There are so many awesome books coming out next month! I'd love to see your reviews if you do one on one of these books, so be sure and link me below! And feel free to add me on Goodreads!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Books I'm Excited For: June 2014
There are so many awesome books coming out next month! I'd love to see your reviews if you do one on one of these books, so be sure and link me below! And feel free to add me on Goodreads!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser Review
Today I'm going to be reviewing the Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser.
I initially received this as one of those magazine samples on a card in the mail, and really liked the way it made my skin feel, so when I noticed they had a $3.00 off coupon (!) attached to the sample, I jumped on this when I saw it at Target for $5.99.
How To Use: For optimal results, use daily. Wet face. Pump cleanser into hands, gently work into a foam. Massage over entire face. Rinse thoroughly.
How It Works: Skin acting up? Meet Charcoal. The new secret weapon from the Bioré® Skincare Experts. Draw out and trap 2x more dirt and impurities than a basic cleanser with this innovative black cleanser that foams white and rinses clean. Infused with Japanese Skin Purifying Technology, this facial cleanser gives you results after just one use!
Initial Impressions: My initial impressions were pretty great- I bought it based on a tiny sample in a magazine (I was able to get two uses out of it). I liked the cooling sensation from the menthol, and I thought it really appeared to clean out my pores. I figured for $2.99, it was worth the shot! After purchasing it, I decided based on some reviews I had read to only use it at night- it says it's okay to use daily, but not twice daily, so I figured that would be the best time.
Final Impressions: After using this nightly for a month (other than my once weekly face mask), I still love the way my skin is responding to it. I really do feel like it's getting my skin clean and I love the cooling feeling (especially since it's starting to become very, very hot where I live). I feel like my pores are cleaner than they were previously, but this doesn't irritate my skin like some other cleaners that promise to remove dirt and impurities but instead just leave my sensitive skin irritated. I can honestly say that I haven't noticed anything wrong with this cleanser- it does exactly what it promises to do, I did see results very quickly, and I feel like my skin is very clean. This product is a winner, and at the price, it would be hard to pass up! I will definitely be repurchasing this product.
You can purchase this product at your local Target (like I did), or purchase it from amazon here.
FTC: This product was purchased by me with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains an amazon affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Book Review: Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman
Description from Goodreads
With a career, a boyfriend, and a loving family, Piper Kerman barely resembles the reckless young woman who delivered a suitcase of drug money ten years before. But that past has caught up with her. Convicted and sentenced to fifteen months at the infamous federal correctional facility in Danbury, Connecticut, the well-heeled Smith College alumna is now inmate #11187–424—one of the millions of people who disappear “down the rabbit hole” of the American penal system. From her first strip search to her final release, Kerman learns to navigate this strange world with its strictly enforced codes of behavior and arbitrary rules. She meets women from all walks of life, who surprise her with small tokens of generosity, hard words of wisdom, and simple acts of acceptance. Heartbreaking, hilarious, and at times enraging, Kerman’s story offers a rare look into the lives of women in prison—why it is we lock so many away and what happens to them when they’re there.
My Review
I, like most people, have become obsessed with Orange Is The New Black. I have now watched Season 1 through twice, and I am anxiously awaiting June 6th, when the 2nd Season is released. But I really, really wanted to pick up her book and check it out. I know the show is loosely based on the book, so I wasn't expecting it to be a replica of the show or anything like that. But I still wanted to check it out, to get to know the real Piper, and about her real experiences.
Piper Kerman was reckless as a young girl, and carried a suitcase full of drug money for her girlfriend at the time. Years later, she is now with a man and gets indicted on drug charges. She spends the next 5 years just waiting, until, finally, she gets her orders to surrender.
I think Piper's time in prison probably taught her a lot, but much like the show, I was far more interested in the cast of characters surrounding her than about Piper herself. And that's nothing against Piper Kerman, but she's not your "typical" prisoner, which she pretty much states herself- she has a job, a home, and a fiance to return home to, while many of the women are going to be homeless or live in women's shelters, will have a hard time finding a job, and have been "in" so long, they don't know what the world is like.
Women like Pop, who have been in prison for 10 years, who have no idea what the world is like now. Who don't know what they'll have when they're on the "outs". It broke my heart to read their stories.
