beauty

August Birchbox Review | 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my August Birchbox Review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my August Birchbox Review:

August Birchbox Review

LAQA & Co. Charm School Kit
RUSK® Volumizing Mousse
Oribe Shampoo, Conditioner and Masque for Beautiful Color
dr. brandt® pores no more® cleanser
Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer

Ready to get cheeky? This LAQA & Co. Charm School Kit comes with three colors of creamy crayons that can be used for your cheeks, your lips, or even both! I received the pink, humble brag, color in my august birchbox. I tried it on both my lips and my cheeks and boy, that did not turn out well! While this crayon is just as easy to apply as doodling in my coloring books when I was little, the color is super bright, so proceed with caution! First, I tried it on my cheeks. After a lot of blending, it actually looked really pretty. On the other hand, it did not look so hot on my lips. Somehow, it feels a little waxy and was a bit chalk looking once applied. Although I will continue to use it on my cheeks, I do not suggest even trying it on your lips, unless you plan to ride around in a clown car.

If you remember from my July Birchbox Review, I tried RUSK out for the first time last month with the RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream. This month I received another RUSK product, the RUSK® Volumizing Mousse. I usually try to stay away from mousse since the alcohol in it’s ingredient list tends to dry hair out. But, I made an exception today to try this mousse! This rich, foamy product gave my hair texture and body without adding in crunch. I found my hair to hold it’s style much longer than usual as well. While I don’t often need my hair to be so poised and put together, this mousse will be a good go to for special nights out!

Next, I tried the Oribe Shampoo, Conditioner and Masque for Beautiful Color and I loved the whole set! My hair hasn’t looked this good in a long time. I feel like this miraculous formula somehow undid all the coloring, drying, curling, etc. that I’ve put my hair through over the years. It left my hair looking super shiny and feeling silky smooth… no to mention, it smells amazing! I think this shampoo, conditioner and masque set is definitely in the “splurge” price range for me, but it seems like it’s worth the money. Since I no longer color my hair, I don’t think I necessarily need this level of nourishment, but it would be great for someone trying to get their hair back on track! (Or someone who has a large hair budget $$!)

I’ve had a few dr. brandt products in my boxes before. I’ve even tried dr. brandt® pores no more® cleanser in the past. The main reason I like this cleanser is it was developed by an actual dermatologist. It gives me a lot of trust in this product. Not to mention it works! A little goes a long way with this lathering product. It left my skin feeling smooth, hydrated and looking refreshed! I don’t have a big issues with pores, but everyone says it helps dramatically in minimizing pores! If that’s your issue, be sure to check it out.

Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer was the final sample in my august birchbox. This moisturizer is the best face moisturizer I’ve tried in a long time. It smells amazing and is cool and refreshing when applied. It seriously rejuvenated my skin and left it immediately feeling hydrated. I tried it on one side of my face and found myself stroking that side of my face over and over! It was just so darn smooth! It will be great for my dry skin in the winter and I can’t wait to buy the full size!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, July Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

July Birchbox Review | 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my July Birchbox review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my July Birchbox Review:

July birchbox review

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+
COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray
RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream
Harvey Prince Hello, Limited Edition
stila look at me liquid lipstick trio

I have gotten a ton of Dr. Jart+ products in my past birchboxes. Just last month, I got the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Water that I love! This month I received the Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+ and this product apparently does it all! It’s a primer, moisturizer, treatment serum and adds SPF 45+. At first glance I love the stuff. It goes on smooth and even without having to use too much. And the color is great! Unfortunately, I found it to leave my face a bit sticky and it never quite absorbed into my skin. Since I’m someone who wears very light coverage creams on a daily basis, I found it a bit heavy for everyday use.

Makeup setting spray is new to my box of beauty tools. I’ve used it a few times for big events, but I’ve never quite understood why I would need to add it to my beauty arsenal. Well now I do! Not only does this COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray add a layer of SPF 30, it also makes my makeup smudge free! I have a 30 minute walk to work so the elements can be rough. Some days it’s windy and my eyes water, other days I’m just hot and sweaty! Somehow a simple spritz of this setting spray kept my eyeliner from running, it kept my eyeshadow in place and protected my skin from the intense sun rays! This product is a must for you girls on the go!

RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream is up next! This re-styling cream was basically made for me. I hate blow drying my hair and I always wait at least one day between shampoos. That’s where this dream cream comes in handy! For use on fresh hair, it’s great! It cut my blow drying time in half! And for one-day-old hair, I applied a little bit to my hair before curling and my hair lasted all day! I found it to hold much longer and better texture than my normal hairspray. Now I’m not sure how I’ve lived without it all these years!

Next up, I got a small sample of Harvey Prince Hello, Limited Edition . This perfume was inspired by the joy of waking up to a warm day with the sun shining and the flowers blooming. I mean that’s what summer is all about, right? The scent is an interesting mix of floral and citrus that literally perked me up when I sprayed it. There is something about smelling this fresh fragrance that energized me in the morning. It’s a great scent for a beautiful summer day.

Last, but not least, is the stila look at me liquid lipstick trio. I love getting lipsticks and lipglosses in my birchboxes, but this one is unlike any I’ve received in the past. This lipstick is on for the day, whether you like it or not! Good thing I like it!! I received the bright pink color, which is bold, matte and irresistible! The creamy texture glides on thick, but sets to a matte paint very quickly. And once it dries, this lipgloss won’t come off on your coffee cup or your man. And it’s easy to remove at the end of the night with makeup remover, no staining! I’m addicted to my sample and will be buying a few colors for backup!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, June Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

June Birchbox Review | 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my June Birchbox review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my June Birchbox Review:

June Birchbox Review 2015

Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15
Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Water
Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter
Klorane Conditioning Balm with Mango Butter
Marcelle Mini Waterproof Eyeliner Travel Kit
TOCCA Eau de Parfum, Isabel
Emi Jay Solid Hair Tie 5-Pack

So far I’ve loved all Caudalie products I’ve received over the years. This Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15 is no exception! It is super lightweight and gives me a ton of moisture without leaving my face greasy. I don’t wear foundation so I love that it’s slightly tinted. But beware! Although it evens out my skin tone, it doesn’t add much coverage. It’s doesn’t solve my everyday needs, but the SPF and sheer formula make it a great option for summer!

A girl can never have too much makeup remover! I have been bouncing back and forth from makeup removers for awhile. And I found a new one for my collection! Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Water is a cleansing water that brightens skin. The great thing about this cleanser is how well it works! I know that sounds simple, but a lot of cleansers tend to smear around the makeup on my face and have to be rinsed after. This micro water is a miracle! It not only completely cleans the skin in one swipe, it doesn’t even need to be rinsed after! I will for sure be investing in this makeup remover with my birchbox points!

Klorane Shampoo and Conditioning Balm with Mango Butter is up next! This shampoo and conditioner combo is amazing! I love the delicious mango smell. As I’m washing my hair it almost tricks me into thinking I’m actually on a beach eating a mango! It’s the perfect shampoo scent for summer. The sample was pretty small so I didn’t notice any lasting effects, but if you want to switch up your normal shower routine, this mango shampoo is a great option!

I got the Mulberry Marcelle Mini Waterproof Eyeliner in my birchbox. I love trying new eyeliners and colors. This eyeliner went on super smooth and was easy to apply. Although I love the deep mulberry color, it took several coats to make much of an impact. But once I got it applied, it lasted all day! It’s super waterproof and smudge-free! And the best part about it? It came off so easily when I used my new micro water face cleanser!

Next up, I got a small sample of TOCCA Eau de Parfum. This perfume was inspired by a chic city girl from Barcelona. At first sniff I really loved it, it is full of floral rose notes. But the more I smelled it, the less I actually like it. The scent is really strong and after awhile it started to smell a little matronly to me and all of the sudden I felt like an old lady who put one too many sprays of perfume on! This is not a perfume I would recommend for younger women.

Lastly I was surprised with the Emi Jay Solid Hair Tie. I love knotted hair ties. They are always fun colors and prints and never slip on my short hair! This lavender hair tie is great for summer, I’ve been in buns ever since receiving it!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, May Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

May Birchbox Review 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my May Birchbox Review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my May Birchbox Review:

May Birchbox Review 2015

Number 4™ Blow Dry Lotion
JUARA Candlenut Body Creme
W3LL PEOPLE The Expressionist Mascara
Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel
CoTZ® Flawless Complexion SPF 50

Have you tried any of Number 4’s hair care products? I’ve tried quite a few that have been sent my way in past birchboxes. In my latest box was the Number 4™ Blow Dry Lotion. I was really excited to see this guy since I have uber long hair that needs serious protection from the heat I subject it to. It is not only supposed to protect your hair, but also act as a leave-in treatment to condition it as well. I didn’t notice a decrease in the dry time like many of the reviewers found, but I have pretty long, thin hair so it doesn’t take me a ton of time to dry my hair in the first place. However, I did notice it left my hair looking healthy and shiny, but unfortunately it didn’t feel the same way. It seemed to leave a residue on my hair that felt a little sticky and gave my hair too much texture for how thin it is. I think this product could be better suited for girls with thicker, shorter hair.

