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: Finishing School

     It really is no secret that I have been anything but friends with technology lately. I still can't figure out how to upload pictures from my new phone to my blog posts, my new camera takes rad pictures but I have no clue where the cord is to connect to the computer, and my old point and shoot camera keeps acting up and despite having the warranty, Best Buy is not being too helpful in getting it replaced. However, I can load to Facebook, so if you visit my business page (Pretty & Clever by Jacqueline Clark) there are pics from the AUGUST Birchbox there, along with a lipstick swatch. I'll get it all together soon and hopefully for the September BB (which I got in the mail yesterday) I will be back on track. So, regardless, here is the breakdown for the August Box.

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation

This is sitting right on my makeup table ready to try. Several shade samples were included too. It's a lightweight foundation that is supposed to have a sulky texture to brighten, perfect and soothe the skin with ejitsu rose. So, obviously there are some natural ingredients in this, but rose is one of those that, for me, is really hit or miss when added to products. This Becca foundation is also supposed to be buildable, which is good if there are days you need a more full coverage application. Full size retails for $42, so as far as foundations go this is on the higher end price point wise.

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick

I really don't have anything bad to say about ModelCo. I like their lipgloss, even though it is sticky compared to others I use, and their mascara is actually pretty good for getting that ultimate combination of length and volume. ModelCo now has these Party Proof lipsticks ($24 for a set of 3), that have a semi-matte finish that hydrates your lips and provides a lasting pigment. As for hydrating, my lips have been really dry lately so I still put on a lip balm first regardless. But I do feel that the pigment does last a fair amount if time, longer if you are finishing with a gloss top coat.

Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect

This is a sulfate-free leave- in conditioner that protects color and blocks UV Rays. I believe everyone can benefit from a leave-in conditioner and this one retails full size for $32. My favorite is 7 Seconds by Unite, which is a slightly less expensive salon product. Comparable would also be the leave-in by Healthy Sexy Hair, which has a moderate price point.

Whish Exfoliating Body Wash

My extent of use for this one so far is to pop the top and smell it...which, it smells amaze; most likely due to the fact that it is a coconut-rich scrub that brightens and exfoliates with sugar cane and bamboo powder...pretty much everything I look for in a quality exfoliator, so I will be using this bad boy in the next few days. Full size retails for about $20

And finally...

Whish Hair Inhibiting Deoderant Swipes

Now this is certainly something I've never seen before!! These are wipes that not only fight odor like a Deoderant, but also slow hair growth. I really don't know how I feel about these, haha. You "sweep" a wipe across your arm pit in the morning, or whenever you need a refresher throughout the day. Personally, I would just much rather have my Degree take care of that department, but if something works, it works!! We shall indeed see.

Hope everyone had a fabulous summer and is enjoying September so far!! Since I didn't post yesterday I just want to take a minute to remember all those we lost on September 11, 2001. Always in our hearts and never to be forgotten. Stay safe all. Peace and Love.

XO,

J <3.  

Birchbox: Power Play.

POWER PLAY: Noun. \'pau(-e)r 'pla\

A move that puts an individual in a position of victory and strength...and/or maximizes one's happiness or confidence...and allows for extreme freedom.

((ok, so the phonetics may not have worked out correctly as I typed them, but I do fancy that definition))

Do you ever think you are starting to be on top of things...work, cleaning, organizing, what have you?? I totally had that moment and then when my August Birchbox came in today I was going to write my open box thoughts/review and realized that I never posted anything on July. I blame the Royal Baby...oh Royal Baby.

Then I remembered that I did in fact take pictures of the July open box, but that they were on my android and I now have the iphone...so the best I can do is offer my thoughts on this one, guys.

**CONTENTS**

*Kerastase Fondant Chroma Captive-Treat.Hair products...oh my indifference yet snobbiness to them. This one claims to use ionic technology to keep hair color shiny and vibrant for up to 40 days longer than if you didn't use it. Sorry, but I am a pretty much a creature of habit and already gave this to my mom.

