Target “Glow Inside Out” Beauty Kit Review – Holiday 2019

Detoxifying Clay Mask, 0.57 oz – Retail Value $3.49

This mask is made with kaolin clay, charcoal powder, and acai oil to remove impurities from your skin. This wasn’t a super drying mask, which I think is important when it comes to clay-based masks (if you let clay masks dry out completely, that usually means the clay is sucking the moisture out of your skin). I wish that (natural) fragrance wasn’t so high up on the ingredients list, but on the whole, I think the ingredients list is decent.

Weleda Skin Food, 0.34 oz - Estimated Value $2.58 (Buy the 2.5 oz version for $18.99)

I like this moisturizer, but I don't view it as a holy grail product many others do (and I definitely don't think this would be an adequate "highlighter" or "primer" like the description on the website states). This has sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, lanolin, and beeswax which are soothing and nourishing ingredients, but this also has ingredients like alcohol, limonene, and fragrance which can also be skin irritants depending on your sensitivities. I had no issues using this, but I am a bit skeptical of the cult following this has in some circles.

Pacifica Stress Rehab Coconut & Caffeine Facial Mask – Retail Value $4

I was hesitant when I saw this was a coconut mask because I try to keep coconut oil away from my skin. Luckily this is made with coconut extract along with caffeine, turmeric, green tea, and chamomile to fight redness and puffiness while smelling deliciously like coconut and vanilla. A really cute touch is that instead of regular round eye holes, the ones on this mask are in the shape of hearts.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in Unflavored, 5 oz - Retail Value $15

I have actually spent most of the past year dieting, and the biggest focus for me has been getting enough protein- meaning I am very familiar with protein powders of all sorts. While my protein of choice for substantial use is whey protein isolate, I have tried the Vital Proteins collagen powder before. When I am getting enough protein, especially earlier in the day, I snack less later in the afternoon. This powder is soluable in both hot or cold liquids, and since I never got in the smoothie habit, my preferred way to use this is mixed with a bit of milk before adding it to Greek yogurt. Even though this is "unflavored" it still has a bit of flavor, but that is easily masked when added to Greek yogurt (as opposed to drinking it plain with water). Two scoops of this is considered a serving for 20 grams of collagen peptide protein, but I usually stick with just one scoop since I mix it with a single serve container of yogurt. Collagen has the added benefit of being great for hair, skin, and nails, so this is a product I will happily use up (and I love that the retail value of this super useful item is the same as the cost of the entire box).

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, 1 oz – Estimated Value $2.50 (Buy the 4 oz version for $9.99)

This scrub has a really popular following, but honestly, I found it to be a bit of a nightmare. It is made with walnut shell powder that gritty, and the grains are the perfect tiny size to get stuck in your pores. That combined with the fact that I had a difficult time washing all of it off my face makes me hesitant to even want to pass it along to a friend. It is rare that I have such a strong aversion to a product I try (especially a product so many others love), but this really did not work for me.

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, 3 oz - Retail Value $3.99

This toner is made with witch hazel, aloe vera, and rose water to help refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. This is alcohol-free, and I found it to be gentle while still gently hydrating my skin and leaving it balanced.

Aura Cacia Chill Pill Essential Oil Roll-on, 0.31 oz - Retail Value $7.49

I love a good essential oil roll-on, especially since I am not in the habit of using them when I actually feel stressed. I am hoping if I store products like these around my apartment, vehicle, and purses the way a squirel hoards its nuts, future Jessica will have success at using this when it is needed most. This has a blend of peppermint and orange that I find zesty and delightful- while somehow still being calming (what is this sorcery?).