Mudpipes And Glitter Beauty Giveaway-Simple Treasures

I have to admit, this year my family has been very blessed so far.....I got a new job, was recently offered a promotion, a getting a new car and my husband and I are going to Jamaica in less than two weeks for an early wedding anniversary present to ourselves........if I can just get a bun in this oven, we will be complete....our girls are doing good and Shelby is recovering from her emergency hysterectomy.  My mom and brother are doing well and so are my amazing little nephews :)

So to share the love and pay it forward, I am giving away another mixed beauty lot!!!

This one will consist of things like lotions, masks, brushes, a nice assortment of samples and items that I love with a few randoms and a beauty bag thrown in :) And I will be adding stuff during the week to make it even more exciting!!

All you have to do is like my Facebook page, share this giveaway and comment on the post on my wall with this giveaway that you have done so :)

This contest will start May 5th and end on on Saturday the 9th at 7pm CT.

Good luck to everyone and have fun!! xo

Remember this is NOT the final giveaway package but all the stuff I had in front of me right now!!! heeheehee ;)

May 2015 beauty giveaway sneak peek 

What Coconut Oil Can Do For You And Your Face

Excuse the bright lighting on this pic....holy flash Batman....I wanted to show you the benefits after using coconut oil for 2 weeks, not the starkness of how white my untanned skin is....

First, let me go back to how this journey began for me.  I was doing some research on new homemade dog treats for the babes and came across one that was all natural and gluten free and sent to me by my crunchy friend, Rachel.  It contained coconut oil.  I wanted to see how it would affect my babes and was pleasantly surprised (info and recipe to come in future post) at all the ways it actually would.

So I went out and bought a big ole tub of it.

And then I was like, Rachel, I have this big ole tub of coconut oil, what else should I use it for....she was like, let me count the ways.....

That's some pretty heavy stuff right?? But today I am going to touch on the ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine and the ways I am currently using it.

First, I take off my make up with it!! No more need for those expensive makeup removers, or two for that matter, I can use this on both my eyes and my face.  Works like a charm.  In fact, I bought an expensive oil based makeup remover to review and I think the coconut oil actually works better.

After I wash my face, I slather it all over again and let it soak in for a bit....usually this means I indulge in a trashy show :)  Then I take a hot rag and rub it in and wipe it off.  If I am particularly dry, I will leave a small amount on my face overnight.....but that is dangerous with puppy kisses, since they want to lick it all off my face :)

Since my last post was about highlighter, did you know you can use coconut oil as an all natural version?? Just swipe it on the high points of your cheek bones after you do your makeup for a natural dewy look.

Now on to hair.....I use coconut oil as a deep conditioning treatment and it can be used for split ends....which I haven't had in years thankfully.  If you do, just rub some coconut oil on the tips, wrap your hair in a towel and go to sleep.  Wash it out in the shower in the morning.

You can use it as a moisturizer on your hands, use it in place of shaving cream for your legs and even add it to some brown sugar or sea salt for a body scrub.

I wasn't really a believer until I tried it but my skin is doing a complete transformation since leaving behind harsh chemical cleansers.

It's interesting that in doing my research I found out that it wasn't until the 20th century that many people actually started believing in the health benefits of coconut oil......In the 70's there was a huge propaganda campaign spread by the corn and soy industry against it claiming it was harmful for us due to its high saturated fat content.....and there is your history lesson for the day ya'll!!

Have you used coconut oil in any of these ways before??  What's your favorite way??

Let us know in the comments below!!

I AGAIN thank my dear friend Rachel, for turning me on to this magical wonder.

Have a great day!! xo

Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Face and Body Self Tanner Review

Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Face and Body Tanner!!  This stuff is incredible!!! The end.   HaHa, If only all my reviews could be so simple.  I am trying to not turn into leather face and have cut back on the tanning booth.  I haven't gone in about 8 months and my pasty white pale skin reflects that sadly.  I was sent this by a friend and I am so grateful!!  I have tried cheapo "tanning" lotions from the store and have never turned orange, nothing happened at all.  I love Tarte and have been pleased with everything I have tried from them so I gave this a whirl.

This was my first time using a tanning mitt so it took some trial and error.  I also tried using it on my face.  I did it before bed, lathered up and waited till each section dried and went to bed.  I woke up and of course had forgotten I had done it until my husband said, "Whoa".

I ran to that bathroom and it looked like I had just come back from a wonderful, stress free vacation, ya know just without the vacation.  I was tan.

And a nice golden tan.  I had every intention on keeping up with it as with those overnight results I would have only needed to do it about 3 times a week I believe.  But since I get so much stuff to try I have forgotten about it.

Mama and I went to get mani's and pedi's the other day and I nearly blinded everyone with my white legs soooooo I plan on using this again this weekend and really being diligent about getting in to a routine until the summer months.

Try this!  If you want a natural gradual tan that you control the color of, this is great for beginners. Plus most of the reviews I read were positive, too!  And there are 2 sizes you can choose from if you don't want to commit just yet.

My pointers would be not to rub it up and down in strokes though as I did notice minor streaking in some parts.  Use circular motions, the color goes on dark enough before it dries so you can see where you have put it.  And if you do plan on doing your face, make sure keep it seamless with your neck :)

Have you already tried this product?  Do you love it?  What tips do you have?

Let us know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

January 2015 BoxyCharm Unboxing & February Spoiler

For those that don't know, I cancelled GlossyBox for BoxyCharm and I am still very pleased with my decision.  The value of the items (all full size) FAR EXCEED the $21 cost of the box!! The only thing about this box is that it ships towards the end of the month but since all my other boxes come in the beginning, I guess it's nice to still have it to look forward too.

Let's talk about the items this month.  Oh, one of mine was a replacement item to the messed up one in last month's box.

Tarte Maracuja Bronzing Serum (retail value $47)-This product alone is twice the cost of the box and got me quite giddy at the site of it.  I still have to do my review on the bronzing lotion, which is out of this world, so since this is targeted for the face, it's even better.  I am obsessed with reading reviews on products and this has gotten so many positives.  It will come down to a few things per person though.....your skin tone and your sensitivity to the product.  I have a light skin tone currently (winter, boo) so one application did not get me tan or glowing overnight but it did not make me break out either.  So, so far so good. I will keep you updated as I try it for longer periods of time.

Mirabella Primer (retail value $29)-This face primer is comparable to Smashbox in the look and feel. Be careful not to use too much or you will be an oil slick.  It was a nice primer but nothing outstanding about it.

Beauty For Real (retail value $36)-We got both a lip liner and lip gloss.  I think the liner was nude and the gloss is Always There.  The pencil is very nice and I have been able to use it with a few lipsticks of mine. I like putting a layer of it underneath my lipstick in addition to lining my lips for that extra layer of priming.  The lip gloss is not sticky and is a nice plum color.  It is kind of sheer going on so you can layer it up.

Purlisse Skin Sparkle Flash Tattoos (retail value $5)-Hard to believe these come from Purlisse as I know them only to provide skin care but super exciting.  In fact, I think these were just made for this box as I cannot find a link to them.  I love tattoos, real (I have 4) or fake!!  It saddens me that it is not summer and I can put these all over my body and shine in the sun! LOL Soon.........

Be A Bombshell lip gloss (retail value $14)-This was my replacement item.  This lip gloss came in the shade, Hooked.  A mauvey color with some shimmer.  Love it, love the color and the feel of the lip gloss.

So again, another stellar box that really makes me happy with my decision to switch.  I love that I am getting introduced to Tarte since I have not really used many of their products.  Also this month, Tarte is coming to Ulta and I have an appointment to meet with them and get a makeover with their team and products so I will keep you updated on that! :)

And the February Boxycharm box will include a full size jar of NCLA jar of hearts!! I love my nail stuff so this is exciting, even though I wish it would have been in the January box so I would have it for V Day :) Click HERE to sign up now!!

What did you think of the BoxyCharm box this month?

Let me know in the comments below (this can be one of your entries in my giveaway)!!  Didn't know about the giveaway??  Click HERE!!!

Have a great day!! xo

Another Mudpipes and Glitter Mixed Beauty Lot Giveaway!!

