August Birchbox

 

It's August Birchbox time!  Yay!!!  As always, I was super excited for my birchbox this month.  This month's Birchbox theme was beauty innovations.  Unfortunately, this box was rather underwhelming for me.  Everything was just...okay.  

Anyway, here's what came in my box:

• Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue:  This is a very orangey scent that at first smelled a bit like soap to me.  I grew to like the scent more as I wore it.  I don't think I am likely to spend $145 to own it though!
• blinc Mascara: This is a "tube" mascara that coats your entire lash in a "tube".  I don't like this product because it does not give my lashes any volume.  However, it is great for length and definition; someone with naturally full lashes might really like this mascara.  Also, when you remove this product it tends to come off in stringy pieces that get all over your face.
• Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream:  I liked this eye cream because it went on light and smooth and sank right into my skin.  I am not a fan of thick, greasy eye creams.  However, the $95 dollar price tag on this cream will definitely prohibit me from buying the full-size product.  I'll stick with my much more affordable the beloved Clinique All About Eyes!
• Fix Malibu Wish Wash Exfoliating Powder Wash: This is a power, similar looking to baby powder, that turns into and exfoliating face wash when you add water.  To me, a powder face wash seems like a step backward rather than an innovation!  I can imagine women in the 1800s using powdered facial cleansers.  This product was messy and kind of inconvenient to use.  All that being said, it did clean my face well and leave it feeling soft and smooth.  I wouldn't purchase the full-size product though.
• Twistband Hair Tie: This is a simple piece of soft black elastic to tie your hair back with.  It is supposed to be fashionable on your wrist, as well as in your hair.  I have to admit that it looks far better on my wrist than my plain hair ties.  Since I have not been able to break myself of the habit of always having a hair tie on my wrist, this is an awesome hair tie innovation for me!  I just ordered a set of several more colors of these.  Get yours on the Twistband website and use the coupon code LUCKY2 to save 40% on your order!

Wet n'Wild Walking on Eggshells Trio

Wet n'Wild Walking on Eggshells Trio

When I first saw this eyeshadow trio in the store, I thought it was nothing special. Then, I kept seeing reviews and swatches for it everywhere. Finally, I saw Emily from the Beauty Broadcast mention this trio in a MAC dupes video which totally sold me on it (the shades in the trio are dupes for three MAC shades!). So, I gave in and bought this little gem for a whole whopping $2.99. And, let me tell you it is worth every penny and then some! I could wear these three shades everyday...I practically did this week! This trio is perfect for everyday wear, especially in the Summer. I just can't get over how pigmented and beautiful the colors are. I have a few of the other Wet n' Wild trios, but this one is definitely a stand out for me. So, if you find yourself thinking that these trios are nothing special, think again and try one for yourself.

Do you have a favorite Wet n' Wild eyeshadow trio or palette?

Glamour Me -- True Blood Inspired Makeup!

Tarte for True Blood Gamour Me palette

For all of you diehard True Blood fans out there, Tarte Cosmetics has just come out with the ultimate palette for you. Whether you are a vampy vixen or a luminous fairy, you will love this palette! First off, this palette is soooo cute; check out that lacing detail. I just had to grab this limited edition palette for the packaging alone. But, the eyeshadows are really great quality, too. Most of the shades are shimmer/frost; there are only four matte shades in the palette. I prefer shimmery shades; so, that was no problem for me. The shadows blend wonderfully, and you have shades to create natural everyday looks, as well as sultry nighttime looks.

The kit also includes a full size EmphasEYES Aqua-Gel eyeliner in black; a Lights, Camera, Lashes! natural mascara; and a Lifted natural eye primer. I was pretty happy with these products, as well.

Just look at all those beautiful colors! I can't wait to experiment more with this palette! To get your hands on this little beauty, hurry up and visit Sephora or Tarte online!

Loving My Blasted Nails!

The picture just does not do these nails justice! The effect of the Sephora by OPI Blasted Nail Polish in Blasted Silver layed over Revlon's Grape Icy scented polish creates an edgy, fun look. I am really loving the crackle or "blasted" polishes right now; they make it super easy to create and interesting and expensive looking manicure at home. The Sephora by OPI Blasted polishes work really well, as do the China Glaze Crackle polishes.

Just to note, the Revlon scented polish really does smell nice when dried. Unfortunately, since I layered other polish on top, the scent was covered up. I think that scented polish is a fun idea and very worthwhile if you are not a person who likes to use a top coat over your nail polish.

Sephora by OPI Blasted Nail Polish in Blasted Silver and Revlon Scented nail polish in Grape Icy