Friday, November 23, 2012

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin



The final product from my Beauty Blogger Vox Box...Goody Spin Pins!  Also sent complimentary for testing purposes.

I was so excited to receive this product.  I've been wanting to try these for ages, but they always seemed too expensive to buy when I didn't really know how well they'd work.  These things are pretty nifty.  You basically use them to create a quick little up do.  You turn the pins clockwise into the top and bottom of your bun, respectively.  Make sure the pins don't interlock, and voila ~ !  Above is a (crappy) cell phone picture of my side bun I did using the Spin Pins.  It worked out pretty well.  The only thing I don't like is that I feel like two Spin Pins isn't enough...I had to use regular bobby pins to secure pieces of hair that stuck out.  Maybe that's just me and my sucky hair styling, though.

Product Information: http://www.goody.com/

The Spin Pin does the work of 20 bobby pins! Easily achieve chic updo styles; simply twirl your hair up and spin the Spin Pins in for a perfect top knot, undone bun and side bun!

The Goody brand is the most widely-recognized manufacturer of hair accessories and styling tools in the world. Through proprietary brands such as DoubleWear™, QuikStyle™, Simple Styles™, Slide-Proof™ and Ouchless®, Goody has introduced smart innovations like the exclusive Spin Pin and Quik Style Brush. With products inspired by the latest designer trends and innovative solutions, Goody offers an inspiring range of hair accessories and styling tools.

Price: $6-$7, depending where you buy

Where to Buy:  Any drugstore or beauty store


Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream


Another Beauty Blogger Vox Box Product!  Also sent complimentary for testing purposes.

I'm one of those people that doesn't use a ton of hair products.  I feel like products that claim to control your frizz don't work, and if they do, they cost an arm and a leg.  And the drugstore versions are usually super waxy and just weigh down your hair.  But this stuff is AMAZING.  Not only is this cream very light weight, but it really controls frizz in your hair and smooths it out.  I love it.  The best part?  It's only $6.00 for the full size (4 fl. oz.)!

Product Information:  Not Your Mother’s offers essential hairstyling products with only the best ingredients and technologies for a truly cool and unique style. Your style might come from the streets, the magazines you read or straight from the Catwalk. Trends fade, but true style never will. Confidence, creativity and class will always be in fashion. Dare to experiment with new styles, get inspired and embrace your own personal fabulousness. Don't follow others, make your own statement. Stand out, be different, and embrace your style with Not Your Mother's.

Price:  $6.00

Where to Buy:  http://www.nymbrands.com and most drug and beauty stores

Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit



I received this false eyelash kit in my Beauty Blogger Vox Box.  Like the other products, this was sent complimentary for testing purposes.

I'm not going to lie..I don't really like false eyelashes.  I can really feel them on my eyes and they are just a pain to me.  But I do wear them for special occasions, such as in the picture above!  I wore these on Halloween.  They were surprisingly easy to put on.  I think I prefer Duo lash adhesive to the one they provided, but it worked well enough.  The 'applicator' were basically just plastic tweezers, but it was helpful to have.  These stayed on me all night and I am also going to be able to use them again.  Thumbs up from me!

Product Information:  Ever tried applying eyelashes but became frustrated when they didn’t position correctly? Only to remove them and start over? Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit provides everything you need for amazing lashes instantly! Each kit includes 1 pair of Eyelashes, 1 3g Adhesive,and 1 PRO Lash Applicator. The new PRO Lash Applicator allows for a flawless application every time! Kiss lashes come in a variety of styles that are perfect for everything from day wear to a formal evening event. 

Made from highest quality human hair. Use with Kiss adhesive for optimal results. Latex free, odor free, waterproof, flexible formula for 24hr hold, easy applicator.

Price:  About $8

Where to Buy:  Most Drugstores

More Kiss Prodcuts:  http://www.everezlashes.com/home

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact


I received this NYC (New York Color) IndividualEyes Custom Compact in my Beauty Blogger Vox Box.  This product was sent to me complimentary for testing purposes.

I have used NYC products before.  I have always been a fan of their liquid liner and cream stick blushes (which I believe are discontinued).  I've also used their mascaras.  But, I've never tried out their eyeshadows.  This palette comes with four shadows, a primer, and an 'illuminator.'  The palette actually came to me with one of the shadows broken and the broken pieces stuck in the primer and illuminator - this is one of the downsides.  The fallout from the shadow gets stuck there.  I also was not a fan of either the primer or illuminator.  They were both quite oily and greasy which is not a good match for my already oily lids.  The shadows are pigmented and fairly easy to blend.  This is great for a quick and easy smokey eye.  The shadows do crease and fade even with Urban Decay Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance - but that could also be because of my oily lids.

Product Information:  Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style, and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!

Price: $4.99

Where to Buy:  Most Drugstores and http://www.newyorkcolor.com

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candle


As part of the Beauty Blogger Vox Box Program by Influenster, I received this fall mini candle from Bath & Body Works.  This product was sent to me complimentary for testing purposes.

I have always loved these candles.  I've been buying and using them for years.  They usually are on sale at the start of each new season, so the price of them is really good as well.  They smell SO good, and can make any room smell wonderful.  My boyfriend was burning one of these in his room the other day and you could smell it from downstairs!  I was so excited to receive this in my Vox Box so that I could test out a new scent.  This scent was particularly wonderful and great for fall.  It came with a coupon for $10 for 3 wick candles and you could buy up to 5.  I took full advantage!  I love these candles and will continue to buy them.

Product Information:  Highly fragranced candle exclusively developed and tested by our team of Home Fragrance experts, including the world's best master perfumers. Made using the highest concentration of fragrance oils, an exclusive blend of vegetable wax and lead-free wicks for optimal performance

Price:  3 Wick Candles ~ $19.50/2 for $20 on sale
Medium Candles ~ $15-$20
Small Candles ~ $9.50-$10/$4.75 on sale
Mini Candles ~ $3.50/2 for $5 on sale

Where to Buy:  Bath & Body Works Stores or http://www.bathandbodyworks.com

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

PopSugar Must Have: First Impressions!

Last month I saw XSparkage post a picture of her PopSugar Must Have box.  I was blown away by the awesome products in the box and immediately signed up.  It's $35 a month...which is pricey.  So, I figured I'd get one box with awesome things and then cancel the subscription.

I got my first box yesterday.
I can't part with this subscription service.
It is just too awesome, and you get SO much for the price.

I've gotten pretty tired of other subscription services such as Birchbox, Glossybox, and MyGlam.  I am still subscribed to MyGlam, but that probably won't be for much longer.  I get the same types of products every month and my samples are piling up and I will probably never use them.  I'm also waiting for my first EcoEmi box, so we'll see if I like that one (I'm thinking no...they've charged me for two boxes already but I haven't even gotten one).

Anyway, here's what was in my first PopSugar Must Have box!!




Packed up all pretty!


The first item:  A Red Flower Petal Topped Candle.
"These Red Flower candles are as much a decoration piece as they are a way to keep your space smelling amazing.  We've picked our favorite scents and here is one to brighten your home.
Candles remind us of Fall romance and looking forward to evenings by the fireplace.One of our favorite things about these Red Flower candles is that they are topped with flower petals, which can be used to decorate, thrown into a bath or an aromatic soak, or bundled up in a satchel to freshen up any area."
This candle smells good and I'm excited to use the flower petals in a bath!


OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Polish Duo
"October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and with a cause that affects so many of our lives, we wanted to include this special OPI nail polish set.
Over the course of the month, OPI is donating $30,000 to organizations in the United States and Canaa helping to find the cure for breast cancer.  Included in the set are 'You Glitter Be Good to Me' and 'I Think in Pink,' which can be worn on their own or layered for a fun, sparkly look."
I love OPI nail polishes, what a great set to get!


Dylan's Candy Bar Gummy Bears
"Whether nor not you're trick-or-treating this year, October for us still means indulging in candy!  Gummy bears are among our favorites, and there's no better place to score these colorful confections than at Dylan's Candy Bar.
The ultimate destination for lovers of sweets in any flavor, Dylan's is a playground for the kid in all of us.  Of course, Dylan being the daughter of Ralph Lauren means that everything from the decor to the packaging is cute and chic.  Savor these, or share them with friends."
Unfortunately, I don't eat gummy-like things anymore.  I pretty much physically can't eat them, because there is a high risk of them getting stuck in my lap-band and/or esophagus.  Boo hiss.  So these were given to my boyfriend.


Pirate's Booty
"A go-to snack for years, Pirate's Booty is something we keep coming back to.  It's a little bit decadent tasting, but it's baked, all natural, and way better for you than chips.  Plus, the flavor comes from real cheddar.  It's become a classic and is a treat for us and families alike."
I've heard good things about this snack, and I know why now!  I ate it at the movies last night and it was delicious.


Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy
"Our friends at Unilever wanted to share this exciting new line of shampoos and conditioners with you.  The idea is to focus on the scalp, since that is where our healthy, strong, hair comes from.  We hope that you love this special sample of the new line."
I already use this and love it!


