Wednesday, April 18, 2012

April Birchbox

I anxiously await the arrival of each Birchbox!!  I wait for the email and stalk the site and my mailbox until it's arrival. I had already seen some online reviews and a couple of bloggers were disappointed with their selections.  I was not one of the disappointed ones!  I'm very happy with my selections.

I love the idea of natural and organic products.  I don't know that I have every gravitated toward a natural product versus an unnatural product, but I like the idea.  Let's review the items in the box:
Pictured here are one Juice Beauty Oil Free Moisturizer.  The BB card says "Feed your skin with this standout hydrator, which is made with an organic fruit-based formula that won't clog pores.  The card that comes with the sample tube says it is Blemish Clearing.  I plan to give it a try during my next breakout to see if it really is clearing.

The next item is very interesting.  It's a WEI Black Soy instant lifting face treatment pad.  The package says it is skin firming.  I'm looking forward to trying this after the kiddo and the dogs go to bed so that I don't frighten anyone.

I got my first perfume sample.  It's Yogini by Harvey Prince.  I was pleasantly surprised by the scent.  It's fresh and clean but still smells like perfume.  I was expecting a fresh cotton type smell, but was pleasantly surprised.  This sample spray is going in my purse for sure.

I love the Zoya polish sample.  The color is called Bevin and it's a beautiful pale green color from the True Spring Collection.  I just did my nails, but I plan to try this beauty out real soon!

My beauty extra is a MicrodermaMitt face mitt.  The description says "This all-natural silk mitt gently exfoliates away dead skin cells and pore-clogging debris.  I'll be using this one tonight.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my Natural Wonders April Birchbox.  I'm looking forward to trying each of the products and writing reviews on the Birchbox website.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

March Favorites.....better late than never!

Late March/early April has been very hectic, so I'll jump right back in.  

I only have two favorites for March.  First, I received in my March Birchbox.  
One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm.  I use this balm on my cuticles and elbows and feet.  I love that it is absorbed easily and the citrus scent is a nice treat as well.  The full size jar of this wonder-balm is $65, but I think it would be worth it!  I would love if they would also sell the sample size so that I could keep some in my purse.  Love this product!!  Can be purchased at birchbox.com

My other March love:
Korres Pomegranate Grenade make up removing wipes.  I have expressed my love for my Clarisonic Mia 2...in order to keep the bristles on my Mia from getting dingy and gross, I take my make up off first with these miracle wipes!  Even though I am oily, these wipes are not too drying on my skin.  I take off the bulk of my eye make up and then wipe off my foundation, blush, and the rest of my eye make up with these wipes and they do no burn my eyes either.  Love them.  These can be purchased at Ulta.

I should get my April Birchbox next week, so maybe I'll have a new favorite in there!

Much Love,
L

Monday, March 19, 2012

Birchbox finally arrived!!

I was so excited to see the pink Birchbox in my mail box today!  I got an email with tracking information and track it I did!  I was mailed on March 9th.  It was supposed to arrive on the 13th, however it took a detour in Iowa after it made a brief stop in Dallas.  I called Customer Service on Friday, March 16.  They were very nice and offered to send a replacement box if it didn't arrive by today.  I was very happy with their customer service.

On to the box.

There are many things in here that I can't wait to try.  For now, I'll give the Birchbox description, then my first impression.  Once I have an opportunity to use each product, I'll review them.  What fun this is going to be!!
I believe that Birchbox does more several different boxes each month, I got the Spring Training box.

The above is a picture of how it was packaged.  Love their attention to detail.


On to the contents:
Miss Jessie's Original Quick Curls.  BB says - Tame temperamental curls with this anti-frizz cream: just run it through damp hair to beat back frizz.  I don't wear my hair curly very often, I blow it straight.  I'm not sure when I would use this product again.  But I will add that I love their packaging.  I am such a sucker for packaging.

I Coloniali Invigorating Tibetan Shower Cream with Rhubarb.  BB says - This Italian brand's rich shower gel is made with rare eastern rhubarb to revitalize your skin.  The packaging is awesome!  It's in a metal tin with a cardboard outer wrapping and a very generous 3.3 oz package.  It smells wonderful and can't wait to try it.

Color Club Nail Lacquer in Jackie Oh!  BB says - Brighten blah fingers and toes with this on-trend pink polish.  I have lots of pink polishes.  It's a great color I'll see how I like it.

One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm.  BB says - This all-natural two-in-one cleanser and moisturizer is completely free of fillers, which mean sit's extra concentrated and extra effective.  I did try a little bit of the balm, and it is very moisturizing.  I applied it to my cuticles and it did a nice job.  I'll talk more when I find other uses for this little gem.