Next to be reviewed is the JUARA Candlenut Body Creme. I can never pass up a great body creme! This cream not only smells amazing (think light and tropical!), but it’s also super hydrating. A little goes a long way and leaves the skin feeling anything but greasy. The velvety texture soaks into the skin immediately and leaves a smoothness that lasts all day. The candlenut oil in this creme is full of fatty acids which makes is a natural healer for dry skin. This creme is a great go-to for keeping your skin hydrated after those long summer days in the sun!

As you may know, I love mascara and I get to review another one this week! I actually received a mascara that I not only haven’t tried, but I’ve never even heard of… W3LL PEOPLE The Expressionist Mascara. This product is a great lightweight and completely natural mascara. The applicator brush is amazing; the small bristles catch every lash and help grab on to lengthen your lashes while keeping them 100% clump-free. I didn’t find the formula to flake or smudge at all throughout the day. If you are looking for a bold dramatic look, this mascara probably isn’t for you. But if you want long, natural looking lashes, this mascara was 100% made for you!

Up next is the Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel. The name pretty much says it all! This product has a gel texture that has a cooling effect when applied. It’s filled with green tea and cucumber extracts plus vitamins C and E, all of which help it to not only hydrate your skin, but protect it all day! The thick gel texture packs serious moisturizer that you won’t be disappointed with. It’s the perfect product to apply on a light makeup day to help brighten and protect your skin, but due to the thick texture, I wouldn’t want to layer much makeup on top of it.

And the last sample in my May Birchbox review is CoTZ® Flawless Complexion SPF 50.  I’ve received a few sunscreens from this brand before. This gentle formula helps protect you from the sun (SPF 50!) while giving you a sheer coverage for acne prone skin. The best part about this stuff is it’s SPF 50 and still has a very lightweight formula. It also has a slight tint to it which is great for any daytime, outdoor parties that you may need to dress up for. The non-greasy formula prevents clogging pores while still covering imperfections. It’s the best of both worlds!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, April Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

Mascara Reviews | My Top 5 for Your Eyes

Mascara is a big deal to me… I’ll admit it, I’m a snob! On a daily basis, I don’t wear much makeup, but mascara is always a must. I’ve been searching this great country far and wide for the best mascaras and I think I’m finally ready to share my findings with you! Whether you are looking for natural, just curled lashes or sultry betty boop eyes, I have the mascara for you (and how you should be using it!)

Mascara Reviews

Check out my mascara reviews below and share any tips or favorite products you have in the comments!

Mirenesse iCurl Secret Weapon 24 Hour Mascara ($49)- This award winning mascara is seriously a secret weapon, but you pay for it! Retailing double that of my other picks below, you can grab a tube of Mirenesse’s iCurl for $49. This mascara is best for lengthening and actually lifting your lashes to that 90 degree betty boop angle. The formula and brush combo slides smoothly through your lashes and builds the length with it’s tube technology that doubles the length of your lashes in a blink of an eye! For best results, Mirenesse suggests pairing it with their iCurl Twin Heated Lash Curler. I have yet to try this, but the reviews are amazing. Best part about this mascara? it lasts for 24 hours! No mess, smudges or raccoon eyes.  And no more makeup remover, it comes off easy with warm water!

Laura Geller Beauty GlamLASH Dramatic Volumizing Mascara ($24)- This GlamLASH mascara is perfect for anyone with fine eyelashes. It is the first mascara I have ever tried that actually finds and lengthens every single tiny lash. Many similar mascaras leave me with smudges, clumps and a mess, but I experienced none of that with GlamLASH. For days when I want a more natural daytime look, I swipe one or two coats of this on and I’m good to walk out the door. Occasionally when I find myself using other lengthening mascaras, I will finish with a swipe of this to separate my lashes and get rid of any clumps, it’s seriously amazing.

