Birchbox: Teen Vogue Beauty Picks.

Soooo, the March Birchbox is here! I always love getting these every month; the whole "grab bag" concept of what you'll be finding inside the box is pretty exciting, haha. This box features items that are hot picks by the folks at Birchbox and Teen Vogue and I have to say although I was pleasantly surprised by most items, a couple were kind of "mehh" for me. Let's discuss...

March 2012 Birchbox contents.

*First thing that caught my eye when opening this box was the bottle of essie nail polish (rad!). It's their glitter luxeffects polish and is perfect for layering on top of solid colored polish, or worn alone for a little sparkle. There's actually some chillin' on the tip of my thumb nail right now and I'll have to say, I don't hate it. What girl doesn't love a little bit of sparkle!

* a sample of Kate Spade's Twirl fragrance...smells delightful...notes of fruits and florals, which is pretty perfect for spring.

*Keratase Elixir Ultime...this is a hair oil that is supposed to hydrate, smooth and "sleekify" your strands. Personally, I am a fan of the MoroccanOil line, but I'd be interested to see how this compares.

*tarte LipSurgance lip tint...I was stoked (yes, stoked) for this one. I adore tarte lip products and this one is certainly no exception! For one thing, it's cruelty-free (not tested on animals) which is always aces in my book. It's a long-lasting lip stain that also has moisturizing effects. You also get that nice little minty refreshing feel/smell too. The color,"lucky", is also really pretty for spring and summer (see where I swatched it below!)

tarte's LipSurgance in "Lucky"

Sorry the photo is blurry!!


*also in the box was a twistband hair tie. Okay, so honestly I don't know how I feel about this one. It's the little blue tie depicted in the contents picture up above. It's supposed to be a little snag-free elastic to give your ponytail some flair. I was pulling on the little guy and he was pretty much unraveling, so I don't know if it's supposed to come apart like that, but I assumed it was to be like any other ponytail holder and stay, circular, in so many words. A 12 pack of these is $18! I'd much rather run up to Target and pick up a pack by Goody and just have at it that way. But, to each his own!
*There was also a discount code to ModCloth included, so I might just peruse the site later and see if I come across anything must-have.

So that was March's box. I am curious to see what the boxes will hold with the spring and summer months quickly approaching! My top 2 picks from this box though would have to be the essie polish and the tarte lip stain. Do you guys have a favorite Birchbox find thus far (or Glymm box, or what have you?), share in the comments below! Also, if you're a follower recruit another blogger/blog reader to climb on board to this blog; that too would be rad!! I am also about to set up my facebook fan page for my Makeup artistry so that is a little something something in the works ;) Hope everyone is enjoying this nice weather and appreciating the life and love each day holds.

XOXO,

J.

Product Review: Bumble and bumble Surf Spray.

March! It's already March, and today has given us a day of rain (although, I had a blast working on a super rad photo shoot this morning)...rain-->water-->ocean-->beach-->surf. Even though those winter months are still technically here, we can still channel the summer beach vibes by rocking some super cool beachy waves. One product that can help you achieve those look, which stars like Blake Lively and Kate Hudson are known for, is to use Bumble and bumble's Surf Spray. So, here's my review/how-to on this little gem of a product.

One of the reasons I like this product is because it essentially does what it promises, but it doesn't make your hair feel stick or tacky once you work it in. Nothing I hate more, personally, then when my hair doesn't have a touchable feel/look because it is so caked with product. The Surf Spray also gives your hair a great hold, which is always a plus, as is a great smell (I'm a sucker for good smelling hair products!). 

The product also contains a sea kelp extract which is good for shine and manageability. It's great for all add types and actually adds body to fine hair. It's about $23 for a 4oz bottle and you can purchase it at bumbleandbumble.com, participating salons, and even some Walgreens and Targets.

So, how do you achieve that, as Bumble and bumble puts is, "sexy, sun-dried windswept style"? A look a la Blake Lively's is super easy!

1. Work product through damp or dry hair and let hair dry naturally or blow-dry with a diffuser.
2. Use on dry hair for detailing and adding lift at your roots.
   *note: the less you touch it, the longer it will hold.

It really is that easy! The end result: Beach-worthy bombshell locks!

Do you know of a similar styling product or have another product you want to see a review on? Just let me know in the comments!

XOXO,

J.