Ashley Brooke

September Favorites + NEW URL

2012-09-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that I have my September Favorites post up on my new URL here! Be sure to follow me on the new URL because this site will be deleted at the end of the month!

HURRY! $40 off ANY Paper Coterie purchase! + New Blog

2012-09-24T08:50:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to pop in and share two quick and fun announcements.

1. I have a new (ish) blog! Basically, I've just been having a lot of trouble with this account (people hacking in, glitchy-ness), so I'm officially moving to this new URL! Be sure to check out my latest posts on my favorite outfits from the Emmys last night, and if you're kind, feel free to follow my new blog :) This address will only be up for the next few weeks, and all new posts will be on the other blog.

2. Today is the LAST day to take advantage of an amazing P aper Coterie deal. It's so easy- go to Paper Coterie, and you'll get $40 off ANY purchase (no minimums) when you enter the code Welcome 2012 at checkout! I've literally been scanning the website all day figuring out what to buy! They have the most adorable stuff, but here are some of my favorite ideas!

I love their customized journals and planners!

I'm also thinking about creating a wedding book or a memory keeper from their templates!

Christmas gift tags! They also have adorable Halloween favor tags!

I love the idea of these swatch books! They have Christmas, birthday, and all sorts of fun templates! What a cute idea for recipes, gifts, keepsakes, or party favors!

I've never seen these pictures sleeves anywhere before! What a fun idea for holidays or birthdays!

And of course...they have some of the most adorable Christmas cards!

...and you can get $40 of them free here with the code Welcome2012 at checkout!

I hope you all get something awesome! I'm thinking I'll probably end up with the photo book, planner, and/or Christmas cards! Let me know what you end up getting :)

enjoy shampoo + conditioner {review + giveaway}

2012-06-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my last post, my hair and I do not get along. Even though my hair is naturally dry, I still color-process and heat-process it and use all sorts of fancy products to get my locks to mind their manners (fyi: i'll be doing a whole post of my fav hair products soon!). In my search for my the perfect products, many, MANY products have failed me. There are so many gimmicky products that claim miracles and do absolutely NOTHING, so when I find a product that actually makes a visible difference in my hair I am overjoyed. I've been experimenting with quite a few new hair products recently, and I honestly hated like five or six products in a row. They either didn't do anything or made my hair feel worse. Then these babies arrived in my mailbox.

I've heard so many good things about the Enjoy Luxury line from bloggers, YouTubers, and magazines over the past two years, but to be honest...I never gave it a chance because I thought it might be an overhyped, super-expensive product. While the price tag isn't small, I can now say that it is a great product. I've been using the Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner for a few weeks now, and I have seen a noticeable difference in my hair's texture and manageability.

Enjoy Sulfate-Free Luxury Shampoo 10.1 fl oz / 300 ml $24.14
When I saw that this shampoo was sulfate-free, I had my doubts. I've had REALLY bad luck with sulfate-free shampoos. I know that they're better for color-treated hair, but I honestly cannot stand a shampoo that doesn't lather. I also feel like most sulfate-free shampoos leave my feeling oily and flat. With all of that said, I could not have been more wrong about this shampoo. It lathers just as well as a normal shampoo would, and it leaves your hair feeling clean and not stripped. I really love this shampoo. The only thing I can fault it on is the packaging and the smell. I feel like the shampoo's quality matches but the price tag, but I feel like the plastic bottle does not. I wish it came in a little sturdier, higher-quality packaging. Also, I am not crazy about the fake banana scent, but I can live with it because it doesn't linger in your hair for too long. With all that said, it's my new go-to shampoo!

Enjoy Luxury Conditioner 10.1 fl oz / 300 ml $27.84

This conditioner is definitely more of a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment than a traditional conditioner. It's super rich and moisturizing and has an extremely thick consistency. My hair is very dry, so I only wash my hair about 2-3 times a week- so I can use this conditioner every time I shower. If you have normal hair, this conditioner might be better as a once a week treatment. Again, totally in love. My hair has been smooth, manageable, and much more obedient :) I have noticed less breakage on my ends, and I have had a substantial decrease in fly-away, wayward pieces of hair. I love, love, love this conditioner, but again...not a fan of the scent or packaging. This super thick conditioner would be much easier to use in a container with a screw-on lid. The plastic squeeze bottle is just too hard to get product out of. It also has a fake banana smell, but I love the texture of this product so much that I let it slide!

I would highly recommend this shampoo and conditioner to anyone with color-treated, very dry/damaged hair. It's definitely more of an investment purchase, but it might be a nice treat to use once a week if you're on a budget! Enjoy is sold exclusively at professional hair salons, and you can find a salon near you at the Enjoy Hair website.

I can now say that I'm definitely a fan of the Enjoy Luxury line, and I'm so happy that one of my readers will get a chance to try out these products for themselves! Enjoy has generously offered to giveaway one set of the Enjoy Luxury line!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product was sent for review; however, all opinions are my honest and genuine thoughts. Enjoy is generously providing the giveaway prize.

yu-be skin and body {review + giveaway!}

2012-06-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

While my facial skin is as oily as can be, my lips, hair, and skin are on the opposite end of the spectrum- super dry...and I mean dry. Alligator skin, flaky lips, and straw-like hair are not a good look, so I've made it my lifelong mission to find the most hydrating products to alleviate my dry skin. I'm always drawn to the moisturizers with fancy packaging and delicious scents, and while they do provide moisture temporarily, I don't really feel like they're treating the dryness- they're just covering it up.

