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The Creme Shop x Hello Kitty Lunar New Year Eyeshadow Palette

I'm Korean-American and Lunar New Year season is always challenging for me because there are so many cute collaborations that come out! One of the things I picked up for the Year of the Rabbit 2023 was the eyeshadow palette from The Creme Shop x Hello Kitty and Friends.

*Disclaimer: This product was purchased by See, Shop, Love!

First off, I was hoping to have two other items to share with you but The Creme Shop did not include them in my package and I'm still waiting for them to respond to my inquiry. Their customer service has not been the best. I'm a big fan of their brand but this was my second time buying directly from their site and wanted to let people know of the issue in case they're considering ordering.

That being said, I do really enjoy The Creme Shop and they always have cute collabs with Hello Kitty! Since this is the Year of the Rabbit, My Melody and Kuromi are also featured on this palette and through the LNY collection. I love rabbits, so it's been tempting to buy almost every LNY product I came across. I ended up getting The Creme Shop's items because they're affordable and have been great quality in the past.

The Lunar New Year Moon Gaze Palette is $16 and still available as of publication of this post. As you can see, it comes with nine gorgeous gold and red/pink shades, which is one of my favorite color combinations for eyeshadow.

The inside cover of the palette has a mirror with cute Chinese lantern and flower patterns around the border.

You can click on the photo above to enlarge it further to read the ingredients list.

For a $16 palette, the color payoff is decent. This was my first time trying eyeshadow from The Creme Shop, as I've only purchased their skincare in the past (I love their sheet masks). I used the shades Blessing, Abundance, Firecracker, and Blossom in the photo above.

The lighter matte shades had the least color payoff and are a bit chalky. I had to do several layers for the swatches above. The shimmers have a much better texture and vibrancy.

From left to right: Blessing, Good Fortune, and Abundance.

Left to right: Wealth, Firecracker, and Make a Wish

Left to right: Lunar Love, Blossom, and Lucky Rabbit.

Lunar Love and Lucky Rabbit had the best texture and color of the mattes, the swatches above were just one application using my fingertips.

• Browse The Creme Shop's Lunar New Year collection here

Bottom Line: If you're looking for an affordable, fun Lunar New Year palette, The Creme Shop has a good option. I would say it's exactly what I expected for the price point: not stellar, but certainly worth the purchase. If you love Hello Kitty and Friends as much as I do, I definitely recommend it! And, hopefully, my customer service issues are just an isolated incident.

Valentine's Day Gift Idea: Underclub Subscription

If you're looking for a way to treat yourself or a partner this Valentine's Day, check out Underclub! They send a curated selection of underthings to help you upgrade your intimates wardrobe.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.

Underclub partners with woman-owned intimates brands and designers to bring you the best products to choose from. You'll fill out a style quiz when you join and then a personal stylist will send you exclusive, members-only styles to choose from. You'll also get access to new product launches, sales, promotions, and 20 percent off all items in their shop! You can even curate a wishlist to save all of your favorite items for future purchases.

You can choose to receive one or two pairs of underwear each month or a matching bralette and bottom. You can also update your preferences at any time from your account page.

The underwear-only subscription is available at the Signature option for one pair at $15 per month (~$20 value) or two pairs for $28 per month (~$36 value), including brands like Commando, Clo Intimo, and more. The Luxe option starts at $21 per month (~$30 value) for one pair or two for $35 (~$58 value), including brands like Natori, Cosabella, and more.

The bralette and underwear option is $45 per month for a $60 value matching set.

Underclub has a "Best Butts Guarantee" where you can reach out to their customer service if your set isn't exactly what you want. You can also skip a month right from your account page.

I received a matching set to try. I did not fill out a style survey prior to receiving the package; however, this set is great! I like the black and gold design with lace. It's cute for daily wear or on date night. It's also incredibly comfortable. I told them I was a size large top and small bottom and both fit perfectly.

Above are photos of the front and back of the bralette (first and second photos). I like that it's a snap closure instead of an over-the-head style, the way most bralettes are designed. To me it makes this easier to take on and off. The bottom is a bikini-style with lace and a smooth band. 

• Visit Underclub to subscribe

Bottom Line I enjoyed the matching set I received from Underclub! The design was fitting to my style and it was also comfortable, which is the most important thing to me. I like that they assign a personal stylist to each subscriber and give you plenty of options to choose from. I think this is a great subscription for anyone looking to update their underwear collection!

