Makeup Moment

Birchbox: May 2013

2013-05-20T00:31:00.004-04:00

Hey, dolls! I hope you are all doing well and enjoyed your weekend. My May Birchbox arrived in the mail a few days ago and today I am going to be sharing what was in my box this month. The theme for the month is "beauty diaries". From our daily routine, to our tried and true techniques, this month's Birchbox is all about us and our beauty secrets. Cute concept!

1. Coola Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: Facial sunscreens are an everyday must for me. This one contains an SPF of 30, and it's infused with organic ingredients like borage seed oil and evening primrose extract, which are both great anti-aging treats for the skin. I just love the fresh cucumber fragrance in this moisturizer. It smells amazing! (Full Size: $32.00)

2. Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste: This was a rather interesting inclusion in my box. I have yet to open the tube but I can already tell that the peppermint fragrance in this is very prominent. I like strong, minty toothpastes so this is right up my alley. The size of the tube is perfect for travel, so I think I am going to reserve this for my next vacation getaway. (Full Size: $6.00-$10.50)

3. Amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask: I love hair masks. I think they really make a difference when it comes to the health of my hair. This mask by Amika contains Vitamin C and omega acids, which helps boost shine and repair split ends-exactly what I am looking for. I love that this sample packet is filled with product. I will easily be able to get a few uses out of this. (Full Size: $12.00-$40.00)

4. Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner: This black eyeliner is definitely the stand out item in my box. The color is super rich and so creamy. I did a swatch of this on the back of my hand and I was rather impressed with the fact that it did not budge, no matter how hard I tried to rub it off. I can't wait to try this and I am confident that it will be long lasting. (Full Size: $11.00, Set of 4 mini pencils: $21.00)

5. Runa Guayusa Tea: These organic teas were the lifestyle extra in the box. I like drinking tea so I don't mind getting a couple of tea bags in my box every now and then. I received four antioxidant rich varieties to try-cinnamon lemongrass, traditional guayusa, ginger citrus, and mint. They all smell scrumptious! (Full Size: $7.00)

What did you all receive in your May Birchbox?

If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, you can use my referral link, here.

Disclaimer: I purchased a monthly Birchbox subscription for my personal use. Signing up by using my referral link that I provided in this post is optional, but if you do, extra Birchbox points will go into my account which are good towards future purchases in the Birchbox shop. Once you have signed up for Birchbox, you will receive your own unique referral link to share, and gather points of your own.

MAC: Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick

2013-05-16T00:02:00.003-04:00

After much lusting after, I finally purchased a tube of MAC's Viva Glam Nicki lipstick ($15.00). I don't know what took me so long to obtain this lipstick because I absolutely adore it! It's just all kinds of awesome, really. I like it so much that I may have to pick up a back-up tube. In case you aren't familiar with the concept behind MAC's Viva Glam products, every cent of the sales price of Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses is donated to the MAC Aids Fund, which helps women, men, and children affected by HIV and AIDS (source). I just love companies who do their part, and give back to such amazing causes. It makes purchasing the item that much more sweeter.

Viva Glam Nicki is a vivid, yellow toned pink that was made to stand out. The pigmentation of this lipstick is amazing. So much so, that one layer is plenty enough to yield saturated color payoff. The color is super bright and it definitely makes a statement. You all know that I absolutely love bright lip colors so I really don't mind the heavy pigmentation and boldness. But if you are one who tends to shy away from colors like this one I find that blotting on instead of swiping on the lipstick, will lessen the intensity and make Viva Glam Nicki a bit more wearable.

Viva Glam Nicki contains a satin formula that goes on smooth, without tugging on lips. It feels really comfortable and lightweight on the lips, too. If your lips on on the drier side though, I strongly suggest properly exfoliating and prepping lips before application because this lip color has the tendency to enhance dry areas. When sporting a lip color this bright, smooth lips are crucial for the best looking results.

When it comes to lasting power, I begin to see some fading around the 5 hour mark. This lipstick does leave behind a stain but the color doesn't fade very evenly-I get an obvious ring of color around lips. Definitely carry this lip color in your makeup bag for touch-ups.

Overall: MAC's Viva Glam Nicki is a great addition to my ever-expanding MAC lipstick collection. This shade certainly feeds my bright lipstick obsession, and it's going to be such a fun color to sport for the warm, summer months. If you favor bright lipstick colors like this one, MAC's Viva Glam Nicki is a total must-have that won't disappoint!

What do you all think of MAC's Viva Glam Nicki lipstick?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Palmolive®: Soft Touch® Dish Liquid

2013-05-15T01:35:00.000-04:00

Doing dishes is a daily task that is an absolute must. Liquid dish soaps are often comprised of strong formulas, that are really effective at cutting through grease and grime-as should be. But unfortunately, the soaps can be pretty rough on our hands. After washing the dishes with traditional dish soaps, the skin on my hands are always left feeling super dry and uncomfortable. I immediately slather on a hand cream just to get that suppleness and moisture back. Well, thanks to Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® dish liquid, my hands can rest a little easier!

Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® dish liquid soaps are phosphate free and they contain mild formulas that are are not only tough on grease, but gentle on hands. I received two of Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® dish liquid soaps through Influenster to try out-Aloe and Vitamin E, and I couldn't be anymore pleased with them. These do a fab job at deep cleaning my dishes, and for once, my hands don't have to pay the price. My most favorite of the two has to be the one with Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a great moisturizer, so the fact this dish liquid contains it, is a nice treat.

Overall: If you are tired of the harshness that some liquid dish soaps induce on skin, then I suggest looking into these Palmolive® Soft Touch® dish liquids. They do the job when it comes to cleaning dishes, all while being gentle on hands. What's not to love?

What do you all think of Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® dish liquid soap?

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. My reviews are always honest, never influenced, and my own.

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman: Expert Face Brush

2013-05-10T02:38:00.002-04:00

I think it's become pretty obvious that I can't get enough of Real Techniques brushes. I have been nothing but pleased with the Real Techniques brushes I have tried so far, so it seemed only natural that I add another one to my growing personal assortment. The expert face brush ($8.99) has been on my wish list for a very long time, and I am so glad that I finally got my hands on it. It's a good one.

The expert face brush is comprised of super soft taklon bristles, and it's one that is very well loved in the beauty blogging community. I have read countless reviews on how well this brush applies liquid foundation-which was the intended purpose I bought it for. But I have to say, I think this brush excels in another department. More on that later. So, I tried to work the liquid foundation onto my skin with this brush and although it did the job, I found that the brush was too firm for my liking. I prefer a much fluffier brush, which allows for a gentler and quicker buffing experience-like the Real Techniques buffing brush from the core collection, for instance.

While the expert face brush doesn't quite do it for me for liquid foundation application, it does a fabulous job at blending cream blushes. I never really had a proper brush for cream blush application, other than stippling brushes. Even those left something to be desired. The expert face brush kicks them all to the curb! I dab a bit of cream blush onto the apples of my cheeks, and let the Real Techniques expert face brush get to work. This brush effortlessly blends out the cream blush on my cheeks, and the end result is a natural looking, well blended flush of color. Love it!

As with all the Real Techniques Brushes that I have tried, the expert face brush is of great quality. It's really sturdy, and after a good cleanse it always retains it's shape and softness, once dry.

