Makeup Haul

Ulta, Nordstrom Rack, and BirchBox

*Credit to the boyfriend for finding the perfect meme.

Ulta

Nyx Pristmatic Eye Shadow in Frostbite. This is my second of these shadows, and I just love it. It's this iridescent purple-y white. Ugh. The texture of this shadow is ridiculously silky. If you're ever perusing Ulta, touch them. They have crazy high pigment. I also have it in the shade Mermaid, but that has more of the shimmer/glitter texture. Not mad, because the color is gorgeous.

In the picture below, I have it on top of the next product.

Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Lavender and Rust. So, the lavender is just that. A super soft purple that I bought solely because it brought out the purple tones in the Frostbite shadow. I seriously love the two together! I also bought the rust to go under a shadow as well. I've been loving red shadows. Is it fall yet? The pencils blend out really nicely, and they come in so many shades. My only problem is sharpening them. I've watched the little hacks, but I've yet to successfully sharpen it.

Left to right swatches: Lavender jumbo pencil, Rust jumbo pencil, Frostbite shadow from above.

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Transylvania. I wish I could convey how much I love a dark lip.  Like, a dark lip in fall with porcelain skin is my perfect look. I now have two of these, because I thought I lost the original that I scoured the Earth for. Literally, it was sold out for months. I also can't tell you how much I love these matte lip creams. I'm not a fan of glossy lips, so these are perfect. They last a good amount of time, but they're also easy to tuck in your purse and touch up when you need to.  So, Transylvania is a deep red with some purple undertones. It's actual perfection.
Here it is in all of it's glory:

Nordstrom Rack

Stila Coming Clean Revitalizing Gel Cleanser. Anyone else think of Hilary Duff's "Coming Clean" song? No... just me? There was a time when I got the Stila Face the Day moisturizer, and I was in love with it. Really liked it. So when I was browsing the make up at Nordstrom Rack, I saw this and just grabbed it. Let me just say that since I've starting using this, Tea Tree Water and 9 to 5 from LUSH, my skin has actually been looking clearer. Way less breakouts, guys, and that's important!


Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Revolver. So, this one, I just took a gamble on. It's a gunmetal color, which I love. However, it does have a metallic finish. I'm so-so on that so far. I've only tried it on a darker shadow look (you'll see below), but I think it would look way better on a lighter look. It definitely doesn't budge, though!

BirchBox

Leaving the best for last, because I got so many great things. *insert heart eyeballs emoji here*

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit in Light to Medium. I've been itching to get a contour kit for quite some time now, and I'm so glad I held out for it. The colors blend nicely, and they aren't too, too orange for a pale girl. I come across that a lot, and no thanks to the orange skin! I'm just overall really happy that I can do a more natural contour or a more dramatic one depending on how I'm feeling.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Taupe. Here's another product I just had to have. Basically everybody on YouTube uses this, and it always looks so flawless. Not only can you make your brows look really natural, but it also holds your them down and in place. I learned really quick that you only need the tiniest amount to get the whole brow done. It looked like a took a taupe sharpie to my face the first time. Not cute.

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 palette. This is the baby of the haul. I'm just so happy with it. Originally, I bought this for that deep red color in the bottom row. (4th in from the right) However, upon swatching, I'm literally in love with this palette. It's going to be a staple for fall, for sure. Tons of mauves, reds, browns, and golds. 

Here is that gorgeous red in action. Seriously, can you handle it? I can't. I've also got on the Urban Decay liner and contour palette, because it was all new, and I just had to play with it all!

What are some of your favorite recent purchases?!

Birchbox Review - September 2014

Hoooray!

I think I've mentioned this before, but I love when my BirchBox comes! It's like a little present every month. To myself. (: That's ok with me. I absolutely love the new option to choose one of the items in your box. I'm glad we can kind of customize it! Plus, this month's box is adorable!

If you are unaware, Birchbox is a monthly makeup subscription. It's great if you're into discovering new, high-end products, without just jumping off the deep end and buying it. I've found so many new brands and products that I love. The subscription is $10/month in the US, shipping included.

