The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina
First, I hope if you have friends or loved ones in Western North Carolina, that you have been able to reach them and find out if they are safe. The devastation is beyond belief. Jeff’s daughter, her husband and her toddler as well as extended family live in Asheville. Although a big tree fell on their property, thankfully it missed their new house. They had moved into the house just 2 weeks ago. Sadly, her in-laws had significant damage to their home.
I was watching the news, and the governor of North Carolina said that the state government is accepting donations from those who want to contribute. They are using the donations to provide clean water, food, diapers, baby food, and cleanup supplies to people in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. I have donated to Donate to Hurricane Recovery on the North Carolina state website or the specific page on the site where you can donate, if you so choose.
September ’24 Ipsy/Boxycharm
Yes, I still subscribe to Boxycharm from Ipsy on an every other month subscription. One of the things I like is being able to purchase makeup, skincare, beauty tools, and accessories on deep discounts whenever I like. By and large, I still like the boxes I receive, and this month is another decent box.
The September box is entitled “Enter Your Soft Era”. I’m not sure what “Soft Era” means for makeup and skincare products, maybe it refers to soft skin? But no matter. Let’s take a look at the 3 full-size skincare and 2 full-size makeup products I received.
Skincare Products
Even though I still get more skincare products than makeup from public relations people, I like receiving skincare products. The three products are ones I will use.
- Kat Burki Rose Hip Intense Recovery Eye Serum is a pale yellow lightweight serum. Although I had a tough time initially pumping it out of the 15ml /0.5 fl. oz. to try it, I eventually got it to work. The serum itself has a rose and herbal scent that fades quickly. I just started using it, so I will see if I prefer it to my love, Korres Black Pine 360° Eye-Lift Super Serum. reg. price $135
- DERMELECT Cosmeceuticals Rapid Repair Barrier Balancing Serum is a clear, somewhat thick, liquid applied via a dropper. Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and prebiotics. Although I have a couple of barrier strengthening nighttime moisturizers, I like the idea of being able to mix the Barrier Balancing Serum with my daytime moisturizer with SPF. $45 with 20% off now on the DERMELECT website
- REN Clean Skincare Marine Moisture Replenish Cream is a lightweight but highly nourishing white cream. This clean moisturizer has a fresh scent that fades on contact. Its key ingredients include freshwater microalgae and other freshwater plants as well as hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids for increased hydration. This vegan formula is also appropriate for sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin. I can tell from one use that I already love this one! $44
Makeup
As is often the case with Ipsy, these are makeup brands that I am unfamiliar with, but they are promising.
- Just Ximena The 3-in-1 Stick, shade I’m Delicious is a color stick that can be used as blush or lip color. I had no idea what the 3rd thing is that it can be used for because you can’t use it near or on your eyes. I discovered on the Ipsy website that it can be used as a highlighter on temples and nose. I don’t think so! Strange as the 3-in-1 name is, I love the color of this stick. It’s perfect for me. It’s a red-orange-brown balm-like chubby stick. I will use it as an everyday lip balm. I tried it as a blush, and it can be sheered out. But I don’t like using makeup for more than one use, so it will be one of my daily lip balms. $20
- Lunar Beauty Lip Pencils, shades Doodle and Blushing, are again perfect for me. Doodle is almost an exact match for the JX 3-in-1 Stick in I’m Delicious, and Blushing, a peachy-apricot color, is a couple of shades lighter than Doodle. BTW, Lunar Beauty is owned by Manny Mua, Manuel Gutierrez Jr. from San Diego, California$28
The total cost of my Boxycharm box is $272. I paid less than $35. I still enjoy trying out new products, so no complaints from me.
My heart goes out to your family in North Carolina. On a happier note, I’m so pleased that you got great Boxycharm products.
Thank you, Gabrielle xo Jeff’s daughter and her husband and toddler decided to leave Asheville today for a week (or so, maybe once they get where they’re going). Without a generator to run the refrigerator and at least a light, it’s tough with a little girl at home. And they couldn’t work because they didn’t have internet. I’m glad they’ll get a break. There will still be plenty to do to help others when they return.