Influenster Refresh VoxBox Products Review!

I had a lot of fun with my very first Influenster VoxBox!  Here are my thoughts on the products inside!

Beanitos Chips:

My Thoughts:

- I LOVE the Nacho Cheese Flavor!

- Perfect snack food!

- Sea Salt Flavor is not really my thing at all! I can really taste the beans, and I don't like that. :-(

Orgain Protein Shake:

I'm super bummed that I couldn't find this product at my local grocery store! *sad face*

CoverGirl Ultra Smooth Foundation:

Thoughts:

- Impressively smooth!

- Great coverage!

- Surprised by how much I like the applicator!

L'Occitane Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream:

Thoughts:

- Light & creamy!

- Highly Moisturizing without feeling super greasy!

- Smells wonderful!

- A little bit goes a long way!

- Beautiful packaging

- LOVE the size of this deluxe sample!

I had a total blast at the L'Occitane Free Mini-Facial Event through Influenster! I even scored my free gift with $50 purchase!

Montagne Jeunesse Facial Masque:

Thoughts: 

- Easy to open & apply

- Smells divine!

- Cleans out my pores!

- The peel off nature of this mask makes for very easy removal and cleanup!

- My skin feels totally soft afterwards!

SkinnyGirlDaily Nutrition Bar:

 

Thoughts:

- Holy Sh*t this is good!

- Perfect mix of sweet, nut & salt!

- Will buying a box asap!

Listerine PocketPacks:

Thoughts:

- Fresh Breath, FAST!

- Long lasting!

- Easy to carry!

DenTek Comfort Flossers:

Thoughts:

- Easy & Painless Flossing

- Soft, Durable & Effective Flossing Tape

- Nice & light minty flavor

- Fantastic Pick End!

Interested in joining Influenster? I'd love it if you used my referral link! 

I'm Launching a New Venture!

I reviewed them, I loved them, I threw a party for them, 

and now I'm hooked!

So, I signed on!

I'd love your support as I launch my new Jamberry business!  If you're interested in more information, please request an add on my launch party!

Just want to check things out on the down-low?

My Jamberry Website is already up & running!

Today's Reason to Smile ~ Happy St. Patrick's Day!

There are so many things right in this picture on my Saint Patrick's Day Morning.

I'm rockin' out my layered gold necklaces from Rocksbox.

I'm seriously owning some green eye shadow & eye liner from Bare Minerals.

My hair is actually behaving thanks to the art of reading instructions on a hair oil I was reviewing the night before . . . and my skin is happily glowing thanks to Radha's Argan Oil and Cremo's Face Wash & Moisturizer.

PLUS, I am holding a golden mug filled with Moustache Coffee.

But the best part is that I FREAKING REMEMBERED TO WEAR SOMETHING GREEN on Saint Patrick's Day!!

I just don't own very many green items.  I never, ever have.  As a small child, I was the epitome of the girly-girl . . . except that I wasn't afraid to skin my knees when running or riding on my bike in my frilly dresses (no really, they had lace; they were frilly).

My favorite color was of course pink, and this was back before pink & green were cute.  There were no cute combinations of pink & green in the 1980s.  To make matters worse, I could never remember to wear green on St. Patrick's Day, and I was subjected to the constant pinching of my compatriots throughout elementary school.

So, today's reason to smile is remembering to wear green! 

Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty Launch!

Have you heard about Ulta.com's 21 Days of Beauty?

Here are all the goodies you can score! 

click the pic for more information about today's deal!

I'm hoping to score Tarte's $10 Mascara on March 17th or BareMinerals $9 Mascara on March 28!  And if I'm super on top of my game, I'm hoping to get Lorac's Champagne Dreams for $15 on March 29th!  (Who knows, it might show up in a future giveaway!) 

Which days are you most excited for?

Beauty Joy Unboxing & Review!

I recently received a recommendation from a fellow subscription box addict on Facebook to try out Beauty Joy.  Well, I couldn't resist after all the wonderful things she had to say about her experience with them, so I had to try them for myself and share my verdict with you!