WEI Pomegranate Buffing Beads.  BB says - Each of these perfectly portioned packets has enough powdered exfoliant to create a gentle, antioxidant-packed scrub.  Just add water!  I love a good scrub, so I can't wait to try this.  Again, I adore the packaging.  There are two small packets and they are in a cardboard envelope together.

Lifestyle Extra - I Coloniali Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh.  BB says - Go ahead and redeem those unclaimed back-rubs:  this delicious massage cream leaves skin smooth and supple.  I've never tried anything like this, so I'll have to write about this later. It's in a package that is clued to the inside of the above cardboard package.

I am super happy with my box.  I wasn't really sure what to expect.  I had seen a few boxes on other blogs, but I think my box is the best!  Now I can't wait until the April boxes come out!

Much Love!
L

Sunday, March 4, 2012

February Favorites & Reviews

I'm a little late with this, so I'll jump right in.
ht the
By far, my favorite purchase for the month is my Clarisonic Mia 2.  I love the way my skin feels and looks after a couple of weeks of use.  I use it morning and night and couldn't be happier.  I have also noticed that I am less oily than normal.  The true test is coming in the summer months when I produce more oil in my t-zone than some off-shore oil rigs!

My second favorite for the month is the Make Up For Ever HD foundation and powder.  I bought it a couple of weeks ago at Sephora and the color chosen for me (by the sales associate) #120 Soft Sand.  I bought the kit for $79 which included the Microfinish Powder, application brush and High Definition Primer.  I was unsure about switching to a liquid foundation from my all time favorite MAC Studio Fix.  I am impressed with the coverage and the look of my skin with the HD foundation.  My face also photographs much better in this foundation.  I do have to reapply in the middle of the day, but that isn't unusual at all for me.  I've given the primer a shot but I don't think it's that great.  I'm going to try it with my Smashbox Antishine to see if there is a difference.

Much Love!
L

Friday, February 17, 2012

Clarisonic & Birchbox!

What an exciting week!!  So much to talk about!  Valentines Day, my birthday, AND I finally got a Clarisonic Mia 2 AND the wait is finally over for me at Birchbox!

Let's talk about the Clarisonic Mia 2 (I'll try to post pics).  I looked at the regular Clarisonic Mia and the Mia 2.  I decided to go with the Mia 2 for two reasons:  First, I liked the dual speeds.  For my really oily skin and large pores, I wanted to be able to concentrate more on those areas at a higher speed.  Secondly, the protective travel case that comes with the Mia 2.  Sure, I could just travel with it in it's own bag or with my other cosmetics, but I really like the extra protection the case provides. 

I picked it up my Clarisonic Mia 3 in pink at ULTA on Wednesday evening. I came straight home to plug it in to charge enough to use it right away.  The first use, I was a little sloppy with it.  I used too much water and too much facial cleanser.  There was water everywhere!  It even got in my eyes!  I should have known better, but oh well.  I have used it Wednesday evening, Thursday morning and evening and this morning.  I can honestly say that already, my pores on my nose look cleaner and smaller.  The pores on my cheeks and chin are cleaner and smaller as well - but for me, my nose area is the most noticeable.  On Wednesday, I awoke to a large cyst-like zit coming up on my chin.  I went over that area with the Clarisonic each day, and today,  it is almost gone (without breaking the skin).  I don't know if this is a coincidence or not, but I'm going to say no!  It's probably a little of the magic of the Clarisonic. To say that I love the Clarisonic Mia 2 is an understatement!  Clarisonic has a steep price tag, at $119 for the Mia, $149 for the Mia 2, $195 for the standard size and $225 for the one one with the body brush head.  Either way you go, it's a great investment  for your skin!!  (as a side note:  I've read a couple of reviews about the Clarisonic Mia actually reducing the look of wrinkles - so I'm going to be on the lookout for that - especially on my forehead as those wrinkles are starting to bother me a lot).

Clarisonic recommends that you change out the brush heads every three months or so.  I'm not certain if this is with daily use or with a couple of times a week, but I'll need to gauge that as I go.  So far, I am very happy with the product!  (I also have the Sonicare toothbrush - made by the same company - and I love that too!  My teeth feel great all the time - recommend that highly as well!).

On to other good news this week - my Birchbox wait is over!!  I got the wonderful news via email on Wednesday, and I signed up almost immediately.  My first box will probably be in March.  I haven't decided if I'm going to do a video review, or just write reviews.  I'm not all that technically savvy, but I'm willing to give it a try.  I can't wait to get my first box!

I have ventured away from my MAC Studio Fix foundation and I bought Make Up For Ever HD Foundation.  I was almost out, so I wanted to branch out a little bit and try something new.  I bought the starter kit (very pricey at $79) but it included the setting powder, brush and primer.  Today is my first day wearing it, so I'm not going to write a review just yet.  I'm going to give it a week or two of daily use to write an effective review of the product.