I recently had the opportunity to try out a few products from the Yu-Be line, and I jumped at the chance because I had recently seen the line mentioned in Lucky, Elle, and InStyle. Apparently, Yu-Be's Moisturizing Skin Cream is the #1 selling medicated skin cream in Japan, and their entire line of products are medicated moisturizers formulated for sensitive skin. I was really curious to see how my skin reacted to these products because they seemed kind of hyped-up. I tested out five products in total, and I was really impressed overall- definitely lives up to the hype.

Moisturizing Body Lotion 10.25 fl oz / 300ml $29 : This body lotion has a glycerin-based formula with vitamin E, B2, and camphor. I really liked this lotion. While it wasn't greasy, it did take a few minutes to absorb into my skin completely. My skin felt completely moisturized and stayed smooth all day long. The camphor smell is definitely there (smells like Vicks Vaporub or menthol), but I noticed that it faded away completely about 1-2 minutes after applying the lotion. I also really like the functional packaging of this product. I love products that have pumps, and this lotion also has an additional piece that goes underneath the pump for traveling to prevent spillage. This product can be apparently be used on your body and face; however, I wouldn't use it on your face unless you have very dry skin. The price is a bit high for a lotion, though- even a very good lotion.

Foaming Skin Polish 7oz / 200g $18 : This exfoliating product contains rice bran grains, ginger and ginseng extracts, green tea, geranium oil, and camphor to gently remove dead skin while providing some hydration. I really like this scrub because it's a good moderate level of exfoliation. The rice bran grains are small enough to be gentle and non-irritating, but there are enough particles in the product to actually provide exfoliation. The skin polish is slightly moisturizing, but it's doesn't leave any film or residue. I didn't notice any smell with the skin polish, and I've really been enjoying using this before self tanning. This scrub is another product that can be used on the face or body. I really do enjoy using this product, but again...a little pricey!

Heel & Elbow Moisturizing Socks 1 pair / $13 : These are very thin socks that cover the heel of your foot or your elbow. They're made with a bacteria-absorbing material called chitosan, but they feel like a normal cotton sock. Basically, you soak your heels or elbows in warm water, apply the moisturizing skin cream to are, and cover the area with the socks to lock in the moisture overnight. I did feel like this product made a big difference to my dry heels, but I'm not really sure the socks were necessary. I think that normal socks could have easily been substituted in- the skin cream is really the miracle worker, not the socks.

Moisturizing Skin Cream 1.25 oz / 33g $16 : This cream is the signature product in the Yu-Be, and it's apparently the #1 selling medicate skin care cream in Japan. This thick glycerin balm can be used for extremely dry skin, cuticles, chapped lips, cracked heels, calluses, and sunburns. I really do love this stuff. So far, I've enjoyed using the skin cream as a heavy-duty lip balm, hand cream, and cuticle cream. The cream resembles a body butter in appearance, but it feels more like a hydrating makeup primer when you apply it. It's not greasy or oily, and while it does have a slight camphor smells at first it dissipates quickly. I do not use this as an all-over moisturizer- it's more of an ointment for severely dry areas and problem spots.

Lip Therapy 0.15 oz / 4.2g $5 : This lip balm contains camphor and vitamin E to sooth dry, chapped lips. It's unflavored and has a light and slightly sweet rosemary scent. It's extremely moisturizing, yet there isn't a greasy or glossy appearance to the lips after applying this balm. I've been using this lip balm every day underneath my lipstick or lipgloss, and I feel like it's a great lip primer. Although it's marketed solely as a lip balm, I feel like this product could also be used on cuticles or extremely dry patches of skin.

Overall, I really enjoyed using Yu-Be's entire line, and I think the products are unique and effective. I'd definitely consider purchasing all of these products; however, I'm not really sure the socks are worth the money. I do think the prices are a little on the steep side, but I can appreciate that they're multi-functional and gentle enough to use on your face and body. In my opinion, the standout is definitely their signature moisturizing skin cream.

Now on to the fun part! Would you like to try out these products for yourself? Yu-Be has kindly offered to send an Ashley Brooke reader a sample pack of products to try out for themselves! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Products were sent for review; however, all opinions stated my genuine and honest opinions. Yu-Be generously offered to provide the giveaway prize.

new fav {styleunited}

2012-05-31T23:35:00.003-07:00

I've always been fascinated with makeup and fashion. As a little girl, I smashed my mom's Chanel lipsticks all over my face and paraded around the house in her high heels and jewelry. Even though I looked like a crazy person, I felt so glamorous and grown up. Now that I'm older, I'm still style-obsessed, and I'm constantly searching the internet for new sources of tips, tricks, and inspiration.

My latest find is StyleUnited - a beauty/fashion/hair website started by brands such as CoverGirl, Frederic Fekkai, Olay, and DDF Skincare. I personally love all of those brands, so I was excited to check the site out. I found out about StyleUnited from SheSpeaks (another GREAT resource for women!), and I almost always love their suggestions, so I figured I'd check out the website. StyleUnited offers quite a few features, but my personal favorites are the video tutorials from fashion, hair, and makeup professionals and one-on-one beauty consultations with professionals. I probably spent a good hour looking through all of the video tutorials, and my favorites were the tutorials on how to achieve a festive evening ponytail, the Hamptons chic look from DKNY's Spring/Summer fashion show, and seeing some hair looks from various Spring/Summer fashion shows in NYC.

I'm really excited to try out the one one one beauty consultation! Basically, you schedule an appointment online, and one of StyleUnited's beauty professionals will give you a free 30-minute consultation with advice on skincare, makeup, and hair products that would suit your particular needs. The consultation is via webcam or phone, and I just think it is the coolest idea. I'm scheduling mine soon, and I'll definitely let you know how it goes! After joining StyleUnited, you can also add your friends to your "Inner Circle" and share your finds with them or get their advice on products you might like. Also, StyleUnited is running a fabulous giveaway right now! You can enter to win a $500 gift certificate from Nordstrom or Macy's {here}

What are your favorite beauty and style resources online? Let me know your favorite blogs and websites!