Overall: If you are on the market for a firm face brush, the Real Techniques expert face brush will surely not disappoint. I can't recommend this brush enough for cream products. I haven't always been very comfortable with cream blushes, but I think it was because I never found the right tools to apply it with. Now that I have seen that the expert face brush makes cream blush application not so scary and a pretty easy process, I am much more open to experimenting with more cream products.

Rock Your Hair

2013-05-06T18:45:00.002-04:00

Ever since I can remember, I was never one for voluminous locks. When it comes to style, the straight and sleek look is more my thing, and what I usually go for. A couple of weeks ago I received a few Rock Your Hair products for review-a line designed by celebrity hairstylist Michael O' Rourke, and I have to say, since using these and putting them to the test, I think I am slowly beginning to build an appreciation for volume. After all, a little oomph in the hair department never hurt anybody.

Before I get into the individual product reviews I just have to take a moment and gush over the super adorable bottle packaging. I just love the bright pink coloring of the bottles, and the shiny heart-shaped studs. So girly and glam!

1. Big Hair Rocks Shampoo ($17.00 for full size bottle) And Big Hair Rocks Conditioner ($20.00 for full size bottle): The volumizing shampoo is paraben and sulfate free, and it does a nice job at cleansing my hair without being harsh and stripping it of essential moisture. I love the fresh scent of this and for being sulfate free, I was pretty impressed with the amount of lather this silky shampoo produced. Like the shampoo, the big hair rocks conditioner is also paraben and sulfate free. For my thick hair, I find that a quarter sized amount of conditioner is enough for me to distribute onto my hair, making sure to concentrate the most product on the shaft and ends of the hair. I let the conditioner sit in my hair for about 3-5 minutes before I am ready to rinse it out. When I rinse, right away I can feel a smoothness in my hair, that's luxurious to the touch. Because of this shampoo and conditioner duo, I have definitely noticed that my hair has more body and bounce than it usually does, after I blow dry and style.

2. Miracle Leave In Conditioner Weightless Detangler ($20.00): This detangler contains soy, wheat and oat proteins to help strengthen hair from the shaft to the ends. This product is great for replenishing moisture to dry locks and it's great for all hair types, including color treated. I spritz a bit of this all over my towel dried hair, then proceed to comb through it. And thanks to this, detangling my hair is a much more manageable/bearable process. The only thing I am not crazy about is the fragrance of this. I wish it had a fresher scent.

3. Bombshell Big Hair Powder ($17.00): I have never used a volumizing hair powder before so I was excited to see what this could do. I just sprinkle a bit of this talc and Micah based powder onto my limp roots, and I love how this gives my hair not only a nice lift, but some added texture to boot. This hair powder is lightweight, and it's so cool how it liquefies once you start working it into the roots.

4. Spray it Hard Big Volume Hairspray ($22.00): I am really fond of this hair spray. In fact, it has become one of my most reached for hair products. This gives my hair a shiny, flexible hold that prolongs all day. It doesn't make my hair feel crunchy or weighed down, either, which is a plus. I have tried my fair share of hair sprays and most of the ones I have encountered have caused flaking, which I totally hate. Well, I am happy to report that this hairspray does not flake on my hair, whatsoever. Score!

5. Size Matters Big Volume Root Lift ($20.00): Before blow drying and styling, I like to spritz a bit of this humidity resistant spray mousse on my damp roots, to give it some extra volume. And, this product doesn't weigh down the hair, either. A little spray goes a long way.

Find out more at www.rockyourhair.com!

What do you all think of the Rock Your Hair products? Any favorites?

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned in this post from PR for review consideration. I am not being monetarily compensated for this review and as always, my opinions are honest, never influenced, and my own.

O.P.I. OZ The Great And Powerful Mini Nail Set

2013-05-02T03:38:00.003-04:00

While doing some online shopping on the Ulta website a few weeks ago, I came across this O.P.I. mini nail set which contains colors from their OZ The Great And Powerful collection. The shades are I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints Of Glinda, and What Wizardry Is This?, which is a liquid sand. I love mini nail polish sets like these because it allows you to trial a few shades from a collection, without having to get the fuller size bottles.

If you love neutrals that are on the sheer side, these nail colors are sure to please. Personally, I am quite fond of sheer neutrals, so it only seemed fitting that I order myself this set. I don't see this nail set on the Ulta website anymore, but the fuller size bottles of these are still available, in case any of you fancy a couple of the shades in the set.

L-R: I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints Of Glinda, What Wizardry Is This?

Swatches From L-R (3 Coats Each): I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints Of Glinda, What Wizardry Is This?

I Theodora You: Milky pink creme. This milky pink is one of my favorites in the set. Even though the color has a sheer base, the pink tone still peeks through and adds a girly touch to an otherwise basic shade. I found this one to be the most prone to streaking.

Don't Burst My Bubble: White/beige creme. I love colors like this one when I am going for an understated nail look. Shades like this are always nice to have at hand, and I think they flatter everyone. I did experience some streaking with this one but not as bad as with I Theodora You.

Glints Of Glinda: Beige/brown creme. This one is my least favorite of the bunch. I tend to avoid sheer, brown-toned nail colors because I find them to look the most unflattering on me. Also, the color seems to alter the whites of my tips and makes them appear yellow! It's such a shame that I am not fond of this shade as it applied beautifully, with no streaks in sight.

What Wizardry Is This?: Murky golden taupe with small glitters/shimmer. I was most excited about trying this new liquid sand formulation. The effect is actually pretty cool and unlike any other nail polish I have used. Once dry, the nail polish has a semi-matte grainy texture, that feels gritty to the touch. One coat yielded a semi-sheer coverage, but 2-3 coats will result in a nice opaque saturation of color. The removal process of this one wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I did have to put a little work in but, this was definitely easier to remove than a traditional glitter polish.

What do you all think of these nail colors from O.P.I.'s OZ The Great And Powerful Mini Nail Set?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Origins: Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Eye Cream

2013-05-01T01:53:00.003-04:00

When it comes to skincare, my routine is never complete without an eye cream. My eye area tends to be on the drier side more often than not, so a moisturizing eye cream is a total must have for me. A few weeks ago Sephora had a special offer for VIB insiders where they would receive a full-size jar of Origin's Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($43.50 value), with a $35 purchase. A full size jar of eye cream? You know I couldn't pass on this offer. Count me in! I was actually in need of a new eye cream so this product couldn't have arrived at a better time.

Quick Product Facts: (source)

*Clinically proven to correct crow's feet and fine lines under the eyes

*Helps hydrate and visibly repair major aging signs

*Helps lift and firm eye area, resulting in smoother skin

*Formulated without parabens, sulfates, or synthetic dyes, among other ingredients that we could do without

I am 25 years old so, aging eyes aren't that much of a concern for me at the moment. I can't really comment on how well this eye cream performs when it comes to lifting the eye area, since I am primarily looking for hydration. But I will say that I do have a few fine lines underneath the eye area that I would love to soften out.

I have been using this eye cream both day and night and I have to say, I quite like it. The creamy, rich texture is a dream to apply, and I love how quickly this absorbs into the skin. After application, my concealer just glides on over this stuff, and the skin around my eyes feels and looks so much smoother. Also, I have noticed that the lines under my eyes aren't as prominent-looking, like they usually are. I have sensitive skin so it's a huge plus that this eye cream is gentle and doesn't irritate my delicate eye area.