Most of the names in the story are changed, except for Sister Ardeth Platt and Alice Gerard, who gave permission to have their real names used. I find this a fascinating thing because they weren't actually in the story as much as Pop, or Delicious, or Natalie.
To me, the story as a whole is complete, but what's missing to me is a more complete epilogue- I want to know if Piper is in contact with any of the women from prison. There are rules about a probationary period, but those are long past, which she states herself in the book.
I don't know that as many people would have read this book if it had been written by anyone but Piper Kerman (mostly privileged white woman writing about her time in federal prison), but I, for one, am glad I took the time to step away from the show and read her story. Because it gave me the opportunity to read about what prison is like for these women, how many are just trapped there for the most minor of infractions, and the lack of everything they have, both "in" and "out". And the statistics she relays about the amount of women in prison from the 1980s to now is just astounding.
If you're a fan of the show, or even if you're just intrigued about our prison system and how it really is, I would highly recommend checking out this book.
I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads. You can purchase a copy of this book for Kindle here, or a physical copy here. Or you can borrow it from your local library, like I did!
FTC: I borrowed this book from my local library. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post does contain Amazon Affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
New Beauty Test Tube May 2014
Another disappointing test tube...
Sorry about some of the dark pictures- I realized too late that taking pictures lengthwise makes my lighting a little wonky.
TanTowel Classic Self-Tan Towelettes Half Body Application for Face & Body
Foolproof application is a cinch with these unique towelettes that help deliver the perfect sun-kissed glow each and every time.
How To Use: Unfold towelette and apply to clean, dry skin in a circular motion starting with your body. Leave the face, elbows, and knees for last. Wash hands immediately.
Benefits Include: Multitasking Tanner: The easy-to-apply towelettes work three ways on your skin- exfoliating, tanning, and moisturizing- to leave it soft, smooth, and beautifully golden; and Foolproof Formula: These easy-to-use towelettes contain the perfect amount of concentrated self-tan formula to give skin a radiant, natural-looking glow in about two to four hours.
Will I Use It?: No, I won't use this. I don't use tanning products, but if I did, it wouldn't be a towel. My sister-in-law expressed interest in trying this out, so I'll probably pass them off to her the next time I see her.
Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless Cleansing Conditioner
The ultimate multitasking, cleansing conditioner features a no-suds formula that leaves hair revitalized and shiny, thus restoring texture back to its optimal condition.
How To Use: Use in place of your shampoo and conditioner. Lightly emulsify one to two pumps between hands. Apply to the scalp area and gently massage through to the ends, spreading throughout hair. Leave in wet hair for up to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Benefits Include: Experience Perfection: This cleansing conditioner reinvents the art of shampooing and creates the perfect salon blow-dry at home; and Versatile Formula: In one product, this conditioner cleanses, conditions, reduces blow-drying time, detangles, enhances volume, and eliminates frizz.
Will I Use It?: I'll give it a shot- I'm one that's kind of into my shampoo/conditioner/leave in type routine, but I might try this out on a weekend day when I know I'm not doing anything, or that I can jump in the shower again right away if this doesn't work quite the way I was hoping. I'll definitely do a review on it in the future.
Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Topaz
A creamy, glide-on shadow, Evercolor Shadow Stick won't crease or wear away, leaving you with gorgeous color all day- right where you put it. The innovative silicone system seals color in place while the creamy formula helps smooth away fine lines.
How To Use: Run along lashes to use an an eyeliner or smooth on lids and blend to use as an eye shadow.
Benefits Include: Four-In-One: This easy-to-use stick acts as an eye shadow, eyeliner, and primer, and even replaces your makeup brushes. Use a little to create a simple day look, or layer color for a sexy, smoky, nighttime effect; and Playtime: After applying, you have 30 seconds to blend, smooth, and play with the color to get the look you want before it sets beautifully in place.
Will I Use It?: I received the Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Saddle Shimmer in a QVC New Beauty Test Tube, and I feel the same way about these then as I do now- cool concept, but not better than the Maybelline color tattoos. And this color is pretty similar to that color, only has more red tones. I'll use it, but I think the claim that it stays put and doesn't crease is pretty bogus, especially for those of us with oily lids.
Revision Skincare Intellishade Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
A three-in-one anti-aging tinted moisturizer with sunscreen that conceals, corrects, and protects.