I am not affiliated with StyleUnited, and I was not compensated for this post. I received the opportunity to check out the StyleUnited website from SheSpeaks, but it is a free service and everyone has the opportunity to join and browse the site for themselves :) StyleUnited will provide products for review to this blog.

back from vegas!

2012-05-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies! So sorry for the absence...I've been in Vegas! My dad has a work conference in Las Vegas every year, so he normally hops on over to LA to visit me. This year, I thought I'd visit him in Vegas- my dad couldn't believe that I lived only a few hours away and had never been. I'm pretty boring lol, so I thought Vegas wouldn't be a good fit for a vacation. I was definitely wrong! After touring all of the gorgeous hotels/casinos and eating at some amazing restaurants, I'm officially a fan! Here's a recap of my week- be sure to follow me on Instagram to get daily updates. I had such an amazing time, and I can't wait to get back into the swing of blogging. This week I'll be announcing the winners of my 1st Blogiversary Giveaway, reviewing a few products, and holding giveaways for My Memories scrapbooking software, Benefit cosmetics, Invite Cottage, Honey Bunches of Oats, and more!

Also, be sure to check out the group giveaway going on right now at Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson . I'm giving away a 250x250 ad space, and there are 10 other prizes up for grabs!

From top left clockwise: 1. Check in at the Paris hotel 2. Eiffel Tower at Paris
3. Another shot of the gorgeous Paris hotel 4. Inside the Venetian hotel 5. Gondala rides inside Venetian
6. City shopping streets inside the Venetian 7. Beautiful ceilings inside the Wynn 8. Waterfall near the exit of the Wynn 9. The BEST fried rice of my entire life at Red at the Wynn 10. Menu from Red at the Wynn
11. Super cool ceiling at Red 12. The most amazing umbrella waterfall at the Wynn 13. They had ongoing shows that displayed on this waterfall, and people also danced on the water in front of it! 14. My favorite garden walkway in the Wynn

weekly beauty coupons!

2012-05-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest beauty coupons for the week! As always, I'll be sure to update this post throughout the week to add any new coupons that I find! Be sure to combine these coupons with store sales to get the best deal. Let me know in the comments if you find any great deals to combine with these coupons! Also, don't forget to enter Ashley Brooke's 1st Blogiversary Giveaway {here}.

Makeup Products

$1.50 off 2 Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers

$1.00 off ALMAY Cosmetics & Makeup Removers

$2.00 off Revlon eye makeup item

SAVE $1.00 on ANY Colour Riche lip or L’Oréal Paris lip product

Buy 1 RapidLash, Save $10.00. Expires 5/9/2012. (Only at CVS)

Fragrance

$3.00 off any Heidi Klum Shine Fragrance

Skincare Products

$2.00 off one GARNIER MOISTURIZER Product

$2.00 off any one (1) Clearasil PerfectaWash™

$2.00 off any Sally Hansen Wax Kit

SAVE $1.00 on any ONE (1) Garnier Skincare Product

SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal Paris skincare item (excludes trial size)

SAVE $5.00 On ANY DermaSilk® Full Size Product

Hair Products

$1.00 off ANY (1) GARNIER FRUCTIS Shampoo

$2.00 off any L'Oreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss

$1.00 off 1 GARNIER FRUCTIS Product

SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal haircolor product

Body Products

$1.00 off Coppertone Suncare Product

SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun product

SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze product

$2.00 off (2) TWO Dial Body Washes

$2.00 off any 2 Dry Idea Roll-Ons or Gels

$2.00 off one EUCERIN PRODUCT 13.5 oz or larger

$1.00 off PURELL portable size Hand Sanitizers.

$1.00 off any Mitchum or Mitchum for Women product

Save $1.00 on any one (1) Gold Bond Ultimate® Lotion or Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer (excl. 1oz size)

love you mom! {mother's day gift ideas}

2012-05-03T19:19:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day is just over a week away, so I hope these ideas will help you find the perfect gift to honor your mom. My mother is so selfless and loving, so I always enjoys finding things that she's never buy for herself to spoil her a bit on her special day! Don't forget to enter the One Year Blogiversary giveaway {here}! There's only a few days left to enter!

1. ASOS Skinny Cross Bangle also available in silver $10.91
I think that this bracelet is a classic that any mom would love. It's light, affordable, and has a great, simple design.

2. Tory Burch Bengal Small iPhone 4 Case $48
Fancy IPhone cases are always a luxury for my mom. It's something she loves, but she would never spend the money on herself. This Tory Burch case is fun but still classy.

3.Estée Lauder Mad Men Collection Lipstick in Cherry $28
Who doesn't need a great red lipstick? This limited edition Mad Men lipstick from Estee Lauder has a lovely formulation and incredible packaging. A classic color that will never go out of style.

4. Fleur De Lys Tumbler available in pink, yellow, and clear $8
A few years ago, I bought a set of these Fleur De Lys tumblers for my mom, and she absolutely LOVED them. At the time, they only came in clear, but I think it would be such a cute idea to buy a set in a variety of colors for your mom! These tumblers are beautiful and wonderful for everyday use as well as entertaining.

5. Elephant Teapot $15.79
As a child, I used to buy my mom a teapot every year for Mother's Day! This elephant teapot would an adorable gift. Fill it with several kinds of tea and honey to make it extra special.

