A Peculiar Pea

Review: Aquation Lotion

2017-01-19T09:36:00.002-08:00

I am a huge skincare fan. I will buy cleanser, toner, and lotion any day of any week. Good hand and body lotion, however, can be a real pain to find. It's either greasy or it fades away immediately and you need to reply every half hour. Thanks to Influenster and my Twinkle VoxBox which I received for free, I got to try Aquation lotion. The first pump I used caused me to look at my hands in amazement, I'm not even exaggerating. I was just idly taking it out of the box, gave it a squirt, and BOOM. My mind was blown. My hands immediately felt moisturized and even my cuticles looked revitalized. I love that it's packed full of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, but it's still non-comedogenic so that it won't clog pores. Since it didn't feel greasy or like it was sitting "on top" of my skin, I assumed the moisturization wouldnt last long. I was so wrong. Cut through several hours of homeschooling, dish washing, food cooking, dog walking, and laundry, and my hands still looked and felt nice and moisturized. I now keep this beside my bed and it is the first thing I put on when I wake up and the last thing I put on at night before I fall asleep. While I do use this for my legs sometimes, I prefer a thicker cream for them, so this Aquation has become my go-to hand lotion. I liked it so much that even though I received this full sized bottle for free, I quickly purchased another to keep in the bathroom by the sink as well. I will never stop buying skin care, but I think my quest for the perfect hand lotion has been solved.

UPDATE: Ipsy Bags

2015-07-27T15:18:00.001-07:00

June and July IPSY Bag reviews will be posted soon - and I'm SO in love with one product in particular that I've already ordered more. Intrigued? Stay tuned...

Review: MAC Cosmetics Lipstick - PLEASE ME

2015-07-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

This is my face after using MAC's shade "Please Me" - this is with no filters to distort the shade. I've used their lipsticks in the past, and I'm always pleased with consistency, staying power, and true to shade effectiveness. This time is no different. This is absolutely my new favorite matte "nude" and is easily made into a gloss with a touch of your own favorite shine. I have some new Makeup Monsters that I'm looking forward to using to ombre this shade with, but I think it's quite perfect on it's own. And if you've never bought MAC lipstick? IT. SMELLS. AMAZING.

Review: ETSY EDITION - OliveDeer

2015-07-27T15:11:00.004-07:00

Today I'm reviewing my order experience with the Etsy shop OliveDeer.

Oh. My. Goodness.

This has been one of my best Etsy experiences thus far. She and I are currently working on a top secret project that I'll let you know about later, but as it's a present for someone, I can't divulge details. However, for this teeny tiny perfect diamond ring, I could not be more satisfied.

She is kind, quick to respond, and goes above and beyond when it comes to customer service. I can rave all day, but why not take a look for yourself?

Long story short, she is AMAZING. Go support a mama who is making beautiful things at home, naturally - and who happens to do a freakin amazing job at it.

Buy her stuff here :)

RIP Neutrogena Oil Free Stress Control Power Foam Wash

2015-04-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

It took me years to find the perfect face wash.

Years.

Not even joking - for years I dealt with ugly, embarrassing and PAINFUL cystic acne on my jawline. I could feel them coming up before I could see them, but I couldn't do anything to stop them. Then they'd last forever, and even after they were gone, the red blotches were still there. It looked awful.

I tried new things and I stuck with them for the recommended periods of time. I'd wait and wait, hoping for results, seeing a little and wondering if it was the change in my routine or just a random coincidence. I tried many different face washes, from $10 drug store finds to $50 specialty brands. Some did give me results, but nothing ever cleared my skin like Neutrogena Oil Free Stress Control Power Foam Wash. Mouthful of a name, but a heck of a product.

I started using that with Neutrogena Oil Free Stress Control Toner and Benefit's Total Moisture twice a day. I also use clariSEA's salt scrub and charcoal mask twice a week. My skin has been clear ever since. I do get a tiny bump here and there around my period, but no more painful cystic acne. I add a dab of Neutrogena Oil Free Stress Control spot treatment to the bump and it never lasts longer than two days. I'm satisfied with my routine and I've stuck with it faithfully. So I was a little worried when my foam wash began getting harder and harder to find. I stocked up on what I could find and sent Neutrogena an email.

