Unboxing Beauty

I am a member of Rakuten Affiliate Network and every quarter, they select 50 people to received their bonus box.  I was VERY lucky for Quarter 4, as I was chosen to receive this box.  AND WOW.  What a box!!

Disclosure:  I received this box complementary from RAN (Rakuten Affiliate Network)  There are affiliate links in this blog post

Foreo Luna Mini I have silicone facial brushes ~ several, in face.  I have pore brushes.  I have never been tempted by an electronic device to help cleanse my face, like Clarisonic   So imagine my “meh” factor on seeing this item in my RAN Bonus Box.   What is this? Foero is a Swedish based company that has created a line of skincare devices, such as the Original Luna and dental devices (ohhhh…now teeth, I am interested in) and  the Luna Mini won the 2014 Elle Beauty Award.  Okay, but WHAT IS THIS?   It is the size of my palm ~ a little bigger ~ and it is a device that is covered in silicone and then has soft bristles on the top (both sides).  It is rechargeable, a full charge lasts 300 uses,  and is waterproof (thank goodness for that)

Luna Mini has two speeds and it pulsates at 8,000 T-Sonic™ (transdermal sonic)  every minute.   The bristles are rounded and that means it is gentle and non-abrasive.

So, I used it.  And now I am NOT ‘meh‘ about this little beauty with its spirit fingers of pulsating joy!  Ha!  That sounds dirty, doesn’t it?  When I first turned this on and used it, I thought to myself, this is it?  Really?  I proceeded to apply this all over my face and I could feel that the pulsation was switching back and forth.  I also could change the setting to a lower speed as well.  I normally only feel this type of smoothness when I use my AmorePacific Enzyme Treatment Peel, but with this little device, I just used Ciracle Tea Tree cleanser and WOW.  So smooth and soft, all over my face.  The Luna Mini really had results with one use and that rarely happens when it comes to skincare products and devices.

Because my face had been exfoliated by the Luna Mini with dirt and oil rinsed off, that meant that my skincare products would absorb better into my skin.    I really am impressed by the Luna Mini and am so happy I received this.   Once I rinsed off my face, I ran my hands over my face ~ it is so smooth, honest!!    What a great little device and I can see why it won that Elle Award.   Unboxing Beauty Tip:  Luna Mini doesn’t cause your cleansers to foam up, so what I do is use my handy dandy pore brush ~ I happen to love the Memebox XO I’m Dual Brush ~ and foam up the cleanser on my face.  Then I take the Luna Mini and go over my face with that for a minute.   Baby smooth skin and cleansed!!   

Now this little gem is not inexpensive ~ it is $139.00,  but it does have a 2-Year Limited Warranty and 10-Year Quality Guarantee.   However, Foreo is having their lowest discounts of the year right now for Black Friday ~ 25% off all their items and free shipping ~ Valid 11-27 to 11-30, so you can purchase this for $104.24    To take advantage of their sales, click here.   

Many thanks to Lulubelle, who commented that Birchbox carries this and they have Black Friday/CyberMonday Specials.  Click here to see all of the Foreo products at Birchbox

• For Birchbox ACES, Use code ACESONLY and get 30% off your $35.00 or more purchase
• This Black Friday weekend, take 25% off ALL subscriptions and 25% off full-size beauty products on orders of $35 or more. Plus, receive free shipping on orders of $25+. Use code BIGDEAL  Valid 11/27-12/1
• This Cyber Monday, take 25% off subscriptions and orders of $35 or more—and get free shipping on orders $25+. Use code PARTYON. Valid 11/30 thru 12/1

 

 

Monica Vinader Fiji Friendship Bracelet in Plum  Monica Vinader is a British luxury  jewelry line and it is the leading jewelry brand at Harrods.  The Fiji Friendship bracelet is their most iconic bracelet in their line.   This is a sterling silver bracelet worth $150.00 (thuds)   This is really nice and is a layering piece with other slim bracelets.  This has a plum cord with a beautiful silver button to help adjust the bracelet to your wrist.     This bracelet comes in other colors for the cord as well, including a silver metallic

Description: Plum for prosperity. This iconic friendship bracelet is an essential piece and the perfect gift for friends. The bracelet features a smooth, curved bar in Sterling Silver. The bar measures 11cm in length, with a gap of approximately 5.5cm between each end. A toggle slides to easily adjust the cord’s length for a snug fit. 

Monica Vinader will also engrave your pieces as well and it is free!  For a limited time only, they also have free 2 day express shipping to the USA 🙂    This shop has some great items, not only in sterling silver, but 18K rose and yellow gold plated over sterling silver!  Monica Vinader also has a men’s line of jewelry, as well as some beautiful gemstone items.

