My review of the COPPERTONE® CLEARLYSheer™ sunscreens from BzzAgent

COPPERTONE^® CLEARLYSheer^™ sunscreens 

Since I have been using the  COPPERTONE^® CLEARLYSheer^™ sunscreens   as part of my daily routine, I have to admit that I have been more than impressed with them!  Now before I go any further, I will say right here that I am one of those people who doesn't "live in the sun" and do activities like sunbathing. but  I DO however, enjoy  outings to the beach or springs and understand that we really should protect our skin from sun damage everyday, year round when performing regular activities outside like walking the dog, hanging out the laundry, etc.  







After I was notified that I would be getting these items, I went to the official Coppertone webpage to check them out.  I guess  I was so excited to get to participate in this BzzAgent camgaign that  I inadvertently made a mistake, when I read that they were  *for face* and suitable for wearing UNDER your makeup!!!  I didn't realize that this was a complete line of sunscreens and one of them was specifically designed for use on your face.  If you are looking for this item they do make it and  it is called Coppertone ClearlySheer Sunny days Face Lotion.  When mine package arrived I received the  COPPERTONE^® CLEARLYSheer^™ sunscreen lotion (for body!) and immediately began using it on my face in the morning before I applied my makeup.  I gave it a few minutes to 'soak in' and then applied my make like I normally would.  Throughout the day I noticed no difference in my makeup!  (it didn't slip, or sweat)  I also applied it on exposed skin like I would normally do with other sunscreens.  This particular one is said to be a body lotion that has a "lightweight formula feel clean and light leaving barely a trace on the skin."  If this one that was not really designed to work under makeup, worked for me as well as it did, I can only imagine how good the one designed for your face will be!

The four specific claims that the suncreen I tried had on the front of the bottle are as follows.  It won't cause breakouts, helps leave the skin soft, is fast absorbing, and feels clean and light.  

It won't cause breakouts....I've been lucky and have pretty normal skin with no real issues.  Since this line was clinically tested on acne prone skin I gave one of the sprays and a lotion to my daughter who does struggle with acne breakouts.  She often has issues with products but did in fact like this one and it didn't cause her to break out!  (YAY) 

Helps leave the skin soft....a few times I have experimented with this product and skipped applying my regular body lotion after my shower and just added this sunscreen lotion.  I didn't notice any difference either way,once it 'soaked in.'

Is fast absorbing.....and feels clean and light........I had to group these two together because I think they go hand in hand.  I can not stand a sun screen that goes on heavy and feels really greasy!  This really is a light formula and just moments after you have put it on you will forget it is even there!  I have only been buying the sprays for years now, but this is one brand that the lotion is really holding up to it's claims of being light and fast absorbing.

Some other things that I think it are also worth noting....

* this is a broad spectrum SPF (protects you from both UVA and UVB rays)
* the scent is light and won't leave you smelling like typical sunscreens so you can apply it and go out to dinner etc, right away
* it is water resistant for up to 80 minutes!
* and it comes in two types .... the Sunny Days line that I reviewed, but also the Beach & Pool line!
* there are both sprays and lotions and 
* you can select from different SPF's  (15, 30, and 50)

AT THE TIME I AM WRITING THIS REVIEW YOU CAN ALSO PRINT OFF COUPONS FROM THE COPPERTONE WEBSITE FOR THIS LINE!


If you are interested in this new product line, please check out the Coppertone displays at your local retailers (I was able to locate them everywhere locally from mass retailers to grocery stores) or you can purchase them directly from Coppertone on their website!

A few thoughts about the SPF

I received products with an SPF of 30 and I admit that I was under the impression that that was just an "okay" level of protection.  I was doing my research and went to WebMD and found information that taught me that SPF 30 is what is actually 'recommended'  when you are using it everyday and applying it throughout the day!    Better still, I learned the following.  

"The SPF rating is a measure of the time it would take you to sunburn if you were not wearing sunscreen as opposed to the time it would take with sunscreen on.

"SPF is not a consumer-friendly number," says Florida dermatologist James M. Spencer, MD. "It is logical for someone to think that an SPF of 30 is twice as good as an SPF of 15 and so on. But that is not how it works."

According to Spencer, an SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays; an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays.

"After that, it just gets silly," he says."  http://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun/high-spf-sunscreens-are-they-better

Although BzzAgent and Coppertone have provided me with these samples for free, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own and I have received no other compensation for them.

February's BIRCHBOX! and a Review

Here is what I received in my February 2014 Birchbox!  I paid $10 and I received 4 items and a lifestyle extra!

This month's theme was called "Step and Repeat" in honor of the awards season- and all that goes along with the stars and their beauty tips!  If you are a fan of You Tube like I am be sure to check out all the beauty tips on the Birchbox videos as they teamed up with Gwen Flamberg from US Weekly! 

