April 2015 Birchbox Unboxing

It's so pretty who cares that it is upside down

It's that time again....with all that happened last month with my new job and everything I am not even going to try to play catch up, I will just go with the items I have for this month to show you all!!

There is no doubt this is the prettiest Birchbox box I have ever received.  They partnered with the Rifle Paper Company to collaborate on this box and this will definitely be on my vanity for all to see.

Remember, Birchbox is a monthly beauty sampling subscription service that only costs $10 a month. You get to try out a bunch of different brands that you might not have found on your own tailored to your own beauty profile. Each month after you review your items, you get points added to your account and for every 100 points, that is $10 in the Birchbox shop. And the shop is just like your Sephora or Ulta! Click HERE to join with me!

Okay back to the goods......oh but first, this month's cute mailing label they sent me!

We know this is true!

No more teasing, here are the products I received.

April 2015 Birchbox Goodies

My first impression is that this box is a decent mix of makeup, hair and body.

• Harvey Prince Yogini Perfume-I have a love hate relationship with Harvey Prince...Petaly Noir is really the only one I can see myself actually purchasing but the staying power with these perfumes is zero. Within an hour you can't even tell I put anything on....This scent is kind of masculine for me....I like woodsy, but my co workers might actually think I put on my husbands cologne :) 
• Fekkai Soleil Beach Waves Tousling Spray-My hair is a disaster when it is wet and I have yet to find that scrunch N go product for me. I really only have "wavy" hair at the roots and the rest of my hair is stick straight. All of the reviews on this product are incredible. I will be trying this out this weekend for sure since I can hide out in my house if it is a disaster. It claims to control frizz, add shine and hold for that surfer girl hair. I am a fan of Fekkai so I hope this works.
• POP Beauty eye shadow trio-The good news is I was excited when I saw the colors, they are beautiful. The bad news is they were broken when I opened them....somehow cracked underneath during transit....I will have to repress before I can use them. The reviews on this brand are pretty good though. Long lasting, good pigment and can be used wet or dry.....SN yes all shadows can be used wet or dry but only some of them will actually perform well when wet.
• Cynthia Rowley Brightening Illuminator-So the full size of this product comes in a nifty pen for application. The sample is not, so it is harder to work with. I am a highlighter junkie but find this is too runny....and I am sure it has something to do with it not being in its original packaging. I am going to try to mix it with my foundation next to see if it holds up better. 
•  Not Soap, Radio Body Wash-The packaging is super cute but body wash is body wash. I haven't been overly excited since The Body Shop's honey body wash. I mean that stuff is incredible.  This would make a cute gift idea or stocking stuffer though.

Overall, I wasn't extremely excited with this month's box, although with the exception of another Harvey Prince perfume, there was great variety in this box and of course the box itself was amazing.  I miss getting two Birchboxes in the mail even though my second profile seemed to be a miss somewhere.  My next Choix box should be here any day and I think that will be my last month with them.  I will explain more in my review when it comes.

Also I am reviewing Estee Lauder's Double Wear Light next and I can't wait to share my results with ya'll!! LOVE!!

Teaser!!! I am getting another giveaway together though!! I feel guilty that I haven't been posting as often as usual since, ya know, life happens, but I want to continue to give back so stay tuned for details on that!!

What did you think of your Birchbox this month?  Have you used any of the products I received before?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!! xo

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

Mary-Lou Manizer VS Hard Candy Tiki Dupe Review

Sorry it's been awhile guys!!I started a new job and have been crazy busy with so much stuff but I wanted to drop in because lately I have been doing a lot of research on dupes....you know, trying out the drugstore/cheaper alternatives to our name brand/pricey favs.  I myself often search the internet for these so I wanted you guys to be able to come to me.  At the end of this post or on my Facebook page, let me know if there are any specific dupes that you would like me to feature for you!!!

So here we go......

On the left, is Mary-Lou Manizer by the Balm and on the right is Tiki by Hard Candy.

Mary-Lou retails for $24.00 US and Tiki retails for $9.00 US.  Mary-Lou can be found at Kohls or online at the Balm (link is above) and Tiki can be found at Wal-Mart or online at Hard Candy.

I love highlighters, I love gold, shimmery ones that make me look dewy and like I just stepped off the beaches of Aruba.....at all times.  So when I did my research and was told that Tiki was the cheaper alternative to Mary-Lou, I was allllll over that.