How To Use: Apply evenly to face as part of the last step in your morning skin-care routine. Can be worn alone or with makeup. Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Benefits Include: Brighten and Even Skin Tone: A clinical study showed 94 percent of participants experienced smoother, brighter, more even-tone skin with intellishade; and Fight Aging: Formulated with a blend of three peptides, the moisturizer-meets-sunscreen reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing broad-spectrum UV protection.
Will I Use It?: I've actually been using it on and off since receiving the tube, and my only complaint is that sometimes I feel like the intellishade technology works, and sometimes it doesn't. It's pretty orangy for my skin tone, so when it doesn't work... well, I just look odd. Overall, the concept of this is pretty cool, but it's a little pricey. I'm not sure that I'll ever buy this again, but I can definitely say I've been enjoying it and maybe if I go into a local spa that has it and I have some extra cash, I'll keep it available in my collection.
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!
This deep conditioning mask helps resuscitate dry, damaged, or chemically-treated hair.
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.
Benefits Include: Naturally-Based: This conditioning treatment is fortified with ultrahydrating avocado, sweet almond and argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, rosehip oil, and soothing aloe; and Vitamin-Infused: Designed with biotin and hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, and E, this mask works to quench dry and damaged hair.
Will I Use It?: I haven't used this yet, but it's sitting in my shower waiting to be used! From looking online a bit, it seems like it gets pretty good reviews. However, my issue is that the sample included in my box is SO TINY. It's a 1oz sample, which isn't very big considering the price of this box and how big some of the other samples are. I'll probably be able to get three to four good uses (since I have such long hair) out of this sample.
Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream
This BB Cream for the body visibly improves the look of your skin after one day and provides you five visible benefits after five days.
How To Use: For best results, use daily as your body lotion. Massage the sheer formula all over your body, allowing time for it to dry prior to dressing.
Benefits Include: Five-In-One Formula: This cream works on multiple levels to hydrate, illuminate, visibly firm, and even skin tine and reduce the appearance of imperfections; and A Perfect Match: This quick-drying moisturizer goes on sheer before adjusting to your natural skin tone.
Will I Use It: So... here's where I got really, really pissed at this box. (Tell us how you really feel, right?!) This is a drug store product, and New Beauty touts itself on being a higher-end brand box. Not just that, but this is the exact same size I received in my Birchbox from March. Of which it was my "life style extra", so it wasn't even technically a part of the normal products I receive for $10.00. I got a bigger sample of this in my Target Beauty Box that only cost me $5.00! Since receiving this so many freaking times, I have decided it does actually help the appearance of skin tone issues on my legs, however, the scent is completely overwhelming to me. I get migraines really bad and this product seems to be a huge trigger, and I didn't discover it until I noticed a girl at work wears it as well and it was just crazy overwhelming to me. So I can't even use this at all. Which is not New Beauty's fault, but it is their fault for including such a tiny sample of a drug store product.
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
This concentrated glycerin moisturizing cream delivers serious hydration to heal superdry skin from head to toe.
How To Use: Apply evenly on dry skin or lips as often as desired. For best results, use immediately after bathing.
Benefits Include: Heal-All Formula: This cream replenishes lost moisture in all types of dry skin. From water damaged hands and brittle cuticles from frequent hand washing to painful chapped lips and cracked heels. Yu-Be helps heal and moisturize all of your dry skin issues from head to toe; and Long-Lasting: Yu-Be is safe and effective for the whole family. The nongreasy formula absorbs quickly and stays locked in for hours.
Will I Use It?: The sample that came in my box was 3 grams. 3 GRAMS. The full size of this is only 1oz for 16 dollars, and they send me a sample worth like $4.00. WHAT. I felt so ripped off when I realized this was actually part of the box, and not just a beauty-to-go extra. I haven't used it yet, because I was seriously so mad I almost threw it away. Instead I just stuck it in my lotion drawer. There is probably not enough to cover one arm, let alone try it out for my whole body. Which is another reason for the immense disappointment.
These are my extras. I think I've received the Cotz Face lotion at least two or three times before. I stuck the body cloth in my purse. I haven't used the face wrap yet, and the lotion is a hand cream that smells pretty good and works okay.