Here's what I received this month:

Acure Organics Day Cream Gotu Kola Stem Cell + 1% CGF ($18.99 for 1.75 oz.)
Sample Size: 1 fl. oz.
Value: $10.85
This was my favorite product out of the box! Although this day cream is a little thick, I love it. It makes me so happy to find vegan products that I love. When I used this, it absorbed into the skin, and it didn't leave me oily throughout the day, like I'm used to. However, it is a good idea to set your face with a matte powder after applying this and your foundation!

TEMPTU S/B Highlighter ($27.50 for 1 oz.)
Sample Size: 0.1 fl. oz.
Value: $2.75
I have fairly pale skin. Typically, I make it a little more pale than it is, but I just love the vintage porcelain skin. This only comes in champagne, which is alright if you aren't really pale or you're wearing blush. I actually really like it when I'm wearing blush, because it blends in really nicely. But if I'm not wearing blush,  you can just see a little patch of shimmery peach on my cheekbone, and I'm not a fan of that. Plus, it's almost like glitter when it's in the sun. I think I'm just being picky, though.

Davines OI / Shampoo ($27 for 280 ml)
Sample Size: 12 ml
Value: $1.16

My hair has been on a strict sulfate-free, cleansing conditioner diet. But, I gave it up for a couple days to try this out! Surprisingly, it didn't lather, which is something associated with typical, sulfate shampoos. It did a great job of cleaning my hair, and, when used with the conditioner, my hair was so silky soft. However, I wasn't able to go more than a day without washing it, which is why I've moved away from sulfate shampoos!

Davines OI / Conditioner ($32 for 250 ml)

Sample Size: 75 ml

Value: $9.60

I was super pleased with the sample size of this product! I'll also probably be able to reuse the container after, but that's besides the point. As mentioned with the shampoo, this left my hair really silky. I didn't have to fuss with any products to detangle my hair after my shower, either, which is always good. However, as my hair has been on a sulfate-free diet, I wasn't able to go longer than a day without washing it!

Harvey Prince Ageless Liquid Loofah ($22 for 12 oz.)

Sample Size: 15 ml

Value: $0.93

So, when I think of a liquid loofah and exfoliation, I'm thinking that there must be some kind of bead or, I don't know, sugar or salt in the product. Something to give it a little grit to exfoliate. Nope. It's pure liquid. I really like to exfoliate with my loofah, but this product is saying I don't need one? False. You still need one. All in all, this was just not for me.

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel ($48.00 for 1.7 fl. oz.)

Sample Size: 0.17 fl. oz.
Value: $4.80

If you're expecting a product that dries to your face and you can peel it off or wipe it off, like a mask, I would not recommend. I was so confused after using it and reading the "peel" part. It dried to my skin pretty quickly, so the circular massage for 2-3 minutes didn't happen. I'd just be rubbing my skin?

Davines OI / Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion ($41 for 4 oz.)
Sample Size: Missing!
Value: N/A
This was missing out of my box!

Total Box Value: $30.09
This box was great! I literally always find at least one product out of my BirchBox that makes it all worth it! I'm really interested in trying more products from Acure Organics!

What was your favorite product this month!? Or do you have another subscription you can't live without? (:

Birchbox Review - August 2014

Hooraaaay!! 

Another month of Birchbox is here! They've been doing this really cool thing, where you can choose one of the products that goes in your box (or an entirely different box)! My pick wasn't in the box, but I was late to pick and didn't really care. However, I did get the cream eyeshadow. Now, I'm typically not fond of cream shadows... But this one didn't budge when I did a swatch on my hand, so that makes me a little optimistic.

Let's get down to the box!

Key West Aloe Moisturizing Lotion ($12 for 6 fl.oz.)

Sample size: 1 fl. oz.

Value: $2

I love the smell of this. It smells wonderful. It absorbs into the skin really fast and doesn't leave my hands all greasy. It also makes my hands super soft. I'm on board with this.

