Birchbox: Beauty Buzz

     October came and went in some sort of crazy flash of a whirlwind. Halloween (I was both Spider"man" and a Vampire Victim....oooh fun) and celebrated my 6th Wedding anniversary with the PR (traditional Melting Pot dinner). So I guess you could say I had a lot going on festively speaking. Technologically speaking, the internet to the house doesn't work still, despite buying new net gear equipment, and I still can't figure out how to navigate my new iPhone to upload pictures to my blog posts. ::sigh:: I did just have a random OCD burst to clean closets and sort through clothes though. Random midnight action. Oh yes.
     So October was a mediocre box, at least mine was. I think I was slightly more excited about the PR's Birchbox Man box, which I keep asking him to give me more reviews on. This box is supposed to contain some of 2013's best, trendiest, stuff. Well then, there's a slight chance I got the wrong box. I do love my BB, and there was one little gem inside, but sorry Birchbox, sticky lip gloss is not a trend I'm aware of or want to be a part of.
Let's discuss...
*Joie Folle de Joie perfume mini...The thing I love about those little mini perfume sample bottles is there cute to collect in a little drawer on your vanity to allow you to mix up your scents every now and then. So, basically they are adorable and serve a purpose. We all have our signature, go-to fragrance but if something new smells good it smells good. This fragrance from Joie is a blend of mandarin, rose and sandalwood and it's actually quite lovely. Full size is $98, so pricey from my standpoint.

*Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser...I wish I didn't have to download Google+ to be able to upload photos to my posts, because these Liz Earle products are the gem of the box I was referring to previously. I'll make sure to do a review post that contains pictures, I pretty much have to!! Anyway, this is a UK brand cleanser that uses a 2-step process to purify and exfoliate. This one was a Birchbox exclusive, side note. You massage the cleanser into the skin and use a muslin cloth to wipe off in small circles. Full size is $21.50.

*Liz Earle Pure Muslin Cloth...these go with the aforementioned cleanser^^. These pure muslin cloths are meant to take the place of harsher exfoliators. They basically polish your skin in a gentle way, with a little warm water. $6 will get you 2 cloths.

*Miss Jessie's Original Creme de la Creme Conditioner...I feel like I've seen/heard of this stuff before now. Target maybe?? I know I'm usually kind of a hair product snob but I feel like I could use this one! Ever since I did the whole ombre thing to my hair, then less than a month later reverted back to my darker hair color, well my hair has felt sad & dry you could say. It's supposed to be really nourishing for color treated, dry hair so hopefully it will help me out. You can also use it as a leave-in treatment. So, earlier when I referred to the box as mediocre, bear in mind it's going off of my personal first impression of products...just thought I'd throw that little bit in there,

*POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer...Another British brand. I do love me some Brits but I do not love me some of this lip gloss :/ It's a sheer gloss (mine has a red hue) that plumps and hydrates with jojoba oil. It also looks like a squeeze tube but contains a little paddle/wand applicator like most other glosses. Well, that's all good and well, but the lip gloss is sooooooo sticky, almost uncomfortably so. A sticky lip gloss just irks me and I immediately wanted to wipe it off after applying. Do that was indeed a bit of a let down.

BONUS JONAS:
*Birchbox Find: Chapstick Hydration Lock...This was an extra in my box this month (perhaps to make up for the POP gloss?!?!) This new lip moisturizer from Chapstick has a "breakthrough" 8 hour moisture technology. It doubles as a lip primer and contains antioxidants like CoQ10 and Vitamin E to defend against damage. The "flavor " I got was vanilla Creme, FYI. I have not used this yet because I've been absolutely in love with my Vaseline Rosy Lips, but I really hope it lives up to the hype it's now been given!!

Thank you to everyone who does read my blog, and thank you further for your patience while I try to be more legit about this whole blogging thing. If you do read, or even if you just stumbled upon this page, please subscribe so you don't miss out!! I do have my act together every now and then ;)
As it is now November, make sure to remember to count your blessings and be thankful for all you've been provided for in this life, even when things seem less than ideal. Just like anyone else I've had and have my setbacks, but I remain hopeful, and faithful, that I will get to where I need to be with my little family.
XO,
J <3.

Birchbox: Beauty Diaries

     When I got home just now my June Birchbox was waiting at the door!! Then I realized I still never posted my May box!! I'm telling you, my personal and work lives have been insane the past few months, and I can only give thanks to God for getting me through every trial and tribulation. I hope to expand in all areas of my life, but I also need to learn when to say "no", as I tend to take on more than I should at times...about this much-delayed May box though...