Naked Nutrition "Naked Cake" Protein Pancake Review

I'm a big fan of Naked Nutrition and I've reviewed some of their products in the past (check for links at the end of this post). They've just launched a line of protein pancakes and I've got the Naked Cake pancake mix to share with you!

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Naked Nutrition started with five single-ingredient supplements and has since grown to a variety of nutritional products, including the new Naked Cake. This pancake mix has 22 grams of protein and only five grams of sugar per service. As with all of the Naked Nutrition products, it contains only the premium ingredients you need.

The mix is in powder form and two scoops are enough for one serving (plus a half cup of water). There are about 11 servings per container, and each serving has 200 calories and 17 grams of carbohydrates. It also has a decent serving of calcium at 293 milligrams.

The powder mixed up easily with the water and a whisk and the texture was smooth.

Cooking is simple, it's the same as any other pancake. I used butter on my pan but you can substitute with margarine or a lower fat option if you choose. Each side cooked for about three to four minutes.

But how does it taste? In a world where protein products aren't always so tasty, the Naked Cake mix is actually really good! It tastes pretty much like a standard pancake, except I do get a stronger egg flavor than non-protein pancakes. The texture was light and fluffy. I really liked the Naked Cake pancake mix and I will be adding it into my routine as a regular breakfast, since I like a high-protein meal to start the day.

• Visit Naked Nutrition to purchase
• Check out my other Naked Nutrition reviews:
• Naked Whey
• Clear Naked Whey

Bottom Line: Naked Nutrition's Naked Cake protein pancake mix is a delicious way to add more protein to your diet. Like all of the Naked Nutrition products I've tried, they're high quality and I recommend them!

My Favorite Skincare Ingredient: Niacinamide

Getting into skincare can be intimidating, and I've heard some people say they feel like they need a chemistry degree to understand all of the different ingredients. It's true that all of the formulations and what they do and don't do, can't be mixed with, or how to use them can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!

*Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post.

I'm going to share one of my favorite skincare ingredients today that hits a lot of needs: it's called niacinamide. I love it because it is great for all skin types and combats a variety of needs.

Niacinamide is a topical version of Vitamin B3. You may have heard of "niacin," which is B3 in vitamin and food form. I have oily skin and use it to reduce the appearance of pores (keep in mind, nothing can actually shrink your pores) and balance sebum production. It also brightens hyperpigmentation I have from sun and acne spots.

Even if you don't have oily skin, I highly recommend adding niacinamide into your routine because of its hydrating properties. It works with the hydrating ingredients in your moisturizer to boost benefits to your skin.

Of course, as with any ingredient, there can be negative side effects. Always spot test a new ingredient in your routine before adding it in fully. Common negative side effects include redness, burning, and irritation. You should always check with your dermatologist before adding in a new ingredient if you have sensitive skin or past issues with switching up your routine.

I'm currently using the Vita B3 Source Niacinamide Serum from TIAM Skincare, a Korean brand. You can find inexpensive serums from other brands like The Ordinary and The INKEY List, too. I like using a serum because it's the most effective way to add a potent amount of niacinamide to your routine, but you may not even need one. Your moisturizer may already have niacinamide in it, as it's now commonly found in a lot of skincare. Some moisturizers with niacinamide include the Dewy Glow Moisturizer with Cherry Blossom from innisfree, Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream from First Aid Beauty, and the Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer from Drunk Elephant.

Bottom Line: Do you use niacinamide in your routine? My skin has been so much more balanced since I started using it and I definitely recommend it for all skin types!

Clean Water, Clear Skin: The Goodfor Company Shower Filter Review

The county water system where I live has pretty hard water, which I realized after my tap water left limescale in my electric hot water kettle. That same hardness can be harsh on delicate skin, especially in the winter time, so the Goodfor Company has a helpful solution with their Shower Filter!

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

The Goodfor Company offers products that will provide safe, clean water from the kitchen sink or anywhere else in your home. All of their products are registered with the EPA and have been heavily tested and proven to provide the cleanest, safest water available. 

They can provide whole home systems (prices will vary depending on your location, water composition in your home, and size of your home) or you can purchase individual filters like the Shower Filter. They offer 30 day free returns if you aren't satisfied with your product(s).

The Shower Head Filter reduces the effects of hard water and chlorine to provide filtered water during every shower. It is available in matte black, brushed nickel, and chrome. I received the chrome version to review. 

Skincare is very important to me, and the water source is often something people don't think about when considering what's best for their skin. Overly-chlorinated water can be harsh on the skin, especially if you already suffer with dry skin or sensitivity. The Shower Filter has eight stages of filters to dissolve minerals, heavy metals, chlorine, and other contaminants. The reduction of hard water can help keep your skin and hair feeling soft and healthy!