Laura Geller Beauty Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow ($19 for .26 fl. oz.)

Sample size: .17 fl. oz.

Value: $12.34

Here's a little swatch of this. It's a really nice neutral shimmer. It also didn't budge after it dried, which is typically what I have problems with. All in all, I love the color and, if it stays this well, it will be amazing.

nügg Beauty Revitalizing Face Mask  ($14.99/5-pack)

Sample size: 1 pack

Value: $3

I'm pretty sure if I used this in the morning, I would be wide awake. The mint in this mask is powerful. I'm not complaining, though. I think it left my whole being feeling refreshed, and my face is nice and smooth.

Neil George Shampoo ($9.00 for 3.38 fl. oz.)

Sample size: 1.69 fl. oz.

Value: $4.50

Although the combo of this and the conditioner did really well at leaving my hair silky, I'm a little disappointed that it has sulfate in it. I've been trying out some sulfate-free shampoos lately. However, this definitely did the job of cleaning my hair.

Neil George Conditioner ($9.00 for 3.38 fl. oz.)

Sample size: 1.69 fl. oz.

Value: $4.50

As I said above, using this with the shampoo left my hair really silky. I made sure not to put any oils or leave-in conditioners in after showering, so I knew the full effects. Even my slightly sad ends don't feel so sad! That's always a good thing.

Total Value: $26.34

Not bad! I always love the sample lotions, because I can keep them on my desk. They're the perfect size. All in all, I'm not mad with this box, but it was not a memorable one for me.

I'd also like to state that I recently got 4 products (Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit, Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos, Yes To™ Blueberries Cleansing Facial Towelettes, and Supergoop! Fusion Lip Balm SPF 30+ in Acai) for $11.99. Bless your little soul, BirchBox points!
BirchBox has the best customer service that I have experienced so far. Last month, I received a sample that was way darker than my skin tone and, without me saying anything, they sent me an email saying that they were adding 100 points ($10) to my account! Also, my Cargo blush was in crumbles, and they sent me a new one, as well as 100 more points without a fuss!

Birchbox Review - July 2014

I received another Birchbox in the mail last week! Yay! I love getting things in the mail because it's like Christmas. It just makes me happy! So, here are the things I received in this box, and my review on the items.

 First thing: a one-year (10 issue) subscription to Women's Health magazine. This is great, and I'm excited about it. However, I got the same thing in a box last year, and I only received maybe 2 issues. But whatever.

Value: $10

Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream ($22 for 12oz)

Sample size: 15 ml

Value: $0.93

Much to my surprise (since I really didn't like the perfume last month), I LOVE this. I've kept it at work, using it periodically through the day. It smells way different than the perfume, and I love the scent. Major plus that it doesn't leave my hands greasy.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer ($11 for 0.17 fl oz)

Full size!

Value: $11

So for this, I was able to choose the shade that I wanted. There was a metallic silver and metallic gold. Those are so ordinary, and I've been obsessing over rose gold lately, so that's what I chose. I can't say that it lasts any longer than normal nail polish for me. I'm really rough on nail polish. Not really sure why. However, it is a really nice color. I really like it.

RUFFIAN Dressing Room Nail Lacquer Remover Towelettes ($12 for 10)

Sample size: 1 towelette

Value: $1.20

It's nail polish remover............... So, yeah. It does what it's supposed to.

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner ($21/ 4 pack)

Sample size: 1 full size eyeliner

Value: $5.25

I received the Navy blue eyeliner. Typically, I'm a black, rarely brown, eyeliner person. Seldom you'll see me in a purple eyeliner. I recently read that blue eyeliner make tired eyes look, well, less tired. So, I tried this and it's not too bad! Also, I wore it for a full day and had minimal smudging. That's always a plus with pencil liners.

Marcelle New-Age 8 in 1 Power Serum ($34/ 1fl.oz.)

Sample size: 0.24 fl. oz.