#1...The first item in my box of goodies was Beauty Protector Protect and Oil- which is a Birchbox exclusive!!!  Not only is this good for all hair types, but it protects against UV rays, heat styling and breakage with a personal favorite ingredient.... argon oil!  Who doesn't need this product in their lives?  Did I mention that this stuff smells AH_MAZ_ING!?   Kind of like vanilla and sweet?   The sample size  is generous and since you only need 1-3 drops it should last me a while!  The full size comes in a plastic spray bottle, but this sample is in a nice glass vial.  I only wish I had an extra dropper to control the amount I am using.  I'm not sure the value of the sample because there are no markings on it, but the full size is $21.95

***I've used this a couple times and what I liked best was how it made my hair smell.  I don't have hair issues like split ends, frizz, etc.  and I only occasionally heat style it so I can't say anything about that yet.  It did seem to help with frizzie little fly aways, and I liked that it was protecting me from UV rays.

#2......The next item I received was a fantastic new Liquid Liner in Black Ink by Cynthia Rowley.  I believe this is full sized and is valued at $18.00!  (the monthly service is only $10 ;)  )   This is a newly launched line so it is pretty cool to get to sample it and see what I think of it!  This product is supposed to be smudge proof which I love the idea of because so many eyeliners end up 'falling' and looking terrible on me!  Do you have that problem?    Interesting little tidbits....the site says that Cynthia created this after she was tired of not having a black enough liner and was resorting to using a sharpie!  LOL   She added the gold dots to make it easier to find in your cosmetic bag (black hole!)  Now that is smart!!

***I tried this out when we went out to dinner, and it wore well for the 7 hours we were gone.  There was no smudging as it claimed and it came off easily at the end of the night!  yay!  Since it has the felt tip marker styled tip, I can add that it is capable for a super thin and accurate line (perfect for a winged eye!) but can easily be made thicker as well.

#3......Next I have Rescue Omerga 3 Serum by Eleven Skin in the most darling little pump container I have ever had!  :)  This is a luxury face oil that says it will bring damaged skin back to life!  Also it "nourishes, improves moisture retention, and promotes elasticity. Skin appears brighter, energized, and more youthful looking."  The full size is a whopping $75 which is a little rich for my blood BUT I think that is one of the best parts of Birchbox!  First I got to sample a product that there is no way I would have otherwise, AND if I like it, I can save up my points and "buy" the full size from the Birchbox shop!  (I couldn't calculate how much the sample was valued at because there was no marking to indicate the size.) 

*** I am really loving trying all things 'oil, butter, and natural' right now, so this is no exception. As far  as the oil goes it did make my face feel really good and it 'soaked in' fast.  I'm not sure how I felt about the smell initially though.  It is not bad but like no other products I've used before.  It is like you took fresh herbs and rubbed them between your fingers to release their oils.....if that makes sense.    Maybe that is what "nutrient-rich sea botanicals" are supposed to smell like?  lol  The smell went away after a few moments and I was left with really soft, and moisturized skin!

#4.....I really enjoy getting perfume samples in my Birchboxes!! and this month I got a purple one!  squeal!!!   It is a Joan Vass L'eau de Cristal.  I am terrible at describing notes in perfume so let me use the Birchbox description.  "Top notes of star ruby grapefruit and Italian bergamot meet middle notes of red currant, ylang ylang, and rose oil. Rounding out the scent are slightly sweet, earthy bottom notes like patchouli, vanilla tincture, and vetiver."   This sample lacked size markings so I could calculate the value but the full size is $75

*** I am actually surprised that I like this perfume as much as I do because I can not stand anything patchouli!  It really is not the heavy musky smell I was expecting and the fresh citrusy smell of the grapefruit is just wonderful.  This is definitely one that I would consider more sophisticated and I will save it for a special occasion.  Once again...another new fragrance that I am thrilled to get the opportunity to try!

#5.......Finally my lifestyle extra was from 32 Oral Care.  They are Effervescent Breath Crystals!  I mean seriously...has there ever been a more FUN trial product in a Birchbox!????  I think not! :)  They offer 4 flavors, but my two samples were spearmint and lemon mint.   I tried this first with my boyfriend and we both thought they were innovative and effective!  Yes they actually freshen your breath!  Later I just had to share them with my sister, so via skype I hooked up and "showed" her my grown up pop rocks!  lol
Full size is $9.99 for 32 packets so this sample had a value of $0.63

So unlike other months I can't give you the OVERALL value of my samples because 3/5 did not have size markings on them.  That is okay though because I know I certainly got my money's worth, as usual, and with the $10 I paid, and then the reviews I will do online at Birchbox.com, I will be given credit for the equivalent of $5.00 towards other full sized items that I can purchase in their shop!!!  

If you would like to join me at Birchbox, and what I feel is hands down the best service out there please use my referral link to sign up  https://www.birchbox.com/invite/7l3h7  (I will get a bonus for having referred you- thank you!)  or go to their website at Birchbox.com

Thank you for reading and until the March box...stay beautiful! 


If you would like to contact me to review your products please message me at Tanya@mail4me.com

KOREAN MEME BEAUTY BOX- a review!

 I have been stalking my mailman for days... and today was the lucky day!  Just look what has arrived!
This is my MEMEBOX #4 and it is packed full of skin care, hair care and beauty products!!!  It is sold for $23 US +shipping which is super fast!

If you would like to skip past the product descriptions and learn more about how to order a MEME BOX for yourself scroll down to the bottom of the review.


CONTENTS:  there are 10 items (two of which are full size) in box #4 with an unbelievable value of  $103.65!!!

#1.  GOODAL Repair plus essential oils 

This is a fast absorbing, multi-use essential oil, that can be used on your face, hair and nails!  Since it requires only 1-2 drops each time this will last me a while!

sample size 15 ml value $7.20


#2.  LJH Dr's Care Vita propolis Ampoule

 This product intrigues me since it says that it is made with propolis harvested by bees!!!  You can use 2-3 drops directly or mix it in with your moisturizer or hydrating cream!

sample size 5 ml  value $8.67


#3.  Lanoa Natural Soap

This is the first full sized product in my box!  It is 100% natural soap with sulfer, shea butter, chamomile, and lavender!  I am really eager to try this one.  Oh, and the little box it was packaged in is going to be re-purposed for gift giving because it is adorable and smells great too!

product size is 100g     value is $12


#4  The Shampoo Plus-natural waterless shampoo

This is the second full sized product in my box!  It is a very convenient size for your purse or travel bag which is nice because it allows you to cleanse your hair anywhere without water!  It says that it protects against UV rays  and enhances hair follicles.

product size 50 ml    value is $5



#5.  Clio VF 21 Water BB SPF 35 PA

 I was hoping to get a BB cream and I did!  It says it is medium coverage and it fights against wrinkles!

product size 50ml  valued at $20


#6  IOPE Bio Essence Intensive Conditioning 3 day program

This is another one of the products I am super excited to try...and it is enough for a 3 day trial. (although it is a small bottle I think it might actually have enough for a little more than that)   It is an intensive skin enhancing program that is supposed to help clear and smooth your skin's texture over 3 days.   I like that they include the small cotton cloths to apply the solution with.

sample size 18ml     valued at $6.43


#7.  Laneige Snow Crystal Pure Lip Gloss.

 This is a gel based , high sheen lip gloss that is a rosy tint with micro glitter that is supposed to create the illusion of a full, juicy lip.     I really like the size of this as I normally find regular lip glosses too big.

product sample size 3g    valued at $12

#8 T.E.N Cremorlab Mineral Treatment Essence

This is a curious product for me and unlike anything else I have ever tried before.  It looks like water, and smells a little bit like a doctor's office or hospital.  You apply it to your face after you cleanse so I am guessing it will act as a toner.  ( I will have to get back to you on that)  It mentions that it can help minimize pores so I am super excited!

product size is 100ml  valued at $13.34

#9  Peripera Peri's Tint Mini Mandarin Juice tint gloss

When I opened the box this was the first thing that caught my eye!  The packaging is too stinkin' cute!  Oh my gosh!!!  The box is like a little purse, and inside the lip/cheek stain is in a small glass container with the same art work on the cap!  The description says it is an orange/red bite that lasts up to 5 hours.

sample size is 2.5 ml and value of  $2.69

#10.  Danahan Bon Yeon Jin Essence

I love beauty products and great value as much as the next person but can you tell how beautiful this box is from my photo!??  I will surely be taking this box and re-purposing it into jewellery or something else that is pretty!   SO...this item is an anti- wrinkle serum for your face and hands that is supposed  to enhance your skin's regeneration and elasticity.

sample size is 12ml and valued at $16.32

MEMEBOX

Memebox is a Korean based company that puts together collections of 6-8 beauty products featuring ones for skin care, hair care as well as some makeup items in affordable boxes.  It is worth noting though that my box came with an unheard of TEN products!   They are not a traditional subscription service like we are used to here in the United States because you don't actually subscribe to them.  When Memebox creates a new box it is given a number assignment (this review was done on box #4) and they put it up for sale on their website.  They are limited so once they are gone, they are sold out, and you can wait for the next one.  It used to be that there was a long time between them but with their growing popularity they have changed that are are now posting boxes that are pre-ordered   as much as a month in advance!!   You can check out their website at Memebox.com.

COST OF THE BOX:

Each box is $23 which is an incredible value  no matter how you look at it!  The company says you will receive 6-8 products but I got 10 in this box.  Although I'm happy that two were full sized I liked that got a wide variety of a bunch of different things that I normally wouldn't be able to try otherwise.    I coupon, shop sales and do samples and reviews of products all the time and this is still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to bang for your buck because for around $30 they sent out just over $103 worth of product!  Since the company is doing expedited shipping from Korea, they also charge "from $5.99~$7.99 and it varies by region and shipping to North American to Europe would be $6.99."     








If you would like to contact me to review your products please message me at Tanya@mail4me.com

***Please note that MEMEBOX did provide me with this complimentary box for review, but the opinions expressed are my own.***