Whether we all want to admit it or not, we all have products that we picked up that didn't exactly meet up to our expectations. Whether it be from past experiences, or sheer skepticism, we've all been there. For me there are three products that immediately pop into my head; two good and one bad.

I take lip balm, and lip products, very seriously. It's an addiction. I have to have something on my lips or they feel naked. I had tried Chapstick in the past, but I was unimpressed. Then I tried Burt's Bees, and it's no secret that it stole me heart. I had the opportunity, via a lovely PR company, to try out the new Chapstick Hydration Lock in Vanilla Creme for review. 

I'm a menthol girl. Give me peppermint and I am set. There is something about this Chapstick that I actually like. I don't have chapped lips, but, I still like the way it feels. I wish I knew more about lip products to give you guys more specifics, and that's probably why I'm not providing a stand-alone review on this product.

Sometimes I feel like Chapstick just sits on the skin and doesn't do anything. Hydration Lock is different, though. The scent isn't over powering, and it doesn't taste like anything. It says it provided 8 hour protection. It contains CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), which is really interesting. It functions as an antioxident, and cells use it to produce energy that the body needs for cell growth and maintenance. It also has some other interesting lip unrelated uses. That link is to the WebMD page that explains it all.

Am I a complete convert? Probably not, but I will say that it's sitting in my purse next to my Color Whisper while Burt's Bees is on my nightstand almost empty (no current want to repurchase just yet). That has to count for something.

I thought I did a full review on the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat (such a long name!), but apparently not. Anywho, I said in the past that I liked it, and I did. But, I didn't like it as much as I was expecting.

I've seen this top coat raved about all over the blogosphere, and then when I finally got my hands on it I was let down. It didn't dry that quickly, it gummed up quicker than I expected, and as a top coat it's just ok. That's the thing with quick dries; they gum up so fast, and only two-thirds of the product is useable. That's why I like to use quick dry drops, but that's a story for another day.

My quest to find a great top coat that combats Seche Vite is still going on, but I have to say; there's probably no comparison out there.

All in all, I was shocked that this didn't live up to the hype. But, I'm probably hard to please and uber picky when it comes to my top coats.

I mentioned this product back in my Makeup Apocalypse post, and I decided to actually go out and get it now, rather than waiting.

I have to have been trying some pretty bad concealers for this one to shock me so much. I.e. nothing I had was covering my dark circles. This product does what it says. It blends beautifully, the color is really close to my skin (if not spot-on), and it covers like I couldn't believe.

I can't believe I haven't seen this around more often. It's one of those sleeper products that some people have yet to discover. Is it the best concealer out there? Probably not, but it definitely woke me up to what a good concealer can do for my skin, and that I was not expecting at all.

Contains PR samples (Chapstick)

Essie The Lace Is On | Swatch

It's been so long since I've swatched a nail polish, and even longer since I've picked one up. I was in Target last week and I spotted this pretty little number; The Lace Is On by Essie. It's from their new Fall 2013 collection.

Wow is this color beautiful. It's a Fuchsia base with what seems like pink, kind of like magenta, shimmer. Very nice, and very easy to apply. It took me two coats to achieve an opaque finish, but one semi-thick coat should do the trick.

The other polishes in this collection are also beautiful, and I hope to pick up a few more. I love the metallic feel of For The Twill Of It, and there's something about Cashmere Bathrobe and Vested Interest that I love. I'm glad to see that not all of these aren't muted, and there are a couple of bright colors to choose from.

What colors do you like to wear in the fall? Are you excited for the season to begin? I am. I love cold weather.

Perlier Volcanic Thermal Scrub | Review

This is an iFabbo sample

For more information on iFabbo samples, please click here as they are different from traditional PR samples.

The Perlier Volcanic Thermal Scrub has some very fine bit  mixed with some larger bits. The idea behind this is that it will give the user a duel rejuvenating and smoothing feel to your skin. The consistency of the particles themselves is similar to a salt scrub, but it's not as abrasive. The Perlier scrub has more of a jelly feel to it which dilutes the product just enough so it doesn't feel scratchy on the skin. I compared it with Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa sea salt scrub, and the Perlier scrub felt much nicer, and smooth on the skin.

