Friday, April 10, 2015

Walmart Spring 2015 Beauty Box

 photo 5AAC675E-700A-4259-B60D-3FDD810100C2_zps3csrxqww.jpg

Here is what I got in the Spring 2015 Walmart box. I wasn't jumping up and down when I opened it, but everything is something I will use. And I am always up for trying a new mascara!

 photo 63CBED03-2BC5-493A-9738-264FB9B7358E_zps8bpi1xc5.jpg

They also included these "magazine" samples. I don't usually use these, but I did try the foundation and it was alright enough that if I can find a really good deal on it, I might purchase it in my color.

 photo 00CD6D9E-5255-4452-B3C9-12082711F686_zpstxo4wuqk.jpg

And coupons, which will probably never get used, because I buy most of my drugstore products at Ulta.


Overall, I liked this box enough and will keep this subscription- you can't beat $5.00 every quarter.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Beauty Protector Beauty Wash, Beauty Cream, and Protect and Treat Mask - initial impressions

 photo 60DE0852-8B1F-4C77-89AE-A80DF14C207B_zpsfky8uzua.jpg

Recently I was contacted by Purple PR and asked if I would like to receive some of the Beauty Protector products. I've already received a few of their products from Birchbox, and their protect spray is one of my HG products at this point, so I emailed back and said, absolutely! 

Over the next few weeks, I'll be trying out their Beauty Wash and their Beauty Cream, and even though I've already tried and reviewed their Treatment Mask, I'm going to try it again, and see if my impressions change since this is a full size and I can better formulate a lasting opinion.
I will say, initially, all the products have that great Beauty Protector smell (I can't explain it, but it's definitely sweet). The Beauty Wash seems like it will lather well but not strip my skin, and the beauty cream isn't greasy at all. I'm really excited to give these new products a try!


FTC: This product was received from the PR company with no obligation to review, and no compensation has been exchanged. No affiliate links have been used in this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sample Society March 2015

Sample Society

When I decided to get rid of my ipsy subscription this month, I also decided I wanted to try the Allure Sample Society box. They were sampling the new Benefit mascara, Roller Lash, and I found a code to get $5.00 off your first box (making it $10.00 instead of $15.00), so I decided to pull the trigger.

Along with the subscription, you also get a code for $10.00 off a $50.00 purchase at BeautyBar.com. I think that's a pretty cool perk. Granted, I might not use it every month, but I've been going through the site and seeing what's there. It also might really come in handy on the month I need to buy birthday gifts for my girlfriends, or even around Christmas time!


As with all my first boxes, I'm going to do a complete unboxing. 

Sample Society

It came in a pretty non-descript box- I only knew what it was because of the return address. You would have thought it was a box of sex toys or something!

Sample Society

Inside that box was this box. It's extremely well-constructed. I can see keeping these around for gifts and such. 

Sample Society

All the stuff in the box- it came packed with paper to keep all the products from getting messed up, as well as a little booklet detailing everything inside.

Sample Society

Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer
An anti-aging moisturizer loaded with organic ingredients. 
What It Does: Brightens and smooths skin
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely be trying this out! As I've said before, I'm trying to stay away from putting a lot of different things on my skin right now, but I'm definitely hanging on to it and was excited to see it in my box.


Sample Society

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
A mascara that lengthens, curls, and volumizes.
Will I Use It?: I have used it, and honestly? I don't get the raves it's been getting. I have super straight lashes, and have seen so many reviews from girls with similar lashes to mine going on and on about how great it is, but I did not see it doing anything at all to my lashes. It didn't curl them at all, and I watched many tutorials and mimicked exactly what the other girls were doing.
With that said, I did enjoy the formula and the wand, and will continue using it. But I'll be curling my lashes pre-use.

Sample Society

Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray
A dry texturizing spray.
What It Does: Adds volume, makes dirty roots appear clean, and boosts waves (if you've got them).
Will I Use It?: I get really nervous when I see the phrase "texturizing" because on my hair, that usually means it will seem sticky and make my fine hair hard to manage. But it does say it makes dirty roots appear clean, so once I'm done with the dry shampoo I'm trying to get through currently, I'll use this and give a full review later.

