I love having occasions to wear fun colors :-)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Birchbox - October
October's Birchbox theme was "Prep & Finish." Since it's almost 2012, I thought perhaps I would "prep & finish" up my missing Birchbox posts for 2011! Hooray for wanting to complete things!
The Lineup:
The Winner
Without a doubt the Orofluido Beauty Elixir is the only thing really worth talking about from this box. Here is Birchbox's description:
HOW IT WORKS
This serum relies on a triple-threat of standout oils: argan oil strengthens strands; linseed oil smoothes cuticles to leave hair shiny; and Cyperus oil fortifies and boosts manageability.
HOW TO USE
Quick-absorbing and lightweight, this oil works on damp or dry strands. Take three to four drops between the palms of your hands and distribute evenly through damp hair. Style as usual. You can also work a couple drops through dry ends or use a tiny amount to calm flyaways.
This stuff is incredible. Makes my hair super soft (but not greasy) and smells amazing (a faint musky vanilla). I'm never really motivated to put oil in my hair since I have such fine hair and it tends to be oily by the end of the day. But I thought I would try this on the ends of my hair after a shower and I was really impressed with it. I went to go buy a full sized bottle of it on BB's website and it was sold out when I looked. So I guess I'm not the only one impressed. They have some back in stock now so go pick some up if you want to check it out.
The Runner-up:
Befine Lip Serum. I seem to be reaching for this quite a bit. The texture is smooth, silky, and the definition of the serum. It feels nice, doesn't smell, isn't sticky, and makes my lips feel hydrated and soft. Plus, any lip conditioner that doesn't have a sunscreen in it is cool with me.
The Rest:
To be fair, I haven't tried the Pangea mask. But in my defense, I'm overloaded with Pangea products from Birchbox and really have only been impressed with one so far. Also, I'm pretty loyal to my St. Ives clay mask. I've used it for years - it works, and I love it. I will come back and let you all know when I do try it.
The blinc mascara...well let's just say you can buy L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara for less than half the price and works just the same. Just sayin'.
The Tea Forte mints, are terrible. Everybody in my family tried them and nobody liked them. In the trash they went.
I know I was harsh on this box but, you aren't going to always like/love what you try. These are just my thoughts.
Do any of you subscribe to Birchbox?
The Lineup:
- Befine Lip Serum
- blinc Mascara
- Pangea Organics - Japanese Matcha Tea Facial Mask
- Orofluido Beauty Elixir
Without a doubt the Orofluido Beauty Elixir is the only thing really worth talking about from this box. Here is Birchbox's description:
HOW IT WORKS
This serum relies on a triple-threat of standout oils: argan oil strengthens strands; linseed oil smoothes cuticles to leave hair shiny; and Cyperus oil fortifies and boosts manageability.
HOW TO USE
Quick-absorbing and lightweight, this oil works on damp or dry strands. Take three to four drops between the palms of your hands and distribute evenly through damp hair. Style as usual. You can also work a couple drops through dry ends or use a tiny amount to calm flyaways.
This stuff is incredible. Makes my hair super soft (but not greasy) and smells amazing (a faint musky vanilla). I'm never really motivated to put oil in my hair since I have such fine hair and it tends to be oily by the end of the day. But I thought I would try this on the ends of my hair after a shower and I was really impressed with it. I went to go buy a full sized bottle of it on BB's website and it was sold out when I looked. So I guess I'm not the only one impressed. They have some back in stock now so go pick some up if you want to check it out.
The Runner-up:
Befine Lip Serum. I seem to be reaching for this quite a bit. The texture is smooth, silky, and the definition of the serum. It feels nice, doesn't smell, isn't sticky, and makes my lips feel hydrated and soft. Plus, any lip conditioner that doesn't have a sunscreen in it is cool with me.
The Rest:
To be fair, I haven't tried the Pangea mask. But in my defense, I'm overloaded with Pangea products from Birchbox and really have only been impressed with one so far. Also, I'm pretty loyal to my St. Ives clay mask. I've used it for years - it works, and I love it. I will come back and let you all know when I do try it.
The blinc mascara...well let's just say you can buy L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara for less than half the price and works just the same. Just sayin'.
The Tea Forte mints, are terrible. Everybody in my family tried them and nobody liked them. In the trash they went.
I know I was harsh on this box but, you aren't going to always like/love what you try. These are just my thoughts.
Do any of you subscribe to Birchbox?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Birchbox - September
I know it's November, and I've been a total slacker, but lets take a trip back to September and look at September's Birchbox.
If you aren't familiar with Birchbox, it's a beauty sample service. For $10.00 a month Birchbox sends you deluxe sized samples of about 4-6 different beauty products for you to try. It's a great opportunity to try new things. Then if you really like a product, you can buy the full size. I've been a member since March and overall I'm pretty happy with the service.
This month Birchbox is celebrating their 1 year anniversary. The box represents some of their favorite products and celebrates the diverse personalities of all their members. Some tried and true favorites and some innovative new products.
The Lineup:
Treat
The Winner:
Minimalist colorscience pro - sunforgettable mineral powder SPF 30 in fair. I've developed a great love for powder sunscreen. I have been using E.L.F (eyes lips face) powder sunscreen in SPF 45 for months and I. LOVE. IT. Sunscreen in lotion form has always felt heavy and greasy on my skin. Even though there are newer ones on the market that feel lighter and aren't as greasy, they still just aren't for me. Add to the fact that I'm already using a moisturizer, primer, concealer, foundation...it just all feels like too much. Since I always finish my makeup with powder anyway, this is just a two in one bonus for me. If you haven't tried powder sunscreen, give it a try!
The Disappointment:
Classic Salvatore Ferragamo - Attimo L'Eau Florale perfume. I just haven't been happy with the perfume selections that Birchbox has been delivering. Most are too strong for me and this one is no exception. Perhaps in the future, Birchbox could allow us on our beauty profile to select types of perfume we usually buy. This might help them select a better fit for me. I gave this away.
The Rest:
Jouer lip conditioner feels like a tube of Vaseline. It's a little runny though. Feels nice on the lips and doesn't contain a sunscreen (which I love because ingesting sunscreen makes my allergies go crazy).
The Incoco nail polish applique strips are so pretty and look fun. I haven't used mine yet. But I have used Sally Hansen's polish strips before and these are similar. They are easy to apply and shape, and look so cool on your nails. The only downside is that you don't put a clear topcoat on, and that makes them not last very long on my nails. I'll save them for a special occasion.
Have you tried Birchbox?
www.birchbox.com
Thanks for reading,
Melissa
ps- If you remember, I said I would review the Gypsy Italian chamomile tea from my April Birchbox once I had some and I'm back to say...LOVE! Best chamomile I've ever had. I rushed to the store to grab more once it was all gone. Thanks Birchbox for introducing me to this brand of tea!
If you aren't familiar with Birchbox, it's a beauty sample service. For $10.00 a month Birchbox sends you deluxe sized samples of about 4-6 different beauty products for you to try. It's a great opportunity to try new things. Then if you really like a product, you can buy the full size. I've been a member since March and overall I'm pretty happy with the service.
This month Birchbox is celebrating their 1 year anniversary. The box represents some of their favorite products and celebrates the diverse personalities of all their members. Some tried and true favorites and some innovative new products.
The Lineup:
The Winner:
Minimalist colorscience pro - sunforgettable mineral powder SPF 30 in fair. I've developed a great love for powder sunscreen. I have been using E.L.F (eyes lips face) powder sunscreen in SPF 45 for months and I. LOVE. IT. Sunscreen in lotion form has always felt heavy and greasy on my skin. Even though there are newer ones on the market that feel lighter and aren't as greasy, they still just aren't for me. Add to the fact that I'm already using a moisturizer, primer, concealer, foundation...it just all feels like too much. Since I always finish my makeup with powder anyway, this is just a two in one bonus for me. If you haven't tried powder sunscreen, give it a try!
The Disappointment:
Classic Salvatore Ferragamo - Attimo L'Eau Florale perfume. I just haven't been happy with the perfume selections that Birchbox has been delivering. Most are too strong for me and this one is no exception. Perhaps in the future, Birchbox could allow us on our beauty profile to select types of perfume we usually buy. This might help them select a better fit for me. I gave this away.
The Rest:
Jouer lip conditioner feels like a tube of Vaseline. It's a little runny though. Feels nice on the lips and doesn't contain a sunscreen (which I love because ingesting sunscreen makes my allergies go crazy).
The Incoco nail polish applique strips are so pretty and look fun. I haven't used mine yet. But I have used Sally Hansen's polish strips before and these are similar. They are easy to apply and shape, and look so cool on your nails. The only downside is that you don't put a clear topcoat on, and that makes them not last very long on my nails. I'll save them for a special occasion.
Have you tried Birchbox?
www.birchbox.com
Thanks for reading,
Melissa
ps- If you remember, I said I would review the Gypsy Italian chamomile tea from my April Birchbox once I had some and I'm back to say...LOVE! Best chamomile I've ever had. I rushed to the store to grab more once it was all gone. Thanks Birchbox for introducing me to this brand of tea!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Wet-n-Wild - I Love Matte eyeshadow palette!
I thought I was only missing the purple Petal Pusher eight shadow palette from Wet n Wild and then I would be content - or so I thought. I found a new one at Walgreens last night that I had never seen before. Since they were having a buy one get one half off on Wet n Wild, I bought Petal Pusher AND I love Matte!
I once loved a boy named Matt <3
Swatch Time!
First Impression:
I have to say that I'm not as impressed with the matte shadows like I am with the regular eight eyeshadow WnW palettes. The shimmer/frost shadows are more pigmented - but these aren't too shabby, especially for the price. The brow bone color (directly above) is a damn good match for my (super) white skin tone. I've actually been using it as a base shadow all week.
My favorite is the bright blue in this palette, but to get the biggest color payoff I've been using a shadow stick as a cream base - my Sephora Waterproof 12hr Jumbo Crayon. I would have to describe this as Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On shadow pencil's ($20) Single White Female roommate - a cheap imitation of the real thing, but good enough the boyfriend won't know the difference ($10).