My Unboxing Thoughts:

The Goodies in my Beauty Joy Box:

Amount Paid: $15.00

Value of Box: $62.75

I'm really impressed with the value in this box!  The lip gloss and necklace are quite wonderful.  I'm swimming in cleansers right now; this one smells wonderful, but it'll probably go in my giveaway drawer.  The hand santizer is always nice, but that one left me a bit underwhelmed.  Overall, though, I'm quite pleased with this box!

Verdict: I'm Happy, so Yay!

February's Freebies! How I Scored Them & You Can Too!

Okay, now all you wonderful ladies & gents who follow me know how much I LOVE a freebie!  Well, here are all the freebies or almost-freebies I scored for the month of February and how I did it! 

Enjoy!

Fun Stuff to Read:

The magazine subscriptions are still going strong!  Make sure to check out Hip2Save on a daily basis to score these bad boys.  Subscriptions go really quickly on this site!  They also find plenty of other exciting giveaways, so check this one for daily finds!

     

Can I just say how important it is to enter giveaways?

I don't even know how I won this lovely book that I've been coveting!  It seriously just showed up in the mail one day!  No. Joke. 


Beauty Products!

So excited to try out GlamGlow's newest product! I love being on company mailing lists; I actually have an entirely separate email account just for this purpose.  Since I'm on GlamGlow's mailing list, they sent me the information to request this free sample!

These two little get clean goodies were courtesy of GetItFree.  Thrilled to try out Nivea's new body wash plus score a coupon!  Hubby got a free full-size deodorant from Dove, which is awesome!

Sometimes freebies come in the form of coupons!  I got a BOGO coupon in my sunday paper for purchase of one Revlon Mascara and get one eyeliner free.  Yep!  Cashed that bad boy in for goodies for an upcoming giveaway! 

I mentioned the importance of mailing lists right?  I am a huge fan of being on BeautyJunkees mailing list.  (Hang around on their site long enough and a pop offer to join will show up!) They recently sent out a promo code that allowed me to get one mini-kabuki brush (regularly $18) of my choice for $1.95!  Pretty good!  

Love Harvey Prince!  I'm following them on Facebook, and recently joined their mailing list (sound familiar?!).  So, when they advertised another free fragrance, for which I only paid s&h of $8.99, I was pretty excited.  I threw in the samples for $3!  WOOT!

Edibles:

Totally love some free tea!  Scored this free sample of tea from Twinings from GetItFree.

Vitamins are so important, and I'm so excited that there are chewy vitamins for grown-ups now!  I got this free sample + coupon from Target.com!

So, there you go!  All my freebies this month, and where I found them!  Good luck in March and happy hunting!

February Birchbox Unboxing & Review!

This is my second Birchbox for February.  If you're interested in what I scored in my first box, check that out here. So, here are my thoughts on box #2!

February's Birchbox:

Product Information Card:

Reviews:

- MINU Shampoo: I don't have colored hair!  So, I'm shipping this sample off to Mommy along with the little blister pack sample of serum.

- Juicy Couture Hollywood Royal: Love this scent! Its fresh, a little fruity, and totally sassy!

- Laura Geller Beauty GlamLASH Dramatic Volumizing Mascara: I'm a huge fan of this mascara!  The brush is perfect.  The formula is long-lasting, non-flaking, and super moisturizing!

- Marcelle Gentle Makeup Remover: Great for sensitive skin and highly effective at removing even waterproof mascara!

- PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray: I have a new favorite sea salt spray.  This is fantastic as a wave refresher on days 2-3 after styling.  It doesn't dry out or frizz up my hair while enhancing my waves!

If you would like to score 5 awesome samples every month, earn points toward products you love, and to party it up, then check out Birchbox's monthly subscription (affiliate link)!  

Its only $10/month! Plus, by reviewing your samples & posting to social media, you can earn up to $6/ month toward products in the Birchbox store! SWEET!

Beauty Tag!