I am actually looking into purchasing another one of their bracelets this Black Friday, as Monica Vinader is having a HUGE sale ~ 30% to 50% off their site!  I am thrilled to have received this in my RAN Bonus Box ~ this is one of the best things ever that I have gotten.   

 

DL1961 Jeans I didn’t receive a pair of jeans in my box ~ but I will receive a pair of jeans after selecting from their catalog online and then calling my contact at DL 1961.  I have a confession to make ~ I am not a size 0 ~ ahahahaha ~ I don’t think my big toe is a size 0!  No, seriously, I have a hard time with jeans or any zip fly front pants ~ I had major abdominal surgery ~ 3 of them in less than a year due to a ruptured intestine and I have horrible scarring and a lot of sensitivity in that region.   Right where a button and fly zip would be (*sobs*).  So, I have to look for pants that have a more flexible and giving nature around the waistband for now ~ until that area toughens up and doesn’t hurt so much.   Long story short, I worked with Olympia at DL1961 to find a pair of jeans in my size with a more relaxed waist band and this is the style I am getting:

image and description source

Description: This super-soft boyfriend jean is the perfect balance of comfort and a tailored fit. Powered by DLX Hybrid technologies that combine our shape retaining DLX fibers and cotton this jean comes in various washes, from vintage and distressed to clean and modern. Dilorio is a medium wash with slight distressing at the thigh.  image and description

I haven’t received them yet, but when I do, I will update this blog post with the fit and my impressions of the jeans!  DL 1961 makes their jeans with XFIT LYCRA® technology, with allows for supreme stretch and movement, without sagging.   These jeans that I picked out have a RV of $168.00, but are on sale currently for $117.00

 

 

Time To Spa Elemis Sample Pack From what I understand Time To Spa’s Elemis line is featured at spas and also cruise ships!  They create skincare products that will destress, detoxify and balance your skin.   I received the following items

• Total Glow Bronzing Moisturizer This is a daily moisturizer which has Vegetan™, an ingredient derived from wheat, and will gradually create a tan on your skin
• Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm This product will brighten your complexion, making you look healthy and fresh
• Pro Radiance Cream Cleanser This anti-aging cleanser will remove impurities on your skin.  This is not a foaming cleanser, but one that will work nicely for skin that is dry, sensitive or damaged.  I received a 30 mL travel size and that is valued at $10.00 ~ they do sell the travel sizes at their web site
• Pro Collagen Marine Cream Ultra Rich This cream is part of their anti-aging line  and is designed for dry and dehydrated skin.  This is a Cruise Spa top pick!

Out of the products above, I will only use the flash balm and the cleanser, as I do not like faux tans in general and the cream is too rich for my face.

The cleanser has a low pH of 5 to 5.5, if you are needing a lower pH level cleanser.  Usually cream cleansers are lower than foaming cleansers.  The flash balm really was nice and light, with an herbal-floral scent ~ I could see that it really did smooth out my skin.

The bronzer was a thinner cream, easy to spread and turns invisible on my skin.  It has a lovely scent ~ reminds me of suntan lotions, but in a good way.

Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Moisturizer Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Dihydroxyacetone, Hexyldecyl Laurate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hexyldecanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Propanediol, Myristyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Phenoxyethanol, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Sorbitan Isostearate, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citronellol, Alpha-isomethyl Ionone, Coumarin, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Eugenol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate  cosDNA.com analysis

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Octyldodecanol, Propylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Mica, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Bisabolol, Pullulan, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Polyacrylamide, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Fragrance (Parfum), Methylpropanediol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Lecithin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Phosphate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Caramel, Orchis Mascula (Orchid) Extract, Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbic Acid, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol  cosDNA.com analysis

Elemis  Pro Radiance Cream Cleanser  Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glycol Palmitate, Polysorbate 50, Sorbitan Stearate, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Pheoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopherol, Limonene, Tromethamine, Linalool, Methylisothiazolinone, Dextrin, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Arctium Lappa root Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract  cosDNA.com analysis

Elemis  Pro Collagen Marine Cream Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Padina Pavonica Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Acacia Decurrens Absolute, Rosa Damascena Flower Absolute, Lecithin, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Polyacrylamide, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Citronellol  cosDNA.com analysis

You will get 20% off your first order at Time To Spa, by using PROMO code TWENTY and click here to redeem.    You always get 4 free samples with every order and free shipping with purchases $49.00 and over.   They do have some specials coming up

• Buy 2, get the 3rd one free!  Valid thru 11/26 .  Click here and use PROMO code 3RDFREE
• Black Friday ~ 50% off selected items.  Valid from 11/27 to 11/29  Click here
• Cyber Monday ~ : Save up to 75% on select products.  Valid from 11/20 to 12/1.  Click here for savings.

