BarkBox Unboxing September 2014

If you know me by now, then you know I love my dogs.  Paisley and Shelby are my fur babies and they are absolutely wonderful! Filling our lives with laughter and keeping us on our toes!!

Since we recently got Shelby (she is 12 weeks), I wanted to do something special for our older dog, Paisley (she is 3 years old).  That's where BarkBox comes in!  Barkbox is a monthly subscription for dogs!  I think it is so awesome that I have all of my subscriptions and I got Nick one and now I am getting the dogs involved.  It's a family affair!! :) Plus, this can be gifted to any of the dogs in your family and they are guaranteed to love it :) Sign up HERE to get 10% OFF with my referral!!

What's great about BarkBox is you get to tell them the size of your dog.  So you aren't going to get toys and treats that are general, you are going to get things that suit your pooch.  It's $29 a month but they always have some type of promotion going on (which is actually why the girls are getting it for two months).  Plus it is so hard to know what is safe and not safe for the health of your dogs nowadays and knowing they have already done the research helps out a lot!

So I chose large breed dog knowing whatever came in the box Shelby was going to end up getting some of too!  All boxes get shipped out on the 15th of the month and of course I forgot so was super excited to see it on the porch today!

Let's get to the goodies!

First up is the toy!  It is by Loopies and is a fish bone toy.

It has a squeaker in it and the girls are nuts about it.  They have not stopped playing tug of war with it, which PROVES how durable this toy is! Great choice for large breed dogs.  This is a $15 value!

It was so hard to get that picture!!

Okay next is what I am super excited about!  Mr. Barksmith's Pina Colada smoothie!  A smoothie for dogs!!

As you can see, super healthy, too.  That is very important to me in everything they eat.  They will get this tomorrow since they have had some of the other treats in this box tonight :) This is valued at $2.

Next is what they have already had tonight and LOVE!  Healthy Dogma Coconut Barkers.

They are like their father and like coconut as I do not.  And yet again, more healthy treats.  Plus they are large biscuits and perfect for the girls.  Valued at $8.

More treats! Bixbi Daily Essentials Chicken Breast Jerky Treats.

Paisley is fancy and loves salmon jerky so I am sure she will love this too! Valued at $10.  As you can see the cost of the box has already been met and I still have another item to go!  That makes me very happy!!

This I will only give to Paisley though so Shelby doesn't choke.  Etta Says Duck Chew.

A wholesome chew that although is probably supposed to last a long time, my girl will get through it in no time!

So there ya go!  We have another box coming next month and I know they are super excited to see what comes since this month was such a success!!

Remember, click on the link above to get your dog a subscription and get 10% off with my referral. You can get one month at a time but as with any subscription the more months you get, the cheaper it is.

Do you already love BarkBox?

Let me know your experience in the comments below!

Have a great night!! xo

Allure's Sample Society September 2014 Unboxing

I have been contemplating another monthly subscription box since I gave up New Beauty Test Tube and Pop Sugar. I love getting these surprises every month and have become addicted to trying out new things and sharing them with ya'll. So far Birchbox, Sample Society and Glossybox are my top three boxes.  My love for the subscription box was affirmed yet again when I received my September Sample Society box.

Really quick, Sample Society is $15 a month and includes luxury brands and each month has at least one full size product.  Everyone gets the same box but they have all been such wonderful boxes each month I don't mind not filling out my own beauty profile.  Plus it is a MIX of makeup, skincare and haircare.  They are also through BeautyBar.com so you get $10 off a $50 purchase each month, which can go towards products in your box.  Check out last month's unboxing HERE.

First up, let's do the full size product, valued at $85!! They were giving sneak peeks on Facebook for a few weeks (which I hate seeing because I LOVE surprises) and I was actually really excited for this!

Restorsea Revitalizing Eye Cream. It's a small, delicate jar but the cream is nice and thick so will last a long time it seems.  It is targeted for dark circles and reduces fine lines.  Vibransea, shea butter and glycerin are the key ingredients.  So far I love it.  I have been using it for three days and the thing I like most is when I put it on in the morning, it keeps my under eye area hydrated but my concealer stays put! It doesn't slide around like some other eye creams make it. I have high hopes for this so I will keep you posted.

Next up is Alterna Caviar Repair Re-texturizing Protein Cream.

