Ipsy: The Look of Love

     Ipsy February 2014 was titled "The Look of Love", and fittingly so with the aisles of every department store, drug store, and liquor store reminding us that Valentine's Day was to celebrated by those in love, and loathed by those who find themselves single. I like gift giving (and receiving, since we're being honest) but the romantic stuff always seems absurd to me on February 14, if you love someone you love them, everyday, no time frame or gift card needed (but even saying that is beginning to sound cliché isn't it). Anyway, back to Ipsy...this would be my second glam bag and upon first opening up my package I mumbled "mehh" to myself, looking at the plain light pink bag. Upon opening it I reconsidered my pouty face as I saw the leopard print bag interior and all the products that poured out. Basically what I'm getting at is that this was a rad little bag.

 

 

 

 

     Looks pretty rad for a subscription box, right?! I thought so too. Let's discuss.

*pop Beauty Plump Pout mini

I've used products from pop before and my first impression then was a tad unsavory; it was the aqua lacquer and I found it too be really sticky. This Beauty Plump Pout, however was definitely redeeming for the brand. It gives the shine of a gloss and the lasting power of a stain. I can say that it definitely has the lasting power because I put it on before bed, kissed the PR and went to sleep. When I woke up, I still had some of the color on!! It has a really creamy texture, similar to a lip stick, but it applies like a gloss would. It's plumping qualities were, however, different from what I anticipated, having used other plumping products in the past. I didn't feel a tingle like with the others, it was more like a fresh feeling on my lips. The plumping factor comes from a combination of plumping peptides, avocado and jojoba oils. A full size Plump Pout costs $16 and you can purchase online at popbeauty.co.uk.

 



 

 

Shade: Peony Petal



 

*Zoya Nail Polish

Zoya is a professional nail lacquer brand (visit zoya.com). It's a really nice full-coverage polish (2 coats will give you color match to the bottle) available in many shades. I received the shade "Odette", which is described as a "sultry orchid maroon"; which is rather fitting to receive now being that Orchid was named Pantone's color of the year. This shade is a cool tone that falls within Zoya's nude/mauve color family. A bottle costs $9, so it is comparable to retail competitors like O.P.I. and Essie.

 

 

    

 

 

*Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner

I always love full-size products instead of little samples, especially when they are good products like this month's bag contained. Most of us have heard of Mally, her stuff is often seen on the home shopping channels, and for good reason: her line is incredible and needs to be purchased by the masses!! This is a water proof eyeliner in the shade "starshine". It has a nice texture that allows it to apply smoothly (think Urban Decay's 24/7 glide-ons), and it's long lasting as well. You can use this the way you would normally use eyeliner, but this shade is quite ideal for highlighting the inner tear duct to open up the eye and add a little hint of sparkle. A single eyeliner will cost you $15, but they are also available in duos and multi-packs, so there's a potential for savings there! Check out mallybeauty.com to view the entire collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*City Color Be Matte Blush

A full-size, cruelty-free, highly pigmented blush. Yes! This matte blush by City Color(citycolorbeauty.com) is very rich in pigment so a little product goes a long way. Great color pay out too for a product that retails for $2.99. City Color is a newer line too, it actually first made it's debut at IMATS LA in 2013. The matte finish is perfect and the product itself is easily blended and built upon to achieve your desired look. The Be Matte formula comes in 8 different shades; the one I received was "fresh melon".



 

*J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes and Eyelash glue

The final product in my February bag was a set of eyelashes, so yes, it was love. J.Cat was an unfamiliar name to me but the lashes looked so pretty (see below). They are 100% human hair so they have a much more natural overall look to them, and you can clean them easily to be used again. The lashes came with a latex-free adhesive, which is what ever. I typically do not use the little glue pods that come with lashes. More often than not I prefer Duo or Lash Grip adhesives. J.Cat offers over 30 different styles of lashes ($3.99 each), so there is something for everyone, from the novice to the pro. To check out their selection visit jcatbeauty.com.

Lash style: EL213





There you have it ladies (and gentlemen??). I was thoroughly impressed/satisfied with my glam bag this month. I am not missing Birchbox at all you guys!!

I am also working on a blog redesign, so things will be changing up soon, which is both nerve racking and exciting (more nerve racking as I sit here and type this). I feel super busy, and even on my day off I have clients this week.

What a blessing to live in a world that gives us tangible experiences, people, emotions, and so on. We are lucky people you guys. Sometimes I am guilty of losing sight of the most important things. I often feel like the worry overpowers my logic and it all spirals out. Here's to moments of clarity grounding us all to the people we love and the lives we live!!

