Laurel Anne Beauty

Lush Haul!

2012-10-14T16:51:00.001-07:00

I've been itching to try some new skincare recently, so I decided to branch out and try Lush! I like the idea of using products with good-for-you ingredients and no preservatives.
FYI: My skin is normal to dry, sensitive, and while I'm not prone to widespread breakouts, I do get blemishes from time to time.
Here's what I got!

Angels on Bare Skin: This is a cult favorite cleanser that can be used for all skin types. I've heard amazing things about this and can't wait to give it a try!
Eau Roma Water: This is a toner that is also meant for dryer, sensitive skin types. I've used rose water toners before and love them, so this seemed like a natural fit! I also love that it has a spray nozzle; I think that will make it easier to use.
9 To 5 Cleansing Lotion: This is supposed to be a makeup remover. Since Angels on Bare Skin isn't known for it's makeup removing abilities, I thought I'd give this a try. You massage it on your face as if you're applying a moisturizer, then remove it with cotton pads or a damp washcloth. It's kind of like a makeup wipe: you don't need water to use it, just cotton pads soaked in toner!
Porridge Soap: I've heard amazing things about this soap. It's supposed to be exfoliating yet soothing for sensitive skin (on the body this time!). I have very dry skin on my body, and I'm always looking for soaps that will soothe my often-itchy limbs. This seems like a good fit and I'll let you know how it works out!
Queen of Hearts sample: Honestly, I don't know anything about this soap! It does smell quite nice, rosy and soft, and the label says "creamy" which leads me to believe that it's more on the moisturizing side. Again, I'll let you know how this works for me!

I really enjoy Lush products, but I'm still a bit of a newbie. What products do you recommend?

Empties #2

2012-10-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I'd be doing another one of these posts so soon, but my box was getting pretty full! Let's jump right in; there are some products I'm super excited to talk about!

Vaseline Deep Conditioning Cocoa Butter: First of all, this bottle is HUGE and lasted me ages, which is a huge benefit! I love getting a lot of product for my money. This lotion was really great. It had a thinner consistency so it spread really easily and it absorbed quickly without feeling sticky or heavy. It also made my skin look really radiant. This is definitely a great, inexpensive cocoa butter lotion. I do think they've changed the packaging since I bought this, but look for it the next time you need a body moisturizer! I would definitely pick this up again!
Philosophy Italian Cherry Cream Soda Shower Gel: I've already raved about this many times here, but let me do it again! I loved this shower gel! It smells absolutely divine! It honestly smells like a cherry cream soda, with the cherries, vanilla ice cream, and even the carbonation (I still can't figure out how they did that!). This shower gel is fresh, sweet, and effervescent making it the perfect pick-me-up in the mornings. It also never left my skin feeling dried out. I will say that the scent won't hang around too long once you hop out of the shower, but if you want it to, they make a matching lotion. All around amazing product!
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Moisturizing Cleanser: This is sort of an "eh" product for me. It didn't leave my face feeling tight or dried out, but it also didn't really do much for me. I didn't notice any changes in my skin, and it honestly didn't even feel as though it was doing much in the way of cleansing. It smells great and is nice to use in the mornings, but if you're looking for a deep clean, look elsewhere. I won't be repurchasing.
Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner: Another great product! This is an alcohol-free toner, so it won't dry out your skin. I noticed it made my skin feel softer and just look healthier. The scent is lovely and they do make other scents like cucumber or lavender. The only downside about this product in my opinion is that it can be a bit hard to find. I purchase it from drugstore.com and I've heard that you can find it at natural food markets like Whole Foods. I do really like this toner, but I really want to give Lush's toners a try. If those don't work out, then I'll definitely pick this up again!

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara: This was great for about a month, and then it was less great. Overall, I really enjoyed this mascara, but it dried out so quickly! I loved the way this volumized and lengthened my lashes, stayed on all day, and was easy to remove. Honestly my only complaint is that after about a month the tube dried out. It is less expensive than a lot of the other mascaras I've tried, though, so it's not a huge disappointment. I loved this, and even if it means shelling out $5 a month to replace my dried out tubes, I will repurchase this!
Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer: This was a pretty nice primer! For everyday use, it worked well. I did find that when I wore it to work on particularly hot days, my lids got oily and my shadows shifted around. But those extreme conditions notwithstanding, this was a nice primer! I think there are primers that are equally good for less though, so I don't anticipate picking up the full-size any time soon.
Befine Lip Serum: I got this from Birchbox ages ago! This is supposed to be kind of a step up from lip balm. Personally, I thought it was okay. It's thin in consistency and lives up to the serum name, but I honestly didn't like the texture that much on my lips. I really hate lip gloss, and that's what this felt like on my lips. Just kind of slipper and weird. It moisturized well, but I can live without it.
Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara: Holy cow! This mascara is great! I'm not one to pay a lot for mascara, but I would definitely be willing to make an exception on this! It really reminds me of Clinique's High Impact Mascara in that it makes my lashes look like they're naturally long, thick, and beautiful. This is definitely not for those seeking drama, but for girls who want to look naturally glamorous, this is a must!
Taylor Swift Wonderstruck: I have about a million perfume samples (thanks Birchbox!) so using one up is a bit of an accomplishment for me. I really liked this scent! It's sweet, fruity, and a little warm. It doesn't have the best staying power, and I don't think I would pick up the full-size for myself, but I would definitely pick it up as a gift for a teen and honestly wouldn't be opposed to receiving it as a gift for myself!
Smashbox Photo Finish Eye Primer: I hated this. It was thick, hard to blend over the lid without feeling like I was dragging my eyelid around, and didn't do a whole lot to keep my eyeshadows in place. I wouldn't buy this.
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara: This technically isn't empty, but I can no longer get the product out and it's about 8 months old, so I thought it was time to get rid of it even though I loved it! This was brilliant at keeping my brows in place all day long without ever flaking or making it obvious that I was wearing a brow gel. I know there are a lot of high-end brow gels out there, but this is a great drugstore option (as is the ELF clear mascara that I'm currently using!)
Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon: This was a GWP that I received a few months ago, and I loved it! The color was really natural looking, it moisturized my lips, and I never had to worry about it feathering or settling into any lines on my lips. It also felt like a light balm, which I really love! I these tinted balms are all the rage now, and I've heard the Revlon Balm Stains are really similar. I really want to try them out to see if it's true since they're about half the price of the Clinique balms! Either way, I would buy this product, or one similar to it, in the future!

Overall, I was really happy with most of these products and I'm equally happy to have finished them up to make room for new discoveries!

Best Of: September 2012

2012-10-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

Hello all! Sorry for the lack of posts, somehow September became the month of exams, speeches, weddings, and keeping my poor brother who broke one foot and sprained the other company! But not to worry, I'm declaring October the month of regular posting! So to kick things off right, here are the best products I used last month!