Value: $8.16

I've tried this a couple of times. It has a nice texture and absorbs quickly, which I like. I also feel like it did a good job at hydrating my skin and didn't leave my face greasy. I'm still stuck on the AVEENO sample I received from Influenster, though.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint ($38/ 1.7 fl. oz.)

Sample size: 0.17

Value: $3.80

I won't lie... I haven't tried this. It's just not something I like to use. I probably should just try it anyway. BUT! I received an email today from Birchbox, saying that this item didn't really fit my beauty profile, and they were giving me 100 Birchbox points. Hell yeah! So, add $10 to the value.

Total Value: $40.34
Plus, I got 100 Birchbox points. I'd say this isn't bad at all. I'm pretty happy with the things that I received this month. There's nothing I can really complain about. I mean the nail polish remover... but oh well. (:

Birchbox Review - June 2014

June 2014

A little about Birchbox: It's a $10 monthly subscription that focuses more on skincare than makeup, but typically will include high end lotions, face creams, masks, acne care, BB creams, CC creams, sunscreens, perfumes, eye shadows, mascaras, lip colors, nail polishes, hair care, etc. Those are mostly what I've gotten. It's a great way to try new products without spending $30 on one product and hating it. If I recall correctly, when you sign up, you check things that you're interested and they type of skin/hair you have. Each box you receive, if you do reviews on the products, you can earn up to 50 points to use in the Birchbox store. That's where I've bought most of my high end products. 100 points = $10 in the store. I've gotten the Benefit 15 Hour Primer ($32, I absolutely loved it) for $5, including shipping. I also did a $56 order and only paid $4, including shipping. It's pretty great, I must say.

I've done a little messing around with the products I received this month in my box. I'm not always 100% fond of everything, but there's usually at least one product that I like. Let's start with that.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit ($24.50 for 3.3oz)

Sample size: 1 fl oz. & 1 muslin cloth

Value: $8.17

So far, I'm really liking this product. It was a little weird at first, putting a face wash on my dry skin, but the muslin cloth is a wonderful exfoliator, not too rough and not too soft for my skin. I've used it about 3 or 4 times now, and it seems to be doing good for my skin. I have combination skin.

The Aloe Source Vitamin C Antioxidant Crème ($40 for 1oz.)
Sample size: .25 fl oz.
Value: $10
I think I'm liking this as well. It doesn't make my face greasy after I use it, and it absorbs quickly. I've been using it before bed. I can't say that my skin is improving, but it's a plus that it doesn't make my face oily!

LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil ($18 for .07oz)
Sample size: about .035oz
Value: $9
I'm really loving coral lip colors! I thought it would make me look super pale (because I am pale) but it goes with my complexion well. And it's a fun summer color! This one goes on really smooth. It doesn't have the greatest longevity, but whatever.

Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo ($24 for 8oz.)
Sample size: 2.5 fl oz.
Value: $7.50
I'm so-so on this. It's not a shampoo that suds up, so if you like that, it's not for you. It has an earthy smell. Again, I have oily hair. Like, on the 24 hour mark all the oils come rushing out of my skull. It's obnoxious. This shampoo didn't help much with that.

Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner ($27.50 for 8oz.)
Sample size: 0.41 fl oz.
Value: $1.41
I liked this conditioner. It made my hair ridiculously soft and shiny. Of course, I got enough for one and a half uses, so who knows what could have happened after.

Davines OI / All in One Milk ($28 for 135 ml)
Sample size: 4 ml
Value: $0.83
This stuff was good! Tamed my frizz and helped out some of my dead ends! I still like my Moroccan oil, though. I'll probably stick with that.

Harvey Prince Hello ($55 for 50 ml)
Sample size: 1.5 ml
Value: $1.65
I'm really not a fan of high end perfumes. They all smell the same to me. This one is one of the better ones that I've smelled.

Total value of samples: $38.56
Considering I paid $10 for the box, I'm pretty happy with that. And this box had a couple items that I liked, so... I can't be mad.

Please let me know if you would like to see more of these in the coming months! (: