Target Beauty Bag, Lorac goodies and Macadamia Natural Oil masque!

Look at what came in the mail the other day!  A few times a year Target will offer via their website a make-up bag filled with coupons and samples to try.  Once you request a bag it takes about a month to arrive.  I had actually forgotten that I signed up for one until it arrived earlier this week.  Inside I found samples and plenty of coupons to keep me busy.  Remember to check Target's website frequently in the "Daily Deals" section to see if you can catch when the next beauty bag is offered.  I signed up for mine in late August and the one before was offered in March. 

Here are the samples that came inside-

Ponds Evening Soothe wet cleansing towelettes

Loreal Youth Code Day/Night Cream

Garnier Fructis Fortfying Shampoo/Conditioner

Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Shampoo/Conditioner

John Freida's Full Body Repair Shampoo Conditioner

Burts Bees Radiance Daily Lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Coupon book featuring 17 coupons!

I have used each sample this past week and I can definitely say that the Garnier Fructis shampoo/conditioner was my favorite.  It left my hair clean, moisturized and it smelled great!  My least favorite item was the Burts Bees Radiance Daily lotion.  I applied it this morning and I didn't feel that it was moisturizing my skin at all.  The scent was also a little heavy and it seemed to absorb TOO quickly into my skin without providing much moisture.

Overall this bag of goodies is a great way to discover new items.  I give Target two thumbs for offering this kit for free!

~~~~~~Lorac's Closeup Face Kit~~~~~

Lorac's Close Up Face Kit-purchased at Ulta for $39

I have tried lots of makeup brands but I haven't experimented much with Lorac.  I viewed an online review about this set and I was struck by how much of a deal it was.  This kit includes an eyeshadow trio, blush, liner, mascara and lipgloss.  It also includes a handy makeup tutorial book which shows how to use the products for day or evening looks.  A cool feature about the book is that the pages peel off and stick to your mirror to help guide you! 

Usually the baked eyeshadow trio retails for $26.00 alone.  Keep in mind that when you add the eyeshadow trio to the retail price of the other items, this kit would cost around $115! 

 Multiplex 3D Lashes in Black,  Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Trend Setter, Front Of The Line PRO Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Blush in Soul and Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in LORACstar.  Also pictured is the tutorial booklet.

All 3 shades from the LORACstar trio pictured. 

(L-R highlighter, lid and crease colors)

LORACstar trio featuring highlighter, lid and crease shades.

Lorac blush in Soul

Front Of The Line PRO Liquid Eyeliner and Multiplex 3D mascara both in black.

(Note the super-thin brush featured on the eyeliner.)

Swatch of Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Trend Setter.

~~~~Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque~~~~~~

I purchased my sample at Ulta for $4.99

I have been on a search lately for a great hair masque.  I really like my Phytodefrisant balm for daily use (click here to see review on Phytodefrisant balm) but I want a deep conditioning treatment to attack dryness during the colder months.  I've heard positive things about Macadamia Natural Oil products and I thought I would give them a try.  The 8.5 oz jar at Ulta retails for $30.  Before I spent $30 on a product I was unsure about, I decided to try it by purchasing the trial size first.  I am happy to report that I will be going back for the full size version soon. 

I noticed a difference about this masque the minute I put it on my hair.  This masque is thick and the quality of the product is obvious as you comb it through.  After you wash your hair, apply the masque all over then comb it through and leave it on for 7 minutes and rinse.  I found my hair to be less frizzy and smoother than before.  The most noticeable difference was that my hair was softer.  I also like the smell it leaves behind and the great detangling job it offers when having to comb the product through.  The sample I purchased was 1fl. oz and I only used half of it (and I have A LOT of hair).

Close-up of my hair after using the masque.  This was after rinsing my hair in cool water and blow drying it straight.  I did not use a flat iron.

Another view of my hair after the masque.  I have long, coarse, thick hair that is dry.  The Macadamia Natural Oil masque makes my hair softer and smoother.