This will start Friday 1/30/15 and end Friday 2/13/15, open to US residents only! And remember, each entry will be verified so let's all be honest and have fun sharing xo
You all deserve it for all the fun we have together!!
So as most of you know, I receive two boxes a month from Birchbox and have been doing so for about 4 months now. It truly began as an experiment based on different profile choices and to see how many duplicates I would get. But no matter what, this is the best subscription box around due to their point system. For every item you receive, you fill out a survey and get 10 points (50 points a month) and when you get 100 points, its equal to $10 in their shop. So I feel I always get my money back and can buy name brand items at a nice discount. Birchbox is $10 a month and you can sign up HERE. They have some great promotions going on right now, too.
So here are the boxes this month.
And yes as you see, I did get duplicates again this month. Click HERE for last months boxes and you will see I got dupes then, too. Again, my profile preferences are completely different and unfortunately I have decided to give the two box experiment only one more month to see if the dupes will continue to come. I also replaced Ipsy with this second box as Ipsy was beginning to let me down, too. But at least with Ipsy I wasn't constantly getting No.4 hair care products and Sumita eye pencils.......
Now, let's talk about what I got in each box and the love it or hate it factor.
First box, based on my original profile and the one I have had for over a year.
This was my favorite box of the two. Here are the items in order of my favorites and click on any of the names to learn more about them and to order.
Whish Body Butter in Lavender-my hands really need all the lotion they can get this time of year and I don't remember the last time I had to buy it :) Calling the scent lavender though is sadly a bit of a stretch. And it is my favorite scent next to lilacs so that was a debbie downer :(
Harvey Prince Sincerely-I have been using this every day!! It is such a sexy scent. It is sweet and spicy and quite honestly the only Harvey Prince fragrance I have loved so far.
Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream-it comes out thick but immediately absorbs into my skin. Plus it doesn't make my concealer rub off my face. It is all natural and organic which I love about it. If anyone's dark circles will benefit from this cream, it will be mine :)
Stainiac by The Balm-multi-purpose cheek and lip stain. I like it as a lip stain as it plumps and makes my lips nice and rosy but not as a cheek stain. The texture is kind of like jello in the tube and it applies blotchy. It lasts all day so if you mess up, you're in a pickle......I prefer Benetint.
Number 4 Non-Aerosol Hair Spray-I like that it is non-aerosol and all natural but these types of pumps tend to stick. I like this brand but kind of think they are taking over the Birchbox boxes. This is perfect for travel though.
And this is the box that I recently added and has my updated profile choices.
Here are the items in order of my favorites and click on any of the names to learn more about them and to order.
When Travel Sheet Mask-I wasn't planning on going anywhere this month so I had to try it right away. It was very nice and refreshing and really hydrated my skin with just one use. The packaging is weird, so make sure you put the right mask on (the one in the middle) as the rest is just packaging. Best part was I was able to move around with it as some leak so much you are forced to lay down.
Naobay Body Radiance Lotion-super moisturizing. Full of shea and avocado butters. I like that it is a larger sized sample too. Also all natural.Win.
Sumita Eye Liner in Gold-I will be using this in a neutral eye look soon. These eyeliners are very smooth and I absolutely love the blue one I received in another box. Weird thing is this color option is not available for purchase on the site?? Hmmm, anyone else get this color?
And then as you can see I received the Stainiac and the hair spray in this box as well. :( But maybe this one was my favorite?? Decisions, decisions....
What did you all get in your boxes this month? I love hearing about the brands that I haven't come across yet!
Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to follow me on my other social media buttons on the right side of the scrollbar.
Hey loves! Check out my latest video doing a simple purple eye look with MAC pigments.
Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel on the sidebar as I will be having a giveaway soon specifically for my followers :) I know this was a loooooooooong video but I hope you found it informative and they will get shorter as they go on :)
Let me first preface by saying in the summer I am an oil slick....I used to have to use those blotting papers throughout the day until I found products to help control it. Well in the winter it is a whole new ball game and now I am a dry, leathery alligator. The struggle is real, people. Plus, since I have started taking fertility medication, it has caused me some hormonal acne which just adds to my daily fun.
BUT I am making headway with some amazing new (new to me) products I want to tell you about today.
I love this brand. I love all of their masks so when I heard they were coming out with a daily cleanser I jumped on it! They have two cleansers, one for problem skin and one for dry skin. I would love to alternate between the two but I just want to clear up my skin currently and at the price point it is preventing me from getting both. Some of the main ingredients in this cleanser are eucalyptus leaf powder and Mediterranean clays.
