Trader Joe's

Checking In: The September Issue | Some Beauty Things from Trader Joe’s and Maybelline | Hallmark Nostalgia

August 30th, 2023 by Karen 7 Comments

Ooh, how lovely it is to see the thick, substantial September issue of “Vogue!”

Remember when they were all like that? I miss the days when I could curl up on the couch and just read magazines all day long, sigh.

Anywho, I was excited to see the “Supers” together on the cover. I love the hair, makeup and styling, and I’d wear Linda’s sequin jacket in a heartbeat!

I wonder if they had fun reminiscing about the ’90s, and if anybody gave Naomi crap about throwing a phone at anyone. Remember that?

On the beauty front, I was grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s earlier this week for dinner ingredients (I made salmon on Monday and ground beef and broccoli on Tuesday) when a couple things in the things beauty section caught my eye — a firming body lotion and a co-wash.

The Vitamin C Firming Body Butter speaks to me mostly because of the glycolic acid; I don’t really care about the firming part, but I could always use extra exfoliation.

So far, so good. The texture is thick and rich but not greasy, and the clementine scent is cheerful. A big 8-ounce tube is very affordable at just $6.99.

Speaking of good deals, this 8-ounce tube of Cleansing & Conditioning Hair Wash is only $4.99.

It’s a non-foaming co-wash with a delicate grapefruit and mint scent. If you’re living that “free of” hair life, FYI, this one has no sulfates, silicones, detergents or parabens.

I like it! I used it on second-day janky roots and was impressed by how clean my strands and scalp felt. I woke up the next morning with bouncy, soft hair.

Oh, not that I needed another base, but I was running errands at CVS and saw the Maybelline Skin Tint that’s making the rounds. I totally caved and bought a bottle, ha ha ha!
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Summer Beauty Buddies: Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Body Wash and Body Butter

June 21st, 2023 by Karen 9 Comments

It’s a total coincidence that today’s summer beauty buddies match my dress!

Side note, it’s the Athleta Conscious Dress. I bought the petite version in the color Salvia Pink on sale a while back for like $30! And oh la la, it has pockets.

Anywho, Trader Joe’s limited edition Brazil Nut Body Wash and Body Butter, last time I checked, were $5.99 each at our local store, but dang, I’ve been seeing it on online resale sites for crazy inflated prices, like $25 for the Body Wash and $45 for the Body Butter. I guess people really like it!

Or, maybe they’re so hooked they’ll pay whatever it takes because the scent is crazy addictive.

Major mood lift

It’s a mix of delicious food notes – salted caramel, pistachio, vanilla and coconut. Typically I’d consider these cozy notes for winter scents, but the addition of the coconut tips it into summer territory.

It’s strong but not cloyingly sweet, and when I can smell it on my arms and on my hands, I can’t help but feel the tropical island vibes! It’s a major mood lifter.

And it keeps going and going and going

I think you’ve gotta do both the Body Wash and Body Butter together. When I layer the two, I’m happily surrounded by the deliciousness all day long.

No need for a separate body splash or perfume on top, although I wouldn’t be surprised if TJ’s launched something next year to round out the whole experience.

Rich and creamy

The Body Wash is creamy and foams up into a lovely, soft lather. The Body Butter has a whipped consistency, so it easily sinks into the skin, and is rich enough for my uber-dry spots.

Neither are tested on animals, which is a nice plus!

Would I buy this again?

Oh, most definitely. If you’re shopping at TJs and see them on shelves and you happen to like tropical notes with a foodie vibe, grab ’em while you can!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Latest Trader Joe’s Finds: Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 and Strawberry & Rhubarb Hand Pies

July 7th, 2022 by Karen 7 Comments

Why, yes. Once upon a time, there were two Strawberry & Rhubarb Hand Pies in this box!

I saw these pies at TJ’s and they took me waaaaay back to childhood in the ’80s, when I’d go grocery shopping with my mom on Saturdays. I was allowed to pick one sweet treat, and sometimes, I’d pick a Hostess Fruit Pie. Cherry was my favorite! What was yours?

Anywho, last night I had one for dessert (it’s delightful), and when I turned the box over to read the back, I was shocked to see instructions for warming the pie up in an oven or an air fryer!

I’d always eaten Hostess Pies straight outta the package and had NO IDEA that one could warm the pies up before eating, LOL! Am I the only person on earth that didn’t know? I’m still reeling from the revelation.

By the way, I didn’t warm up the Strawberry & Rhubarb pie beforehand, because at that point I had already taken out the vanilla ice cream and was not about to wait 15 minutes for the oven to heat up. It was still hella good. Just the right amount of sweetness and a lovely, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Grab a box if you see them at TJ’s.