Lush's Buffy Body Bar: I love this thing! I'm sure most of you know all about this product, but for those who don't, it's like an exfoliator and moisturizer in one. You use it on damp skin (I use mine in the shower) and it exfoliates while leaving behind a nice moisturizing layer. Then you rinse your skin, pat dry, and I always sort of massage the "film" (I hate using that word because of the connotations, but it's probably the most accurate) into my skin, leaving it so soft and smooth! I've also found that this has helped with the Keratosis Pilaris, this little unsightly red bumps a lot of people get on their upper arms, thighs, and even face, I have on my arms. Love it!
Bare Minerals: Deja vu anyone? Yes, my love for this foundation has carried on for another month. What can I say? I'm a sucker for any foundation that evens out my skin tone while not making me feel like I'm wearing makeup. Love love love.
Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lip Color in Panache: This is a great grapey-plum color. It's not super pigmented; I find that it gives my lips a nice berry tint without being too dark or looking too mature as dark lip colors tend to do. I got this in a little set from Sephora for free a while back, and for whatever reason, I cannot seem to find this particular color in the full size! They have one, Witty, which looks like it would be similar though.
Color Club Nail Polish in Insta-This: I love cobalt blue. I really, really do. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to get this in my September Birchbox! I will say that it chips pretty easily (all of the Color Club nail polishes I've tried do) but the color is so gorgeous I can forgive it! Since this color is all the rage this season, I'm sure you can find something similar, and perhaps more long wearing!
Target Arm Candy: I picked this up toward the beginning of the month, and I've been wearing these bracelets obsessively! I love the colors together, and I love that they give any outfit an autumn feel!
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty: The name says it all! This gives a really pretty, natural flush to my cheeks. I've always gravitated toward either pink or peach blushes, so I thought I'd give red a try, and I love it! Warning: this blush is super pigmented! Use a light hand or you'll look like a clown!
Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+: Another September Birchbox product! I was pleasantly surprised by this. I thought it would definitely be too light, and while it is on the light side, it actually blends quite well. It evens out my skin, feels amazing on, and looks really natural. I spent a lot of this month travelling between school and home, and this was the only foundation I packed (along with a pressed powder) because I love it so much!
Urban Decay Naked Palette: More deja vu! I'm not even going to explain why this is on the list. You already know.

So there they are! My favorite products for September. I promise this month I'll try to branch out more to give you more variety.

What products did you love last month?

Outfit of the Day: 09/07/2012

2012-09-07T17:17:00.002-07:00

Hello all! So, as I mentioned in my last post, I finally got a new camera, and I thought it would be fun to start posting the occasional outfit of the day now that the quality is good enough for you to actually see what I'm wearing!

Note: The only item I can find exactly is the dress. The cardigan, shoes, and belt are quite old (and the belt came with something else) but they are really simple and easy to replicate, so I've found similar, inexpensive alternatives for which I will provide links!

O'Neill Nautical Mile Dress: It has a really adorable leafy-floral print and the back is STUNNING! Unfortunately Fall decided to finally show it's face today, so it's covered by the cardigan.
Simple Black Cardigan: I purchased this from Kohl's about a million years ago, but it's a simple black cardigan that hits at the hips. I rolled the sleeves and pushed them up for a more casual feel.
Brown Braided Skinny Belt: This actually came with a pair of pants from Target, but again, this is a really simple piece you can find just about anywhere! I also think a more colorful belt (I'm thinking a berry-pink color) would look cute too!
Tan Floral Sandals: Again, I bought these ages ago. I'm pretty sure they're from JCPenny, and the brand name has totally worn off. However, I've linked you to a really cute pair of sandals I would totally wear with this look!

Here's the full outfit!

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a beautiful weekend! Please let me know if you'd be interested in more posts like this in the future, I really enjoyed putting it together for you!

Best Of: August 2012

2012-09-04T12:00:00.001-07:00

Hi all! I know I'm a little late, but as I mentioned in my last post, I went home for Labor Day (and my big brother's birthday!) and managed to leave a few of my favorites back at school. Now that the family is back together, it's time for my favorites!

Bare Minerals Original Foundation in Medium Tan: I've been loving this foundation lately! It's really quick and easy to apply in the mornings and lasts all day long. Luckily, I don't need a whole lot of coverage, so this is perfect for me. It evens out my skin tone and hides some minor imperfections without feeling heavy at all. I would say that if you need more coverage, this wouldn't be the first foundation I'd recommend to you, although you can use it on a concealer brush and it covers up imperfections really well. I often use this during "that time of the month" when my skin tends to break out a little more. However, if you really want full coverage, this might not be for you.
Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Roller in Medium/Deep: Now that I'm back at school, I've had a lot of late nights (studying, I swear!!) and early mornings, so I've really relied on this under-eye concealer to cover up my dark circles. This does an excellent job of concealing and de-puffing. I find that if I roll a bit on under my eyes, and let it set for about 30 seconds before blending it in, I get a bit more coverage. If I apply it then immediately blend it, I get more brightening but less concealing. Either way, this does a great job of making me look more awake than I really am!
Urban Decay Naked Palette: Is anyone shocked by this? No? Didn't think so. Again, I've been reaching for this palette pretty much every day this past month. On days where I don't want to look too overdone, I go for the two matte shades Naked (a light matte beige) and Buck (a matte medium brown). I find that this creates definition without making it look like I'm wearing any eyeshadow. When I want to look a little more "done" I opt for some of the more shimmery shades like Toasted (a gorgeous pinky purple color) and Smog (an equally gorgeous shimmery golden bronze). My new goal is to hit pan on Buck, my absolute favorite crease color!
L'Oreal HIP Jelly Balm in Succulent: Unfortunately, this little gem is discontinued (although you may be able to find it on allcosmeticswholesale.com or eBay). This is my go-to simple lip color. It's a tinted lip balm that's pretty close to my natural lip color. It gives a really pretty sheen to my lips without being too glossy, and it's hydrating! I hit the bottom of the jar yesterday (bummer) but there's still enough to last me quite some time (hooray!).
Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint in Because I Love You: That's a mouthful! My mom was kind enough to get this for me when she placed an order with Birchbox, and I've been loving it! It's another tinted lip balm that's really hydrating, adds a bit of color, and gives a nice sheen. I've been carrying this one around with me during the day as it's really easy to just throw on without a mirror. The color is a really pretty light coral that looks really natural on. And apparently, these are a bit of a cult favorite among beauty editors (according to a recent Google session) and I can see why!
Miss Jessie's Quick Curls: This was in my August Birchbox, and if you recall, I was already raving about this in my Birchbox haul! It smells AMAZING, defines my curls, prevents frizz, and doesn't feel hard or sticky. It holds up really well in humidity too. I find that I can use this, and only this, in my hair when I get out of the shower, and then let my hair air dry, which is always a gamble with curly or wavy hair. It looks (and smells) fantastic!
Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pencil in Gilded Mink: This is probably the only eyeshadow not in the Naked palette that I used all month! It's a gorgeous shimmery taupe that looks gorgeous on the lids. I've either been wearing this alone when I'm in a hurry (it's really easy to blend out with just your fingers when you're in a rush) or with Buck in the crease if I want a little more definition.

And there they are, the best of August 2012! I hope you enjoyed! Also, as a sidenote, I finally got a new camera (I'd been using my iPhone!) which means I will finally be able to post looks, decent swatches, and more, so keep a look out for those!

What have you been loving recently?

September Shopping Ban!

2012-09-02T14:15:00.001-07:00

Hello all! I just wanted to do a quick update since I managed to leave behind some of the products I want to write about at school (I'm visiting home for the holiday), so favorites and a few other posts will have to wait.
So I thought it would be the perfect time to write about the SPENDING BAN I am putting myself on as a sort of experiment!