Pros: After just one week of use my pores were almost invisible. This product tightens wonderfully and cleared up my skin. It is a mud to foam cleanser and takes a lot of effort to wash off but doesn't leave me feeling dry.
Cons: It smells like black licorice (bleck) and the pump is awkward.
I use this morning and night. After cleansing in the morning I use whatever exfoliater? exfoliant? I am fancying at the time and then follow with a good moisturizer. These are key elements in the winter months. You want to slough off the dead skin but replace the lost moisture and lock it in.
Now for my evening ritual. Sephora currently is running a promotion where you can get 5 deluxe skin care items and a travel bag for $29. These are the items I picked up.
I love them all so far!! The Peter Roth Retinol Fusion PM goes on first and then I follow with Ole Henriksen Vitamin C serum. Both of these ingredients (retinol and vitamin C) should be added to your daily routine to keep skin clear and young looking. It is never too early to start. I had been looking for both of these ingredients for a while now so was glad to get the chance to try them. The set back......well they cost an arm and a leg for full size so I will have to keep picking up the minis. Granted, they are tiny but a little goes a long way. If you click on the links you can get additional information and read reviews on them and get a full list of ingredients. The retinol boosts collagen and tightens and gets rid of fine lines and problem skin. The serum is full of nutrients that feed your skin keeping it healthy. Lastly, I am using Algenist Genius Cream. This smells like vanilla and feels like whipped butter. It is thin yet so moisturizing and sinks into the skin. Incredible. The GlamGlow Thirsty Mud is actually the mask version of the thirsty mud daily cleanser. This is perfect for the winter months as it really gives you a boost of added moisture just where you need it. And lastly is the Dr. Jart Expansion Mask. Since I am a mask addict, I just had to get this and I have yet to try it so I will update you on my results. You hook this one over your ears so I am sure my husband is going to love how I look in this one. I like masks that offer immediate results and I was not pleased with his pore mask.
So there ya have it, these are the new items I am trying this January for skin care. I hardly need to wear as much foundation as I did a month ago because my skin is glowing.
Remember if you have a Sephora near you, you can always ask for samples of these products to try before you buy but this is really a great promotion going on.
Have you used any of these products? Let me know what you think of them in the comments below!
It has been a long time since I have purchased drugstore makeup. And not because I have become a makeup snob now, only that the items I buy that are high end last me so long that I haven't needed to venture out to the drugstore.
But I have heard great things about CoverGirl's Ready,Set, Gorgeous line so you know I had to check it out. Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought him back!
So, of course, my struggle is always determining foundation color. I don't want to look like a napkin and I don't want to look like I have a makeup mask on either. I want an accentuation of my own skin, that's not too much to ask, is it.....
You all may be having a similar struggle as none of us really have that summer "glow" anymore since it is January. Unless you are tanning in which case I am so envious since I stopped going to tanning salons and miss it so very much.......
This website is a great tool to aid you in finding other brands and in what shade you are....Findation
I got shade 110 which is classic ivory and it is just a tad off from my coloring still. I used my wrist as my guide which you really should not do, always test on your jawline when testing a new foundation shade. I was in a hurry and now shall pay the price of going back to the store. Although when I use Findation it does tell me that 110 is my color in some of the other products so I don't feel completely useless. In fact, I do plan on trying Urban Decay Naked Skin next based on this website.
The foundation went on amazing. It was smooth and creamy but not runny. It is well pigmented so covers any dark spots or blemishes and did not crease up in my smile lines. I used my Beauty Blender to apply it.
always looks the best when first put on
It doesn't even look like I have makeup on which is the look I am going for!! I decided to get crazy and try a makeup setting spray. I know, already giving the RSG a bad rap thinking it won't stay on all day.
they also have a matte setting spray
I went for NYX dewy finish setting spray. It is nearly noon and I have had the foundation on for 6 hours. I am starting to "feel" it. So to me that means it is possibly piling up on my face. And when I look in the mirror my face is slightly pink.....funny because usually I have foundations turning yellow on me and this one turned pink.
a little pink face
So my experimentation tells me two things. One, this is not the right color for me and two, I need to find a better color. Good thing I wore a turtleneck today :)
I used Too Faced's Natural At Night Palette for my eyes and MUFE's brown liquid liner. I contoured with my NARS narscissist cheek palette. So drugstore for the most part :) Oh and Anastasia's dipbrow in blonde which I am IN LOVE with!! Do ya'll need another eyebrow tutorial? Want it on video? Want it with dipbrow? Let me know xo I cannot believe the transformation my eyebrows have made in the past 6 months. They are full and shaped and mama likey :)
What is your go to cheapie foundation? I want to know!!
