🌞🏖🎁 The 2022 Summer Treat Gratis Thread - Thank you TeamBIC, fresh, Makeup By Mario, Ouai, Sol de Janeiro, Tom Ford and Sephora! 🌞🏖🎁

[itsfi]

Happy summer BIC Beauties! 😎 Summer treats have been making their way to some Community members and more are en route. Thank you @TeamBIC, fresh, Makeup By Mario, Ouai, Sol de Janeiro, Tom Ford and Sephora for helping us kick start the season with these sizzling summer treats! 💝

It's been great to see the unboxings - keep 'em coming! Y'all are so creative!

Excited to hear your thoughts on these fabulous goodies. Any favorite treat(s) from the fun and fabulous gratis? 

Original Post:

Spoiler

Hey there, BIC beauties! 👋 Summer is officially here 😎 and it looks like a summer treat gratis is making its way to some active members of our Community.

It’s always fun to see and hear about the gratis package. Please feel free to share your unboxings and feedback on the summer treats on this thread.

Many thanks to Sephora and our incredible @TeamBIC for this amazing opportunity and the thought and work that went into curating this summer surprise. 🥰

Super excited to see what goodies are en route. In the meantime, I'll be keeping an eye out for certain trucks in the neighborhood. 😉

Could a summer treat gratis be in there?

[Buootiful]

Thank you so so much, @TeamBIC 😘 for this fantastic summer Gratis! It has not been a good summer for me since my husband had to be admitted to the hospital. He has since been recuperating for a few months and his health scare has shocked us both. I am extremely relieved his health is improving and I'm slowly feeling like myself. It was such a shock that I have not been able to get interested in makeup or even go shopping. Seeing the huge Winky girl box sparked some excitement for makeup again!

Thank you Tom Ford, Makeup by Mario, @SoldeJaneiro  @Ouai and Fresh for these Summer gifts!! I had a lovely summer Sunday planned with @Guessgal and couldn't wait to dive into the TOM FORD Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil ! I was a little unsure how I would like it because I did not like this perfume. From what I remembered, the top layer had a light fresh scent that "soured" when dried down so I thought Mugler's Alien Goddess would be a good replacement. I sprayed a lot of Goddess on my skin so it would overpower the Tom Ford scent. I applied the oil 3 times to my upper arms and shoulders and luckily didn't feel too oily. I was disappointed I didn't see any sparkles indoors but happy the scent was very light. It reminded me of putting suntan lotion while at the beach. I have had a bad habit this year of not putting on sunscreen and I imagine if I did, it would enhance this beachy scent. Hours later and sweaty strolling through a Farmer's market, I could see the sparkles. I'm glad it didn't vanish with the sweat. Even @Guessgal noticed the sparkles in the sun and I felt like a glowing, warm-toned Twilight vampire, lol! 🤣The not-so-chunky flecks were a very pretty warm gold on my medium skin.

As usual, LA traffic had me anxious to meet Guessgal but wanted to put some makeup on so I pulled out the MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt® Transforming Skin Enhancer in Medium as a wash of color on my eyes with mascara. I didn't have time to prime my eyes so I applied it onto my lids with my fingers, then set it with powder. It was a nice brown on me, but I didn't have high hopes for it to last long on my oily eyes. It didn't crease a lot. At least, not as bad as I thought it would be. I can't wait to try it as a bronzer or as a contour effect!

Spoiler

I look forward to using Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream on my dry legs, OUAI Wave Spray 4.9 fl oz/ 145 mL for my frizzy, tangled hair and, fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator  on my lips. 😍

All the summer swag that came with the beauty products were amazing! I would love to use the BIC floaty because it looks too fun to not use, but the apartment swimming pool is busy every day. This thing looks huge and would fill up 25% of the pool, lol! It was also thoughtful of Team BIC to include a vacuum pump, and I think I will blow it up to use inside my apartment 🙂 . Heart-shaped sunglasses are always stylish and I love how cute and functional the Tote bag is. I love a good tote bag with a zipper. Zippers make any tote bag sooo much better! The beach towel is perfect for the beach and I love thin towels for after showering too.

I'm truly grateful for these fantastic summer treats-it lifted my spirits! It's the simple things that do wonders to lighten a mood and make you feel better. Thank you so much for curating BIC favorite products for the forum! And, thank you for reaching out to me when my husband was in the hospital @CarolBT @AlexBT @GeorginaBT  @LexBT @danielledanielle @SportyGirly125 😘😘🤗

[lmaster]

@Buootiful thank goodness your husband is doing better!! You're amazing for being such a great support for him, positive vibes for you to get back to feeling like yourself again and congratulations 🎉

[quspork]

Oh goodness, @Buootiful so much love to you and healing vibes to your husband. I'm glad he's doing better, but this must have been a really tough past couple of months. I'm so glad the gratis could bring some smiles- you deserve them! 