 

e.l.f. Party Ready Eye Shadow Palette  I love the e.l.f. brand~ it is so inexpensive (but not cheaply made) and they have some really lovely items.   Some of my favorites are their lip exfoliator, which they now have in 2 additional flavors ~ mint and cherry ~ and their lipsticks.  This palette, Day to Night, is pretty new and retails for $10.00 (look for major sales this BF & CM)

Achieve both beautifully bold or subtle everyday eye looks with these perfectly curated 10 party-ready eyeshadow shades. This collection of hues is ideal for shading, highlighting, and defining the eyes. These silky-smooth shadows can be used as a liner, on the lid, and in the crease of the eye for an expertly contoured and blended look.

This slim, black palette contains 10 shades, from subtle to bold, matte to glitter and everything else in-between! 

Apply dry all over the eyelid with your favorite e.l.f.brush for a subtle wash of color, or apply wet for a vibrant effect. Choose a light color to apply all over the eyelid as a base or to highlight. Next, apply a medium shade over the eyelid or in the crease to contour. Then, apply the darkest shade to define and line the eye for depth and a smoky look. Mix and match for a custom look that’s perfect for any occasion!

I really like this palette as the pigmentation on the shades are really good ~ and these shadows are very long lasting.  I went to wipe off my arm with some water and tissue and it still wouldn’t come off! I had to grab a makeup remover to clean my arm!   There is little fallout with most shades and the darker ones are the most pigmented and less fall out. 

I made up the names, as these are not marked in any way.  Swatches for your consideration and in various lighting situations.  I couldn’t get a daylight shot, as it was really rainy the day I took these photos.  I did use primer and the lighter colors took multiple layer, especially #5 thru #7.  #9 & #10 are shimmery shades, but just barely.  They look more glittery in the pan than on the skin.

 

1. Glitter White Gold
2. Pale Peach Matte
3. Shimmery Bronze
4. Shimmery Hot Cocoa
5. Shimmery Raspberry
6. Shimmery Electric Blue
7. Matte African Violet
8. Deep Dark Black Brown Matte
9. Deep Dark Black Navy with specks of glitter
10. Bête Noire with specks of glitter

TBDress “Diamond” Collar/Necklace This is a bling bling necklace for sure!!   TBDress is a online retailer, located in Hong Kong, that has a HUGE catalog of inexpensive, trendy items. TBDress ships to over 230 countries and have 10 million product listings.    This necklace is obviously not a daily wear item, but more of a party-type necklace.  It actually could look really great with a black tee and leather pants.  Or black v-neck sweater, pencil skirt and boots.  Anything black, really.  In fact, as I am typing this up, this is starting to look good to me ~ think black!   Could look pretty cool and not bad for around 10 bucks!

Now, as I wanted experience how it would be to order from their site and share that with my readers, I did order a couple of necklaces there that are more an “everyday” style (at least for me)

I ordered these on 11/13 and they finally shipped out on 11/25. However, you can actually track the progress of your items on their website.  I guess I picked items that really needed inspection or something!!  haha 

I will update this blog post once I get them, with full information on how long it took to get to me.  

TBDress is having Black Friday & Cyber Monday promo codes , even off their already low discounted prices, which are 85% off RV to begin with

• Black Friday  $2.00 off with $19.00 purchase.  You can also get $5.00 to $10.00 off and free shipping, based on the item.    Click here and use PROMO code BF5
• Cyber Monday   Shipping Cost 50% discounted and extra 10%- 15% off.  Get an additional $2.00 off with $19.00 purchase.   Click here and use PROMO code CM1

 

Whew!!  That was the box I received from RAN (and thank you SO much for picking me as a lucky recipient this quarter!)   There is something for everyone in here ~ from the chic-chic of DL1961 jeans and Monica Vinader Jewelry, Spa treatments from Time to Spa Elemis line and very affordable and cool stuff from e.l.f. cosmetics and TBDress.     I received a value of over $300.00 in this box (big eyes) ~ yeah.  I am still shocked by it!

I am so grateful that Jamie at RAN chose me as I thought I was too late to enter ~ RAN will look over the applications from their affiliates and then chose 50 affiliates to receive this wonderful box.   RAN only does this quarterly, so I am very happy to have this opportunity to receive and review some really nice products for my readers!

Have you tried any of these items in the RAN Bonus Box?  Are you interested in purchasing on Black Friday ~ such as  e.l.f. cosmetics, Foreo and Monica Vinader?  I know I will be ordering from Monica Vinader on Friday 🙂

 

Disclosure:  I received this box complementary from RAN (Rakuten Affiliate Network)  There are affiliate links in this blog post

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