As you can see, the Shower Filter is a fairly hefty product, so it will add to the length of your shower head. This may be an issue if you're taller, but I'm only 5'3" so the lower shower head didn't cause any issues.

The filter itself is very easy to install. The kit comes with the shower filter, a roll of thread seal tape, two rubber o-rings, and a user manual. I didn't end up needing the o-rings but used some of the thread seal tape over tape I already had on the piping. All you have to do is remove your current shower head, add the filter, then screw the shower head onto the filter. All in all, it took me about five minutes to install. The filter itself should be changed every three to six months for optimal results. 

I had no issues with the installation or use of the Shower Filter. There was no difference in the water pressure from the shower head. Obviously, after just a week of use I can't speak too much to a visible difference in my skin and hair, but the benefits of soft water versus hard water are proven. 

• Visit The Goodfor Company to browse their full line and purchase

Bottom Line: The Goodfor Company Shower Filter is an easy way to upgrade the water in my shower. I'm thankful that it's easy to install and use and that it'll ultimately help my skin from feeling too dry or irritated!

Be Kind By Ellen Winter 2022 Review and Coupon

The Be Kind By Ellen box makes a great gift for your friends and family for the holidays, or as a treat for yourself! The Winter 2022 box had six cozy products from companies that give back.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.

Be Kind by Ellen is a quarterly lifestyle subscription with hand-picked items from Ellen Degeneres. All of the products are are from socially responsible products and will equal around $500 value!

There are two subscription options: you can purchase a quarterly subscription for $54.99 every three months or a yearly subscription for $197.96 per year ($49.49 per box). Shipping is free to the U.S., excluding Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii. You can cancel at any time from your account page.

Be Kind By Ellen features a different artist each quarter for their box design. This month's artist is Mickenzi Jones, a North Carolina-based artist. There is an interview with the artist in each box magazine, and Mickenzi states that her inspiration for the design was people coming together and the beauty of uniqueness and diversity.

The box will always contain six full-sized items from various categories. The Winter 2022 box definitely had products perfect for colder weather. Keep reading to see what was inside...

• Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Adoption: Ellen's "The Ellen Fund" sponsors the Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, one of her favorite organizations. This certificate and photo is for a symbolic gorilla adoption, which will include updates with photos of your gorilla, stories about them, and a contribution to help continue the work the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund does to save gorillas. This is a really unique item that might not be everyone's idea of what should be in a subscription box, but I think it's a great way to support wildlife conservation.

• Beachwaver Be Confident Co-Wash: Subscribers will receive either the Co-Wash or the Good Vibes Moisturizing Conditioner. I received the Co-Wash, which is a "conditioner-only wash" product. Women with textured hair will likely be familiar with this type of product, but for those who aren't, it's exactly what it sounds like - a moisturizing conditioner that you use alone to cleanse the hair. I like using these in between shampoo washes. Beachwaver was founded by three sisters who prioritize innovative and ethnical products.
• Ethel M Chocolates Ghana Single Origin Chocolate: Subscribers will receive one of the Ethel M dark chocolate bars in one of four flavors, Ghana, Philippines, Indonesia, or Dominican Republic. I received the Ghana bar and it is so smooth and delicious! Ethel M chocolates are made in small batches with cacao from the country after which it's named. The brand is also committed to sustainability and minimizing impact on the environment.
• Be Kind By Ellen Holiday Cookie Cutter Set: This set has three cookie cutters in a custom-designed drawstring bag, as well as a small card with Ellen's Sugariest Cookies recipe. The shapes are a gingerbread man, a tree, and a star for the holidays.

• Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks: Bombas is a Certified B Corporation, meaning they have passed a rigorous certification process to be recognized as a company that works toward the best social, environmental, and governance practices. Bombas also donates a pair of socks to an unhoused person in need for every pair sold and have donated more than 75 million items to date! I love a pair of high quality socks, and these are wonderful. They don't slide down my calves and keep them nice and warm.
• LAUDE The Label Carob Bubble Gauze Scarf: This Carob Scarf is named after the color, which is a carob brown. It is made from responsibly-dyed organic cotton that is ethically-crafted by makers in India. They are created with processes that reduce water, energy, and fabric consumption. This scarf is soft and perfect for wrapping up during cold weather, but it's also light enough that it could be worn in warmer weather, too.