The giveaway has officially started!! Have fun and can't wait to hear what ideas you guys come up with xo

It's another great one :) Polish and palette and perfume and mascara and hair stuff.....OH MY!! :)

15 goodies in this one!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



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!!

Have a great day!! xo

January 2015 Double Birchbox Unboxings

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.

Have a great day!! xo 

Winter Skin Care Regimen Including GlamGlow SuperCleanse Review

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.

First up is the GlamGlow SuperCleanse Daily Cleanser.

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!

Have a great day! xo

Evian Facial Spray Review

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!

Have a great day!! xo


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Wal-Mart Winter 2014 Beauty Box

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!

Click HERE to sign up today!!

Do you already get this box?  Which item was your favorite this month?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

December 2014 Birchbox Double Unboxings

This will be my third month of having two Birchboxes and unfortunately for me only one of those months (last month) was a perfect double month for me.  Read about last months HERE.

Sure, some people say they are satisfied with anything they receive and look down on me for being a little pickier.  The way I look at it is if they truly are taking our feedback and reviews on what we receive into consideration then the products we don't like would be far less than what we actually receive in our boxes.  I have played with my profile and made it as specific as possible on numerous occasions but hey, you can't win them all I guess.  This month will also be the first out of three where I received several duplicates.

Let's get started.

First box, this is the original subscription that I have had for a year now.....it also looks like they went back to having cute little nicknames on our mailing labels which I love.

First up is my favorite product from the box, Rusk Texture Spray.

I have gotten this before in another box and it is great.  It is light and smells great and doesn't leave my hair crunchy but it gives my hair the perfect amount of lift.  I just love it.  I never really realized it is described as a hairspray as I have always used it to give my hair lift and texture.  Great product.

Next is Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate (24 hour miracle cream).

I haven't tried this product yet but with shea butter and aloe vera it is described as a moisturizer that everyone needs to have.  It can be used as a makeup remover, shaving cream or all over body lotion.I love a multi-tasker.

Next is Manna Kadar Lip Locked in All of Me.

Meh.  I don't really care for the color, it makes me feel like it will leave my face washed out looking. But there are a ton of shades to choose from.  With my profile being more on the trendy side, I would have enjoyed a brighter shade much more.

Next is something I feel has been thrown in so many boxes of mine and even my husband got this last month, Number 4 hydrating shampoo and conditioner.

The nice thing was I was able to write two reviews and get points for both products.  Although it is a good brand and I like the product, the samples are so small especially when my hair is to the middle of my back.  It doesn't even provide enough product for a one time use.

And lastly is Lord and Berry Paillettes Eye Pencil.

This sample is so tiny and hard to work with it is down right frustrating, I can't even imagine what will happen when I need to sharpen it.  I like that it has shimmer in it to add some sparkle to a smokey eye but can we please get a larger pencil here?!!?

And this month we all got $10 off coupons for a purchase at GAP.  I have heard nothing but problems with this "gift" though.  If you have already signed up for emails through GAP you might not be able to use this as the promotion is for new customers.....I am loyal to Old Navy so probably won't be using mine.

Overall, I wasn't very pleased with this box and was very glad I had my other box to fall back on.  As of late, the newer subscription (below) has been the winner each month.  With this being my "year anniversary" box, I really thought it was going to be amazing.  If not for that reason, just for the fact it was a holiday box.....I won't cancel because you cannot beat the point system they offer ($10 a month back to use in their shop just for reviewing the products I receive).  I can always get something I want as I get my money back each month!!

Okay, next box.......

Notice the dupes right away?  Yep, the RUSK and the world's smallest eye liner.  I was happy to get the RUSK since it was my favorite product though :)

Okay first up is the 2nd best product in this month's box.  Amika's Nourishing Hair Mask.

I have gotten this product before as well and it is a great hair mask and doesn't weigh my hair down. I need these types of products in my life since I have fine color treated hair.  This is also a nice cocktail of healthy ingredients to really do some magic in your hair.  Great product.  Side note: I bought their blow out spray and it really didn't do anything for my hair.  Bumble and Bumble thickening spray is still where it's at! :)

Next is Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in New York.

