Monday, July 16, 2012

QVC New Beauty Test Tube with product reviews



New Beauty Test Tube has been an excellent quarterly sampling resource for quite some time, so I was a happy Beauty Pirate when they started doing a special edition in conjunction with QVC.
Just like the original Test Tube, you pay $29.95 plus shipping for a quarterly curated sampler. The difference here is that this one features all brands carried by QVC, with many of the products or scents being QVC exclusives. Remember when QVC was one of those things that people made jokes about? Well not anymore! They now carry products from the hottest names in the business. The newest Test Tube should be available in August. 




Total value with magazine $110.03

What was in the tube?






smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss - True

  • Description: QVC customers can keep their lips soft, smooth and conditioned with Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss, formulated with nourishing vitamin E and sunflower seed oil. These glosses offer a hint of color with lots of shine.
  • Full Sized: 0.20 fl oz. @ $18
  • Size I Received: 0.20 fl oz (this is a full sized product)
  • Value: $18.00
An absolutely lovely, neutral flattering color. Smashbox continues to be a fave company of mine and this gloss is the perfect example of why. Not at all sticky and it feels so lush on your lips. You can just feel how good it is for your lips when you wear it, it feels so HEALTHY! It's CRAZY shiny, so put this on on top of a lipsticka nd you'll be amazed at how plump and juicy your lips look.
  • Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray 5oz

    Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray 5oz

    What is it: A dry shampoo that volumizes hair. It sprays on clear, making it ideal for all hair colors. Who is it for: All hair types and colors. Why is it different: Ingredients, such as gentle starches, absorb excess oil and product buildup, while vitamin E and wheat proteins protect the hair shaft. The end result is hair that looks and feels freshly shampooed, without a trace of residue. How do I use it: Shake well before using. Hold can 6" to 8" away from head and spray product onto scalp and hair, especially at roots. Allow to dry before using fingers to massage product into roots, the same way you would massage traditional shampoo. Brush out thoroughly, and style hair as desired. Oscar's tip: You can also use this spray as an instant volumizer or midday pick-me-up for your hair. The cool mist on the scalp is extremely refreshing. From Oscar Blandi.











    • Description: Boost volume and cleanse your hair without water by using Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray. The clear spray absorbs excess oil and product buildup while it strengthens and protects the hair, without leaving behind a residue.
    • More Info: Sprays on clear. Instantly boosts volume and cleanses the hair without water. Gentle starches absorb excess oil and product buildup, while vitamin E and wheat proteins strengthen and protect the hair shaft. Has a lemon verbena citrus scent.
    • Full Sized: 5 oz @ $23
    • Size I Received: 0.75 oz
    • value $3.45
    I use this more as a volumizer for when my hair needs a washing. If you use it as a straight dry shampoo, you'll probably be disapppointed with the results since if you have oily hair, it doesn't really clear up the oil. What it DOES do however is provide the perfect setting spray for doing dirty hair 'dos. You know how they always say that your hair curls and so forth better when it's not squeaky clean? Well this stuff is awesome for that. I use this when I want to do something that requires ratting, curling, or lots of poof. (I've gone through prolly 3 or 4 cans of this stuff.)




Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment SPF 15 4.3g/0.15oz

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment SPF 15 4.3g/0.15oz

Blends reparative oils & waxes with real sugar Seals in moisture to keep lips hydrated Blackcurrant oil wraps lips with plumping fatty acids Shields skin against damaging sun rays Antioxidant grape seed vitamins A C&E give extra protection









  • Description: Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 provides lip nourishment while adding a hint of healthy-looking color to your complexion. The moisturizing, age-delay formula treats your lips with a blend of effective skin care ingredients and sublime textures for smoother, softer, younger-looking lips.
  • More Info: Sugar, a natural humectant, ensures long-lasting moisture; while antioxidant-rich vitamins and grapeseed polyphenols defend against free radical "attack". SPF 15 provides essential year-round protection from the sun.
  • Full Sized: 0.15 oz @ $22.50
  • Size I Received: 0.08 oz
  • Value: $11.97

This is another one of those double duty products that I love so much! SOOOOO moisturizing, and the grapeseed extracts are amazing for your skin (see my previous ravings about the awesomeness of Cadalie products). Perfect for casual day, it feels like a lip balm but adds just a hint of bee stung color. Plus you get extra protection with the SPF- most people neglect their lips when it comes to protection which causes fine lines and rapid aging. When your mouth looks old, the rest of ya aint far behind, honey. I love this for the pool because it doesn't wash off in the water but still feels smooth, not waxy.