[Buootiful]

😘🤗🤗🤗oh, thank you so much, I really appreciate you sending healing vibes to us. It was tough but we got through it @quspork 

[SportyGirly125]

@Buootiful Congrats on the gratis!  I am so happy to hear you and your husband are feeling and doing better.

[Buootiful]

Aww, thank you so much for your kind support! ❤️ @SportyGirly125 

[Samtian]

@Buootiful Sorry to hear about your husband, but I am so glad he is on his way to recovery! And that you got to meet up with another BICr!

[Buootiful]

Thank ypu! @Samtian . It was a relief he didnt have to have surgery. The BIC meeting was a blessing❤️.. Im glad I went.

[Saradestin]

I am so happy to know that your husband is recovering from his health issue @Buootiful. I am so sad that you two had to go through so much stress and anxiety; so glad that it is almost behind you now. How cool that you could meet with @Guessgal ! Congratulations on this gratis and continue to enjoy the goodies! 

[Buootiful]

Aww thanks so much! @Saradestin Yes, it is a relief to have it almost behind us. ❤️.Im starting to feel joy with these products. What better way to use the gratis than for a BIC meetup. 😍 

[Guessgal]

@Buootiful I loved reading your post and reliving our patio and walk of fame adventures together! Yes, the TF sparkles were very evident in the sun - looked great on you! I am so glad to hear your husband is continuing to recover well too. Wishing you a restful remainder of summer 💛

[Buootiful]

Thank you.so much, he is doing much better! @Guessgal And thank you so much for inviting me out. I had so much fun spending time with you and finding Hollywood Stars 😂. You helped.to get out of my head somewhat and enjoy the LA sunshine.. Come back soon!😘🤗

[danielledanielle]

@Buootiful,

I'm glad you got some summertime goodness, in spite of all your trials.  There's still some summer left, hope it (and the rest of the year) goes a little better.  Best of recovery to you both.

Also, hey hey, ambassador mini meet!

[Buootiful]

Thank you so much 😘 @danielledanielle 

[Titian06]

@Buootiful - Congratulations on receiving this gratis!  I'm sorry to hear about your husband's health issue.  Best wishes to him and you!  (((HUG)))  I'm glad you were able to get out with @Guessgal and do something for yourself as well as enjoy your new products! 💖💖💖

[Buootiful]

Thank you so much @Titian06 😘🤗. She called at the perfect time. I had last minute jitters but Im so glad I.went. 😍

[Loretta55]

I realize that I am late on providing my reviews of these awesome items that @TeamBIC gifted to me. I definitely found a new HG favorite amongst the group.

MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt® Transforming Skin Enhancer has been a true game changer in my makeup routine. This has to be the most natural bronzer/contour that I have ever used. I have received multiple compliments from my coworkers on this magical product. It also inspired me to purchase the MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt® Transforming Skin Perfector . This combination can be worn together without foundation and I have the most natural glowy complexion.

fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator has been a wonderful product that does an excellent job of exfoliating my dry lips. It has a wonderful scent. Their body exfoliant is also wonderful. I have used this product for quite a few years.

OUAI Wave Spray 4.9 fl oz/ 145 mL is also an HG product for me. I use it to refresh my curls /waves. I have purchased this product multiple times.

TOM FORD Soleil Blanc was not a personal favorite but at least the scent was not too strong. Sorry I am not a fan of body glitter.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream also is not a favorite body cream of mine. I passed this along to a coworker who always uses it. She was very excited to receive it.

The tote bag is a favorite of mine. I have been using it on my shopping trips now that stores no longer provide bags. I will be passing along the sunnies because I use prescription glasses.

 

[Saradestin]

It is never too late @Loretta55 ! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about these products! 

[Titian06]

You're not too late, @Loretta55 !  I like hearing what everyone thinks no matter when they get to it! 🥰  I'm glad many of the products not only  work for you, but were already favorites! 🥳

[eshoe]

Reviews have been posted, thank you again @TeamBIC! I get so many compliments on the ❤️ shades, they bring a smile to my face and others every time I wear them 😎

Spoiler

TOM FORD Mini Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil 1.5 oz/ 45 mL Oil 

SCENT: This delivers high on summer scent, with its beachy-sunscreen (baby oil) air. Although it is initially quite strong, it dissipates somewhat, which is good if you are here for the glitter ✨

SPRAY: The nozzle emits a concentrated, thick deposit of oil, which helps to prevent overspray.

OIL: As a body oil, while it is hydrating, it stops short of complete absorption and appears to just sit on the skin. I would recommend wearing this when you plan to be outdoors, as it may transfer. Rather than using it as an all over moisture remedy, I touch up my bare arms which also adds a sparkly little shimmer.