Bottom Line: What I like best about Be Kind By Ellen is that it helps me discover new brands that are socially and ethically responsible, plus fun! The Winter 2022 box had a nice selection of products, and my favorites this quarter were the Bombas socks and Ethel M Chocolates. 

• Visit Be Kind By Ellen to subscribe
• They are currently running a Buy One, Get One Free offer (no coupon required)

Artza Box Review and Coupon: Gifts From Israel

The holiday season is here, and Artza Box is a beautiful gift idea for Christmas. Through this subscription you can "experience the land that Jesus walked" and help support small businesses and artisans in Israel.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Artza Box contains hand-crafted gifts, artisanal foods and recipes, art and home decor, scripture and stories, and exclusive access to the Artza store. The box ships quarterly and is currently $76.99 per box or $304.99 annually at the time of this post. The annual option includes a free fifth box.

Each box contains nine carefully crafted products from small business and charities across Israel. Their mission is to connect Christians to the Holy Land of Israel through a meaningful and educational experience while supporting the country's local artisans.

All of the items are locally-sourced and there is plenty of information about each creator and artisan, as well as highlights of the stories of Israel.

One thing I really enjoy about Artza box is that they include lots of inserts with beautiful photography and detailed descriptions of the featured products and artisans. The larger prints (first two photos) contain an introduction to the box and a message from the founder, Itai, about how subscribers helped save the fragrance business of an Israeli artisan. 

The smaller cards contain an overview of all of the products (pictured above) plus separate cards with photos of the artisans and information about their products.

The packaging on this box is truly beautiful. Everything was well packed and nothing was damaged. All of the items are full-sized and lovely quality.

• Fenster's Toffee in Lavender - Oded Fenster is a former professional basketball player in Israel who decided to follow another dream of becoming a chocolatier. He studied in Belgium and now employs young adults with developmental challenges, Down's Syndrome, or autism to help him hand-make his creations with love. These lavender toffees use Mediterranean lavender to complement the creamy taste of the toffee.
• Isra Candle - Sea of Galilee and Tiberiasb - This candle was created by Goren Sarid, who was inspired to create more detailed topographical maps of Israel during his military training. He settled on making them using candles to combine Earth, water, and fire into one medium. He was born and raised in the small town of Efrat and hopes that the candle will help transport subscribers to the meditative and calming sea of Galilee and Israel.

• Olive Wood Nativity - This beautiful wooden sculpture is perfect for hanging on the wall around Christmas or year-round. It was carved by a local Bethlehem Christian craftsman.
• Star of David Christmas Ornament - This ornament is also hand-crafted from olive tree wood that have been grown in Israel for over 150 years. The ornament was created by a third-generation locally-run Bethlehem family business.
• Alma's Soap Lavender Body Butter - Alma is the firstborn daughter of Adi and Oren Levi. She decided to begin creating her own body care after searching the market for organic and all-natural products she felt safe using on her young daughter but couldn't find any that suited her needs. This body butter is made with olive oil from olive trees in Alma's backyard, Mediterranean lavender, and fine blends of essential oils and butters.

The olive wood Nativity and Star of David ornament are so beautifully detailed! I can't have a Christmas tree in my apartment so I am going to gift these to my parents. I know they will love them and they'll look great hanging up for Christmas.

• Bedouin Israeli Winter Nights Tea Blend - This thousand year old traditional tea blend is from a family-run business just outside of Nazareth. They use the finest locally grown herbs and spices. This blend contains dried hyssop, dried sage, and dried micromeria fruticosa, the same herbs that Israelites would have enjoyed in the ancient period of the Bible.
• Hebrew Table Blessing Runner - This item is a special item only for premium subscribers. It is exclusively designed for Artza Box and has a beautiful flower and vine design with a Hebrew blessing at the center.

The runner is a nice thick material with a non-slip backing. The Hebrew blessing says, "Blessed are you, our God, who feeds the entire world through Your goodness, with kindness and graciousness."

• Conscious Carob Syrup - Carob is a uniquely Israeli spread with a sticky texture that's vegan and naturally sweet. This syrup was created by a collective that works with and supports Jewish, Christian, and Muslim women together. There was also an informational card with a recipe to make carob cookies.

Bottom Line: Artza Box truly created a beautiful presentation with high quality, thoughtful gifts from Israel. I loved learning more about each product and I especially appreciated all of the information about all of the artisans and small businesses behind each item. I think this box is a beautiful gift for yourself or your friends and loved ones who wish to connect more to Christianity through the Holy Land.

• Visit Artza Box to subscribe
• Use coupon code BF2022 for 20 percent off