*ModelCo FIBRE LASHXTEND Lenghtening Mascara

Mascara. Sweet, sweet Jesus I am a mascara whore. Yes, whore. This fiber mascara is actually really nice, and they sent me the full size which retails for $24. The formula is a little wet in comparison to my other daily mascaras, but it is also quite buildable and workable to get that separation and lengthening effect. I do like this better than Maybelline Falsies for the record.

*theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

I am forever smitten with theBalm cosmetics, so I always love seeing them in my Birchbox. This one is a long wear blush that really does last all day, even if you don't set it with setting spray!! A little goes a long way too, so a $22 full size price isn't too too crazy considering that. Oh a swatch, a swatch, my kingdom for a swatch. Check out their site to see all the radness...believe me, all of their products are amaze.

*BENTA BERRY G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream

This is a french brand, so I was excited to try, although I haven't yet. I actually just tossed it in my bathroom drawer to be next in line for use I do believe. It is supposed to both hydrate and purify because of the ingredients of blueberry and dead nettle...interesting combination, huh?? Full size is $22 so I may do further investigation on this. Right now I am so in love with my Origins Vitazing moisturizer.

*BIRCHBOX bobbypins

They're fun and glittery and who doesn't need extra bobby pins. ::especially ones that sparkle::

There you have it. I have already unboxed the August box and taken photos. My husband received his second Birchbox man box this month and let me tell you, the male boxes are incredible...so much good stuff and he uses almost all of it!!!! It's $20/month vs. the $10/month for BB classic, but seems so worth it so far. I'm hoping he will give me some reviews on some things too so I can post from a male perspective!!

Hope everyone is set up for a fabulous weekend.

XO,

J <3.

"Keep your head up, or else the crown falls"

Review: Victoria's Secret Hold Please Volume Shine Hairspray.

    Every now and then I come across a product that I, sadly, just don't like. I'm not a fan of writing bad reviews anyway,its more so of a let down when the product comes from a company I otherwise adore!! Today I'm reviewing the Hold Please Volume Shine Hairspray from Victoria's Secret. 

     I have actually had this hairspray on hand for several months, using it on and off when my favorite sprays were not accessible for whatever reason. I'll put it out there now, I am a hairspray junkie!! Now on the front of the bottle it says "Get bedroom romp hair, extreme body and lift"...well, we shall see about that!!

     WHAT THE HAIRSPRAY CLAIMS:

*brilliant shine

*incredible volume

*superior flexible hold

*anti-humidity complex

*UV protectant

     WHAT I EXPERIENCED:

*My hair didn't look at all shiny!! Even when 

I used just a little bit of the product my color seemed more dull if anything!! If the greasy feel was meant to appear as shine then someone in product development sure missed the mark.

*Incredible volume. Oh, I laugh. Yes, my hair did have amazing volume...before I used the hairspray. The minute the spray made contact with my hair it weighed it down, thus flattening out all of the volume I had achieved prior.

*I didn't experience any great hold with this product. My hair actually had a "mushy", almost "gummy" sort of feel to it...not exactly the feel of bombshell hair. So, i guess in regards to being humidity resistant it was okay at best. I mean, it was so mushed down that a little bit of humidity just might have helped things out.

*Now, I can't really speak to the UV protectant nature of this hairspray, but any product offering a UV protecting agent automatically gets at least one gold star from me.

     So, as you can see, my review for this product wasn't so hot. Did I get that bedroom romp ready hair?? No. Nor would i want anyone  I was climbing into bed with to touch my hair with this hairspray in it. Did I get the extreme body and lift as promised?? Again, as you read, no I didn't. So sorry VS!! I am otherwise quite smitten with you and all the other beauty products you retail!! My hair just didn't have that VS angel runway hair look.

XO,

J <3.

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.

Taming Your Tresses: Frizz

We all fight the frizz battle every now & then, and with winter (or what is supposed to be winter but feels like spring) upon us, now is the time to arm our hair against the cold chill. Here are just a few tips and tricks to maintain luscious locks regardless of the season.

*Make sure you are using the right shampoo and conditioner.

You'll want something hydrating, so my recommendation is Sebastian's Drench combination.

