Vitamin C Even Glow Serum by Valentia Review

As I've gotten older, I have realized a few things.....okay that was a broad statement.  I have realized a lot of things but a few when it comes to skin care.  I used to be able to wear and use whatever products were on sale and always had my mom as my reference.  For example, all I ever used for the longest for lotion was Oil of Olay moisturizer.  I didn't know anything else.  I now know different.  I know I have combination skin, more on the oily side and need a lighter moisturizer. I know my pores get bigger as I get older so need a primer. The list goes on.....

I also recently stopped tanning as obsessively as I was. I just turned 34 and I feel like the UV rays are taking a toll on my skin and I don't want to be leather face.  

Soooooo, I want to use healthy products that are chock full of good ingredients and provide fast results and NOTICEABLE results.  I was recently sent Even Glow Serum by Valentia.  This is 20% Vitamin C people!  I used to only get my daily serving in my orange juice :)  But I have learned Vitamin C reduces inflammation and helps to stop the signs of aging, among many other beneficial things so I love it! Other products that I have tried have always at least made my skin look brighter.

My initial impression was "Wow, this is super fancy".  It comes in a nice glass bottle and is really big for the price.  I am a serum and oil addict, I love what they do for my skin.  I love knowing they will continue to work while I am sleeping or during the day under my makeup.

This one was thicker than any I have ever used.  But hey, different is good! 

You can see the product in the dropper, very thick

It goes on smooth and absorbs immediately into my skin.  I also kind of feel a tightening effect which is nice.  I just started using the product and will update this within two weeks.  I have high hopes for this product.  See, you can get chemical peels and laser treatments to combat age spots and skin discoloration, or you can try products like this!  Much cheaper in my opinion :)  Plus it has such a nice, refreshing scent......very citrusy but it doesn't stay with you all day so people think you have oranges in your pockets...don't worry :)

Here are some other benefits to the Even Glow Serum that definitely caught my eye:

• Boosts Collagen Production
• Pore Reduction
• Increases Glow and Radiance
• Evens Skin Tone
• Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines
• Organic ingredients (rosehip oil,sea buckthorn oil, green tea extract,botanical hyaluronic acid,plant stem cells)

Click HERE for more information and to buy yours today! Plus see how you can get one for 50% off!

You truly can never start TOO early when it comes to age prevention.....it sneaks up on you like a ninja.....act soon before it's too late :)

Do you currently use a product with Vitamin C in it?  Are you using morning and night?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!! xo




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

UPDATE-Marc Jacobs #Lashie Contest Prize Package and Reviews

UPDATE (Original post is directly below).......

I finally heard back from Marc Jacobs Beauty.....I must tell you I was not at all pleased with their customer service department and spoke to so many people and had to repeat myself so many times.  It was frustrating as I felt like a bother each time I called in.  Because I told them I was calling regarding a prize I had won and wanted to exchange some items....The way I see it is I am a new customer no matter how I received the products and how I am treated and my experience with the products are what will determine if I am a return customer.  It wasn't until my very last conversation with the nicest team leader ever that made everything better.

As I said in my original post, the items I wanted to exchange/return were the Genius Gel as the color was much too dark for me, the Face 2 foundation brush as it did nothing but deposit hairs on my face and the remedy concealer pen as it was much too pink for me.

Here are the items that I got in return!

Happy girl right here

I knew I still wanted the foundation just in my color match which ended up being Bisque Medium, the full coverage concealer in Alive and nail polishes in Bark (brown), Klute (nude) and Warm Blue (blue).

I have a hard time bringing myself to spend $8.50 on Essie nail polish so I knew this would probably be the only chance I would have to try $18.00 nail polish!

Look at these colors......

Bark

Klute

Warm Blue

Decisions, decisions

The brush was pretty big so I can see it being harder for people with small nail beds. It only took 2 coats to get the perfect coverage and these are high shine lacquers here people.  They are really pretty.  I chose Bark to wear right away.:)

Picture really doesn't do any of them justice

This morning I was super excited to do my face makeup.

Bisque Medium

Dots on the hand, then on the face,then application with beauty blender

The color couldn't have matched more seamlessly.

