Tag Archives: Makeup

Life Is Like A Birchbox: January 2012

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After being disappointed with my December ’11 Birchbox, I am happy to say that I did a complete 180 with their January ’12 edition. This month, I received some familiar products and pleasant newcomers and it’s safe to say I’m a fan of them all. Let’s jump right in and get to the goods from my January Birchbox! 

January Birchbox

C.O. Bigelow Lavender & Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner

I had yet to try any products by C.O. Bigelow but was excited to try a product that would leave my hair smelling like a wonderful blend of peppermint and lavender. Unfortunately, neither the shampoo or conditioner smelled like either. 

January BirchboxMy disappointment quickly disappeared once I used the duo and found they left my hair feeling clean, fresh and full of life.

The shampoo got rid of all the oils and sweat built up after a long day in the office and intense session at the gym. Once the grime was gone, any tangles or knots were quickly gone thanks to the conditioner. While I’m used to conditioners being thick and creamy, like Herbal Essences or Pantene Pro-V for example, the C.O. Bigelow was thin. Turns out, because it wasn’t as heavy as other conditioners, every last bit was rinsed out and my hair felt clean and purified. Plus, it wasn’t weighed down and I had incredible body all day! For just $12 a bottle, I would definitely purchase this impressive cleansing and detangling duo in the future!

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner

If you’ve been a fan of my blog from the start, you’ll know that I already love this eyeliner and have been using it for a while. The lovely ladies at Birchbox sent me the Stila Smudge Stick Eye Liner in Purple Tang, a color that really brings out the blue-green in my eyes and makes them pop. Getting this in my box was not a disappointment-it was truly a gift! This mini-liner is a favorite and getting a favorite item for free is just as exciting (if not more!) than trying something new. Thanks Birchbox team for really nailing this one on the head!

Tay Safflower Seed Night Cream

I absolutely love trying out new day & night creams. Finding one that is light, breathable, and soaks into your skin is a rarity. The Tay Safflower Seed Night Cream, I am happy to say, did just that. Almost immediately after I lathered it on before bed, my skin drank it up.January Birchbox I woke up to a gorgeous glow; my face looked radiant, smooth and even.

I had even wiped some excess lotion over my lips and, to my surprise, in the morning they were healthier than if I had applied chap stick before bed! I feared I would have a greasy pout, yet just the opposite happened. Sadly, I wish I had double checked my Birchbox card for the price before falling for this wonder of a night cream. At $112 for a 1.7 oz tube, it doesn’t look like I’ll be adding this to my collection any time soon. Although, if anyone feels like splurging for a belated holiday gift, I couldn’t possibly say no ;)

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Perfume

A scent I wore regularly in high school was the original Juicy Couture perfume. Since then, my thirst for perfume has “matured” and I’ve happily enjoyed all that Givenchy, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs has to offer. The Viva La Juicy edition brought back happy memories from years ago, with a fresh and fruity twist. My handy Birchbox card tells me wild berries are mixed with mandarin and soft floral notes to create this youthful and refreshing scent. While it didn’t last through the day, it was a treat to experience and old favorite with a happy twist.

I hope my February Birchbox lives up to the expectations that this month’s has left. If you are in search of a new liner or shampoo, I highly recommend trying these great products!

Click here to sign up for Birchbox!

 

Life Is Like A Birchbox: November 2011

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My first Birchbox has finally arrived!

November 2011 Birchbox

After much anticipation, I couldn’t wait to tear through the package and explore all of the goodies in my November Birchbox when I found it on my front steps. I was far from disappointed and have already fallen in love with every product in the box!November 2011 Birchbox

What caught my attention was how beautifully wrapped these goodies are. It shows how much the creators of Birchbox truly care about their customers and want to create an experience with every delivery.

The Avene Cleanance Soap-Free Facial Gel Cleanser is by far the favorite item in my Birchbox. From Europe, this “skincare star” uses thermal spring water to soften skin and keep it hydrated and refreshed. After using this European sensation with my Clarisonic brush, my skin felt smooth and looked radiant and flawless. This magical cleanser got all the dirt & grime out and even appeared to even out my skin tone.

Nail polish has got to be my favorite beauty product; it is the only product that offers looks from basic, “play-it-safe” nudes to bold, bright “look at me” colors. The Zoya nail polish in Noel is a bright, beautiful shade ideal to jazz up any holiday outfit. From the holiday 2011 collection, Noel is a “shimmery denim” shade that sparkles and shines. It stained my nails with a hint of blue, but luckily there are plenty of polishes in the sea to cover it up!

Mineralogie’s Ultimate Cream Concealer was a pleasant surprise that I didn’t know I needed. Made with finely ground minerals, this concealer is ideal for hiding pesky under-eye circles and unsightly blemishes. Lightweight and airy, this formula covered any and all blemishes without leaving a caked-on look. For the best coverage, dab a little on over powder foundation and underneath bronzer to fake a fabulously flawless look! Kudos to the Birchbox team for giving me a shade that blended perfectly with my skin tone!

Any lotion that makes hands smooth and soft without leaving the greasy feeling is a-okay in my book. The last (but certainly not least!) item in my November Birchbox is November BirchboxThyme’s Eucalyptus Body Lotion. Infused with skin-saving botanicals and shea butter, this wonder lotion works to heal chapped hands while leaving, quite possibly, the best smell on my skin. Eucalyptus may be my new favorite scent! 

My customized, just for me, November 2011 Birchbox was like an early holiday gift-can’t wait for the next 11 to appear at my doorstep!

If you haven’t signed up to get your Birchbox yet, what are you waiting for?!

Thank you DailyCandy.com & BeautyBar.com!

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My wonderful friend and coworker Laura was kind enough to forward me a beautiful savings opportunity from the website DailyCandy.com. Through this deal, beauty fanatics can purchase $40 worth of makeup, skin care, hair products and more from BeautyBar.com for just $25!! The sale is STILL on, but only until November 15, so hurry and click here to buy!!BeautyBar.com Stila

I had not heard of BeautyBar.com but I am glad I discovered the website. Similar to Ulta or Sephora’s sites, BeautyBar.com offers a wide range of companies, from Stila to Clarasonic to Philosophy to Bliss. All products are modestly priced and shoppers are able to purchase the latest season collection, long standing favorites and more. Added perks makes shopping with BeautyBar.com a delight.

For a few months, I’ve had my eye on the Stila Prime Pot Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer, which goes for $20. This deal was like a sign telling me it was time to purchase! The Stila Prime Pot is more than just an eyeshadow primer. This lightweight primer not only creates a waterproof,Stila Prime Pot crease-resistant barrier under shadow, it doubles as a subtle yet sexy color for your lids. If you’re in the market for a very au-natural look, just swipe on this formula to great flawless lids!

With half of my coupon cash spent, it wasn’t tough deciding what to purchase with the rest. Stila’s Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner has quickly become a staple in my routine and I wanted to add another to my bag. When it came time to decide between black and brown (I’m a fan of both!), I chose… Purple Tang! A deep purple shade with a hint of metallic, I knew right away this color would be perfect to add a little sparkle to a possibly dull winter look. Using this shade will add a pop of color that will last all day without fading or smudging!

BeautyBar.com gifts shoppers three samples with every order. I was lucky enough to snag samples of Murad, Lorac and Boscia. The samples are always changing, giving customers many opportunities to find new products.

Not only did I get three samples in addition to $40 worth of gorgeous Stila products for just $25, I qualified for free shipping! My order was placed Sunday night and BeautyBar.comthere was a box on my doorstep when I arrived home from work on Tuesday evening. The quick, speedy delivery and great customer service has made me a customer who will definitely be back for more.

Check out DailyCandy.com for a wide range of great deals on home decor, clothing, accessories, baked goods, and more! Plus, visit BeautyBar.com for your next beauty buy!