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PopSugar Must Have Unboxing July 2015!

July 15, 2015

Happy hump day everyone! July’s PopSugar Must Have box has arrived and if you haven’t heard of this it’s a monthly box whose items range from fashion, beauty, home, fitness and food, making it a well rounded subscription box. Subscription plans start at $39.95, all items are full size and are valued at over $100. Curious to see what was included? Keep reading!

The inspiration behind this months box.

On to the box.

PopDental Portable Toothbrush, $19.99

A portable electric toothbrush that, “delivers 22,000 brush strokes per minute.” A great and practical item.

Henri Bendel Signature Stripe Canvas Dopp Kit, $28

A water-resistant, sturdy and stylish pouch to store all of your travel/on-the go necessities. Also included is a 20% coupon to use on the Henri Bendel website. Don’t mind if I do. 🙂

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50, $28

Excited to try this skincare goody! It’s a mist that, “delivers SPF 50 protection, sets your morning makeup and controls oil and shine, giving your skin a flawless matte finish.” *Note: I’ll still recommend wearing your normal sunscreen underneath to ensure adequate protection.
Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes, $5.99

Great to have makeup wipes handy as prelude to help remove the day’s toll on your face.

The Good Bean Fruit & No-Nut Bar, Chocolate Berry, $1.99

A protein bar that has blueberries, cherries, dark chocolate chunks (yum!) and roasted chickpeas instead of nuts. “Lower in fat and calories, it’s entirely vegan, non-GMO, and gluten free.”

Hallmark Signature Greeting Cards, $14.97+

Considered a ‘special extra’, this set includes cards to cover any special occasion, whether it be a wedding, birthday or just because. Each are individually wrapped in plastic to keep them protected and they truly are beautiful. Below is the wedding one.

Sorial Card Case, $28

A chic alternative to a wallet that’s perfect for a night out, there’s, “plenty of space to hold your ID, credit cards and some cash.”

Overall, I am happy with the box as it has practical and travel friendly items. 🙂

What are your thoughts on the box?

Stephanie

July Birchbox Unboxing!

July 13, 2015

Hi everyone! Hope your weekend was great. 🙂 Today’s post will be a quick run through of July’s Birchbox with my first impressions so let’s get to it!

Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub

This milky white scrub utilizes bamboo, tiny jojoba beads and apple enzymes to exfoliate. Compared to the Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, this feels more gentle and hydrating. According to the instructions, this can be used as a mask and left on for 1-3 minutes. So far I like it. Haven’t noticed any dramatic effects but it leaves skin smoother. *Note: this has cinnamon, clove and ginger extract so it may be a bit stimulating for sensitive skin. Always conduct a patch test.

Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray

If you’ve followed my blog for awhile, you’ll know I really love this spray and I was excited this was featured in July’s box. It’s a smaller sample than the purse size option but is enough to give you a feel for the product. I love using this product when I use a curling wand to curl my hair as it sets the style, adds texture without a sticky or stiff feel and smells ah-mazing.

Supergoop! Anti-Aging City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30

Love that a sunscreen was included in this box as it’s essential for skin health. Like the name implies, this feels like a serum which is so light-weight and absorbs quickly into the skin. It’s a chemical based sunscreen which you can read about here. Definitely an easy sunscreen to work with underneath makeup as it doesn’t pill. Best part? Toss it in your bag to carry with you on the go or if it irritates your skin, try using it as hand sunscreen protection when you’re driving. Yes, our hands and body need protection too!

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bella

I call this lipstick my ‘sitting pretty’ lipstick. You know how you have those high heels that are so beautiful to look at but killer to wear so you use them only when you’re not going to be walking much? Well, the same concept applies to this lipstick. It is a gorgeous, bright pink color that provides intense (and I mean intense) color in one stroke. It does stain lips but it tends to move and transfers so if you’re planning on going out to eat while using this or are wearing white, I’d skip this or a least, use caution. Removing it with an oil based makeup remover works best.

theBalm cosmetics Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush

I was surprised by how tiny this sample is-a little bigger than my thumb. You’re still able to pick up enough product with your brush but it takes a bit more effort. The consistency is creamy and blends nicely but I think this is more bronzer than blush. You can use this as blush-I love using bronzer as blush- but compared to the Too Faced Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer, which has a lot more pink undertones, this one is a dusty rose shade that leans more towards tan. Makes a great pick for summer.

L-R: Bronzer/Blush and Bella

That’s it for today!

What did you think of this month’s Birchbox?

Stephanie

June Favorites!

July 2, 2015

Hello readers! It’s July which means my monthly post on products I loved in June. I have been trying a lot of products and not all of them made it on here but no worries, they will be making appearances in the next coming posts. Now, on to the task at hand.

AmorePacific Natural Protector SPF 30

First off is a sunscreen from the Sephora Sun Safety Kit. There are quite a few more I need to go through but this pink-tinged sunscreen feels light-weight and silky, absorbs quickly and leaves behind a very subtle glow. There is a very strong, flowery scent but that dissipates within a few minutes of application and this works well with my foundations and moisturizers, meaning it doesn’t pill (clump up).