I even used the flash and you can't see it

A few things I don't think I mentioned before....this is a light to medium coverage foundation.  And medium really only comes into play if you add more than one layer or build up coverage in problem areas, like acne, scarring or sun spots.  The other bottle I received was perfumed heavily.  I was worried about that again but I could barely smell anything with this bottle.  Except foundation smell lol

Smooth satiny finish

I love this foundation.  No caking, no smearing (like with the foundation brush)....I am very, very pleased.

Okay on to the concealer, which I am a concealer addict since my bags are so dark and purple that I look like I am in a fight club, I am always looking for the next best thing.

Super sleek looking

Using Marc Jacobs concealer brush

The packaging is so sharp and the consistency is quite creamy.  Creamy but not dry and cakey.  A little goes a long way but I did have to put it on twice before I walked out of the house to get sufficient coverage for my dark circles.  I must not have put enough setting powder on.  It immediately brightened up my entire eye area and went on super smooth, no dragging or lines left over.  I used the brush today since it was made to go with this product but tomorrow I think I will try my mini beauty blender since it seems the perfect consistency for it.

I know weird picture, call me unique :)

I took this picture this way to show you you can't see my circles under my eyes.  A lot of concealers cover the dark coloring but still leave the circles.  So far so good with this product.

And here is my whole face with both the foundation and concealer in natural lighting.  Coloring matched perfect.  No makeup mask :)

My face and neck are the same color

In the end, I am 100% satisfied, I am so happy that I made the exchanges.  I am definitely a new customer and will be a return customer for Marc Jacobs Beauty.

Hope you all enjoyed seeing the variety of products I received and reviewed and hoped it helped you with any decisions you were pondering.

Any questions or comments? Please let me know below.

Also feel free to re read the original posting below to see the other items (gel liners and eye shadows) that I am loving from MJB.

Have a great day!! xo

ORIGINAL POST
As we know, I am a compulsive contest enterer......but I have always stood by the motto that you can't win if you don't try!  And it has made me a winner more times than not!

Today, I am super excited to go over the winnings of a contest that Marc Jacobs had on Instagram.  It was a lashie contest and all you had to do was take a selfie showing your lashes.  I decided to take an actual lash selfie (which is a lashie haha).

Here is the picture that I submitted!

Picture of a picture

It was a very exciting day when they contacted me, needless to say!

So my prize included a $250 gift card to Marc Jacobs Beauty and a bunch of O'Mega Lash Mascaras!

It's not every day you get to pick out high end , expensive, beautiful makeup and I quickly made my choices! This is what I ordered.

O!Mega Lash

O!Mega Lash

Items listed below

Genius Gel Super Charged Oil Free Foundation
The SkyLiner-7 piece Gel Eye Liner set
The Vamp-Style Eye Con Plush Eye Shadow Set
Remedy Concealer Pen
Face 2 Sculpting Foundation Brush
The Conceal Concealer Brush
5 O'Mega Lash Volumizing Mascaras

Here is a more close up look at them!

The Vamp

The Vamp

The Vamp

Genius Gel Foundation (I see me!)

Remedy Concealer Pen

Concealer Brush

Face 2 Sculpting Brush

I was so excited to receive everything!!  But, truth be told, I was let down by a few items.

Now for the details.  I inquired with Sephora about the correct shade for the foundation I should select but it is much too dark for me.  I am trying to exchange it for a lighter color but am still awaiting a response.  It is hard for me to give the greatest review on the foundation because of the coloring.  I have to say that the Face 2 brush smeared the foundation on my face and kept leaving hairs on my face during application.  This is a $48 foundation brush!  I don't even get hairs on my face from my travel Bare Minerals brushes.  I plan on exchanging that item as well.  Lastly, the Remedy concealer pen......the concept behind it is incredible.  It has a palladium applicator to cool the eye area while concealing.  Yet again, this color is all wrong for me.  I guess shame on Sephora for pointing me in the wrong direction.  The color I received is very pink and does not go well with my yellow undertones.  It also appears to be more of a highlighter than an actual concealer.  The concealer brush is literally a mini version of the Face 2 brush and is a very nice brush.  I do plan on exchanging the Face 2 brush and getting their actual concealer though. I think this is a case where this brush is best suited for the product it is intended for.