This is a beauty tag where I answer 20 beauty questions relating to my makeup/skincare routine. I love reading these types of posts because it’s a great way to get to know person behind the blog. These questions are from Carol of Intrice Blog.  I love her style, writing, and eye for beauty!

I think women should wear whatever makeup they want for themselves. Makeup should be fun. 

- Emma Stone

Do you remember your first makeup item?
I think the first makeup item I owned was Candy Kisses in Watermelon!  I felt like hot stuff in middle school!

Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one 
that fits your specifications?
I want a formula that never clumps, never flakes, and applies easily to every lash!  I want additional volume, NOT length! I want a brush that holds the perfect amount of product, can handle my long lashes, and helps plump out their volume.  I'm getting there.  Since I started blogging, I've gotten really picky! LOL!

What kind of coverage do you prefer from foundation?
I need something that offers medium coverage, but feels light and looks super natural!  I have rosy cheeks from my mom, and I need something that helps to cover them without washing me out completely.

Favorite high end brand?
I really like BareMinerals.  I've been using their mineral veil, bronzer, and blushes for almost a year; I'm a total convert.  I keep adding to my collection!  I would love to add Dr. Jart+ BB Cream to my repertoire eventually!

What cosmetic brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t? 
Mally Beauty, Urban Decay, Too Faced

Favorite drugstore brand?
I'm a fan of Maybelline's new mascaras.  I just tried this amazing foundation from CoverGirl so I'll add that one!  

Do you wear fake eyelashes? 
Nope!  I would really only need them for volume, not length.

Is there any kind of makeup you can't leave the house without?
I prefer a fully done face, but minimally, dark brown mascara and lip balm!

What is your most cherished beauty product?
Right now, its my new Shea Butter Cleansing Oil from L'Occitane.  Hubby splurged on me!  I've been testing so many different skin care products the last few months that I needed something to help restore my skin!  (Besides, I scored a free gift! LOL! Free gifts will eventually be my downfall!)

How often do you shop for makeup?
I'm always on the prowl.  Looking isn't so bad.  Its the buying too often that is!

Do you have a “beauty budget” or you spend freely?
I need to budget myself.  Right now, its called the hubby-rule! Whatever hubby says "yes" or "no" to sets my budget!

What type of product do you buy the most of?
Anything to do with my eyes!  I'm a sucker for a good eye liner, eye shadow, mascara, anything!  I love playing with my eyes!

Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics like parabens or sulfates? 
Eh, not really.  I realize that there are all kinds of perspectives on this, so I try to emphasize paraben and sulfate free for my readers.  But for me, sometimes sulfates in shampoo make all the difference for whether or not my hair actually gets clean.

Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?
I'm a huge fan of Birchbox for some things since I can earn/ use points.  I also love Sephora, Ulta, Target, and boutiques like L'Oocitane and Bare Minerals.  I'll shop online if I can get free shipping; I hate paying for shipping!

Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?
I have a general routine: cleanser, toner (occasionally), 1-2 serums, moisturizer.  I'll switch out what I use based on what I'm reviewing, what my skin is doing, and how I'm feeling.

Favorite bath and body brand? 
I have an obsession with Burt's Bees, which is reasonable.  I recently starting flirting with L'Occitane, but since that could potentially turn into a bad habit, I'm practicing serious restraint!

Do you like multifunctional products like lip and cheek stains?
No.  They scare me!  LOL!  I shy away from them because I just recently started needing cheek color (rosy cheeks and all), so I'm still learning.  Its like learning to wear makeup all over again!

Are you clumsy in putting makeup?
Yes, but it hits me like a "clumsy attack."  I don't know that its coming until that cat eye that I thought I had nailed goes all wonky without warning!

Do you ever consider taking makeup classes?
I've just recently starting researching makeup application techniques.  I feel so behind!! But really, videos are awesome, but I would totally love to take some classes!