Sample Society

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm
A clear lip balm.
What it does: While it doesn't offer any SPF, it does hydrate well enough to treat chapped lips.
Will I Use It: I've received this before in a box (my January 2015 ipsy), and I really, really love it. It isn't sticky or goopy, but really moisturizes. My lips have been super crazy dry with this pregnancy (fortunately one of the only weird skin things I'm dealing with), and this has really brought them back to life. I'm so excited to have a back up! This might become my HG lip balm!

Sample Society

Cargo Essential Lip Gloss in Umbria
A sheer, moisturizing lip gloss that comes in 15 shades.
Will I Use It: I liked the way it applied, but I've already passed this off to a friend. The color really wasn't for me. However, I already put this on a wishlist I have going on the BeautyBar website to check out another color when I make a purchase.

Overall, I'm really pleased with my first box! It had a product I really wanted to try, and got to without spending a bunch of money, it had one of my HG products, and all the others were ones I will either try or was able to gift to a friend. It was definitely worth the money and I'll be keeping this through April.
If any of you are interested in signing up for Sample Society, please click there!



FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Sample Society booklet included in the box.
No affiliate links have been used in those post. Any links used are for reference only. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Friday, March 27, 2015

ipsy March 2015

***SPOILER ALERT: THIS IS MY LAST ipsy BAG***


ipsy March 2015

The bag is really cute. It's a decent size and I'll probably hang on to it.

ipsy March 2015

pur~lisse beauty pur~delicate gentle soymilk cleanser & makeup remover
Appreciate your skin, don’t irritate it. Cleanse the day away in one simple step with this sulfate-free blend of Soy Milk, Whole Oat and White Tea. This gentle cleanser leaves your face silky soft, without a trace of impurity. The 4-in-1 sulfate free & non-drying formula gently washes away dirt and makeup (even mascara!), while soothing and toning skin.
Will I use it?: I'll get around to using it eventually, I'm way behind on using cleansers, but I've added it to my stash. 



ipsy March 2015

VINTAGE by Jessica Liebeskind in Crystal Pink
Add a beautiful wash of color and subtle, sexy shimmer with the ILLUMINATING FACE HIGHLIGHTER. Created to be worn on top of fresh, dewy skin or as a delicate highlight over pretty blush – the reflective pearls add radiance on contact delivering a diamond-like finish to the skin.
Will I Use It?: I've used it a couple of times, and it's a very pretty color. It does pretty much exactly what it said it would.


ipsy March 2015

Boo-Boo Cover-Up: Medium Shade
Have a Boo-Boo? Skip the bandage and the shiny ointment. Look your best even while you heal with Boo-Boo Cover-Up for face and body. Our innovative formula offers great coverage for skin imperfections while containing ingredients known in nature to promote healing.
Will I Use It?: I've used this a couple of times. Even though it says Medium, it is definitely more on the fair side. It does a good job covering things up, but it's not a "must-have" in my makeup box.


ipsy March 2015

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick in Hunk
Pamper your lips with a hydrating kiss of smooth Butter Lipstick in 22 luxurious shades. The delicate texture of satin fused with the high color saturation creates an even finish on lips that’s long-wearing and beautiful.
Will I Use It?: No, I will never, ever wear this. As of writing this post, I've already passed it on to a friend. I don't have anything in my profile that would indicate I would like a product like this, and I've specifically asked for no lip products multiple times. I was really disappointed to see this in my box. At least I made a friend happy!


ipsy March 2015

dr. brandt skincare pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion
“An apple a day keeps the lines away.” This oil-free, lightweight lotion is formulated with apple stem cells to help delay the natural signs of aging by maintaining the longevity and activity of stem cells in the skin. Simultaneously, retinol stimulates new cell turnover and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Brandt’s multi-tasking formula provides the best of both worlds, delivering anti-aging and pore minimizing/mattifying benefits.
Will I Use It?: I haven't tried it yet, but it's also put away in my stash to try.


