February Pijon Box Review

I decided to give Pijon Box a try because I've seen reviews of their past boxes and always like the mix of items they included.  They also ran a promo back in either December or January where you could try your first box free if you paid $1.99 shipping, so of course I had to sign up.

*Disclaimer: This box was purchased by See, Shop, Love! Post contains referral links.

Pijon Box was designed as a care package for college students, but it really could be a fun treat for anyone.  You can choose a women's, men's, or gender neutral box (this review is for the women's box).  Here are the pricing options:

• 4 months for $115.96 (one-time payment, $27/month + $1.99 shipping per month)
• 8 months for $215.92 (one-time payment, $25/month + $1.99 shipping per month)
• Custom for $30.99/month ($29/month + $1.99 shipping)

Since this box was designed for college students, it ships from September to December for the fall semester and from February to May for the spring semester.  Pijon Box is open to shipping during the summer, just send them an email and let them know you're interested!

I love the idea of Pijon Box.  Getting packages from my parents while I was in school was always exciting, and I think Pijon Box does a good job of picking items that college kids will both want and need.  February's box was a little lacking compared to past ones I've seen, but since I only paid $1.99 for it I wasn't too disappointed (although I would have felt differently if this cost me $30.99).

• Not Your Mother's Plump For Joy Thickening Hair Lifter ($5.99 for 8 fl oz) - I already have pretty thick hair but I was interested in trying this because I've been letting my hair air dry more often recently and I like to add a little product to keep it from looking too flat.  I liked this a lot; I applied it to damp hair and scrunched it and it left my hair looking wavy.
• Color Club Nail Polish in Love Links and Nature's Way ($8.50 for .5 fl oz) - I took the price directly from the Color Club website, but I have never actually seen one of their polishes on sale for that high of a price.  Usually they cost more like $5.  Anyway, I like the Color Club brand quite a lot so I'm glad Pijon Box included them.  I posted these for swap because they're similar to colors I already have, but if I didn't have so many nail polishes already I would have been really excited to get these!

• Vapur Reflex Foldable Water Bottle ($7.99) - I feel like I've seen a foldable water bottle in a previous Pijon Box, but I could be making that up.  These are always handy to have and are great for on-the-go.  It has a carabiner attachment so a student could easily clip it to their backpack.  I took this to the gym tonight and it wasn't the best for that because it doesn't hold a ton of water, but I'd definitely take it elsewhere.
• Oatworks Fruit Smoothie in Pomegranate Blueberry ($2.99 for 12 fl oz) - I took the price for this from the Pijon Box site (you can buy all of the products in their store).  I've had this before from a different subscription box and I think I liked it.  I don't remember hating it, so that's good!  I like to take drinks like this to work to have for breakfast.
• Revolution Tea Sample Pack ($2.99 for three teas) - This sample pack has Peach Mango Green Tea, Blackberry Jasmine Oolong Tea, and Raspberry Black Tea inside.  I like tea but I don't drink it daily, so I currently have quite a collection building up in my cabinet.  I had the Peach Mango one last night though and it was delicious!

Bottom Line: The overall retail value of this box adds up to $28.46, so it's just a little bit less than the $30.99 price tag for anyone who purchased this using the custom option.  Obviously if you purchased a 4- or 8-month subscription it's closer to the price you paid for the box.  I also think the value is relative, because although the foldable water bottle retails for $7.99....it's a water bottle.  Even so, I liked this box.  I think it's a great idea and I know I would have loved to have received one when I was in college.  Plus, if your parents are buying it for you, I guess the retail value doesn't really matter!

Visible Science Argan Oil Review and Giveaway

I've used quite a few argan oils before, but I've never used one quite like the one made by Visible Science.  Theirs is a unique blend of argan oil and other potent ingredients that help nourish and protect your hair and skin!

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for review purposes.

The Visible Science Organic Argan Oil with Resveratrol is cruelty-free and made with fair-trade, certified organic argan oil.  They purchase their argan oil from local cooperatives in Morocco and part of their proceeds go back into those communities to fund schools, improved access to water, and modernizing agricultural production.  So not only can you be rest assured you're purchasing a quality product, you're also helping give back to the locals who helped create it!

Visible Science's argan oil is also free from sulfates and parabens.  Unlike other argan oils I've tried, this one is not just pure argan oil.  It also contains linseed oil, carrot seed oil, and resveratrol (among a few other ingredients).  It also has an added fragrance, so if you're sensitive to that in your skincare you may want to just stick to using this on your hair.  The resveratrol combination creates an effect that maximizes the antioxidant, protective, and restorative properties of the cold-pressed argan oil.  Resveratrol itself is a powerful antioxidant, and it helps to protect your hair and skin from free radicals.

