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.

Raise Awareness: Mesothelioma

Well, it's Decemeber. November went out with it's seasonal gusto. This time of year is always hard for me as I know that the anniversary of my dad's passing approaches; it will be 3 years on January 1. But this holiday season was met with even more of a sullen attitude as my grandmother passed on November 10, just a little over a month ago. Being without my best friend and prayer warrior is making this a particularly difficult season to celebrate with all the dazzle and flair one may expect in these weeks. I'm perhaps feeling more thankful than usual, and want to encourage others to really consider the holidays as a time to give back. There are so many amazingly wonderful causes I support and that many of you support year round. I want to address one in particular today: the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Last month was Lung Cancer Awareness month, but really awareness is not confined to one month, as I have in past blogs mentioned when talking about my journey with Melanoma Skin Cancer. I want to talk about Mesothelioma because all of my grandparents were at some point affected by asbestos, and I'm sure everyone out there knows someone also affected. Did you know, however, that this is one disease that is 100% preventable??

Emily from the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance was helpful and kind enough to provide me with some facts that may surprise you. For starters, did you know that asbestos is still not banned in the United States?? Roughly 30 million (yes, million) pounds are still used every year. Think of all the contact our loved ones may make with this carcinogenic source, and how it could be prevented. Yes, again, this cancer is preventable under ideal circumstances. Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye, so the best bet against exposure is for overall banned usage.

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