I think the NYX lipstick is what finally killed ipsy for me. They clearly are paying no attention to my profile, or my reviews. And there are other boxes I'd rather try, so this is the last month you'll see an ipsy box from me.



FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from ipsy.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Birchbox March 2015



I still really love how all the boxes are totally customized this year, and this box is no exception to that! This month, we got to choose, again, between three samples, or a curated box, and I chose the amika Bombshell Blowout Spray.


 photo 6EF77AD3-9DAA-4610-AA80-BF4F6CF1DEF4_zpsqvvd0jvk.jpg

I cannot get over how cute this box is!

 photo 23B84033-E5EB-470D-9DDA-39B34CC0D176_zpsl2epn1dr.jpg

amika Bombshell Blowout Spray
Lightweight styler that volumizes, smooths, and protects for a sleek yet bouncy 'do.
How To Use: Divide damp hair into sections and spritz from roots to ends before blow-drying.
Will I Use It?: I tried it, and I do not like it. Since this was my sample choice, I can't hold it against Birchbox, but this was just awful. It made my hair so crunchy and sticky, and not at all volumized or sleek. I will definitely not be using this again or repurchasing it. 

 photo 79B9B553-0EFC-4D59-B5B1-A6D0A5EE76C7_zpscve6vjaa.jpg

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo
Vitamin-rich botanicals gently purify hair while restoring lost moisture and shine.
How to Use: Work a small amount into a lather with damp hands, apply to wet hair, then rinse.
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely be giving this a try, but I'm currently trying out a couple other shampoo samples I need to get through, so I'll have to do a review in the future.
Also included in this box was a bonus sample- the Reconstructing Masque!


 photo 712D8C4D-819E-4D40-B57B-DA9D31250FAB_zpscoemgbb4.jpg

Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Disco Rose
Creamy lip color with a subtle sheen and serious staying power.
How To Use: Glide onto lips, layering for a bolder hue.
Will I Use It?: I absolutely will use it! I love this color, and the gloss is just beautiful on the lips. It goes on smooth, and builds up really nicely. It's not at all sticky. This is definitely a keeper, and even though the sample is tiny, it will still last me a long while.

 photo E48D1BEB-ADF8-49CE-9CF9-F6D64FF885C3_zps1y05bmhj.jpg

Supergoop! Daily Correcting CC Cream SPF 40 in Fair/Light
Next-generation SPF 40 CC Cream that triple protects against UVA, UVB, and infrared-A rays.
How To Use: Apply a nickel-sized amount over face and neck- it works as both a primer and a foundation.
Will I Use It?: I'll definitely give it a try! I love trying new BB/CC creams, and this sample should give me at least two to three uses, which is a pretty good indication of how well it's going to perform for me. I'll do an updated review once I have a chance to try it out.

 photo 83E60DE1-7414-4340-9584-16F019470075_zpsvmryfsvw.jpg

Whish Shave Savior Hair Inhibiting Gel
All-natural formula that slows hair growth while deeply hydrating skin.
How To Use: Smooth onto slight damp skin after showering.
Will I Use It?: I might save this for after the baby is born- I'm only shaving my legs once a week or so (shaving is hard when you have a belly to deal with!), so I feel like I can't properly test this product now. I will put up a review one I am able to test this out.


Other than the amika spray, I really, really enjoyed this box and will use everything in it. Although the smashbox and supergoop! samples were a little small, there's still enough included to make an informed decision about the products. I'm definitely happy with this subscription, and can't see myself cancelling any time soon!


If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.


FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.
The only affiliate link used is the Birchbox affiliate link directly above. Any other links to the birchbox shop are just for reference only. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.



Friday, March 20, 2015

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask Review

 photo NBTT_May2014_6_zpsbd4b3b6b.jpg
(This product was received in my May 2014 New Beauty Test Tube.)