**The Contents**

May box contents!!

*BEAUTY PROTECTER
PROTECT & DETANGLE... A detangling elixir for all hair types. It locks in shine while instantly detangling and locking in color. I love the packaging of this little guy!! The product itself is okay, I typically use Unite's leave in conditioner. It's like $22 for a full size bottle, so it's definitely at a higher price point.

How cute is this packaging?!!

*CARGO LIPGLOSS... I love Cargo products so I was glad to see this gloss in my box, and its a pretty big trial size item too. I like this gloss because it's hydrating, not sticky and can be easily layered over any base lip color. A full size tube is $14, which is in the median price range for prestige cosmetics. (You can buy Cargo at Ulta). The shade I received is called "Route 66" and its a pretty, pink-watermelon color (see swatch below).

*CoTZ 

NATURAL SKIN TONE SPF 40... Let me just say, first and foremost, always, ALWAYS, say yes to SPF!! SPF 40 is pretty much my new best friend these days so this product is probably my #1 pick from the May box. Not only is this SPF non-greasy, it also has a tint to it so you are left with a natural looking glow, but with a matte finish. The full size product will run you about $20.

*LA FRESH

ECO-BEAUTY OIL-FREE FACE CLEANSER... I haven't tried this yet, but I've used their moisturizing wipes in the past and really loved them (I do love a good face wipe!!). These are biodegradable if you're environment friendly, as we should all pretty much be. They remove dirt, makeup and other impurities with jojoba oil to be extra moisturizing. 30 wipes is $10, so that's a really good selling point aside from all the good these bad boys are slated to do.

**BONUS JONAS**

An ink pen!! I'm a pen fiend, so I certainly wasn't hating this little extra!!

Hope everyone is having a great week. Its only getting hotter out there so stay cool, literally!!

XO,

J <3.

Birchbox: The September Issue. (and thoughts).

     My September Birchbox came in the mail today, AND I'm posting about it today!! Never have I ever been more on time. Or maybe punctuality is just a part of this "new me" people always seem to be rambling about (not rambling about me, just the concept of "new me" in general). But I do believe that I am at the moment where change is seeming inevitable. For instance, I have always lusted after long, beautiful hair; I've worn extensions for years, but what did I do today?? Cut it off...a short, yet amazing bob done by one of my favorite stylists, whom I happen to work with now. People were skeptical as to whether I would do it or not, as I have been talking for months about growing my hair out. I used to cut it whenever my husband and I were fighting, as if to say, haha, I'll show YOU by cutting MY hair. Well, my husband and I were working through a challenge in our lives, but I don't feel that's why I made this decision. A lot of people say "it's only hair", but to me it's always been more. I've always felt like I couldn't be happy unless I had those ideal long locks...it was as if I was seeking perfection and solace in something so material. But, when that thing that once seemed so perfect begins to feel imperfect, it's time for change. So maybe hair length isn't at the top of everyone's list of happy life qualifiers. But in the world of Jersey Shore trending, and the like, it somehow fell into being mine. I am going to embrace this change though, as there are others I am endeavoring to make. The husband has yet to see this haircut, but the guilt of doing it without telling him (not that I need his consent, just the priciple of it all) prompted be to go buy several bottles of new OPI and Essie nail polish and a new Sam Villa round brush...little treasures.
     I have also been slightly obsessed with home modification lately...organizing, painting, remodeling, updating...all that jazz. Oh, there's so much to be said of this and my thought process, I'm a therapist's dream (just ask her, ha). It's been said it could be nesting (no, I am not currently pregnant, but a baby is in the cards I can say), and part could be said that I am finally trying to cleanse in some sort of way in dealing with the passing of my father on January 1, 2011. Cathartic?? Who knows...A fit lifestyle is also happening with me and the husband...calorie counting, smart eating choices, limited sugar intake, fitness regimines, dare I  throw the word(s) crossfit in the mix...It's like I'm 27 and ready, just ready.
   Enough of that, sometimes things just need to be said, regardless of whether another soul reads or not. But about this Birchbox...this oh so punctual Birchbox!! It's titled "The September Issue" and it's basically a kickoff to Fall fashion and such. New season calls for an updated beauty routine, an updated look...changing seasons...change...it all comes full circle, huh? So without further rant and delay, let's discuss:

Contents!



* Benefit Cosmetics foamingly clean facial wash + refined finish facial polish ...I've been looking for some new skin care products, particularly a good wash, so I am really excited to try this one out. (Benefit products are pretty amazing!). This duo is a glycerin-packed cleanser and natural clay exfoliator. The full size version is only $21.22, which isn't too shabby for a good quality cleanser/exfoliator.