I'm not super happy with this box, especially compared to the one from March. And I'm in the majority- there were a lot of people that were very disappointed in this box. I received so many tiny samples that even though I received more than I paid for, the value of it is basically meaningless because I feel kind of ripped off.
It seems like the boxes are very give and take- one month is good, the next not so great. I'm going to be getting the Ipsy box soon (I'm on the waitlist), so I've decided to cancel this box. I can always renew if I see July's and September's, and if they are good, I might go ahead and get this box once more. But, for now, this is my last New Beauty Test Tube.
FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the New Beauty Test Tube catalog included with the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Sorry about some of the dark pictures- I realized too late that taking pictures lengthwise makes my lighting a little wonky.
TanTowel Classic Self-Tan Towelettes Half Body Application for Face & Body
Foolproof application is a cinch with these unique towelettes that help deliver the perfect sun-kissed glow each and every time.
How To Use: Unfold towelette and apply to clean, dry skin in a circular motion starting with your body. Leave the face, elbows, and knees for last. Wash hands immediately.
Benefits Include: Multitasking Tanner: The easy-to-apply towelettes work three ways on your skin- exfoliating, tanning, and moisturizing- to leave it soft, smooth, and beautifully golden; and Foolproof Formula: These easy-to-use towelettes contain the perfect amount of concentrated self-tan formula to give skin a radiant, natural-looking glow in about two to four hours.
Will I Use It?: No, I won't use this. I don't use tanning products, but if I did, it wouldn't be a towel. My sister-in-law expressed interest in trying this out, so I'll probably pass them off to her the next time I see her.
Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless Cleansing Conditioner
The ultimate multitasking, cleansing conditioner features a no-suds formula that leaves hair revitalized and shiny, thus restoring texture back to its optimal condition.
How To Use: Use in place of your shampoo and conditioner. Lightly emulsify one to two pumps between hands. Apply to the scalp area and gently massage through to the ends, spreading throughout hair. Leave in wet hair for up to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Benefits Include: Experience Perfection: This cleansing conditioner reinvents the art of shampooing and creates the perfect salon blow-dry at home; and Versatile Formula: In one product, this conditioner cleanses, conditions, reduces blow-drying time, detangles, enhances volume, and eliminates frizz.
Will I Use It?: I'll give it a shot- I'm one that's kind of into my shampoo/conditioner/leave in type routine, but I might try this out on a weekend day when I know I'm not doing anything, or that I can jump in the shower again right away if this doesn't work quite the way I was hoping. I'll definitely do a review on it in the future.
Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Topaz
A creamy, glide-on shadow, Evercolor Shadow Stick won't crease or wear away, leaving you with gorgeous color all day- right where you put it. The innovative silicone system seals color in place while the creamy formula helps smooth away fine lines.
How To Use: Run along lashes to use an an eyeliner or smooth on lids and blend to use as an eye shadow.
Benefits Include: Four-In-One: This easy-to-use stick acts as an eye shadow, eyeliner, and primer, and even replaces your makeup brushes. Use a little to create a simple day look, or layer color for a sexy, smoky, nighttime effect; and Playtime: After applying, you have 30 seconds to blend, smooth, and play with the color to get the look you want before it sets beautifully in place.
Will I Use It?: I received the Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Saddle Shimmer in a QVC New Beauty Test Tube, and I feel the same way about these then as I do now- cool concept, but not better than the Maybelline color tattoos. And this color is pretty similar to that color, only has more red tones. I'll use it, but I think the claim that it stays put and doesn't crease is pretty bogus, especially for those of us with oily lids.
Revision Skincare Intellishade Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
A three-in-one anti-aging tinted moisturizer with sunscreen that conceals, corrects, and protects.
How To Use: Apply evenly to face as part of the last step in your morning skin-care routine. Can be worn alone or with makeup. Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Benefits Include: Brighten and Even Skin Tone: A clinical study showed 94 percent of participants experienced smoother, brighter, more even-tone skin with intellishade; and Fight Aging: Formulated with a blend of three peptides, the moisturizer-meets-sunscreen reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing broad-spectrum UV protection.
