazing volume?! Who doesn’t want to have Victoria’s Secret status hair?! I know I do! Give me that Bombshell hair! I have fine hair, so I am always looking for ways to give my hair thickness and volume that will not only last through the day, but will not feel sticky and crunchy. After I towel dried my hair I added a golf ball size amount through my hair – concentrating on the crown area. The formula is light-weight. I almost felt like I was putting soap suds in my hair, but once you get the mousse distributed through your stands you will see it really isn’t soap! Then I used a blow dryer and finger combed my hair as I dried it – ending by turning my head upside down and drying for a minute or two. Then I took random pieces of hair around a 1 inch curling iron. and then sprayed with hairspray. Hey, this mousse is good, but you still have to put some work in to give it that sexy hair look.
My verdict: This is an amazing mousse! It gave me the volume I needed and didn’t make my hair sticky or crunchy. I was left with volume and shine. The smell is sweet, after all this is a product from Victoria’s Secret. I didn’t mind the smell, but for those who shy away from scents, please take this into account – Once you put the mousse in your hair and style it, you won’t smell it anymore. The scent softens considerably. By the end of the day I can’t say the volume doesn’t start to fade, but it’s overall a good mousse and I would definitely purchase this product again. You can buy it at your local Victoria’s Secret for $14
Sephora “Rogue Shine Lipstick in the shade Flashy“: I was looking for a red shade for those times I want to add some drama to my look. My problem with a red lip is the bleeding. I can’t stand the bleeding. I end up looking like a deranged clown. This particular shade actually leans toward pink. It’s a light cherry with shimmer. I still want a pinup red shade, but this is a pretty color as well.
My verdict: I love it! It is super moisturizing, and even though it is a lipstick – it goes on like a gloss. The pigmentation is great, very full color. This is a shimmer shade and it gives off a nice shimmery look. There was no bleeding, which I loved (no deranged clown. YAY!). The only thing I would say is a slight negative is that you have to apply quite generously to give even color, (as it is more on the glossy side) but once applied the staying power is good. It’s not a stain, so it does start to fade and reapplication is necessary. I would say I went up to 4 hours without having to reapply. I would definitely repurchase this, and other shades from this line. I still need to get that pinup red! You can find these lipsticks at your local Sephora for $12