Benefit Roller Lash ($24)- This mascara has quickly become the “it” product for your eyes in 2015 and now I know what all the hype is about! In just one coat this mascara separates, lifts and lengthens dramatically (and I mean dramatically!) I wasn’t sure what to expect from this “roller lash”… would the applicator actually move or roll? Well, it doesn’t. It gets it’s name from the “Hook ‘n Roll” technique it uses to grab your lashes and curl them.  It has an instant curve setting formula that lasts for 12 hours, leaving you with long, super-natural looking lashes. If your lashes are in the mood for a night out, try using the Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara (reviewed below) after applying the Roller Lash. The results are amazing!

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara ($24)-Benefit’s They’re Real! mascara quickly got overshadowed once the Roller Lash came to town. The benefits over the others? It’s super black, goes on easily and lengthens and separates in just two coats. The downside? I wasn’t a huge fan of the brush applicator. I have pretty short eyelashes (that’s why I love lengthening mascaras so much!) and I found it hard to apply on my short naked lashes and I didn’t get as much curl and height as I expected from Benefit. But once I tried layering it with the Benefit Roller Lash listed above… WOW! I got the best of both worlds! My lashes looked so long, thick and amazing, they almost looked fake! Speaking to the They’re Real on it’s own, I wouldn’t invest in it over my other picks, but if you have the Roller Lash it’s definitely worth pairing them together. I would suggest this duo for any big event, they will not disappoint!

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara ($24)- Not every girl needs her mascara to separate and lengthen, and this Black Magic mascara is for the girl looking for dark, thick lashes. The brush has an extreme curve to it, helping to give you the perfect curl as you apply it to your lashes. And this formulas goes on wet! It’s much creamier than other mascaras I’ve tried and it took me awhile to get used to it. But if you apply from root to tip slowly, the formula sets up a little and gives you an amazing curl, thick dramatic lashes and the blackest of black lashes. This is my go-to mascara to layer with my roller lash for a night out on the town, there is something sultry and mysterious about this mascara that goes great with a smokey eye!

April Birchbox Review 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my April Birchbox Review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my April Birchbox Review:

April Birchbox Review 2015

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream
POP Beauty POP Portfolio Eyeshadow Palette
WEI™ Manuka Bee Venom Mask
Cynthia Rowley Beauty Brightening Illuminator
Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Face & Body Balm

Have you heard of Whish yet? Well, birchbox has been loving this brand lately! This Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream sample is the third Whish product I’ve received in my birchbox so far. I’ve actually even received this same product in a different scent in a previous box. Thus far, I haven’t been blown away by any of their products. My main issue with this shaving cream is the texture, it doesn’t foam or lather. Therefore, I find myself using much more than I would a traditional lathering shaving cream. On the other hand, one definite perk is my legs actually felt moisturized after shaving. I don’t mean they felt less dry than normal, they actually felt moisturized with no need for any lotion after shaving!

Next to be reviewed is the POP Beauty Portfolio Eyeshadow Palette. I’m a sucker for makeup palettes! I have palettes from a few different brands, but I haven’t heard of POP Beauty before receiving this sample. My sample is a trio of shimmery bronze eye shadows… which is right up my alley! I think the colors are great. They give the perfect amount of shimmer and bronze that can pass for both daytime and evening wear. The colors look great blended together, perfect for everyday use! And the full palette has 36 colors, enough for even the most adventurous girls!

Now for an interesting one, WEI™ Manuka Bee Venom Mask. Yeah you read right, I said bee venom! I am told by birchbox, “the purified venom in this mask is gentle and nourishing, and combines with healing herbs to help to fight wrinkles, correct imperfections, and firm skin.” Not sure what benefits are coming from the bee venom, but I did really love this mask! The texture was more of a heavy cream and left my skin feeling soft, firm and youthful. I’m not sure how long-term these results are, but it’s a great treatment to give your skin a “tune up!”.

Up next is the Cynthia Rowley Beauty Brightening Illuminator. Best word to describe this sample? Luminous. I was a little thrown off by the texture of this illuminator. Instead of the expected cream, it was actually a little runny (making it challenging to just get a little out of the sample tube!). I found this illuminator perfect for early mornings. It gives me just the glow I need at that hour in the morning to distract from the large, dark circles under my eyes and it’s super versatile. I use it for my inner eyes, cheek bones, brow bones, etc. It’s lightweight, subtle and goes on smooth, the perfect addition to my summer makeup routine.

Lastly, I’m wrapping up with my favorite sample from this month’s box, Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Face & Body Balm. This lotion makes me feel like I just walked into a fabulous spa! The scent of lemon and lavender is so dreamy and soothing. It has an immediate calming effect that lingers, making it great to use right before bed. The texture of the lotion is a bit thicker than I expected, but once it absorbs into the skin, it leaves it feeling softer and smoother than ever! I will definitely be investing my reward points into a full size bottle of this, it’s a must have! (my husband even agrees!)

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, March Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

March Birchbox Review 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I signed up for and quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually still great for all my travels! Check out my March Birchbox Review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast! 

Below is my review of my March Birchbox- the creativity birchbox:

march birchbox review 2015

Whish Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (24-Hour Miracle Cream)
Mirenesse Glossy Kiss
ORIGINS Smarty Plants™ CC SPF 20 Skin Complexion Corrector
Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Heat Protect Spray

Have all my dreams come true? Is there really a product out there that can slow my hair growth between shaves? I received the Whish Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel in my box this month and assumed it was like the other Whish shave gels I have received in the past, but I was wrong! This is an after shave gel that is supposed to not only hydrate your skin but slow hair growth. Like I mentioned before, it’s a gel (not a lotion) so I expected it to be a little sticky. To my surprise, it actually went on smooth and absorbed super quick. They also offer a ton of scents, I received pomegranate, which was simply yummy! I’m not sure if I’ve noticed a difference in my hair growth since I started using it, but it’s worth a try right?

Next to be reviewed is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (24-Hour Miracle Cream). Talk about versatility, this cream does it all! I used it both as a makeup remover and a makeup primer- I think it worked great as both! It also left my skin feeling amazing! I was a little disappointed with the tiny sample and the price of the full size bottle. It will be great for traveling, but a little expensive in my opinion for a makeup remover.

Time for a fun one, Mirenesse Glossy Kiss! I love this lip gloss! I goes on so smooth and leaves my lips feeling super soft! It’s so creamy and a great cross between lipstick and gloss. It also has an amazing gold shimmer to it that makes my lips look plump and full. I love the texture of this gloss and will definitely will be investing in other colors of this Mirenesse Glossy Kiss!

Up next is the ORIGINS Smarty Plants™ CC SPF 20 Skin Complexion Corrector. I’ve gotten quite a few CC creams in my past birchbox deliveries. This one has a great, lightweight texture to it and it just glides on the face. It has a very faint tint to the cream and leaves the skin looking a little shiny and almost pearlescent. I followed this CC cream with some powder to tone down the shine, but besides that it’s a great cream. The only other drawback I found was the smell. I found the earthy scent to be a little off-putting for a face product.

Lastly, I’m wrapping up this month’s reviews with the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Heat Protect Spray. I have to admit something guys, I am a sucker for heat protecting sprays. If you have long hair I think it’s important to protect it as much as possible. I have a protecting spray that I currently use (and love), but I found this one to work great as well! After straightening my hair, it left my hair looking shiny and smooth and smells better than a lot of the other sprays out there! I would recommend this to anyone in the market for a heat protecting spray.

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Maybe you’re just craving more beauty buys? Check out last month’s post, February Birchbox | 2015 or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

February Birchbox | 2015

Anything that gets delivered in this fun of a box has to be amazing, right? And guess what, they were! Although not every sample in this month’s box was perfect for me, a few were spot on and the samples were generous! Check out my thoughts below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a company offering a subscription to receive monthly samples of beauty products (They offer boxes for both men and women!). I love it because it’s a mini treat to myself once a month and it’s a great, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus- it makes a great gift for the girl (or boy) who has everything!

Below is my friendship birchbox. It’s dedicated to the people who cheer us on, calm us down, and make us laugh so hard we cry! 

February Friendship Birchbox 2015

 

Laura Geller Beauty GlamLASH Dramatic Volumizing Mascara

PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray

Marcelle Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover For Sensitive Eyes

Davines MINU Shampoo and Hair Serum

Juicy Couture Hollywood Royal Perfume

Today I’ll start with my favorite part of my beauty routine… mascara! I received the Laura Geller Beauty GlamLASH Dramatic Volumizing Mascara in my box this month. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a huge mascara snob. I usually use two different types of mascaras in the morning, a lengthening and a “thinner” if you will. I love long skinny lashes, so I would love to find one mascara that can do both!  This mascara might just be the one! It not only lengthens my lashes in just a few swipes, it’s virtually clump free! It goes on smooth and doesn’t flake off or clump lashes together. I will definitely be purchasing the full size when my sample runs out!

Next to be reviewed is the PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray. This sea salt spray is not for me. When I’m going for the beach bunny look, I like loose, smooth waves, not sticky, tangled hair! I know sea salt spray is supposed to give beachy, textured waves, but I found my hair to tangle too easily and become unmanageable. Although the texture didn’t work for my fine hair, the scent was enticing and fresh!

Now onto the Marcelle Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover For Sensitive Eyes! Makeup remover is never the sexiest sample in a birchbox, but it is sometimes the most needed. I never want to splurge on makeup remover, or even buy it for that matter, but I’m glad I got to try this one. The formula in this little bottle is able to get off the toughest and longest lasting makeup and it leaves my skin feeling silky smooth! Now I can’t wait to take off my makeup! Luckily the sample was very generous so I will get a ton of use out of it before I need to invest in a full size, but the good news is it’s only $15 for the full bottle! What a steal!

Up next is the Davines MINU Shampoo and Hair Serum. Again, I don’t think I have the target hair for this sample. This shampoo and serum duo is eco-friendly and color safe, two things I love to see on my shampoo label! The scent left my hair smelling fresh and citrusy, but I didn’t love the texture of my hair. I usually wash my hair every two days, but there’s no way my hair would last a full two days without washing while using this shampoo. My hair immediately felt flat and dirty, there’s no way I will be investing in this hair care duo!

Lastly, I’m wrapping up this month’s reviews with the Juicy Couture Hollywood Royal Perfume. I’m already a fan of Juicy’s Viva La Juicy perfume, so I was excited to see this tiny tube in by sample mix. Like the Viva La Juicy scent, a little goes a long way. It has strong sweet scent that is perfect for a summer night on the town. It’s a blend of fruity and floral and is a great fragrance to add to your collection!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Maybe you’re just craving more beauty buys? Check out last month’s post, January Birchbox | 2015.

January Birchbox | 2015

My first Birchbox of 2015 did not disappoint! I got some fabulous makeup and pampering products to get me ready to take on the new year!

If you aren’t familiar with Birchbox, it’s a company offering a subscription to receive monthly samples of beauty products (They offer boxes for both men and women!). I love it because it’s a mini treat to myself once a month and it’s a great, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus- it makes a great gift for the girl (or boy) who has everything!

Below is my “Let’s Do This” Birchbox. This month’s box is all about empowering me to take on 2015 while feeling (and looking) great!

Photo Jan 29, 8 51 46 PM

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner

Vasanti All Star 2-in-1 Face & Eye Primer – 15ml

It’s a 10® Miracle Leave-In Product Plus Keratin

Essentiel Elements Wake Up Rosemary Body Lotion

When™ Travelmate Sheet Mask Set

Let’s begin with the Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner. I’m usually loyal to my liquid liner, but I like to mix it up every now and then. This green eyeliner helped me do just that! I received the olive green tint and it looked great with my brown eyes. I wore it all day and not one smudge! It slides on easy in application, but is dense enough to keep a sharp point, making clean lines much easier! The sample was so generous (and it’s not an eyeliner I’ll be using daily) so I don’t think I will be buying the full size, but I would love to check out one of the other colors!

Next up is the Vasanti All Star 2-in-1 Face & Eye Primer. To be honest, I don’t usually use face and eye primer. I was intrigued by the idea because 2-in-1 products are great for traveling- as long as they’re effective! I’ve been using this primer since I received it, it’s a great lightweight formula that has antiaging benefits. That’s almost a 3-in-1 now, but who’s counting? Overall, I didn’t really notice a difference in the staying power of my makeup, but I also don’t have an issue with my makeup lasting in the first place.

Time for It’s a 10® Miracle Leave-In Product Plus Keratin! I was excited to this this little gem in this month’s box. I’ve used this leave-in conditioner a few times before. It is filled with proteins that rebuild your strands and leave your hair silky smooth and this stuff really works! It almost reverses all the blowdrying, curling and straightening I do to my hair on a daily basis. I definitely recommend this miracle treatment for anyone who is looking to give their tresses a little TLC.

Now onto Essentiel Elements Wake Up Rosemary Body Lotion. This lotion really won me over! The smell took me by surprise at first, but it’s actually delicious. The scent is a fabulous blend of rosemary and mint, which is surprisingly invigorating. I found the lotion to absorb pretty quickly and it didn’t leave a greasy residue at all. I will probably only use this lotion for dry areas like my hands and feet, but I definitely think it’s worth investing in.

Lastly, I’m wrapping up this month’s review with the When™ Travelmate Sheet Mask Set. This mask is supposed to be great for traveling, but I ended up trying it in the comfort of my own home. I could see this being convenient to throw in your bag for a weekend trip, but I’m not sure how necessary it is for vacations. As soon as I applied this sheet mask, a cooling sensation took over my face. This mask was refreshing for the 30 minutes I wore it, but I didn’t see any lasting effects. It was fun to try this once, but I don’t see a need to add it to my beauty routine.

And that’s it for this month’s Birchbox samples. Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below! Maybe you’re just craving more beauty buys? Check out last month’s post, December Birchbox | 2014.

October Birchbox | 2014

October is here and it’s time for me review my newest Birchbox products!

If you aren’t familiar with Birchbox, it’s a company offering a subscription to receive monthly samples of beauty products (They offer boxes for both men and women!). I love it because it’s a mini treat to myself once a month and it’s a great, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus- it makes a great gift for the girl (or boy) who has everything!

Below is what I found when I opened my October Birchbox.

October Birchbox

clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant: Face
Perlier Intensive Nurturing Body Balm
Lord & Berry Paillettes Eye Pencil
Number 4™ Clarifying Shampoo
Number 4™ Reconstructing Masque
Jouer + beautyblender® Perfectly Primed Collection

Let’s start with the clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant: Face. I was a little taken aback when I opened this sample- it was just a jar of grey powder! This all natural product stated you could mix it with either your favorite cleanser or water before applying it to your face. I chose to start with water so I could get an idea of what this exfoliant does on it’s own. I have to admit, applying it was a little messy for my taste… I mean imagine scooping powder out of a jar, mixing with water then trying to get it on your face. It’s definitely tricky, but it did it’s job! It’s a strong exfoliant and even left my skin a little tender after using it just once. Although the exfoliant felt a little extreme, it left my face feeling smoother than ever! If you end up trying out the product I’m sure you’ll have smoother skin, but due to the roughness, I suggest using it only a few times a week.

Next up is the Perlier Intensive Nurturing Body Balm. I love this balm! Although it’s thick and creamy, it didn’t leave me oily or greasy! It not only has a great light scent, but it also absorbed quickly- no need to wait for it to dry before getting dressed. Although it’s fabulous as a full body lotion, I especially recommend it for those extra dry spots like your elbows and feet. You’ll definitely get your bang for your buck with this balm!

Lord & Berry Paillettes Eye Pencil was the next sample I tried out. This little pencil packed a lot of punch! It was super easy to apply, even using my tiny pencil sample! The main focal point of this eyeliner is the glitter. To be clear, it’s not shimmery, it has actual chunks of glitter in it. This look was a little extreme for me, but it could be fun to use on a night out. I think it’s safe to say I won’t be purchasing the full sized product, but I’ll enjoy having fun with the sample!

Now onto the Number 4™ Clarifying Shampoo and Number 4™ Reconstructing Masque. I’ve gotten Number 4 products in my box a few times before and have not been disappointed yet. Although these samples didn’t disappoint, I wouldn’t say they “WOWed” me either. The scent was nice and it left my hair feeling soft and healthy. But for the higher price point they charge, I expected more. There are plenty of products out there that give just as good results for a better price.

Lastly, I have the Jouer + beautyblender® Perfectly Primed Collection. Of this collection, I received the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint. This tint was a little different than the other tinted moisturizers I’ve received in my boxes. It went on smooth, applied very evenly and I found the coverage to be a little heavier than most creams I’ve used. Although I appreciated the extra coverage, it dried with a matte, powdery finish that felt a little too mature for me. If you are like me and prefer a fresher, more natural look this tint is probably not for you!

And that’s it! That wraps it up for this month’s Birchbox products. Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below! Craving more beauty reviews? Check out last month’s post, September’s Birchbox- Unboxed.