Will I Use It?: I've actually been using it on and off since receiving the tube, and my only complaint is that sometimes I feel like the intellishade technology works, and sometimes it doesn't. It's pretty orangy for my skin tone, so when it doesn't work... well, I just look odd. Overall, the concept of this is pretty cool, but it's a little pricey. I'm not sure that I'll ever buy this again, but I can definitely say I've been enjoying it and maybe if I go into a local spa that has it and I have some extra cash, I'll keep it available in my collection.
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!
This deep conditioning mask helps resuscitate dry, damaged, or chemically-treated hair.
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.
Benefits Include: Naturally-Based: This conditioning treatment is fortified with ultrahydrating avocado, sweet almond and argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, rosehip oil, and soothing aloe; and Vitamin-Infused: Designed with biotin and hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, and E, this mask works to quench dry and damaged hair.
Will I Use It?: I haven't used this yet, but it's sitting in my shower waiting to be used! From looking online a bit, it seems like it gets pretty good reviews. However, my issue is that the sample included in my box is SO TINY. It's a 1oz sample, which isn't very big considering the price of this box and how big some of the other samples are. I'll probably be able to get three to four good uses (since I have such long hair) out of this sample.
Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream
This BB Cream for the body visibly improves the look of your skin after one day and provides you five visible benefits after five days.
How To Use: For best results, use daily as your body lotion. Massage the sheer formula all over your body, allowing time for it to dry prior to dressing.
Benefits Include: Five-In-One Formula: This cream works on multiple levels to hydrate, illuminate, visibly firm, and even skin tine and reduce the appearance of imperfections; and A Perfect Match: This quick-drying moisturizer goes on sheer before adjusting to your natural skin tone.
Will I Use It: So... here's where I got really, really pissed at this box. (Tell us how you really feel, right?!) This is a drug store product, and New Beauty touts itself on being a higher-end brand box. Not just that, but this is the exact same size I received in my Birchbox from March. Of which it was my "life style extra", so it wasn't even technically a part of the normal products I receive for $10.00. I got a bigger sample of this in my Target Beauty Box that only cost me $5.00! Since receiving this so many freaking times, I have decided it does actually help the appearance of skin tone issues on my legs, however, the scent is completely overwhelming to me. I get migraines really bad and this product seems to be a huge trigger, and I didn't discover it until I noticed a girl at work wears it as well and it was just crazy overwhelming to me. So I can't even use this at all. Which is not New Beauty's fault, but it is their fault for including such a tiny sample of a drug store product.
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
This concentrated glycerin moisturizing cream delivers serious hydration to heal superdry skin from head to toe.
How To Use: Apply evenly on dry skin or lips as often as desired. For best results, use immediately after bathing.
Benefits Include: Heal-All Formula: This cream replenishes lost moisture in all types of dry skin. From water damaged hands and brittle cuticles from frequent hand washing to painful chapped lips and cracked heels. Yu-Be helps heal and moisturize all of your dry skin issues from head to toe; and Long-Lasting: Yu-Be is safe and effective for the whole family. The nongreasy formula absorbs quickly and stays locked in for hours.
Will I Use It?: The sample that came in my box was 3 grams. 3 GRAMS. The full size of this is only 1oz for 16 dollars, and they send me a sample worth like $4.00. WHAT. I felt so ripped off when I realized this was actually part of the box, and not just a beauty-to-go extra. I haven't used it yet, because I was seriously so mad I almost threw it away. Instead I just stuck it in my lotion drawer. There is probably not enough to cover one arm, let alone try it out for my whole body. Which is another reason for the immense disappointment.
These are my extras. I think I've received the Cotz Face lotion at least two or three times before. I stuck the body cloth in my purse. I haven't used the face wrap yet, and the lotion is a hand cream that smells pretty good and works okay.
I'm not super happy with this box, especially compared to the one from March. And I'm in the majority- there were a lot of people that were very disappointed in this box. I received so many tiny samples that even though I received more than I paid for, the value of it is basically meaningless because I feel kind of ripped off.
It seems like the boxes are very give and take- one month is good, the next not so great. I'm going to be getting the Ipsy box soon (I'm on the waitlist), so I've decided to cancel this box. I can always renew if I see July's and September's, and if they are good, I might go ahead and get this box once more. But, for now, this is my last New Beauty Test Tube.
FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the New Beauty Test Tube catalog included with the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
My Life - Update
Hi everyone-
There should be a New Beauty Test Tube post here, but I don't have it finished yet.