If you have any suggestions for future posts/product reviews/etc, please comment below so I can entertain such ideas.

 

Happy Monday.

XO,

J.

 



Ipsy: January 2014

     Subscription beauty boxes seem to be all the rage right now. Everyone is seemingly anxious to get their hands on the latest and greatest in beauty and health and I am no exception to that. I was a Birchbox subscriber for upwards of 18 months and loved getting my box every month. Sadly, last month I cancelled my subscription with them (things were just getting a little redundant with them for me, not to say there weren't some gems over the months!). I caught on to Ipsy shortly before I cancelled Birchbox. Their reviews seemed really good, the products I've seen looked amazing and instead of coming in a little box ( and I did love those boxes, what crafts!!) they arrive in cute little "glam bag" (yes, a reusable little makeup-esque bag) instead cute mailing packaging.

 

 

 

 



Furthermore, Ipsy costs just the same as BB ($10/month). As soon as I got my first glam bag (which I was highly satisfied with) I logged on to the website and saw reviews from other subscribers. It was the general opinion that this bag wasn't  up to par with past bags. Being that I pretty much loved this bag I have tremendous hope for awesome things to come from future bags. So basically I'm saying, so far so good!!
Here's what I received this month:

 

 



*Mojito Lip Balm by Malin + Goetz
This lip balm is scientifically balanced to restore and replenish your lips. It's basically a lip gel that helps with daily maintenance, prevention and treatment of dry or irritated lips. It contains all natural ingredients and sensitive skin technology. In fact, all of their products (which you can view on their site, www.malinandgoetz.com) are based on the sensitive skin technology, the owners knowing themselves what it is like to suffer from a variety of skin issues. Everything is color free and paraben free, which is always a plus when it comes to skin especially. Using a small amount of the mojito lip balm gives an instant relief with a little bit of shine, where as using a more generous amount creates a glossy look, perfect for layering over lipstick! My husband and I both tried this and it truly does leave your lips feeling amaze!! A full size balm costs about $12.00, which is totally worth it when you look at the science behind the product and the story behind Malin + Goetz.


*Liquid Foundation by Yabby
I haven't tried any of the Yabby cosmetics so I was excited that this was included in my bag (and in my shade!!). It's said to give an "unbelievably natural" finish with a super smoothe texture. It is an oil free formula and the ingredient cyclomethicone is great for oily and/or sensitive skin. They claim that the foundation mimics skin's natural sheen to create flawless skin. Now, I have been experiencing with lots of different foundations, tinted moisturizers and BB creams as of lately (my skin is being a little unpredictable with this crazy east coast weather), and having tried this formula by Yabby I would have to say that it is on the top of my list. I liked the look of my skin after application and since a little goes a long way you can build your coverage, blend well and it's ultimately cost effective. A full size will run you about $14, which is quite comparable, if not more affordable, with other popular foundation choices. Check out www.yabycosmetics.com for more details and products.



*the POREfessional by Benefit
Being no stranger to Benefit and it's amazing line of products, this was certainly a pleasant surprise. I'm sure most of you have heard of the POREfessional by now, or at least seen it while skimming through a magazine. If you aren't familiar let me fill you in: this is a pro balm used to minimize the appearance of pores. It quickly minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines to create smooth skin (sort of in the way a primer would even the skin's surface). It can be applied under or over your makeup (I definitely prefer under). It's translucent in color, oil free, and complements ALL skin types. It also contains a Vitamin E derivative that protects skin from free radicals. Full size will be about $30, but I consider it to be worth the value, especially if you're dealing with visible pores. Check out Benefit at your local prestige cosmetics store, or online at www.benefitcosmetics.com



*Makeup Cleansing Towelettes by Absolute!
Like the subscription says, these are makeup cleansing towelettes. They carry the usual promise of clean, fresh feeling skin and so on and so forth. I did not get too excited about these to be honest. The scent of the ones I received were pomegranate; but to me it smelled just like flavored vodka when opening the package!! It removed all of my makeup just fine but I did not feel like my face was refreshed, it actually felt a little sticky to the touch. I'm a fan of wipes by LA Fresh, Say Yes To..., and even Maybelline Express.

*Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm by Balanced Guru
This body butter by Balanced Guru is meant to balance dry skin. It moisturizes without leaving a greasy feel and it smells absolutely lovely. It's great even for the elbows, knees and feet too. All ingredients are USDA certified organic and also contains essentials such as Cocoa Butter, Babassu Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Orange Essential Oil, Lime Essential Oil, and Mandarin Essential Oil. This particular balm costs $30, but a lot of their other products are more modestly price. One thing I specifically love though is that this line is Cruelty Free and that makes me super happy. If you want to learn more about Balanced Guru and their line of products go to: www.balancedguru.com



I can't wait to see what Ipsy has in store for February! It's my birth month so hopefully the beauty gods will smile upon me ;)
It feels good to sit in bed, on the NEW laptop, typing and planning blogs and etc. I post a lot of beauty related topics, which was my original purpose in creating this blog, but I have lately been debating posting more personal stories about the adventures and obstacles both myself and the PR have been dealing with. I am just very cautious about my little personal bubble I suppose, although it does always feel good to vent, so to speak. I guess what I am ultimately getting at is that I don't want anyone thinking I'm shallow or materialistic, because if you knew me you would know I am far from any of those things. Just remember, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle", and isn't that the God's honest truth.

XO,
J.

Review: Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave

2014...let's start this off with a review of a product my husband came across and loves. Yes, fellas, this one is for you: Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave. This product is a modern take on classic shaving cream as it goes on smooth like lotion but the creates a lather as you begin working it in. You are able to achieve a close shave all while nourishing the skin and preventing that awful razor burn. It contains a combination of natural botanicals including chamomile (to calm and soothe skin while replenishing dry areas), Olive Fruit oil to protect and lubricate the skin and allow for a close shave), Calendula (to cool, heal and soothe the skin while rejuvenating, softening and brightening the skin's surface),  and Borage oil (to help skin retain it's moisture).

Here's what the husband thinks about his Lucky Tiger:
"I really like that I can get a close shave without razor bumps, it's the only one I've really found that does that. I also like that the razor actually glides along the skin and doesn't get caught on your whiskers, pulling them. It smells pretty good too. A little bit goes a long way. My skin feels nice and moisturizer after using it and sometimes I don't even have to use after shave."

Well, the man has spoken. I count on him for these reviews because I know he will give straightforward honest answers; he is kind of picky and definitely is keen to his likes and dislikes when it comes to grooming/hygiene products.
You can visit www.getluckytiger.com to view their entire collection and pick up your own (or pick up your man) Liquid Cream Shave, it's about $18.50 for the full size bottle, and the husband agrees it is worth it!!!

If you have any products you want the man's opinion on just comment below!!
Hope 2014 is proving to be so far so good for all. Let's be all about the love this year.
XO,
J.

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: More Good

Keeping this short and sweet, as I am finding myself in the middle of all the holiday frenzy (despite thinking for once the Permanent Roommate and I had all gifts on lock down before Thanksgiving). Here's my open box review & thoughts on the November Birchbox, titled "More Good", featuring some of BB's most favorite charitable beauty brands.

The Contents

Here we go...

*Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil

I also love a good face highlighter/illuminator, so I was excited to try this one since it comes in a pencil, and I am more accustomed to using something more liquid or powder based. This one is described as great for contouring and brightening the face. Well, I don't "contour" with my highlighter so I feel the word play was a little off there. The color looks really pretty but I found after application (check out the swatch below), it was really heavy as far as highlight products go, and had more of a matte finish than I typically like. I also felt it was hard to blend and you really had to work the product. So, unfortunately this wasn't a "knocked-it-out-of-the-park" product for me, but, hey, to each his own. And if you were wondering, full-size is $18, so I feel you can get more for your money elsewhere.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil

*Color Club Nail Polish (shade: Dark'n Stormy)

Color Club pops up quite frequently in BB. Two coats is usually all you need to achieve the color as seen in the bottle. Full size is $8, so it's comparable retail speaking to OPI, Essie and the like. The colors they send are usually on trend and this one is a steel-gray color with a metallic sheen. Visit their website for more information and color selection. (I'm an Essie/OPI gal, but CC does offer a few shades that aren't so run of the mill).

*derma e Soothing Skincare Collection

I've never heard of this brand before. I prefer Origins, Kiehls or whatever my dermatologist recommends. This line, however, is all-natural and is advertised to calm sensitive skin while fighting signs of aging. You start with the cleanser, and then follow up with the serum and moisturizing creme. So, if it is a product you like, the trio includes all steps for a routine skin regimen, and can be used by all skin types. The cleanser contains the anti-aging Pycnogenol and green tea, as well as antioxidant agents such as chamomile and lemongrass. The serum helps to reduce redness, calm irritation, diminish blotchiness and relieve skin discomfort. It also contains Pycnogenol, as well as a complex botanical blend, including Canadian Willowherb, Olive, Arnica and Calendula. Finally, the moisturizing creme also containing Pycnogenol (catching the trend here??), and vitamins A, C & E to promote a smooth, healthy complexion. One thing I for sure already love about this brand (derma e) is that is's paraben free, eco-friendly and (my favorite thing) cruelty free!! Visit their website at www.dermae.com or call 1-800-933-9344 to request their full catalog of products. Full size products range anywhere from $15.50-$29.95.

*Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Noir

Juicy Couture is another BB favorite. This scent is a take on Juicy's original fragrance, with notes of berry and honeysuckle. It smells lovely, but I can't help but to say that a stronger note of amber might lend more towards the "noir" name. :)

*Mox Botanicals Coconut & Vanilla Bean Bath Milks

Mox is also a new brand to me, but I was happy to try these guys out. If you know me personally, you know sea salt caramel is my jam, and this vanilla blend bath milk, albeit there's no caramel, mixed with the sea salt is amazing.You can let the bath salts ("milk") steep in a hot bath before you can get it (they come in a tea bad like pouch) or you can put them directly in the tub before you climb it. Regardless I dig Mox right now (if you love brands like Lush, you most likely will too!!) A 2-pack of bath milks is $12. Mox is based out of Portland, Oregon so make sure you check them out to see everything they offer!!

*Birchbox Bonus Jonas: a full size Ghiradelli chocolate bar. The one I received was a milk-chocolate and mint cookie feeling. Hello delicious and thank you Birchbox.

Hope everyone is enjoying the start of their week. Personally my Sunday was freakin' amazing and blog worthy (I had the opportunity to watch The 1975 perform a special acoustic set like they've literally never performed before audience before, and got to meet the guys afterwards. Can we say SMITTEN?!! There's photos and a video clip on my Instagram: jacquelinecxo).

XO, 

J <3.

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: Heritage

     October eve...and the time I have deemed for my September Birchbox post. I love Autumn weather and I'm always anxious to see what products I'll find and love. I always seem to put in much more effort outwardly than any other season. That being said, this box has things off to a good start.

*amika Blow Up Spray...a lightweight must that adds lift and shine for a polished blowout. This can be used on damp hair before you blow dry or lightly on dry hair for a light hold. I work at a blow dry bar so I'm particular about what I use. I prefer, as far as blow dry sprays go, the 450 spray by Sexy Hair. It is perfect for taming frizz and getting the perfect amount of polish and shine. I thought this spray by amika was a little heavy oil-wise, so it really needs to be used sparingly. I also feel like it didn't give a lot of lift as it claims to. It's $24 for the full size bottle, so Sexy Hair is still a better deal!!

*Caudalie Make-up Remover Cleansing Water...I love a good makeup remover, I use them everyday!! This remover isn't a wipe though. You soak a cotton pad/ball and apply it wherever you need to take your makeup off. It contains botanicals to soothe the skin do it's really gentle, yet effective enough to remove mascara gently.

*Coastal Scents eye shadow...I think at this point we have all used, or at least heard of Coastal Scents. They have affordable palettes and the colors are really buildable and blendable. Plus, coupled with the right base you get great pay out and longevity. They sent me 4 mini colors that are great for fall (sn: I still don't know how to get pictures from my iPhone to the blog without using Google+)

*Ruffian Nail Lacquer in the color Hedge Fund... This was my first run in with Ruffian and I love it. The bottles are so cute and unique (please Google !!). I got a really pretty metallic green color (Hedge Fund). Ruffian is actually a fashion label and this polish is from their first lacquer line. Full size is $10...so more expensive than Essie and OPI but cheaper than, say, Butter.

*Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream... I love my Origins so now I'm starting to be a little bit of a skin care snob, even more so since the melanoma. This cream is supposedly sworn by celebrities and health professionals for its all natural properties. It is marketed to moisturize, fight wrinkles and treats burns and bruises. So, in theory it seems pretty spectacular, and I think I'll do more research and maybe give it a try to see if it is as all purpose as it says.

Everyone gets a slightly different Birchbox each month so if you get one and want to share, leave a link or comment below. I hope everyone is enjoying this Autumn weather even though some days have been quite hot!!

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.  

Review: Ernest Supplies Cooling Shave Cream

     The permanent roommate (aka my husband) decided finally to offer me feedback on a product from one of his Birchbox Man boxes!! This product came from his August box: Cooling Shave Cream by Ernest Supplies. It's a low-lathering formula that protects the skin with jojoba and macadamia oils, then cools the skin with menthol. I asked my P.R. to give me his thoughts on the product so I could put a little posty post together, and here's what he had to say...

"I shave every other day and I have dry skin sometimes because I have to work to get a close shave. I also get a lot of razor burn and bumps. I liked that this shaving cream still let me see the hair on my face so I could get a nicer, cleaner shave. My skin looked and felt smooth after using it, and looked and felt really healthy too. I also liked that the oils in the shave cream smelled really good, so that was nice. I would use this more often if it cost less".