SHIMMER: For how glittery it appears in the bottle, the payoff is quite subtle. With gold and platinum leaf (!) I expected something more dramatic, so its softness was a surprise. The flecks look like little twinkling stars on my arms, giving a little drama but not blinding.

Overall: This is not something I would buy given the scent (personal preference) and the lingering oily feel on my skin. It will go with along outdoor adventures, as the barely-there shimmer is pretty in the sunshine.

fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator 

SCENT: This reminds me of just-right lemonade; not too sweet, not too sour. After removing, a soft remnant of this lingers.

GRANULES: This feels rather gentle, with plentiful brown sugar crystals dispersed evenly though out the jar. A little goes a long way, too.

RESULTS: This scrub has the right balance of gentle exfoliation and soft nourishment. The scent and experience make this enjoyable to use, which all skincare should be! My lips feel smoothed without residual dryness.

Overall: This is a product I would repurchase and am thrilled to have in my evening routine.

MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt® Transforming Skin Enhancer Medium 

SHADE: My initial thought was, oh no - this is much too dark, and I do not wear bronzers. How can I put this to use? After reading how others were using it (contour, edges of the face, etc) I decided to give it a try under my cheek bones. Hello Definition! But in the most believable and natural way. It has an almost warm reddish-brown hue that applies smoothly over my foundation and with under cream blush. This is also sheer enough to blend out and disappear where I do not want it.

TEXTURE: Gorgeously creamy and buttery soft. The product feels weightless on the fingertips.

LONGEVITY: Set under finishing powder, this lasts about half of the day most days, depending on level of activity (and being indoor/outdoors). My cheeks tend to be drier than the rest of my face, so it is possible that my skin absorbs it as the day wears on. A mini for mid-day touch ups would be fantastic.

Overall: My expectations were minimal, but the results have been outstanding for me. I love the shape this gives to my face, it really does enhance the features and for how easy it is to use, this is a love and a brand I will explore further.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream 

While this review is for a product I received gratis, I have purchased it repeatedly in the past.

SCENT: For such a beloved product, it was a challenge to add something novel or remarkable about this scent. I ‘discovered’ this body cream years ago after passing along samples as I took the name literally and decided I was not interested. The first time I took it in, I realized I had been missing out, Warm, spicy, and nutty - a very gourmand treat. The nearly invisible, blink and you will miss it flattering pink shimmer is a bonus.

TEXTURE: A true body cream, it is thick and weighty, while at the same time, absorbs quickly. It is somewhat lighter in consistency than the newer scents, but provides excellent hydration nonetheless.

LONGEVITY: After applying this in the morning, my skin feels soft and moisturized all day. The scent is most noticeable during initial application, but jumps out here and there throughout the day.

Overall: This is a tried and true favorite of mine, one that I have purchased repeatedly. While I currently prefer the Bom Dia and Beija Flor scents, this is one I would recommend to those who have yet to try the brand.

OUAI Wave Spray 4.9 fl oz/ 145 mL 

My hair is thin and wavy, with low porosity. I rarely wear it in its natural state, opting to dry with a round blow-dryer brush and flat iron.

SCENT: This reminds me of the Melrose Place scent, and is noticeable upon spritzing, but fades rather quickly.

TEXTURE: A little goes a long way. The right amount gives my hair volume; too much gave it a crispy texture.

Overall: I tried this four different ways,

With varying degrees of success.

First, using my everyday product routine, using Kérastase Nutritive Nectar, Color WOW Dream Coat and Olaplex #6 on the ends of my hair. I misted the OUAI all over, then sectioned and twisted my hair, pinning each section at the bottom and air drying. The result was a somewhat frizzy mess.

Second, I used it as a substitute for dry shampoo (which I do not use) to see if it would ‘wake up’ and refresh day-old washed hair. Unfortunately this made my hair look greasy, so that was a quick no-go.

Third, I used a curl defining cream (MoroccanOil Curl Cream) and sprayed the Ouai, repeating the styling steps above, and gently blow drying after allowing my hair to air dry for about a half hour. This combination gave my hair very soft, natural-looking waves that I pulled up into a ponytail. This look lasted all day, through being out in the sun, heat, and misters. It was a style I have attempted before, but by the end of the day it is usually flat. This was encouraging!

On my fourth and final attempt, I used the curl cream, repeated the original styling steps, and used a diffuser to blow dry my hair. This resulted in slightly defined waves that felt a little crispy, with an overall voluminous effect.

Final Thoughts: This is not a product that I would use often, only due to the texture/thickness of my hair. Although it does provide some added volume, finding the right balance between full and crunchy is tricky. For someone who washes their hair 2-3x a week, this can be a tricky product to use. That being said, with thicker/fuller hair, I have seen this produce some gorgeous waves! Just know your hair before buying. This was a case of, “It’s not you, it’s me.”