While you’re there, might as well stop by the body care section to grab a $9 Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40.

Word on the street is that it’s a dupe for the pricier $36 Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. I’ve never tried the Supergoop version so I can’t really compare the two, but as far as face sunscreen goes, I think it’s a good option for a midday or afternoon touchup on top of makeup (yes, this is a thing) because it’s so smooth and so matte and completely invisible. Lightweight, too. It has a slippery silicone texture, so if you do well with 1) silicones and 2) chemical sunscreens, it’s worth checking out.

Somewhat related note: I’ve had work projects in the last few months writing copy for packaging, and so now I’m in the habit of reading all the tubes, bottles and boxes I encounter. This one apparently had a spelling issue! Of course, I had to peel the sticker and see what was corrected.

I’m nerdy that way, I guess.

Happy Thursday to you. I hope you’re feeling great today! Take care.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Trader Joe’s Hot Cocoa Snowman, a Sparkling Shadow by Hourglass and Nomad Cosmetics

December 21st, 2021 by Karen 14 Comments

To whoever invented the hot cocoa snowman, thank you from bottom of my heart.❤️ I never knew how weirdly satisfying it is to stick a chocolate snowman into a mug filled with warm milk and watch it disintegrate until now.

The best part of this whole process is when the snowman’s tummy melts and chocolate chips and marshmallows come out of its booty. Trust me, it’s fun.

By the way, I got these guys from Trader Joe’s! If you see them, grab them. They’re super fun. If you find the drink a little too sweet (I did), then just thin it out with a splash of hot water. Works like a charm.

In other holiday news, I’m almost ready to join Team Done With Christmas Shopping. I finished most of my shopping last weekend at Sephora, and shockingly, I actually stuck to my game plan and bought gifts for other people and walked out with absolutely nothing for myself. Not to say I didn’t want to. It would’ve been a totally different story if this champagne colored cream glitter shadow from Hourglass called Ray was in stock.

I saw it, along with a slew of beautiful Hourglass lip and cheek products, in a reel on SpaceNK’s Instagram. The makeup artist, Jacinta Spencer, layers the shadow onto her lids with her fingers, and the result is a perfect mix of glitter and glam.

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My heart broke a little when the sales associate told me Ray wasn’t available because I loved the shimmer — the glitter pieces weren’t too big or too small. Maybe I’ll order it online. Or maybe I’ll just put it on my wish list until my next beauty whim strikes, ha ha ha.

I think, for now, just to get the urge to wear glitter out of my system, I’m going to do something similar to Jacinta’s look with glitter in this palette by Nomad Cosmetics. They’re a vegan and cruelty-free brand that makes travel-themed products.

This palette is Venice-Simplon Express, which is a nod to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a private luxury train service that runs from London to Venice.

How about that red shade? WOW! I haven’t worn red eyeshadow in a minute, but I might just for fun to scare my coworkers on my next video call, ha ha ha!

Speaking of video calls, I’ve got a few lined up this morning, so I should go get ready. Are you working today, too? I hope things are mellow for you this week! Talk soon, ok?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Empties! Skin Care and Hair From CeraVe, Pattern, Hawaiian Tropic and More

August 3rd, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

empties august 2021 — Stuff I’ve finished!

I’ve used up quite a few beauty items over the last month! Mostly, skin care (I’m obsessed, apparently), but a smattering of hair care products, too. Consequently, here are my two cents on what’s worth your time…

Pattern Leave-In Conditioner

One of the BEST leave-ins I’ve ever tried — ever! — so I’m totally buying another bottle. For reference, my hair is wavy, on the drier side, and it needs a lot of hydration. If your curls/waves desire major moisture as well, just squeeze a dollop into your palms (it smells faintly of honeysuckle), and then work it through your strands for smooth, hydrated hair with plenty of volume.

FYI, it’s silicone-free! $25 for a 9.9-ounce tube.

CeraVe Healing Ointment

This thick, rich petrolatum-based moisturizer has become a staple at our house because it does a bit of of everything. I use it on all of the dry parts that frequently require extra TLC, like my lips, cuticles, heels and hands, and when I overdo it a little on the chemical exfoliators or retinol and it hurts to smile 😬 (you know the feeling), I dab a little at the corners of my mouth and around the base of my nostrils, and all is well with the world…

It’s also a minor miracle worker on the scrapes, scratches and bug bites Connor seems to get daily from playing hard on the playground. It seems to speed up the recovery process, too. I love this enough to get it in a large size.

$10.99 for a 3-ounce tube.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Why do all of my favorite skin care things run out at the same time? LOL! I’ve been steadily using the CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser in the morning and the Hydrating Facial Cleanser at night for several months, and I’m quite happy with the results. They’re gentle and don’t strip my combination dry and oily skin, and they don’t aggravate my acne either. Good stuff.