So there you have the man's opinion and it looks like this product is a winner!! The full size is $25 so it is a little pricy compared to stuff you find at Walgreens and Target. But if your man is like mine, or you are a man like mine, then the price is worth it to not have to buy extra bump creams and aftershave and moisturizers I suppose.

Look for more PR Reviews, because I'm going to force them out of him, haha. Hope everyone is off to a great start this week, and look for my August Birchbox post soon!!

XO,
J <3
(& J!!)

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: Khroma Beauty, Kim's Kardazzle palette

     I was rather excited months back when news hit of the Kardashian's make up line, Khroma Beauty!! Like them or not, the girls always have flawless faces. I also figured that they wouldn't put their names on products that would make them look bad. Kim Kardashian's makeup is of my most requested looks as a makeup artist, so I picked up the Khroma Kim's Kardazzle palette to check it out.

     The palette is smaller in comparison to say ones by Urban Decay, I would compare it more to the size of a pack of cigarettes (sn: I do not smoke!!). Kim is known for her edgy smokey eye and precision contouring and highlighting. So, as you can see, the palette contains 8 shadows suitable for creating more dramatic looks. The pull out compartment additionally contains a blush shade, and shades for highlighting and contouring/bronzing. Below I have swatched all shades in the palette for you to see. Note: each shade was swatched with one swipe of the finger in natural light, no filters.

I was immediately drawn to the last 2 shades on the top row of shadows, as well as the 

middle 2 on the bottom. I also really liked the highlighting shade. The more gray matte colors I felt were so matte they came across as looking dull. The blush was okay for a soft sweep of color, but the bronze shade did not feel very pigmented to me, which I was a little surprised about given that this is Kim's palette.

     Well, I've worn a few of these shadows on occasion since I've had the palette, but today I did a full on eye look (just realized I lost the picture from my phone, laaaame!), using all the darker shades I mentioned before as being drawn to. I used potion primer as my base and topped everything off with a setting spray. 10 hours later everything was still in place and just as pigmented. That is definitely aces in my book!!

     Overall I would say that if you are looking for better quality makeup that doesn't come at a prestige line price, then Khroma is a great choice. I do wish all shades had amazing payout color wise, but the shadow is buildable and blends nicely. The price is affordable and you can find the line at Ulta. I can't wait to try their mascaras, since I am a proclaimed Lash addict. Another added bonus, at least for me anyway, is the packaging. It's well designed and a lot of thought was put into visual appeal, which I do appreciate.

Have you tried any of the Khroma line?? If you have I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!!

Hope everyone had a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend, and make sure to follow me on Twitter for expert makeup, fashion and hair tips, as well as my random musings. I'm also on Instagram: jacquelinecxo.

XO,

J <3.

Birchbox: Wanderlust.

    Is it really almost the end of June?! Wow. I'll be 5 weeks cancer free tomorrow!! Last weekend my best friend and I took a little time off for a girls day to celebrate the 1 month mark. We got manis/pedis, took a Target trip, ate some yummy food, did a little shopping and got tattoos (I got some Royal Teeth lyrics on side of my leg)... Talk about an amazingly rad day. Speaking of talking...lets talk about the June Birchbox!!

New Box packaging.

**Birchbox + Color Club Wanderlust Collection nail polish**

There were four neon pastel shades released. I received the pastel green one named London Calling...which I was pretty stoked about, one, because it's a lovely shade, and two, I have what you might call a mild obsession with British things. This shade is comparable to Essie's Absolutely Shore and comparable price wise as well since a full size bottle costs $8.

**LAQA & Co Lil' Lip Duo**

This is essentially a lip color that comes in jumbo pencil form. It has a creamy texture when applied and there is a little minty "taste" left behind as a sort of afterthought. The color is actually quite pigmented. I love mine, in a pretty bright rosy pink shade, especially paired with my NARS Easy Lover lip gloss. A full size is $16 for 2, so definitely worth checking out.

**ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active charcoal mask to clear pores**

ORIGINS is always a brand I love to see since I really love their products. I'm a big fan of masks right now so I can't wait to try this out this weekend! It's a white clay and charcoal based mask that tightens your pores and draws out impurities, all while making your skin appear less dull. It's supposed to be a great once a week mask and the full size product retails for $23.

**Oscar de la Renta Something Blue perfume sample**

This is a new scent from Oscar de la Renta, but it smelled really familiar. A lot of designer fragrances carry such similar notes. It starts with notes of mandarin and linden blossom and picks up to notes of bourbon vanilla and white musk. It's definitely a warmer scent, something I would find more wearable for an autumn date night or the like. With a price point ranging from $85-$115, there are other very similar scents at more affordable prices if you are looking for something more economical. 

