November Birchbox 2012

November's Birchbox was a lot better than last months Goop box. Even though the items are few and okay. It was at least a winner with the addition of a full-sized mascara. So that makes this month alright in my books.

•  Miracle Skin Transformer / Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector - Before applying your makeup, prep skin with this serum-infused primer, which has optical diffusers that mask imperfections.
• Lulu Organics / Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder - Revive second-day locks by working this organic dry shampoo into your roots. You'll get plenty of lift, but no residue.
• Model Co / Fibre Lash Extend - Lengthening Mascara- Falsies without the fuss. This innovative mascara uses tiny lash-extending fibers to give you a lengthy fringe. Rotate the wand inside the bottle to pick up the fibers.
• Atelier Cologne / Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolute - Thanks to spicy ginger and a touch of bergamot, this sexy new rose scent is more sophisticated than sweet.
• Lifestyle Extra / Chuao Chocolatier / Assorted ChocoPod - Potato Chip - These bite-sized artisanal treats are made with premium Venezuelan cacao and come in a range of unexpected flavors.

The last item main item was a cute Holiday 2012 Gift Guide for helping you to find the perfect item for the special person in your life whether boy or girl. I really liked this addition it gives me hint for gift giving to whom else, but ME.

If you are interested in joining Birchbox please click this link https://www.birchbox.com?raf=4h5l0

September & October Favorites 2012 aka FrankenFaves

While I never got around to posting my September favorites I decided to just wait until now. I have been using the same products for the past two months. So it seems fitting to just combine all these items into a frankenfaves. So lets get this party started. Lol.

I will not be listing all the specs on the products as this will be just a quick list of my faves for these 2 months so please bare with me. If you do have any questions on anything here please feel free to ask.

• Urban Decay Naked Foundation in 3.5
• Sigma Flat Top Kabuki F80
• EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer Brush with my face setting powder
• Physicians Formula CoverTox Ten 50 in Translucent Medium
• Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller in Light/Medium
• Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller at night
• Maybelline One by One Volume Express Waterproof mascara in Black
• Benefit Stay Don't Stray Stay put Primer for the eyes
• Dermalogica Total Eye Care with SPF 15
• Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine
• NYC Bronzer in Sunny
• Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural

P.S. I had this done in late October I just forgot to publish it sorry. Also sorry for the terrible picture above I took this in my bathroom and my lighting wasn't quite right.

October Ipsy Bag 2012

Well this is Ipsy's second month so I'm now treating this as my second bag from them. New name change hence new company & new everything. This bag was themed Hello, Bombshell and what can I say this month's bag was the bomb. The chevron black and white bag with red zipper was super cute. Now what was outstanding were the products inside.

• Couture Colour/ Pequi Oil Treatment- This oil restores softness and shine. Apply a small amount evenly into hair. Use before blow dry or air dry for silky, shiny hair. After you style to control frizziness and fly aways. Or anytime for added softness. This oil has a very tropical smelling scent.
• Coastal Scents/ Eye shadow sample quad in set 7- which contains Antique Lilac, Wisteria, Lemon Chiffon and Raspberry Tart. These colors are fabulous I love purples especially for my dark brown eyes it looks great.
• The Balm Cosmetics/ What's your type? "the body builder" mascara- A black mascara with a lengthening formula and a separating, injection molded brush. "Whats Your Type?" You can have thick, bold, massive and defined eyelashes with this mascara. This long lasting, highly pigmented and non-clumping mascara is formulated with vitamin E, panthenol and bamboo to condition and strengthen your lashes to their fullest and foxiest.
• Be a Bombshell/ Eye Liner- black. A basic black eye liner. Long lasting and highly pigmented – this eyeliner can be used with any look to bring definition to your eyes. Use like a marker, drawing with the tip closest to your lash line. To create a smoky eye look, gently smudge and smoke out liner. For Dramatic full-looking lashes, gently dot between lashes. Follow with a coat of Bombshell mascara. For a pop of color, try a colored pencil!  To make lashes look more full, line the upper lash line with liner and follow with the lining the lower waterline. This liner comes in 3 colors onyx, espresso, and provocateur.
• Mirenesse/ Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain- Bomb No. 4- which is a pinky-red. It is described as being in the pink family. A Revolutionary colour that combines gloss, stain and lacquer all in one. Colour that drenches your lips for a juicy high impact colour that's feather-light and super-moist with a velvety finish. Power packed with non-smearing pigment that lasts and lasts. Infused with a breath refreshing mint taste and Lip Perfecting Spheres plus caring vitamins.  The Infinity applicator allows for professional application of precision colour. Don't apply too much! It's better to apply a thin layer first then build it up if you want more colour. For extra long wear pair with a matching lip liner. At first when I got this color I was scared. I applied it using the wand and whoa it was too pigmented. So now I just use a lip brush to apply and the color is much lighter and matches me more. I like how well it stays on throughout the day and though it does transfer somewhat it does stay on and does slightly stain the lips. The formula is creamy and moisturizing so I don't get chapped lips at all which is a plus. This lip bomb stain was full-sized and is pretty pricey. It is probably because this is an Australian brand and their cosmetics always run slightly higher than in the states.