6. Ribbon Wreath $40
My mom is a huge college football fan, and she loves hosting tailgate parties! I think a ribbon wreath would be a super cute way for her to celebrate her alma mater in style- except I'll have to order the wreath in Florida State's garnet and gold!

7. Tarte The Luxe List Amazonian Clay Color Collection $44
Tarte products are amazing, and I think this kit is a fantastic kit for anyone. The kit includes mascara, eyeshadow quad, finishing powder, lip tint, brush, eyeliner, and a highlighter in neutral colors that will flatter every skin tone. It also includes a really nice makeup bag!

8. Kate Spade Mom Always Said Idiom Bangle Bracelet $58
I am in love with this bracelet. It is the perfect gift for mothers, sisters, and yourself (as a tribute to your mom, of course!). The outside of the bracelet is engraved with mom-like sayings, such as "take a chance," "have courage," "eat your vegetables," and "wear sunscreen," while the inside is engraved with "mom always said." I just think it's so cute- can't wait to get one for myself and several for presents!

9. Gorjana Friendship Heart Bracelets $55 Matching Earrings $55
I think these friendship bracelets are such a fun idea! Both you and your mom will have a special piece of jewelry to remind you of each other. There's also a matching earring set!

10. Name Plaque $30
Name plaques are so versatile! Your mom can proudly display hers (with a customized pattern and whatever words/name you'd like) around the house or at her office. I recently got a name plaque from Unique and Chic Creations (post coming soon!), and it is beyond adorable in our home. I've already gotten so many compliments from friends! I'm thinking my mom would love a plaque with her name or something cute like "World's Best Mom!"

april 2012 julep maven box

2012-04-30T23:41:00.001-07:00

This month I bought Julep Maven's Classic with a Twist box, and I am completely in love with both of the polishes.

The nail polishes were the standouts of the box- especially Mandy, a bright coral red! It's literally been on my nails since I got this box a few weeks ago. Gorgeous, gorgeous color for summer. It has a slightly neon quality that separates it from every other red out there. Susie is a very, very pale mint. As pale as you can get before white. The color is very hard to capture on camera, but it looks really beautiful on and makes you look tan!

I also got The Best Pedi Creme Ever and two toe separators. I haven't tried the Pedi Creme yet, but I've heard that it's incredible- I'll keep you posted! To be honest, I wasn't too thrilled about the toe separators. I would've preferred a sample of one of their other products, but overall I did like this box! Mandy alone is amazing enough to make me happy :)

If you're interested in joining Julep Maven, you can get your first box for only one cent with the code COLORS4ONE

Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway {here}

weekly beauty coupons!

2012-04-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a good deal? Here are this week's newest beauty product coupons! Let me know if you score any good deals! Also, be sure to enter my First Blogiversary Giveaway {here}!

Makeup Products

SAVE $1.00 on ANY Colour Riche lip or L’Oréal Paris lip product
$2.00 off Revlon Eye Makeup Item at Target
$1.50 off any Maybelline New York Eye Studio
$1.00 off ONE MAYBELLINE NEW YORK DREAM product
$1.00 off Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Gel Shadow

$1.50 off 2 Lip Shimmers

Skincare Products

SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal Paris skincare item (excludes trial size)

$1.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun product $1.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze product
$2.00 off any one (1) Clearasil PerfectaWash™
Buy 1 RapidLash, Save $10.00. Expires 5/9/2012. (Only at CVS)

Hair Products

SAVE $1.50 on any TWO (2) Garnier Fructis Shampoos, Conditioners or Treatments (excluding trial size)
$1.00 off 1 GARNIER FRUCTIS Product
$1.00 off ANY (1) GARNIER FRUCTIS Shampoo

50 cents off any ONE (1) Suave Everlasting Sunshine Shampoo

$2 off any L’Oreal shade of Preference Hair Color $1 off ANY L’Oréal Paris EverCrème, EverSleek,EverPure, EverStrong shampoo or conditioner

$2.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Healthy Look® CrèmeGloss Color

Body Products

$2.00 off one EUCERIN PRODUCT 13.5 oz or larger
$2.00 off any Sally Hansen Wax Kit

Fragrance Products
$3.00 off any Heidi Klum Shine Fragrance

Magazines

Buy 1 May issue of People StyleWatchmagazine (does not include People or People Country magazines), Save $1.00 Expires 5/11/2012
$2.00 off when you purchase any PEOPLE® Magazine
$1.00 off when you purchase any PEOPLE® Magazine

one year blogiversary giveaway!

2012-04-29T14:56:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, Ashley Brooke officially had its first blogiversary! I knew I wanted to do a giveaway, but I couldn't think of the right prize. I have been so blessed to meet some amazing people and discover many incredible blogs over the past year- all thanks to my little blog :) I thought the best way to thank you for helping make my blog a success was to help other blogs! That's why for my 1st Blogiversary giveaway I'll be giving away seven advertising spots on Ashley Brooke! Entering is super simple- there are tons of ways to enter in the Rafflecopter form below!

Thank you for an amazing first year blogging!

I'm so excited for the fun things happening on Ashley Brooke this year!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

now accepting may sponsors + special 2 for 1 offer!

2012-04-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

I am now accepting sponsors for May! . Advertising rates are very affordable and include all sorts of fun perks in addition to sidebar ads of various sizes- like the opportunity for introduction posts, guest posts, individual and group giveaways, and plenty of love from Ashley Brooke on Facebook and Twitter :)

PLUS...until May 1st, anyone who signs up as a May sponsor will get another month of advertising FREE. So you'll get two full months of advertising for the price of one!