My grandmother passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last Friday night, May 16th. I have been busy, helping with preparations, mourning the loss of an amazing woman, and just generally being busy.
Usually I have posts finished a week to two weeks in advance, but unfortunately, more important issues arose and I was unable to finish the post in time.
So for the first time, I'm putting up a post saying there won't be a post today- because we are celebrating the life she lived on this day, and mourning her loss.
The New Beauty post will appear sometime over the long Memorial Day weekend, most likely either Saturday or Sunday.
Thank you all for understanding.
There should be a New Beauty Test Tube post here, but I don't have it finished yet.
My grandmother passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last Friday night, May 16th. I have been busy, helping with preparations, mourning the loss of an amazing woman, and just generally being busy.
Usually I have posts finished a week to two weeks in advance, but unfortunately, more important issues arose and I was unable to finish the post in time.
So for the first time, I'm putting up a post saying there won't be a post today- because we are celebrating the life she lived on this day, and mourning her loss.
The New Beauty post will appear sometime over the long Memorial Day weekend, most likely either Saturday or Sunday.
Thank you all for understanding.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Birchbox May 2014
I got my box literally hours after the spoilers were posted on the 10th- I'm super impressed with their shipping! But I didn't use any of the stuff (until after I wrote the spoilers) so here are my impressions based on the spoilers...
- Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo: I received the Beauty Protector Protect and Oil in my February 2014 birchbox, so this is a brand I'm already familiar with and like. I'm excited to give this shampoo a try!
- Beauty Protector Protect & Condition: I'm so glad they also included the conditioner! In last month's box, they sent me a shampoo to try, but not the matching conditioner, so now I can really try the set and see how I like it!
- LAQA & Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil: Lip Pencils can be hit and miss, so depending on how the color looks on me, I could really like this!
- Supergoop! Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology: Supergoop! has been in a lot boxes, based on what I've seen around the blogs, but I've never tried anything by this line. So I'm kind of excited about this! (I get excited about a lot, clearly.)
- 32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy: This is my lifestyle extra for the month.
This was a Kate Spade Saturday decorated box, and it was so super cute! I can definitely see myself saving these boxes to use once I'm in my own space and can store such things. This box also included a deal for $25.00 off a $75.00 on the saturday.com website, so that's exciting!
Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo
Another star Beauty Protector launch, this sulfate-free formula adds shine and volume.
How To Use: Apply a quarter-sized amount to wet hair, concentrating on the scalp. Rinse thoroughly.
How It Works: In addition to honey pearl powder, Protect & Shampoo is packed with rich vitamins and a gentle mix of sulfate-free cleaning agents. This powerhouse lineup cleanses and nourishes your strands.
Will I Use It?: I have actually completely used the shampoo sample, and I really liked it. I really liked that it smelled exactly like the oil I received in my February birchbox. I felt like it got my hair clean, but didn't strip out anything unnecessary.
Beauty Protector Protect & Condition
Love Protect & Detangle? Use this nourishing conditioner with shea butter before spritzing.
How To Use: After shampooing, apply to hair, focusing on the middle and ends of strands. Rinse thoroughly.
How It Works: In addition to honey pearl powder, Protect & Condition is formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter and apple, lemon, and orange extracts. Together, they hydrate and nourish hair with vitamins and minerals.
Will I Use It?: I've used up all of this sample, as well, but I wasn't as impressed with it as I was the shampoo. It pretty much just smelled like lotion, and didn't really do much to my hair to keep the tangles out- I probably spent a good 10 minutes trying to get my hair untangled. I wasn't impressed at all with this conditioner, and there about three uses in the sample bottle provided, so I feel like I got a pretty good representation of how the product would perform.
LAQA & Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil - Coral
Perfect for spring, this high-gloss, semi-sheer lip color glides on buttery-smooth.
How To Use: Swipe onto lips, and build for more pigment. Bonus: It smells minty fresh!
How It Works: Unlike some glosses that simply provide a nice shine, this lip lube channels softening shea butter, which moisturizes and fills in any unsightly lines, and is infused with refreshing mint. Available in an array of wearable, softly pigmented shades.
