lucky bandit | RVA based lifestyle blog: product review
Showing posts with label product review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label product review. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

review // Diamond Candles pumpkin espresso

Last fall I scored a Diamond Candle for 30% off, so I thought I'd save it for the apartment. I actually have no sense of smell, so it's more a novelty for me to burn candles. However, this one offered a little prize in the form of a ring. You can potentially get a higher value ring, but typically they're just costume pieces. I chose the Pumpkin Espresso scent.
I started it one Saturday morning. It had a little frosting, but it didn't affect the candle's burning. However, it did start tunneling a few hours into burning, which isn't something you want your candles to do. I try to always burn candles long enough for them to evenly distribute wax to prevent tunneling, so unfortunately it wasn't my burning technique.

According to a friend, the scent throw of this wasn't doing too hot, especially since I live in a tiny one bedroom.
Here you can see the foil packet finally revealing itself. It took about 10-12 hours to get to this point, over a few days. I didn't reach for this candle as much as the others since it doesn't have a lot of smell to it.
 This is the little foil piece once I pried it out with some tweezers. It was attached to the side of the candle and came out fairly easily. The ring itself was well protected and was inside a small bag in the foil.
And here's the ring reveal! It's worth $10 and honestly isn't really anything I'd ever wear, but it's fairly nice for a cheap costume piece.

Final verdict? I don't think I'll be ordering another Diamond Candle just because the candle itself wasn't super amazing. It was a fun experience and the ring was an added bonus, but I can get candles with a better scent throw elsewhere. I'll likely finish burning it because we already have it, but this will be the last one.

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Friday, February 01, 2019

marshall's mini cruelty free haul

I stopped at Marshall's one day after work to pick up another dog bed for Tucker and perused the cosmetics aisle for a bit. Stores like Marshall's can have some really awesome finds, but you have to be careful and make sure the beauty products haven't been opened or swatched (because ew). I lucked out and picked up this Too Faced Melted Latex liquid lipstick in Hopeless Romantic for $5.99 and a Pacifica Cactus Revive Milk to Foam Face Wash for $4.99.
This lipstick is a gorgeous color and from how it performed on my arm, it has staying power. I had to use a lip color remover* to get it off completely after smearing it all over the place. It'll be a nice muted color for the office. I think the Latex line might be phasing out and the cleanser is discontinued, so snag the lipstick while you can!

Found anything good lately? ♥


frugal bandit blog | my poshmark closet | shop leggings | shop my mercari

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

review // stasher silicone storage bags

I've been trying to use less plastic in every day life and it's astounding how prevalent plastic is in almost everything. Luckily, I have a pretty awesome friend in Jess, who gave me a set of Stasher Bags for Christmas.

Stasher bags are silicone, non-porous and BPA free. They seal really well and are pliable and easy to use. Pictured is the Jade Snack and a Jade Sandwich came in the two pack as well! They were also packaged only in cardboard, which I recycled.

You can use these for soooo many things. I use them for food, obviously, but you can use them for airtight, water resistent protection for your phone or makeup as well! They're freezer and microwave and dishwasher safe, and you can even use them for sous vide cooking.

If you're looking to start eliminating plastic, definitely check out Stasher bags!


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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Friday, January 11, 2019

target clearance haul // cruelty free beauty

 Who doesn't love clearance scores?? While waiting for the pharmacy to open one Sunday I wandered around the cosmetics aisles of Target. I typically avoid these because I have so many products and I'm supposed to be on a no buy. Well...I broke it a little. Here's what I scored!
 I love Pacifica's products and picked up their Mineral SPF Body Butter in Blood Orange for only $4.18! It's regularly $14. This will come in handy for the baseball season. I snap up cheap sunscreen whenever I can! The Wet n Wild ColorIcon Blush in Mellow Wine was the first item I found in a bin on an endcap for only $2.08, which isn't a far cry from it's original price but I take what I can get. I snagged the little Soap & Glory Peach Pout Completely Balmy Lipstick in Peach Ball for only $4.98 with an additional 25% off via Cartwheel. The last item is Profusion Cosmetics Smoky Eyes Palette for a mere $3.48! 
 The colors in this are right up my alley. I've been trying to get away from just brown looks, so I'm hoping to incorporate the grays and blues and blacks of this palette.
I love anything peach related and this lipstick doesn't disappoint! It's a pretty peachy color that isn't too overpowering and perfect for the office.

What have you scored lately? ♥


frugal bandit blog | my poshmark closet | shop leggings | shop my mercari

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

empties #18

It's been a while since my last empties post, but here we go! I've changed it up a bit and I'm now only marking when something is not cruelty free, but as usual, I'm human so always double check!
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub* in Passion Fruit & Guava // I love Tree Hut's sugar scrubs. I'm a big fan of scrubs that you can feel working, which is probably terrible for my skin, but these fit the bill! I'm currently using Tropical Mango and I have Coconut Lime in my stash for later.

The Body Shop Hand Cleanse Gel in Satsuma // This was a nice smelling little hand sanitizer that I picked up at Marshall's. I'd get it again if I saw it.

Nspa Body Mist in Mango // cruelty free status unknown // This smelled amazing. I kept it in my car for a quick freshening up. This stuff didn't freeze or bloat the bottle in extreme temperatures, which is hard to find (and probably not good) in a body mist.

Deep Steep Body Wash in Strawberry // I love Deep Steep products! This body wash lathered well and smelled delicious. I'd definitely get it again. I think the strawberry is a summer scent, but there's a bunch of scents on their website.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Deep Dive Cleansing Gel // I've raved about this cleanser before. It's one of my favorites.

Kiss My Face Shave Cream in Green Tea & Bamboo // I don't like shave creams that don't lather. This was more of a lotion and it was just kind of goopy. It did help with moisture, but I won't be grabbing this again.
Cruelty free status unknown.
Apothia Body Wash in Wave // cruelty free status unknown // This little guy was a snag from a stay at a lovely hotel after a wedding. I'd love to have a bottle, but a 10oz bottle is $30. Maybe if I found it on sale...

Maybelline Fit Me! Foundation Matte Poreless in 110 // NOT cruelty free // I don't even remember when I bought this, but I do remember it was for a Halloween costume. It's definitely past it's prime and I won't get it again.

Pacifica Body Butter in Indian Coconut Nectar // These are my favorite little lotions. I always have one in my desk and they work really well and smell amazing. Definitely would get more of these.

Chapstick 100% Natural Lip Butter in Sweet Papaya // NOT cruelty free // I received a few of these in a promo box (maybe a VoxBox?) and they worked okay. I wouldn't pay for one.

ProTerra Body Wash // Cruelty free status unknown // Nothing special.

Paul Mitchell The Detangler Conditioner & Awapuhl Shampoo // They were nice little samples. I'd try the full size versions.

Beekman 1802 Conditioner // cruelty free status unknown //Another hotel bottle. This is a goat's milk conditioner and it was nice.
Templespa Repose Aromatherapy Night Cream // cruelty free status unknown // This was a little hotel sample. It was cloying and just not pleasant. And a full size is $60 for less than 2 ounces. No thanks.

Milani Prime Protect SPF Face Primer // This was a nice sized primer sample I got with a Milani order. I'd try the full size!

Olay Regenerist Whip Moisturizer // NOT cruelty free // This was okay. I didn't see anything special about it. I wouldn't get a full size.

There's another bout of my trash! Hooray! Until next time!

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Wednesday, July 25, 2018

local haunts // boutique 31

Last week I was out in beautiful ole Tennessee to house sit for my mom and I stopped into one of my favorite boutiques, Boutique31. It's a small little shop that carries adorable clothing in standard and plus sizes. Kaitlyn, the owner, is the sweetest gal and she always has adorable pieces. Here's what I picked up!
I'm a sucker for cute leggings because they're soooo comfy. These leggings were posted on Facebook and I was hoping to snag a pair. They were only $5! Since these aren't quite as loud as some other pairs I have (coughcoughDOGPRINTcoughcough), so I'm excited to pair them with a black tunic and boots out somewhere casually.
How pretty is this necklace?! I love the green, the black, and the tassle. Definitely a good score for my jewelry collection.

And coming soon is a second location for Boutique31 in Knoxville!! I'm so excited to visit and happy that they're doing so well.

Be sure to check them out:
Website // Facebook // Instagram

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Sunday, July 15, 2018

empties #17

The never ending pile of empties has produced another post. I've now replaced the majority of my products with cruelty free and vegan items, so from now on I will be posting when something is not cruelty free and vegan (I'm still trying to use up old products to reduce waste). ♥ And, as always, please do your own research! I'm human.
Pacifica Kale Detox Face Wash* // This is one of my favorite cleansers! It's a light, green smelling cleanser that's great for every day use. You can see the full review here.

The Honest Company Honest Healing Balm // I found this in a box while I was decluttering. I don't remember using it when I first got it years ago, but it's since separated so it doesn't work properly.

tarte Rainforest of the Sea 4-in-1 Setting Spray Marine Boosting Mist* // I've finally finished up this little sample bottle. I liked it, but I'm not sure I'd buy a full size.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Facial Oil // I didn't like this but that's because I'm not a big facial oil fan.

H20+ Oasis Ultra Hydrating Cream* // This was a little sample I got in an Ulta order and LET ME TELL YOU this moisturizer worked SO WELL and made my skin look SO GOOD. I'm just so sad that a full size of 1.7 fl. oz. is $42 or I'd already have some.

tarte Pack Your Bags Undereye Patches* // I really enjoyed these patches. They were really refreshing!

Clinique Moisture Surge 72 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator // not cruelty free & vegan // Meh. Strong chemical smell and I didn't see how it really did anything for my skin. I'm glad this was just a free sample from an Ulta order.

Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Toner Pads // not vegan // I picked these up at Marshall's. I liked them, but missed the bee venom ingredient, so I'll be looking for a vegan offering from Nip + Fab.

Juice Organics Pompeptide Moisturizer // This is my all time favorite moisturizer. Sadly it's been discontinued and this was the last tube I had. Crying.
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo // I loved this shampoo for my eczema. See the full review here.

Pür Disappearing Ink 4-in-1 Pen in Light // This was way too orange for me from the beginning. When I first bought it I wasn't as adept at blending as I am now, but it's since oxidized and I can't use it. I'd consider purchasing it in a lighter shade, but it's a little pricey.

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation* in Porcelain (now named Natural) // I thought this was my go-to foundation color until I accidentally bought a lighter shade and had compliments that it worked better. So I say goodbye to Porcelain (Natural) and I've since moved to the Light Ivory shade. Definitely will keep buying!

Drybar Triple Sec Dry Shampoo* // I cashed out some Sephora points for this last year when I ordered my birthday gift. I really enjoyed this! The full size is a little pricier than I'd like to pay for a dry shampoo, but I'd consider it since it worked so well.

Auromere Herbal Toothpaste in Fresh Mint // I've used this toothpaste brand before and I really like it. I've tried the licorice flavor, too, but the fresh mint is much better. Definitely will pick up another tube when I see it.

There's another month!

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Wednesday, February 07, 2018

pacifica // kale detox face wash

I've tried a lot of face washes and cleansers and  I can say that I love Pacifica's Kale Detox. I've gotten two travel sizes in sets from my mom, which is where this one came from, and I've got a full size waiting in the wings (also from my mom...she keeps me stocked with Pacifica products).

Kale Detox is a smooth gel face wash that is a cheery green but has some great cleansing power. It smells very earthy and, well, kale like. I'm one of those people that scrubs their eye makeup off with cleanser, which this does nicely, without drying out my skin or irritating around my eyes.

At ten dollars for five ounces, the price isn't bad at all. I've found this in person at Target and Ulta, so it's pretty readily available, along with being available at several online retailers.

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Monday, January 08, 2018

pacifica // rollerball fragrance trio

My mom is an amazing deal finder and an amazing stocking stuffer. I opened this trio of Pacifica rollerball fragrances* and was ecstatic! The Indian Coconut Nectar scent is one of my favorites. Tahitian Gardenia and Sugared Amber Dreams are both going to be perfect for the office.

I especially love Pacifica because their entire line is cruelty free and vegan, so there's no label reading to be had! Pacifica is also sold at a wide variety of stores including Target, so it's easily found and has a great price point.

Definitely check them out!

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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

empties #15

This is a big one, guys. I feel like I've been hoarding this trash way too long. Since I've been working so much, I've been lacking the natural light to take photos but my lighting kit finally came in so I was able to knock this one out.

As always, I can make mistakes on my cruelty free and vegan labels, so always check for yourself! ♥
Village Naturals Mineral Bath Soak // I don't take baths often at all, so I just used this in the bottom of the shower. Obviously not what it's meant for, so it didn't work super well. I have another of these, both coming from a subscription box, but I wouldn't purchase this on my own.

Crest Toothpaste Sample // I don't know where this came from but I went ahead and used it up. I like my natural toothpastes more.

L.A. Colors Eye Makeup Remover Pads // cruelty free & vegan // These were decent little pads I picked up in a gift set. They were really best for light eye makeup days.

Lush Superbalm Scalp Treatment // cruelty free & vegan // This worked really well on my eczema on my scalp. Like, gone overnight well, BUT it made my hair so greasy. I had to wash my hair multiple times after using it. I actually ended up using the rest of this on some spots on my skin away from my scalp.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair Conditioner // Another sub-box sample. The bottle made this hard to use up completely. I felt it was just a run of the mill conditioner.

Avalon Organics CoQ10 Facial Cleansing Milk // cruelty free & vegan // This was a decent cleanser. It was great for eye makeup residue. However, I've decided that creamy cleansers and milks just aren't for me.

e.l.f. Nail Polish* // cruelty free & vegan // This is a blue polish that I got in a gift set. I never even opened it as blue isn't my color for nail polish. It's separated and can't be saved, so it's going.

100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo Sample* // cruelty free & vegan // I received a few of these in an order. I like it and I think I'd order a full size.

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator in Clear* // cruelty free & vegan // I'll never buy one of these again. It's hard to use, gets all over your face, and doesn't do an amazing exfoliating job.

Pacifica Pore Refine Deep Detox Mask* // cruelty free & vegan // I love this product. It goes on clear and rinses off well and I feel like it really helps my skin. It cuts redness really quickly and my pores always look better the next day.

Jason Powersmile Gel Toothpaste in Powerful Peppermint* // cruelty free & vegan // This was my first Jason product and I really liked it. I'd definitely buy it again.

Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion // Standard unscented lotion from a sub-box. I wouldn't buy it.

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Lotion in Eucalyptus Spearmint // Do they even make these anymore? The lotion isn't bad, but the scent was cloying and very artificial.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron Cleansing Shampoo in Honey & Coriander // I think I finished up this sample at my mom's house? I don't remember putting it in my bag, either, and I didn't acquire it. I didn't see how it was an amazing shampoo.

Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream* // cruelty free & vegan // I liked this moisturizer a lot. I'd buy a full size.

Frizz Ease Moisturizing Conditioner // Another sub-box sample. This did cut the frizz a little, but Frizz Ease isn't cruelty free.


Wet n Wild Makeup Remover Towelettes* // cruelty free & vegan // These worked pretty well. I'd pick them up again.

Wet n Wild Mattifying Powder* // cruelty free & vegan // Am I the only one that has the worst luck with keeping powders solid? Ugh. This was a decent powder and I'd buy it again.

L'Oreal Ever Pure Conditioner in Lotus // vegan // I'll note that the Ever Pure line is vegan and is even stated on the bottle, but L'Oreal isn't cruelty free. I got this and the shampoo in a VoxBox and it's really a shame that they still test on animals because this was a decent conditioner.

Colgate Radiant Optic White Sample // Where do these samples come from?? I don't buy them?? I'll stick to my natural toothpastes.

Kleancolor Nail Polish // cruelty free & vegan // Again, blue isn't my color for polish. I've had this forever and it needs to go.

Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polish in Silver // Apparently silver isn't my color for polish either, as I never used this and it separated.

Curel Hydra-therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer // Okay. In-shower lotions are the bane of my existence. I hate, hate, hate them. I only used this one because I'd been putting it off after getting it in a sub-box and I was tired of looking at it. I refuse to purchase an in shower lotion.
Soapbox Coconut Oil Conditioner* // cruelty free & vegan // I finally used this up. It's been sitting in my shower so long that they've changed packaging. I loved this conditioner. It helped with frizz and I felt it really nourished my hair.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Facial Oil* // cruelty free & vegan // So oils are not for me and my face. I don't like the way they feel.

Charcoalogy Facial Clay Cleanser // I thought this was a different brand when I bought it. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on if the brand is cruelty free or not.

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant  // I didn't think I'd ever use this up. Not a fan.

Suave Deoderant in Powder // Still have a ton of these. They're good deoderants.

Natrol Melatonin 3mg // This worked alright. It's not vegan and I need to order some more that is.


Green Tea Candle // I think this one was from Target? A decent little candle.

Bath & Body Works Mini Candle in Twisted Peppermint // I got this in my stocking and I loved it.

Yankee Candle in Guava Coconut Fusion* // This smelled really good.