* Color Club nail polish ...this is a custom color collaborated on with the Birchbox team, inspired by Fall 2012 collections. The color I received was called "Status Update", but I couldn't help but notice the spelling error on the color name label, "Status Udpate"...ooops!! The color is a warm purple-blue-gray based shade, which I see looking good on a pedicure.

*Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Treatment System ...we've all come across these little shampoo/conditioner/treatment packs...I have a copious amount of them. It's supposed to mend split ends, which professionally speaking, is not really feasible using product alone, so will these samples get used?? Possibly. I always keep them when I get them to give to others or pack for travel.

* twistband Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie ...a hair tie, imagine that...the day I cut my hair I get a really cool hair tie! haha. These are actually really hot this season. They are little elastic-y bands (pic above...bottom center...the purple tie), constructed in such a way they don't snag or pull your hair. I believe Jennifer Aniston gave these ties some good press, and we've also started retailing these ties and headbands in the salon where I work.

*Youngblood Mineral Primer ...Youngblood is a brand I came across while I was in cosmetology school, and from a makeup artist's standpoint I regret to say that I was not impressed with the pigmentation of the eyeshadows/blushes, or the coverage of the mineral foundations. Granted, we did not carry the entire brand line, and when looking through the catalog there were some products I saw I wouldn't mind trying if given the opportunity, and this primer falls into that category. It's a clear gel primer containing skin-soothing vitamins and minerals...pretty self-explanatory as far as face primers go, but I will try this one out!

*Mighty Leaf Tea Company tea ...who doesn't love a nice cup of tea, especially in the Fall/Winter season?! I got chamomile citrus and green tea tropical as my samples (love green tea!). This tea line is made from natural, ethically sources ingredients. Visit mightyleaf.com for more details!!!

*Digital Download ...these pop up frequently in the boxes, and this is a download for Tristan Prettyman's newest single.

The September Issue, there you have it!! Make sure to check out Birchbox.com if you haven't already, to get details on all the products and subscription information.

XOXO,

J <3.

Birchbox: Beauty School

A Birchbox post on time?! Yes, yes I do believe so! It's still August and I'm posting my August Birchbox overview! And since I'm not being apologetic for my tardiness, I do wish to apologize for the fact that the pictures I took from my Android for this post aren't of the best quality, which given the fact that I have so many photog friends, well, let's just say I should be able to take a decent picture from my cell phone at best!

This month's box was titled "Beauty School", so without further delay let's break this down:

Cover.

The Goods.

On Display.

Okay, you can see (above) all the little treasures that came in this month's box, so let's discuss...

* Dr. Jart Waterfuse BB Cream ...who doesn't love a good BB cream, they do so many wonderful, fantastic things for your skin (detailed post coming soon)! I haven't tried Jart's as of yet, since I've been using other things, but this product is advertised as a 4-in-1 moisturizer, serum, sunscreen and skin-perfecting tint. They compare it to "the beauty version of a Swiss Army knife"...well, we'll see about that Dr. Jart, we'll just see about that!

*DDF Brightening Cleanser ...this is a foaming gel cleanser loaded with skin brighteners that help to fade any skin discolorations you may have and even out the skin's tone. This one sounds like a winner, and they were pretty generous on the sample of this guy! You can buy the full-size bottle for $38.



DDF Brightening Cleanser.



*Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur Perfume Sample ...it's Juicy Couture; who hasn't heard of Viva la Juicy, or at the very least witnessed it's bright, spunky packaging?! This scent is a blend of wild berries, mandarin, and waterlily. It is really more of a spring, early summer scent in my opinion...I tend to go for a warmer, deeper fragrance (anything with amber) for the fall/winter season. P.S...Fall, excuse me, "Autumn" is my favorite season, so this gal is stoked!!

*LiQWd Professional Volumizing Catalyst ..."volumizing catalyst", that sounds pretty legit, right! This is a weightless mist that is supposed to add body to your hair. I'm a bit picky when it comes to hair care, so this might be a good giveaway prize for someone else to scope out.

*LARABAR uber bar... pretty much within the same scope as a Lunabar and the like, this little guy is made of fruits and nuts and is a super healthy treat.

Well, that pretty much sums things up. I do have some posts planned up that will be debuting soon, so, you're welcome ;) I will also finally be posting information/details about my 100 Followers Facebook contest, so definitely stay tuned for that. I hope everyone has a rad Wednesday, and rest of the week. As for me, I think I foresee a Target run in my future. Peace and Love.

XOXO,

J <3.