Will I Use It?: I tried this out, and honestly, the color is just way too light for me. I'm definitely a "my lips but better" kind of lip color wearer, if I wear it at all, and this is just much lighter for me than I'd prefer. I also wasn't super fond of the texture of this product, or the way it looked on my lips. I might give it to a friend to try, but I won't be reusing this myself.
Supergoop! Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology
This lightweight cream provides water-resistant, SPF 30+ protection anywhere you need it.
How To Use: Apply a shot glass-sized amount to face and body 30 minutes before stepping outside.
How It Works: This lightweight sunscreen quickly soaks into skin—but since it’s noncomedogenic, it doesn’t clog pores. It’s loaded with beta-glucan for moisture and free radical-fighting antioxidants to keep skin looking young. And its scent—a subtle botanical fragrance with hints of citrus and basil—beats the typical sweet, pseudo-tropical sunscreen smell any day.
Will I Use It?: I haven't used it yet, but I've heard a lot about Supergoop products (though I haven't actually tried any myself), so we'll see! I might do a review later on, if I think I have anything substantial to say about it.
32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy
Breath-freshening crystals that attack unpleasant odors for a delightfully clean feeling.
How To Use: Swish around in your mouth until they begin to pop (that's when you know they're working!).
How It Works: Unlike gum and breath mints, which only mask bad breath, these teeth-cleaning crystals pack zinc and IsoVoxy to kill odor-causing bacteria. Once dissolved, they leave a fresh scent courtesy of natural peppermint flavors.
Will I Use It?: This was my lifestyle extra for the month. This kind of seems like a breath mint version of PopRocks, and I'm not gonna lie, I'm intrigued! I haven't tried them yet, but they're in my purse and ready to be used.
Overall, I really like this month's box! I've continued to be impressed by birchbox, so I'll be keeping my subscription another month!
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.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Book Review: Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski
(This book was provided to me by NetGalley and Random House Children's for review purposes).
Description from Goodreads
Contemporary teen fiction with romance, secrets, scandals, and ESP from the author of Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have).
We weren't always like this. We used to be average New York City high school sophomores. Until our homeroom went for flu shots. We were prepared for some side effects. Maybe a headache. Maybe a sore arm. We definitely didn't expect to get telepathic powers. But suddenly we could hear what everyone was thinking. Our friends. Our parents. Our crushes. Now we all know that Tess is in love with her best friend, Teddy. That Mackenzie cheated on Cooper. That, um, Nurse Carmichael used to be a stripper.
Since we've kept our freakish skill a secret, we can sit next to the class brainiac and ace our tests. We can dump our boyfriends right before they dump us. We know what our friends really think of our jeans, our breath, our new bangs. We always know what's coming. Some of us will thrive. Some of us will crack. None of us will ever be the same.
So stop obsessing about your ex. We're always listening.
My Review
I thought this book was going to be a little more science fiction and a lot less teen angst, but I have to say- I still really liked it!
This book revolves around over 22 different characters, so be prepared! 22 of 24 students in the same home room class get the flu vaccine and all of them end up with a pretty interesting side effect- they develop ESP. They can not only hear each other's thoughts, but the thoughts of other students, teachers, their parents... anyone they are around.
Now when I originally read the synopsis, I thought there would be a little teen angst and maybe a little more "how did this really happen". But how it happened was pretty much wrapped up in 10 pages or less (and at the end of the book). It didn't stop me from really enjoying the story otherwise. I felt like a majority of the "main" characters were very fleshed out and different from each other, so it didn't get confusing. And they all had their own goals, and problems to sort out once everyone could hear everything inside of their heads.
I have to say, I don't know if I would like this power very much! It seems like it would be really noisy (all of the characters had headaches a lot of the time), and I don't think I really want to know everything that everyone could be thinking all the time. I mean, it seems pretty cool in theory, but would you really want to know how much you're aggravating something? Or if you think you look amazing in something and then you hear someone say that you look like crap? Yeah... I'd rather not.
Overall, as I said, I really liked this book. It was very well written, and the idea was pretty well explored. And in re-reading the description, it was definitely my mistake (hope?) that it was more Science Fiction based, but the description doesn't seem to indicate that at all.
And I loved the way it ended. Can we get more stories about these teens??
I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.
You can purchase a copy of this book in hardcover here, and for Kindle here.
FTC: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post contains amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
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