This cream is some major damage control for over processed hair.  Thankfully, I haven't had split ends in years (thanks to sulfate free products and learning how to properly blow dry my hair thus not needing to use my flat iron) so might not to need this as often as someone who does.  The reviews are pretty positive on this.  It moisturizes and fills in the hairs cuticle, making it stronger and smoother so this is a great preventative treatment, too.  Vitamin C,caviar extract and seasilk are the main ingredients here. I like that it is thin, it's not a thick product that makes you feel like you need to wash your hair when you're trying to protect it.

I am a big fan of Benefit's Porefessional but was excited to see the next product.  Lorac's POREfection Mattifying Primer.

What's interesting about this is it contains salicylic acid in it so it's unclogging pores while keeping your face smooth and primed!  It didn't ball up on me and was buildable.  It went on really nice and it did keep me shine free all day.

The perfume sample I LOVE!! Dahlia Divin by Givenchy.

It smells wonderful!  It smells sexy....sexy has a smell, ya know? It has sandalwood and patchouli.  A sexy, woodsy smell.  Mmmmmmmm.

Lastly, Tarte Self Tanning Towelettes.

I am a sun goddess.....I love tanning and laying out.  But I am always looking for healthier alternatives to the tanning bed.  I love my St Tropez Bronzing Face Lotion and I have high hopes for these.  Reviews and feedback on these is great, from what I found.  They offer just the right amount of no streak color and not orangey mess.

And there ya have it!

Again, I am very happy with this month's Sample Society box.  I will use everything and that is 3 for 3 with this subscription!

Are you ready to sign up yet??

Let me know in the comments below so we can be excited together :)  There is no referral code for a new subscription, but if you do order from BeautyBar.com, you can use the code that is on the left of my blog banner for a discount!

Have a great day :)

Contouring Done Easy

The last time I did a poll on what my followers wanted to know about, contouring was the number one request.  Truth be told, this was one of the first things I researched when I got into makeup.   Makeup should be fun and if you know what you are doing, can transform you!  When you put foundation on, yes you are evening your skin and masking imperfections, but you are also making your face one dimensional.

There are SO many how-to's and tutorials online.  So many that it can be overwhelming.  Plus, some are quite hard to follow and offer too much information (yes, there is such a thing).

So here are my tips and techniques.  First, do you know what your face shape is? Pull your hair back in a ponytail and look in the mirror and use the below as a guide.

This can help you determine how to enhance your best features and essentially hide, the ones you are not so fond of.  For me, I wish my cheekbones were more pronounced and my nose was more defined.  This is where contouring comes in hand.

Now let's get to supplies.  I did go ahead and order IT Cosmetics Contour palette so that I could do the leg work for you and show you the difference in using what you have and using a palette geared for contouring.  I was not too pleased with the kit.

It comes with six shades (two are highlights) that are supposed to be flattering to everyone.

I tried them all and only the darkest one really showed up on me.  With the highlighters, one is shimmer and one is matte.  The matte one did not show up on me at all and I am medium toned.  While the shimmer one is beautiful, it is so hard to blend and make look natural, it really is more a pain to use then anything.  I love the IT brand but this kit really wasn't worth the hefty price tag.  If it came with a brush, we might be able to make it work.  So overall, the best part was the contour pull out guide.  This is very helpful if you are a beginner to contouring.

Highlight-You want a shade that is one to two shades darker than your foundation.  This is used for areas on your face that the sun would hit naturally and helps create brightness and illuminate those areas.

Here is what I have at home.

Benefit's High Beam
Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat (used in pictures)
Laura Mercier Highlighter (used in pictures)

Contour-You want a shade that is one to two shades darker than your foundation.  This is used for areas that you want to create shadows and dimension on and essentially soften these features.  I recommend matte products.  They can be powder or cream, that is your preference.

The KEY to contouring is BLENDING.  NOTHING is worse than "makeup mask".  Ya know, when your face is a different color than your neck?  And if you find yourself questioning at all if it is noticeable, IT IS!  Friends don't let friends be clowns.

Here is what I have at home.

Benefit's Hoola Bronzer (used in pictures)
Jouer Moisturizing Tint in Dark Bronze
e.l.f.'s Contour Palette
CoverGirl Bronzer

Blush-Blush is used to simulate the natural glow of your face by adding a flushed, just pinched look. Don't get crazy or it will look like you are sun burned.