Overall: Origin's Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Eye Cream delivers the results I want to see, and I am glad I came across it. I do wish that this would have contained some sort of SPF, though. That inclusion would have been a nice addition. I do like this eye cream and I am going to use up every bit of it, but truthfully, I don't know if I would purchase another jar of this when I am done using this one up. Taking care of your skin is important and I understand that skincare products are an investment-especially eye creams. But I think I am going to try other eye creams before I decide whether or not I will purchase this again, as I am sure there are other eye creams on the market that perform just as well, without the hefty price tag.

What do you all think of Origin's Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Eye Cream? Which are your favorite eye creams?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I received this product as a free gift, with a purchase that I paid for with my personal funds.

Revlon: Nearly Naked Foundation

2013-04-19T07:27:00.008-04:00

I am always looking for the "next best thing" when it comes to foundations. Even though I have an assortment of reliable foundations that work well for me and do the job, the foundation aficionado in me finds it hard to turn away from trying out more-especially, those that are new on the market.

A little over a month ago while shopping at CVS, I stumbled upon Revlon's latest foundation-Nearly Naked ($9.99). This foundation contains an SPF of 20 and sets out to provide even, buildable coverage, that blends seamlessly into the skin without feeling heavy or giving off a cakey appearance (source). Revlon's Nearly Naked definitely sounded like something that was right up my alley, so of course I had to pick up a bottle to try out for myself. And let me just say, I am not disappointed. In fact, Revlon's Nearly Naked may just be one of my newest favorite drugstore foundations.

Revlon's Nearly Naked Foundation comes housed in a sleek glass bottle. Although I like the simplistic look of the glass bottle, I really do wish that it would have contained a pump of some sort. A pump not only allows for product distribution control, but it also lessens the mess factor-which is pretty inevitable with this bottle. Ugh.

When it came down to the shade selection, I went with shell, which actually turned out to be a pretty nice match for my NC25 skin tone. In the bottle, the color looked to be mostly on the neutral side, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it also contained a bit of a yellow tint, that compliments the yellow in my skin perfectly.

The consistency of the foundation is very creamy, albeit thin, it's not runny. This foundation blends onto my skin effortlessly, it feels lightweight on, and I love that this doesn't enhance pores or cling to dry patches. Nearly Naked doesn't set right away, so you have a lot of time to work with it before it does.

Coverage-wise, I would say this is light-medium buildable. For the most part, one layer is enough for evening out skin tone, and blurring out small imperfections like acne scars. But personally, I like a bit more coverage. For extra coverage I add a second layer of this foundation, and dab on some concealer to hide those stubborn spots that peek through.

If you are fond of a radiant, satin finish, this foundation will deliver. I find that after application, my complexion looks so much healthier, in a natural looking way. It's almost like a "my skin, but better" sort of thing. Lasting power is not too bad. For the most part, Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation holds up well on my skin, with very minimal fading by the end of the day. But I do notice that it starts to break down a bit on the really oily areas of my face like my nose, a couple of hours into wear time. I always make sure to bring along with me a setting powder for those mid-day touch-ups. I have sensitive, acne prone skin and I am happy to report that I haven't experienced any breakouts or irritation from the usage of this foundation. Sweet!

Overall: I think Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation is a nice option for drier skin types. It gives the complexion a natural looking, healthy, moisturized appearance that I am sure will be very appreciated. I wouldn't recommend this foundation if your skin is on the oilier side, as this quickly breaks down on oil-prone areas. My skin gets unbelievably oily in the summer so I don't think this foundation will be good for me then. But this is for sure going to be one of my preferred foundations come fall/winter, when my skin goes through that never-ending, unbearable super dry phase.

What do you think of Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Stila: After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink

2013-04-18T02:07:00.003-04:00

With Spring already here, and Summer not too far behind, it's time to set aside the deep, autumnal lip colors and bring out the brights! I am no stranger to bright lip colors, my weakness being vivid pinks. There is just something about a bright pink lip color that has me coming back for more. I simply can't get enough! My latest bright pink lip color acquisition is Stila's After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink ($18.00). I spotted this over at Sephora a few weeks ago and it was literally love at first swatch. We have been inseparable ever since.

Stila's After Glow Lip Colors contain florescent pigments, that help intensify the vibrancy of the lip color when in sunlight. So on point. When I am out and about on a sunny day, the pink is pretty hard to miss on my lips. The color is super bright and it most definitely stands out. Aside from being florescent, the pigments are also black light sensitive, which means that this lip color glows in the dark when exposed to UV lighting. Now, I haven't tried this lip color under UV light just yet, but when that day comes, you can bet I am looking forward to seeing the glowing effect. How cool is that gonna be!?

These lip colors are infused with a few beneficial ingredients that lips are sure to love. Vitamins C and E provide the antioxidants, sunflower seed oil helps nourish and moisturize, and oat kernel extract calms and soothes lips. These are also free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

Isn't the jumbo pencil packaging just all kinds of cute? It's sleek, easy to travel with, and I love how the shiny black exterior contrasts with the vividness of the lip color. I also really appreciate the retractable function of the pencil. Since no sharpening is needed, there is no product waste, which is a huge plus. I do detect a sweet, fruit-like fragrance to this lip color. It's pretty subdued though, and not offensive in the slightest. I actually quite like it.

My camera gets all wonky when it comes to taking pictures of bright colors. Please believe me when I say that Electric Pink is so much more vivid in person. My swatch picture simply does not do it any justice.

Electric pink contains a lightweight texture that goes on amazingly smooth, without pulling or tugging lips. This lip color gives off a shiny finish that is really flattering. When I have this on, my lips not only look and feel so much smoother, they also feel moisturized, to boot. The color payoff on this does not disappoint. it contains a medium coverage that is easily buildable.

I was happy to see that this lip color didn't settle into lines. But this does have the tendency to cling to dry areas. As with all lip colors, I suggest properly exfoliating and prepping the lips before application, to obtain the smoothest looking results. When it comes to lasting power, I get a bit of fading around the 4-5 hour mark. This leaves behind a pretty stain that lasts a good while on lips.

Overall: Since I first obtained this beauty, I have been sporting it loads. I can already tell that Stila's After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink is going to be one of my staple lip colors this spring/summer. If you love brights and/or are in search of a punchy bright pink lip color that would be perfect to sport for the warmer weather ahead, Stila's After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink is totally worth a closer look. This lip color made such an impression on me that I already purchased another shade from the After Glow lineup called "tangerine dream". I will be showcasing that one on the blog soon, so stay tuned!

What do you all think of Stila's After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Birchbox: April 2013

2013-04-11T01:00:00.013-04:00

It's Birchbox time! I got my April box in the mail, and the theme for this month is "tiny tweaks, big results". I couldn't love this theme, more. It's those small changes that really make a difference when it comes to feeling good from the inside out. For this month's box, Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health, to bring us tried and tested products that will help add a little positive pizzazz to our lifestyle.