As we all know, I totally failed at Project 10 Pan, and rather than trying again, I thought I would try something new. So, for the month of September (and perhaps beyond, but more on that later) I am BANNING myself from buying any beauty products, with the exception of those I really "need". This means no makeup, skincare, haircare, or anything else for one month. Instead, I want to focus on using up what I already have! So, while I won't be holding myself to a certain number of products to use up, I do really hope to clear out my collection a bit.
Now, I will allow myself a little slack when it comes to items that I only have one of that are on their last leg. The only things I can think of off the top of my head that I might end up needing to pick up are a mascara (my only one has begun to dry out, so I'm not sure I'll get a full month out of it) and facial toner (although I think I'll be able to make it through the month, we'll see...). I honestly can't think of anything else that I'm running low on that I don't have a backup of, so I have no intention of purchasing anything else.
I will also continue to receive Birchbox, because I have a yearly subscription that was recently renewed, so it's all already paid for, and this experiment is all about saving money! Broke college student status over here y'all...
Depending on how the month goes, I might extend my little experiment into October as well. And who knows, I might go crazy and do November too!
As inspiration, I've begun compiling a list of products I want to buy post-ban, as a sort of reward if I can complete it!
Let's see how it goes! Wish me luck!

Also, keep a look out for my monthly favorites as well as a few product reviews! Have a fantastic Labor Day!

iHerb Haul (with Coupon Code!!)

2012-08-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was doing a little research on natural/organic skincare and came across a haul video from a website called iHerb.com. When I went to check it out, my mind was blown! This website is filled with not only skincare, but hair care, body care, food, supplements, and pretty much anything else you'd need to lead a more organic lifestyle. I couldn't help but order a few bits.

I do need to clarify that the cleanser I purchased was from Walmart and not iHerb.com, but it is available on the iHerb website! I was going to place another order in the future and thought I had enough cleanser to last until then, and then managed to run out the same day this package came! Obviously I totally miscalculated. Ah well. On to the haul.

So here's what I got! And as always, if you spot a product that you'd like a review on, let me know!

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Refreshing Cleansing Gel: This is a cleansing gel made with 70% organic ingredients. It has no parabens, sulfates, or harsh preservatives. I bought this to use at night as many of the reviews mentioned it works well for removing makeup.
Aubrey Organics Vegecol with Aloe Moisturizing Cream: This is a moisturizer for sensitive skin, which is exactly what I was looking for. I've been using the Olay Active Hydrating Cream, which is nice, but the fragrance in it irritates my skin. I've heard great things about Aubrey Organics so I'm really excited to try this out!
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Moisture Plus Lotion SPF 15: I've been using the Clinique Super City Block SPF 40 everyday, which I love, but the high SPF has also been irritating my skin. I bought this to use as my morning moisturizer and daily SPF so I can save the Clinique sunblock for days when I'll be spending more time outside. I used this this morning, and I have to say it's made a good first impression! This also smells like fresh oranges, it absorbs quickly, and it's made my skin really soft. I also haven't felt any irritation from this so far.
Hugo Naturals Essential Mist in French Lavender: This was more of a last-minute purchase. I was just shy of $2 away from free shipping (iHerb offers free Fedex shipping on orders over $20!), so I decided to try this. You can use it on your body, hair, face, as well as your linens! I actually purchased this because I love using anything lavender scented at night and thought this might be nice to use on my bed linens. It smells wonderful! I mean it's lavender, so it's nothing life-changing, but if you like lavender then this might be a fun extra to pick up if you're just shy of free shipping too!

So that's the haul! Let me know if you've tried any of these products, want to try them, or have any other natural or organic beauty recommendations!

Use the coupon code ZOS471 for $5 off your first iHerb.com purchase! No minimum or expiration, and remember there is free shipping for orders over $20!

Disclaimer: I am not in any way affiliated with iHerb.com or any of the brands mentioned. The coupon code above is a referral code, and if you use it, I will receive a reward to be used toward a future iHerb purchase for referring you to the website; however, I haven't been able to find a coupon for this website that isn't a referral. If I find one I will post it; I don't want you to feel as though I'm only seeking rewards or holding out on you because I want a referral reward. I just really like this website and want to share with you, and if I can save you $5, why wouldn't I? This post is not sponsored and all items were purchased with my own money. All opinions, as always, are my own!

August 2012 Birchbox!

2012-08-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with this month's Birchbox! Last month's didn't impress me much, to be honest, but this one more than made up for it! I plan on doing more in-depth reviews of a few of these products, so if there's anything you'd like to know more about, feel free to let me know in the comments!

Here's what I got!

Schick Hydro Silk 5 Blade Razor: This is a "Birchbox Find" which I believe is a new thing they're doing where they find affordable drugstore products to introduce their customers to, which I am all for! I used this razor to shave my legs today, and I am in love! It's the closest shave I've ever gotten (although I don't think I've ever used a razor with more than 4 blades before), and I didn't nick myself once! This blade boasts an oval shape, which makes it easier to shave ankles, knees, and other hard to reach areas, as well as a moisturizing serum surrounding the blades to moisturize your skin. It's seriously amazing. My legs are so soft and smooth! And I LOVE that this came with a coupon for $4 off refills (this is a razor with refillable razor cartridges rather than a disposable!). Love love love.
Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover: These nifty little q-tips have makeup remover in the handle. You just snap the end and the makeup remover flows into the tip and you can easily clean up any makeup mistakes. While I think I'll stick with dipping my regular q-tips in eye makeup remover, these would be awesome for travel!
Miss Jessie's Quick Curls: Obsessed. I am obsessed. This curl cream is amazing! It smells really wonderful and fresh, which I love, and it works beautifully! I put this in my damp hair and let it air dry and am left with defined, frizz-free wavy curls that smell amazing. I'm also absolutely thrilled that Birchbox gave out 2 fl. oz. samples of this, because this tube will last quite a while. I can safely say that I will be dishing out the $32 (hopefully in Birchbox points and not actual dollars!) for the full-size as soon as this generous sample is gone. Absolutely obsessed.
Viva La Juicy La Fleur: This is a softer, more sheer version of the original Viva La Juicy, which I adore! They smell really similar, so I probably won't buy this as I already have a huge bottle of the original Viva La Juicy, but this is a beautiful scent. If you like the original but find it a little too strong, this is for you!
Pixi Beauty Lid Last Shadow Pen in Gilded Mink: This is a gorgeous pencil that can be used as an eyeshadow or a liner. It's a gorgeous taupe color that goes on beautifully and doesn't crease! The only downside is that you have to sharpen it, but other than that, it's lovely, and I'm pretty sure it's full-size! This particular shade is a gorgeous lid color, and I am thrilled with it!

So, in the spirit of back-to-school season, I have to give Birchbox an A+ and a gold star this month! I love all of the products and can definitely see myself using these up and then going on a spree in the Birchbox shop to stock up on these products in the full-sizes.

Are you a subscriber to Birchbox? No? Sign up here! Yes? What did you get this month? I hope you're as thrilled as I am!!

Empties #1

2012-08-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I know, I know, I'm not even going to go into it. Let's just say sometimes life gets in the way.

I was toying with the idea of doing monthly empties, but I honestly don't use enough products to have a very interesting post, so you can expect to see these posts regularly, just not monthly. Deal? Deal!

Let's start with the skincare items I've finished recently.