I love trying new face washes, so I’ll probably get some fresh blood into the mix, but I also plan to keep these guys on standby for when I need something familiar and comforting. An 8-ounce bottle of the Renewing SA Cleanser is $13.99, and a big 16-ounce bottle of the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is $16.99.

Trader Joe’s Hydrating Hyaluronic Body Gel Cream

Grab this quick-absorbing gel cream if you see it at TJ’s, and be sure to use it before fall, because it’s lightweight but yet hella moisturizing — perfect for the dog days of summer. $6.99 for a 12-ounce bottle with a pump.

Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

I found this on one of those “best of” lists, and although I like 1) how well it shields my skin from the sun, and 2) how it doesn’t stain my white shirts, the scent bothers me… It smells like plastic and artificial coconuts, and it churns my tummy. I won’t be rebuying it because of that, but if you can get past the smell, it’s a decent and affordable sunscreen. $13.99 for a 6-ounce bottle.

Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF 30

My love for this mineral tinted sunscreen knows no bounds! Totally buying this again. If I find it on sale, OF COURSE I will let you know, girl. $24.49 for a 1.4-ounces tube.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion 50+

This sunscreen was a staple of mine years ago, and I forgot about it for a bit. All I have to say about it now is that we’re reunited, and it feels so good! I still really love it. Yes, it’s pricey, but if your skin is combo and/or dry like mine, you’ll probably love it as well. It’s not drying, doesn’t leave a cast, and it isn’t sticky on skin. It’s also extremely waterproof, so if you’re sweating up a storm like I’ve been lately, trust that it will not run off your face. It smells like a fresh lemon drink and vacation, too. I’ve gone through countless bottles and predict yet another one in my immediate future. $49 for a 5.07-ounce bottle.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%

I love the price of this hydrating serum. It’s super affordable. I’ve been layering it underneath face cream for a moisturizing boost, but I can’t tell if it’s actually doing any heavy lifting… I probably won’t buy it again, but it might be worth trying if you’re curious and have dry skin. $6.80 for 1-ounce bottle with a dropper.

Have you finished anything lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 Fabulous Finds From Trader Joe’s: Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream, Ube Tea Cookies, Chicken Soup Dumplings, Strawberry Soda and Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen

May 28th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

Frozen Chicken Soup Dumplings

Goodness gracious, the last time I went to Trader Joe’s I got two boxes of these Chicken Soup Dumplings, and the next time I go I’m getting three. Maybe even four! They’re that good. Connor and I, man…we gobble them up so fast!

Have you ever been to dim sum and ordered soup dumplings? Those tasty little ground meatballs with their savory broth encapsulated in a chewy pouch… Like a delicious soupy dumpling in a sleeping bag, if you will! You bite into the dumpling, and the glorious broth gushes into your mouth. Mmmm!

These frozen ones take two minutes to cook in the microwave, and you get six total.

These are Connor’s new favorite thing to eat at lunch and mine too. We eat them with edamame and rice!

There’s a pork and ginger version too, which I haven’t tried yet because I’m not a huge fan of ginger in savory dishes, but for the sake of adventure, I may try it for fun. Will let you know!

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

The Ube Ice Cream at Trader Joe’s takes me back to my childhood! Ube is a purple yam, and ube ice cream is a common treat in Filipino culture. I grew up eating it. It tastes a little like vanilla, but this isn’t about TJ’s Ube Ice Cream… It’s about the Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream, which, like the Ube flavor, is SO YUMMY.

It’s a rich, creamy green tea with the subtle grassiness of matcha. It might not be enough flavor if you like strong matcha notes, but I think it’s just right, and I’m not sharing it with anybody in this house. ?

In fact, last night I was in an eat-my-feelings kind of mood, so I opened both pints, and I dug my spoon back-and-forth between the two flavors while standing inside my kitchen. GIRL, I couldn’t even be bothered to put it in a bowl and go sit down somewhere, LOL!

Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Spray

This zinc oxide mineral spray sunscreen has a pretty high percentage of the active ingredient, which is 15% zinc oxide. I read about it in the new Fearless Flyer, which claims that the sunscreen “dries clear.” HMMM!

It’s SPF 30, water resistant for 80 minutes, and the formula also has aloe, grapefruit oil and vitamin E. The bottle says “fragrance-free,” but when put some on my arms the other day (while I was in the TJ’s parking lot, haha! I couldn’t wait), my bloodhound nose got a whiff of grapefruit, which I don’t mind at all because it’s very, very subtle.

As to the whole “dries clear” claim, there seems to be a caveat. There is a purple cast at first, but after 10 minutes it pretty much disappears.

I’ve yet to test this out by being in the sun for a good length of time (right now my go to is Sun Bum SPF 70 lotion), but I will this weekend and let you know what’s up.

So far there’s lots of pros!

Strawberry Juice Beverage

I’m not a soda drinker, not really. On the rare occasion, I’ll have a Coke, but most of the time soda’s way too sweet for me. This Trader Joe’s strawberry sparkling drink is absolutely perfect, though!

It has just the right amount of strawberry sweetness without tasting like a sugar bomb exploded in my mouth. I love the bubbles, the color, and I love that one can is only 60 cal.

Ube Tea Cookies

OK, so, these Ube Tea cookies are not as purple as they are on the box. (I’m not OK with that.) They’re also teeny, tiny, like the size of a quarter, which I guess is good because you can stuff more into your mouth?!

I like these, but they’re not gonna keep me up at night or anything like the TJ’s Chocolate Stars, which, oh, my god, sometimes haunt me at night!

The issue for me is the ube flavor gets overwhelmed by the powdered sugar. Plus, I kind of wanted them to be more purple. I’m having a hard time letting that one go.

Still, I wouldn’t say no to a handful of these with a hot cup of Earl Grey with some milk. It’s a decently yummy afternoon snack.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!!!! Happy Memorial Day Weekend! ?

Latest Trader Joe’s Finds: Grapefruit Body Butter, Croissant Bread, Gluten-Free Treats and More

March 30th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

trader joes grapefruit body butter — YES

Girlfriend, I had to do it. Grapefruit. Body butter. FOUR NINETY-NINE! I no longer even pretend to have any self-restraint when it comes to a new Trader Joe’s body butter. Sampling their myriad of “flavors” over the past few years has taught me that TJ’s Body Butters generally do me right, and this new Grapefruit one is one of my favorites to date.

Coincidentally, I’ve been having grapefruit with my breakfast every morning lately, and this cream smells legit. It’s light and fresh and lingers for a few hours before fading away, so it’s not all up in my nostrils into the evening.

Like the other TJ’s Body Butters I’ve tried, this one’s thick and creamy, like an actual stick of room-temperature Salted Kerrygold (THE BEST); you can cut it with a butter knife, so it’s more balm-y and less fluffy whipped cream, and it’s moisturizing enough to get crusty heels to bow down.

FYI, it contains coconut oil and shea butter, so if your skin likes both or either of those, you have that to look forward to!

Also, I really like that the lid flips up because the jar is easy to open and close with slippery fingers.

I’m currently wearing Grapefruit underneath Chanel Paris-Riviera (otherwise known as “orange explosion!”), and I smell pretty darned good, if I do say so myself.

Warning: the following Trader Joe’s photos should’ve been taken, ya know…before I went to town on all the food, but hey, this is real life, and apparently we’re REALLY HUNGRY at my house.

Part of me really wants to not tell you about the following bread because I want more for me, because my addiction to it is that serious, but we’re friends, and friends don’t let friends sleep on hella good baked delights!

Grab thee a Joe’s Cinnamon Croissant Loaf ASAP. This hybrid of sliced cinnamon bread and flaky croissant is heavenly. I eat it every morning with the big ol’ grapefruit.

Here’s the deal: you need to toast it first in order for it to be all it can be. Warming it up seems to make the layers of croissant even more delicate and melty, and enhances the cinnamon flavor.

You could put some butter on it, I suppose, but I just keep it plain so I can shove it into my mouth with coffee that much faster.

Also, in gluten-free news, El Hub has celiac, and he LOVES the Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Muffins. He usually thinks that most store-bought gluten-free baked goods are either too grainy or crumbly or oily, but he says these are fan-friggin-tastic.

They’re made with sour cream, which I suspect is the magic ingredient responsible for their tender crumb. He says they taste exactly like a regular coffee cake. Highly recommended from the resident GF person in our house!

Connor and I have been snacking on the Mini Orange Cranberry Tea Scones. These are lovely when you need a little something to tide you over with your afternoon beverage…

Apparently, the theme for today day is CARBS. Ha!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

To Me, From Me

November 13th, 2019 by Karen 17 Comments

trader joes 12 days of beauty — You guys, I had to do it!

LOOK WHAT I FOUND AT TJ’s!

This 12 Days of Beauty gift box is $20, and it comes with 12 beauty minis exclusive to Trader Joe’s. Everything it comes with is listed on the back (and reproduced below), so it’s not a super-hard-to-figure-out surprise…but if you don’t wanna know what it comes with (SPOILER ALERT), look away meow.

I’m serious, look away!

This is your last warning…

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