How To Use: After shampooing, massage into hair, ensuring the conditioner is evenly applied. Leave in for three to five minutes before rinsing. For even deeper conditioning, cover hair in a plastic cap to retain moisture while sitting under the dryer for 10 minutes, then rinse. 

Initial Impressions: This sample is teeny, and so I didn't use much of the product the first time I used this, and was just okay with it. It didn't strike me as anything special- just another deep conditioner. 

Final Impressions:  The next two times I used this, I had better results. It didn't leave my hair feeling greasy, but did leave it tangle free. However, it didn't really leave my hair feeling moisturized, and actually felt a little drier than it had before using this product. I'm not sure why that is, since this says it's a repairing mask for dry, damaged hair. So it pretty much just seemed like a regular, nothing-special conditioner, and not a mask.
I won't be repurchasing this product, ever. There are a lot better deep conditioners out there for my hair type, and this just didn't really do anything for me.

You can purchase this product here.



FTC: This product was received as part of a subscription box service that was purchased by me with my own money. No affiliate links have been used, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Tarte Miracles from the Amazon Collection - February 2015 QVC Shipment

This post is a little delayed, because I actually received it last month- I'm still trying to get back in the habit of blogging! But I had to share because this was definitely purchased on a whim but I'm so glad I did!
It was offered as the QVC Today's Special Value for $59.56, and I'll be getting another shipment in June, and another in October. You can see all the details over on Musings of a Muse for the February shipment here, and for June and October here. I just love her blog so much!

Tarte Miracles from the Amazon Collection

Here's how my box arrived. I just love the colors. Purple is my favorite, and I can see hanging on to this bag for a very long time.

Tarte Miracles from the Amazon Collection

Look how cute this is! The colors are coming off a lot more muted in the photo than in real life, but this is a great sized bag, and I will definitely be using it! It will probably be coming with me to the hospital. (Yep, I'll be one of those girls packing a bit of makeup to take with me- not sure I'll use it but I'm sure I'll be happy to have it anyway!)

Tarte Miracles from the Amazon Collection

Here's all the products - Foundcealer in Fair, Foundcealer Brush, Double Ended Eyeshadow Brush, Amazonian Clay Eye and Cheek Palette (blush is Talented, eyeshadows are Pink Beyond, Taupe for the Best, Dreams Plum True, Out of this Pearl, Thistle be the Day, and Paint the Brown), Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara in Black, and Lipsurgence  Liquid Lipshine in Exquisite.

I LOVE the foundation. It gives off a great coverage, but doesn't look cakey at all. I thought at first I chose to light of a color (I am very pale), but after I finished applying it and it really sunk in, it is perfect. I just have a lot of red tones in my skin, so sometimes I'm not sure, and wasn't sure when I was ordering- I figured at the very least, I could contact QVC and let them know my mistake. But now I won't have to! The foundation itself is a little weird to use- there's a push thing on the cap and you push that to get the foundation loaded in the top, and then you plunge it onto the brush, and it doesn't always give you the right amount (too much, too little), however, I just try my best to dot the foundation around my face and then blend. I also like that this foundation layers extremely well.
This brush is awesome- it blends the foundation well, and doesn't leave it looking streaky.
I haven't used the eye brush too much, but it's okay.
The mascara is just one of my absolute favorite mascaras. I had never tried it before receiving it, and now I find myself reaching for it constantly, because it is just so good. It separates my lashes really well, and keeps the curl.
Finally, the lipsurgence. As you know if you've been keeping up with my blog, I'm not much of a lip product girl, but I do like this one. It's a little darker than my natural lip color, but isn't sticky, and it stays on pretty well.

Tarte Miracles from the Amazon Collection

Finally, the palette. This blush is just... I need to own all the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes. They are all just so pigmented, and you barely need to tap your brush on them to get the product. And the colors stay all day long on my face.
The eyeshadows are all totally wearable, and beautiful. I have green eyes so I love wearing plum-toned shadows. I think they're so flattering and make my eyes stand out. I will say with all of these shades, there is a bit of fall out, but tapping your brush to get off the excess can aid with this problem. The shades are very blendable. And I love the matte shades on the bottom- I've found myself reaching for this palette on multiple occasions to use those two shades as liners.