When I first went to use this oil I assumed that the top would pop off and reveal an air pump dispenser, since that's what I usually see with products like these.  I was wrong!  The cap is attached to a wand applicator, and because I was unaware of this, I flung off the cap with way more force than was necessary and ended up spilling some of the oil everywhere.  I definitely wanted to make note of this so anyone who reads this review doesn't make the same mistake!

Initial mess aside, I like this oil a lot.  It's thinner than other argan oils I've tried, but it's incredibly silky and smooth.  It absorbs into my skin fairly quickly and leaves it feeling nice and nourished.  I especially like using this on my hair.  I applied it to my damp hair before bed and woke up with the softest hair ever!  The slight fragrance was also really nice on my hair (it very lightly smells of floral and vanilla to me).

UPDATE! I am glad to announce that the Visible Science Argan Oil does have a normal air pump applicator!  I must have twisted the entire cap too roughly when I first opened it, because I just went to use it again and flipped the cap off to reveal a totally manageable applicator (see photo below).  So ignore my other comments about the applicator!

Bottom Line: I think the Visible Science Organic Argan Oil with Resveratrol is an exceptional product!  I love that it's cruelty-free and made with fair-trade organic argan oil.  I also love how it makes my skin and hair feel!  If you're in the market for an argan oil that packs an extra punch, I recommend checking this one out!

• Visit the Visible Science website to learn more
• Connect with them on Twitter and Pinterest

Visible Science has kindly offered a bottle of their Organic Argan Oil with Resveratrol to one of my readers!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below.  The giveaway is open to U.S. residents aged 18+ and ends at 12 AM EST on Friday, February 20th.  See the Rafflecopter form for full terms and conditions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Review

The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream was included in January's PopSugar Must Have box.  I had tried a few other First Aid Beauty products before thanks to Little Black Bag but wasn't really blown away by any of them.  I was interested in trying this cream because I had heard good things about it, plus I need something for my dry, cracked hands during the winter.  Turns out, it's wonderful!

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

A 6.0 oz jar of this cream will cost you $30, which is certainly on the more expensive end.  First Aid Beauty also offers a 2.0 oz version for $12, so if you want to try it without having to spend a lot of money on the larger size you can.

The cream is described on the FAB website as a "thick, rich, emollient product that hydrates deep down with exceptional penetration."  It's made with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil, and ceramides and can be used on the face or body.  I've been using this on my hands because it's supposed to combat severely dry, scaly skin.  It also helps with eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and keratosis pilaris.

I like that the cream is free from parabens, harsh chemicals, and colorants, making it safe for sensitive skin.  When it comes to hand creams I prefer to have no fragrance because I don't want any ingredients irritating my skin further.  My hands have been so dry this winter (as they are every winter) and this cream soothes them!  It's not as thick as I thought it would be; in fact, I think it's pretty smooth and silky.  It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling.

Bottom Line: I like the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream quite a bit and am very glad it was included in the January PopSugar Must Have box, because I probably wouldn't have purchased it otherwise.  It has worked well to combat the dry, cracked skin on my hands and a little goes a long way so the jar will last me quite a while.  Are there comparable creams out there that are less expensive?  Yes.  But if you don't mind the price, I think you'll be very happy with this cream.

My Everyday Makeup Routine with Too Faced

One of my favorite things to treat myself to is new makeup, especially eyeshadow palettes.  I like doing my makeup in the morning.  It usually takes me no more than 10 minutes and it's something I really just enjoy doing.  I recently realized that my routine is made up of mostly Too Faced products.  They're one of my favorite makeup brands because they're also one of the few who are still entirely cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny certified as such!

Disclaimer: These products were purchased by See, Shop, Love!

Like I said, my everyday look is pretty simple and doesn't take me long to do.  Here's a rundown of what I use and how:

• Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush - I use the shade "Something About Berry" because I like the pink/coral sheen it gives.  It's very nicely pigmented, so I only need a few swirls of my brush to get a good amount of color.  I wear this year-round because I like having a warm flush of color on my cheeks.
• Shadow Insurance Primer - I didn't know what eyeshadow primer was until I was in college and it was life-changing!  I didn't wear a ton of makeup in high school so I never knew I needed it, but now I definitely love and need it!  Primer improves the longevity of your eyeshadow, especially if you have oily lids.  It also helps everything apply smoothly and brings out the most pigmentation from the eyeshadow (if it's a powder).  Shadow Insurance is silky smooth and just a few dabs are enough to help my shadow last all day,
• Chocolate Bar or Natural Eye Palettes - Neutral shades are my favorites when it comes to eyeshadow and I can never have enough palettes!  The Chocolate Bar was a gift (read my full review of that here), and, actually, so was the Natural Eye palette.  The Chocolate Bar shades are made with actual cocoa powder so they smell delicious, and the Natural Eye palette is a great on-the-go set with all the colors I need.  I use a medium golden shade on my lid, a darker brown on the outside side of my lid, and a light highlighter shade on my inner lid.
• LashGASM Mascara - I love this mascara!  My lashes are short and stick straight out, and this gives me lots of length and definition.  I know this sounds weird, but I think the bristles on the applicator are spaced apart perfectly--I don't like when they're too close together because that usually leads to clumping for me.  I only need one coat of this mascara for my lashes to look the way I want them to.
• Perfect Eyes Eyeliner - I actually don't wear eyeliner daily, but when I do want it I have this sample that I use.  I would definitely purchase a full-sized eyeliner when this runs out because it applies very smoothly.