Overall, I was the most impressed with this bag than any other of my subscription boxes this month. I have stuck with My Glam now Ipsy since the beginning. Through thick and thin I have stayed true to this company which will be celebrating it's one year anniversary either this month or next. So it's glad to see them doing well and getting better each and every month even if their name has changed it's now for the better.  If your interested in checking out ipsy go to www.ipsy.com for more information.

Most Worn Summer 2012 -TAG

Well since I don't do YouTube videos I have decided to do this tag on my blog. It still kinda the same just in picture form. I hope that you enjoy seeing this as much as I had fun finding the most worn items for this summer. So lets get started.

Polish: Well my most worn polish was easy. Besides doing nail art for myself and for my blog or the nail a day challenge. I actually did have a polish that I wore more than any other on days off. It was Essie's Off the Shoulder which is a beautiful hot pinkish color which I enjoyed. I have a feeling I will be wearing this in fall as well.

Hair Product: Well that was easy I rarely use any styling products in my hair. Only on a rare occasion I do. So for the hair product it was my Matrix Biolage daily leave in hair tonic. This stuff is amazing for my fine limp hair. I use it every time I shampoo my hair which is every other day. I tend to have a very oily scalp so I can't go more than two days without a good wash. I apply this while still in the shower after I squeeze the water out of my hair. Then I apply a good amount then I use my Aquis Hair turban and let it set. Somehow the heat from my scalp makes it penetrate more into my hair and when it's time to let it air dry then I let it down and comb it out. I find that this stuff makes my hair so shiny, soft and tangle-free.

Handbag: My Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Q Moon Sling Cross body Bag in Pilot Grey. This by far was my most used handbag for the summer which says a lot. I'm a handbag collector. So for me to keep a bag in use for the whole summer is a big deal for me. I tend to change bags like once a week or every two weeks. I never have used a bag this long like ever. I like to keep my bags looking as new as possible. This cross body hobo came in 4 neat colors. It’s a soft, slouchy hobo detailed with the work wear-inspired logo along with a versatile shoulder strap that can be doubled for use as a handle. Finished with logo-print lining, the Nylon Q Moon Sling hobo is a Summer essential that’ll last me all year round! It came in pilot grey, wave, dark magenta, and electric yellow. I have the dark magenta one as well. Who know that maybe my new winter bag as well. Only time will tell. I've had this bag since It first came out 2 years ago and it was still looking brand new when I took it out to use. Well, now not so much it does look a bit worn and the strap is starting giving way so I have to retire it till I can get the strap fixed. Still this was a super classic bag and went with everything.

