Birchbox November 2014 DOUBLE Unboxings and Reviews

November's Birchbox theme is "Giving".  In honor of that theme and in a social media campaign, they will be donating $1 to RED each time a picture of their special #shaRED box is uploaded.  RED promotes awareness and raises money for the fight against AIDS.  I thought it was a truly noble thing for them to do this month!  Let's keep sharing those pictures and using the hashtag #shaRED to help fight the good fight.

#shaRED

For those that don't know, Birchbox is a personalized monthly beauty subscription that sends you makeup, skincare and haircare items each month. They also include lifestyle items some month such as candles and candy.  It is $10 and completely worth it! For those that like trying new products, playing with makeup or just obsessed like I am, this is a great box. #1 on my list currently. The BEST part is if you answer some questions each month about the products you received you get points. 100 points is equal to $10 in their online shop where you can get the same things you get at Sephora.  I don't think I have ever paid full price for an order on their site. Click HERE to sign up today!

Okay so let's look at the goodies!!! I'm so excited to share this month.  As of last month, I signed up for two boxes with different profiles just to experiment for a few months to see the variety offered based on what selections I made.

First up is the box that I am adventurous and trendy on with a preference for organic and an advanced level of makeup knowledge and application.  And here is the amazing box I received for the second month in a row with this new profile!

Love it!!

First up is ModelCo lipstick.  I've had the mascara before and wasn't pleased with it. I have, however, been in the market for a nude lipstick so I was stoked that this was in my box!

Perfect nude color

Nude lips and bold eye

I'm very pleased with the color and the texture! Full size $20 value.

Next up is another item I have had my eye on for quite some time since I have crater sized pores. Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner.

This is a product that you can see working when you use it and I love that!  It goes on and dries like a mask.  I used it as soon as I got it and will be purchasing again.  This is very comparable to GlamGlow in the way that it feels and works.

Next up is SuperGoop Daily Correct CC Cream.

Wish it was a larger sample

I have gotten this product sooooo many times it's crazy (looking at all of my sub boxes).  A CC cream is a corrective coverage cream so heavier coverage than a BB (beauty balm) cream.  This is a light to medium color adjusting shade.  I just don't feel that it accurately adjusts to my shade since I am more yellow toned.  This will go in the giveaway pile.  I also feel this sample size is not sufficient for those that do want to try this out as you only get one use out of it.

Next is Perlier Revitalizing White Almond Body Butter.

Cute packaging

Another item that is quite prevalent in my boxes, lotions....this is the suntan lotion of the winter boxes LOL  It is a pretty large sample and the reviews on it are good in that the product is not greasy and sinks right into the sink.  I have a huge stockpile of lotions on my desk at work so this will surely end up there soon :)

Next up is also another duplicate from Birchbox, Folle de Joie perfume.

Thankfully a spray sample

This is a fresh scent, very summery, floral like.  I think my mom would like this one so it may make it to her stocking this year :)

And last up is a lifestyle item thrown in as a treat.

You know you want to try it :) 

And what a treat it was!! Chocolate and potato chips??! Delish! Not something to eat all the time but it was the perfect 3 bite snack and it was super good.  I love salty and sweet combos and this hit the spot!

So overall this was a great box, if I could I would replace the Supergoop but that will still find a home and the lipstick and Dr. Brandt completely made up for it.  Okay, the chocolate didn't hurt either! :)

NOW check out my other box.  This is the box with the profile I have had since December of last year.  However, because the box I got last month under this profile was utterly heartbreaking (read about it HERE), I did make some changes and tweaked some things to ensure I got a stellar box this month.  And it worked. I had my profile set to Adventurous, Classic and Trendy.  I changed it to Trendy only.  My beauty knowledge is set as Dedicated Beauty Enthusiast since my other profile has Advanced on it.  Hopefully these insights will help you adjust your own profile to tailor your box if you are not happy currently :)

Okay here we go!

love love love

This box is absolutely perfect.  One of the best I have ever received.  Now let me tell you why. :)  For me I like a box with a mix of hair, beauty and skin care items.  Sure I love makeup first and foremost but I know I am always going to get quality skincare products to try and the same for hair care.  My other boxes satisfy my needs for whatever I may not have gotten with Birchbox.

First up is Royal Apothic Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask.

Nice size sample

The reviews on this are incredible and I will be using it tonight.  The mask is made of clay, acai, pomegranate,coffee, goji berry and infused with black, green and white tea leaves.  I can see my friend Rachel loving this :) It is an 8 minute treatment that leaves skin firmer, smoother and more radiant.  Um YES PLEASE :)

Next up is theBalm Cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer.

why yes that is my puppy's hair in the picture

First of all how adorable is the packaging? So similar to Benefit's awesome packaging.  Highlighters and luminizers are all the rage right now and give us all the "glow" that we had in our youth :) They aid in contouring and also illuminate certain areas of our face.  This particular one is a light pink sheen. I use on my cheekbones and under my eyebrow arch and in the corners of my eyes sometimes. They also make Mary-Lou Manizer which is more of a honey hue.  I like them both.  I can never have enough of these so can't wait to use it.

Next up is Amika Nourishing Mask.

Another nice sized sample

The only other product I have used by Amika is their blowout spray. I like it but I am a sucker for a great hair mask.  This is a really nice sized product to and I am glad I will be able to get more than one use out of it.  My trick with masks is to coat the ends really well and then pile it up on top of my head.  You don't want to load up your roots with a ton of product as it will transfer to weighing your hair down for the rest of the day.  I've recently come to love sea buck thorn (I am using it in my face oil) and this is made with that, vitamins, omega acids and of course sulfate free!!

Next up is derma E Evenly Radiant Brightening Cleanser.

Another great sized sample

Are you noticing a trend? These sample sizes are amazing! I just recently wrote a post about a Vitamin C Serum I am using (read it HERE) and am loving products infused with it.  This cleanser is paraben and sulfate and additive free so great for your skin.  I love that the reviews say it doesn't dry the skin out after use since that can happen with Vitamin C. Another product I can't wait to rip open.

Next is a Harvey Prince fragrance, Petaly Noir.

YAY for another spray sample

I am not a fan of the HELLO fragrance by this brand.  But this one I LOVE!!! LOVE!! It is so sensual and woodsy and musky.  Just the things I look for in a perfume.  Also full sized price is $55 so not even a crazy ridiculous price point!  This is truly a great perfume and lasted a very long time on me.  I am really considering purchasing this :)

And again Birchbox included a lifestyle item.  This one is super fancy too :)  Vosges Petits Chocolats, mine is pink Himalayan crystal salt caramel!!

Mmmmmmmm

I haven't tried it yet but I am really excited to :)

And those are my boxes!! Now you can see why I am so happy with everything :)  Again these boxes are only $10 a month and I really recommend signing up ASAP.  I have so many points accumulated I am going to use them to get Christmas presents with!  Plus you can GIFT subscriptions to people which is a great idea.  They also have tons of limited edition specialty boxes just for the holidays that include luxurious full sized items.  Click HERE to sign up today!

What did you get this month?? I love comparing so let me know in the comments below!  Also let me know if you've already tried any of the goodies I received so I know your thoughts!

Plus don't forget to share photos of the RED box on social media to help the fight against AIDS xo

Have a great Monday ya'll!! xo

Vitamin C Even Glow Serum by Valentia Review

As I've gotten older, I have realized a few things.....okay that was a broad statement.  I have realized a lot of things but a few when it comes to skin care.  I used to be able to wear and use whatever products were on sale and always had my mom as my reference.  For example, all I ever used for the longest for lotion was Oil of Olay moisturizer.  I didn't know anything else.  I now know different.  I know I have combination skin, more on the oily side and need a lighter moisturizer. I know my pores get bigger as I get older so need a primer. The list goes on.....

I also recently stopped tanning as obsessively as I was. I just turned 34 and I feel like the UV rays are taking a toll on my skin and I don't want to be leather face.  

Soooooo, I want to use healthy products that are chock full of good ingredients and provide fast results and NOTICEABLE results.  I was recently sent Even Glow Serum by Valentia.  This is 20% Vitamin C people!  I used to only get my daily serving in my orange juice :)  But I have learned Vitamin C reduces inflammation and helps to stop the signs of aging, among many other beneficial things so I love it! Other products that I have tried have always at least made my skin look brighter.

My initial impression was "Wow, this is super fancy".  It comes in a nice glass bottle and is really big for the price.  I am a serum and oil addict, I love what they do for my skin.  I love knowing they will continue to work while I am sleeping or during the day under my makeup.

This one was thicker than any I have ever used.  But hey, different is good! 

You can see the product in the dropper, very thick

It goes on smooth and absorbs immediately into my skin.  I also kind of feel a tightening effect which is nice.  I just started using the product and will update this within two weeks.  I have high hopes for this product.  See, you can get chemical peels and laser treatments to combat age spots and skin discoloration, or you can try products like this!  Much cheaper in my opinion :)  Plus it has such a nice, refreshing scent......very citrusy but it doesn't stay with you all day so people think you have oranges in your pockets...don't worry :)

Here are some other benefits to the Even Glow Serum that definitely caught my eye:

• Boosts Collagen Production
• Pore Reduction
• Increases Glow and Radiance
• Evens Skin Tone
• Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines
• Organic ingredients (rosehip oil,sea buckthorn oil, green tea extract,botanical hyaluronic acid,plant stem cells)

Click HERE for more information and to buy yours today! Plus see how you can get one for 50% off!

You truly can never start TOO early when it comes to age prevention.....it sneaks up on you like a ninja.....act soon before it's too late :)

Do you currently use a product with Vitamin C in it?  Are you using morning and night?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!! xo




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

UPDATE-Marc Jacobs #Lashie Contest Prize Package and Reviews

UPDATE (Original post is directly below).......

I finally heard back from Marc Jacobs Beauty.....I must tell you I was not at all pleased with their customer service department and spoke to so many people and had to repeat myself so many times.  It was frustrating as I felt like a bother each time I called in.  Because I told them I was calling regarding a prize I had won and wanted to exchange some items....The way I see it is I am a new customer no matter how I received the products and how I am treated and my experience with the products are what will determine if I am a return customer.  It wasn't until my very last conversation with the nicest team leader ever that made everything better.

As I said in my original post, the items I wanted to exchange/return were the Genius Gel as the color was much too dark for me, the Face 2 foundation brush as it did nothing but deposit hairs on my face and the remedy concealer pen as it was much too pink for me.

Here are the items that I got in return!

Happy girl right here

I knew I still wanted the foundation just in my color match which ended up being Bisque Medium, the full coverage concealer in Alive and nail polishes in Bark (brown), Klute (nude) and Warm Blue (blue).

I have a hard time bringing myself to spend $8.50 on Essie nail polish so I knew this would probably be the only chance I would have to try $18.00 nail polish!

Look at these colors......

Bark

Klute

Warm Blue

Decisions, decisions

The brush was pretty big so I can see it being harder for people with small nail beds. It only took 2 coats to get the perfect coverage and these are high shine lacquers here people.  They are really pretty.  I chose Bark to wear right away.:)

Picture really doesn't do any of them justice

This morning I was super excited to do my face makeup.

Bisque Medium

Dots on the hand, then on the face,then application with beauty blender

The color couldn't have matched more seamlessly.

I even used the flash and you can't see it

A few things I don't think I mentioned before....this is a light to medium coverage foundation.  And medium really only comes into play if you add more than one layer or build up coverage in problem areas, like acne, scarring or sun spots.  The other bottle I received was perfumed heavily.  I was worried about that again but I could barely smell anything with this bottle.  Except foundation smell lol

Smooth satiny finish

I love this foundation.  No caking, no smearing (like with the foundation brush)....I am very, very pleased.

Okay on to the concealer, which I am a concealer addict since my bags are so dark and purple that I look like I am in a fight club, I am always looking for the next best thing.

Super sleek looking

Using Marc Jacobs concealer brush

The packaging is so sharp and the consistency is quite creamy.  Creamy but not dry and cakey.  A little goes a long way but I did have to put it on twice before I walked out of the house to get sufficient coverage for my dark circles.  I must not have put enough setting powder on.  It immediately brightened up my entire eye area and went on super smooth, no dragging or lines left over.  I used the brush today since it was made to go with this product but tomorrow I think I will try my mini beauty blender since it seems the perfect consistency for it.

I know weird picture, call me unique :)

I took this picture this way to show you you can't see my circles under my eyes.  A lot of concealers cover the dark coloring but still leave the circles.  So far so good with this product.

And here is my whole face with both the foundation and concealer in natural lighting.  Coloring matched perfect.  No makeup mask :)

My face and neck are the same color

In the end, I am 100% satisfied, I am so happy that I made the exchanges.  I am definitely a new customer and will be a return customer for Marc Jacobs Beauty.

Hope you all enjoyed seeing the variety of products I received and reviewed and hoped it helped you with any decisions you were pondering.

Any questions or comments? Please let me know below.

Also feel free to re read the original posting below to see the other items (gel liners and eye shadows) that I am loving from MJB.

Have a great day!! xo

ORIGINAL POST
As we know, I am a compulsive contest enterer......but I have always stood by the motto that you can't win if you don't try!  And it has made me a winner more times than not!

Today, I am super excited to go over the winnings of a contest that Marc Jacobs had on Instagram.  It was a lashie contest and all you had to do was take a selfie showing your lashes.  I decided to take an actual lash selfie (which is a lashie haha).

Here is the picture that I submitted!

Picture of a picture

It was a very exciting day when they contacted me, needless to say!

So my prize included a $250 gift card to Marc Jacobs Beauty and a bunch of O'Mega Lash Mascaras!

It's not every day you get to pick out high end , expensive, beautiful makeup and I quickly made my choices! This is what I ordered.

O!Mega Lash

O!Mega Lash

Items listed below

Genius Gel Super Charged Oil Free Foundation
The SkyLiner-7 piece Gel Eye Liner set
The Vamp-Style Eye Con Plush Eye Shadow Set
Remedy Concealer Pen
Face 2 Sculpting Foundation Brush
The Conceal Concealer Brush
5 O'Mega Lash Volumizing Mascaras

Here is a more close up look at them!

The Vamp

The Vamp

The Vamp

Genius Gel Foundation (I see me!)

Remedy Concealer Pen

Concealer Brush

Face 2 Sculpting Brush

I was so excited to receive everything!!  But, truth be told, I was let down by a few items.

Now for the details.  I inquired with Sephora about the correct shade for the foundation I should select but it is much too dark for me.  I am trying to exchange it for a lighter color but am still awaiting a response.  It is hard for me to give the greatest review on the foundation because of the coloring.  I have to say that the Face 2 brush smeared the foundation on my face and kept leaving hairs on my face during application.  This is a $48 foundation brush!  I don't even get hairs on my face from my travel Bare Minerals brushes.  I plan on exchanging that item as well.  Lastly, the Remedy concealer pen......the concept behind it is incredible.  It has a palladium applicator to cool the eye area while concealing.  Yet again, this color is all wrong for me.  I guess shame on Sephora for pointing me in the wrong direction.  The color I received is very pink and does not go well with my yellow undertones.  It also appears to be more of a highlighter than an actual concealer.  The concealer brush is literally a mini version of the Face 2 brush and is a very nice brush.  I do plan on exchanging the Face 2 brush and getting their actual concealer though. I think this is a case where this brush is best suited for the product it is intended for.

As for the gel liners...I am in LOVE!! These are incredible and were featured on my October Faves post.  They slide effortlessly across my eye lid, last all day and the colors are beautiful.  I am so glad I was able to try 7 of them!

The eye shadow is also just as nice.  There is an incredible amount of fall out though.  So I found that patting it on (while covering my under eye with a piece of paper) is the best way to apply.  It blends nicely and also lasts all day.  The colors in the palette all go so well together, too.

The O'Mega Lash Mascara.....I like how it separates my lashes nicely and doesn't give me any clumps but I do wish it was darker and provided more volume.  Despite my photo submission, I do not have gorgeous long lashes (like my husband does) and need to work to achieve them. The mascara doesn't smudge though or come off during the day.

I hope I don't come across selfish since all of these items were prizes for me because I truly do not mean to.  Understand that this is my first impression of Marc Jacobs products so the bar was set very, very high.  I am really hoping that once I get the correct colors that my impression will be completely different, so stay tuned for more updates!

If you are currently using any of these products or brushes, what tips for application do you have?

Please let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!! xo

October 2014 Product Favs

Last day of the month means time to show ya'll what the winners were for me this month based on all the goodies I got!

October 2014 Product Favs

Starting at the left, Caviar CC 10 in 1 Cream, Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hair Spray, Borghese Brightening Makeup, Juice Beauty Lip Gloss in Guava and Marc Jacobs Gel Liner Set.

There are two hair care products this month because combined they are a powerful duo!

First up, Caviar CC 10 in 1 Cream.  This REALLY does what it says it does.  And I have tried A LOT of hair products.  It makes my hair shiny, fights frizz, protects against heat, is a great leave in conditioner.  It can also be used on dry hair.  Try it, you won't regret it!

Next, I am in LOVE with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hair Spray.

This goes on while your hair is damp and I am talking mega volume here. I have thin, fiiiiiiiine hair and I was amazed at the results the first time I used it.

Va Va Voom

As mentioned in a previous post, I finger dry my hair(after wringing dry with a cotton shirt to help eliminate frizz), then use a round boar brush to smooth and then put my hair up in no heat, velcro rollers while I put my makeup on, let the dogs out, drink coffee and be fabulous.  When I am ready to walk out the door I take the rollers out! This is right from the rollers.  Va Va Voom!!  Even my wonderful husband noticed something was different!

There is a small bottle you can try out before purchasing the large one, which is exactly what I did.  If you've got thin hair, TRY THIS!

Next is a product I really scoffed at when I first saw it in the tube.  Borghese Brightening Makeup. Pink "brightening" makeup? What am I 5?  I was bored one day and opened it and boy am I glad I did.  In fact, I just found out it is sold on Birchbox's website and is SOLD OUT! (Side bar, you can get it at Beauty Bar's website for the same price).  This is actually similar to a highlighter and can be worn over foundation, under foundation or mixed with foundation or moisturizer, depending on the level of sheen and coverage you want.  It gave me that "lit from within" glow.  It is a beautiful color.

See, a beautiful color

Similar to Benefit's High Beam actually.  And great for the winter months since we all could use a little shimmer with the sun in hibernation :)

Next is Juice Beauty Lip Gloss in Guava.  This can also be found at Birchbox or Ulta.  I won this and forgot all about it.  My first impression was I loved the color but not the smell.  It has an earthy, fruity smell.  But after using it daily, it is kind of an addicting smell and I love it now!  It is made with blueberries and organic goji berries so I think that is partly to blame or thank!  The gloss sinks into my lips and immediately refreshes them without looking like I'm sticky with gloss.  Just natural. This is the perfect natural lip color, too.

"I'm Glossy"

Last but certainly the star of the show, is part of my prize package from Marc Jacobs Beauty (I promise I am working on that post next).  The Sky Liner Seven Piece Petite Highliner Collection.

These go on like butter!!  There is no skipping or dragging across my eyelid.  I can use one hand and not even have to pull my lid taught.  Plus the colors....oh the colors!!  They are gorgeous! I don't even want to swatch them to waste product lol  So here is a picture I found online.

Courtesy of CakeMakeup.com

They are beautiful! They last ALLLLL DAAAAY long, too!!  I haven't even used all the colors yet because I am stuck on the purple, green and bronze.  They bring out the colors in my eyes so well.

#purplepeopleeater

Here is the Halloween makeup I wore today using all Marc Jacobs makeup.  The eyeliner is so pretty that I am working on a holiday eye makeup look with these too.

And there ya have it loves!

The creme de la creme of my products this month.  Sure there are other ones I use but these all really stood out as stars individually and of course can create an entire look together.

Have you used any of these? What do you think of them?

Let us know in the comments below!!

Happy Halloween and have a great night!! xo