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

A product featured in my May Birchbox, this product was something I was both excited and hesitant to try. I loved the fact it was a skincare item but I’m not usually fond of products containing sugar designed for use on the face as I find them abrasive. This however was a very unique experience and is different than other sugar based exfoliators I have tried. I gathered a little bit of the product, mixed it with water and applied it in circular motions. Immediately, the product began to foam up and the majority of the sugar seemed to melt into the skin while still leaving a few granules to exfoliate. My face felt softer albeit a bit dry but that was resolved as soon as I applied moisturizer. The Suki skincare website states they use, ” larger, soft sugar crystals (sanding sugar),” which could be why this felt gentler though I did research sanding sugar and I couldn’t find anything on it in its use in skincare besides what’s provided on the website. Not sure I would recommend this for sensitive skin but normal to oily skin could benefit from it.

Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow

I received this in my June Birchbox and wasn’t too excited at first but I ended up using it quite a bit. I was worried the color would be too dark but it gave me a hint of color without looking orange. According to the description, this is “gluten-free, perfume-free, and oil-free.” The formula is light and perfect for everyday use. I feel this would work well if you don’t have problematic skin but if you’re looking for full coverage, skip this as it functions more like a tinted moisturizer. Unlike some BB creams this one does not contain SPF but even if it did, I still recommend layering your normal sunscreen underneath.

Marcelle Golde Glow BB Cream + Clinique Nude Pop Blush

Clinique Nude Pop Cheek Pop Blush

If you’re in the market for a, ‘I’m not wearing any blush’, blush, this shade is a great one to try, especially if you’re fair skinned. Although it’s a powder formula, it blends effortlessly into the skin and provides either a sheer wash of color or can be built up for more pigment. Perfect for day and/or night, and complements both a smoky or natural look. There’s also a great variety of shades so if this one is too light for you, you’re bound to find another that better suits your skin tone or style.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour

After reading countless articles on contouring sticks, I gave this one a try and am glad I did. The color appears dark and downright scary at first but after it’s been blended out, you end up with definition that isn’t over-the-top. Fairly simple to use, you just draw lines wherever you want to contour and then either blend it in with a sponge, your fingers or a brush. I find that a damp sponge or synthetic brush do the best job at blending though. This doesn’t take up too much space in your makeup arsenal either, making it easier and perfect for traveling.

L-R: Clinique Nude Pop + Clinique Chubby Stick Contour

Here’s a picture of me wearing the contour shade on the hollows of my cheekbones.

e.l.f Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Minx

Oh e.l.f. You’re incredibly low prices make me both eager yet skeptical to try products but luckily there’s more to love with this lipstick than the $3 price tag. The color pay-off is absolutely gorgeous where one swipe garners a creamy opaque coverage and as the name implies, it is moisturizing. I do find that this sort of clings to dry patches so make sure lips are exfoliated. The packaging is simple and secure and although it’s not the best, I won’t complain.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Noble

The lovely Katie from Plus Beauty sent me the Kat Von D Lip Vixon Duo as a birthday gift (thank you Katie!) and I loved the Studded Kiss Lipstick. Described as a, “matte petal pink nude,” this is a great nude color that feels so creamy when applied. I do have to top it off with gloss so that the color doesn’t wash me out and exfoliated lips are a must again but I just love the texture.

L-R: KVD Studded Kiss in Noble + e.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Minx

What were your favorite products this past month?

Stephanie

Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask Review!

April 14, 2015

Hi everyone! Thank you so much to all who sent me their well wishes! I appreciate it! I’m just waiting for the results now.

Today I have a review on a sample I received at Sephora from Fresh. Here’s my take on this product. 🙂

Described as a mask that works in sync with the skin’s natural nighttime recovery process to achieve a lifted, firmer look by the morning. The intensely moisturizing treatment has a corset-like effect on the skin, giving the appearance of a visibly more defined, contoured complexion.”

Pros

Hydrating

Absorbs quickly

Not heavily scented

Good antioxidants

Cons

Pricey

Peptides are towards the bottom of the list

May not provide drastic firming results as claimed

Added fragrance

At a Quick Glance

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester– peptide that can help strengthen skin (elastic fibers); sensitive skin soother and anti-aging ingredients.

Lychee– brightens, rejuvenates and protects skin caused by dehydration and UV damage.

Black Tea Ferment– provides anti aging effects and enhances skin smoothness.

Bottom Line: I think this product has a good range of anti-oxidants, including green tea, emollients and moisturizers and would be great for those who have normal, dry or combination skin that is looking for added moisture;my face felt nice and hydrated. Although it doesn’t feel heavy and absorbs quickly, I wouldn’t recommend this for oily/acne prone skin. It has peptides that can help strenghten the skin however I don’t feel it’s concentrated enough to make a drastic difference in respects to firming capabilities. For the price, personally I would instead invest in a product that is more concentrated with peptides or a professional treatment if you’re looking for better firming properties. However, if you want a hydrating mask with great antioxidants and have the money to spend, this would be a great product to try out.

Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts?

Stephanie

Real Techniques Blush Brush Review!

April 9, 2015

Hi readers! It’s almost Friday again. This week kind of flew by right?

A little over a month ago I asked you guys which blush brush (a bit of a tongue twister there) you recommended and Real Techniques received the majority of votes. So, I went out to purchase it and here are my thoughts.

Described as : “The final step is a perfect finish. Contour and define cheeks for flawlessly blended, high-definition results with this blush brush by Real Techniques; ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free; self-standing for easy storage; extended aluminum handle is light and easy to use.”

Pros

Affordable price $8.99

As of now, it hasn’t shed

Soft bristles

Self-standing

Works for blush, bronzer and powder

Blends most powder formulas easily

Cons

Takes a few passes to build up color

Sometimes matte formulas apply uneven/patchy

Not as travel friendly as my small MAC blush brush

Bottom Line: Aside from the few cons, I absolutely love this brush. It took me a while to get used to how light and fluffy the brush is compared to the denser bristles from my MAC one but I learned what works best for me. For bronzer and blush, I have to hold the base of the brush to get a better color concentration and for powder, gripping the top of the brush allows for a light dusting to set makeup. As long as the colors aren’t too matte, I find this brush blends powder formulas easily and doesn’t tug the skin. Storing it is also easy as it is not dependent on a brush holder; it can stand on top of a vanity, table, etc.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to tune in tomorrow for my weekly skin tip!

Best,

Stephanie

Oribe Gold Lust Collection Review!

January 15, 2015

$55; birchbox.com

A few weeks back, I did a post on my current hair care products and because I really loved the Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray, I treated myself to a couple of other Oribe goodies. I have been hearing rave reviews about Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Oil and thought it would be a perfect item to try for my curly, color treated hair. After scrolling through multiple sites that retail Oribe products, I purchased the Gold Lust Collection from Birchbox since carried a set with 1.7 oz of this oil along with travel sizes of the Gold Lust Shampoo and Gold Lust Conditioner that when used in conjunction, “strengthens and rejuvenates hair to its natural brilliance.”

Gold Lust Shampoo

The Gold Lust Shampoo is described as a rejuvenating cleanser that, “combines centuries old healing oils and extracts-cypress, argan and maracuja-” with a “revolutionary bio-restorative complex to balance the scalp and reinforce the inner strength of each strand.”

Both bottles of shampoo and conditioner are virtually identical so embossed on the top of the bottle is the letter ‘S’ signifying ‘shampoo’. This scent to this shampoo, like most of Oribe’s hair care products is laced with Calabrian bergamot, white butterfly jasmine and sandalwood. Personally, I love it. For a shampoo that’s formulated without sulfates, it lathers nicely and the best part, it rinses clean without stripping hair. As much as I like this shampoo, unfortunately there is an ingredient or ingredients that made my skin itch, so I will be sending this back. (Side note: I have very weird skin so sometimes it’s more difficult for me to find something that works amazing and that won’t cause a reaction.)

Gold Lust Conditioner

Using the same oils and extracts as the shampoo, this “ultra-hydrating conditioner softens and revitalizes, smoothing each cuticle to undo the damage of time (and style).”

Again, Oribe’s signature scent is present in this conditioner and the letter ‘C’ is written on top of the bottle for easy identification. The consistency is pretty thin for a conditioner as I am more accustomed to using thicker, masque type consistencies. Sadly, I didn’t find this conditioner hydrating and in fact, it seemed to tangle my hair even more. For a conditioner that boasts healing oils, I expected my hair to feel smoother which sadly ended up feeling and looking frizzy on the ends of my hair.

Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

This oil is said to “deeply condition, strengthen and smooth-imparting intense nourishment and incredible shine. Works wonders on dry, damaged and color-treated hair.”

I agree with all the reviews out there on this product that state this oil doesn’t weigh hair down. It’s incredibly light-weight and absorbs quickly into hair. My ends are pretty dry and when I applied this oil on them, it helped their appearance slightly but not by much. Perhaps this would work better on my hair if it was straight, but I’ve been leaving it curly and I’ve found other products that work just as well, if not better, than this one.

Note: These products are formulated without parabens, sulfates (SLS or SLES) or sodium chloride. They are also color and keratin treatment safe, offer UV protection for hair, vegan and cruelty and gluten free.

Bottom Line: I wasn’t impressed with this line. Had I not reacted the way I did to the shampoo, I wouldn’t mind buying the shampoo as it’s hard to find a shampoo for curly hair that cleanses well without stripping it. Some shampoos clean too well while others I feel don’t clean at all, leaving a greasy appearance to hair. This shampoo manages to strike the perfect balance but alas, it wasn’t meant for me. 🙁 The conditioner and oil are items I would skip out on though.

Have a favorite hair care product you love? Share your favorites below!

Stephanie