Shoes: I'm not much of a shoe person I tend to like to be barefooted all day if I had a choice. When I was younger I was always barefooted and my feet bottoms were so tough that I could step on thorns and they wouldn't bother me that much. I just love the feeling of bare feet so the shoes that I love to wear year round are my flip-flops, but not just any ones will do. My HG ones are from Havaianas these are the best in my opinion and so very well made. I own like 15 pairs and only wear like 5 of the designs I own all the time. I'm not sure when I'll get to the other 10 pairs if ever. I wore these all summer long. Heck I will continue to wear them through the winter as well. Rain, sleet or snow (LOL) it don't snow here. I will wear these forever. As I dislike covered shoes except Fila's Skeletoes and Crocs.

Accessory: The most worn accessory like ever for me except for my wedding set is my Lady Gaga rubber bracelet. This I got at her concert here in Houston in April 2011. I have worn this bracelet like ever since and I haven't taken it off. Ok, this was only taken off of course to take the picture. So, now it has been taken off once. It also has held up well through showers, sleeping, and daily use. It is so well made. It looks the same as when I purchased it. I'm really a huge fan of her and her music. So that was my most worn accessory for the summer and for the past 15 months.

Clothing Item: My Target tie-dye V-neck tees. These tees are soft and comfortable and very well made and have held up all summer. These came in like 6 different colors. I got 4 of them that I liked and these are great. I have a tendency to buy all the colors of the same shirt if I like the style and the way they fit on me. I have a hard time finding shirts that fit me well and flatter me. I have these shirts in dark purple & white, dark purple & pink, dark blue & Turquoise and black & white as well. These will also be my faves next summer I can feel it.

Foundation: Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup. This has been my HG summer foundation that I have used all summer long. I have had other ones that I also tried and used this summer, but this one was the one I used the most and had the longest since the spring. I really love the texture and feel of it. It has been compared to Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra Light Skin Perfecting foundation. It come in a similar plastic container and you do have to shake it since it is water-based. This foundation gives a great finish for my oily skin and looks so natural and the color is spot on. I rarely have a foundation that is spot on in color like ever. This is the one foundation I will always use for the summer along with some others depending on day and/or event going on. It is a must try if you haven't already tried it. I may use this in the winter depending how it looks on my skin by then. I'm in the color 2CN1 and a NW20 in Mac if this helps.

Blush/Bronzer: For blush out of all the ones I own Benefit's Sugarbomb was my go to blush this summer it just had that oomph I was looking for and it gave me a great cheek glow without being over the top or too glittery. I really love this blush. As for bronzer that had to be my NYC bronzer in Sunny. It is a great color for my NW20 skin and didn't look ruddy or muddy on me. I also love that it didn't have any shimmer in it. I can't stand bronzers with too much shimmer. Sunny was my go to bronzer for the summer.

Lip Product: That was so easy the go to lip product was my Korres Lip Butter balm in Jasmine. It is by far the best out there. It left my lips soft and not dry. I have a problem with severe dry lips so I tend to wear glosses instead of lipsticks because of that. So this lip butter as it's called really helped me a lot this summer in being able to wear my favorites lipsticks. I can say this will go with me into the winter months when my lips will get worse. So if you have dry lips like me and haven't tried this you should. It also comes in a squeeze tube for convenience in traveling. I have the potted version and use it only twice a day morning and at night to sooth my dry lips all day.

Mascara: Rimmel WOW lashes that was the one I used all summer till I got the Urban Decay Supercurl Curling mascara and the Maybelline One by One mascara. The Rimmel one was alright not the best in my opinion, but this was the one I used most of the summer so I'm including it here. I will not be repurchasing this one at all. While it did make my lashes nice and long. It was super clumpy and flaky. It also gave me raccoon eyes and I never put it on my lower lashes and still I got raccoon eyes. So this was a huge miss for me.

Eyeshadow: This one was super easy it was a single shadow by The Balm that took me through the summer. It was one that I got in my My Glam bag a while ago and it was a great everyday all over no muss no fuss color. The color is in Luscious Lani and it is was go to shadow for day and night. I just primed my eye and put this gorgeous pink-champagne colored shadow all over from lid to brow and then curled my lashes and put mascara and boom out the door. No worrying about crease shadows and highlights and outer-corners. I grabbed my Sigma E50 Large Fluff brush and just swiped and go. Such a pretty color and finish. It is an all purpose shadow you could also use it as a cheek highlight. I have and it comes off so pretty on my skin. I will definitely get another when this one runs out. This to me is a must have all around color.