Here is what I have at home.

Benefit's Rose colored tint-Benetint
CoverGirl's Cheekers in Coral (used in pictures)
e.l.f.'s Contour Palette
La Bella Donna Highlighting Cream

Brushes-I use a beauty blender for my foundation and blending anywhere else that needs it after I have used my brushes.  I use a fan brush for highlighting powders and an angled brush for blush.  I use a flat rectangular brush for my contour and then a small stippling brush for blending.

Remember the C's and E's for your face.

This means when you contour you want to create an "E" shape on the sides of your face, starting at your hair line.  Then to the cheekbones and then to the jawline.

For highlighting, you want to create a "C" shape, starting under your "E" near your hairline and then circling your eyes to above the "E" on your cheekbones to your nose.

I also highlight between my eyebrows, down my nose, my cupids bow and the center of my chin. Remember, this is where the sun kisses you.

Here is the contour guide again so ya don't have to scroll up :)

So here is my face before anything.  Clearly, we have all gotten quite close here ;)

Here is after foundation and where I highlight.

Here is where I contour and my blush goes on directly above my contour but not quite all the way to the apples of my cheeks.

Again, blending is key.  You never want to see the harsh lines of any products.  Experiment with both powders and creams until you know what works best for you.

I hope this was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions that I can help with.

Are you already a contouring pro? Let me know what your go to products are and what tips you have in the comments below!

Have a great day!

Beauty & Skincare Giveaway

It's time for another BIG giveaway :) I believe this is #3 and there are over 30 pieces :) 

This one includes brands that I LOVE!  Essie, Laura Mercier, Simple, Cotz, Weleda, Dermalogica and Murad to name a few.  

You can enter below or on the giveaway tab on my Facebook page HERE.

The same rules and regs apply as usual (which can be found under terms and conditions at the bottom of the widget) and is valid for US residents only.  This one will also be going on for 10 days so remember you can do some of the options DAILY so get on it :) 

PLUS, I have more giveaways going on this month (including some Chloe + Isabel jewelry) so please take a moment to share me and my blog with your friends! The more the merrier!

Thank ya'll again for all your support and in helping in the continued success of my blog.  It means the world to me. 

PS-Giveaway starts at midnight tonight :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 2014 Glossybox Reveal and Upcoming Sneak Peaks

Glossybox was a little different this month.  They have been pretty consistent lately with skincare and haircare and this month, they mixed in some makeup.  Needless to say I am very happy.  Let's get the formalities out of the way.  Glossybox is a monthly beauty subscription box that is $21 a month.  Everyone gets the same box.  The products are high end and there are always full size brands included.  Click HERE to join me on the bandwagon.

First up is UBERLISS Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner.

This is chock full of good stuff and healthy ingredients and claims to promote shiny, strong hair due to the keratin.  I freaked out when I first used it because the shampoo started foaming but it is sulfate free.  I felt like the conditioner just laid on top of my hair and I had a heck of a time combing my wet hair out.  Maybe this product is one that you see the benefits from after many uses.

Next up is SPARitual Nail Polish in Magnify.

A full size bright pink color, perfect for end of summer.  This nail polish is free of formaldehyde and other nasty stuff and valued at $12.00.

I'm excited to try the next brand.  EYEKO Skinny Liquid Liner.

This is a British cosmetic brand (PS-I am British) and the nubby end offers a precision tip that makes the cat eye easy to attain.  Smudge free and long lasting.  It is almost the size of a full size one which is valued at $16.00.

The next product was a special edition product for this month's Glossybox.

Kryolan Highlighter in Cashmere.

This creamy highlighter should be applied anywhere you want natural illumination.  Corner of eyes, down your nose, cheekbones and even lips.

Lastly, we have ESLOR Firming Collagen Day Cream.

The ultimate product in skin defense and anti-aging, restoring firmness and minimizing wrinkles.  Full size is $85 so I am excited to use this as a preventative product.  It's never too early to start preventing wrinkles!

And there ya have it!

Another GREAT box from Glossybox.  They included sneak peeks of what's to come in the next 3 boxes so now is a perfect time to sign up to get these great brands.

September-They're Real Mascara by Benefit

October-Nails, Inc. Nail Polish

November-Green Apple Age Defying Moisturizer by Juice Beauty

What did you think of this month's box?

Let me know in the comments below!