La Roche Posay Physiological Micellar Solution: This is the second micellar solution I've tried, and I have to say, I love them! I've also used the one from Vichy and I've been impressed with both. I do hope to try the famed Bioderma version soon! Basically, this is a really gentle makeup remover that can also be used to cleanse the skin. This particular micellar solution is targeted for sensitive skin (as are most of the micellar solutions I've seen) and it's very gentle while being really effective.

Philsophy Purity Made Simple: I loved this cleanser, especially when used in conjunction with my Clarisonic Mia, but a review of the ingredients label has kind of turned me off. I've been really interested in trying more natural skin care and eliminating some of those harsh chemicals from my routine, so I'm not sure that I'll be repurchasing this any time soon. It's a great cleanser, and I did enjoy using it, but I just want to find something with more naturally derived ingredients right now.
Garnier Skin Renew Clinical Dark Spot Corrector: I bought this back in April because I had developed some acne scars on my chin. I'm very prone to hyperpigmentation and a pretty nasty breakout left me covered in dark spots. I wasn't too sure about this product, but I have to say I was really impressed! The reviews were mixed; this seemed to work brilliantly for some people and others noticed no difference. I definitely saw my dark spots clear up after about 2 months of use and my skin was noticeably more even and healthy-looking (it's hard to describe, but hopefully you know what I mean!). This also provides some moisture as well, so normal to oily skin types can probably get away with wearing this as their moisturizer. Everyone who uses this does need to use SPF on a daily basis though, as this will make your skin more susceptible to sun damage! I really enjoyed this and would buy it in a heartbeat if I develop more dark spots!

And now on to the two hair products I finished:

TRESemmé Heat Tamer Spray: This is just about everyone's favorite heat protectant, and I am no exception. I think I've used half a dozen bottles of this and I will absolutely be buying more. I would say that I probably heat styled my hair for about a year before even realizing that heat protectant was a thing, let alone a thing I should be using. Since I started using it, I've noticed that my hair doesn't seem to develop split ends as quickly, which is awesome. I've also noticed that with this particular spray, my hair tends to resist the urge to puff up into a frizz ball when I blow-dry, which makes this my favorite. The smell is also a reason to love this product!
Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment: Oh my gosh. I love this stuff. Firstly, I must say that I'm impressed with how long this little bottle lasted. 1 fl. oz. lasted me about 4 months! Secondly, I can't say enough about how great this makes my hair look! It reduces frizz, smooths split ends, gives great shine, and makes your hair smell amazing (which has nothing to do with how your hair looks, but still). It's a little pricy, around $15 if I remember correctly, but as I said, it lasts a surprisingly long time and worked really well for me. I do want to try Moroccan Oil as some point, but I could definitely see myself repurchasing this.

Onto a few body care bits:

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (trial size): I'll be frank, I did not care for this lotion. It didn't moisturize my skin well; I found that I had to keep reapplying it. It had a bit of a funny smell, even for an unscented lotion. It felt a bit greasy on the skin and didn't spread as well as many other lotions I've tried. This just wasn't for me, and I won't be repurchasing it.
Caudalie Hand Cream: I received this in a Birchbox not too long ago (June I think?) and I loved it! This hand cream smells great, like sweet oranges, isn't greasy at all, absorbs quickly, and left my hands feeling soft and smooth. The only thing that this fell short on for me was moisturizing my hands when they got really dry. I work with a lot of chemicals and often wear rubber gloves at work, which leave my hands so dry they feel as if they're cracking. I've also developed skin so dry on the backs of my hands that they broke out into a rash. This is definitely not heavy-duty enough for that, but for regular daily use, this is an awesome hand cream! I probably wouldn't purchase this for myself (it runs about $19 for the full size) but I would definitely pick this up as a gift for someone else!

And finally, some makeup!

Maybelline Falsies Volum' Express Black Drama Mascara: This is great! I'm a huge fan of the whole Volum' Express line, and this didn't disappoint. It's pretty much the same as the regular Falsies, but it's a very intense black color that adds extra drama to your look. This gives great length and volume without clumping, and definitely provides that near-false lash effect. I rarely repurchase mascaras immediately (as in, I never buy the same mascara twice in a row) because there is always something new to try, but I will definitely pick this one up again in the future.
Jouer Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink: Another BB product! This was a fantastic gloss, which means a lot coming from someone who pretty much despises lip gloss! The formula isn't sticky and wears for about 3 hours, which is pretty great for a gloss, but the selling point for this one is the color! It looks like a crazy hot pink in the tube, but it's actually a really flattering pink for any skin tone. On me, it definitely brightens up my face without being super in-your-face. I'm not sure that I would repurchase this because I have so many lippies that need to be used up, but I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun pink that is super flattering!
YBF Brow Pencil in Universal Taupe: This was a life-changing product for me. Seriously. Before receiving this from Birchbox, I never filled in my brows. I just never thought I needed to. And now I can't believe how wrong I was. It makes such a huge difference! This particular pencil is great because it's universal; depending on your hair color, you adjust the amount of pressure you use while applying this and you get your perfect shade! It's foolproof. This product has made doing my brows everyday an absolute must. I have found, however, that I prefer using powder over pencil (my current fave: MAC's Brun eyeshadow!), so I don't plan on purchasing this again any time soon, but I did really love it and highly recommend it!

Whew! That's it! Those are the products I've used up recently. What have you been reaching for and using up lately?

Best of: June 2012

2012-06-30T13:51:00.001-07:00

For me, June has been a month of simplicity. I've spent this month working at a less-than-glamourous job (unless anyone out there thinks being a housekeeper in a hotel is glamourous?) and haven't felt the need to get too dolled up. So, the best products of this month, in my opinion, are the ones that have helped me get out the door as quickly as possible while still looking somewhat presentable.

So first, the makeup products I've been loving. As I said, I've been keeping it very simple.

Sin, Naked, Buck and Smog

Urban Decay Naked Palette: I don't wear eyeshadow to work, but on my days off, I've been reaching for this non-stop. The four colors I've been gravitating towards are Sin, Naked, Buck, and Smog. Sin is a great inner-corner highlight color, while Naked is the perfect matte lid color. I usually rotate between Buck and Smog in the crease, depending on how much shimmer I want that day.
Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller in Medium/Deep: During the week, I am the oh-so-glam housekeeper, but on the weekends, I am my hotel's even-more-glam continental breakfast fairy (meaning that I essentially keep the breakfast bar stocked and clean up after people). The best part of the job? Having to be there at 6AM! This stuff keeps me from looking like the walking dead. I just roll a bit under each eye, blend with my ring finger, and immediately look more awake. This doesn't totally cover my dark circles, but it's a huge, and quick improvement!
MAC MSF Natural in Medium Deep: This powder is typically a shade too dark for me, but now that summer is here, it's the perfect color! I love layering this over my next favorite to help set my makeup and give a really perfect yet natural finish to my skin.
Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream in Medium/Deep: That name is a mouthful! This is a product that most people seem to be very hot or cold on. I happen to like it quite a bit! I don't think it's a miracle product, despite the name, but I do like using it in place of my morning moisturizer; then it becomes a two-in-one product. Not only does it do a fair job of moisturizing my skin, which is pretty much normal during the summer months, but it evens out my skin tone, which is my biggest concern at the moment. Most people say this leaves you looking really greasy, which I can understand. My skin tends to be on the drier side of normal (as in, I never really get oily but I'm also not experiencing dry patches at the moment) and this still does leave a bit of a sheen on my skin similar to the sheen one would get from using an illuminating skin primer. Once I set this with the MSF Natural, my skin has a very natural finish to it: it's neither shiny nor matte, but right in between and it stays this way all day. I'll be doing a more in-depth review on this later, but for now, suffice it to say I'm really liking this at the moment.