I have to admit, when I first saw the contents in the box, I didn't think I would be very thrilled with the products. But after playing around with them a bit, it turns out that I am very happy with the items I received. They all fit in nicely with the theme, and they were all a pleasure to try.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle: This nourishing leave in conditioner is not only great for all hair types, but it also contains a load of hair care benefits that many are sure to love. This offers thermal and UV protection, it smooths hair, locks in color, detangles, and adds shine, just to name a few. I spritzed a bit of this on towel dried hair and the outcome was amazing! After blow drying, my hair was so much softer than usual, and this made my hair smell so good. This didn't weight down my hair either, which is a plus. I think once I am done with this sample, I am going to invest in the full size. (Full Size: $21.95)

Caudalie Divine Oil: This multipurpose oil can be used on the skin, hair, and nails. It's made up of grape, argan, sesame, and hibiscus oils. I love the woody fragrance, and I can't wait to try it on the ends of my hair and cuticles. (Full Size: $9-49)

LAFACE Laboratories BEAUX YEUX Beautiful Eyes Concentrate Intensive: My eye area is constantly in need of moisture, so eye creams are always a must have for me. This one contains hyaluronic acid which helps boost moisture, and an advanced peptide complex to halt the formation of wrinkles. I tried a bit of this under my eye area and since the consistency of this eye cream is on the thin side, a little bit of product goes a long way. I found this to spread easily and it absorbed right away. My eye area was definitely left feeling smoother and supple. (Full Size: $160)

Supergoop! Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream: First BB creams and now CC creams! This CC cream helps cover and correct, while offering UVA, UVB, and infrared A-Ray protection. Supergoop!'s CC cream did even out my skin tone a bit, and the light to medium shade was a great match for me. But I am one who prefers more coverage so I don't think I would use this on it's own. I bet it would be fab under foundation, though. This CC cream blended in nicely, and it felt really light on my skin. (Full Size: $32)

Hail Merry Chocolate Macaroons: I just love receiving healthy treats in my Birchbox. These macaroons are gluten free, vegan, and made with only natural, pure ingredients. These were so yummy! They had a strong chocolate taste, and that bit of coconut really gave it a delicious extra kick. Loved these! (Full Size: $5)

If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, you can use my referral link (optional), here.

Disclaimer: I purchased a monthly Birchbox subscription for my personal use. If you use my referral links that I provided in this post, extra Birchbox points will go into my account which are good towards future purchases in the Birchbox shop. Once you have signed up for Birchbox, you will also receive your own unique referral link to share and gather points!

IMATS NYC 2013 Haul

2013-04-10T03:20:00.001-04:00

Hey, lovelies! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your week so far. I attended IMATS NYC this past weekend and boy, was it a blast! So much so, that I am already looking forward to next year's event. Today, I am going to be sharing with you all what I hauled over at IMATS. I am really happy with the items I picked up and, I am looking forward to trying them all. Make sure to be on the lookout for future reviews.

Let's get started!

Royal & Langnickel: Makeup brushes was something that was at the top of my shopping list so, you will see quite a few in this post. When I was browsing the Royal & Langnickel Brush booth I had a really hard time deciding on which brushes to pick. They all looked to be of nice quality, and they were pretty reasonably priced. Apparently, I was really into the eye brushes as you can see.

Bdellium Tools: More brushes! From the bdellium tools booth I picked up a duet fiber blush brush, an all purpose blush brush, and a small angle brush. I love the look and feel of these brushes. They are very sleek, and the hairs are super soft.

False Lashes: Imats was a great opportunity to stock up on lashes, since they were all at such fabulous discounted prices. I picked up four pairs of Ardell lashes, and at the Lady Moss booth I got five pairs of Red Cherry lashes. I am really excited about the Red Cherry lashes. The hairs are so soft and natural looking. I am sure these are going to add an awesome flair to my eye looks.

Model In A Bottle: I finally got my hands on this beauty classic! I couldn't decide weather to get the original or the sensitive skin formula, so I got both! Summer is just right around the corner and my makeup is very prone to melting off my face. And it doesn't help that I have oily skin, either. I am hopeful that these setting sprays will keep my makeup hanging on all day. These give off a matte finish to the skin, and they are toted as being smudge, humidity, and water resistant.

Julie G Nail Polishes: At the Jessie's Girl booth I picked up three Julie G nail colors. (From L-R) Birthday Suit is a soft pink which of course, I had to have since I am always drawn to shades like this one. Bikini is a vivid almost-neon bubblegum pink that is sure to stand out against a tan. And Gelato In Venice is the essential mint green that is always great to have at hand. These hues are just so perfect for the spring and summer months. I can't wait to sport these!

China Glaze Nail Polishes: Can you believe that these are my first ever China Glaze nail colors? I made sure to pick up a nice mix of shades and finishes. The shades I chose (L-R) were White Cap, Papaya Punch, 108 Degrees, Poinsettia, and Joy.

Eve Pearl: I could not leave IMATS without picking up Eve Pearl's Dual Salmon Concealer & Treatment. This concealer has been on my wishlist for so long, and I can't wait to see what this concealer can do for my stubborn, dark under eye circles. I also picked up a set of two metal palettes. I have always wanted one of these to conveniently pour and mix liquid and cream products like foundation and concealer.

Thanks for checking out my IMATS haul, everyone!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased all of the products listed above with my own funds, for my personal use.

Benefit: Real Birthday Turn-Ons!

2013-04-03T00:38:00.001-04:00

Hey, dolls! Over the weekend I did a little shopping over at Sephora, and while checking out at the register I received my beauty insider birthday gift (my birthday was on the 1st of March). Last year my beauty insider birthday gift was Fresh's Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Duo, and this time around I got a super adorable Benefit set which contains deluxe miniature sizes of They're Real Mascara, and Watt's Up! Highlighter. I am really pleased with my birthday beauty treats this year and I can't wait to see what Sephora has in store for next year's beauty insider birthday surprise.

L-R: They're Real Mascara, Watt's Up! Highlighter

They're Real Mascara: I recently reviewed this mascara on here, and if you read my review you may remember that I didn't get on very well with this mascara at first. But now, we are like the best of friends! This does pretty much everything I look for in a mascara. It lengthens, volumizes, and defines my dull, frumpy lashes in a flash. They're Real has become one of my favorite mascaras. I just love it!

Watt's Up! Highlighter: I am so happy to have received this highlighter in the set because it's one that I have been longing to try for quite some time. I have always used powdered highlighters so this was actually my first time trying a cream highlighter and I have to say, I am very impressed. Watt's up! contains a smooth, creamy texture that makes application and blending a cinch. The frosty golden champagne color is very flattering on the skin, and a bit of this on top of cheekbones imparts a pretty luminous radiance, that doesn't look overbearing. If you are looking for a quick and effortless way to highlight, Watt's Up! surely won't disappoint. I just know I am going to sport this loads come summer.

Swatches From L-R: Watt's Up!, They're Real

Have any of you tried these items from Benefit before? What do you think of them?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above.

Benefit: They're Real! Mascara

2013-03-28T01:45:00.007-04:00

I am always looking for the next best thing when it comes to mascaras. Anything that lengthens, volumizes, and defines my dull-looking lashes is alright by me. I got this mini tube of Benefit's They're Real Mascara ($10.00) back in November, when Sephora was having their fabulous black Friday sale. I have had a lot of time to properly test out this mascara so today, I am finally going to share my thoughts on it with you all.

When I first tried Benefit's They're Real Mascara, I didn't exactly fall in love with it straight away. In fact, there was a point where I concluded that this mascara just wasn't for me. The formula was too wet for my liking, my lashes clumped up, and somehow I would always end up with mascara on my lids. I am sure you can all imagine how frustrating that can be. The brush was pretty neat, but I gotta admit, it took some getting used to.

