Birchbox | April 2016

This is a little late, but I decided to change up my posting to featuring what I get in Birchbox as a blog post instead of a video. I hope this change works out for my loyal readers. 🙂 Also, I am not that impressed with Birchbox lately. I have gotten a ton of hair samples – foil packets, shampoos, conditioners, leave-in conditioners. And I really am not getting any makeup products (as you will see). I have recently subscribed to Sephora Play Box, so, just like with my previous Ipsy subscription, I’m going to give Birchbox another month or two, then I will probably unsubscribe.

But anyway, here’s what I got and what I think of the products:

First of all, the box is super cute. I like the botanical feel of the box, and it included a 20% coupon to Rifle Paper Co., which is cool. However, I got three hair products.

They are all from the same company called Davines. I got the OI All in One Milk and foil packets of the shampoo and conditioner. The smell is very fragrant and strong. It lingers for days…not kidding. I like them, but it’s way overpriced. I may be able to spend 30 bucks on a lipstick, but I can’t do that for hair products. Not sure why…just can’t.

Then, I got a perfume sample from English Laundry…smells like a grandmother…not a fan. Then I got Acure Organics Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub. I have only used this once, so I can’t speak of it’s efficacy yet. I also got Whish Shaving Cream. $20 for a full size version! Crazy! And it didn’t work any better than a drugstore priced shave cream. I already used up this sample in about a week.

Lastly, and the most disappointing product was this trio. It’s from Au Naturale. It has a berry colored lipstick, peachy blush, and champagne eye shadow. All  cream. It’s terrible! First of all, the pans are so small I can’t get my finger or brush in them without making a huge mess. The lipstick and the blush are pigmented enough, but you can’t even see the eye shadow (see swatch above). And they feel really oily, so I am just chunking this in the trash. Total waste.

Do you subscribe to a monthly box or bag? If so, which one and what products do you get? I’d love to hear in the comments below! Have a great weekend! xoxo

Project Pan: 4 by Fourth of July | Intro

I am back! With another project pan! Watch the video below to see what products I want to use up by Fourth of July. Also, thanks for your patience while I finish up my school papers. I should be back to regular posting now! Yay!!

Life Update & Influenster Review | Pantene

Long time, no post! Life has been crazy the past two weeks. And I’m so upset that I can’t devote more time to the blog or YouTube as I have so many ideas for videos and posts. But April started out hectic with my bachelorette trip to Vegas (EPIC!), work, school, a wedding that was out of town, and a major sinus infection. I am still battling the sinus infection and have yucky drainage and coughing fits which make talking difficult, but I am on the mend. Also, my graduate classes are coming to a close for the semester in the next two weeks, so I have two huge papers due, a presentation, and other assignments that have me stressed. Not too mention, as an university educator, that semester is coming to a close as well, which leads me to my excuse for my absence: I have NO time, whatsoever. I am hoping come the first of May, I will have more time to dedicate to my readers and viewers, but I don’t think I will be able to squeeze any content out until then. I am very sorry and hope you can understand. And don’t fret, I will be back for sure as I am craving to share, but I need to finish up these projects and get well, so that the content that I present is quality and not rushed.

But I do want to give you my review of two products that were sent to me for free by Influenster for testing purposes. I received Pantene Pro-V’s Expert Collection Expert Age Defy Shampoo and Conditioner. My hair is color-treated, fine to medium, and wavy that is prone to frizz. I have actually opted more often than not for Pantene products, as they work well for my hair texture and are affordable. This shampoo and conditioner are no exceptions. They are a little pricier than other Pantene shampoos/conditioners at $5.99, but not a terrible increase. The claims are hefty: this line fights 7 signs of aging in your hair. These signs include breakage, split ends, frizz, unruly grays, lackluster color, thin look, and dryness. I have used both the shampoo and conditioner every time I wash my hair (about every other day) for over three weeks. On the first use, I felt like my hair was softer. The shampoo alone is moisturizing and leaves my hair soft and untangled. The conditioner is thick and continues to promote moisture and combat dryness. I cannot speak on terms of unruly grays or really thin looking hair, but I haven’t noticed any fading in my color treated hair, so it is safe to use on chemically treated hair. Overall, I really like the shampoo and conditioner, and I would recommend it to those with similar hair textures to mine, especially since it’s so accessible and affordable. However, it might be too heavy for those with oilier, finer hair, as it is very moisturizing and could weigh down this type of hair texture. While I did receive these products for free, all opinions are my own and honest. I would never steer you guys wrong for a freebie! And anyone can join Influenster for free stuff. Here is the link: https://www.influenster.com/

I hope this review was helpful, and thank you for your continued support of my blog. Love you guys! And I’ll be back no later than early May! xoxo

Sephora VIB Rouge Wish List | Spring 2016

The Sephora VIB sale begins tomorrow (April 7-13). VIB and VIB Rouge get 15% and Beauty Insiders get 10%. Quick rant: Why did I spend so much money at Sephora last year to get VIB Rouge to have the same benefit at those with VIB? What a racket!

So I am actually not going to get any makeup for this VIB sale, because I have purchased plenty in the last few months and really have no needs or wants. I am picking up a few staples. Let me know what you are getting and if you have any suggestions!

Here’s my list:

SKII Pitera Essence Set: $99 I seriously miss the Facial Treatment Essence in my skincare routine, and I can tell the texture of my skin is rougher after a month or so of not having it. And I buy it in this set because it’s better bang for your buck.

Shiseido Facial Cottons: $9.50. If you want a luxurious cotton pad, these are awesome. To get more for your money, cut them in half, and they last a  lot longer. I am getting two packs and this will most likely last me until the next VIB sale in November. 

And lastly, I am going to splurge on the Beauty Blender micro mini correct four: $30. I am using the original beauty blender currently, and I do find it difficult to apply my concealer, so I am intrigued to see if these help with this.

 

Leave me a comment on what you are thinking of getting during this sale. ❤

Update | I’m in Vegas!

Hi there! I wanted to make sure I didn’t abandon you or this blog over the weekend. I’m not sure if you have noticed, but I have posted three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) since January. And I didn’t want to leave a huge hole while I am on my spring break in Vegas. Life has been crazy with papers, dealing with student issues, wedding planning, etc., this past week, so I have been unable to pre-post for this weekend. Therefore, I will be back to my regularly scheduled posting next Wednesday. Sorry for the lack of beauty posts, but I will return with some Vegas inspired posts, a fashion haul, and more makeup looks and reviews for you. Love y’all and have a great weekend! ❤