Briefly, some body care items:

Vaseline Deep Conditioning Cocoa Butter: I love this stuff! It does an amazing job of moisturizing my skin, smells amazing, and is really light, a must for summertime. My skin alway looks healthier and more radiant when I use this.
Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea Fragrance Mist: I don't like to wear heavy scents to work, especially when I'm working with food, so I've been reaching for this all month long. I'm sure you know what this smells like, so I won't attempt to describe it for you (not that my scent descriptions are helpful at all anyway) but I love that it's a very light fragrance. It's one you notice, but aren't overpowered by.
Philosophy Black Cherry Italian Soda 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath: OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE THIS STUFF! Ever since receiving the Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift this year, I've been wanting to get my hands on another Philosophy 3-in-1. As soon as I saw this scent, I knew I had to have it. I love the scent of cherries and I have to admit I'm a fan of the cherry soda. This smells so divine (I admit I sniffed it for an embarrassingly long time in Sephora and got weird looks from pretty much everyone, but it just smells so amazing!). I don't know how the get the effervescent smell of a carbonated drink in a shower gel, but somehow, they managed to do it. It's really as if you can smell the fizz! That combined with black cherry and a hint of vanilla creates heaven in a bottle. I seriously cannot get enough.

And my final favorite is my current makeup setup! Again, I'll be going more in depth on this soon, but I bought these great acrylic drawers that I've fallen in love with. I just love being able to see everything and having it all in one compact space. I'm a little obsessed with it, and I have to admit, as a former makeup hoarder, I'm really glad to have whittled my collection down to this size.

Feel free to let me know what products you've been loving, any requests you have for reviews (or other types of posts), or anything else you think I should know! Have a beautiful day and thanks for reading!

Guess Who's Back!!

2012-06-27T19:12:00.004-07:00

Hi all!
So, obviously I've been AWOL for awhile. To make a long story short, things got very busy and I got stuck in a beauty rut, leaving me totally uninspired. Somewhere between finishing sophomore year of college, starting a summer job that keeps me pretty busy, and embarking on a weight loss journey (which I can share more about if anyone is interested; let me know!) I somehow lost my blogging fire, if you know what I mean. But now I'm starting to get my mojo back in a big way.
I have plans. Oh yes, I have plans.
There will be plenty of reviews, monthly favorites, the occasional haul, all as per usual, but I will also be adding some fashion as well as the random DIY/tutorial covering everything from food to nails.
Thanks for sticking with me and don't hesitate to follow this blog so you don't miss a thing!
Here's to getting one's mojo back!

Influenster Love VoxBox!

2012-03-13T18:04:00.003-07:00

Hello lovelies! Today I want to share with you my Influenster Love VoxBox. Influenster is a really cool website where you earn badges by filling questionnaires and based on your badges, you get the opportunity to receive a box with various products to try! This is my first box through them, but I really hope it's not my last!

An overview of the things I recieved:

Venus & Olay Razor
Truvia natural sweetener
Stash Herbal Tea Sampler
Ghirardelli chocolate bar
Kiss Nail Dress stick-on manicure

I have had the chance to try out each of these products and I have to say I'm really impressed with everything in this box! Here are my thoughts on the products:

The Venus & Olay razor is one of the best I've tried! Normally I go for whatever inexpensive razors I can find, but I don't think I could go back after trying this! It has 5 blades, which ensures a close shave, but best of all it has moisture bars that not only keep your skin soft and moisturized, but it creates a nice lather while you're shaving. This is great for travel because you don't have to worry about bringing shave cream with you! This particular razor is one that you buy refill cartridges for and keep the handle (rather than the whole thing being disposable) and I will definitely be buying more cartridges for this!

Next is the Kiss Nail Dress maniucre. I've tried a few of these stick-on manicures before, from brands like Sally Hansen and Incoco, and I have to say, I'm not a fan. I have somewhat oddly shaped nails (they're very broad and round) so I tend to stick with nail polish. These are nice, and I think for people who enjoy these types of manicures they'll be great, but I'll stick with my regular polish, I think.

I also received a box of Truvia sweetener. It comes in those little packets that you get at diners, which I think is so cute! The only downside is that I find I don't need a whole packet for my tea and coffe because this stuff is really sweet! It's definitely much sweeter and better-tasting in general compared to Splenda, which I hate. I can definitely see myself buying this in the future, but perhaps not in the little packets.

Next is the Stash Herbal Tea Sampler. I am a huge tea drinker; I have a cup every night. I really love that these teas are caffeine free so I don't have to worry about being kept up all night. I will say that I typically don't go for fruit-flavored tea, but I really like these. They're really smooth and have a distinctive flavor. I don't know if it's just me, but for whatever reason I find that flavored teas (especially those that are supposed to be fruity) all kind of taste the same to me. This is another product that I will repurchase in the future!

Finally we have the Ghirardelli Creamy Devotion Milk Chocolate. Let me just say that I LOVE chocolate, so I was definitely excited to see this. I don't typically go for gourmet chocolates, but I'm going to have to start now. This stuff is AMAZING! It's so creamy and smooth and rich and... ugh. It's just so good. The bar is divided into squares that can easily be broken off, so it's less tempting to eat the whole thing (but only slightly) and it's easier to eat the right portion size. I don't know what else I can say except this chocolate is by far my favorite.

Disclaimer: I did receive these products free of charge from Influenster, but before you go thinking that I'm all fancy getting stuff sent to me, anyone can sign up at influenster.com, earn badges, and receive awesome boxes like this one! I also want to note that I receive no compensation for this post; I'm just so excited about this I couldn't help but share!

Best Of: February 2012

2012-03-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

As you may have seen by my recent haul, I managed to acquire quite a few new items this past month, many of which you'll probably be seeing in next month's Best Of. However, the products I found myself reaching for this month were a lot of old favorites. Here they are!