When I first saw this product the first thing that came to my mind was that this would be warming, or heat up during use similar to the Julep Instant Foot Warming Scrub. Needless to say, it wasn't like the foot warming scrub at all. I actually can't figure out why the word 'thermal' is even relevant to this scrub.

Packaging is a big deal, let's face it. We're all superficial about our products to some degree, and the product needs to look nice. Perlier does this exceptionally well. I love the frosted tub mixed with the labeling, and the electric blue color that the actual product has. I will be finding a use for this tub when I'm done.

One thing that I need to point out is the scent. It has a strong perfume scent which I personally do not like. Sorry guys, this one does have a lingering scent.

Another small thing that I noticed is the difference in the instructions. Now, I don't speak French or Italian, but I am almost certain that the English translation is the only one to have "Not a food product. For adult use only" in bold and all-caps letters. Take that as you will, my friends. I just thought it was funny. It's such an meaningless observation, I know. I wont even get into how I discovered this. Also, the Italian side (I believe, I did this by counting the sentences so PLEASE correct me) is the only one that does not have "Massage on moist skin and rinse with fresh water" in the instructions. Just your small fill of useless information to go about your day.

Would I recommend? Not really. It's a nice scrub, and works beautifully. It's the scent that keeps me from completely recommending it. If you like the typical perfume scent, then go for it. If you're one of those people (I sure am) that steers clear of perfume, then I would hold off. It may not be for you.

It's not a bad scrub, by any means, it's just not what I like in a scrub. The different sized particles mixed with the gel like substance makes for a very soothing experience, and softens my skin. That scent just throws it all off. I think it would have benefited from no fragrance, and I think that one small difference is what would cause me to really enjoy this product. I'll keep using it though, and get back to you if my opinion changes for the better.

The Perlier Volcanic Thermal Scrub is 6.7 fl oz (200mL), made in Italy, and can be found on HSN for $25. Use the code iFabbo5 to receive $5 off your purchase.

What are your favorite scents? Do you like scents in your scrubs?

Wantable September Box

I had the chance to review a Wantable Box for you guys. It's a fairly new subscription box that's been around for less than two years, and they ship in the US, Canada, and Australia. They currently have four different boxes to choose from; makeup, accessory, intimates, and Halloween. The box is $36 per month with a subscription, and $40 for a one time buy. Each box is valued at $80 and up.

The great thing is that they're all full sized, but I did receive a little sample as an addition. Upon registration you are directed to complete a series of questions to help personalize your box. The quiz is really specific with options of like, love, and dislike. You will never receive a product that you disliked.   They're separated into categories; eyeshadow, eyeliner, lip, nail polish, etc. Within these categories are even more options such as shimmer, cream, and the type of colors you wear (eyeshadow). Basically anything that would matter.

It shipped that day, and was here in 3 days. I also received an e-mail from Wantable telling me that my box had arrived, which is something that I haven't seen a company do yet.

The products were packaged between two pieces of foam, keeping them all safe. I've only heard of one of these brands, Japonesque. I like getting to know new brands, and it's not seeing the same brands over and over again. After a while it gets a bit repetitive.

Now for the boxes contents (and original cost of each item)

Lise Watier Ombre Soufflé Suprême Sample (Sunrise Peach and Vert enchanté)- $0

Manna Kadar Transfix Eyeliner - $19

Be A Bombshell Bombshell Mascara in Onyx- $15

Japonesque Angled Foundation Brush- $25

29 Cosmetics Reserve Moisurizing Lipstick in Expressive Rose- $25

LAQA & Co. Nail Polish in Blurple- $11

Grand total of $95.

I already played around with the Transfix Eyeliner, and holy cow it is the most fascinating thing ever. Basically you take the brush and dip into an eyeliner, and it becomes a smudge-free eyeliner. Yeah, look out for a review on that. I'm excited to play with it.