Mary-Lou on right, Tiki on left (sorry its backwards)

Mary-Lou on left, Tiki on right

As you can see from the above swatches, there is a definite difference.  Both of them offer basically the perfect amount of shimmer.....I mean THAT is what a highlighter should be.  Shimmer not glitter. Glitter is rave appropriate not office appropriate.  Unless it's on your eyelids, that's a different story.

Mary-Lou is so smooth and buttery and when I use my Sonia Kashuk fan brush, it applies it perfectly in one swoop.  Tiki, however, requires either several, several applications or more like a buffing brush for application, plus it is essentially a matte finish.  Also, Mary-Lou will stay on all day, and Tiki gives up by my 3rd cup of coffee.

I might be inclined to think Tiki would look better on tan skin, what doesn't look better on tan skin for that matter, since you would be able to see it easier.

But all in all, Mary-Lou Manizer won this dupe test by a long shot.  I actually used my Birchbox points and got this for free.  I love it,  use it every single day and don't think I will ever be without it.

If golden highlighter is not your cup of tea, the Balm also has Cindy-Lou Manizer and Betty-Lou Manizer.  Cindy-Lou is a pink version and Betty-Lou is the bronzer version, the latter being the one I want when I am tan this summer :)

So there ya have it!! Have you used either one of these products before??  What are your thoughts?

Let us know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!! xo

March 2015 Birchbox Unboxing

This month's Birchbox theme is Creativity which I love.  Spring is in the air, despite having just had 5 inches of snow the other day, I am HOPEFUL that the good weather is right around the corner.  As my last month's Birchbox post stated, I ended my 2 box a month experiment as I was receiving too many duplicates and wanted to try a new subscription.  So let's get to the goods for this month.

• Amika Bombshell Blow Out Spray-Prior to receiving this months sample size, I had purchased the full size version of this about six months ago, with my Birchbox points.  I have very, very long hair and am always looking for ways to keep it shiny and straight, plus added volume when I blow it out.  The reviews on this were fairly good so I gave it a try.  I wasn't too impressed so needless to say I was bummed it was in my box this month.  It smells great and doesn't weigh my hair down but compared to Bumble and Bumble's version, this is not up to par.  I love their hair masks but noticed no difference after having used this product.
• Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Angel Kiss-This is a dual product.  Can be used on both lips and cheeks.  I love the idea behind this but wasn't a fan of the color, it was too pink for me.  It went on very smooth and I didn't need a lip liner, which was nice.
• Mereadesso Tinted All In One Moisturizer-The packaging alone on this item was such a turn off, I don't know who would have ever thought this would make for a great presentation of the product.  The coloring was very orange......they have great reviews for skin care but maybe that is where they need to focus their energy.
• Elite Therapeutics Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Creme-While I wasn't overly thrilled with another sample of mini lotion, I liked the idea of it being all natural.  But oh dear lord, the smell, the smell........and not an earthy smell.....it just stinks.....which is sad because the lotion absorbs so well and feels so great on my hands.  Not greasy at all.  
• Number 4 Shampoo and Reconstructing Masque-Can you hear me screaming????  How many times must I proclaim my frustration with receiving this bloody shampoo in my Birchbox!!! Do I somehow own stock in this product that I am unaware of??  I am not writing another review on it. I like how they tried to sneak in a masque on me and switch it up a bit but there is nothing more angering than bringing a sealed plastic sample in the shower and being unable to open it with wet hands and nearly breaking a tooth from trying to rip it open.........

So there you have it......not quite sure where the creativity portion of the box was.....and I was not very happy this month.  I am all about renewal and rebirth and new life but was definitely lacking after looking over the items.  My profile is set to "Trendy" and I have since changed it to "Adventurous".  I used to have it set to both and I think it confused the system.  Also, another tip, if you set your household income to a lower amount, I have noticed you tend to get items more on the affordable end.  If you want to try higher end, luxury brands, try increasing your income and see if that helps.  I have found that the less choices you select, the easier it is to get items that you prefer. That did not seem to help me from being disappointed in this months box.  It did give me enough points to be able to place an order for some new items using my points alone though! So that makes up for it!!

Click HERE to sign up for Birchbox!! Remember, every item you give feedback on gives you points and for every 100 points that is $10 to spend in their shop! No other monthly beauty box can top that :)

What did you get in your box this month?  Do you think you might try my tips on changing up your profile?  If you do, let me know how your box changes next month!!

Have a great day!! xo

MAC Bao Bao Wan Collection Swatches and Reviews

This collection compared to Cinderella is absolutely stunning. And it was gone in a flash.

Spring 2015

I am sure you have already googled Bao Bao Wan so I won't go into the inspiration behind it and I will get straight to the beauty of it and the pieces I was lucky enough to get to review.

The packaging is also something that gets the collector in me going......the metallic gold and matte green packaging is beautiful and the colors of the collection take me to an exotic place far away from Illinois.

There were 4 lipsticks in this collection and I chose 3 of them.  Romantic Breakdown, Burmese Kiss and Lavender Jade.  I also chose the Summer Opal beauty powder.  I am always on the hunt for the perfect highlighter.  In my opinion though, Summer Opal was the worst performer for me.

With it being a golden peach, bronze shimmer, with a warm undertone, of course I knew it would look great on me but I just didn't feel like it gave me the glow it should have.  Becca Opal did better.

The stars for me were the lipsticks.

Romantic Breakdown-this is a sheer nude with a lustre finish and I have found it was not the favorite of other beauty bloggers.  I love a good nude that can go with anything.  It has a touch of shimmer and didn't wear as long as I wanted it too but it goes on very smooth and can easily be adjusted and kicked up depending on the lip liner you place with it.

Burmese Kiss-this is a bright pink, coral with warm undertones, with a finish more on the satin side, described as matte.  I thought this was going to be a color I could not pull off and I love it.  I will love it even more this summer.  This stayed on me almost the entire "work" day.  Ha Ha, as I am wearing my I Love Rum shirt, clearly working from home.

And last up, Lavender Jade, this is the color everyone wanted.  This is a cool toned, matte purple.  It goes on thick and dragged a little.  I have mixed feelings.  My friends love it and I might more when it is summer and I am not wearing my winter coat still.  Clearly I threw it on at the last minute since I am wearing a red top, fashion faux pas......

So overall I was happy with the items I picked.  This was a limited edition collection but it does appear some items were restocked today and may be through Thursday.  So get on over to MAC and see what you find.

What items did you get? Love it or hate it?  Let me know in the comments below!!

What is nice about this collection, at least where the lipsticks are concerned, is you can find dupes for many of them.

Next up is the Julia Petit Collection :)

Have a great day!! xo

MAC Cinderella Collection Stroke of Midnight Palette Review And Swatches

I know my posts have been short and sweet lately lovies I just am a little overwhelmed these days, I have the products rolling in, wish the money was too! But I am here and also plan on doing another giveaway soon since we have so many new members, so stay tuned for that xo

My favorite Disney movie growing up was, and still is, The Little Mermaid.  It is such a magical tale and that gorgeous red hair.......Well this season MAC came out with their Cinderella collection.  I was lucky enough to get some of those pieces to review.  The general consensus on the lipsticks, Free As A Butterfly and Royal Ball, was that although beautiful, they were just too sheer.

These were also my thoughts.  I also feel that the packaging, although a beautiful iridescent blue, could have much fancier.

But today I want to talk about the Stroke of Midnight eye shadow palette, as this is the star in my eyes.  It is absolutely beautiful.

Yes, five of the six shades are available permanently on MAC's site but I like having coordinating colors in one palette.  These six compliment each other so well and I have been reaching for this palette almost daily.  The palette consists of warm undertones and goes perfect on my skin.  Love, love, love.  I just recently started playing with matte colors and these two are great.

From top to bottom:

Vapour-a peachy pink color with a velvet finish.  It does take some time to build up but is a great muted highlight color.

Phloof-a frosted off white color with a frosty finish.  Another great highlight color for under brow and inner eye.

Omega-a beigey, taupe color with a matte finish.  I love using this as my base and all over lid color.

Quarry-a plummy, brown color with a matte finish.  This shows up more purple on my skin and of course I love that,

Satin Taupe-medium dark taupe brown color with a frost finish.  The shimmer is gorgeous.  In this swatch it looks almost copper like but if your skin tone is like mine, that is not how it translates.

Stroke of Midnight-black, plummy color with sparkle and a velvet finish.  This is great for defining and creating dimension.  There is no fallout on this color either but it does look pretty matte once on. This is also the LE color.

Here is the look I came up with when I first used the palette.

Very, very simple with a lot of blending. I wanted it to look seamless. I actually used all the colors. Overall, for the price of $44, I think it was well worth it.  Like I said, I reach for it all the time and there is plenty of product for this to last a very long time.  Just like the happily ever after of Cinderella.

Did you get your hands on any of this collection?

What were your favorite pieces?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Next up I will be reviewing the Bao Bao Won collection.  MAC is really releasing so many wonderful collections one after another and they won't be stopping any time soon!!

Have a great day!! xoxo

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