This, my friends, was the response:

While it was nice of them to reply and make suggestions, I HAVE the cream wash. I don't like it. It wasn't as effective and I don't like the way my skin feels afterward. So here we are. I'm back at square one and terrified of what's going to happen with my skin.

I have seen bottles of the foam wash for around $25 online, so I know there's a demand for it and people are exploiting that. But even if I bought every bottle I found, it's going to run out or get old and I still have to start over.

For now, I'm going back to purity by philosophy because it was my favorite before I found this. I also like Benefit's Gentle Foaming cleanser, but neither one was as perfect for my skin as Neutrogena's.

So there it is. If you've spent hours on the internet looking for Neutrogena Oil Free Stress Control Power Foam Wash, you can stop. Take that energy and use it to email Neutrogena over and over again, please, and let's convince them to bring back this awesome face wash! I've seen on many forums, on Amazon, on eBay, on other beauty blogs, that this has been a miracle product for many of you. Get in touch with Neutrogena, if you love this product, and convince them they're making a huge mistake.

Or go cry in a corner.

Either way.

March 2015 Ipsy Bag

2015-03-14T10:40:00.001-07:00

It's here! Here's my March 2015 Ipsy bag:

This month, I got:

Sexy Hair - Soy Renewal Creme Oil
NYX Cosmetics - Butter Lipstick
Chella - Ivory Lace Highlighter
This is the only item I've tried because I couldn't resist as soon as I opened my bag. I applied it to clean skin, meaning I used no primers before application. It went on smoothly, blended quite well and was completely subtle. I used it as it's main purpose, a highlighter: on my brow bone, on the inner and outer corners of my eyes, and just a bit to my cupid's bow on my top lip. It worked well and did give me a more awake, perky look - but I can't wait to play around with it's reported contouring benefits as well.
Dr. Brandt Skincare - pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion
Marsk - Mineral Eyeshadow

As always, updates/reviews will be posted as I use the items. Trades open for the pores no more lotion, the Marsk mineral eyeshadow, and the NYX lipstick. They have yet to be opened but if I don't receive trade requests in the next day or two, they will most likely be swatched with a clean applicator. Email me at aGirlyMMA@gmail.com for trade requests :)

Ulta Haul

2015-03-13T06:41:00.004-07:00

I'm a terrible person when it comes to cosmetics. It's still a relatively newfound obsession for me - I used to buy every kind of every brand available until I was about 20. I took almost a ten year hiatus, guys! Go easy on me! So this past year I've kind of been making up for everything I've missed out on, skincare wise. I absolutely fell in love with benefit but there are a few other brands that have my heart as well: tarte, philosophy, Urban Decay, Too Faced...and my secret weapon, Neutrogena. That being said, I don't have a huge budget. So I wait around for great sales, especially stackable ones, and splurge at Ulta/Sephora when they have nice free products or deluxe samples. Two weeks ago, I found some nice deals at Ulta, stacked them, redeemed points, and got my regular moisturizer as well as a new set from benefit for super cheap. Behold the glory!

I bought the full sized Total Moisturizer and the Flawless Four boxed set, then got the deluxe It's Potent! eye cream, moisturizer packet, and the tote bag for free. (The Ultra Radiance spray was purchased in another order.)

These were all free items from my order. An Urban Decay set (Revolution lipstick, Eyeshadow Primer Potion, 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in LSD; and All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray); It Cosmetics CC+ packet and Brow Power brow pencil; Lorac POREfection mattifying face primer packet; and the above shown facial cream, tote bag, and eye cream from benefit)

This is the Urban Decay lipstick. I am NOT normally a lipstick person. I love balms and stains but often feel out of my element (either like an old lady or a stripper) when I wear lipstick. This one was a pleasant surprise. It's their Revolution lipstick in "Jilted" and it's a nice pink with subtle bluish undertones. I felt it went well with my skintone and would be very flattering on a wide range of different skin colors as well.

The benefit products aren't new to me, so I'm not reviewing them here. The It Cosmetics Brow Power brow pencil is nice, but although it says it won't smudge, it definitely does. I've mentioned in earlier posts, but I do have oily skin so that may have something to do with it, but when used without a face primer, it smudged quickly. The spooly brush at the opposite end of the liner is quite nice, though. I have yet to use the other items but I'll review them as soon as I do.

HOT Ulta Sale: $9 Urban Decay Eyeshadow (regularly $18)

2015-03-13T06:19:00.003-07:00

Not only is this a great steal at half off, but Ulta is also offering free shipping with any purchase that includes this eyeshadow AND there's also a 3x points promo going on for Platinum members. If you're platinum, make sure you activate the 3x points promo before purchasing.

You can't beat this deal!

Click here for the eyeshadow.

Benefit Reviews: Ultra Radiance, Agent Zero Shine and NEW Roller Lash

2015-02-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

My latest Ulta order came on Valentine's Day -- the best and only present I got! Lucky for me, it came with a few freebies so it absolutely made my day.

I ordered Ultra Radiance and Agent Zero Shine and got for free:

Deluxe sample of Benefit Fake Up
Deluxe sample of the NEW Benefit Roller Lash
A bareMinerals bag with blush, veil, lip gloss, and foundation primer. The bag quality as well as the items were nicer than most stuff in my monthly Ipsy bags! Ha!

I absolutely adore the Ultra Radiance facial spray. It works great as a makeup setter or just an overall refresher. I do have oily, sensitive skin and this doesn't bother it at all. It makes my skin feel great and it smells awesome.

I've only used Agent Zero Shine twice. As stated earlier, I do have oily skin. I don't think this will last ALL day for matte skin *but* it did last over four hours and for my oily skin, that's a miracle. I don't mind having to touch up once in the middle of the day. It's also a great product because it's self contained: you open the lid, tap powder into the lid, remove the bottom which is a push up brush, apply the powder, then cap it all back together into one neat little stick. I will definitely use this item regularly.

The new Roller Lash was a hit too. I tried it first without even pre-curling my lashes and was amazed at the results. I've tried many "curling" mascaras and didn't see half the results that this gave me - BUT. It smudged more quickly than my favorite mascara by tarte. Again, I have oily skin. It's a curse and a blessing. All mascara seems to smudge on me more quickly than others. The curling and separation powers of Roller Lash, though, are quite nice.

The FakeUp sample is A.MA.ZING. This little push up concealer stick has a ring of clear, creamy moisturizer around it to hydrate your skin as you conceal. A little goes a long way, much like their Erase Paste. Love it.

I haven't yet used my bareMinerals set but I'm sure it'll happen soon. I'll update you as soon as I do :)

February 2015 Ipsy Bag

2015-02-16T08:21:00.005-08:00

I'll be honest, the only thing I really love this month about my Ipsy bag so far is the brush by Luxie Beauty. The bag is cute...but dare I say I'm running out of things to do with empty makeup bags?

The items I received are:

Creamy Lip Stain by City Color Cosmetics
I do not like this. The color could be nice, but it goes on with a texture that reminds me of my Grandma's lipstick. Highlights every crease or imperfection in your lips. Not much of a "stain" factor to me; the color lasted maybe an hour. I love stains for absorbing into my lips and being a bit sheer as well as buildable.
Composition No. 1 Parfum Oil by JOYA
Tiny. VERY tiny. Rollerball. Honestly reminds me of a toilet cleaner scent. Not a fan.
Large Angled Face Brush 504 by Luxie Beauty My favorite item this month. Very soft angled brush that will definitely be a staple item in my makeup bag. Ipsy is pretty good at sending nice brushes and this one is no exception.
Fine Radiance Face Oil by Mitchell and Peach
I haven't used this yet. I have a pretty set skincare routine and I'm scared to deviate from it as I seem to break out whenever I do. But I was happy to see that Ipsy decided to put this in a zippered plastic bag - the last item I got that was similar to this leaked all over my other items.
BLUSH Cheek Powder by ModelCo
To be fair, this is a nice color. It isn't "sparkly", but it has a bit of a bronzer-like glow or shimmer to it. I can see myself using this in the future, but I'm addicted to Benefit's Majorette and this isn't quite perfect enough for me to switch as my go-to blush.

January 2015 Ipsy Bag

2015-01-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

This is a stock image because I've been traveling and I left my bag at home.