I put this mascara to the side for about a month or so, and when I went ahead and gave it another try, I was really pleased with what I experienced. The formula was much creamier so it was easier to work with, there was no clumping, and after a bit of practice the brush was much user-friendly. The bristles effortlessly separate my lashes, and the domed tip on the end is great for coating the lashes in the inner corners of the eye.

After getting through the rough obstacles, I finally was able to see what this mascara is capable of. This gave my lashes beautiful length, definition, volume, and separation. Not only that, but I even got a little lift and a curl, to boot!

2 coats on top lashes, 1 coat on bottom lashes

They're Real feels fantastic on my lashes-very lightweight, not hard or crunchy. I usually stick with 2-3 coats of this stuff, as I find that to be satisfactory enough, but it does build up nicely. Applying this with soft strokes is what works best for me. I love how fluttery and wispy my lashes look with this mascara on. I am not sure if this gives me that false eyelash look but, I like to think that it comes close. Longevity is fantastic with this. This mascara hangs on all day without smudging or flaking away. Removal is a breeze. A bit of eye makeup remover does the job in a pinch.

Overall: This is one of those mascaras that seems to work better with time. I am really glad that I didn't totally write off this mascara in the beginning because I have come to really love it. If you are looking for a mascara that lengthens, volumizes, and defines, Benefit's They're Real Mascara is one that I think is worth looking into. They're Real is one of the better department store mascaras that I have encountered, and I will definitely be repurchasing a full size tube once I am done using up this miniature one.

What do you all think of Benefit's They're Real Mascara?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Rimmel: Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick #101

2013-03-20T00:52:00.006-04:00

It has been such a long time since I last used a Rimmel lipstick. I remember when I first got the infamous, Airy Fairy Lasting Finish Lipstick. It was constantly raved about in blogs, and with good reason too. It's such a pretty pink/nude color that was/is a favorite for many. While browsing around on the Ulta website, I came across Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipsticks from their Kate Moss collection ($5.19, each). I decided to order a shade to try, so I went with shade number 101.

Rimmel's Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in 101 is a beautiful pink, with a slight mauve undertone. It does pull more pink, though. This lip color comes housed in a sleek, red matte tube that I quite like. It's sturdy enough, and it adds some interest to the product. I do detect an artificial fragrance to this lipstick. It's not really bothersome for me, but it does dissipate after awhile.

The lipstick has a creamy texture that makes application a breeze, and it feels good on too. It's so lightweight that I sometimes forget I am wearing anything on my lips! This lipstick has the tendency to settle a bit into lip lines so, I suggest applying a light layer to avoid the lines being so obvious. I would say that the finish of this is more satin-like. The end result is not quite matte, but it does gives off a subtle sheen that is very flattering.

When it comes to longevity, I start to see some fading around the 3-4 hour mark. This definitely needs to be brought along when traveling, for those mid day touch-ups.

Overall: I really love how this lip color looks on. The pink coloring is right up my alley, and this is a great everyday sort of shade that I can easily apply without any fuss. I like! I will definitely be picking up some more of Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipsticks in the near future.

What do you all think of Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipsticks? Which are your favorites?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased the products mentioned in this post for my personal use.

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman: Blush Brush

2013-03-19T01:43:00.000-04:00

Real Techniques brushes have become one of my favorites. Ever since I first tried the stippling brush and the core collection brushes, I can't seem to put them down. They are an absolute bargain for the superb quality, and they always get the job done. While shopping over at a nearby Bed Bath & Beyond store a few weeks ago, I was surprised to see that they carried a few Real Techniques brushes. Since it was one that had been on my wishlist for quite some time, I went ahead and picked up the blush brush ($8.89). Good thing to, since it was the last one left on display! It was obviously meant to be :)

This blush brush is comprised of taklon bristles that feel amazing against the skin-so soft and plush!

I initially got this brush for powdered blush application but, I have found that I much prefer this brush for other uses instead. Because the head of the brush is quite large, I can't seem to get the precise blush application that I am looking for. Also, the brush doesn't pick up enough of the blush color, so I usually have to keep going back to layer on some more of the blush until I get the intensity that I desire.

Not all is lost, though. Just because this brush didn't quite work for me as a blush applicator, doesn't mean that it's not great for other purposes. For starters, I think this brush works wonders for bronzer application. Sometimes I can get a bit heavy-handed with bronzers, and since this brush picks up a bit of product at a time, I can easily build up the bronzer to achieve a softened bronzed look, that beautifully blends into my skin without looking overdone. I also like using this brush to apply a light dusting of finishing powder-specifically, my Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder.

I have cleansed this brush a few times and I am happy to report that the brush hairs have still retained their softness and shape, after they dry overnight. I haven't experienced any shedding of the hairs either, so that's a plus.

Overall: I am really happy that I added this brush to my arsenal. It makes for a great bronzing/finishing powder brush, and it has easily become one of my new staples. I can't wait to try some more Real Techniques brushes. I have my eye on the expert face brush, next!

What do you all think of the Real Techniques blush brush? Which are your favorite Real Techniques brushes?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased the products mentioned in this post for my personal use.

Urban Decay: Naked Flushed Palette

2013-03-18T00:59:00.005-04:00

Urban Decay certainly doesn't disappoint when it comes to their Naked line of products. I own the original Naked eyeshadow palette, as well as the Naked Basics eyeshadow palette, and I can honestly say that they have become products that are constantly incorporated in my beauty routine. In other words, they have become reliable essentials that I find difficult to be without.

Today, I am going to be sharing with you all the latest addition to my Naked arsenal-the Naked Flushed Palette ($30.00). While shopping at Sephora a few weeks ago I thought it was about time that I familiarized myself with this fancy looking face palette, since it has been getting tons of glowing raves and reviews all over the beauty community.

L-R: Bronzer, Highlighter, Blush

Urban Decay's Naked Flushed Palette contains all the essentials you need to add color, radiance, and definition to cheeks-a bronzer, highlighter, and blush. The compact is very sleek, lightweight, and includes a nicely sized mirror for easy, on-the-go application/touch-ups.

Bronzer: This bronzer is a nice balance between warm and cool, so I am sure that it will be quite flattering for many. It contains very fine micro-shimmers that blend right in and are subtle looking on cheeks. I love the light warmth this adds to my complexion.

Highlighter: I am usually drawn to highlighters that are on the golden end of the spectrum, but I was really intrigued with this frosty pink one. This gives a pretty glow to the top of cheekbones and it compliments the accompanying blush and bronzer in the palette beautifully. I will say though that the shimmer content is pretty heavy in this therefore, a little goes a long way.

Blush: This satin, rosy pink blush is just too fabulous to not love. It adds the prettiest pink flush of color to the cheeks. Love it!

L-R: Bronzer, Highlighter, Blush

The texture of all three powders are just lovely. They are smooth to the touch, and they all blend like a dream. The pigmentation on these leave nothing to be desired. Each are easily buildable, and not overbearing on. You really can't mess up with these, as they are hard to overdo. When it comes to longevity, I notice that the blush and bronzer have faded a bit by the end of the day. Keep in mind that I do have oily skin, which I am sure is the culprit for the fading. Normal and drier skin types may fare better with lasting power than I did.

Overall: Although the lasting power wasn't the best for me, the pros heavily outweigh the cons when it comes to this palette. The texture of the powders is great to work with, the colors are beautifully soft and wearable, and the radiant natural looking finish is a major plus. If you are on the market for a product that helps easily achieve cheek definition and color without the guesswork, I think Urban Decay's Naked Flushed palette is a product that is definitely worth a closer look.