Yes to Cucumbers Makeup Remover Wipes: These are my absolute favorite makeup wipes. I can't tell you how many packs I've gone through. They're very soothing for sensitive skin and don't irritate my eyes. I also really like that the wipes are biodegradable and cruelty free. Some people don't particularly like the smell (it is quite strong) but I don't mind it. These do quite a good job of removing makeup, but I always follow them up with another cleanser to really cleanse my skin.
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack and ELF's Angled Liner Brush: These two are a match made in heaven! For the longest time this gel liner has sat in my collection unused because I didn't really like the way it applied. While walking through Target I came across this brush and decided to give it a try. These two seriously work amazingly together. The liner brush gives me the most control out of any liner brushes I've used; it's so easy to create whatever type of line you want. The liner itself is very smooth and pigmented and stays all day.
Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea Fine Fragrance Mist: This is definitely a classic. I don't know that I've come across anyone that doesn't like this scent. It's been my go-to for everyday because it smells light, floral, and sweet.
Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Rollerball: I die. This scent is absolutely amazing. I reach for it all the time, and I find that it actually mixes quite well with Sweet Pea; I dab a bit of this on my wrist and use 2 spritzes of Sweet Pea, mainly on my clothes, and I'm good to go. This is definitely the more powerful of the two scents, but it doesn't overpower Sweet Pea. This is the perfect blend of grapefruit and vanilla. Two of my favorite types of scents are citrus and vanilla so this is like heaven for me. I do think that the full-size of this perfume will be my next fragrance purchase.
Origins Checks and Balances Cleanser: I've done a little bit of "travelling" this month (and by travelling I mean driving the 3 hours from my school to my house) and this is the cleanser I take with me. I've tried it before and was previously really unimpressed; it felt as though this was drying out my skin. Now, however, I find that it leaves my skin really balances and fresh-looking. I think it may have to do with the toner and moisturizer I was using when I tried this previously; neither were particularly moisturizing. I'm definitely impressed with this the second time around, although I'm not sure if I'll end up buying the full-size. Time will tell.
Zoya Austine: I adore this nail polish. It a light, somewhat rosy-gold and it just looks stunning. I reach for it way too much. I get the distinct feeling that I will be wearing this all the time this spring and summer!

Tell me, what were you loving in February?

Brief Update

2012-03-03T21:38:00.003-08:00

Hello all!

Things have been really busy/crazy recently, but Spring Break is fast approaching which means I'll have time to play catch-up soon, but I did want to do a little update for you just so you know I'm not dead!

We all know P10P was a fail for me. But I did realize that I haven't purchased any lip products or eye shadows so far this year, which are the two items I have WAY too much of, so I cooked up a new challenge for myself. I'm going to see if I can go all of 2012 without purchasing any lip products or eyeshadow. Hopefully in doing so I will use up some of the amazing products that have been sitting around unused in my collection. I might have to purchase a new lip balm, though, as the one I have here is on its last leg, although I need to check my stash the next time I'm at my house to see if I have any there. I only brought a small fraction of my collection with me to school, and I'm honestly unsure of everything I have stashed away at home. I've also decided that the best way to manage my fragrance habit is to allow myself to buy one new fragrance for every 3 I finish. So far I've finished one, Victoria's Secret Bombshell, which I absolutely adored. Now I'm working on Ralph by Ralph Lauren, and Sweet Pea and Japanese Cherry Blossom from Bath and Body Works. No telling so far which of these will be the first two to bite the dust; I'll keep you updated.

I hope you're all doing well! My favorites will hopefully be up tomorrow (willing that the sun chooses to cooperate and allow me to take a semi-decent photo) and I might be able to post a review this week. I've come across a really awesome product that I really want to share (hint: it was featured in a recent haul...), so be on the lookout for that!

Recent Collective Haul

2012-02-26T16:32:00.003-08:00

I've been doing a fair bit of shopping recently, and I thought I would share with you what I've picked up and what I think of them so far. I've used everything a few times, enough to give you a preliminary idea of what I think, but more in-depth reviews will be coming soon!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Brightener: I couldn't decide on an actual concealer shade (medium looked too light while honey looked too dark) so I decided to go with the brightener. I figured I could use this under my foundation if it didn't blend well with my skin. However, this blends in really nicely and does a wonderful job of brightening my under-eye area. This can also be used to highlight the face, so it's like getting two products in one!
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturizer: One of my goals for this year is to protect my skin better, but that doesn't mean I don't want to be tan! (or more tan than I already am...) This is a really nice self tanner. I've been testing it out on my legs, which have gone really pale as they always do this time of year. After two uses, this brought my legs back to the color of the rest of my body. It does have a bit of that self tanner smell as it develops, but it's not bad. It's definitely much better than the Jergens Natural Glow.
Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel: I finally finished up my enormous bottle of Clinique's toner and I wanted to switch to something alcohol free. My research kept turning up this product and the reviews were nothing short of glowing. This toner smells really nice and after using it twice a day for only three days so far, my skin looks more even, more pores are less noticeable, and my skin is so soft! This also doesn't dry out my skin at all and when I apply it my skin doesn't go scarlet the way it always did the instant I used the Clinique toner.
Beauty Blender 2 pack: I ordered this from Birchbox with my points, so these were free! I've wanted to try the Beauty Blender for so long. I decided on the double pack so that I can give one to my mom because despite the fact that Birchbox samples these adorable sponges this month, neither of us got one. I've used this twice and both times the result looked flawless!
Johnson's Baby Shampoo: Perhaps the least exciting of my purchases, but I got this to clean the Beauty Blender, and it works like a charm! It gets all the makeup out of the sponge at the fraction of the cost of Beauty Blender's own Blender Cleanser.

February 2012 Birchbox

2012-02-19T18:41:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies! I got the products from my February Birchbox yesterday (it was shipped to my house and my mom mailed it to me at school; how sweet!) and I have to admit that initially I was disappointed. But through the magic of actually trying the products rather than just discarding them, I found this box to be a hidden gem!

Here are the products along with brief reviews (I went crazy and tried nearly everything yesterday!):

BLK DNM Perfume: This is interesting. It's quite heavy and spicy and smells more like a cologne to me. It is a unisex scent, so it can be worn by men as well. I actually really like the scent. It's definitely something I'd like on a man but I could see myself wearing this at night as well.
Eye Rock Stick-On Eye Liner: This is the only product I haven't tried yet. I have deeply set eyes, so I can't wear winged liner because there's a small crease at the corner of my eye that makes winged or extended liner look funny. I'll let you know how these work out.
La Fresh Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover: This was probably the item I was least excited about, but after giving it a try I'm in love! They are tuscan orange scented and smell absolutely amazing. Since they're acetone-free they don't have that harsh chemical smell at all. They also leave behind a little oil behind that you can massage into your nails and cuticles to condition them. LOVE THESE!
Heart-Shaped Nail Filing Board: This is a cute little extra. It works like any emory board but is much cuter!
Exude Lipstick in Coral: This is a full-sized product (!) and it's in the perfect color for me. It's a gorgeous coral color that works really well on my tanned complexion. The applicator is a clear acrylic lipstick shape and you twist the lip color up into it in order to apply it. It's very cool!

That's what I got this month! I know a lot of people were disappointed, but I'm so glad I gave this month a chance! I also used my points to place an order, so keep an eye out for a full-sized Birchbox haul in the near future!

Chanel Haul

2012-02-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

I, like most of you I'm sure, have been hearing absolute rave reviews about Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua foundation and I just couldn't resist anymore. After doing extremely thorough research online, I bit the bullet and placed an order through Chanel's website. Unfortunately there is nowhere near me that sells Chanel makeup, so I couldn't go get matched, but I researched heavily online and fortunately I got the right shade, B50 Beige Sienne. Normally I go with more pink-toned foundations but I realized that I have more yellow undertones and the redness is from my skin's sensitivity. That would explain why my foundations never matched my neck. This foundation, however, blends seamlessly and actually makes my face match my neck without having to blend all the way down! I also got two samples which I'm really excited to try as well. A full review of the foundation is coming soon, so look out for it in the near future!

Here are the samples:

Gentle Hydrating Toner 0.4 fl. oz.

Inimitable Intense Noir Mascara

And the main event!

Isn't the packaging gorgeous? I can't wait to do a thorough review for you guys!