That's all for now!
Much Love!
L

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Spa Night!!

So, last night, I splurged on myself and get a facial, mani & pedi at the day spa by my house.  I really shouldn't wait that long to do that for myself.  Especially since my skin is so oily.  The facial was oh so awesome.  It was relaxing.  She started with a face massage, with some steam.  She then used a Clarisonic brush on my face, neck and upper part of my chest.  I wasn't really sure about that, but she said that for a lot of women, we remember to wash our face, but forget about our neck and chest....which is really where the face begins.  From there, she massaged my shoulders, upper back, heck and head.  It was such a relaxing experience and good for my skin.  I need do this more often for sure!!!

I also spoke to her about a Clarisonic for home use.  She highly recommended it and she reinforced what I had kind of already decided.  I was going to get one anyway.  They sold them at the salon, but I didn't buy it there.  I'm going to go to Ulta or Sephora for it - that way I'll get points for it.  The new Clarisonic Mia 2 is $149 and it also has a travel case.  I can't wait to get it and use it regularly.  I'm super excited to see an improvement in my skin.

The Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier was also recommended by the lovely lady doing my facial.  Again, they sold it at the salon, but I get points at Ulta and Sephora, so I'll buy it there.  I really want a sample that I can try for a couple of days first.  That stuff is $42, I don't want to spend that kind of money on something that may not work.  Looks like a stop in the make up store is in the plans for today!

I'll update when I get samples or my Clarisonic!

Much Love!
L

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Shiny!

I love shiny lips....lip gloss!!  I like many types of lip glosses - most of which are various ones from MAC - various colors and types of their Lip Glass.  I've tried several different brands.  One that I enjoy - mostly during the winter months - is C.O. Bigelow Mentha Supreme 2x.
I can't explain why - but I only like minty flavored gloss during the winter months.  I have no explanation why I enjoy it this way, but I do.  The label mentions that it "freshens breath"....I don't find that it does this at all, but I do like the tingly and minty feeling on my lips during the winter months.  I'll try this gloss in the warmer months as well to see if I like it.

On other news, I'm still on the waiting list for Birchbox, and it's making me crazy.  I really want it to be my turn!  There are other monthly subscription beauty services, but they haven't had as many good reviews.  Crossing my fingers for my number to be up soon!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Stylemint & Jewelmint reviews

I joined Stylemint and Jewelmint last week.  I received my first order from each this week.  Here's a photo of all I got from Stylemint:
On the left was the style pick, it's the Albany in charcoal.  The fit is pretty good.  I'm a normal sized woman, so the models in the pictures make the shirts look much better.  I have real curves, so the style looks different.  I still like it, but I will have to make sure I keep that in mind when picking out my next style.  Also included was a bright pink tank top.  It's one size fits all, so I will be wearing this under another shirt of some kind.  The quality of the shirt is shirt is great.  It's soft to the touch and has a great shape.  The sleeves are nice and loose, and the bottom of the shirt is asymmetrical - longer in the back and shorter in the front.  The neckline dips a little lower than I expected, so I may have to wear a tank under it in work settings.


Also included in my Stylemint shipment was a Jewelmint piece.  It's the Desert Rose necklace.  It isn't something that I would pick out for myself, but I may wear it a time or two.  It's very pretty.

My Jewelmint order came the other day.  I ordered a trio of rings called Lady Luck.  I really like them and wore them to work today.


I really wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised with the quality.  The rings look great worn all together.

I am impressed with both so far and I'm looking forward to next month!  Now, if Birchbox would just lift their wait!

Much Love,
L

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Daily Skin Care Routine


My daily routine is one I've used for a while now.  I'll start with my evening routine, then move to my morning routine.  

Each evening, I use the St. Ives scrub.  I have oily skin and lots of large pores and blackheads.  I've been using this daily for just over a week now and I've seen some improvement. I follow that with the Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion.  I then apply the MB Glycolic Eye Cream, then I apply MB Seaweed Night Cream.  If I have a break out, I use the MB Drying Cream (VERY good at trying out breakouts - highly recommend).  At least once a week I use the MB Silver Powder on my nose and chin.  It does a great job of clearing blackheads.  

Each morning, I wash my face with MB Botanical Facial Gel, followed by MB Special Cucumber Lotion and Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15.  In the summer months, I use very little moisturizer.  A lot of times I will apply moisturizer and wipe most of it off.  If I don't, my make up disappears by 10:00 AM.  