I also really just love the packaging in general. It's very sturdy on all of the products, and the colors are so pretty. I'm definitely a sucker for a pretty package.


You can still purchase this kit from QVC for $72.50. I definitely think it's still worth that, and I'm so happy with this! I can't wait until I get my June and October shipments!


FTC: This kit was purchased by me with my own money. I am not affiliated with QVC or Tarte, and no affiliate links have been used in this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Birthday Haul 2015

Last month I turned 30.
Along with all my other birthdays, since I'm signed up for quite a few rewards cards, I was drawn into having Birthday Savings at a lot of different places, as well as receiving giftcards.

Here's what I got from...

Sephora

 photo 350A5BA9-EBA7-4880-8FF8-1A3B3343E718_zpsvsij4eoi.jpg

I got the Nars lip pencils as a Birthday Gift from Sephora for being a Beauty Insider.
I also treat myself on my birthday every year to something else from Sephora since I'm already there, and decided to get the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette. It is now one of my favorite palettes I have ever owned, and I find myself using it almost every single day. All the colors are so wearable for my skin tone, and are just gorgeous.
I also picked up a new Urban Decay eyeshadow in Lost, and it goes quite well in my Urban Decay palette.

 photo 240D2E94-E203-48CF-9827-64FA6174D513_zpsafil88wt.jpg

I purchased Sin either last year or the year before (I honestly don't remember), and it was so lonely. Now it has a buddy, and they look beautiful together.


Ulta
 photo C033699B-7FCD-46C9-B72E-92E40F08D8C2_zpszvtpwnu8.jpg

A couple of friends of mine gave me giftcards to Ulta for my birthday, so I decided to use them to get some things I had my eyes on, but never bought with my own money.
The CoverGirl mascara was kind of a dud- it's definitely not up there with my favorite mascaras, or even ones I just tolerate.
The foot scrub and foot balm were a couple of products I had been eyeballing, and when I went in they were BOGO 50% off, so I decided to try them and give myself a pedicure. Okay, a pregnant girl giving herself a pedicure is like the funniest thing, ever. If only you guys could have seen me. I will say both the scrub and the balm worked great, and I'm definitely glad I have them for after my pregnancy, but for now I will either ask my husband for help or leave it to the professionals.
The Morrocan Oil Mask is something that is so incredibly hyped that I just had to give it a try finally. I had been holding out to see if maybe I would receive it in a subscription box, but no such luck. I now know that it's definitely worth the money, and I can see myself saving rewards points to purchase this in the future.
The Eucerin hand lotion is something I always have at my desk at work. It's non-greasy, and unscented. And incredibly moisturizing.
The Covergirl Ink It eyeliner is another thing I've heard a lot about, and even though I didn't really need a new black eyeliner, I bought it. And I'm glad I did- I really enjoy it. It's very black, and does not go anywhere.
And, finally, cotton pads. I bought these because I knew I was getting the Marcelle eye makeup remover in my February 2015 Birchbox, and I didn't have cotton pads.

 photo 01561002-A2BB-4D4D-8AA2-8BAC58D1DEC7_zpslqwu4yep.jpg

This is my second Ulta purchase in the month of February. It was only after I bought everything above that I remembered I get a birthday gift with Ulta, but it doesn't come until your actual birthday. So, this year, they gave away that eyeshadow palette (which, okay, that's fine, but I really liked the CKOne Mascara from last year and wish it was a higher-end brand product), and since I'm a Platinum Member I also received $10.00 off anything. I combined that with about $20 worth of rewards dollars, and purchased the Matrix Oils you see above. I had received samples of them from the girl that does my hair at Ulta, and they are pretty great.
I also got a sample of the itCosmestics Universal Brow Pencil from an email coupon- it was free with any purchase.