If you're interested in advertising on Ashley Brooke, please feel free to email me at ashleybrookeblog@gmail.com

caudalie vinosource creme sorbet + eau de beaute beauty elixir {rave review}

2012-04-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Caudalie is an amazing skincare company featuring high quality ingredients, including many extracts from grapes and grape seeds, commonly known to have outstanding antioxidant properties. I'm always on the quest for my perfect skincare routine, and I was thrilled to receive the opportunity to try out several of their skincare products! I was highly impressed with both products, and I can't wait to share my experience with you. I've literally rambled on and on about these products to my friends and family, and several friends have even received these products as gifts from me recently! They're so good that I can't stop my mouth from gabbing on and on with the rave reviews. Read on if you're interested in a superb moisturizer and unique facial spray!

Caudalie Vinosource Creme Sorbet I have officially found my holy grail moisturizer for my sensitive combination-oily skin. This moisturizer manages to be extremely light and non-greasy while simultaneously leaving your skin moisturized and velvety smooth. Grapeseed polyphenols, organic grape water, and Vinolevure combine to soothe and moisturize skin while protecting against free radicals. I use this moisturizer morning and night after my cleanser and toner, and I love that it doesn't leave any greasy film or residue. I also love, love, love the scent of this product- it's a very delicate fruity scent. I think this creme sorbet would be a perfect moisturizer for sensitive skin ranging from normal to oily.

Caudalie Eau de Beaute Beauty Elixir I am so happy that I was introduced to this product. Since receiving this product, I have already bought several as gifts for friends and backups for my own supply. Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a refreshing spray that you can use before applying your moisturizer and throughout the day to refresh your look. The Beauty Elixir is described as a half-serum, half-toner mist containing several essential oils, including rosemary, orange flower, and peppermint, and grape fruit extract. I have found this to be an essential purse product for the perfect pick-me-up throughout the day. It refreshes your makeup, and I've found that it's helped slow oil production throughout the day. Whenever I'm feeling a bit shiny, I've been spritzing this beauty elixir on my face rather than caking on the powder. This product was a lifesaver during my honeymoon in the Caribbean!

Products were sent for review consideration; however, all opinions expressed are my honest and genuine thoughts.

what a stud

2012-04-22T01:16:00.000-07:00

A girl can never have too many stud earrings. In my opinion, they're the perfect no-brainer addition to any outfit, and they have the magical ability to make you instantly look more put together. If you're anything like me, genuine diamond studs are out of the question because studs are so easy to lose. Luckily, designers from Kate Spade to Marc Jacobs have come out with amazing and affordable studs for any occasion. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Banana Republic Women's Cubic Zirconia Vintage Earring
2. Baublebar Peach Cushion Cut Studs
3. Stephan & Co. Enamel & Rhinestone Earrings
4. MICHAEL by Michael Kors Large Gold Stud Earrings
5. Tinley Road Crystal Owl Studs
6. Baublebar Jumbo Ice Studs
7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Boxed Holiday Pave Heart Studs (Light Peach/Rose Gold)
8. Baublebar Crystal Cushion Cut Studs
9. Kate Spade New York Baublebox Clip Earrings in Fluorescent Pink

my april 2012 birchbox

2012-04-21T16:40:00.001-07:00

1. amika nourishing hair mask : I'm excited to try this product because it is supposed to be an intense deep conditioning hair mask. I'm always looking for new deep conditioners, and I'm hoping that the Sea Buckthorn Berry and Argan Oil will make this mask a winner.

2. juice beauty oil-free moisturizer: Juice Beauty is one of the brands that I've discovered through Birchbox. I'm a big fan of their Green Apple Peel, so I'm hoping this moisturizer will be another great find from this certified organic skincare company.

3. wonderstruck perfume by taylor swift: I'm always a bit wary of perfumes created by celebrities. I just feel like they're usually overpriced generic-smelling fragrances. I've only just begun to try out Wonderstruck, but I'm surprised by how much I like it. The perfume contains notes of freesia, green tea, apple blossom, raspberry, and dewberry.

4. zoya nail polish in lotus true spring collection: I'm not excited about this Zoya polish. Lotus is a dusty grey-lavender with a purple-pink flash of glitter. I love how Zoya polishes apply, so I have high hopes for this shade.

5. dropps laundry detergent I love these little detergent packs- they make washing clothes so easy, BUT I think it's really odd for them to be in my Birchbox. I'm always happy to get free samples of detergent, but I would've much preferred a beauty product sample.

Overall, this wasn't my favorite Birchbox. I think that the products I received as samples were fine (except for the dropps), but I wish that the sample sizes would've been as generous as they were in previous boxes. I'm still happy with Birchbox at the moment because I have over 400 points saved with them, so that means I'm eligible to spend $40 in their store :) What did you get in your April Birchbox?

weekly beauty deals & coupons

2012-04-15T21:22:00.002-07:00

Here are some of the beauty coupons I've found for this week! Combine them with sales for even better deals. Happy shopping!

Makeup Products

$1 off any Maybelline New York Mascara

$1.00 off COLORsensational® Lipcolor, SHINEsensational™, High Shine, Pearls, Lip Liner, Lip Gloss, or ANY Maybelline New York Lipcolor

$1.00 off on ANY Maybelline New York Eyeshadow or Eye Liner

Skincare Products

$1 off L’Oreal Paris Skincare item

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kiss nail dress

2012-04-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've always been a nail polish fan, but I was always too lazy or didn't care enough to actually change my nail color that often. The fun spring/summer colors and fun trends like color blocking have made me nail polish obsessed...like changing my nail polish every few days obsessed. I've been dying to try the new nail polish strips that all of the nail companies are releasing, but I wasn't really sure if it was 1. worth the money 2. easy enough for me 3. would live up to the hype. I'm happy to say that I think of all of these three things are true for the Kiss Nail Dress stickers.