In the very near future (another week or two) I hope to purchase the Clarisonic Mia 2.  It's my hope that I will see an ever better improvement of my skin with daily use (ultimate goal will be to reduce oil, reduce the size of pores, and reduce the amount of blackheads).  I'll be sure to blog about progress when I get it!!

Also, I'll be reviewing L'Oreal Ever Creme.  It a new product (it was still behind the counter at Ulta today) that is supposed to be similar to WEN for hair.  My hair dries out fairly easy since I blow it straight.  I'll blog and review that as well.

Much Love!
L

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Smooth Lip

Another favorite in my evening beauty routine and my quest for all things smooth and silky,  is exfoliating and conditioning my lips.  The perfect solution is by Sara Happ.  The combination of the lip scrub and the lip slip have been totally worth the steep price.

First, let me say that I am addicted to lip balm.  I have several favorites.  My all time favorite lip balm is not something that I use all the time.  My favorite is Le Mer The Lip Balm.  It's not something I can afford regularly (at $50 per tub), so occasionally, when I have a gift card, I'll pick one up.  I use all kinds of balms.  I am using two from CO Bigelow right now.  One is My Favorite lip balm and the other is My Favorite Night Balm (both are $7.50 at Bath and Body Works).

I have lip balm stashed all over the house, in my car, in my purse, in my gym bag and at the office. I never like to be without! Another go-to favorite can be found at any drug store, Target, Walmart or even grocery store.  Eucerine's Aquaphor is a great lip conditioner.  Makes my lips feel great and not too greasy.


Sara Happ makes a great lip scrub and lip balm.  I have used both of these each and every night and I have to say that my lips are so smooth and I believe have fewer wrinkles and look fuller.  I don't think this MAKES my lips fuller, however because my lips are in great shape, they just look better and lipstick and gloss looks flawless.  I highly recommend the Sara Happ lip products!

I chose the Vanilla Bean flavor, but there are other flavors to chose from.  Both of these tubs retail for $24.00 each and I bought mine from www.beautycollection.com.  Give it a try.  I know you will love it as much as I do!

Much Love!
L

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Kiehl's & Dry Winter Skin

I know, I live in an area that doesn't really experience a harsh winter, but my skin still gets dry.  On top of it, I am just obsessed with silky smooth skin.

After each shower, while water is still on my skin, I apply baby oil all over.  It really helps keep some of my body's natural moisture in.  When I get out of the shower, I pat my skin dry and I apply my all time favorite moisturizer, Kiehl's Creme de Corps.  There is nothing that keeps my skin softer, smoother longer than Kiehl's Creme de Corps.  Love, love, love it.
I know it's an expensive lotion to use every day, but I love it!!!

Lots of times in the evening, I use one of my favorite scents from Bath and Body Works either a lotion or a cream to keep my skin feeling smooth.  Like I mentioned above, I am obsessed with smooth, skin, so daily moisturizer is super important!

In the summer months, when I want my legs to look super silky and shiny, I add a little bit of baby oil to my lotion for super soft, sexy legs.

Much Love!!
L

Friday, January 20, 2012

Products, Products and more Products!!

I'm such a sucker for beauty products.  I am always searching for my next favorite thing!

For a little about me, I'm a 40 year old mom of two that works full time outside the home.  I have oily skin on my face, but the rest of my skin is dry.  As a 40 year old with oily skin, this creates it's own unique situation, as most women my age are using heavy night creams and are in need of moisture and skin firming features.  But since my face is so oily, it's hard for me to use those.  I also live in a suburb of Dallas, TX, where it's hot and humid a lot.  That usually makes my make up slide right off my face in the summer months.  I am also prone to some mild acne, some regular acne, and some are those big tumor-like zits.  My quest is to find the perfect foundation or primer/foundation combination that will last at least until lunch time and share my finds with the internet!

I'm currently using Smashbox Anti-Shine each and every day under my foundation.  It works well, and I can usually make it until mid-day before I need to reapply or touch up my foundation. I use it under my MAC Studio Fix foundation.  MAC rocks!!
Highly recommend Smashbox Anti-shine if you have a hard time keeping your foundation in place!

My other new find/obsession is the Urban Decay NAKED eye shadow palette.  I can't believe that I have come to the NAKED palette-party so late, but I'm glad I arrived!  For a pale-skinned red-head, I'm super excited to have an eye palette that is full of colors that I can wear!!  So many manufacturers have created palettes that have beautiful colors in them.  But over the years, I haven't used half of the colors or palettes that I've purchased.
From left to right the colors are:  Virgin, Sin, Naked (matte), Sidecar, Buck (matte), Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal.  There is not one color in this palette that I will not use!  Love it!!

Next week, the NAKED2 palette comes out.  It will take everything I have not to run out and buy it!  But, I'll have to wait another week or two (or more) for that purchase.

Much Love!
L