Living in Chicago, I feel like I barely survive each winter. They are always colder and more brutal than the passing year. This year, of course, is no different. I think it is -6 today. Since when did talking about the weather in negative numbers become acceptable!!?!?
Anywhoooo, I was sent evian Facial Spray for review. I was super excited as aside from slathering myself with oils and serums before bed I haven't really found a HG product to use during the day. And I am looking for one that won't make my makeup slide off if it goes on underneath my makeup and I want it to not mess up my makeup if it goes on top.
it is a very hard bottle to photograph
To be honest, I had no idea evian made anything but water! Did you?? Or am I alone under this rock? SO here is some info on the actual product:
Evian Facial Spray contains a pure, soft, natural mineral water with a totally unique mineral balance, and a neutral 7.2pH. These properties are why the spray is extremely compatible with the human body. Evian Facial Spray is suited to all skin types, even the most sensitive.
Evian Spray is packaged with the consumer and the environment in mind. The leak-proof canister is the ideal product to take on-the-go in any purse or travel bag. Unlike many other water sprays, Evian Spray is sealed at the source, so it can not be contaminated. Water sprays that are not sealed can contain unwanted bacteria and contaminants that may irritate the skin or cause breakouts. Evian is powered by pure nitrogen into millions of tiny micro-droplets. These micro-droplets are the driving force that enable Evian water spray to be absorbed by the skin. Nitrogen comprises 80% of each breath we take, so there is no effect on the ozone layer.
The exquisitely fine mist produced by evian® Brumisateur® penetrates and rehydrates the upper layers of the skin and leaves skin looking healthy and feeling refreshed. Of course, it is dermatologically tested and hypo-allergenic.
Evian Facial Spray is available in 3-4 sizes depending on the retailer. The 1.7 oz. (50ml) travel-size has a suggested retail of $7.00 and is perfect for the purse or small bag. Most stores do not carry this individual size preferring instead to carry a three-pack (Trio) of travel-sizes that typically retails for $19.50. Then there is the 5 oz. (150ml) size, great for gym bag or tote, that has a suggested retail of $12.00 and finally, there is the economy/professional 10 oz. (300ml) size for the home that retails for $17.50. All of these prices will be slightly raised on February 1, 2015. I love that there are different sizes to choose from, perfect travel size options. So I sprayed this on my face after each morning and evening cleansing and let it sit for few moments and then patted the remaining into my skin.
I can honestly say after a week of using it my makeup is going on easier and my skin looks more hydrated. I am still on the fence about it "feeling" more hydrated.
The ease of use is unbeatable though and it truly doesn't mess up your makeup during the day. Now I wouldn't consider this a setting spray so much though. This is for those embarrassing "flaky" times...you know, you blow your nose constantly and your face is starting to peel like a snake so you want some freshness and moisture without slathering vaseline all over your nose? Yeah, THIS is the product to use. :)
Click HERE to learn even more about this product and where you can pick one up yourself!
Have you already tried it? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
Paula Dorf is another company I enjoy working with as they always send me quality products.
"Paula Dorf Cosmetics has received a variety of accolades over the years including multiple "Allure Best of Beauty" awards, Self Magazine's Healthy Beauty Award and the Fashion Group International "Rising Star Entrepreneur of the Year" award in 2006. " Today's review is on their Every Lip Needs A Touch Of Legend Lipstick and their Put A Pop Of Passion In Your Day Cheek Color.
The cheek color is a soft pinky, mauve and is very smooth. It goes on mostly matte with just a touch of sparkle. It is quite buildable and IMO great for many skin tones, as it doesn't lean too much towards warm or cool tones. This is just a quick swipe over the compact and it picked up a nice amount of color.
swatch of blush
The lip color on the other hand is BOOOOOLD baby!! It is a bright red color and has some blue undertones in it as I think it looks nice on me for a night out (or in my vanity room below haha).
I love color
Here are both of them on me at the same time.
double trouble
I think it is a nice pairing as if you are going with soft eye makeup, you can rock a bold lip and vice versa.
Both of these products are long wearing and the blush stayed on me all day.
Click HERE to learn more about all of the products that Paula Dorf has to offer. If you are interested in the blush, I can give you 20% off your order today, just use the code CHEEK when checking out!
Have you tried this brand before? What are your thoughts? I am hoping to get my hands on one of her eye shadow palettes as they are truly beautiful.