So here were all my most worn items this summer. What were yours?

August Favorites 2012

It's time once again for my monthly favorites. Which wasn't hard for me to choose at all. Why? Well because all the items are from Urban Decay. So lets begin shall we?

• Urban Decay/Build your own Palette-$18- This palette has space for 6 pans of your favorite Urban Decay shadows. Inside, Urban Decay has included a generously sized mirror, a travel-size Good Karma shadow brush, and Walk of Shame, a pinkie-peach matte shadow available exclusively in this palette. In my palette I have Walk of Shame, Free Love, Lost, Mildew, Roach and Secret Service. Of course all the other shadows are not included so you will have to shell out some dough for those. Each shadow is $18 in the new packaging and formulation.

• Urban Decay/Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup-1oz-$38- This is a weightless and virtually invisible liquid foundation that creates a luminous, demi-matte finish on the skin. This has build able coverage which allows you to customize your look. Available in 18 shades. The finish is matte, never flat, and luminous, but not shiny. A little goes a long way with this foundation I only need a half a pump for my whole face (light coverage) and one pump for full coverage. In Mac I'm a NW20 so the color I was matched to was 3.5 which is a light shade- Beige with slight pink undertones. So far I have been happy with this foundation. I will try it a little longer then conduct a full review.

• Urban Decay/Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush-$24- This brush was made to use with the Naked Skin Foundation, this brush picks up and distributes all formulations from liquid to cream to powder makeup better than a sponge. The “optical blurring” comes in when you buff out your makeup: instead of a streaky finish from using your fingers or a sponge, buffing helps out the light-diffusing particles in Naked Skin and seemingly fine lines disappear. It's blending ability makes it ideal for mature skin, as it creates a smooth, youthful-looking appearance. The medium sized brush is packed with dense hairs & it has a domed top that works well around the face, making it suitable for under the eye, around the nose, and around the brow area. I really love this brush a lot and it was a great investment. It works super with the UD foundation and with others as well. The brush is made of recycled aluminum, and has synthetic, cruelty-free brush hairs.Which are a plus in my book because they are super soft and don't scratch.

• Urban Decay/24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Paranoid-$19- This pencil is great. I have never tried their lip pencils before. I have tried and loved their eye pencils. So this was a first for me and boy it was a nice and creamy formulation without creating any feathering and stayed on for quite a long time. Paranoid is a deep pinkie nude which I was surprised it worked with me. I have kinda medium to darkish pink lips so when this color was recommend to me I was like whoa it's way to dark, but it really wasn't. I love to wear nude lip colors all the time and very rarely stray from those colors. So this liner keeps my lipstick from feathering it's not dry or flaky and holds it in place at least 4-6 hours. Which I find that amazing. On lazy days I will just only use this liner as my lip color and it still looks great on me. If you haven't tried any of their lip liners I would advise you to. You won't be disappointed.

• Urban Decay/Super Curl Curling Mascara-$12- This is a sculpting, curling and long-wearing mascara. In addition to holding curl all day, this mascara boasts incredible conditioning ingredients in its formula. Packed with glycoprotein for lash thickening, Moringa seeds to help with curl definition, and Meadowfoam seed oil and Shea Butter for moisturizing and smoothing, lashes get an extra nourishing boost with just one swipe. I have very long pin straight lashes my lashes naturally face down. So no curl what so ever. I really have a hard time finding any mascara to hold a curl let alone make my lashes look nice. So usually I don't wear mascara for that reason. Whenever I get a makeover done I'm always complemented on my pretty long lashes. Then they proceed to apply a mascara formula that they hope will work. Well for the first few moments it does then poof! They go flat and back to straight. Even using a lash curler won't work. I've even tried heated ones and nope no dice. So when the MA at UD suggested this one I was like go ahead try it because nothing works. Well guess what to my amazement it did work and now this is my only go to mascara. So if you have lashes like mine and have tried almost everything to have them hold a curl even for a few hours then you must try this. I have the sample size of this mascara which was given to me from UD so I didn't have to buy a full-sized just yet. The full-sized is $20. I know you can get one of these sample ones on EBay for cheap just to try out and make sure you will like it. PS this mascara also doesn't flake, run or clump on me.
  

August Beauty Bar Sample Society with Allure box 2012

• Phyto/Phytonectar Treatment Oil- This is an ultra nourishing oil treatment for the hair containing 98% botanical ingredients. You apply this from roots to ends, massage to facilitate penetration. Leave on for minimum of 15 minutes. Then you rinse then shampoo. This should be used once to twice a week, for 5 consecutive weeks.

• Deborah Lippmann/Nail Lacquer- This was a full-sized polish in Private Dancer. Which ironically is my favorite Tina Turner song next to We don't need another Hero (Thunderdome). Any who this is a beautiful purple mirrored chrome finish which looks like many different colors depending on the nails angle and the lighting. I really like it and was worth the box.

• Jane Iredale/Longest Lash Mascara- This came in the color Black Ice it is a thickening and lengthening mascara. I can't say much about this because I haven't used it yet. I have so many mascaras as of late and haven't even gotten to them all. Plus, I haven't had great luck with her products. I was sent a lipstick sample from her not to long ago in another box. Well I hated it for starters the smell was overwhelming so I never tried it.

• Elemental Herbology Skin Care/Facial Detox Purifying Facial Mask- I have never heard of this brand before and yet another mask. I have sent so many in recent months. I just haven't been able to try them all. So I think I'm set for life. This mask is made in England and what you do is apply to clean dry skin leave on for 10 minutes then remove it with a warm face cloth. Splash cool water and pat dry. They also say to use this tri-weekly for oily skin or otherwise use weekly. For combo skin to only use on congested areas. So we will see how this mask works.

• Arcona/Cranberry Toner- This 3 in 1 cranberry milk toner cleanses, tones and hydrates, infusing skin with protective antioxidants to leave it glowing and refreshed.  Removes dirt, oil and make-up. Protect and clarify skin with antimicrobial cranberry, containing vitamins, phyto nutrients and essential fatty acids. Neutralize free radicals with vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols. Nourish and restore skin with omegas 3, 6 and 9 and rice milk. A lot to say for such a little bottle of toner.

• Malin+Goetz/Vitamin E Face Moisturizer- Wow this is a super small special bonus. A sachet with a sample of this moisturizer. Which should be called a foil pack. This is for all skin types with fatty acid absorption technology. This residue-free moisturizer is scientifically synthesized with soothing vitamins E and B5 to gently and effectively hydrate and balance all skin types. Absorbent fatty acids and fatty alcohols, unlike traditionally greasy, pore-clogging oils, are blended for an intensely nourishing treatment to reduce epidermal irritation. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen. Another wow all this on the back of one tiny packet. This also claims it's concentrated and to use a small amount avoiding eyes, oily areas, and over-moisturizing. Increase application for dryer areas. I have oily skin so I guess I should avoid using this at all.

July Beauty Box Five 2012

This will be short and sweet. I just received my Beauty Box Five. It too was late like my MyGlam bag. This usually ships on the 15th give or take depending on what day it falls on. Well they didn't go out till the 20th then I finally got in on the 25th. So sorry this post is late I've had a lot going on as of late. So I'll just jump right in.

As for this month's box I was disappointed I was hoping for better. Anyways I should have known seeing that this month there was no crinkle paper inside like usual. Just the empty box with the items in the usual drawstring bag. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Maybe they were in a hurry to get the boxes out and forgot it.