As for the gel liners...I am in LOVE!! These are incredible and were featured on my October Faves post.  They slide effortlessly across my eye lid, last all day and the colors are beautiful.  I am so glad I was able to try 7 of them!

The eye shadow is also just as nice.  There is an incredible amount of fall out though.  So I found that patting it on (while covering my under eye with a piece of paper) is the best way to apply.  It blends nicely and also lasts all day.  The colors in the palette all go so well together, too.

The O'Mega Lash Mascara.....I like how it separates my lashes nicely and doesn't give me any clumps but I do wish it was darker and provided more volume.  Despite my photo submission, I do not have gorgeous long lashes (like my husband does) and need to work to achieve them. The mascara doesn't smudge though or come off during the day.

I hope I don't come across selfish since all of these items were prizes for me because I truly do not mean to.  Understand that this is my first impression of Marc Jacobs products so the bar was set very, very high.  I am really hoping that once I get the correct colors that my impression will be completely different, so stay tuned for more updates!

If you are currently using any of these products or brushes, what tips for application do you have?

Please let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!! xo

October 2014 Product Favs

Last day of the month means time to show ya'll what the winners were for me this month based on all the goodies I got!

October 2014 Product Favs

Starting at the left, Caviar CC 10 in 1 Cream, Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hair Spray, Borghese Brightening Makeup, Juice Beauty Lip Gloss in Guava and Marc Jacobs Gel Liner Set.

There are two hair care products this month because combined they are a powerful duo!

First up, Caviar CC 10 in 1 Cream.  This REALLY does what it says it does.  And I have tried A LOT of hair products.  It makes my hair shiny, fights frizz, protects against heat, is a great leave in conditioner.  It can also be used on dry hair.  Try it, you won't regret it!

Next, I am in LOVE with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hair Spray.

This goes on while your hair is damp and I am talking mega volume here. I have thin, fiiiiiiiine hair and I was amazed at the results the first time I used it.

Va Va Voom

As mentioned in a previous post, I finger dry my hair(after wringing dry with a cotton shirt to help eliminate frizz), then use a round boar brush to smooth and then put my hair up in no heat, velcro rollers while I put my makeup on, let the dogs out, drink coffee and be fabulous.  When I am ready to walk out the door I take the rollers out! This is right from the rollers.  Va Va Voom!!  Even my wonderful husband noticed something was different!

There is a small bottle you can try out before purchasing the large one, which is exactly what I did.  If you've got thin hair, TRY THIS!

Next is a product I really scoffed at when I first saw it in the tube.  Borghese Brightening Makeup. Pink "brightening" makeup? What am I 5?  I was bored one day and opened it and boy am I glad I did.  In fact, I just found out it is sold on Birchbox's website and is SOLD OUT! (Side bar, you can get it at Beauty Bar's website for the same price).  This is actually similar to a highlighter and can be worn over foundation, under foundation or mixed with foundation or moisturizer, depending on the level of sheen and coverage you want.  It gave me that "lit from within" glow.  It is a beautiful color.

See, a beautiful color

Similar to Benefit's High Beam actually.  And great for the winter months since we all could use a little shimmer with the sun in hibernation :)

Next is Juice Beauty Lip Gloss in Guava.  This can also be found at Birchbox or Ulta.  I won this and forgot all about it.  My first impression was I loved the color but not the smell.  It has an earthy, fruity smell.  But after using it daily, it is kind of an addicting smell and I love it now!  It is made with blueberries and organic goji berries so I think that is partly to blame or thank!  The gloss sinks into my lips and immediately refreshes them without looking like I'm sticky with gloss.  Just natural. This is the perfect natural lip color, too.

"I'm Glossy"

Last but certainly the star of the show, is part of my prize package from Marc Jacobs Beauty (I promise I am working on that post next).  The Sky Liner Seven Piece Petite Highliner Collection.

These go on like butter!!  There is no skipping or dragging across my eyelid.  I can use one hand and not even have to pull my lid taught.  Plus the colors....oh the colors!!  They are gorgeous! I don't even want to swatch them to waste product lol  So here is a picture I found online.

Courtesy of CakeMakeup.com

They are beautiful! They last ALLLLL DAAAAY long, too!!  I haven't even used all the colors yet because I am stuck on the purple, green and bronze.  They bring out the colors in my eyes so well.

#purplepeopleeater

Here is the Halloween makeup I wore today using all Marc Jacobs makeup.  The eyeliner is so pretty that I am working on a holiday eye makeup look with these too.

And there ya have it loves!

The creme de la creme of my products this month.  Sure there are other ones I use but these all really stood out as stars individually and of course can create an entire look together.

Have you used any of these? What do you think of them?

Let us know in the comments below!!

Happy Halloween and have a great night!! xo

GlossyBox VS BoxyCharm October 2014 Unboxing and Showdown!

Hard to believe that October is almost over...this month truly did fly by so quickly.  I wish I was an animal and could go into hibernation as I HATE the cold.  Hhhhmmmpppphhhh......Okay, temper tantrum over for the moment.

I have not had a BoxyCharm subscription before.  And I am not sure how I saw the sneak peek of one of the items that was coming in the October box.  But I did and I wanted it SO badly that I signed up.

The important stuff.....

GlossyBox is $21 a month and so is BoxyCharm.  There are constant feuds on social media over which of these two are better.  It all comes down to what you are looking for in a box.  The price is nothing to squawk at because the boxes come with twice the value based on the amount of products in them each month. BoxyCharm is mostly makeup and GlossyBox will give you a pretty good mix of makeup, haircare and skincare each month.

When I first came into makeup, I wanted a mix of it all so I chose GlossyBox.  Check out some of my past posts to review the items that I have received.  The July 2014 box was my favorite so far.

Also, there was no waiting list for GlossyBox as there is with BoxyCharm and patience is a virtue I do not possess.  But I signed up for the October BoxyCharm and crossed all my bits in hopes that I would get it and I did!

It took forever to get to me so let's look at GlossyBox first.

October 2014 GlossyBox

As we all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I am assuming that is why pink is the theme this month.  I loved that they did that.  My first impression of the items, however, was MEH.....

Now, let me show you BoxyCharm before I do my breakdowns.....

October 2014 BoxyCharm

AAAAHHHHH!!!  I freaking love it!!  I would have been happy with just the concealer palette :)

Okay, let's go over the goodies now.

First up, in GlossyBox.....

Most expensive product

Tarte's Power Pigment in Awakening, valued at $24 (full sized).  This lip product is the sister to their signature lip stain.  Full of moisture and a bold color.....well the color is pink and there has really been only one NYX pink that I can pull off.

For BoxyCharm, I have to just get right to the most exciting product for me!

My favorite product

Coastal Scents Eclipse 15 concealer palette, valued at $19.95 (full sized).  I just recently did a post on concealers and correctors (HERE) so couldn't wait to get this.  I have horrible dark purple bags and I also have blood vessels on the sides of my nose.  I will use so many of these shades.  They have really done wonders for my under eye area since I can play with the palette and make my own perfect shade for my coloring.  It lasts all day too.

Here is me wearing it for the first time and I gotta say my bags have never looked better!

Smile!

Serious Face

Here are the colors a little closer so you can see how nice they are!

Left side of palette

Right side of palette

I did read some reviews about them drying out so only time will tell.....but overall for the price, you can't beat it.  This will be my second palette that I am in LOVE with.  I haven't written my review yet but this is the other one I am obsessed with! And their brushes are divine!!

Sleek Silhouette Palette

The colors are perfect and last all day :)

This point goes to BoxyCharm!

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GB-0

Next up from GB....

I love products from London

Nails, Inc. Matte Top Coat, valued at $11 (full size).  I truly have never had the desire to use a matte top coat.  I like shiny, wet looking nails.  But I used this on my accent nail and was pleasantly surprised at how nice it looked!  Another polish to add to my ever growing collection!

Matte accent nail

Next up from BoxyCharm is a duo of polishes.