Rave Review: La Roche-Posay Toleraine Riche Soothing Protecting Cream

2012-02-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

As you can tell by the title, I adore this moisturizer. I have dry, sensitive skin and this is one of my absolute favorite moisturizers. I've tried plenty of products that claim to moisturize and soothe and protect and all that, but this is one of two moisturizers that I've tried that truly are moisturizing, don't irritate my skin, and don't feel greasy AT ALL! (The other being Philosophy's Hope in a Jar)
This is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, no frills moisturizer. It's a basic, white, fragrance free cream. All you need is a pea-sized amount to moisturize your whole face. It absorbs into the skin really quickly, so it would be suitable for moisturizing before applying your makeup. It feels incredibly soothing and leaves your skin silky soft. This particular formula is for sensitive, dry skin, however they do make a version for sensitive skin that is combination/oily simply called Toleraine Soothing Protective Cream.

Admittedly, I was worried that this wouldn't be moisturizing enough, but I was dead wrong! After my total skin freak-out, this helped my super-dry skin balance itself out and has kept in comfortable ever since. It also helps soothe my post-washing redness and I've noticed my skin looks less red and blotchy overall.

You can purchase this anywhere La Roche-Posay products are sold, including the La Roche-Posay website. It will run you about $28 for 1.35 fl. oz., which is pricy, I know, but you only need to use a small amount each day, so the tube will last. I am also willing to shell out more for something that does exactly what I need, nothing more, nothing less. I highly recommend this moisturizer for anyone with sensitive skin who is looking for a simple, effective product. This also works wonderfully in conjunction with a micellar solution (a no-rinse, extremely soothing water-like face wash formulated especially for sensitive skin) and will leave sensitive skin comfortable, not irritated.

Cue the sad trombone

2012-02-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have failed. Epically.

Sorry to disappoint, but I have cheated on my P10P. Basically, I've found myself in a huge rut and I've been dying to try new things but I've begun using up so much of my collection that there's really not a whole lot of "new" to be had.

For example, I am down to one foundation, my Bare Minerals original foundation. While I love it, I find the finish to be pretty flat and would love to have the option of wearing something a little more dewey, which I don't. I also seem to have only one color family of lip products: slight variations on my own natural lip color. I love the bold lip look but can't create it myself because I don't have anything bold.

Basically, I'm just making excuses for my desire to shop. I will say that during the time I was doing P10P I did finish 10 products. Only 2 of them were on my original list, however. For most people this would be a completion of P10P, but it doesn't really fit with my original goals. I'm still proud of the fact that I finished products and I will continue to do so. Look out for a new "empties" post next week to see what I finished! I will also have a few more product reviews very soon.

Also, stay tuned for a haul in the near future...

Have a beautiful week!

Best Of: January 2012!

2012-01-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

What can I say? I kept it simple this month! Eventually I will do a post of some of my favorite products EVER but I don't like to include those in monthly favorites because that would get redundant. Instead I like to pick out the few products that really stood out for me during the month.

The best of this month:

Up&Up Daily Calming Moisturizer (generic for Eucerin Calming Cream): First I would just like to say that I love the Up&Up brand, and store brands in general. Being a broke college student, saving a few bucks on a product that it just as good as the name brand is a no-brainer! This month I had a huge eczema flare up and this was part of what helped my skin feel much more comfortable. I use this everyday, usually in the morning after I shower and again before I go to bed and my skin is noticeably more hydrated. I would recommend this to anyone with very dry skin looking for a fragrance free cream!
Vichy Micellar Solution: Sadly, I used up the last of this AMAZING product this month! Since I'm doing project 10 pan, I'll wait to buy a new micellar solution and make due with my makeup removing wipes since they're more "cost effective". This stuff is seriously amazing. You just pour a little on a cotton pad and swipe it over your face and it takes ALL of your makeup off. It seriously feels like water. It doesn't leave any greasy residue or anything like that. Another huge plus is that micellar solutions are incredibly gentle so they don't irritate sensitive skin like mine.
Bath & Body Works Secret Wonderland Lotion: This is one of my P10P items, and I've been loving it! It smells wonderful (even slightly like Viva La Juicy which also made this list) and it leaves my skin really soft. I use this on my hands as my body is pretty sensitive to scented lotions right now, but for whatever reason my hands don't tend to get as dry as the rest of my body.
Viva La Juicy: I got a sample of this with a Sephora order awhile back and then got another in my Birchbox. I loved the fragrance so much that my mom went out and bought a rollerball for me! (How sweet!) I've been obsessing over this scent. It's just so girly!
VMV Re-Everything Lotion: This worked wonders on my face when it started freaking out (it was a horrible month for me skin-wise). This is an exfoliating lotion that contains glycolic acid. I absolutely wouldn't recommend this for everyday use, but I've been using it about once a week and it's helped ward of dry patches and improved the texture of my skin. A quick tip: if you're going to use this on your face (although you can use it anywhere) follow it up with your normal moisturizer and be sure to wear and SPF during the day because like any product with glycolic acid, it will increase your sensitivity to the sun!
Neutrogena Visibly Even Cleanser: I've been using this cleanser every morning and I've really been liking it! It's a very gentle exfoliator, which feels really nice first thing in the morning. It also has a really fresh scent. Again, the gentle exfoliation has helped keep my dry patches at bay, while the creamy consistency doesn't leave your skin feeling dried out.

Review: Befine Exfoliating Cleanser

2012-01-29T12:33:00.000-08:00

The Befine Exfoliating Cleanser is one of the products Birchbox sampled prior to my becoming a subscriber. I was watching a lot of Birchbox hauls trying to decide whether to join and listened to people RAVING about this cleanser. While I did join Birchbox and never actually sampled this product, I had heard so many rave reviews that I decided to check it out!

I am so glad that I did!

This cleanser is wonderful! It's pretty gentle as far as exfoliators go. It's more harsh than something like the Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub, but it's nowhere near as harsh as St. Ives Apricot Scrub or Lush's Ocean Salt. As you wash with it the little exfoliating particles melt and the cleanser becomes this creamy, slightly foamy cleanser. It honestly feels amazing. As you rinse it off, your skin is left feeling smooth and soft, not stripped.

I have dry, sensitive skin, but I find this gentle enough to use every morning. As I said, it starts off exfoliating but melts into a really creamy cleanser, so it's really not harsh. It also does a wonderful job of getting rid of my dry, flaky patches which is one of my biggest skincare concerns.

Some people are a little turned off by the price. This cleanser typically retails for $25 for 4 fl. oz. of products. It is, however, very easy to find this for much less. I purchased my tube through Amazon.com for $8. You read that right, I paid $8 for a product that retails for $25. This product is also available through Birchbox.com where you can use points you earn through referring friends and reviewing products to pay for the product.

Overall, this is a lovely cleanser that can be used daily (although I would limit use to once a day) or less often in place of more harsh exfoliators. It's not drying and is in fact quite soothing. I would definitely recommend it!

January Birchbox!

2012-01-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I know this is a little late, but I accidentally forgot to change my shipping address from home to school, so I had to wait for my mom to bring it to me when she came to visit. I also want to apologize for the photo quality in this post and next couple of posts. My dorm has terrible lighting...

Okay. On to the good stuff! This month's box is one of my favorites. The theme was "clarity" and they included products to jumpstart a new skincare routine, add some color to your everyday makeup, and change up your signature scent. I have to say: I LOVE THEM ALL!