I was so happy to receive this fun leopard print design in my Influenster VoxBox (BTW, if you haven't joined Influenster yet, do it now! So much fun!). These nail polish strips require no drying time and are supposed to last up to 10 days. I've only had them on for one day, but I'll let you know!

Each kit comes with 28 polish strips in various sizes and a small nail file. Priced around $6.99, I think these kits are not a bad deal (plus, there's always a stack of Kiss coupons in my local Rite Aid near the display!). If you keep your nail relatively short like I do, I think that you'd be able to do at least 2-4 manicures/pedicures with this kit. I used less than half of one sticker sheet on my manicure this morning!

The process was very simple, but it did take a few nails to really get the hang of it. I should have watched the Kiss How-To Video here before starting, but of course I didn't! Even so, all you have do is apply the sticker to your nail, smooth it onto your nail, and use the included nail file to remove the excess sticker at the end of your nail. I used the excess of each sticker on my other nails, and it worked out great!

Overall, I think the Kiss Nail Dress kits are a fun alternative to nail polish, and I hope that they actually last up to 10 days! I'll keep you posted on how it goes :) Have you tried nail polish strips before? What was your experience like?

FTC Disclaimer: I received this product for review purposes from Influenster. I was not obligated to do a review, and all opinions stated are my honest and genuine thoughts.

sip, see & shop to benefit the national ms society

2012-04-11T17:05:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, Sweet Tea Paperie and Stella & Dot are hosting a charity trunk show to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of Jodi Dwyer. Jodi- be sure to read her blog {here} - was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008, and she has made it her personal mission to raise awareness and money until there is a cure for MS! Jodi has committed to walk 50 miles in 3 days this September on Cape Cod for the MS Challenge Walk. In order to participate, she also has to raise $1,500 or more! The Sip, See & Shop hosted by Sweet Tea Paperie and Stella & Dot will help her fundraising efforts.

If you live in the Boston area, please consider visiting the charity trunk show in Boston (information below).

If you don't live in the Boston area, don't worry! All day tomorrow Sweet Tea Paperie and Stella & Dot will be donating a portion of all sales to Jodi's amazing cause!

Shop at Sweet Tea Paperie any time on Thursday, April 12th, and they will contribute 25% of your purchase to Jodi's cause!

If you need some inspiration, here are a few of my favorite items!

Sweet Tea Paperie has the most adorable things. I know from experience. I just bought a super cute madras monogrammed serving platter a few weeks ago from Sweet Tea Paperie (pictured below!), and I couldn't be more impressed with the quality!

Shop at Stelladot.com/katelyndwyer , and Katelyn will donate 50% of her commissions to Jodi's cause! Be sure to select "Jodi Dwyer" as your Trunk Show Hostess at checkout to ensure your purchases will be directed towards the fundraiser!

Thank you in advance to all who support this wonderful cause!

{closed} printrunner giveaway {100 5x7 postcards!}

2012-04-10T19:28:00.001-07:00

I'm a huge DIY-er, especially when it comes to stationery related products! I actually created most of the stationery products for my wedding except for my save-the-dates and stationery (didn't want to take a risk on those!), so I am constantly on the hunt for affordable and high-quality printing companies. I'm so happy that I found a printing company with 1. high quality products 2. affordable prices 3. a location fairly close to me! May I introduce you to PrintRunner and afterwards, you'll get a chance to win 100 free 5x7 color postcards from PrintRunner!

PrintRunner.com, a full service high quality printing company, was established ten years ago in Southern California with little more than a small press and a dream. Their commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price is what made their company grow. PrintRunner offers convenient online printing services. Be sure to check out their site to print postcards!

Giveaway!

Now, who wants to win some postcards? PrintRunner has generously offered to giveaway 100 5x7 postcards to one lucky Ashley Brooke Reader! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below!

Prize Details: 100 5x7 postcards, 4/0 front only printing, 14 pt, UV coating on the front, rounded corners, no proof, ready to ship in 4 business days. Giveaway is open to US residents only, ages 18 years and above. Winners are only allowed to win one PrintRunner giveaway over a six-month period

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclaimer: Thank you to PrintRunner to providing the prize for this giveaway. I am eligible to receive the same prize for hosting this giveaway.

splurge vs steal {bright satchels for spring}

2012-04-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

1. Cambridge Satchel Classic in Red $165 2. Jazzed Because You Can Bag $52

3. Cambridge Satchel Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Neon Pink $155

4. Steve Madden Crossbody Bag in Fuchsia $78 5. All Bright With Me Bag $60

6. Cambridge Satchel Fluoro Green $155 7. Steve Madden Cross Body Bag in Green $78

Classic satchels are a classic, perfectly functional accessory that are constant staples in my wardrobe. I LOVE that companies are introducing these classic satchels in bright and neon colors for spring/summer; however, I can't justify spending that much money for such a trendy item. I'm so excited to have found several affordable alternatives that are just as cute as their high-price counterparts! Since they're half price compared to the originals, I can buy two...right?

{closed} sneakpeek {$25 gc giveaway!}

2012-03-25T14:52:00.002-07:00

I know you all love shopping just as much as I do, especially when there are great deals available. I recently found out about sneakpeeq, a new shopping site that features amazing deals (I found things marked 90% off!) on the most adorable products. I found all sorts of cute things, and they have boutiques featuring home, style, and food products. Here are a few things from sneakpeeq that I would love to get my hands on!