Stay tuned as details for the next Beauty Package Giveaway are coming together!

Have a great day!!

Fall 2014 Trends-Top 10

Welcome to September 2014.

It is hard to believe that pumpkin flavored foods and falling leaves and sweaters are right around the corner. What's exciting is with the changing of seasons comes the changing colors and textures of makeup and that is how new products get introduced to us.  Straight off the runways.  Some of the stuff they introduce on the runway is so extreme and only for the runways so today we will just go over the things us normal folk can actually pull off.  I'm actually pretty excited this year :)  Don't get me wrong, I am going to miss the pink and coral shiny lips and bright, shimmery shadows and messy beach waves, but change is good!  It's a new season which is a time to reinvent yourself and even update your look.  I usually stay bright blonde in the summer and then add the lowlights in the fall but this year I am going to also switch up my makeup.

1. Double liner-Using your basic black,  add a pop of surprise color and line above with a colored liner.  I like to use blues and greens.  I am in search of the perfect copper and gold liner, too.  The products that I use are Benefit's They're Real Push Up Gel Liner, Sumita's Color Contrast Liner in Raina and Mally's Beauty Star light Liner in Caribbean Sea.

2. Cat eyes-Again, a plug for Benefit's They're Real Push Up Gel Liner, cat eyes are still a hit.  Achieve the perfect one, daily, with this liner.  I've already contacted Benefit asking when other colors will be available as I want them all.  They have said "Never say never" so we'll take that as they are coming soon. Right?

3. Matte and Shimmer shadows and Precious Metals-Two is better than one, in this case.  Golds and silver metallics and MIX THEM UP!! Not just colors but again textures, from creams to powders. This fall mix the best of both worlds to create a unique look.  Too Faced carries palettes that are perfect for this job! Check out my review of one of them HERE and the latest one to use for this trend is their Rock and Roll palette. I also recommend Bare Minerals 5 in 1 Cream Shadows.

4. Smoky Kitty- This takes both the cat eye and the smoky eye and puts them together.  Use a bold lash with this look to finish it off.  I recommend Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara or Urban Decay Perversion.  Also, don't just think of basic black with a smoky eye this fall, greens, browns, blacks and greys are fun, too!

5. Aubergine and Nude Nails-I am just being fancy now, aubergine is like an eggplant/purple/darkish brown color and is gorgeous.  Both of these colors seem to be a staple in fall nail inventory and easily transition into all the seasons. Some great choices are Material Girl-Essie,Carry On-Essie, Sandy Beach-Essie and Sand Tropez-Essie.

6. Dark Florals and Dark Floral Nail Art-Just the opposite of summer.  Dark polish (see above) with floral prints on top (DIY or think Jamberry).  This also is going to be seen in clothes, too.

7. Braids-Braids have been back for awhile but even more this fall.  Fishtail (tutorial to come soon), waterfall, french or just simple.  Think buns and messy side braids.

8. Flushed/Defined Cheeks-I know this sounds confusing, but I mean either contoured or flushed apples. Contouring post will be upcoming soon also (waiting for some comparison products) but you can currently use any angled brush and some matte bronzer and follow your cheekbone from your ear to hollow of your cheek.  Blend, blend, blend!! Nothing is worse than makeup mask. Flushed is like that just pinched cheek look on the apples of your cheeks but you don't have to pinch your cheeks :)

9. Side Swept Curls and Deep Parts (Center or Side)-Think 60's here.  Isn't it funny how each year some tried and true style from beauties past comes back around? Second day hair works best for parts and just use some dry shampoo to freshen the roots.  I use Klorane Oat Milk Dry Shampoo for some texture. For your curls, use bobby pins in the back of your hair after piling the curls on one shoulder.  They look great on any hair length. Use a 1 in. barrel.

10. Berry Stained Lips-A berry stain is universally flattering and has a staying power like no other.  I currently use Benetint but a perfect berry option would be Too Faced's Melted in Berry or Stila's Lip Stain in Pomegranate.  If you want to get really creative, you can actually mash fresh berries and add a touch of olive oil and make your own stain!

Don't get me wrong, these are not all of the upcoming trends but like I said, as much of a risk taker that I am, I just can't bring myself to wear some of them! If I lived in Paris or London, I might be swayed :)

Case in point........

Are you excited for fall?

Any trends you can't wait to try?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Happy September!!