I got:

J. Cat Beauty FANTABULOUS Gel Eye Liner
I have yet to use this and need to give it to my fabulous nieces who both master the art of ANY kind of eyeliner!
Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo
This is a quality product but I'm not a fan. I don't like adding shimmer to my face, and Benefit has such amazing highlighters (watt's up; girl meets pearl) that I can't see myself making a switch to this - but I would use it as an eyeshadow.
Nourish Organic Renewing Eye Cream
I actually didn't get this. It was listed as sent in my bag but I didn't get it and I'm a bit disappointed. I'm addicted to eye creams.
Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow
LOVE this shadow. Goes on well, doesn't crease easily (even without a primer) and is a lovely color for my complexion.
Real Techniques fine liner brush
This is a great brush for gel eye liners. I fell in love with my Tattooed eyeliner from a previous Ipsy bag, so I don't use gel eyeliner much, but Ipsy sends out great brushes so far. Happy with this one.

Freebies

2015-01-05T21:53:00.000-08:00

Fabric swatch samples

Jeep Calendar

Chaco Sticker

Abba Paleo Bars

**HOT** Sample of philosophy's Hope in a Jar

Southern Shirt Company Stickers

Flavored Latex Gloves (let your imagination run wild. But not here. Do that alone, in your own house.)

Free Lapel Pin

Stickers from Sticker Genius

BENE SALE!

2015-01-05T12:53:00.003-08:00

Ohhhhh my goodness. Benefit has a ton of stuff on sale right now! You can use the code SALE for free shipping and handling on any order, or use the code HAPPYJANUARY to get a free "Real Turnons" set, which includes watt's up! deluxe sample and a they're real deluxe sample. These are great sizes for makeup bags and last a super long time.

Not only are there a lot of great individual items on sale, but Benefit's famous kits are up there as well as some gorgeous bags if you're behind on your collection. I also spotted a few tools, a keychain pouch, and a ton more. I'm going to need an intervention.

IPSY Sneak Peek January 2015

2015-01-05T11:15:00.001-08:00

Just found out that I'm getting a full-sized eyeshadow from Pacifica in this month's bag:

I have to admit I'm pretty excited. I love neutral/nude shades and the company is 100% VEGAN and CRUELTY-FREE. Shoosh approves. See?

I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out (on me, not Shoosh. Get it together) when I get it and some more fabulous beauty stuffs in January's Ipsy bag. Click on the image above or click here for more info about Ipsy OR click here to learn more about Pacifica.

December Ipsy Bag "Fearless Heroine"

2014-12-26T18:12:00.001-08:00

Crown Brush - Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush
LOVED this brush. The bristles are soft and the sizes are perfect for covering the whole eye with one end and focusing on the crease with the other end. It's wonderful.
Coolway - Boost Repair Treatment
I have not used this yet but will update when I do.
Pixi by Petra - Fairy Dust
I'm not much of a glitter person, but the Fairy Dust gives a nice shimmer without making me look like an actual fairy. I don't feel silly or like a kid when I wear this. It does crease without a primer but it's long lasting, and when worn with a primer it lasted perfectly all day.
tarte - deluxe lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 mascara
I already adored tarte products but I had yet to try this because I'm a big fan of Benefit and love their It's Real mascara. I'm glad I got this sample because it's a great mascara. I have severe dry eye and eye allergies and this did not irritate either one. I also have oily skin which means most mascaras smear quickly. This lasted all day and the only smear came after I wiped my eye too hard without thinking. The mascara lengthened and volumized without clumping, and it did so on the first swipe. On subsequent uses, I layered it for more effect and was very pleased with the results. I think I found a new favorite mascara.
NYX Cosmetics - Butter Lip Balm
I hated this lip balm. I am an avid lip balm user and have tried pretty much everything out there (my current favorite is eos Smooth Stick). I usually prefer stains for color then use balm over them, but I have used a few tinted balms I like (BeneBalm, for example). This Butter Lip Balm is NOT one of them. It didn't moisturize my lips, but rather deposited colors in spots and accentuated any rough patches. I only applied to my bottom lip then quickly cleaned it off and have not used it again. It will most likely go in the trash soon.

Reminder: Ipsy is a $10 per month service that sends awesome products out around the 15th of every month. You cancel it whenever you want and there are never any shipping charges. I love getting surprises in the mail and this is a perfect yet inexpensive way to do that. If you're interested, click here for more info.

FREE Personalized Pendant from Things Remembered

2014-12-08T16:25:00.003-08:00

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY!

