Birchbox Review: April 2014

Posted in Beauty Products, Birchbox by

photo 1

Oh, Birchbox, how I have missed you! I took a break from Birchbox before Christmas to try out some new subscription boxes, but I just couldn’t stay away. They have a fantastic selection of products in the shop, a phenominal points program and lots gifts with purchase.

  photo 2 photo 3

Color Club Nail Color — Gorgeous, pearly, mint/sea green. Dries quickly, but will not last long on its own. Make sure you take the time to do the whole base/two coats/top coat thang.

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo — I love the smell of this stuff, but this brand always leaves a film on my scalp :/

Number 4 Hair Masque — Who doesn’t love a high quality hair masque? Smells lovely, but I don’t think I will purchase the full size.

Sumita Eyeliner — This beautiful deep purple liner has serious staying power!

Supergoop Sunscreen Serum — Fantastic product, especially for long days out in the sun when you still want a full face of makeup.

KIND Healthy Grains Bar — Yummy, but I prefer with the extra goodie is chocolate. #chocohalic

Overall: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Click here to start your Birchbox experience! 

 

Ipsy Bag Review: April 2014

Posted in Beauty Products, Ipsy by

 

20140414-171715.jpg

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm — This lip balm was just ok. I was surprised of the intense pigmentation…but it set looking kind of chalky. At least it came with a little lip brush 🙂

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil Travel Size — This eye pencil is perfection. Super smooth application! I got a nice basic black, which is great because I just purchased the eggplant version.

dr. brandt® microdermabrasion — This felt soo good on my skin. I have very sensitive skin, and I was impressed that it didn’t leave me red!

Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the shadow — This beautiful, creamy champagne shadow has quickly become a staple in my makeup bag. I was sad to see that the website only had a few other products. I hope to see more soon.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Aging Multi-Action Face — I’ll have to report back on this one, but I am thrilled to try this brand.

Dang, ipsy! You spoiled me this month. I am beyond happy with the high quality products I received this month (Cailyn lip balm aside). I love this graphic purple bag. I plan to use it to keep my cords and smaller electronics in one place in my big ol’ purse. And, as always, there were fantastic coupon codes for all of the featured April products — including Coastal Scents!

Overall Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 1/2

Click here to join the ipsy party!

$7 Ulta Splurge & Reviews (Updated)

Posted in Beauty Products by

Ah, I love Ulta! I have no shame…I totally go in there with a naked face and wet hair in the hopes of trying a handful of products. I spend a lot of time and money at Ulta, so I don’t feel too guilty. And, I have never asked for a makeover/makeup application unless I plan on dropping some SERIOUS cash. Seriously, who wants to be that girl?

With 40% off & a $3.50 off coupon, I got the following for only $7!!

  • Revlon Lash Potion in Blackened Brown $7.99/4.79 — I haven’t used a waterproof formula for a while, so I picked this up for the upcoming toasty days of summer. The mascara went on smooth without clumps, but it was nothing too exciting. If you want to build it, I would suggest doing it while it is still wet. I tried to add a coat later on in the night, and it got a little flaky. As far as the fortifying claims, I’ll have to get back to you!
  • Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart $8.99/5.39 — This stain went on smoothly with a slight mint flavor (no tingling). The color was bright and had serious staying power. For everyday use, I would probably pick a more subdued hue, but this one is gorgeous for a night out. I would suggest that you keep a clear lip balm on hand to keep the color looking smooth. Overall, I did not find it to be too drying, which is a bonus for a stain!

What I tried on…and may buy later:

  • Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Delight $89 — I typically wear Daisy Eau So Fresh…but I love this fruitier limited edition version. I definitely suggest that you give it a try. The bottle is also gorgeous and colorful!
  • Benefit Big Easy in Light/Medium $38 — Meh, I love me some Benefit, but I didn’t like the powder finish or the price. I am finishing up Origins CC Cream right now and like that much better.
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin $20 — This primer is a gorgeous, shimmery chrome base to wear alone or with any look. I am currently using up a sample of the original, which I absolutely love. So worth it!
  • Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Espresso $22 — I love this stuff. Although it seems pricey, the tube is rather large compared to similar gels. This product is so easy to use, especially for girls like me that already have plenty of brow. You may want to look at other products in the line if you are looking for more definition or need to really build up your brows. I am using Revlon’s tinted brow gel right now, but Anastasia takes the cake. (I am currently saving up my Birchbox Points to treat myself to this amazing product. Feel free to click my referral link if you want to help me get there ❤ )

 

 

Deal Discovery: Julep & Swagbucks

Posted in Beauty Products, Random Awesomeness by

I just ordered FOUR Julep nail polishes and a cuticle treatment for a measly $10. Here’s how:

1. Sign In/Up with Swag Bucks 2. Complete Style Quiz at Julep

3. Use Promo Code: SWAGBUCKS2FREE 

Disclamer: This offer was messaged to me on my Swag Bucks account. I’m not sure if each step with work for everyone, but I sure hope it does! The offer will expire by the end of this Saturday.

And, if none of this works— you can always get your first Julep Maven Box for free with this code: FREEBOX.

Deal Discovery: Coastal Scents Sale & Promo Code

Posted in Beauty Products, Ipsy, Random Awesomeness by

Check out Coastal Scents for some amazing deals this week!

For example, you can get this 26 Shadow Blush Palette for $14.95…wowza.

Ipsy is offering subscribers 25% OFF site wide (log in for promo code). Not an ipsy subbie? Click here to join the party and access a whole lotta great coupon codes for this month’s featured products…

That means that you could get this little beauty for only $15!

There is also an Earth Day Sale this week offering 35% OFF All Natural Products 🙂