So now on to the fun part!

Sneakpeeq has generously offered to give ALL Ashley Brooke readers a 20% discount just for joining Sneakpeeq {here} + they are also giving one lucky Ashley Brooke reader a $25 Gift Certificate!

To Enter

After following Ashley Brooke via GFC or RSS reader, click {here} to enter the sneakpeeq $25 giveaway & receive your 20% discount!

The winner will be announced on April 8th!

Rules:

US only

New Sneakpeeq members only

Let me know if you find any great deals on sneakpeeq & thanks again to sneakpeeq for offering Ashley Brooke readers this fun opportunity :)

julep st patrick's day box + {discount code!}

2012-03-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Around each holiday, Julep offers a surprise box for $19.99, but the box's contents contain more than an average Julep Maven box and are usually valued between $60-200! I decided to go ahead and purchase the St. Patrick's Day box to see if I would get lucky, and I did!

I was lucky to receive all of these awesome goodies for only $19.99! 2 deluxe samples, 4 full-size polishes, and a full-size crystal nail file!

I received deluxe size samples of Julep's Age Defying Hand Brightener and the Glycolic Hand Scrub! I loved both of these products, so I'm super excited to have travel size versions now!

I also received four full size polishes (which retail for $14 each!) in Carrie (my absolute favorite bubblegum pink), Sofia (a gorgeous green apple with turquoise glitter!), Julep's Basecoat, and Jennifer (beautiful peachy pale pink!).

Overall, I think that Julep's surprise boxes are an amazing deal, and they make awesome presents for friends...or yourself :) If you'd like to try Julep Maven (see my reviews here and here), you can use the code SHAREONMARCH to get your first box for only ONE CENT!

march 2012 birchbox {best ever!}

2012-03-22T21:18:00.003-07:00

I've been a Birchbox subscriber for a little over a year now, but I've been horrible at posting my Birchbox scores each month! I always forget, but this month's box was so incredible that I simply have to share it with you all! This March, Birchbox teamed up with Teen Vogue to select this month's items. I am so happy that I opted in for this box because it was such a great deal!

In case you haven't heard of Birchbox, it's a monthly subscription service where you pay $10 and receive 4-5 deluxe sized beauty samples each month. Some boxes even include full-size or nearly full-size items, and the contents of the box usually far exceed $10 in value! I'd highly recommend subscribing for a month and seeing if it's a good fit for you! It's a great way to try out new products and score great deals. Plus, you get 10 Birchbox points for each item you review, and 100 Birchbox points = $10. I usually accumulate around 500-600 Birchbox points a year simply for reviewing the items in each month's Birchbox, so that's $50-60 that you can spend in their store! Plus, you'll get Birchbox points for any money you spend on their store! I've had a lot of fun with my subscription, and I think you will too!

Ok...so on to the good stuff!

This month, I received a FULL-Size Essie Luxe Effects Nail Polish in A Cut Above (retails for $8), a FULL-Size Tarte LipSurgence in Joy (retails for $24), Shiseido Blotting Paper, Sample o Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal , and a lime green Twistaband hair tie!

I can honestly say that I LOVE every single item in my Birchbox, and the two full-size items alone are worth 3x what I paid for the box! I was actually planning on buying the Essie polish anyways, and I've always loved the LipSurgence lip tint's, but I just didn't want to pay full price.

Overall, I'm SUPER pleased with Birchbox this month! Do you have a Birchbox or similar subscription? If so, what has your experience been like?

p.s. I just updated my blog sale {here}, so be sure to check it out!

blog sale {updated}

2012-03-22T20:42:00.002-07:00

Just doing a little bit of Spring Cleaning around here! I've added new products since my last blog sale, so be sure to check it out :) If you are interested in purchasing any of these items or simply have a question, please email me at ashleybrookeblog@gmail.com you're interested in and your PayPal email address. PayPal only.

Shipping: Starts at $2.50 for USPS First Class shipping to the US, plus 25 cents for each additional item. Shipping confirmation available for 75 cents extra. Priority Flat Rate boxes can be used for large orders- smallest flat rate box is $5.33.
All orders are carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and packed in padded envelopes; however, I am not responsible for any damage that may happen during shipping. No returns.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer Firming and Regular (New, Unused) $2 each

Maybelline EyeStudio in Tantalizing Teal (New, Unused) $1.50

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Carnation (New, Never Used) $2.50

~~Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch, Peach Kiss, and Peppermint (New, Never Used) $2 each~~ SOLD

Make Up For Ever HD Powder Small Size 0.17 oz (New, Never Used) $11

Revlon Colorstay 12-Hour Eye Shadow in Wildflower $2

Maybelline Line Express in Blackened Sapphire (New, Never Used) $1.50

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Picadilly (Used 2x) $4

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara (New, Never Used) $2

Skin79 Super BB Cream Full-Size (Used 1 pump, otherwise new) $9

Mary Kay Eyeshadow Single (Used 3x) $1

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lipgloss in Sparkling Citrus (New, Never Used) $3

Stila Eyeshadow Single in Jezebel (New, Never Used) $7

Burberry Touch for Women 1oz (Used 1x) $15

Smashbox Eyeshadow Trio in Headshot (Used 3x) $6

Laura Gellar Blush-n-Brighten Full-Size in Apricot Berry(New, Never Used) $14

Maybelline EyeStudio Eyeshadow Palette in Spirit of the Seas (New, Never Used) $3

L'Oreal HIP Duos in Flashy and Perky (New, Never Used) $1.50 each

L'Oreal HIP Duos in Animated and Riotous(New, Never Used) $1.50 each

Milani Eyeshadow in Royalty (Swatched 1x) $1.50

Milani Eyeshadow in Royalty (New, Never Used) $2

Rimmel Eyeshadow Quad in Urban Flower (New, Never Used) $2

Nail Polish- I tried to find swatches online of all of these shades; however, they are not my swatches, so I've linked to the pictures in the shade names.