What do you think about Urban Decay's Naked Flushed Palette?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Birchbox: March 2013

2013-03-13T10:46:00.003-04:00

Hey, lovelies! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your day. I received my March Birchbox in the mail a few days ago and today, I am going to be sharing with you all what was included in my box. The theme for this month is "March Madness". With all of these hectic sporting events going on for the month of March, it was only fitting that Birchbox get in on the game themselves. This month, our boxes are not only filled with tried and true all-stars, but also included are a few up-and-coming newbies as well.

Take a look!

Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo: This dry shampoo not only helps absorb excess oil, but it also gives locks a bit of a volumizing lift. Volume isn't much of a concern for me, but my hair does tend to get very oily so, the fact that this dry shampoo will help with the oil production on my roots is great. Also, this stuff smells amazing. (Full Size: $25)

Incoco Nail Polish Applique: I know nail polish appliques are nothing new but, can you believe that I have never used any of these before? Shame on me, I know! Now that I have these ones from Incoco, there is absolutely no excuse not to try them. I am absolutely loving the color and design on the nail strips-so perfect for spring. (Full Size: $9-$11)

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream: This foam-free shaving cream contains organic Shea butter that helps soften the skin, and provide for a really close shave. This stuff smells absolutely scrumptious. The blueberry fragrance in this really stands out. Love it! Can't wait to give this a try. (Full Size: $20)

Caldera Body Lotion: I have always read great things about Caldera body lotions so I am excited that I got these samples in my box. I received three variants-aloe water apricot, tea olive lime, and coconut fig leaf. I can't wait to slather on some of this stuff on my body, as I am sure it will be a real treat. (Full Size: $22)

Madewell For Birchbox Emery Board: This emery board was the beauty extra in the box. I am always using emery boards to file and shape my nails so this was a very handy inclusion this month. Plus, the flower print is super cute! (Full Size: $5)

If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, you can do so here.

Disclaimer: I purchased a monthly Birchbox subscription for my personal use. If you sign up using my referral links that I provided in this post (optional), extra Birchbox points will go into my account which are good towards future purchases in the Birchbox shop.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters: Candy Apple, Creamsicle

2013-03-05T04:35:00.009-05:00

I know Revlon's Colorburst Lip Butters have been reviewed countless times all over the blogosphere-even I have a reviewed a couple of them on here, but I just had to share my latest Revlon lip butter acquisition with you all. These two that I am going to be talking about today are what I consider essentials and total must-haves, from Revlon's Colorburst Lip Butter lineup.

Take a look!

Love the quilted tube packaging that coordinates with the shade. The clear window on the top lets one easily see the lip butter inside, which is very helpful.

L-R: Candy Apple, Creamsicle

L-R: Creamsicle, Candy Apple

Swatches From L-R: Creamsicle, Candy Apple

Candy Apple: Cherry red cream. I really like this one and I can't believe that I didn't get it sooner. Winter is almost coming to an end, and I think candy apple would have made a great fall/winter lip color. Actually, now that I think about it, a shade like this one never goes out of style-no matter the season. So I would really classify candy apple as a year-round sort of shade. Although bright, candy apple is very wearable. It's not overpowering and I think many will find it flattering.

Creamsicle: Neutral muted peach cream. I can never have enough neutral lip colors in my stash so of course I had to have this one. Creamsicle is a great everyday shade that quickly puts together any makeup look, without any effort. I love how natural looking this color is on. It's not stark and it doesn't wash out my complexion either.

When it comes to texture, candy apple is definitely the smoothest of the two-it has a lovely consistency that looks amazing on lips. Creamsicle has a creamy texture as well, but I find that it doesn't go on as smoothly if lips are on the drier side. It also tends to enhance dry and flaky bits so, properly prepping the lips before applying this one is a must.

Because of their slick consistency, these lip butters aren't very long wearing. I start to notice fading happening around the 2-3 hour mark. I don't mind reapplying though, as these feel lightweight on, and they don't build-up on my lips.

Overall: I am really pleased with my latest Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter purchases and I am certain that I will pick up a few more in the future. If you love affordable lip balms that pack a nice punch in the pigment department, these lip butters are awesome contenders.

What do you all think of Revlon's Colorburst Lip Butters? Which are your favorite shades?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased these products for my personal use.

Maybelline: Clean Express!™ Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

2013-02-27T01:10:00.005-05:00

When it comes to drugstore beauty brands, Maybelline is one of my top favorites. I was excited to see that they recently came out with their new Clean Express!™ makeup removers which includes facial towelettes, a makeup removing lotion for the face, a water-based gel eye makeup remover, and a dual-phase waterproof eye makeup remover ($5.99, each). Since I rely heavily on eye makeup removers, I decided to give the dual-phase waterproof option a try.

Maybelline's Clean Express!™ Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover is comprised of a dual phase formula that instantly activates once you give the bottle a good shake. One of the phases works to break up the makeup, while the other helps cleanse. This eye makeup remover is oil free, gentle, and safe for sensitive eyes-all qualities I look for in eye makeup removers.

My everyday eye makeup typically consists of neutral eyeshadow, lots of mascara, and occasionally I throw in a bit of eyeliner if I am not in a hurry. For special outings and occasions, I go a bit heavier with the eye makeup. I am happy to report back to you all that this eye makeup remover does a nice job at removing my eye makeup-even my waterproof eyeliner. I don't use waterproof mascaras so I can't really say how effective it is at the removal of that, but honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if this stuff is just as effective on waterproof mascaras. This eye makeup remover really is gentle on the eyes, and it's not irritating in the slightest.

I find that I need two cotton rounds for each eye to do the job, as opposed to the one per eye that I usually use with Lancome's Bi-Facil for minimal eye makeup days. If I go strong on the eye makeup, a third cotton round is necessary. But I don't mind the bit of extra work as the end result is satisfactory enough. After removal, my eye area is very smooth to the touch. I also notice that there is a thin, slick film left behind which I then remove with one of my makeup removal cloths, since I always tend to remove my face makeup right after I do the eyes.

Overall: I am really pleased with this eye makeup remover. It's gentle on the eyes and I love that it's so affordable-It's always great finding drugstore products that work! I am curious about the Clean Express™ water-based gel eye makeup remover. The gel bit sounds like it is super refreshing. I am gonna be sure to give that one a try next.

What do you all think of Maybelline's Clean Express™ Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover? Which are your favorite eye makeup removers?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Too Faced: Natural at Night Eyeshadow Palette

2013-02-26T00:22:00.007-05:00

So apparently, my neutral eyeshadow obsession doesn't look like it will be subsiding anytime soon, with my latest acquisition being Too Faced's Natural at Night Eyeshadow Palette ($36.00). This neutral themed eyeshadow palette contains all the shadow colors you need to create sultry neutral eye looks, in no time.

Check it out!

Comes with three eyeshadow look cards (Classic, Fashion, Night)

Shade Breakdown (Per Row, From L-R):

Full Moon: Light gold glitter frost

Nightcap: Light brown with subdued gold shimmers

Cocoa Star: Matte chocolate brown

Night Light: Champagne with chunky glitter bits

After Hours: Shimmered taupe

Eclipse: Frosty plum brown

Spotlight: Matte neutral beige

Moon Stone: Golden olive frost

Night Fever: Deep olive brown with gold glitters/shimmers

All of the eyeshadows in this palette are amazingly beautiful and high quality. These long lasting shadows all contain a smooth texture, and the pigmentation is just as nice, with a bit of product always going a long way. I like that this palette has a nice variety of finishes-shimmers, glitters, frosts, and a few basic mattes added in, for good measure.

L-R: Full Moon, Night Cap, Cocoa Star, Night Light, After Hours, Eclipse, Spotlight, Moon Stone, Night Fever

A few of the shades are prone to fallout-especially full moon and night light. Those glitter particles are super chunky! But the fallout issue is not so much a huge deal that it deters me from loving this palette. I find ways to work around it because honestly, I think these lovely shadows are worth it. To minimize the fallout, I pat on the shadow instead of swiping it on. It also helps to apply a cream base underneath, so the shadows can have something to stick on to.

Overall: The shadows in Too Faced's Natural at Night palette take neutral eye looks up a notch by featuring colors that can easily give off a smokier effect to a neutral eye, with very little guesswork. Use the included eye look cards for ideas, or get creative and come up with your own version of a neutral smokey eye. That's the beauty of this eyeshadow palette. Not only do the eyeshadows coordinate well together, but the looks that can be created with these is vast. You have a ton of variety here. And really, who doesn't love that?

What do you all think of Too Faced's Natural At Night Eyeshadow Palette?

Disclaimer: My blog is sponsored by Apothica.com. I was provided with a gift card, and I purchased this eyeshadow palette with the gift card funds. My reviews are always honest, never influenced, and my own.

Josie Maran: Argan Essentials

2013-02-25T00:39:00.001-05:00

While shopping at Sephora a few weeks ago, I found out that I had accumulated enough beauty insider points which qualified me to receive a 500 point perk. When I saw that the Josie Maran Argan Essentials set was up for grabs, I had no problem trading in my 500 points for it. I have been wanting to try out a few of Josie Maran's skincare products for quite some time now, so I am really glad that this lovely little set of best sellers gave me the chance to do so.

Josie Maran's Argan Essentials set contains items that specifically help cleanse and nourish the skin. For the cleansing portion, we have travel sized versions of the bear cleansing wipes and the Argan cleansing oil. And in the nourishing corner is a travel size of the 100% pure Argan Oil, and a full size pot of the Argan lip treatment. Very nice assortment of products!

L-R: Argan Cleansing Oil, 100% Pure Argan Oil, Argan Lip Treatment, Bear Naked Wipes

Argan Cleansing Oil: This moisturizing cleansing oil not only helps remove makeup and impurities, but it also restores the natural moisture and pH balance of the skin. I have always fancied the idea of trying cleansing oils. I constantly read about how amazing they are for the skin. I haven't used this cleansing oil long enough to make a steady decision about it but so far, I really like it. I apply a thin layer of this all over my dry face, then I wet my face and start massaging the oil onto my skin, creating light milky suds. After I rinse and pat dry my skin feels super smooth, clean, and unbelievably moisturized. My complexion also looks a touch brighter, too.

100% Pure Argan Oil: I must say, this gem is the real stand-out star of the kit, and it has since become a lovely addition to my routine. Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil is infused with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and Vitamin E-all great skin protectors and nourishers. This multipurpose product is not only great for the skin, but for hair as well. A bit of this oil applied to my dry ends instantly softens them up, and a tiny drop mixed in with my facial moisturizer provides for an added moisture boost. I Love this stuff!

Argan Lip Treatment: First of all, how adorable is this pot packaging? It's certainly unique-in a good way, and it brings about an interest to the product. I do detect a sort of sweet fruit kind of fragrance to this age-defying balm, and I must say, I really like it. It doesn't linger for long though. Once the balm is applied to the lips the scent quickly disappears. Boo! This sheer lip balm may appear to be thick, but once it comes in contact with the warmth of your skin, the consistency results to be thin with a lightweight feel. It easily glides on the lips, and it gives off a shiny finish, like that of a gloss. After application, my lips look and feel so much smoother and healthier. I do have to reapply quite a few times throughout the day though, since this doesn't really last long on my lips.

Bear Naked Wipes: These biodegradable wipes are infused with a variety of skin loving treats like aloe vera, cucumber, and Vitamin E. These are also free from parabens, and petrochemicals. The cloths contain a nice moisture content, and they are decently sized. One cloth is enough to effectively remove my face makeup; I don't use these wipes for the removal of my eye makeup, though. I prefer to use a separate eye makeup remover for that. These wipes feel gentle going on, and I love that these don't leave behind an uncomfortable residue on my skin.

What do you all think of Josie Maran's Argan Essentials? Which are your favorite Josie Maran products?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above.

Review: Olay Fresh Effects

2013-02-23T01:31:00.009-05:00

Olay is a brand that usually comes to mind when I think of affordable, quality drugstore skincare. I have tried a couple of Olay products in the past, and I distinctly remember having nothing but good experiences with them. Not too long ago, Olay came out with their new line of Fresh Effects skincare, which is comprised of products that are made to refresh, hydrate and deep clean the skin. For a couple weeks now I have been putting a few of the products to the test and today, I am ready to share my thoughts on them with you all.

Let's get started!

Shine, Shine Go Away! Shine Minimizing Cleanser: This oil free, deep cleaning cleanser contains Kaolin clay, which helps minimize shine, and rid the skin of impurities. This cleanser is gentle on my skin, it creates a soft lather, and my skin feels amazingly soft and clean after I rinse. Not tight or stripped of. As for the shine minimizing bit, this cleanser really delivers. I have a really oily t-zone area, and since using this cleanser I have noticed that the oil production on my t-zone has significantly decreased. Not to mention, my skin is looking pretty clear too. This cleanser has since become a daily staple item in my skincare routine. I just love it!

Bead Me Up! Exfoliating Cleanser: My dry, winter skin is always up for a good scrub. This oil free scrub contains microbeads that do a nice job at exfoliating my skin, without being harsh. It contains a thin consistency that's easy to work with, and my skin is left looking supple, bright, and feeling super soft after use.

Long Live Moisture! Satin Finish Lotion: I really like this moisturizer. It's oil free, and non-comedogenic, to boot. Something that my sensitive, acne prone skin always appreciates. The pump bottle packaging is conveniently travel friendly, and it dispenses the right amount of product without waste. The texture of the lotion is silky smooth, and it feels so luxurious going on my skin. A bit of this goes a long way for instant, all day hydration and smoothness. One pump usually does it for me. This moisturizer quickly absorbs into my skin, and it feels very lightweight on. I do wish that this moisturizer contained some sort of SPF, though.

BB Cream! Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer With Sunscreen: This multi-purpose BB cream contains six skin perfecting benefits-it refreshes, brightens, evens, hydrates, smooths, and protects, and it's available in two color choices (fair to light, and light to medium). I have the light to medium option and it's a good match for my NC25 skin tone. The shade is pretty much seamless on my skin. If you are one who tends to favor a light, sheer coverage, you may just like this BB tinted moisturizer. Because of the thin nature of this product, this doesn't really offer much coverage-for me, at least. I have a few acne scars and unevenness that I seek to cover and while this does a nice job at evening out areas, my acne scarring is still highly visible. This product just isn't enough for me coverage-wise. But not all is lost. I like to use this as a tinted moisturizing base for my foundation, which applies nicely over this BB tinted moisturizer. The coverage level wasn't my thing, but I can't deny that my skin is loving this product because of it's hydrating, protective properties, and refreshing feel.

S'Wipe Out! Refreshing Make-Up Removal Cloths: These cloths are infused with Vitamin E and they are refreshingly moist. These cloths are gentle on my sensitive, acne-prone skin and they feel so cooling going on. These are very effective at removing my face makeup. When it comes to my eye makeup though, I prefer to keep these cloths away from my eye area and use a separate eye makeup remover because these cloths do tend to sting my eyes a bit.

Va-Va-Vivid! Powered Contour Cleansing System: This kit contains a vibrating, facial cleansing brush (battery included) that was specifically made to fit in the contours of the face such as the nose, t-zone, and hair line. Also in the kit is a miniature size of the Shine, Shine Go Away! Shine Minimizing Cleanser. My sample kit did not include the mini cleanser, but it is originally included in the kit. I think the rubber bristles of the brush are super cool. They feel nice on my skin-albeit, a bit ticklish, hahaha! And in conjunction with the cleanser, I do feel like I get a really deep clean from this nifty, little tool. After use, I notice that my pores look tighter and my face feels so clean and refreshed. I really enjoyed this kit and I loved incorporating it into my cleansing routine.

What do you all think of Olay's Fresh Effects skincare line? Thinking about trying any of these items?

Disclaimer: I received these sample products mentioned in this post from PR for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review and as always, my opinions are honest, never influenced, and my own.

Maybelline: Color Sensational® Vivids Lipsticks-Shocking Coral, Electric Orange

2013-02-20T01:10:00.004-05:00

Whenever the occasion arises, I hardly miss the opportunity to rock a bold lip color. There is just something about sporting a bright lip color that feels so liberating and empowering. It's a great feeling, really. When I found out that Maybelline released their new line of Color Sensational® Vivids lipsticks, I was intent on trying a few. The Vivids line is like a bright lipstick lover's dream! It's comprised of a selection of showstopping brights, that will get you noticed wherever you go. After some searching, I finally spotted a display of the Vivids lipsticks over at my local Duane Reade Store a few weeks ago, and although I was tempted to get all the shades (they are super pretty, it's so hard to resist!), I decided on the two that stood out to me most; shocking coral-a gorgeous coral pink, and electric orange-a bright, subdued orange ($7.99, each).

L-R: Shocking Coral, Electric Orange

Maybelline's Vivids lipsticks pack a nice punch in the pigment department. These beauties were made to stand out-and that, they do well. Although bright, these lipsticks are easy to wear. They are bright, but not to the point where the color looks too overbearing. The color is easily buildable, so it's pretty easy to get the intensity that you desire. There is a very sweet fragrance to these lipsticks. I don't find the scent to be overwhelming one bit. In fact, I kind of like it. The sweet scent does dissipate after awhile, though.

I love how creamy the lipsticks are. They glide nicely on the lips, but if you have any dryness or flakes going on, these lip colors will enhance them. As with all lipsticks-especially brights, I suggest properly exfoliating and prepping the lips before application, in order to obtain the smoothest looking results. These lipsticks impart a pretty shine, which compliments the creamy finish beautifully. Makes for a nice touch. When it comes to lasting power, it's not until the 3-4 hour mark that I start to see some fading taking place. But, I do notice that these do leave behind a light stain.

Shocking Coral

Electric Orange

Overall: If you love bright lipsticks, or if you're looking to step out of your comfort zone and are itching to try out a bright lip color without spending a whole lot, I suggest looking into Maybelline's Vivids lipstick line. I think you all may really like these. I have to say, it's so refreshing to see bright lip colors available in drugstores, as it's not often that I spot insanely colorful lipsticks like these. I am most definitely going back to pick up some more of these Vivids. I am hooked!

What do you all think of Maybelline's Vivids lipsticks? Which are your favorite shades?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased these products for my personal use.

Birchbox: February 2013

2013-02-13T00:21:00.001-05:00

I received my February Birchbox in the mail yesterday, and the theme for this month is "Red Carpet Ready". In honor of all the major events and award shows going on for the month of February, Birchbox has put together for us a few red carpet worthy items, that will have us looking "Red Carpet Ready" for our own special events. I think this month's box was pretty neat, and I am looking forward to trying out all of the products.

Check out what I received in my box this month!

Color Club Nail Polish in Wild Cactus: I love receiving nail polishes in my Birchbox, and this deep, teal green cream is no exception. Isn't it gorgeous? I have to say though, my camera couldn't really capture the true beauty of this nail color. But trust me, the color is so much more richer and vivid in person. I can't wait to rock this one!

Dr. Jart + Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm: I have tried a few products from Dr. Jart + in the past, and I have had quite a nice experience with them. This beauty balm helps even the skin tone, and it contains a botanical formula that purifies and calms easily irritated, sensitive, acne prone skin. It also contains an SPF of 25 to boot! This sounds like something that my skin would love for those minimal makeup days, when I am looking for a bit of evenness.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: This exfoliating cleanser is infused with awesome ingredients, that are sure to be a treat for dry and dull skin. Micro-crystals help exfoliate, papaya enzymes brighten, and Aloe Vera and coconut gently cleanse. This product is paraben free, sulfate free, and it's 99% natural. Love it! I like the size of the sample tube. It should easily last a few good uses.

Miss Jessie's Original Pillow Soft Curls: I have naturally curly hair, so anything that helps soften and tame my out of control frizz, is always welcome. This styling lotion sounds promising and I can't wait to try it on my curly tresses.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Square in Milk Chocolate with Caramel Filling: This chocolate was a little extra treat in my box. I am a huge chocolate lover, and this chocolate snack was so delicious The milk chocolate and caramel filling just melted in my mouth. So yummy!

If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, you can do so here.

What did you all receive in your February boxes?

MAC: Archie's Girls Haul

2013-02-12T00:13:00.006-05:00

MAC released their Archie's Girls collection last week and from the moment it came out, it was an immediate hit. Not only is the packaging cheerful and fun, but the products themselves are just downright lovely. There are many Archie lovers out there, and whether you are a Betty or Veronica fan, there is bound to be something in this collection for everyone.

Here are the items that I picked up!

Satin Lipsticks From L-R: Daddy's Little Girl, Betty Bright

Daddy's Little Girl and Betty Bright ($16.50, each) were the two lipstick colors that intrigued me most. Not surprising really, since I tend to always favor bright lip shades. Daddy's Little Girl -a mauve pink, and Betty Bright-a vivid peach, didn't disappoint in many aspects, and there is a reason why these two are among the most popular in the collection. Both lipsticks go on amazingly smooth, and they are super pigmented to boot. I really can't recommend these lip colors enough, and I am sure that many will enjoy them. Oh, and by the way, I think these two particular colors make great Spring/Summertime lip shades, don't you agree?

Cream Soda Powder Blush

Cream Soda ($22.00) is a gorgeous peach, that contains subdued shimmers throughout. I love how natural looking and flattering this blush is. The texture is really smooth, and it blends very well on the skin. I initially thought that it would take quite a few layers of this to achieve maximum color payoff, but I was surprised at just how easily buildable this blush really is. It doesn't take much to get a pretty peach flush on my cheeks.

L-R: Daddy's Little Girl, Betty Bright, Cream Soda Blush

Did any of you pick up anything from the Archie's Girls collection?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased these products for my personal use.