Free Target 'Beauty For Every Body' Summer 2012 Sample Bag!

Every few months Target offers a free beauty bag! I saw on my facebook newsfeed that the summer bag was going to be released last month and got ready to click away. Like last time it took a few tries to get the facebook app to successfully process. I expected the bag to ship mid-July so I put down my new address. Nope, this baby was shipped only two and half weeks after I signed up. And here we have my FREE Target Beauty For Every Body Summer Beauty Bag.

Inside the cute blue patterned linen bag was:

• Aveeno daily detoxifying scrub (1.0oz)
• Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70 (1.0oz)
• TRESemmé Split Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner (1.0oz each)
• Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait (swatch)
• Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner (satchels)
• Book of beauty coupons

Okay Sarah why in the world did you sign up for the Target sample bag if last time you complained that the majority of the products were tested on animals? Well the facebook advertisement showed a canister of Revlon's Colorblast Lip Butter. Revlon is a cruelty-free drugstore brand, so I was giddy thinking I'd receive a full-size or at least a pint sized lip butter. Sadly the contents are just a swatch pad. I haven't even used the swatch yet since I dont want to waste it when Im not going somewhere special. But I am still really excited at the prospects of getting to try the infamous lip butters.

As I discussed in a previous post, Aveeno although marketed to be natural is made by Johnson & Johnson one of the biggest animal testing companies. So although I love trying out scrubs (and this one smells amazing) I'll have to pass this one along. Neutragena is another company that is owned by Johnson & Johnson, so the sunblock is no bueno either. Garnier is part of L'Oreal which test on animals. And while researching for this post I found out Garnier is sticky with human rights too (would not hire woman of color, link and sell toxic shampoos to children, link).

The good news is that with a little research it looks like TRESemmé is a cruelty-free company! If I hadn't signed up for this bag I'd have never found that out. On full-size bottles it is printed right on the bottle! The samples I received are split end remedy shampoo and conditioner. I have such thin hair that split ends are inedible when I grow my hair out. I look forward to trying these out and cannot get enough of the green apple-ish scent!

Maybe the best part of the bag was the coupon book. This time there was a coupon for $3 off Revlon and $2 Pixi! Next time I head to Target I better not forget my coupons!

Make sure you like Target Style's facebook page so you find out when the next beauty bag sign-up begins!

Free Target 'Beauty is All the Buzz' Spring 2012 Sample Bag!

Every few months Target offers a free beauty bag! Once I learned about it I kept the Target facebook page on my radar. In March they had a beauty bag that you had to make a qualifying purchase. People went crazy buying the products mentioned by Target, but not everyone got the coupon code for the bag. It seems like selections were based off of crazy algorithms. I decided to not even press my luck. And my patience paid off since Target launched the Beauty is All the Buzz Spring Sample Bag in April! It took forever and half to actually get through the sign-up page, but my perseverance paid off and my bag arrived yesterday!

Inside the gorgeous pink and red striped bag was:

• simple cleansing facial wipes (7 wipes)
• Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (0.5oz)
• Pantene Flat to Volume Conditoner (1.7oz)
• Nivea Extended Moisture Daily Lotion (1oz)
• L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer (swatch)
• Book of beauty coupons

When I opened the bag I was immediately greeted with Pantene's signature scent. Boy do I love that smell, but I don't like their products (so heavy with bad chemicals). Plus they are owned by Procter and Gamble who test on animals. It's too bad since the conditioner was made for my boring, flat hair. Actually I'm only able to use two of the products in the bag (Nivea and simple) as L'Oreal, Neutrogena, and Pantene all test on animals.

I'm a bit confused on simple's policy. They are owned by Unilever who does some testing on animals, but it seems like they themselves are a mostly vegan and cruelty-free company, am I wrong? The Nivea lotion is a 48 hour long lasting formula, it is non-greasy, and smells nice.

Either way Im glad I got to get this beauty bag because the bag itself is so cute! And it is surprising really well made! Plus, I can't wait to use some of these coupons! The rest of the samples that I can't use I'll pass on to my friends.

Free is free and it definitely made my day much brighter when I saw it in my mailbox!

Free Schick Hydro Silk Razor!

Yup. Free is always better!

Become a Schick Influencer and they will send you a free Hydro Silk Razor within 3-4 weeks! Just in time for smooth, summer legs!

Click here for your free razor!

(I think I only get to share this promo with 6 friends, so hurry!)

M.A.D. Skincare

Last month I was sent a ton of free samples from M.A.D. Skincare. I was sent so many it has taken me quite some time to get a chance to even sample a few. I've tried half of them, but I will update this post as I try the others out.

M.A.D. Skincare (M.A. Dermaceuticals) is a skincare line offering products that are geared towards specific skin concerns. They combine the best ingredients from nature and the science to get you the best possible results. The 5 categories are: Environmental, Brightening, Anti-Aging, Acne, and Delicate. None of their products contain parabens or chemical colorants. And the company is cruelty free and does not test on animals.

The only issue I had with the samples is that pumps provided are awful! They get stuck often and I have to keep the bottles upside down for any hope of getting the product out. I probably will only be able to use half of what is actually in the bottle because of the poor pumps.

Delicate Line
Delicate Daily Moisturizer
A light weight moisturizer designed to minimize irritations and provide much needed moisture for healthy looking skin. Chamomile, Licorice and Aloe Vera work together to sooth and hydrate your skin leaving it quenched but not greasy. An important blend of botanicals and extracts make your skin healthy and look its best.

$44 for 1.7oz      (sample worth $4.40)

This was the moisturizer I was most excited about and the sample is already gone. It has aloe and chamomile and licorice which all sooth and calm irritated, red skin. Plus, it has oat derived extracts and anti-inflammatory complexes that further help to reduce reduce and reduce inflammation and restore skin texture and sensitivity. This was a very lightweight lotion, it almost came out of the bottle clear. It smoothed on in seconds, was non-greasy, and dried in seconds. I loved the way it made my skin feel. It wasn't overly moisturized, but perfect for my sensitive/oily skin. I don't think it did much to my very hyper sensitive red patches, but it did help soothe my skin. Putting on my makeup didn't make my redness flare up more.


Acne Line
Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer
A light weight daily moisturizer that helps control oil production and calms irritated skin. Your skin will look and feel great as the botanicals help control oil production and the gentle moisturization keeps your skin from feeling dry and irritated.

$38 for 1.7oz      (sample worth $3.80)

Oh a moisturizer I was drawn to just by the name. It contains tea tree oil and peppermint oil which help to find and control bacteria and tame irritated skin. It also has ginger root extract that helps to heal and clarify skin and witch hazel and alpine sebum which minimize pores without irritation. It is a very lightweight moisturizer that easily spreads out into a watery moisturizer. And I mean watery as a good thing, it is non-greasy and dries in an instant. I love the peppermint smell! I've been using it over my T-zone and it works really well. Unfortunately I do have a random patch of dry skin on my nose which this moisturizer does not appease. But using this moisturizer alone (and even more so with finishing powder) has kept my makeup and skin less greasy all throughout the day. 

Anti-Aging Line
Transforming Daily Moisturizer
The signs of aging require multiple age fighting ingredients to get you to look your best. M.A. Dermaceuticals has combined the best nature and science has to offer to give you the youth building age minimizing performance for lasting results. A light weight multi-stem cell, multi-peptide infused complex is designed to make you look your best and return a more refreshed, healthy look to the appearance of your skin.

$54 for 1.7oz      (sample worth $5.40)

The moisturizer contains alp rose stem cell extract which protects against sun damage, improves skin tone, texture, and firmness. It also has grape fruit stem cell extract that is an age fighter that helps correct sun damage. And had peptides that reduce skin inflammation and stimulates fibroblast and collagen production, firming and toning skin. It also has lavender oil and other natural anti-aging ingredients which reduces wrinkles and decrease wrinkle depth. Im not really interested in trying this lotion because it has beeswax in it. No matter my choice to avoid beeswax, Id never want to put it directly on my skin as a moisturizer. I just see this clogging my skin and pores. Maybe someone else who is more concerned about wrinkles and not acne/oily skin would like this. 

Eye Transformation Serum
The eyes are an important treatment area to look your best. M.A. Dermaceuticals has combined the best nature and science has to offer to give you the best possible eye product for immediate and long term benefits. This light weight multi-stem cell, multi- peptide infused complex is designed to protect, hydrate and nourish critical areas around the eyes.

$58 for 0.5oz      (sample worth $19.34)

Like the moisturizer it contains alp rose stem cell extract which protects against sun damage, improves skin tone, texture, and firmness. It also has grape and apple fruit stem cell extract that correct sun damage and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. And had peptides that reduce skin inflammation and stimulates fibroblast and collagen production, firming and toning skin. Plus it has ingredients that help reduce dark circles and eye puffiness. This is a very thick gel serum. I just have swatched it onto my arm and could feel my arm tingling after a few minutes. So this has some potential. It does have a long list of ingredients that makes me want to favor my new favorite from Clairvoyant Beauty.  

Environmental Line
Daytime Defense Shielding Moisturizer
A light weight, nourishing, shielding day time moisturizer delivers Cell Detoxifiers, Oxygen Boosters and Peptides to protect your skin cells leaving it quenched but not greasy, nourished and fortified to start the day.$48 for 1.7oz      (sample worth $4.80)
This moisturizer has pollution defense peptides and isoflavones which help eliminate toxins and minimize damage due to physical/emotional stress. It also has cell detoxifiers which reduce breakdown of collagen. And it has oxygen boosters which help to improve skin circulation and boost overall cell health. It also has grape fruit stem cell extract that is an age fighter that helps correct sun damage. This moisturizer is very thin but leaves the skin feeling silky soft. It also smells very nice, I cant place it but maybe a soft rose. I think this will make a great summer time moisturizer. Although as a elements shielding product, Im surprised it has no SPF protection.


Wrinkle Repellent Protection Serum
The environment’s more damaging to skin than ever before. Pollution, stress and poor diet contribute to premature aging. Your skin needs a shield to protect against these environmental aggressors. Protect and nourish your skin with this rich botanical serum for a healthy look that will last.

$56 for 1oz      (sample worth $9.34)
Just like the moisturizer, it has pollution defense peptides and isoflavones which help eliminate toxins and minimize damage due to physical/emotional stress. It also has cell detoxifiers which reduce breakdown of collagen. And it has oxygen boosters which help to improve skin circulation and boost overall cell health. The serum also has lavender oil which reduces wrinkles and chamomile which is an anti-irritant/anti-inflammatory. I feel like this line should be renamed Anti-Stress, I had no idea that it also worked to relieve the skin of emotional stress. Im a ball of nerves now that school is coming to an end. I haven't tried the serum yet, but it may be the right time to try it out. It smells just like the moisturizer which I like.


Brightening Line
Illuminating Daily Moisturizer
The signs of aging require multiple age fighting ingredients to get you to look your best. M.A. Dermaceuticals has combined the best nature and science has to offer to give you even skin tone and skin that is plump, moist and hydrated minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A light weight daily moisturizer to make you look your best and return a more youthful glow to the appearance of your skin.

$42 for 1.7oz      (sample worth $4.20)

The moisturizer has emblica and blueberry fruit extracts to help revitalize dull skin and minimize the appearance of skin discoloration. And a Vitamin C complex that helps to brighten and add luminosity to dull skin. Plus, it has bearberry fruit extract that helps to lessen hyper-pigmentation by lessening the production of melanin. It also has licorice root which is a natural remedy for red, irritated, sensitive skin. Plus, other brightening ingredients. This is the thickest moisturizer they have. It doesn't spread out much, but it doesn't feel thick or heavy. Just like the other moisturizers is grease free and dries in seconds. I haven't tried this one out yet, but now that I know it has licorice root Im really excited to try it. It has a nice berry smelling fragrance which makes sense since it does contain an assortment of berry oils.

Spot On Targeted Skin Brightening Serum
Spot On Targeted Skin Brightening serum will help minimize dark spots, uneven skin tone and help give a burst of radiance to dull tired skin. For best results use this twice daily to improve skin tone.

$38 for 0.5oz      (sample worth $12.67)

This serum, like the moisturizer, has emblica and blueberry fruit extracts to help revitalize dull skin and minimize the appearance of skin discoloration. And it also has a Vitamin C complex that helps to brighten and add luminosity to dull skin. Plus, ß-White and Lumiskin lighten skin and control melanin. I've been using this product on some of my acne scars pretty consistently for a few weeks. Im not exactly sure if my scars have lighten, I should have taken a before picture. Although they are still prominent, it does seem like they are not as noticeable. I will keep using this until my sample runs out. It is a very nice, light serum that has not caused me to break out. I just dab a bit only to the affected areas so that I get the most bang for my buck. 

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M.A.D. was very generous with all the samples they gave me, with an average total value of $64! I do really love the delicate and breakout control moisturizers. Although they do have many natural ingredients and extracts, the ingredients lists seem a bit long. The products may be trying to do too much at once. I'm no expert, but it seems like the more a product attempts to fix the less it properly fixes any of them. I do like that the company has made it easy to determine what product line is geared toward their skin type. 

Free Samples from Clairvoyant Beauty!

I learned about Clairvoyant Beauty from my March Goodebox. I immediately fell in love with their Depuffing Cucumber & Cranberry Eye Gel (which you can read all about on my post about my March Goodebox).

Then I learned that they were offering 50% off all orders with the promo code: MADNESS12. That is so insanely generous! I thought the 25% off Goodebox was giving me was nice, but 50% holy cow. I got right on that and bought a collection of 6 summer favorites. I cannot wait for my order to arrive!

On their facebook page they are even offering a free sample of their new fragrance and of the depuffing eye gel that I love so much. I already received my free samples yesterday!

The fragrance is made of only the best natural ingredients including pure essential oils and organic corn alcohol. There are no added chemicals or extenders in this perfume.

The website describes the perfume as the following:

Clairvoyant, our wild-crafted natural fragrance, invites you to see beyond the range of ordinary perception, and celebrates the mystery of being a woman. Crisp floral-green top notes of bergamot and lime leads you into an exploration. Bulgarian rose middle notes blend with jasmine and ylang ylang to relax the senses and enhance your own natural harmony and beauty. Warm, lush, inviting base notes of tobacco, fir and green cognac suggest a subtle sexiness;the mystery and possibility of being a Clairvoyant woman.

Now when I put it on initially only smell what I assume is the bergamot, the lime kicks in almost as an after-taste (if that makes sense). Quickly it mellows down and you can smell the rose. I personally do not like either of these notes. To me it smells just like Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds. And not to my surprise they share the bergamot, rose, ylang ylang, and the forestry base notes. I see this as a mature woman's fragrance. Something my grandma or her friends would wear. I don't mind it so much after it mellows out, the rose calms down once the base woodsy notes enter in. I don't normally wear rose in my perfume it is just too strong for my taste; if it is a floral it has to be fresh and light. I don't see myself ever wearing this perfume. But if they came out with more fragrances I'd be happy to try them. Even without the harsh chemicals and extenders this scent did last all day. And I only needed a teensy dab. 

Clairvoyant Beauty is still offering the free samples. Head over to their facebook page to read how you too can get the sample. Who knows, maybe you will love it!

Have you tried this fragrance? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!