So Inside my bag were the following items. From Blinc a tiny sample sized mascara. Which is okay seeing that this is my 3 one. I received an almost full-sized sample from Birchbox and one from my Total Beauty box. Both which I haven't even tried yet. If its anything like the liner I will pass. Sample Value $4.75

Eyelashes from Hollyren these are nice if I wore lashes. I still have the pair MyGlam gave us and I still haven't tried them yet. I know I said I would. I really don't go anywhere special so oh well. Sample Value $7.00

From Spongables a Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer now this I have tried in the past and loved it. It does do the job and keeps my feet looking nice and smooth. One side exfoliates and the other cleanses and moisturizes. Sample Value $2.99

The last item was from Bodyography a Makeup Primer. I have never heard of this company so I'm guessing that they are new. This primer claims to erase the look of fine lines, prolong the wear of your favorite foundation and help prevent collagen breakdown. This primer is anti-aging and oil-free as well. Sample Value is $15.00

So the only great things about this box was the primer because of the great value. It is half of a full-sized tube which is valued at $30. So that is a plus and if it claims half of what it does then that's great. The only other item I liked and did need another was the foot buffer sponge. So I guess the box paid for itself with the primer and my sponge. I will give them another month to see what pans out. I have given them several chances and then the next month will Wow me. So then I stay. We will see. This box was valued at $29.74

If your interested in trying Beauty Box 5 please check out this link. https://www.beautybox5.com/home.php?key=4f3f58d0b6240

Total Beauty Collection Box May 2012

I follow Total Beauty which is a site that gives beauty advise and also rates products by customer reviews. Which is really helpful if your wanting to purchase something and not sure on it's performance. They also give you the latest in whats going on in beauty and fashion. They also have an IPhone app that will help you while on the go.

Being a loyal reader of there site. I was excited when they decided to jump on the beauty box bandwagon. While it is different and not a monthly subscription service. It is $15 for the box. You also have to opt in for it on their site. They will let you know when they one available to purchase and it's first come first serve. So when they finally got the makings for the first box. I was on the email list to be notified. I did jump on the chance to try this out and the beauty of it was I could get one whenever I wanted as long as it was available.

So I got the box last month but, I have been behind on posting. It took about 5 business days to get the box from the time I ordered it. Not bad. I didn't have to wait till all were ready or wait for a specific date to ship. To me that was a plus. The items in the box were all handpicked by their own editors makeup bags. Then when your done trying these products out you can go to TotalBeauty.com and leave a review to let people know what you thought of the products.

This is how the box comes.

  This is the card that came enclosed.

This is the box open. It has the same crinkle paper that most subscription boxes have. It's a great filler to keep everything safe but, a pain to get rid of. Otherwise that is the only complaint with the box.

Enclosed in the box was 4 items. Alterna: Bamboo Luminous Shine Mist. Kiss dull hair goodbye with this shine mist, which will give you healthier, glossier hair. Sample $4.68

June Jacobs: Green Tea and Cucumber Body Balm. Hydrate and replenish dry skin with this balm that's packed with shea butter and the nourishing oils of squalane, jojoba, and sesame. Sample $11.43

Blinc: Mascara which is mascara that tubes them instead of painting it on. It claims to not run, smudge, clump, or flake. Now this is worth a try. I remember getting one of these in a Birchbox but, never tried it. Sample $16.11

Pevonia: $15 Gift Card. This worldwide leader in skincare offers products packed with natural ingredients to help rejuvenate the skin. Just this alone is a great deal it pays for the box. I went to the site and it's also free shipping all the time no limits. There is actually things that I want to get here. Not like other services which send a card and it's off a certain dollar amount and the prices are too high already. I can't wait to try something from here.

This box was a good one. The only thing that got me was it said, you would get at least 4-6 deluxe sized samples. I only got 3 then the card which to me doesn't count as a sample. I know that I can get me something and that should count right? But, not in my eyes I work differently than that. That's just me. The total value of the box was about $47.22 which is a great deal. I saw on YouTube the second box they sent out. I was notified about it but, I had just gotten this one and didn't want to get another one so soon. I'm glad I didn't it wasn't as great.

If you want to try this box out then go to www.totalbeauty.com and look for the sample tab and sign up to be notified when the next box is available.