OVERALL: Would I recommend this? Yes. It is more expensive than other boxes, but you know you're getting full sized products with every box rather than hoping it's more than a small sample. I can't speak on the quality, I just started trying them out, but I will try my best to review these for you. The packaging sure is nice, so that's usually a positive sign.

How do you feel about subscription boxes? Do you like not really knowing what you're going to get? I feel a bit safer putting my money into a company like Wantable where I know the contents is going to be products that I actually like.

*This box was provided by Wantable to review

Healthy Hoohoo | Review

Alright ladies, we need to talk. This is a topic that is somewhat taboo, and shoved in an (all too tiny) section in the you-know-what aisle.

I received some samples of a new(to me) feminine product brand; Healthy Hoohoo. Yeah, we're not trying to be elusive here, and why should we? There is this stigma where topics like this isn't discussed as much as it should be. To be honest, I don't know whether this would even be categorized as NSFW (not safe for work) due to the pamphlet after the break. No more taboo for our health! Rant over =)

Anywho, I received 4 packets of the cleanser (which I split between 3 different showers), and a packet of wipes. This review is going to be quick, but also in my little package the PR company included some pamphlets which are super informative, so I scanned them and uploaded them for you all to see (after the page break, I'm trying to not get yelled at too much).

There really isn't much of a selection as far as different brands go. At the top of my head I can think of three that are at Target, and one may or may not be generic brand. I love Summers Eve, but I hate the fragrance. I don't want it to smell like anything, to be honest. I saw fragrance free Summers Eve wipes once, and have yet to find them again.

Healthy Hoohoo are all fragrance free (love!), PH balanced, cruelty-free, Paraben-free.

Effectiveness is there, products like this don't really get that complicated, I mean other than the ingredients and features there's not much to it. They work, they have no fragrance to it, and it's easy to use, easy to wash off. I really wish this brand was available in store.

The wipes are small and portable, and the are nice and soft, and aren't overly wet like the Summers Eve ones ban be.

Prices and sizes:
Feminine Wipes- Travel Pack with 10 wipes (pictured below): $4.79
Feminine Wash- 4 fl oz: $12.99
Foaming Cleanser- 5.07 oz: $13.99 (did not get to test)


Do I recommend? Yes! It works like it says to, as far as I know the claims are 100% true, and I really liked using them. It is a bit on the pricey side, but you all know my thoughts on that. If it's worth it to you, get it. It's not like there are a million brands like this out there. Their product line is small, but I think they're fairly new (correct me if I'm wrong), so they have plenty of room to grow. I hope I get to see them in stores. Like I said earlier, we need options!!!

Click below for more pictures, and two very helpful pamphlets for all you ladies (don't be shy, it's not that bad).

The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub | Review

I was contacted a couple of weeks ago, and received this body scrub to review. I don't have a Body Shop near me, so I've never had the chance to try one of their products, but I hear about it being raved all over the blogging community. Needless to say, I was super excited to try this out.

Coconut is one of my favorite scents (I used to be obsessed with Suave coconut shampoo and conditioner when I was younger. It was a staple in my shower), and this one is just strong enough that I smell it hours later. That is what I like in my body products, especially when the scent is so nice. Luckily it's not strong enough that it gets nauseating. Just leaving it on the counter with the lid off for a few minutes fills the bathroom with the scent of coconut.

It's not as abrasive as some other scrubs I've tried, so it isn't scratchy, and leaves my skin feeling super soft. It's like it's a body butter with exfoliating specs in it. A very nice combination, if you ask me. A little bit goes a long way, so this tub should last for quite a while. It washes off clean, and without fuss (I hate using scrubs where I have to scrub it off). I don't have to worry about fighting with the residue afterwards, or missing some. On the other hand, if you're not careful you run the risk of washing it off before you're ready.

Although this scrub is targeted at normal/dry skin (my skintype is normal aside from my face), but I think other skin types could try it out. Scrubs are one of those universal products, at least from my experience.

The Body Shop is cruelty free (yay!). For 6.8 Fl Oz (200ml) you can pick this up for $20 or £12.50 (it's on sale currently at the UK website for £8.75) You can buy it online at their website; USA & UK.