DW Home Candle in Peppered Citrus // I stared at this scent every time I went in Marshall's and finally bought it. I loved it.

That wraps up another month of my trash. As you can tell, I'm still working my way through a lot of non-cruelty free items, but I'm replacing them with products that aren't tested on animals.

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Monday, October 23, 2017

jason // sea fresh strengthening toothpaste

I started using more natural toothpastes a few years ago and except for the occasional sample I somehow still receive, I've stuck with them. A while back I picked up Jason's Power Smile Gel Toothpaste and liked it, so when I started running low I went back to Marshall's and found this little tube of Sea Fresh Strengthening Toothpaste.

The great thing about Jason toothpastes? They promise no sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, no preservatives, no artificial colors, no artificial sweeteners, no saccharin, no propylene glycol, no gluten. Holy moly. Not only do they not have all of those nasties, they're cruelty free and vegan!

Now onto the actual review:

I've been enjoying this toothpaste. Not like brouhaha partying enjoy, but I like the consistency and taste. It's got a tiny smidge of stickiness, but I think it helps it feels like it's working, and as a paste compared to a gel it foams and cleans a little better.

A problem I've had with more natural toothpastes in the past is that I don't feel my mouth is fresh enough. This one though? Minty fresh!

I think I'm going to keep this as my go to toothpaste. You can try it yourself on Amazon, iHerb*, and VeganEssentials.



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Friday, October 20, 2017

mini e.l.f. haul

Last week I took advantage of e.l.f.'s one day offering of free shipping and picked up the Moisturizing Foundation Stick in Ivory and the All Over Cover Stick in Apricot Beige. I've been growing more bored with my cream foundations, so I thought I'd try something new.
This was my first time trying a stick foundation and I have to say I expected it to be a lot drier. This foundation spread well, is buildable, and clearly has moisturizing tendencies. The cover stick was creamy and I think it'll work well on my undereyes.

Have you tried anything from e.l.f. lately? If not, join the Beauty Squad and use this  $5 coupon*!

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Sunday, October 15, 2017

vegan food review // Tofurky slow roasted chick'n strips

I decided to pick up these new Tofurky Slow Roasted Chick'n strips to add to a salad we had planned for dinner at my mom's. I wasn't disappointed!

They were super easy to prepare. You just take the wrapped product out of the box, poke a few holes in the plastic packaging, and pop it into the microwave for 60 seconds. The strips aren't packed in a ton of liquid so they don't come out mushy and can even be shredded for things like tacos. You could alternatively cook these in a pan on the stove, which I might opt to do next time.

Texture is usually what stops my buying meat alternatives, but I had no qualms about this! So how was the texture? I didn't feel like I was eating chicken, but it was firm and not rubbery at all. They held up well in salad dressing and had a smoky, full flavor, but were true to the "lightly seasoned" claim. The pieces could easily be broken into smaller pieces, which was nice for a salad. My only complaint is that I put too many pieces on my plate and it became overwhelming after a bit, but I believe that's just my palate. I'd love to try a vegan buffalo chick'n dip with these!

These strips come in four flavors: lightly seasoned, Tandoori, BBQ, and Thai basil.You can find them online at VeganEssentials, but I found them in store for less than four dollars.

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Friday, September 29, 2017

maple holistics // tea tree shampoo

**I was compensated for this post by receiving a free product to review from Maple Holistics. This review is my own honest opinion.

Recently I was contacted by Maple Holistics to see if I was interested in trying their Tea Tree Shampoo. Not only is Maple Holistics cruelty free, this product is vegan, paraben free, GMO free, and gluten free. The ingredients list for the Tea Tree Shampoo was short and to the point. I've been wanting to try a tea tree line as I have eczema and an itchy scalp, so I jumped at the chance.

The Tea Tree Shampoo combines jojoba, tea tree, rosemary, and lavender to combat dandruff, regulate oil secretions, and clear away blemishes on the scalp. You simply wet your hair with warm water, apply the shampoo and let it sit for a few minutes after massaging it into your scalp, then rinse with cool water.

I don't wash my hair every day, so I've used this shampoo twice since receiving it. I'm impressed already - I've noticed my scalp being significantly less itchy and my eczema spots are less red and noticeable! My hair felt softer and smoother after one shampoo, unlike many shampoos that leave my hair with that straw like feeling. I've definitely found my scalp to be responding well to this and I believe I may have found a new go to shampoo.