The color is just as bright as it is shown in the tube.  While the color payoff is great, the matte texture leaves something to be desired....it was messy to apply but was hard to get off so if it would have gone on nice I know it would have lasted a while.  I will try this product again to give it a second chance even though I am a more of a shine girl.

Next is Tocca Hand Creme in Cleopatra.

This is a grapefruit and cucumber scent which has an odd smell to it.....the hand creme can't be beat though.  It is a very nice consistency and doesn't leave your hands greasy at all (after the lotion has a moment to seep in).

And there ya have it since there is no need to review my duplicate products again.  This box ended up being my favorite box out of the two this month.  Again, Birchbox is only $10 a month and you can sign up HERE.  In fact, if you sign up using my link this month, I get a special treat so I would LOVE it if you did :)  We could say it's your Christmas present to me??? ;)

What did you get in your box this month? What was your favorite product?  I am about to place an order with Birchbox and would love some help on new products!

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

December 2014 Sample Society Unboxing

The last few months were meh months for Allure's Sample Society in my eyes, including last month's.  Read about it HERE.  So of course I was super excited when I opened this month's box. They surely made up for it with the goodies in the December Sample Society box which I was hopeful for with it being the holidays and all.

For those that are new here (thanks to my last giveaway we have tons of new people.....say hello ya'll!), Sample Society is a monthly beauty subscription full of deluxe to full sized items for $15 a month.  We all get the same box so that is the only drawback, that there is no personal profile to fill out.  Each month you also get a $10 off $50 purchase coupon to be used on Beauty.com (just like Sephora's site).  Click HERE to sign up today!

Let's get to reviewing, shall we......

Now I am excited about each item so this is surely not in order of preference here.

First up is Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye Creme.

Since I am piggybacking off of the Double Wear post I thought I would do this little guy first.  Okay, he may be small but he packs a punch (ha, I feel like I've heard that somewhere before I was married)......this creme reduces all the signs of aging around the eyes.  It is cool and more like a gel than a creme.  I have been using it every night for the last few nights and I will tell you it is making a difference.  My under eye area is much more hydrated and I can tell when I put my concealer on. The price point is high, as with most Estee Lauder items, but it inevitably seems like it will be worth it for the results.

Next up is Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base.

I love highlighters and luminizers so was happy to see this.  And what is even better is all the ones I have ever used have been pink or golden and this one is like a white sheen.  It comes in two colors and this is called Nude Radiance.

with flash

without flash

It is pretty and thin so it doesn't make your makeup drag or move when applying it.  Perfect to have in my makeup bag in my purse, but the staying power on this over blush and other points is great.  I am going to try adding this to my foundation next to give an all over healthy glow.  This seems just the right consistency and is not shimmery but luminous (duh, Brooke, that's the name of it....)

Next, is RGB Nail Polish in OxBlood.

Full size bottle valued at $18 so we have already exceeded the cost of the box.  This picture does not do it justice.  I love dark colors and this is no exception.  And funny enough it does look like blood on my fingertips.

I also think it complements my skin tone which is just another plus.  This is two coats and you can't get away with one.  But I don't have a glossy top coat on (just a quick dry) so you can see how shiny the polish itself is.

Next up is Butter London's Lippy in Abbey Rose.

This is also a full size product, valued at $20.  The color is very pretty.  Perfect for work and light skin tones.  It is more of a neutral than a pink.  This lipstick glides on and is full of avocado and shea butter.  Almost good enough to eat....almost :)

And last up is a favorite brand of mine, Crabtree and Evelyn's La Source Hand Therapy.

Growing up, my grandmother would always get me the fanciest products for Christmas.  I mean I wasn't showered in lavish gifts and stuff, I just mean she always knew just how to spoil me.  Whether with fancy bubble bath or shampoo or gift sets from brands I had no idea who they were.  I only knew if Nany liked them then they were good because she had impeccable taste.  This lotion melts into your skin and immediately soothes any dry patches and crusty cuticles.  More avocado in this baby.  I mean this could be the best hand creme I have ever used.

And there ya have it.  December's Sample Society box.  They hit it out of the park as far as I am concerned.  A great holiday box and each item I have used daily since I got the box.