China Glaze Nail Polish in Blonde Bombshell and Lorelai's Tiara (New, Never Used) $4 each

Julep Nail Polish from Top to Bottom: Alfre (Used 1x) $4, (New) $5,

(New) $5, and Fast Dry Topcoat (New) $5

Essie Nail Polish in Lapis of Luxury (Used 2x) $3.50 and Turquoise and Caicos (Used 2x) $3.50

OPI Nail Polish in Ogre the Top Blue (New, Never Used) $4

and Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous (Used 1x) $3

Rimmel Nail Polish in Sunset Orange (New) $2, French Lingerie (New) $2, Violet Metal (New) $2

Rimmel Nail Polish in Purple Rain (New) $2 Burgundy Flirt (New) $2

Note- Burgundy Flirt is much darker than it photographs- see here for more accurate swatch

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Navy Baby (New) $2.50, Yellow Kitty (New) $2.50, Lavender Cloud (New) $2.50

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Polish in

Honeymoon Red (New) $2, Ruby Sequin (New) $2, Diamonds (New) $2, and Spark (Used 3x) $1

Revlon Nail Polish in Jelly (Used 1x) $1.50, Pink Chiffon (New) $2, Sweet Tart (New) $2

Sheer Cotton (New) $2

Revlon Nail Polish in Lilac Pastelle (Used 2x) $1.50, Violet (New) $2, Jaded (New) $2

Milani Nail Polish in Cherry Pie (New) $2 and La Vie En Rose (New) $2

Affordable Special Event Makeup

2012-03-13T23:01:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/.

My favorite game as a child was playing dress up with my mom's high heels, fancy jewelry, and makeup. I'd smear on blue eyeshadow, fuschia blush, and red lips, and stumble around in shoes that were 3x too big for me. I probably looked like a clown, but I felt so glamorous- so adult! Now that I am an adult, I still love having an excuse to get dressed up- parties, performances, a fancy dinner, you name it! I never turn down any chance to wear a fancy dress, high heels, and fake eyelashes. I may not look glamorous on an everyday basis, but nothing beats playing dress up for special events! Now as much as I like special events, I am not a fan of spending extra money on "special event makeup". I like to use my drugstore holy grail products to create a million dollar look for a very small price tag :)

1. Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Combo/Oily Skin 2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer Dark Circle Eraser 3. CoverGirl Smoothers Powder in Translucent Medium 4. NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny 5. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso 6. Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Palette in Comfort Zone 7. L'Oreal Infallible 24-hour Eyeshadow in Iced Latte 8. L'Oreal HIP Color Chrome Eyeliner in Black Shock 9. Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black 10. DUO Eyelash Adhesive 11. Maybelline Great Lash BIG Mascara in Blackest Black 12. Ardell Fashion Lashes 13. Revlon Colorbust Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake

Create a Flawless Finish That Will Last

Foundation: My favorite foundation for these circumstances is Revlon's Colorstay Foundation. The foundation will cover all of your flaws, last all night, and it looks fabulous in photography! I wore this foundation on my wedding day (outdoor Florida beach wedding in the middle of summer!), and it didn't fade a bit!
Concealer: I never leave the house without concealer on, and Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Dark Undereye Eraser concealer is a new favorite. It feels light, but it provides amazing coverage!
Setting Powder: Using a setting powder will also help to keep your foundation and concealer going strong all night long. I like using a sheer, translucent powder with a tiny bit of color, like CoverGirl Smoothers Powder in Translucent Medium

Accentuate What You've Got and Fake What You Don't!

Bronzer: Special events usually have bright or dim lights- either will wash out your complexion. I like to add a hint of color by lightly brushing the bronzer all over my face. I then use a heavier hand to create the illusion of high cheekbones (I am cursed with chubby chipmunk cheeks!) by contouring in the hollows of my cheeks. I love my NYC Smooth Skin bronzer in Sunny because it's a non-orange, natural bronze color!
Blush/Highlighter: Add a healthy glow to your face by applying a highlighting blush, like Milani's Baked Blush in Luminoso.
Eyeshadow: You don't need to spend a pretty penny to find gorgeous, highly pigmented eyeshadows. Some of my favorites include Wet n Wild's 6-pan eyeshadow palette in Comfort Zone and L'Oreal's Infallible 24-hour Eyeshadows (read my review here). Both eyeshadows are highly pigmented, have a wide color selection, and will last all night!
Eyeliner: For long events, I like to first outline my eyes in a rich black pencil eyeliner, like L'Oreal HIP's Color Chrome Eyeliner in Black Shock, and then I go over my top lash line with a liquid liner to ensure my liner lasts all night!
Fake Lashes: False eyelashes are a MUST for all events involving photography. They're easy to use once you get the hang of it, and they are an affordable way to amp up your look!
Mascara: Mascara is another must for any special event. It will instantly accentuate your eyes and add some drama to your look!
Lipstick/Gloss: I like using a product that is easy to re-apply for special events and won't be noticeable if it fades a bit. A mid-toned pink like Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake is perfect!

I hope these ideas will help you prepare for special events without breaking the bank! All of the products mentioned are very affordable and easily accessible. What are your favorite drugstore beauty products?

FTC Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Walgreens in conjunction with the Clever Girls Collective; however, all opinions stated are mine and 100% honest and genuine as always.