**ORIGINS GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer**

Another ORIGINS product!! This moisturizer contains ginseng and coffee to combat lack-lustre skin. It's also supposed to make your skin look energized and radiant. Now, I don't know what "energized" skin appears like, but, my skin did have a radiant, dewy gloe! It also felt good, no greasy residue or anything!! Very lightweight and great for everyday use. The full size is $26.50.

****BONUS JONAS****:

Check out my new tattoo!! ((Royal Teeth lyrics))...and make sure to pick up the band's full-length album, "Glow", out this August!!

Check out my Instagram for more pics: jacquelinecxo

Hope everyone has awesome weekend plans in store!!

XO,

J <3.

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.

Birchbox: Women's Health

Birchbox + Women's Health = tiny tweaks, big results.
The last day of May and I am on my phone typing a blog post about the April Birchbox. I know I'm not the most punctual person as far as blogging goes (I haven't even opened May's box), but this type I have a highly legitimate reason for putting all this on the backburner, which I will be doing a series of posts about and I encourage everyone to read them when they're up and really think about things. This is one of the review posts I hate because I don't have my pictures to go along with... The other day, out of no where, all the pictures from my camera disappeared... Gone!! Now you see me (want to see that movie, sn), now you don't. I was emotionally distraught and livid... There were nearly 300 pictures from like 2 years. The best that verizon could conclude was that my sd card went bad and my phone wasn't reading it, therefore my backup assistant wasn't backing up the images. ::sigh:: I wanted to throw up, maybe I did. Pictures are quite the big deal to me, but moving on from that.

Let me just talk about this April Birchbox before it falls completely to the wayside...
***THE CONTENTS***

*NEXXUS HYDRA-LIGHT LEAVE-IN
CONDITIONING FOAM... This one came in my box as a full-size product,
which normally retails for about $17, so that's rather exciting. On the flip side, like I always say, I'm super picky about my hair products, especially since I have extensions and color treated hair. These sorts of things I usually pass on to family members (hey, Mom), or I use them in different giveaways. About the product... It's a glycerin infused styling foam, and I am loving foam hair products lately actually, that aims to tame frizz and reflect light to give hair a boost of shine. The science behind the hydra-light formula is a blend of deep sea minerals, antioxidants and hydrating
polymers, which work to nourish hair without weighing it down. Not sure how this would bode for color treated hair, but it sounds promising.

*SUMITA EYE SHADOW PENCIL... Another full size product!! Retails for $11. It's a glide-on eyeshadow pencil that can create versatile looks. The color I received was a deep Lilac color, which doesn't suit me with my red hair right now. I love eye shadow pencils as bases though, and this one by Sumita seems highly comparable to a NYX jumbo pencil.

*SUPERGOOP! ADVANCED SPF 37 ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM...I am a skin care lunatic now so I'm super excited to try this little gem out.  They just sent me the sample size but the full size retails for $45. This is an eye cream with some serious SPF in it...I love already!! The product's formula has an oat peptide complex cream to firm skin. I will be trying this out really soon, as I am more readily getting back into my daily skin/makeup routines.

*YES TO CUCUMBERS FACIAL TOWELETTES...I love all the YES TO lines and these towelettes are great. The cucumber acts as a skin brightening agent, and the wipes themselves also gently exfoliate and detoxify. And for all you eco-friendly folks, they are 100% biodegradable. They make my skin feel refreshed, even more so after I've washed my face at night. The full-size towelettes retail for like $5.99, and you can get them at Walgreens or Ulta, to name a few places.

*YES TO GRAPEFRUIT DAILY FACIAL SCRUB AND DARK SPOT CORRECTING SERUM... I actually haven't tried these, they were two little bonus jonases in the box. THE SCRUB is a milder one as far as exfoliators go, so it is gentle enough should you want to use it for everyday use. It contains lemon balm and grapefruit, which clarify the skin. THE SERUM (and I do love a good serum) works to reverse spots caused by acne, aging and sun damage, and let me just say you can totally have sun damage and not be able to see it just by looking in the mirror. Everyone should get an annual check at the dermatologist, after all our skin is our largest organ!! These products retail
between $10-$20, and you can pick them up wherever YES TO products are sold!!

Hope everyone is well!! Make sure to follow this blog for upcoming posts. You can also check out my facebook page (pretty & clever by Jacqueline Clark), my Twitter (@JalinMarieC) and my instagram (jacquelinecxo).

XO,
J.

Review: Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo.

This is the time of year when dry shampoo is a must have for me. In the summer, especially, I like to go as long as I can without washing my hair, so I need a good dry shampoo to keep everything looking fresh until I really get in there with shampoo and conditioner. I still don't get why some people think they have to wash their hair everyday; in fact, sometimes doing so can actually work against your hair, depriving it of natural oils because you are constantly shampooing. That being said, I've tried several different dry shampoos over time, both salon and drugstore, and the Not Your Mother's brand is the closest drugstore one I've found to be comparable to salon quality brands. Actually, it's my favorite right now of all brands.

If you are not familiar with how dry shampoo works, you spray it on your roots and basically all throughout your hair. It will show up white on your hair (like a powder) and as your brush it through the white color dissipates as it absorbs any excess oils. Now, I have dark hair so I really have to brush thoroughly so my hair isn't left looking gray!! BUT, with the NYM brand I don't have to go so hardcore working it through because there isn't a gray cast like with others. It does leave a matte finish to your hair, so I always make sure to follow up with with a hairspray that adds shine, after I've finished styling.

PROS:

* COST EFFECTIVE.

    I paid under $6 for mine at CVS, so it's definitely an affordable product.

* REFRESHES

    It not only smells refreshing, but it gives my hair a refreshed look and feel between washes.

* NO GRAY CAST

   Like other dry shampoo products I've tried, this one doesn't leave my hair looking gray after combing the

   product through.

*STYLE FRIENDLY

    After you've used the dry shampoo you can go on and style your hair as your would normally.

Like any review I have to throw in the "cons"...

CONS:

*MATTE FINISH

    This may not even be a con to everyone, but I should mention again that this does leave a light matte finish

    to your hair. I like shine to my hair, so that's why I always follow up with hairspray that also has a shine

    effect.

*OVERUSE CAN BE MESSY

     Like with any product, overuse can have a downside. If you are really pushing it and constantly using the

     dry shampoo when it probably is time to go ahead and wash it, then you'll start to notice your hair

     looking a little greasy, especially on top. At this point, Wash your hair!!

Hope this little review was helpful/informational/what have you...If you have any review suggestions or have opinions on this or other dry shampoos comment below!!

If you are reading this make sure you are following me on Blogspot, and my other social sites too!!

Twitter: JalinMarieC

Instagram: jacquelinecxo

XO,

J.

Review: Masqueology Revitalizing Eye Gel.

     Wow, 2013 has made it's way in and got started!! I feel like these first few weeks have just flew by!! There are so many exciting things going/on and coming up! I wanted to do a little review on one of the products I received in a Birchbox 2 or so months ago; Masqueology's Revitalizing Eye Gel with Pearl Powder.
     These are little gel masks that you place under your eyes to reduce puffiness and help brighten and refresh the eye area. Although this product is marketed out of Los Angeles (or so I inferred from packaging), it was actually researched and developed by Korean dermatologists. I have heard so many great things about Korean cosmetics, and what I have tried I have liked, so I was eager to try out these under eye masks.
     When you open the package there are two little gel strips (think Biore pore strip size), with a curved shape to fit the under eye area more precise (I had taken a picture, but it was accidentally deleted, oops!). The little masks themselves are sticky, almost to the point they were messy if you over-handled them. There are of course a list of ingredients that make up the mask's formula, but key ingredients featured are hydrolized collagen, caviar, pearl powder, algae and adenosine. They are also supposed to have a cooling sensation while you have them on your face; the recommended time to leave them on is about 20 minutes. I did feel this cool sensation but after about the first 10 minutes it almost felt like a slightly irritated feeling, like when you use a really bad facial toner.
     After removing the masks, I felt like my under eye area did appear a little bit brighter. I thought at first this was just because the gel was being reflective since it was still a little bit moist. After the area(s) has completely dried the under eye area still looked brighter than before mask application, not luminous like I had hoped for, but brighter none the less. My eye area felt refreshed for a minute or so afterwards but then my skin began to feel tight, or "stretched", once again like when using certain toners. I can't really speak on whether or not there was a reduction in puffiness because my eye area was not puffy to start with, but I saw no change in the before and after.
     You can purchase 3 of these masque treatments for $24, and they can be used as a part of your regular skin care routine. How do I, personally, feel about the gel masks...honestly, I could take them or leave them. I already have so many products I trust to brighten the eye area, that I couldn't really see myself going out of my way to purchase these. They are one time use products, so $24 for 3 could start getting pricey and  it seems like you would need to make them a part of your skin care routine on a regular basis in order to achieve and maintain optimal results. Plus, I wasn't all that fond of the "cooling sensation" or tight skin feel I was feeling afterward.
     Masqueology has tons of other products of course, and I have a few more by them I will try out. You can visit their website at www.masqueology.com.
     Have you tried this product or others by Masqueology?? Do you have a favorite under-eye brightening product?? Comment below.
XO,
J.

Review: L'Oreal Infallible Stars Collection-Beyonce Red.

     This Halloween my niece was going out as the Queen of Hearts (and sn: she had the most amazing tutu costume, made by yours truly). So, I was putting a little bit of makeup on her and went to grab a red lipstick to complete the look. I had picked up the Beyonce red by the L'Oreal Infallible line. If you haven't seen what the lipstick casing looks like, its pretty cool actually:

Outer case.



tubes pop out of the case and there's a handy little wand!

This particular lipstick is advertised as a 16 hour long-wear color that won't fade or flake. It comes with a conditioning top coat (the white tube), which contains marine collagen and vitamin E to seal in color and prevent moisture loss. Then there's the base coat, the color tube, which has the little wand for precise application. L'Oreal notes something called "Science behind the Beauty" which includes lip gripping polymers with elasticity that form a flexible color network that moves with your lips so that the color doesn't flake, cake or crack.

But does it work?!! My answer...YES. I put it on my niece at 5pm, didn't take it off of her before bedtime, and at 7am it was still on her, flawless. I didn't even use the top coat on her! I think it would have lasted even longer, but we had to scrub it off with makeup remover so she could go to school! Now, the key to long lasting color is also having moisturized lips. So, make sure you aren't applying color to dry, chapped lips, as you might not achieve optimal results. And the Beyonce red is such a pretty color, I swatched it:


a beautiful, intense red!

Isn't that red gorgeous! It is so long wearing that when I went to wipe off the swatch color I had to literally scrub my hand, and as I'm looking, there is still some residue left behind.
The application of this line of infallible, the stars collection, goes on so smooth and the pigment is true to the color as it appears in the tube. There are 5 others in the collection besides Beyonce Red: Diane's Tuberose, Kate's Plum, Andie's Rose, Linda's Beige and Eva's Caramel.
I only wish I would have picked up some of the other shades when I purchased the Beyonce on sale at Walgreens.
I, personally, love the L'Oreal infallible lipsticks, and this particular collection has also proven to be equally rad!

XO,
J.





Review: EOS Shave Cream

Hello dolls (guys and dolls possibly)!! It's Friday, so I hope everyone is geared up for a great weekend! I know I'm super busy the next 2 days. Tonight my husband and I have part 1 of 2 of a marriage seminar called "The Art of Marriage" (tomorrow am is pt. 2), then we will be heading off to our local Relay for Life event where my mom and aunt have created a team, so we will be posted out there; I even made some rad cupcakes for the event (pics will be available soon on my cupcake website: glittersweet.weebly.com). Anyway, despite running around like a whirling dervish (totally random reference, right) I had to do a review on the new EOS (Evolution of Smooth) shave cream I just got and love.

I think by now we have all seen the EOS lip balm...you know, the ones that come in the spherical containers and are super cute, but the other day I picked up their shave cream from Target ($5 for a 7 fl. oz bottle). I got it in the scent "pomegranate raspberry" and it came in a hot pink bottle (I'm always a sucker for quality products in pretty packaging). The front of the bottle claims it's "ultra moisturizing, paraben free, with natural aloe and shea butter". It also contains antioxidant vitamins (E & C) which are supposed to help your skin look nice and healthy.

What I Think:
I really like that this product comes in a plastic bottle and is a pump (I'm so used to those gilette brands, or whatever, that come in the metal canisters and aerosol out into a foam...don't typically like). It pumps out like a lotion and is non-foaming. Now, a lot of you may like the lather sensation that most shave creams give, but trust me, try this and you will change your mind! The best part is that you can shave wet or dry. I just shaved my legs "dry" and had absolutely no problem because the shave cream has amazing hydrating properties. I even used a brand spanking new razor (a 5 blade) and was able to get a really close shave with out any irritation or razor cuts from the new razor. Something else that I love (about the dry shave) is that when you're done you don't have to rinse your legs off. I just rubbed the remaining cream into my skin like lotion. Now my legs feel soft and smooth and have that nice shiny look. So ladies, no excuses not to have that smooth luxurious look (and feel) to your legs...especially with the summer months begging us to wear less clothes!!

Have you tried the EOS shave cream?? Let me know what you think about it. And if anyone else finds anything they think is comparable, let me know your opinions on that too!! Here's to hot looking legs this summer (and always)!!
XOXO,
Jacqueline