Sebastian also makes some great treatment masques that you can use to further hydrate, repair, or maintain your hair.

*Colorist Josh Diffenbacher recommends that you should dye your hair with a semi-permanent color because it helps to tame fly-aways: "The protein in the dye flattens the cuticle".
(note: when the hair cuticle swells is when you get frizz; you may notice this when you're out in the elements or you've blow-dryed your hair with high heat).

*Use a leave-in Conditioner.

Using a leave-in conditioner is another great tool in your arsenal when fighting the "war" against unruly hair. After shampooing, section your hair and apply a drop of leave-in conditioner to each section to make sure your cover all of your hair.





My leave-in recommendation is Bumble and bumble's leave in (rinse out) conditioner.


*Tame other fly-away areas with a smoothing serum or similar styling product.
My 2 faves are Sebastian's Potion 9 and Aveda's Smooth Infusion Glossing Treatment.

You can actually use these products on wet or dry hair. On wet hair apply the product into your hands, rub together and begin working it through your hair starting in the back. Continue by blow-drying or styling otherwise. When using on dry hair, use as more of a spot treatment. Apply a small drop of product between your hands and rub together; apply to areas in need of attention--usually fly-aways around the front hairline and through the hair ends.

*When blow drying, use a diffuser.

Set your blow dryer on a low speed/high heat and hold 3-5 inches away from your head until your hair is dry (keeping the dryer moving, not concentrated in one particular area to avoid burning your scalp). Use your fingers to work through your hair, instead of a coarse brush or comb.

I hope some of these little tid bits help you out, let me know in the comments if you have any other tips or secrets to taming that frizz and what some of your favorite products are!!

BONUS JONAS:
Can we all please take a minute to relive last night's David Beckham-H&M-SuperBowl Commercial-Hotness??! Yes. Yes we can.

XOXO,

J.



Bombshell Hair.

If you ever read Cosmopolitan magazine--and even if you don't you've eyed in on the shelves--then you know that the Cosmo cover girl typically has the beautiful, voluminous, bouncy bombshell hair. Well, after Christmas I picked up the book "Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets" ($16.95 at Barnes & Noble), and it tells you hot to get that signature hair look. So, keep in mind the steps  for this look are coming from the editors at Cosmo, but any extra notation and product recommendation is mine. I want to also add that I wear hair extensions and you can still complete this look as long as you're not using synthetic hair and you make sure to maintain and condition your extensions, as this look does use a lot of product and a lot of heat.

1. Towel dry your hair and spritz in a leave-on conditioner on the ends and a volumizer all over. Flip your head over and begin by blow-drying your roots, pulling them away from your scalp with your fingers. Dry the rest of your hair until it is just slightly damp.
2. Bring your hair back upright and wrap 1-inch sections in velcro rollers. Once all your hair is set, blow dry with a diffuser for 10 minutes on hot then 10 minutes on cool. (you can also use hot rollers or a curling iron, but make sure your hair is 100% dry first).
3. Take out the rollers, then mix a drop of shine serum and light gel (this is a great combination for hold & shine) between your fingers & then run hands throughout your hair.
4. For extra body, gently tease your roots around the crown of your head. Finish by tousling hair with your fingers into that cascade of loose curls. Spritz with hairspray.

My product recommendations:

Leave in Conditioner: Bumble and bumble OR...

Aussie's Sydney Smooth Heat Protector Plus Leave In Conditioner

Volumizer Spray: Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray

Shine Serum: MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine Spray

Hair Gel: John Frieda Clearly Defined Style Holding Gel

Hair Spray: Bumble and bumble Style de mode

Have you also tried this look, or do you have a favorite product you like to use?? Let me know!

Today's "Awww" moment: had lunch with one of my gorgeous friends today and we went and took a little sneak sneek peek of the school we start at in less than 2 weeks, and it looks fabulous inside...plus they use Sebastian products, so that is even more stellar. And Bonus Jonas: If you like EOS products, right now at Walgreen their lotions are buy 1 get one Free!!
XOXO,
Jacqueline