Crescent Moon Socks
"Get even deeper into that Downward Facing Dog or hold onto the floor for your next Pop Physique DVD workout, thanks to these Crescent Moon grippy socks.
Tehse socks are perfect for any floor or barre workout class, plus they keep your feet cozy in a chilly fitness room.  We admit it:  sometimes we just like to wear them around the house as well."
Interesting.  I'll have to try these out when I'm doing yoga.


The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
"Get the book everyone is talking about!  The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rowling's first follow-up to the worldwide phenomenon of Harry Potter, is perhaps the most highly anticipated book of the year.  The Casual Vacancy quickly skyrocketed to the top of the bestseller list after its Sept. 27 release, and we're eager to get this exciting book into your hands.
This is J.K.'s first foray into fiction targeted toward adults, and while the themes and language are mature, Harry Potter fans need not worry - J.K.'s unique humor, voice, and one-of-a-kind storytelling ability still shine.  Our BuzzSugar editors are especially thrilled to get lost in J.K.'s latest fantastic, complicated, and entirely original world once again."
My jaw literally dropped when I saw this hardcover copy of J.K. Rowling's new book in this box!  This book alone is worth the price of the entire box!  I am so excited to finally read this.

My verdict on the PopSugar Must Have box is that it is 100% worth it and completely unique.  If you can afford to shell out the $35 a month, you won't be disappointed.  The November box is already sold out, but you can sign up here to get a December box!



Tuesday, October 23, 2012

2012 Beauty Blogger VoxBox

I was blessed enough to receive my second Vox Box from Influenster a couple of weeks ago!  This post is just going to be an overview of the box and I will be making more detailed posts about each product with a review.




The box as it came to me, and what was inside when I first opened it:  a card describing all the products inside.


A mini Bath&Body Works Slatkin&Co. candle with a coupon ($10 3-wick candles).  I've been using these candles or a long time; I love them!


An NYC palette.  These have always looked interesting...should be fun to try out.


Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream.  I've never heard of this brand and am eager to try it.  My hair is pretty frizzy and has been more so since I started losing hair.  My hair is breaking and falling out due to the weight loss surgery I had in July.


Goody Spin Pins!  I've been dying to try these, but the price always turned me off.  It'll be nice to be able to try them out.


Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit.  I've used Kiss lashes in the past and they are pretty decent.  Looking forward to using this.


EBoost Daily Health Booster.  I've tried this before and it was pretty good.  I can't drink this anymore (due to carbonation), but I'll give it to someone else to try and get their opinion.  I thought it was pretty good.

Very excited to extensively test all these products!  Thanks so much for a second opportunity, Influenster!



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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

10 Day Makeup Challenge Day 1: A Product You Use Everyday

Mary posted this from Glamour with Priscilla, and I like the questions so I'm in!

Day One:  One makeup product I use everyday

Without fail I ALWAYS use the Laura Mercier Secret Finish Mattifying Primer


This primer controls my oil sick of a face like no other.  I still have to blot a bit after 4-5 hours, but I really think the amount of oil my face produces is abnormal.  It's a bit on the pricey side - $27.00 for 1 fl. oz, but it lasts a while (I've had mine since July and it's still not gone).  This is definitely on my repurchase list.

Join this challenge with me!  The questions for each day are here!

Monday, October 1, 2012

OCC Lip Tar Swatches

I currently own five OCC Lip Tars and I would honestly buy them all!  They dry with an opaque, satin finish and last for hours.  They are also incredibly easy to mix so you can make your own custom colors!


^ No Flash

^Flash

L-R:  Feathered, Radiate, Nylon, Hoochie, Belladonna

Feathered:  pure white, to lighten

Radiate:  electric, red coral

Nylon:  classic bubblegum pink with a neon twist
Hoochie:  extreme magenta

Belladonna:  ultra, ultra violet

These retail for $16 each and are worth EVERY penny.  They are available on the OCC Website and now on the Sephora website and are making their way into each Sephora store!

Welcome!

Welcome to my new beauty blog!

I've been debating starting a blog like this for a very long time.  My beauty posts on my tumblr tend to get jumbled with personal posts, so I've finally decided to make a separate blog.  I am a member of Drugstore Princess's Beauty VIPs and have been interested in makeup since early 2010.  I have a large collection and love to try new things and review them!

I try my best to post consistently, but I have a full-time job and a casual-time job that eat up quite a bit of time.  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling.  I work in an RTF (residential treatment facility).  I am looking to go to graduate school for my LSW (licensed social worker).

I'm so excited to be starting this. :)