This way, I'm getting max color, but with the end result being matte instead of shimmery.
pencil alone pencil with matte shadow shadow alone
So, worth $5.00, but don't expect these to change your life. They work well when used with a base.
Have a great weekend everybody!
 |
| $4.99 |
I once loved a boy named Matt <3
I have to say that I'm not as impressed with the matte shadows like I am with the regular eight eyeshadow WnW palettes. The shimmer/frost shadows are more pigmented - but these aren't too shabby, especially for the price. The brow bone color (directly above) is a damn good match for my (super) white skin tone. I've actually been using it as a base shadow all week.
My favorite is the bright blue in this palette, but to get the biggest color payoff I've been using a shadow stick as a cream base - my Sephora Waterproof 12hr Jumbo Crayon. I would have to describe this as Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On shadow pencil's ($20) Single White Female roommate - a cheap imitation of the real thing, but good enough the boyfriend won't know the difference ($10).
So, worth $5.00, but don't expect these to change your life. They work well when used with a base.
Have a great weekend everybody!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Butter London
Every so often Ulta does this "21 Days of Beauty" promotion where each day they offer a great deal on high-end beauty products. Well, I have been dying to try Butter London nail polish for months, but couldn't (wouldn't) spend $14 on one bottle of nail polish. But...
Tuesday's deal was buy one get one free! Well in THAT CASE, bring it on! So....I'm very excited to give you a glimpse of my new Butter London polishes!
Sparkly purple never hurt anybody!
Anchors Aweigh my boys!
Since I've only had this polish on for a day this isn't a review - just a first look. What I can tell you is that this polish goes on smooooooth like buttah (sorry couldn't resist). I always find that when I'm painting my nails if I don't move fast enough, then some polish won't apply smoothly or evenly if I have to take a split second and re-dip (is that a word?) my brush in the bottle. This polish is so forgiving during the application process. I can apply slowly and evenly and get NO STREAKS! This makes me want to buy all my dark polish from Butter. I can't remark on wear time yet (stay tuned) but if these polishes last at least 4 days without chips like my OPI, then I am SOLD!
On the technical side (except taken from the back of the bottle):
3 Free Nail Lacquer by Butter London. The high price of beauty? We don't think so. Butter London is a 3 free company. No Formaldehyde. No Toluene. No DBP. Colour, not Carcinogens.
Check out Butter London and tell me what you think!
Melissa
PS- Shout out to my go-to quick dry topcoat Seche Vite. I can't live without you. You are my everything and I love you! Without you, none of this is possible.
PPS- sorry cuticles, I will take care of you this week I promise!
Tuesday's deal was buy one get one free! Well in THAT CASE, bring it on! So....I'm very excited to give you a glimpse of my new Butter London polishes!
- (Left) No More Waity, Katie (an homage to the current Dutchess of Cambridge)
- (Right) Royal Navy
Sparkly purple never hurt anybody!
 |
| So Pretty! |
 |
| Royal Navy |
Anchors Aweigh my boys!
Since I've only had this polish on for a day this isn't a review - just a first look. What I can tell you is that this polish goes on smooooooth like buttah (sorry couldn't resist). I always find that when I'm painting my nails if I don't move fast enough, then some polish won't apply smoothly or evenly if I have to take a split second and re-dip (is that a word?) my brush in the bottle. This polish is so forgiving during the application process. I can apply slowly and evenly and get NO STREAKS! This makes me want to buy all my dark polish from Butter. I can't remark on wear time yet (stay tuned) but if these polishes last at least 4 days without chips like my OPI, then I am SOLD!
On the technical side (except taken from the back of the bottle):
3 Free Nail Lacquer by Butter London. The high price of beauty? We don't think so. Butter London is a 3 free company. No Formaldehyde. No Toluene. No DBP. Colour, not Carcinogens.
Check out Butter London and tell me what you think!
Melissa
PS- Shout out to my go-to quick dry topcoat Seche Vite. I can't live without you. You are my everything and I love you! Without you, none of this is possible.
PPS- sorry cuticles, I will take care of you this week I promise!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Birchbox - August
So basically, it's September. Maybe I should post pictures of August's Birchbox? The theme of this month's box is innovation.
The Lineup
blinc Eyeliner
Carol's Daughter - Monoi Repairing Hair Mask
Pangea Organics - Cleanser for Combination to Oily Skin
Wei - Tibetan Chrysanthemum Correcting Eye Treatment Pads
The Lineup
blinc Eyeliner
Birchbox Treat - Twistband - Hair elastic
As of right now, I haven't used 3 out of the 5 products they gave me. Just the Pangea cleanser and the twistband. So I can't really give you all a detailed review. The Pangea cleanser was nice. I think it worked well and got my face clean. It has an "earthy" smell to it (take that for what you will).
As silly as it sounds, I really liked that twistband thing. I used it everyday...until sadly I lost it somewhere last week. This is definitely something I'm going to buy from Birchbox. It kept my ponytail secure without being too tight and when it was on my wrist it looked like a cute little bracelet.
I will update you all when I eventually dig into the other products. I just haven't made time to try them.
Thanks for reading!
Melissa
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