Yes, I know today is January 7th and I am writing a post about holiday gift ideas. But there was a delay in me receiving my samples. :)
We all know I am a loyal customer to Markwins products and have promoted their brand and products for a few months now. Today, I am going to tell you about a product that I was a little disappointed in.
Mini Nail Salon
I was really excited about getting this because I kind of already have a mini nail salon at home with all the polishes I have....
This gift idea, exclusive to Wal-Mart stores, comes with 6 nail polishes and a battery operated nail dryer. Just like the ones they have at some nail salons.
The polish is all very pretty and actually sits on top of the dryer so it doubles as a holder and is perfect for traveling. It really is perfect for those hard to shop for "tweens" nowadays and comes with a variety of trending shades.
Polishes
And underneath is where you put your hands and push down and the fan dries your polish.
Press here....
The polishes weren't of bad quality but the amount of strength it takes to push down to get the fan going is what got to me. You literally need to push down with all of your body and using the pressure in your fingers is not easy to do. I will use the polishes but don't think I will be using the dryer function as often.
I will continue to stay local to Markwin and always try out their products but I don't know how easy this would be for some of the younger girls that might want to use it.
I haven't tried it with my toes yet.....hmmmmmm.......
Click HERE to view all of the Wal-Mart #flashmob items as they truly have an incredible selection around the holidays.
Have you seen this line at your local store? Have you tried it yet?
Let me know what you think in the comments below!!
I know it's been quite some time since I received my sample of Younique's mascara to try and review. Well, let me tell you, it took some time getting used to. I am sure you have heard of Younique before. But maybe not....it wasn't until I joined Instagram that I started seeing pictures all over.
Now based on these pictures, of course I wanted lashed like these!! But it's the internet and I had to experience it first hand.
Here are my normal lashes with regular mascara on them. I believe this is Benefit's They're Real.
Younique comes in a cute, kind of glasses case.
It comes with transplanting gel and fiber lashes.
And instructions, which is good!
I thought this picture of external use only was quite humorous :)
This is what the transplant gel looks like. A typical mascara wand and the gel is black.
And this is what the fibers look like. I apologize for the picture quality, but they look like wisps of cotton candy :)
It's fairly simple. You use a base coat of your own mascara, which is optional but I did. You then use the transplant gel and then you brush the fibers on. You then seal the fibers on with another coat of transplant gel. This prevents them from falling on your face throughout the day.
You can definitely see the difference in what I looked like with regular mascara.
Now.....let me tell you...there were some issues for me. I don't do anything with a light hand and that is key for application with this type of product. I also kept getting fibers on my face no matter how little of the fibers I used. This product takes time so it always looks best on me on the weekends when I have time to really sit there and be patient. I also accidentally put my fibers into my transplant gel wand one day but luckily I just had to wash it off and it was good as new!!
I strongly recommend getting a metal lash comb, too. My plastic one did not work.
This one is by Sonia Kashuk and also has a great brow brush on it and recently I took an old mascara wand and use that to separate my lashes. It works incredible!
Now, the other product on the market that is comparable to this is Too Faced's Better Than False Lashes fiber mascara. Since I have never used fiber mascara before I wanted to see how it compared.
This is also a two step system but does not require adding your own mascara.
The base coat is also the top coat and looks just like regular mascara but the fibers in this case are white,
At least I am able to really tell where I applied the stuff :)
So today I did one eye with each product.
My left eye I did with Too Faced.
And my right eye I did with Younique.
I only did one coat on each eye so the results were fair and as you can see, the results show that Younique is better and definitely gives me more volume!
Watch this video to see how to properly apply Younique and see me use two coats :)
Don't forget to subscribe to me on YouTube so you can make sure you don't miss any of my videos :) Click HERE.
The Walmart Beauty Box is one I signed up for last fall and they send out every three months, I actually forgot all about it!
Check out the goodies I got for the winter box!
The monthly beauty subscriptions I get are mostly high end products. I love that this gives me the chance to compare drugstore brands and items for $5!! YES, $5!!
Here is a closer look at the items that came in the box.
You can never have enough makeup remover wipes. These are nice and really make my face feel clean.
I have been wanting to try this sulfate free shampoo for a while now so was really happy to get these! I haven't tried them yet but I am hoping they are a cheaper alternative to Nexxus!
You can say VERY DRY SKIN again......
I love when they include coupons, too!
I love this color, it is a dark nude. Really enhances the natural color of your lips :)
They must have known I stopped tanning :) Although I have been getting this sample for what seems like a year now!! PS-Stay tuned for my upcoming review on Tarte's Maracuja Face and Body Self Tanner!
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