Overall, other than that Covergirl mascara, I'm pretty happy with all of my purchases. I've been really careful lately to truly think about what I'm buying before I buy it, and if I'll actually use it. I actually impulse buy a lot less now that I do a couple of subscription boxes, and I actually research everything I buy before I buy it, at least in terms of cosmetics. With the kid on the way (and the cost of daycare in the front of my mind all the time), I know I need to watch my dollars as carefully as possible!


FTC: These products were either purchased by me with my own money, with giftcards provided by friends, as birthday rewards gifts for being signed up for loyalty programs, or as a gift-with-purchase. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Birchbox February 2015

This month, we again got the choice of three different samples, or a guest editor box. I chose Marcelle's Gentle Make-up Remover for sensitive eyes. This was also the Rent the Runway month, and all subscribers received $30.00 off a Rent the Runway rental of $75.00+! (Which I thought about using for my baby shower- they don't have maternity wear, but there are things that could work, but I didn't want to risk it and everything is also just a bit too fancy.)
I've changed the birchbox reviews up a bit, as well, like I did with ipsy.



Again, we get 60 points for this box- 10 points for every sample we review, and an additional 10 for sharing on twitter or facebook! This seems like a regular thing now, and like I said last month, this essentially makes Birchbox a $4/month box. I can't get over what an amazing deal that is!


And, I know... vertical pictures! I've made myself a note for next month to not take them vertical anymore. It's a learning process!
On to the box!


 photo 228BCC6E-BCC1-46A3-B4B7-4C0AC86C758F_zpscsv6g0vt.jpg

I really love this box, again! We were advised to keep our boxes all year, and I've already decided to repurpose mine to hold my samples in. I'll have to do an updated product organization blog soon to show you guys what I mean!


 photo 0A4BC5D4-7C9D-4C75-B20A-C9EEC54B628C_zpsey27lc7q.jpg

BeeKind Body Lotion
Made with honey and organic chamomile, this yummy UK fave sinks in to restore skin.
How To Use: Massage generously into skin.

Will I Use It?: I've been kind of obsessive about lotion lately- my skin has been pretty dry (a combo of pregnancy and winter), so I could always use another one! I haven't tried this yet, but it smells nice, and it's currently in line for me to try!


 photo 411AD0D0-F8BA-4C11-86D2-A244E15E7CEF_zpsqa6yrhgy.jpg

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner in Black
From the go-to UK eye makeup line, this user-friendly liquid liner goes on velvety smooth.
How To Use: Trace our upper lash line, or try your hand at a cat-eye.

Will I Use It?: I was so excited to see this in my box! I've heard nothing but good things about the Eyeko liners, and that they're fairly easy to use if you're a beginner with liquid liner, which I definitely am! 


 photo 7A9739CF-BE46-4500-86D6-A49FB139366B_zpsmeun5jbv.jpg

Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser
Made with organic botanicals, this hydrating wash declogs pores and brightens skin.

How To Use: Twice daily, massage onto damp skin. Rinse well and follow with moisturizer.
Will I Use It?: I have added it to my growing sample stock of cleansers that I can't currently use (I'm sticking to mostly natural products or low-ingredient products), but I'm excited about this, too! 



 photo 3223E6FA-D6CD-434C-AED0-B5CAE5835F0E_zpsssvqofnj.jpg

Juice Couture Hollywood Royal
A floral scent with notes of candied apple, white petals, and cashmere wood.
How To Use: Spritz onto pulse points to feel walk-the-red-carpet glamorous.