Lea Journo Hydrating Conditioner, 10oz

Lea Journo Hydrating Conditioner, 10oz

What is it: A luxurious, sulfate-free strengthener and conditioner for maximum shine, body, and manageability. Who is it for: For all hair types. Why is it different: The French plum oil, silk proteins, and sweet almond peptides indulge hair with rich shine, softness, and body. How do I use it: Massage through clean, wet hair. Rinse thoroughly. For intensified treatment, apply to towel dried hair and rinse after 2-5 minutes. From Lea Journo.













  • Description: Lea Journo moisture-intensive conditioner restores body and shine while protecting hair health from color and chemical treatments. Its' ideal for all hair types.
  • More Info: Gives hair shine, softness and body for younger-looking, healthier hair. Helps maximize the life of color treated and chemically straightened hair, as well as Brazilian Blowouts.
  • More Info: Formulated with pure French plum oil, a botanical oil harvested in the southwest of France via cold-pressure of the plum kernel (Prunus domestica). High in fatty acids, it is used to soften and moisturize.
  • More Info: Contains silk proteins that smooth and strengthen, and sweet almond peptides that shine and revitalize. Sulfate and paraben-free to protect hair health and color.
  • Full Sized: 10 fl oz @ $28
  • Size I Received: 3 fl oz
  • Value: $8.41
What can I say? OMG. This stuff is AMAZING. I have extremely fine hair that gets weighed down and greasy looking by most conditioners unless I'm super cautious with them. i was really skeptical that a conditioner could really work on ALL hair types. ESPECIALLY when it stresses how hydrating it is. I totally expected my hair to be limp and lank. NOPE! I was totally blown away. My hair was super shiny, bouncy and had tons of body. It left my hair extremely soft and tangle free, too. It smells FABULOUS and is a soft creamy formula that is highly concentrated but doesn't leave residue on your hair or your scalp. I'm really excited to get the shampoo/conditioner set so  I can use them together. EXCITED, I tell you!

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer

What is it: A luxurious, rose-scented cream that helps to restore moisture, radiance, and firmness to the skin. Who is it for: People of all skin types who seek a daily moisturizer that helps fight the signs of aging while providing healthy hydration. Why is it different: The unique formulation contains alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C ester, and DMAE to help decrease dryness associated with daily activities. The hydrating cream also helps to decrease the appearance of fine lines; helps to restore the appearance of youth and beauty; and helps to increase radiance. How do I use it: Apply over other Perricone MD treatment products to supply deep nourishing moisture to the skin, as needed. Use in the morning and at night. Follow with sunscreen in the morning. From Perricone MD.












  • Description: Face Finishing Moisturizer is the ultimate moisturizer formulated with powerful treatment benefits and packed with antioxidants to hydrate the skin while smoothing visible lines and wrinkles. A customer and celebrity stylist favorite year after year, it makes an ideal canvas for makeup and imparts an instant naturally glowing complexion. 
  • More Info: Infused with alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C ester, it helps gives skin a bright, luminous finish, helping to restore the appearance of youth and beauty.
  • More Info: DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) helps to provide the ultimate firming benefits to the skin. It addresses loss of elasticity and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • More Info: Sought after by makeup artists and photographers for its anti-aging effects, this paraben-free moisturizer is loaded with antioxidants that impart a visibly radiant, smooth appearance.
  • Full Sized: 2 fl oz @ $65
  • Size I Received: 0.5 fl oz
  • Value: $16.25
I love Perricone MD, but I'm still finishing up my Philosophy Hope in A Jar. When I use this, I'll let ya know!



philosophy microdelivery exfoliating wash 8 oz.

philosophy microdelivery exfoliating wash 8 oz.

Put in a little face time. It only takes 30 seconds to give your face a cleansing mini peel with the microdelivery exfoliating wash. Gentle enough for daily use, this facial cleanser helps to buffer fine lines, even out skin tone, and give skin a healthier glow. From philosophy.












    • Description: A QVC Customer Choice award winner for best exfoliator, the microdelivery exfoliating wash is a gentle daily exfoliating cleanser that helps to buffer fine lines, even out skin tone and give skin a healthy-looking glow.
    • More Info: A 30 second "mini peel" gentle enough for all skin types (except those with active acne) that can be used daily in the shower, bath or at the bathroom sink.
    • More Info: Formulated with diatomaceous earth, a finely ground natural material that gently removes dead skin cells and polishes skin; soothing antioxidant vitamin E; and borage oil, a natural oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids that soothes and hydrates skin.
    • Full Sized: 16 oz is $37, but they sell a 2 oz size for $8
    • Size I Received: 2 oz
    • Value: $8.00
I had read a lot of rave reviews on this, and as I've said before, I love their skincare products. I was particularly intrigued after Total Beauty readers rated it an average of 9 out of 10, making it one of the top rated face scrubs in their Best Face Scrubs story. It even won a Total Beauty award!