What do you love about makeup?
I feel like it helps me express myself; it can help me accentuate my eyes to play up feelings of happiness, seductiveness, or mellowness.  Its one of the ways that I show myself love. After I spend time pampering every inch of my face, how could I hate it? :-)
Makeup is also fun!  Its an artistic outlet.  Its a medium I can use to connect with hundreds of other people through social media.  Its a way to explore colors, contours, and techniques.  

Do you feel the same way about makeup? What do you love the most about it?

Share your thoughts with me in the comments!

My #MOTD ~ Foundation & Contouring

So, yesterday I shared with you the new-to-me colors and brands of eyeshadows and lip colors I recently played with to create this daytime look.  Today, I want to talk about the products and techniques I used for foundation and contouring to create the rest of this look!

First, I applied CoverGirl's foundation all over using the silicone applicator.

One of the goodies that came in my first Influenster VoxBox was this new product from CoverGirl called Ultra Smooth Foundation.  (So, I got this item for free for review purposes.) It comes with this odd little silicone applicator.

At first, I really didn't know what I thought about this whole package.  But after using it just once, I am totally convinced that this is an amazing pair of products!

I love the consistency and color of the foundation.  The applicator works wonderfully!  Plus, it gives me the perfect amount of coverage.  We all know how hard that is to find in a foundation, right? 

Next, I applied bronzer using Beauty Junkees Angled Kabuki Brush (affiliate link) with BareMinerals Bronzer under my cheek bones.  

I followed up with adding BareMinerals Blush to my cheeks with the Bellangé Brush & Bronzer Brush.  

Finally, I used BareMinerals Mineral Veil and matching brush to blend out the whole look while creating a soft finish.

I hope that you've enjoyed this mini-tutorial!  Happy Contouring!

My Eyes & Lips! #MOTD + Mini-Tutorial!

I really do love playing around with makeup!  I think that playing with lips & eyes is the best part of doing my daily makeup looks.

Here's what I used today on my eyes & lips:

- Cailyn Mineral Eyeshadow Powder in Autumn:
Lid using UBU no.30

- Ulta Color Pure Eye Shadow in YOLO:

Crease to Brow using UBU no.35

- Cargo Cosmetics Liquid Eye Liner in Black:

Applied in a thick line just above the lashes

- Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in Paris:

Applied very carefully, blotted & allowed to set!
(Much happier with this second use than the first time!)

What I used on my Brows and Lashes:

- Beauty Lashious Eyelash Curler:

Used as close to lash roots as possible

- Laura Geller GlamLash in Black:

Applied from root to tip, top & bottom lashes, 2 coats

- Ellen Tracy Neutral Eye Shadows:
Used mini brush to accentuate brows

- Ellen Tracy Brow Pencil in Brown:

Used with Beauty Brow Tool to shape and define brows

What do you think of my #MOTD?  What other kinds of beauty posts would you like to see here?

My MOTD with Fantastic & Frugal Makeup Brushes!

I am so excited to share these brushes with you!  I am always on the hunt for a good find, and this fantastic Makeup Brush set from Bellangé certainly qualifies!

MY #MOTD with Bellangé Brushes!

How I Use This 10 Piece Kabuki Makeup Brush Set from Bellangé for My MOTD:

Product Description:

- 10 piece Kabuki Makeup Brushes with Makeup Bag

- Made with soft, luxurious synthetic bristles

- Each brush labled with name, use and number on the handle

     

Set Includes: 

- Foundation Brush

- Flat Top Brush

- Contour Brushes (large)

- Contour Brushes (small)

- Eye Brushes

          

What I Love about Bellangé Brush Set:

- High Quality: no shedding!

- Very soft

- Includes a variety of brushes

- Each brush is clearly labeled and numbered!

- Highly Effective for working with powders and creams!


You can find Bellangé's Bellangé Makeup Brush Set (affiliate link) on Amazon for $15.00!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bellange.  Products were provided in exchange for my time in assessing their quality and writing an honest review about them. All product information is gleaned from the manufacturer's product description.  All opinions are my own based on my experiences with the product.  All photos are my own.