Try it for yourself here or try a sample of their other products here!

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Wednesday, August 16, 2017

empties #14

Since it's been summer, I haven't been using many products up. I hardly wear makeup unless it's planned, so my makeup has just been sitting there. Sorry, pretty things.


Dove Advanced Care Deodorant  // I didn't care for this. It didn't work for me.

Theraneem Naturals Skin Lotion in Neem Therape* // cruelty free & vegan // This lotion helped with my eczema and was pretty rich. I'm going to add a full size to my next iHerb order.

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera* // cruelty free & vegan // It's aloe vera. I don't know why I even had this bottle, but I'd buy this brand again if I needed it.

Alba Botanica Body in the Buff Firming Scrub in Espresso* // cruelty free & vegan // This scrub was great and the coffee was a great plus. It wasn't oily like some sugar scrubs, and it rinsed out of the tub fairly well. My skin felt a lot softer after using it.

Simple Pleasures Hand Soap in Summer Peach // I didn't think I'd ever finish this. This was a $1 purchase at Joann Fabrics when I thought I was out, but I'll be replacing this with something cruelty free.

Good Things Fresh Start Creamy Cleanser // cruelty free & vegan // I grabbed this on a whim at Marshall's one day because the ingredients looked decent. It was an alright cleanser. I'm beginning to think that cream cleansers aren't my thing, though, but if I found this at a cheap enough price I'd pick it up as a backup.

e.l.f. Volumizing Mascara* // cruelty free & vegan // This is the cheapest mascara e.l.f. offers. I pick them up religiously to use as a base coat for my other mascaras. It's a decent product, doesn't get all over my eyelids and doesn't flake.

Madre Labs Rose Petal Witch Hazel // cruelty free & vegan // I used this as a toner and really liked it. Sadly, it's been discontinued.

e.l.f. Pressed Powder in Buff* (similar) // cruelty free & vegan // I didn't like this and it broke all to pieces, as e.l.f. powders seem to do when I have them. I wouldn't repurchase.

Avalon Organics Bath & Shower Gel* in Grapefruit and Geranium // cruelty free & vegan // This bottle lasted forever and I really liked it. I got a few compliments on the smell, too! They've since changed their packaging and this scent has been discontinued, but I'd try some of their others.

Vegan True Melatonin* // vegan // This is my go to melatonin. Definitely already in my iHerb cart.

Not Pictured:
Gilette Fusion Hydra Gel Shaving Gel // I'm still using up shaving cream from my years of couponing. I won't buy it again, but it's been nice having a supply of shave gel.

Up & Up Biotin plus Keratin // I suppose these worked, but I picked up a different brand.

Dial NutriSkin Lotion // A decent lotion from the coupon stash, I won't pick it up again.

Jergens Ultra Healing Hand Moisturizer // Meh. I still have like six of these that I'm using up. I'll be glad when they're gone.

And there's another month of digging through my trash. Hurrah!

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Monday, December 26, 2016

vegan food review: Gardein meatless pepperoni pizza pockets

In one of the cruelty free beauty groups I'm in on Facebook, someone mentioned that Gardein has some pocket type meals. Then I noticed that there were meatless pepperoni pizza pockets and I immediately started looking for them.

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

I found them! They're certified vegan, quick to heat up, and delicious! Typically I'm not a big faux meat fan, but the texture of the pepperoni wasn't bad at all, nor did the pockets have that gummy textured cheese.

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

I keep them in the freezer at work for quick lunches as they only take less than two minutes to heat. They have great flavor and are pretty filling. The sodium is a tad high, but not terrible, and they don't have much sugar. I'd highly recommend these.

If you've been looking for a tasty vegan pocket meal, go find these!

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Friday, September 23, 2016

fashion friday: life is

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter
I was provided the "Life is Tough" shirt from Cents of Style in exchange for this post. Affiliate links are included.

When Cents of Style contacted me to write a post about life, I wasn't super sure about it. I am generally a pessimist, but thought "hey, I can do this, I have a pretty decent life!" So I chose the "Life is tough, but so are you" tee.

Everyone's had some tough spots in life, and I'm no different. Sometimes a little reminder can make all the difference - that you're tough, too!