Also, there is a new feature on the site, you can order any of their monthly boxes if you don't currently have a subscription for the same $15 fee.  They always have 2 day shipping which is amazing!!  Click HERE to get this December box yourself!

Have you signed up already? What did you think of this months box?  Which item is your favorite?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!!xo

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review aka My New Holy Grail Foundation

I am a foundation and concealer junkie, I am always looking for the next best thing.  Let me tell you guys, I have found it and am done looking.    I recently just did a post on Kat Von D's Lock It Foundation (check it out HERE).  Based on several recommendations from my beauty junkie friends, this foundation is better than Kat Von D.  So I had to put it to the test since I liked KVD but there were enough cons to make me look elsewhere.

I blindly ordered my color online at Sephora since there was no exact color match for me based on my color IQ number.  I ordered Rattan.  Now, just so you know, Estee Lauder has so many shade options covering all ranges of skin tones.  Many more than Kat Von D.  From warm, to cool to neutral.  I am usually warm in other foundations, thus the reason I chose Rattan.

When I got the actual foundation though I was worried it was too yellow.

Hard to tell from the swatch I know since it actually looked like a perfect match to my hand.  So I thought I would still apply it to my face to see what I thought....did you hear that? It was angels singing when the foundation touched my face!   Now I am a committed beauty blender user since all the foundations I have tried using brushes with just smear and look cakey.  But I did my research and it does say this is best applied with a foundation brush.

I used my Real Techniques foundation buffing brush (all the way to the right) to apply.  It went on smooth, it covered my blemish, it covered my pores, it looked airbrushed and it was overall beautiful.

The problem was that yes, this color was much too yellow for my face and there was a noticeable difference in my face and my neck, my ultimate makeup pet peeve.  But I thought maybe it would tone down throughout the day so I bravely left the house.  Luckily I have long hair (long hair, don't care) and could hide my neck.

Now, those who know me, know I want what I want when I want it.  Sooooo, I spent all day trying to figure out how I could get my right shade since I don't have a Sephora right by me.  Well, Carson Pierre Scott down the street from me has an Estee Lauder counter and not only will they color match you, they will give you a 10 day sample of your shade! Done!  I knew that would get me through till Friday when I could exchange my Rattan for my correct shade.

It turns out that I am Desert Beige, a neutral shade in this foundation line.  The match is incredible.  My dream foundation look is one that completely matches my face so I can really rock a bold eye or a lip.

SO I got my sample and used it this morning and it matched perfectly.  Unfortunately for me, I tried a new lotion and primer (today I used NYX pore filler and yesterday I used Benefit porefessional) and my face is pretty dry today which affected the flawless look I am going for.  I am also on fertility medication (another post for another day) and that is of course affecting my skin.

But I love it, I love the way that it looks and it literally lasted all day, no smudging, no blotching.  I looked the same at the end of the day as I did when I walked out the door at 7:30 am. And best of all, I did not ever once even feel like I was wearing makeup.  And I obsessively checked this stuff out on my face all day to make sure it looked the same.

Now this one does dry quickly too so work on small sections of your face.  But even when I did that with Kat Von D, I couldn't get a seamless look and it just wouldn't stay on and it oxidized throughout the day no matter what I did.

The con is the price point at $38 a bottle and that there is no pump on the bottle.  It is a pour top which can be quite messy especially if you are in a rush in the morning.  But other than that I am in love.  If I feel the need for a bit of extra coverage in a spot, it doesn't look cakey at all.

So I went out and got my full size bottle :) EEEK! I love it!!

Here are a few more pics in different lighting.  The last one is at the end of the day, it looks the same as when I put it on.

Now this foundation also claims to be transfer proof, well I don't believe that any makeup is truly transfer proof. I mean if I put a white shirt on over my head I am sure this is going to smudge.  But I will tell you I am sick and blowing my nose, and I don't get a tissue full of makeup when I do so it doesn't come off easy.

That being said, it is a 15 hour wear makeup so make sure you are using a makeup remover prior to cleaning your face to ensure that you got it all off.

And there ya have it, I am in love.  If you are on the fence about this foundation, GET THE FOUNDATION :)  The end.

Have you tried Double Wear yet?  What are your thoughts and tricks?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo