Birchbox:Holiday 2013.

Here it is December 18 (the PR's Birthday!! Wooo!!) and I'm posting my December open box Birchbox review/thoughts. It feels good to be on time, and damn, it feels good to be a gangsta. Anyway, I guess I should just go ahead and say that this will more than likely (well, pretty definitely) be my last Birchbox post for a while. I was feeling like the box contents weren't wowing me and I was receiving more things that weren't of use to me, whereas in the beginning everything seemed to wow me. Don't get me wrong in any way, shape or form, there are still amazing finds each box; I guess since I work in the industry I am bombarded on a daily basis with products of all sorts and I don't feel the need to Birchbox it up anymore. That being said, I am a girl, I am a makeup artist, I am a stylist so naturally I love all things pretty and shiny and new. So I signed up for ipsy (more on that another time). What drew me into their monthly box was it's not a box box, the products come in cute little makeup "glam bags". The PR also canceled his Birchbox Man, but not because he was dissatisfied with what he was receiving. There were always great things in the Man Box, but his subscription was $20 a month, compared to my $10. So, being a man, he thought it was more cost effective to opt out. Plus I tend to spoil him with products I come across for men too :)

Enough about that, let's talk about the December, Holiday 2013, Birchbox:

* BeeKind Body Lotion

Here's the description BB gave for this one: "This natural hydrator from the eco-friendly line softens with honey and organic chamomile". So I gather that this is all-natural and eco-friendly (let's state the obvious). But I also gather if you have any kind of bee allergy this probably isn't up your alley. It has a light floral fragrance (nothing overbearing, just a really fresh scent) and feel lovely on the skin. Something cool (do people still say "cool") about this is that a proceeds from the sale of BeeKind products support honey bees and sustainable pollination research, as the honey bee population is in a bit of a crisis right now. The product itself is actually a part of Gilchrist & Soames, based in London (you know I love the Brits), so you can visit their website at www.gilchristsoames.com. A full-size bottle of the bee kind lotion retails for $15.

*Eslor Skincare System

We all know, or at least we should, that the key to healthy skin is a proper skin care regimen. I have noticed that a trend lately, more so than before, is for skin care brands to market their products/line in the form of a system (just like in the November BB too). This system comes for Eslor and it is a 4-step system. It is said to deploy natural actives to purify and soften all skin types. You can use the cleanser and cream on a daily basis, the exfoliator is recommended for use twice a week, and the detox mask can be used as needed. The line, based in California, is hydrating due to a high content of aloe vera protecting thanks to safflower oil, which ensures the aloe vera stays on the skin, and overall is nature derived to promote skin rejuvenation. Their products range in price from $28-$65 and you can visit them online at www.eslor.com, or on Facebook.

*Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray

This is not my first rodeo with Number 4, I actually love their leave in conditioner, so how could I not love a hairspray!! Granted I prefer my aerosol hairsprays, but hey, I won't be too much of a brat about it. This is an Earth-friendly (are we noticing a green trend, guys?!), botanical-rich hairspray that gives flexible hold, and no crunchiness (speaking of no crunchiness, I also love Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable so let me give them a shout out!!). It's hairspray guys and it retails for $30.

*Secret Agent Beauty Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss (shade: Foreign Intelligence Flirt)

Ok. I'm kind of a sucker for rad names, and this one is totally working from me, from the brand name to the product name. The color also looks very natural, with a hint of shine, on the lips (see swatch below). When you put it on you can feel the cooling sensation of the lip plumper, but it definitely doesn't "burn" like I know some can. The plumping factor comes from sach inchi oil, peppermint oil extract and menthol, so you don't have to worry if you have bee allergies. I have it on right now and the tingle is almost refreshing. I actually can't wait to try more from this brand so I'm glad to have come across it. Find them on Facebook at /secretagentbeauty and on Twitter and Instagram: @SAB Beauty. #FOREIGNINTELLIGENCEFLIRT

*Bonus Jonas

Emily's Chocolates Milk Chocolate Fortune Cookie

It's a chocolate covered fortune cookie, I expect it to be tasty.

Visit: emilyschocolates.com for more yummy snackies.

I'm off to finish up some things for PR's birthday but hope everyone has a happy hump day!!

If you are reading please make sure to follow/subscribe!! You can also visit my instagram: jacquelinecxo

And if you have any suggestions for posts in the coming year just comment below.

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: Best Year Ever & Updates.

     Happy 6 weeks old to my sweet little nephew!!! January is flying by, oh my goodness. I feel like there is oh so much to do and hardly the time to do it...and let's face it, I don't foresee giving up nap time when it does become available ;) I'm glad to be back in the studio working on different shoots, and I was able to work with a new photographer last weekend. I'm looking forward to building my portfolio and also have a few part time "job" jobs potentially lined up...it's all about marketing yourself I suppose. I am also in the process of revamping my kit and incorporating a few new product lines for client use...it's taking some time though, so somedays I feel like I should stick a big "under construction" sign on my train case. Keeping with the updating things, the husband and I have been slowly, but surely, redecorating the house and it seems to be coming together. Right now I'm a little obsessed with finding the right couch throw pillows...it's like a legit mission...and when I do find some I like, the hubs doesn't...and it always reminds me of the year we got in a fight in the middle of Target over which Christmas wrapping paper to get...it was like war in the seasonal section. We truly do fight over the most dumb things...never money, vacations, etc etc...throw pillows and wrapping paper...and each other's shoe purchases. Change is big for us this year too, we have some exciting things in the works, and the hubs starts his new job very soon, so naturally I am quite proud of my permanent roommate.

Onto January's Birchbox, titled "Best Year Ever", and here is hoping for just that!!

Box Contents



*Aerie Shimmer Fragrance... A blend of bergamot, peony and vanilla.

*Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre 24-hour Miracle Cream... Now, I love discovering new, great skin care lines/products, but I must admit that the word "embryo" in Embryolisse was a tad bit off-putting, maybe it's just me...This is a french brand (supposedly a favorite of models and makeup artists...we will see about that!). It is a moisturizer that heals dryness and leaves skin primed for foundation. Now, I have talked to a few makeup artist friends/colleagues who have said they have of recent been using a BB cream instead of a silicone based primer. I haven't tried this yet, although I did have the intention of doing so. A good primer can be pricey...I prefer the line by Smashbox and those by Victoria Secret. I do love a good BB cream, and of course something in that category by Garnier or L'Oreal would be a much more affordable alternative to a primer if your skin does respond effectively to it. So, if this moisturizer can act as a primer as it claims, it is only $16 for a full size product, which falls at the middle point, monetarily speaking, between a primer and BB cream. (for the most part anyway). I shall put this product in my "To try" box.

*Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo... I always say this, so excuse any comment that may be broken record-esque...I am always skeptical about new shampoos and conditioners...this is a clarifying shampoo by the brand Number 4, which I was not familiar with until receiving this sample product. It has a "low-suds" formula that removes any buildup without stripping hair of essential oils. It's $32 for a full-size bottle, so, even without trying it, right now I say "mehh".

*theBalm cosmetics Hot Mama... Yesss...I love theBalm cosmetics...they make some of my favorite products so I was pretty excited to get this little gem. This is a 2-in-1 blush/highlighter. It is a really pretty pigment with a subtle golden shimmer. I've swatched it below, but believe me, the swatch does not do it justice!! And a full-size is only $20, which is a great price for the product quality...check out their website for sure.

*Deborah Lippmann the Stripper to Go... This was a scented nail polish remover mitt (finger sized mitt) that was supposed to have a sweet scent and make changing your polish super easy. Notice my use of the past tense "was"??...yeah, I tried this out, and for the Deborah Lippman brand I was surprisingly disappointed. The package label said it was equipped with enough of the solution to remove polish from 10 nails, I think I got through 6 nails when there was no hope for attempting the other 4 with this mitt contraption. I was actually trying to take of the polish in the picture above, light gray and one accent blue nail (OPI's French Quarter for Your Thoughts and Dating a Royal...two faves!!). So, I had to hunt down a bottle of acetone and finish them up. Also, there was no sweet smell that I could detect; just your everyday finger nail polish remover smell. I much prefer the little container of remover that you just stick your finger in and twist...I'll be sticking with that. Sorry DL.

I hope everyone is having a great week thus far!! If you had a different content list for your January BB share below, or let me know if you have any fave products similar to those mentioned above!!
XO,
J.