Saturday, November 12, 2011

Birchbox - September

I know it's November, and I've been a total slacker, but lets take a trip back to September and look at September's Birchbox.

If you aren't familiar with Birchbox, it's a beauty sample service.  For $10.00 a month Birchbox sends you deluxe sized samples of about 4-6 different beauty products for you to try.  It's a great opportunity to try new things.  Then if you really like a product, you can buy the full size.  I've been a member since March and overall I'm pretty happy with the service.

This month Birchbox is celebrating their 1 year anniversary.  The box represents some of their favorite products and celebrates the diverse personalities of all their members.  Some tried and true favorites and some innovative new products.


The Lineup:



























Treat


The Winner:
Minimalist colorscience pro - sunforgettable mineral powder SPF 30 in fair.  I've developed a great love for powder sunscreen.  I have been using E.L.F (eyes lips face) powder sunscreen in SPF 45 for months and I. LOVE. IT.  Sunscreen in lotion form has always felt heavy and greasy on my skin.  Even though there are newer ones on the market that feel lighter and aren't as greasy, they still just aren't for me.  Add to the fact that I'm already using a moisturizer, primer, concealer, foundation...it just all feels like too much.  Since I always finish my makeup with powder anyway, this is just a two in one bonus for me.  If you haven't tried powder sunscreen, give it a try!

The Disappointment:
Classic Salvatore Ferragamo - Attimo L'Eau Florale perfume.  I just haven't been happy with the perfume selections that Birchbox has been delivering.  Most are too strong for me and this one is no exception.  Perhaps in the future, Birchbox could allow us on our beauty profile to select types of perfume we usually buy.  This might help them select a better fit for me.  I gave this away.

The Rest:
Jouer lip conditioner feels like a tube of Vaseline.  It's a little runny though.  Feels nice on the lips and doesn't contain a sunscreen (which I love because ingesting sunscreen makes my allergies go crazy).

The Incoco nail polish applique strips are so pretty and look fun.  I haven't used mine yet.  But I have used Sally Hansen's polish strips before and these are similar.  They are easy to apply and shape, and look so cool on your nails.  The only downside is that you don't put a clear topcoat on, and that makes them not last very long on my nails.  I'll save them for a special occasion.

Have you tried Birchbox?
www.birchbox.com

Thanks for reading,
Melissa

ps- If you remember, I said I would review the Gypsy Italian chamomile tea from my April Birchbox once I had some and I'm back to say...LOVE!  Best chamomile I've ever had.  I rushed to the store to grab more once it was all gone.  Thanks Birchbox for introducing me to this brand of tea!





Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Wet-n-Wild - I Love Matte eyeshadow palette!

I thought I was only missing the purple Petal Pusher eight shadow palette from Wet n Wild and then I would be content - or so I thought.  I found a new one at Walgreens last night that I had never seen before.  Since they were having a buy one get one half off on Wet n Wild, I bought Petal Pusher AND I love Matte!
$4.99


I once loved a boy named Matt <3









Swatch Time!



First Impression:
I have to say that I'm not as impressed with the matte shadows like I am with the regular eight eyeshadow WnW palettes.  The shimmer/frost shadows are more pigmented - but these aren't too shabby, especially for the price.  The brow bone color (directly above) is a damn good match for my (super) white skin tone.  I've actually been using it as a base shadow all week.

My favorite is the bright blue in this palette, but to get the biggest color payoff I've been using a shadow stick as a cream base - my Sephora Waterproof 12hr Jumbo Crayon.  I would have to describe this as Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On shadow pencil's ($20) Single White Female roommate - a cheap imitation of the real thing, but good enough the boyfriend won't know the difference ($10).
This way, I'm getting max color, but with the end result being matte instead of shimmery.
             pencil alone                            pencil with matte shadow                      shadow alone

So, worth $5.00, but don't expect these to change your life.  They work well when used with a base.

Have a great weekend everybody!