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

This shirt, though? So soft and the fit is fantastic. The best part? They're only $15.95 and they ship free with code LIFEIS1! ♥




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Friday, September 02, 2016

my latest beauty favorites

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

Swissco Ultimate Vent Brush in Large // Hairbrushes have never been a thing of importance to me. They keep my long ass hair from becoming a matted mess, but beyond that? Nah. Growing up I used paddle brushes and there was that one time my cousin got a round brush so tangled in my hair it had to be cut out, but other than that I never put any thought into how I brushed my hair. UNTIL NOW! Swissco's Ultimate Vent Brush is AMAZING! I no longer look at hairbrushes the same.

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

Pacifica's Indian Coconut Nectar Roll On Perfume  // So good. I feel like I'm on a tropical island when I use this. It comes in a glass vial, so I'm a little hesitant to carry it in my purse, but I love it.

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

Hurraw Lip Balm in Grapefruit // I don't like eating grapefruit, but I love them in everything else. Luckily I can get Hurraw at my local Wegman's, and this stuff is awesome. It covers well without being heavy or sticky.

lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion // I have dark spots from acne and this lotion really helps lighten them and even out my complexion. I use it at night after I cleanse and before I moisturize. I can see a difference in a few days and that's awesome compared to the many other dark spot correcting products I've used.

I'd love to know your favorites - leave your links in the comments! ♥

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Saturday, August 27, 2016

local haunts: Hyperion Espresso // fxbg

hyperion espresso fredericksburg virginia lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

I love coffee. Plain and simple. I'm also a huge advocate of supporting local coffee shops. One of my favorites? Hyperion Espresso in Downtown Fredericksburg. They brew a fantastic dark roast, and they have almost any flavor syrup you could want.

During the summer, I typically stick with their smoothies or Italian sodas. Mango smoothie, peach Italian soda. ♥ You can't go wrong with the black tea, either. I recently tried their seasonal pomegranate black tea. Yum.

hyperion espresso fredericksburg virginia lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

I don't normally have a lot of time to hang out there, but they have loads of space for working on your laptop and hanging out with friends. When you buy a drink, just grab the wifi password from the register. The building that houses Hyperion is pretty gorgeous on the inside, too, so there's none of that stale decor you'll find at other coffee shops.

The baristas have always been friendly, so if you're not sure what to order off their extensive menu, just ask!

So if you're in the area, stop by! You won't be disappointed.


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Sunday, August 21, 2016

empties #5

empties lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser // I got a Clarisonic Mia for Christmas that I love. This is the cleanser that came with it. My skin felt clean after using it, but it was pretty drying and not cruelty free, so I won't be getting it again.

ban Shower Fresh deodorant // This worked pretty well when I first got it a while back with a coupon. Towards the end of the tube it stopped working as well. I don't know if it was my skin that adapted or the product, but either way ban isn't cruelty free, so I won't be repurchasing.

L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Conditioner // This was another freebie from couponing. This conditioner works great, but L'Oreal isn't cruelty free, sadly.

Pacifica Glow Baby Youthful Face Scrub // cruelty free and vegan // I got this in a little trial four pack of Pacifica's facial products (Thanks, Mumma!). I've mentioned before that I like pretty strong facial scrubs - I like to feel them working. This scrub does just that. I'd definitely purchase this again.

Vegan True Melatonin 3mg // cruelty free and vegan // Vegan True's melatonin worked pretty well. I didn't wake up groggy but it helped me sleep. This is on my iHerb to order list. (And if you use the code TNZ430 you'll get $5 off your order and I'll get $5!)

Julep Glycolic Hand Scrub // cruelty free // I really liked this little sample of hand scrub. One use and I really could tell a difference! And there's still time to get the Summer Brights 6-Piece Beauty Gift!


empties lucky bandit blog katelyn carter

These next products are all products I won't be repurchasing, as they aren't cruelty free, sadly.

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Shampoo // Another couponing purchase from forever ago. I don't know what exactly this shampoo was supposed to do, but it didn't do it.

Almay Oil Free Eye Makeup Removed Pads // I got these free with coupons and this is the last of the batch. They worked well on eye makeup, but left a weird residue that I always felt I needed to wash off.

Rodan + Fields Micro-Dermabrasion Paste // cruelty free // I like tough exfoliators. This felt like I was rubbing glass on my face.

White Barn Eucalyptus Mint mini candle // This smelled nice and for such a small candle it burned for a long time. I got this as a stocking stuffer and really liked it.

Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner // Another cheap coupon find. I enjoyed this conditioner, but Tresemme isn't cruelty free.

What products have you used lately?

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