Will I Use It?: I really, really like this scent. As a matter of fact, I think I have enjoyed every Juicy Couture fragrance I've ever smelled, and if you know me, you know I'm not much for perfumes. I plan on giving this a try on my days off (office policy is no strong scents, and I'm also a sensitive person myself to scents to I try to abide), and figure out if I should purchase it.


 photo FFC4A3F7-3D27-4924-9A04-DFF3F4360A8F_zpsvowqiysu.jpg

Marcelle Gentle Make-up Remover for Sensitive Eyes
Hypoallergenic formula that's tough on even long-lasting makeup, but gentle on the eyes.
How To Use It: Dispense onto cotton ball and wipe eyes to remove liner, shadow, and mascara.
Will I Use It?: This is the product I picked as my sample choice this month, and I am so happy I did! I've heard this was a really good product, but this was one-swipe good. And the day I tested this, I was wearing quite a bit of eye makeup, including waterproof mascara. And it didn't irritate my eyes at all. So far, I am super impressed and I already want to buy the full size. But I'll keep trying it first!



I am seriously so happy with this box! I like every product and can see myself using them all, and that hardly ever happens. Great job, Birchbox!


If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.

FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.
The only affiliate link used is the Birchbox affiliate link directly above. Any other links to the birchbox shop are just for reference only. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Saturday, February 28, 2015

ipsy February 2015

I totally screwed up and took the vertical pictures again! What the heck. Maybe next month I'll remember!
I am also switching up the ipsy reviews just a bit! I am taking the descriptions directly from the ipsy website, and then just saying if I'll use it or not. 


 photo B0C2ACF7-8E30-42B9-81B0-78FEC972AA3A_zpsylegdflx.jpg

This bag is cute, but I doubt I'll be hanging on to it after this month. It's a well-constructed bag, don't get me wrong, it's just not really me. 


 photo C0FB3A3B-6D85-4419-85B3-0CBBB605EE46_zpseu9ufckg.jpg

City Color Cosmetics Creamy Lip Stain in Flirtini
A hybrid between a lipstick and gloss, our Creamy Lip Stain is a new kind of lip product that applies smooth and creamy like a gloss and sets with a matte finish. This creamy lip stain gives your lips long lasting color while keeping lips moisturized. Available in 6 fun flirty shades.
Will I Use It? I have tried this, and it's not for me. The color is fine, but this came off streaky on my lips and wore funny, and the night I was wearing it I was just sitting at home organizing my bathroom. So I would hate to see what it might do to my lips if I was actually out and about. I might pass it off to someone else, because a lot of lip products and me don't seem to agree, but I haven't fully decided yet.


 photo 1A4CD6B1-0A67-4E1E-BD79-318E03E3EABC_zps8q95bewr.jpg

Eva NYC Up All Night Volumizing SprayGet the ultimate blowout with this multi-tasking spray! The light-weight formula adds volume and texture to hair, while protecting against heat for healthier styling.How to Use: Apply to damp hair before blow drying for added texture and lift, or use on dry hair as a revitalizing spray.
Will I Use It?: I absolutely will use this at some point, but I'm a little backstocked on hair stuff right now, so it might take some time.
 photo A3A44701-3550-4859-B9C5-2B2D8BB36A96_zps4qpbhfcg.jpg

Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face OilThe Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil is a highly effective face oil packed with powerful natural anti-oxidants and vitamins that are instantly absorbed to leave skin feeling plumper, firmer and glowing with radiance.Allergen Warning: May contain nut traces
Will I Use It?: I'm not really into face oils, but I'll try it out eventually. I'm trying not to use non-natural or basic products on my skin during my pregnancy, so this will be used afterward.

 photo 2F61EAB1-3AED-48C5-A5EE-3F332D8A707F_zps0ajy8ut9.jpg

ModelCo BLUSH Cheek Powder in Cosmopolitan
ModelCo’s BLUSH Cheek Powder creates a beaming, rosy glow to brighten every complexion. The micronized color pigments and luxurious, pressed powder delivers a sheer, natural radiance that lasts all day.
BLUSH Cheek Powder's chic compact is easy-to-use and perfect for beauty touch ups on-the-go.
Will I Use It?: I've used this several times since receiving it, and the color is really pretty! It's not shimmery at all, but it definitely does create a bit of a glow. This will definitely be in my regular rotation.