2 is better than 1

Cult/Commerce Polishes in B'Witched and Spell On, valued at $21 (full size).  I cannot for the life of me find this brand online to show you where to purchase them.  I think these were specifically made for this month's box.  There was some major controversy with these as when you went to use them for the first time, the brushes were hard as a rock.  A memo was sent out on social media telling us to soak the brush in acetone for 30-60 seconds prior to use.  It cleared the issue up but should have been sent out BEFORE the world went crazy, IMO.  In any event, this is probably the prettiest purple I own.

Halloween nails

This one actually goes to GlossyBox.  I was introduced to a brand new product!

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Next up for GlossyBox....

One mask

Sesha Botanical Hydro Mask, valued at $9 (full size).  I am a mask lover.  I love to make my own more than anything lately.  This mask, though, really made me feel like it was doing "something" to my skin.  It was cold and refreshing and overall felt really good.  I don't think there were any immediate results other than my face looked like I just went for a brisk walk.  It's got a bunch of good stuff in it...witch hazel, green tea and cucumber.  I just can't justify the price for something I will need to use all the time to see results.

BoxyCharm gave me.....

A 40% coupon on my next Palmetto purchase was included, too

Palmetto Derma Collagen Booster and Restoration Spray, valued at $48 (full size).  I was super excited to see this even though I was hoping for a makeup filled box.  I did just have a birthday and am 34 now.....preventative treatment is high on my priority list!  I used it this morning and I didn't like the way it came out of the bottle.  It made me feel like I was wasting product.  But it felt nice on my skin.  Made with Vitamin C and E, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Gotu Kola and many more super ingredients I am hoping to notice results soon! They also included a 40% off my next purchase coupon, which of course I misplaced :( Everything I have read about this has been positive!

This one goes to BoxyCharm.

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Next up from GlossyBox is.......

Sulfate free!!

Proganix Anti-Fade Weightless Argan Oil and UV Protection Spray, valued at $11.99 (full size). I have colored hair that needs protection from the sun and styling tools so this was great to get.  It smells very pretty, just on the verge of overpowering when first sprayed but remains light and airy for the rest of the day.  My hair was immediately shiny after using it this morning.  I really like this!

BoxyCharm gave me.....

Ultra Olive

Starlooks Eye Pencil in Ultra Olive, valued at $13 (full size).  Its a great color for this season but I hate pencils I have to sharpen.  They drag on my eye lid and I am an eye liner snob ever since I started using Benefit's They're Real Eye Liner.  Plus I just won a whole set of Marc Jacobs gel eyeliners and I am in heaven.  This will be gifted or sold.

This one goes to GlossyBox.

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The tie breaker is coming!

GlossyBox gave me.....

Pretty Packaging

Vince Camuto AMORE perfume, deluxe sample.  The packaging is adorable.  But that's it.  It is very flowery and not my style at all.  I am not even sure what to do with this......

BoxyCharm gave me....

Haha, Miss Priss

Be a Bombshell eye shadow in Miss Priss, valued at $14 (full size).  This is a pink eye shadow. Enough said??  I have heard a lot of great things about this brand but would have loved another color. BoxyCharm did put out a great video that shows a nice eye look with grey and pink so maybe I could pull that one off.  I might gift this or sell this though. It is shimmer though.....decisions, decisions :)

This one goes to BoxyCharm by default :)  PS-The other item GlossyBox gave me was a $40 gift card to Hello Fresh, this is one of those companies where they deliver fresh ingredients to your door! It is a great gift card and helps with the cost and I do think I will use this or gift this.

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And BoxyCharm was the winner this month!!

Were ya'll following the values of the full sized products though??

GlossyBox=$55.99, not including the deluxe sample and $40 gift card

BoxyCharm=$115.95

Holy cow!!!  Again, I paid $21.  I LOVED BoxyCharm this month!!

So much so that I am actually going to stay with them.  I cancelled once my box shipped but went right back on the waitlist.  I like how I can get points and use them towards things on the site, unlike GlossyBox.  That is huge to me!  So thank you, BoxyCharm! You made SUCH a great first impression that you have a new customer.  Don't tell my husband :) 

Do you get both boxes?

How long have you had BoxyCharm? Do you love it every month?

Please let me know what to expect and look forward to in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! Tomorrow is FRIDAY!! xo