What Does a $1000 Luxury Mask Look Like?

Lionesse Gem Golden Sapphire Mask 

 I am a contest junkie. I spend the majority of my online time looking for hair inspiration, working on my portfolio using social media, and entering every contest that I think I have a chance at winning. I've been lucky enough to win palettes, hair care, skin care and toys for my friend's kids. Take a look at this incredible luxury skin care item that I was so LUCKY to win, as I would never be able to afford this super high end skin line called Lionesse.

 Everything about the packaging tells you this is a LUXURY product, from the thick golden logo box with magnetic closure to the dense, heavy gold and clear packaging. Absolutely beautiful, something to really show off in your bathroom or on your vanity to be sure. My nail color is Margit by Julep, a soft frosty greige lavender, one of my new favorites. 

 With a price tag of $1,000 (yes, ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS), you may say that the packaging is all well and good and so flossie but.... WHAT IS THE PRODUCT REALLY LIKE? 

 It is UNLIKE any product I've ever tried. It is a "mask" made with fruit extracts and gems, according to their promotional material. I cleansed with warm water, as I had already used a cleanser that morning and didn't want to overdry my skin. I applied the Lionesse mask in a very generous pump's worth and worked the light, slightly opaque white lotion down from my hairline to my chin, making sure all my facial surfaces were covered, including my T zone. The smell was heavenly, very high end and not overwhelming or of a single note. My poor skin has been blasted by harsh acne products and is in recovery and this "mask" felt so soothing, never oily or heavy as it sat on my face for ten minutes per instructions. You do not wash this mask off, just massage it into the skin. I did have some moisture bead up on it here and there, had the same results with those who used it at the salon, and you just smooth that back into the skin.

 Amazingly, I had NO BREAKOUT after use. No pimples, no redness, no congested pores, just soft skin that really stuck with me for DAYS. Recommended for weekly use, I decided to pass my luck onto the cosmetology school's salon for use with their facials as there's no way I could use all of that huge rich container myself. I hope the clients are delighted as I was when the box if presented and they enjoy a soothing massage with Lionesse.

                                  

Winter Blue Dog

I Guess It's Spring?

The temps are up in the 70s here outside Houston, Texas. I'm hoping it won't be too hot for long sleeved tunics yet as I haven't bought many. 

Larkle is enjoying the sunny days after weeks of cold wet gloom. 

 I took Claire on her first visit to Trader Joe's earlier this week. She spent about $100 on a week of unusual and healthy foods that were very reasonably priced, comparable to what Kroger or HEB stocks. She brings her own lunch to cosmetology class and needs a nutritious variety to prevent wanting fast food.

 Lastly, I've been using my Julep gel eye liners more and am considering just going back to liquid liner. I'm almost 44 and my lash line is skipping a bit too much when I pull the pencil across it so I'm not able to put it on in a precise thin to thick line. Julep makes a quality gel eye pencil, it sets very quickly and is smudge resistant and Claire looks fabulous in it. My older eyelids tend to drag on the lash line and even primer can't prevent the crease transfer. Back to Almay liquid liner in the felt tip! Also, I need to learn to fill in my non-existent eyebrows. My body hair is sparse and I'm not overplucking, I swear.

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Julep Box Review January 2015

My January Julep Box Review

I've been a Julep Maven since October 2014 and my subscription boxes just keep getting better. This January box was *free* thanks to my Jules points which add up with every purchase or when I accept my monthly boxes.

 The Maven boxes are shipped toward the end of the month and you get to view your selection before accepting shipment, which allows you to switch out items from a fairly extensive list of other Julep items. Most boxes are two premium polishes and another cosmetic, so if you aren't into highlighter, you can switch out for eye makeup or another polish or maybe an application brush. Items are also available for way below half price as "add-ons" too. 

 I received a FREE nail polish from their new Metamorphic Top Coat line! SO I paid only $6 for this box which included three premium polishes, a really rich eye shadow and a soft bright lip gloss. The cost was for the add-on polish alone... WHAT A STEAL. 

 I wasn't really a polish person until I started getting Julep and my teens swear their formulas are worth the price, wearing better than OPI or Butter. 

 Treat yourself to a FREE Julep box, you just pay a small shipping fee:  https://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/1377017/

 The monthly Maven box is a splurge but I assure you, it is WORTH it. You can skip the delivery for the month if finances are tight and just pick up the next box. You will find yourself looking forward to your monthly pink Maven box, just like me. And my teens. Who I have to beat to the mailbox.