 photo F147F08B-5BA0-4C31-B946-F8C47150D0E9_zpscs4sf0xp.jpg

Emite Make Up Professional Eye Lash Curler
The EMITE MAKE UP Professional Eye Lash curler has a special curved design which angles to suit all eye shapes, without touching your makeup base. Its silicone rubber pad applies the appropriate amount of pressure to curl lashes naturally. Your eye lashes will remain in perfect shape all day!
Directions: Align rubber pad at base of upper lashes. Press handles together and hold for several seconds. Gently release and remove curler from lashes. Apply mascara. (Warning: Use the eyelash curler before applying mascara to avoid damage to lashes. Use with caution. Keep out of reach of children.)
Will I Use It?: I've used this a couple of times, and it's okay. It's definitely not going to be my go-to curler, but it's nice to have this as a back up!

This is another box that was a little hit and miss for me. I really, really like the blush, but that's pretty much it. To be honest, I'm giving ipsy a couple more months to see if it gets better, than I might have to cancel.

FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from ipsy.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Book Review: Isla and The Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3) by Stephanie Perkins

 photo IslaAndTheHappilyEverAfter_StephaniePerkins_zpszwvdiwnw.jpg

Description from Goodreads
Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last? 

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. 

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series.

Initial Thoughts

I'm assuming at this point that the Josh in this story is the same Josh from Anna and the French kiss that is friends with Anna and Etienne, but I am not sure. I am really excited to read this book, and finish out this little series! Though the reviews on Goodreads seem to have been a little mixed (even though the ratings are good), this book is still the reason I read this series in the first place so I'm definitely anxious to start it!

My Review

I was right- it is the same Josh! Even though some other reviews were mixed, and my own reviews were mixed about half way through the book, I had a hard time putting this down and I ended up really enjoying it! 
Isla is in Paris for school, and has had a crush on Josh forever. He is interested after breaking up with a long time girlfriend, and they start dating. Then the shit hits the fan, and they become a long distance relationship.
I think that aspect of the story was pretty realistic- at least to me. The desperation even after only a month of dating- I think a lot of us feel like we want to plan our future with someone that soon, even if it's not a good idea. So I felt for them in that aspect. But the more it went on, I felt like it was completely contrived and just continued on for as long as it did so the author would continue having something to write about.


However, once things started coming around with Isla and her realization about who she is, the story got really interesting to me again, and I really enjoyed it again. 
I also really, really enjoyed getting to see all the other characters again, especially since this is listed as the final book of the series. It was nice to see them continued on a bit, and I feel like all of their stories wrapped up nicely enough for satisfaction.


I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves YA Romance. I do think you could read each individual book on it's own, but the whole is worth the read.


Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my local library. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Pregnancy Update: Weeks 21 - 24

This is going to be kind of short and sweet, as nothing much as been happening the last four weeks. Other that increasing movement from Michael, and increasing growing from me. To the tune of 10 extra pounds, for a total of 18. I'm still on track, and the doctor was concerned for me because of the extra weight, but he said if I hadn't gained it all at once he would not be concerned at all. But since I gained it all so quickly... I just don't know. I hadn't really been eating a lot differently, though it was my 30th birthday the week before my appointment and I did overindulge just a bit. But hopefully it was a fluke and doesn't happen again.
My blood pressure is still great (122/64), and my fundal height is 23, which is still right on track!

During my next update, I should be able to tell you guys all about the lovely Gestational Diabetes test. I've heard mixed reviews, so we'll see!


 photo D414C87B-210D-4823-BDE4-8E9447FC5D88_zpsx2robiza.jpg

 photo B14BA4E2-22CF-449D-8DEE-08C86FB82516_zpsd2kytzul.jpg

 photo B8C79718-D578-4767-A8B3-4719CD17D3D5_zpsgsh2ponz.jpg
(I took this on my 30th birthday!)

 photo 19C33328-A0FB-4545-9847-5B3FEDCDEE00_zps7yvgwuim.jpg


Seeing all these pictures at the same time really does show how much bigger I've gotten. Wow!