Now I know why. It's gentle and you can't even tell you're exfoliating, but afterwards, it's like your skin can BREATHE again. It completely decongests your skin, leaving it soft and smooth while your pores are cleaned out and visibly shrunken. This stuff is truly amazing. Safe enough for even my rosacea prone skin. In fact, snce I've been using this, my skin's redness had greatly diminished.

LAVANILLA The Healthy Body Butter in Lavender Vanilla
  • Description: QVC shoppers recommend these lightly scented body butters that absorb instantly for deeply hydrated, soft skin. They are made with 100 percent pure shea and cocoa butters that moisturize and condition; and super antioxidants goji berry and kakadu plum that deliver essential vitamins and minerals for healthier-looking skin. 
  • More Info: Made with a blend of skin-nourishing botanicals, they are completely free of harsh chemicals including petrochemicals, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicone, synthetic dyes, sulfates and parabens.
  • More Info: Designed to melt instantly from the heat of your skin, these rich body butters soften and hydrate without feeling heavy or greasy.
  • More Info: The pure shea and cocoa butters are infused with superantioxidants goji berry and kakadu plum, for a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals that nourish and hydrate.
  • Full Sized: 8 oz @ $20, but they also sell a 2.75 oz for $10
  • Size I Received: 2.75 oz
  • Value: $10.00


    MEOW! I adore Lavanilla products, and this is no exception. This body butter is so thick and rich, but it melts beautifully into the skin. Your skin stays hydrated all day and I find the lavender scent really soothing. I wanna try the coconut now. Lots of body butters tend to feel greasy, but this one just leaves you baby soft. 

    IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil

    IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil

    What is it: This universal, long-wear eyebrow pencil is infused with cutting-edge brow-enhancing ingredients and technology. The oval-shaped tip is perfect for both thin and thick brows. The brush at the other end gives a natural, polished look. Brow Power matches all hair colors and covers gray perfectly. A full brow lift guide is included with the pencil. Who is it for: Anyone who wants better looking brows that won't budge or smudge. Why is it different: Developed with help from leading plastic surgeons, Brow Power is designed to adhere to your skin and look like real hair, even in areas where your brows might be sparse or non-existent. The blend of brow-conditioning ingredients include saw palmetto, nettle extract, green tea, biotin, lecithin, grapeseed, panthenol, and vitamins A, C, and E. The shade adjusts to every hair color and creates a beautiful, natural-looking brow. How do I use it: Apply lighter, softer strokes to match lighter color hair, including blonde and silver. Press harder for darker hair, including medium brown to black. As a finishing touch, lightly brush through brows for a natural, polished look. From It Cosmetics.











     
    • Description: For those who have sparse or over-plucked brows, there's IT Cosmetics Brow Power Anti-Aging Universal Eyebrow Pencil. Developed with leading plastic surgeons, IT's award-winning eyebrow pencil creates long-lasting, naturally looking brows that won't budge or smudge until you take them off.
    • More Info: IT's universal, transforming shade adjusts to all brow hair colors based on the amount of pressure applied - no matter how thin or sparse your brows might be. It even covers grays.
    • More Info: The Brow Power formula was developed with plastic surgeons to literally adhere to the skin and last all day. It's also waterproof, sweat-proof and paraben-free.
    • More Info: This "magic wand" has an exclusive oval-shaped tip, to achieve both thick and thin strokes, and a custom-developed spooley brush used as a second step, to glide through brows, creating the look of natural brow hair. 
    • Fun Fact: For every Brow Power Pencil sold, IT Cosmetics donates one to the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better program to help women face the effects of cancer with confidence.
    • Full Sized: 0.16 g @ $24
    • Size I Received: 0.16 g (this is a full sized product)
    • Value: $24.00

      I would like this better if I could get it in a reddish tint since my natural brow color is SOOOO light that they're almost clear :-) This is a good pencil though, with a thin enough tip that you can swipe it where you need it without giving yourself scary cave man brows. I used this when I accidentally removed a chunk of one of my eyebrows and I have to say, it blended together really well with my real eyebrows. No one could tell I'd turned myself briefly into a sideshow. 

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