The products:

A Birchbox logo magnet (you can never have too many cute magnets!)
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash: I've used this before and it leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean! It's not my favorite cleanser ever, but it's pretty darn good.
LARABAR Mini Bar in Coconut Cream Pie: So tasty! I love coconut so this was a win in my book. It definitely reminded me of Mounds candy, but a healthier version!
Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture: This is one of my newest favorites. I got a sample of this with my Bare Minerals foundation and fell in love! So much so that my mom bought me a rollerball which I've been using constantly. There is just something about this super-girly fruity, floral scent that I just can't get enough of!
VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Face-Hand-Body Lotion: As many of you know, I've been having some skin trouble lately, so I was apprehensive about this product. I haven't tried it on my body due to my current eczema flare-up, but I've tried it on my face and OH MY GOSH it's amazing! It's an exfoliating lotion, so it leaves your skin glowing! And after one use my dry patches were gone. Amazing.
Stila Smudge Stick in Peacock: This is the product everyone has been raving about! It's a full-sized eyeliner in a gorgeous teal blue color. I am guilty of sticking with the same black liner everyday, but this adds a fun pop of color to my look. Perhaps my favorite thing about this liner is the fact that it stays put all day!

This was definitely an amazing box. I think maybe Birchbox is trying to step it up due to all of the competition that has been popping up. Personally I'm not all that interested in other subscription services because I've been really pleased with all of my boxes (there have only been a very small handful of products that I didn't absolutely love) and I love getting to try a wide variety of products. But if you are trying out another subscription service, let me know what you think about them!

Very Slight P10P Problem...

2012-01-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
So I know I said I wouldn't be purchasing any body care items (lotions, fragrances, things like that) but as I mentioned in my previous post, I've moved to a new university. One with a very large campus that is currently enduring the cold front many of us are feeling. The worst of it has to be the ridiculously cold wind.
And therein lies the problem.

Having to walk a considerable distance in this intense wind has caused my normally very mild eczema to go into overdrive. Seriously. I have never had it flare up this badly before. I'm even experiencing it on my face, which has never happened to me before, but thankfully my La Roche-Posay moisturizer is doing a wonderful job of keeping it in check.
My entire point of this post is that I will be purchasing a new lotion (I'm currently researching which ones are the best for my situation) and I know that TECHNICALLY I'm breaking P10P by buying a new body care item, but I feel like this is pretty well justified. In fact, I may substitute whatever I end up getting to soothe my skin for the lotion that's currently part of my P10P because right now I can't even imagine applying my Pure Seduction lotion without my skin burning. And since I can't use that lotion, it makes it a little hard to use up...
Basically, I just want to be honest with you and let you know that I will be buying something (for a VERY good reason!) because I want to do a review on it for my fellow eczema sufferers and I don't want anyone to think I've given up. Project 10 Pan is still on and going strong despite this minor bump in the road.
Promise.

Quick Update!

2012-01-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I know this isn't beauty related, but I wanted to let you know that I just moved to a new college (after a year and a half at my old one) and am currently trying to get settled, which means I may need a few more days before I have a post of substance again. I have some reviews I want to post and those will come soon, once I have a bit more of schedule and I'm not spending so much time trying to get used to my new home! It's like I have a million ideas and no time to get them written down!

Have a beautiful week and for those of you who get tomorrow off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, be productive and enjoy the long weekend!

Lots of love,
Laurel Anne

Holiday Beauty Haul!

2012-01-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

I finally have received everything that I ordered during the holidays, and now it's time for a rather LARGE haul!
*All items were purchased on or before December 31st. My Project 10 Pan began on January 1st! I promise, there is no cheating going on here!*

Some of the items were given to me as gifts, while other were purchased with money I received for Christmas/my birthday. And of course, there are some freebies in here too!

These are the items I received as Christmas gifts from my mother!

Pacifica Vanilla Set: This came with a 2.5 oz. Island Vanilla body butter as well as Vanilla Hibiscus lip balm. The lotion is super moisturizing and smells like sweet vanilla. It's perhaps a bit sweeter than I typically go for, but I find it surprisingly pleasant!
Neutrogena Visibly Even Foaming Cleanser: I had mentioned that I wanted to try the moisturizer, but my mother surprised me with the matching cleanser! I was pretty nervous about trying it because I tend to research products pretty heavily before buying them, especially when it comes to skincare. But the reviews for this are pretty good and I've been using it since Christmas and it's pretty nice!
Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer SPF 30: I am running low on my Origins Vitazing (review coming soon!) and wanted to find a cheaper alternative. I have a lot of uneveness and blotchiness which this moisturizer is supposed to help with and I love that it has SPF 30!

These are the gifts I bought myself (with the exception of the foundation which I accidentally put in the wrong picture; it was a birthday gift from my mother!).

Befine Exfoliating Cleanser: This was widely sampled in the Birchbox prior to my first month and it was one of the products that made me want to sign up! It sounded as though everyone loved it and I figured why not sign up for a service like Birchbox that could introduce me to products like this! I have used this twice and I can't wait to do a full review for you guys!
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Riche: I also wanted to purchase a moisturizer for nighttime and I've always really wanted to try La Roche-Posay, so I figured why not give this a try! I am still using my current nighttime moisturizer, but I'm excited to see how this works for my skin.
Bare Minerals Original Foundation in Medium Tan: I have sampled this a few times through those free little trial sets that Sephora offers periodically and I loved it! So I asked my mom for a full-sized jar for my birthday and she was kind enough to get it for me.
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: I've heard that this is an amazing moisturizing eye cream, so I wanted to check it out for myself. This is another product I plan on reviewing soon and (spoiler alert) I'm really glad I bought it!
L'Occitane Travel Sized Foot Cream: I had a coupon to get a free hand cream, so I decided why not try the foot cream too? This is a really soothing, refreshing cream that smells like mint and lavender.

Last but not least: FREEBIES! My mom ordered the Bare Minerals through Sephora, so of course I had to get samples, and I also had a few coupon codes for other freebies!

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance: Sephora currently has a coupon code (RADIANCE) that allows you to get a deluxe sample of this new primer. I have never tried a Laura Mercier primer but I'm really excited to (once I finish the ones on my list for P10P, of course!)
Cartier Baiser Volé Perfume: This is a lovely, light floral perfume. A tiny bit powdery, but it mostly smells like lilies, which I love.
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Perfume: I love this scent! Honestly, I just absolutely adore it.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: A brightening Vitamin C serum that is supposed to reveal brighter, younger looking skin.
L'Occitane Precious Eye Balm: This is an anti-aging eye cream that is supposed to hydrate and plump to reduce fine lines.
Eminence Cinnamon and Paprika Body Lotion: This sample totally caught me by surprise (it came with the La Roche-Posay moisturizer) and seemed like something I wouldn't like, but it's actually great! It smells like cinnamon and leaves your skin feeling super soft!
L'Occitane Trial Size Hand Cream: The best hand cream I've ever used. Your hands never feel greasy, it's lightweight and it smells like baby wipes (which is absolutely not a bad thing!). L'Occitane often has promotions to allow you to get a free hand cream.

That's everything! It's kind of a lot, I know, but I had the urge to stock up on skincare, as many of my products were running out, before I started Project 10 Pan and there were a lot of products that I really just wanted to try out! Look out for more in-depth review on many of these products in the future!