In August, I shared with you three beauty buys from TJ Maxx that I would be trying for 30 days: a microneedle roller, StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Night Treatment, and Kill Brow Tinted Tattoo.  Today, I am finally able to share my review of each product with you.

---

Micro Needle Roller

The microneedle roller is the exact thing they were talking about when they said “no pain, no gain“.  Even after 30 days, it’s still relatively painful, like the kind where you hold your breath, and get.it.done. 

The first two weeks, I noticed no difference and wondered why I was torturing myself [aside from reporting back to y’all!].  In an effort to reduce the prickly forehead pain, I was rolling it as lightly as I could.   5 rolls horizontal, 5 rolls vertical, and 5 diagonal with some actual pressure is apparently the magic sauce.  Once I kicked it up notch in the pressure department [aka the torture chamber], the results started rolling in. 

• 

• 

• 

---

---

StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Night Treatment 

During the 30 day beauty buy and try, I used StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Night Treatment in conjunction with the microneedle roller.  My routine was to squeeze a bit of lotion [the size of a thumb nail], apply to forehead [without rubbing it completely in], and roll that medicated goodness into the spaces the microneedle pricked open. 

I cannot say it’s worthy of the price tag it keeps outside of TJ Maxx.  I am glad I spent no more than $20 on this product as I don’t feel the claims of “instant tightening, wrinkle reducing” have quite taken effect.  I give more credit to the microneedle roller for minimal progress I have noticed in my forehead lines. I’ve been blogging since 2014, but right here, talking about skincare products from TJ Maxx, is where I choose to have my Carrie Bradshaw writing moment:

I couldn’t help but wonder, would cheaper skincare products  work magic if used with a microneedle roller?

• 

• 

---

Kill Brow Tinted Tattoo

Am I living my best brow life with Kill Brow Tinted Tattoo?  As you may remember from the initial post, the Amazon reviews are a mixed bag.  Here’s my take on it: I don’t hate it. 

Did it leave a lasting tattoo?  Eh, not so much.  There was a faint hint of color in the morning that lasted through my morning skincare routine and a workout, but once a shower hit the brows, the color washed away.

• 

• 

• 

However, what I actually loved the most about this product was the power combo of using the brow marker followed by the brow mascara.  Using a brow stencil [another TJ Maxx beauty aisle find], I shaded the “perfect arch” on my light brows and then secured the strays with the mascara wand.

As seen in my Five-Minute Makeup Tutorial, I have been taming and darkening with Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel.  Now that I’m scraping the tube walls for its glorious goop, I am really excited to land on this less expensive alternative.  While it doesn’t quite do what the package claims, when I want my brows to look fierce on the fly, I think I’ve found a keeper.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

---

Speaking of TJ Maxx…

I’ve teamed up with some of my Instagram blogger babes to host a $300 TJ Maxx giveaway!  The contest will close Monday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m. CST.  Entry to win is super easy:

1. Like THIS photo
2.  Follow @fallmaxxinista_giveaway and everyone this account is following [when on the Fall Maxxinista Instagram page, click following.  It will show 12 accounts for you to click follow.]
   
3. Like the contest photo on each account
4. Comment below what you would use the $300 on if you won!
5. BONUS: REPOST 1 of the 3 contest photos on your Insta Feed and use hashtag #fallmaxxinistagiveaway
6. BONUS: Share 1 of 3 contest photos in your stories tag @fallmaxxinista_giveaway.

The Fine Print: You MUST be following all accounts to be eligible to win. This giveaway is in no way sponsored or associated with Instagram.
By entering, entrants confirm they are a US resident at least 18+ years of age, release Instagram and all brands of responsibility, and agree to abide

Last night I was invited to the launch of a new collection at Dress and Dwell, a local boutique. While mingling among #girlbosses and other local influencers, I had a total pinch me moment   I feel incredibly lucky to be pouring into Ooh La Laura and the extensions of it, including the Instagram community and Liketoknow.It opportunity.  Thank you for reading, sharing, commenting, liking, and engaging. 

Check out Ooh La Laura stories on Instagram for the IRL stuff and my #dressingroomdiaries from last night’s event.  Happy Friday – I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

---

Pin Me!