Just sign up for their bridal newsletter here, then print out the coupon they send you and take it to any Things Remembered store.

Freebies

2014-12-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

Free I Support Compassion Over Killing Sticker

Free Christmas Cling

Free Nivea Lotion Samples

Free $10 Gap Gift Card **IN STORE USE ONLY**

Free Hairstyle Touchup & Free It's a 10 Hair Product at JCPenney
Click on the bottom right square.

Freebies

2014-12-04T20:23:00.001-08:00

Free Lighter

Free Orca Whale Stickers

New Samples Released at PinchMe.com
(I got Mr. Sketch scented markers, Expo dry erase markers, and Gevalia ground coffee.)

Freebies

2014-11-15T16:01:00.000-08:00

Free Goat Sticker

Free BlueOx Sticker

Free I Stand for the Arts Sticker

Free GearAid Sticker

Free Yellowstone or Bust Sticker (super cute!)

Free No Farms No Food Bumper Sticker

Free Nivea Lotion Sample

Free MuscleTech Samples

Free BreatheRight Strip

Send a Free SlimJim to the Troops

Ipsy Bags

2014-11-15T15:38:00.002-08:00

Each month, I pay $10 and get a bag of beauty goodies from Ipsy. Shipping is FREE. If you're interested, sign up here and you can cancel anytime.

My November 2014 Bag:

My October 2014 Bag: I was a little disappointed because the pumpkin mask leaked over my items. Although there were some great items in there, it was frustrating to have to wash it all off before any of it could be used.

Free Stuff Friday

2012-10-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a few recent freebies that I've scored. Check them out!

Free sample of Twinings tea

Free samples from Target: Nature Made Adult Gummies

Free samples from Target: Pedialax Probiotic Yums

Free Beech Nut Toddler Kit

Free Green Mountain Coffee Sample (K-cup or ground): You must watch a short video (about a minute and a half) and "Like" their Facebook page.

NEW Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

2012-10-04T15:12:00.001-07:00

We love visiting Lowe's for their free Build and Grow Clinics. On October 13, each child gets a free project to make and take home, goggles, and apron! These are really fun events and fill up quickly! Click here to learn more.

New Coupons

2012-09-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

Click this link to sign up for a P&G coupon book, with over $17 of savings (Cascade, Mr Clean, Febreze, Swiffer, and more). Most stores let you use these along with store coupons, so stack them for even more savings.

This is a P&G coupon booklet as well, but for organization instead of cleaning supplies.

Click here for $3 off an Avent baby bottle multipack

Click here for $1 off Axe deodorant

How COULD YOU?

2011-07-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Tara Perry

How could you, Fresh Beat Band? I devote my time, attention, love and energy to DVRing your show, faithfully tuning in to new episodes, downloading your songs for the iPod, and even making your patented Groovy Smoothie step by step with my kids. (See recipes here.) Then you take my very favorite cast member, Marina, and replace her with some other girl and PRETEND IT'S STILL MARINA?! Well, I have news for you, buddies, WE ALL FIGURED IT OUT. I understand the original Marina (played by the wonderfully wondertastic Shayna Rose) left to focus on her marriage and family and blah blah blah and I am totally sympathetic to her idea - I stay at home with my girls, after all, and family is very important to me. HOWEVER, if she had to leave, could you not invent some little story about her going away and make a new cast member with a new name? Why stick in somebody else (abomination before God, Tara Perry) who looks like she belongs in a Julia Roberts musical or a corporate office somewhere, or behind a Fox news desk, give her Marina's name, and hope her enthusiastic jumping and apparent ability to dislocate her jaw on demand to engage in terrifying grins which I suppose are meant to convey how REALLY REALLY SUPER she thinks it is to be a Fresh Beat...but she's not. And I'm sad. And I sit beside my six year old and every single time the other people call her Marina, we look at each other knowingly, and simultaneously yell "THAT'S NOT MARINA!"

Seriously, it's that big of a deal to me. Why not Kiki? For the love of God, WHY NOT KIKI?!

Next rant: why I always fall in love with the drummers on kids shows.

Take a break from aftertaste with a FREE sample.

2011-03-18T17:54:00.001-07:00

Add nothing but taste to your morning cup of coffee with a FREE pint of Breve Crème coffee creamer, brought to you by your friends at Vocalpoint.

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