Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Empties: Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Review

Earlier this month, I had finished my first bottle of Cerave's PM Facial Moisturizing lotion. Since then, I have stocked up on two more bottles at my local drugstore, so here is my glowing review of this product!

My old, beat up bottle of Cerave PM Lotion

The Cerave PM lotion contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. For a drugstore brand, this lotion has such enriching products for an affordable price. The retail price is around $15 here in NYC, but with ongoing sales and coupons, I believe I purchased a bottle for $7-8 bucks. And although 3 fl oz is not much, a bottle lasted me almost a year.

The full ingredients are: Purified Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20 and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum.

I had read reviews beforehand and some people had reacted badly to the niacinamide so I was initially scared that this lotion would break me out. Thankfully, I did not have any adverse reactions to any of the ingredients. I heard that niacinamide could be beneficial for rosacea sufferers like me and I seriously think it may have helped calm some of the redness on my face. Also, the consistency is on the light side so it absorbs into the skin quickly. My only concern is that I don't think this product provides enough moisture as a stand alone product, particularly in the winter time. However, I layer quite a few products at night so it fits into my skincare routine well.

My skin loves this product and that is all I have left to say. 

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Larry Levine Down Coat Spotted on Sale + Review!

So. Many. Sales.

Today, Amazon's Deal of the Day includes this Larry Levine Down Coat for $69.99 shipped. Other than Amazon, I have only seen this jacket at Macy's and Nordstrom and the prices are usually well over $100. The lowest price drop I have seen second to Amazon is currently at Macy's for $96.99. I bought this jacket in black last month for $77 and I highly recommend it.  I love the silhouette of this jacket, especially the adjustable snaps at the sides to define the waist. It has kept me warm when NYC has dropped to the low 30s so far this winter season. The jacket falls right above my knees (I am about 5'4) and the black color is a true black. I had purchased an x-small and it's snug with a thick sweater. I would say this jacket runs a bit small so size up to layer. The only negative thing I can think of is that the hood is huge. The hood is so deep to the point that it covers my eyes. I guess I have a really small head... but whatever, the faux fur looks best resting on the shoulders anyways right? haha. Last but not least, I am too lazy to upload a picture of myself modeling the jacket but I think this picture from Nordstrom captures how shape of the jacket looks on me:

Source: Nordstrom.com
PS: MrRebates has 6% cashback for Women's Fashion at Amazon!

Ulta Cyber Monday Sale: Maybelline

Today only, Ulta is hosting a Maybelline sale with 40% off all items which can be stacked with the current bogo 50% off promotion and their monthly $3.50 off $10 coupon. What an awesome deal!

Source: Ulta.com

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Shu Uemura Annual 25% Off Sale

I'M SO EXCITED! The holiday season is finally here and Shu Uemura is having their annual 25% sale! This is generally when Shu has its highest discount of the year. Time for me to stock up on my beloved cleansing oils!

Source: Shu Uemura USA
PS: Shu Uemura orders are subject to tax now? Wut. Thank goodness for 8% cash back from Mr. Rebates!
PPS: Shu has extended the sale to Cyber Monday (December 1st). That's a first!

Friday, October 17, 2014

Find the Groupon Cat!

Today, I was able to receive $5 off my Groupon purchase of $5 or more by playing Groupon Games- Find the Cat on Facebook. I had to hover through the thumbnail deals until I found the green cat on one of them.

I paid $2 for a local deal that originally offered two eyebrow threading sessions for $7. Also, I got 0.6% cash back through Ebates, so the end result...

Eyebrow threading for less than $1!!!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

$4 Fandango Movie Ticket from Groupon!

Today, Groupon sent me an invitation-only deal for a $4 Fandango movie ticket. The limit was one per person. What a great deal since movie tickets are $14-15 in NYC these days! Check your emails now!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Empties: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule Review

Today, I will be discussing the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule!


I had first heard of this product when the online community was buzzing that this was the dupe for the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. I am all about affordable yet effective beauty, so I purchased the trial size of this ampoule to test whether it would work for my skin. I did not have any adverse reactions and thoroughly liked the serum. Then in September 2013, Missha was having a flash sale, so I went ahead and bought the 50ml bottle for $22 when the retail price is $49. That's over 50% off!

Missha advertised that the Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule would moisturize, nourish, firm, and revitalize the skin. I think this product did exactly those things. I had used it every night and did not feel that it was too heavy for my skin. Ever since I have stopped using this ampoule, I feel that my skin is not as supple. However, Missha also boosted of whitening and wrinkle repairing qualities. I did not think this serum lessened my wrinkles or acne hyper-pigmentation.

My last thoughts are that I would totally recommend this product. I have used the ampoule for a year and I feel that it has improved my skin's elasticity. Now, I am really torn over whether I should repurchase this ampoule or try a new serum. I'll be flipping a coin on it since I like to try new products, but the Missha night ampoule is my back-up night serum for sure!