As you can see, everything is well-loved (especially the Chocolate Bar palette)!  All of these products perform exceptionally well and I highly recommend them.  I have other Too Faced products that are great that I don't use everyday, including their Melted lipstick, La Creme lipstick, and Chocolate Soleil bronzer.

I don't own any Too Faced brushes yet, but they have a great line that's made of teddy bear hair that I will certainly be purchasing in the future.  I always want to try their Better Than Sex mascara and Amazing Face liquid foundation.

Have you used any Too Faced products?  Which are your favorites?

Badger Unscented Face Care Set Review

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you may already know that Badger is my favorite brand of all time!  They're a Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free company that is awesome for so many reasons.  Here are just a few: aside from being Leaping Bunny certified, they also use USDA organic and fair trade ingredients, are a B Corporation (more on that here), and they just overall seem like an amazing place to work.  I promise I am not just kissing butt here--this is a 100% not sponsored post, I just really love Badger!

Disclaimer: These products were purchased by See, Shop, Love!

All fangirling aside, I wanted to share with you my experiences with one of Badger's newer products: the Unscented Face Oil and Face Cleansing Oil.  I purchased these as part of a set for $25.99 because it was cheaper than buying them both individually (the Face Oil is $14.99 and the Cleansing Oil is $15.99).  Plus, every order over $25 on the Badger website ships for free and comes with an extra gift--this time it was a mini Badger Balm (pictured above, bottom center).

I had been wanting to try a cleansing oil for a while, and when Badger came out with their line of face care sets I knew I had to get them.  I decided on the Unscented line because they're made for sensitive skin.  My skin is oily but also sensitive to harsh products.  They also have Argan (all skin types), Seabuckthorn (normal to dry skin), and Damascus Rose (delicate/dry skin) oil sets.

The Face Oil is 1 fl oz and the Cleansing Oil is 2 fl oz.  All of Badger's face care oils are clinically tested to be non-comedogenic (they won't clog your pores) and hypoallergenic.  The Unscented set really is unscented, so you don't have to worry about any kind of fragrances irritating your skin.

I love that Badger uses minimal ingredients in all of their products, and that the ingredients they do use are natural and pure.  They are a company that truly is organic and natural!  The ingredients for those of these oils are similar, but the Face Oil has a few more oils in it than the Cleansing Oil.

I've been using these for two weeks and have been really enjoying them!  The instructions state to apply the Cleansing Oil on dry skin and massage it in using a circular motion.  I use two pumps and it's more than enough to cover my entire face.  Massaging it in is very calming, too; it's like having a mini facial every morning and night!  After applying it to the skin, you use a warm washcloth to steam open pores and gently remove oil, dirt, and makeup.  This really works well at removing my makeup, which was something I was a little bit concerned about.  I didn't need to worry, though, because it easily took off all of my foundation and everything else.

After removing the Cleansing Oil, it's time for the Face Oil to do work its magic.  I've used face oil moisturizers before so I was more familiar with how to apply this than I was with the Cleansing Oil.  Basically, dispense a pump or two (I use only one) onto the palms and then apply it onto the skin.  I like to rub it between my palms and then roll my palms over my face to apply it.  Definitely apply this while your skin is just a little bit damp still--if you apply it on completely dry skin it'll be harder to spread it evenly.  Plus, you should apply moisturizers on damp skin anyway to help with absorption.

Bottom Line: I am loving the Unscented Face Care Set and am so glad I purchased it!  Although it may sound counterintuitive to use face oils on oily skin, they actually work really well to balance sebum production because "like dissolves like."  I will have to keep using these for a longer period of time to see if they reduce the oil on my skin, but so far I'm pleased with their performance.  My skin feels clean and hydrated after use, and I have peace of mind knowing that I'm using a truly natural, cruelty-free product from an amazing company!

• Visit Badger's website to browse their full line of products.  I especially recommend their Aromatherapy Balms and Cocoa Butter Lip Balms!
• Check out some of my past Badger reviews here.