Birchbox: Teen Vogue Beauty Picks.

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

March 2012 Birchbox contents.

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

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

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

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

tarte's LipSurgance in "Lucky"

Sorry the photo is blurry!!


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

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

XOXO,

J.

Product Review: Bumble and bumble Surf Spray.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

XOXO,

J.

Birchbox #3: Spotlight

I never thought I would say it (ok, maybe I did), but right now I'm too tan. Yesterday I went to the tanning bed AND I mystic-ed on top of that. And if that wasn't enough I PaulyD-ed it up. So, needless to say when I got up this morning I was a little on the, umm, "tanner" side of things. Someone told me lemon juice can help with this situation, any truth to that before I go into my kitchen and start scrubbing my body with a lemon?? I will google fact-check that, since google is so legit when it comes to that sort of thing. Anyway, Jersey Shore tan status aside, my third Birchbox came in the other day and I'm actually not waiting a whole month to post about it, haha. It was another good one, so I hope they just keep getting better. This month the "theme" was SPOTLIGHT. So let's talk about it...



Look at all these little gems inside!!



Let's talk about what's inside. SN: I know when I've done these box reviews previously I more or less just list the contents and say a few things here and there without a lot of detail or review, and that's because most of these products are things I'm just seeing or hearing about for the first time. I like to share what's in the box to maybe encourage you to want to sign up as well, and to offer my opinions here and there. When I find something I really love, then I'll do a little review post on that particular product (and there are a few of those coming up).

CONTENTS THIS MONTH:

*colorscience pro glow and go travel puff...this little things seems amazing and I think it's going to be a real winner. It's a little puff that's already pre-filled with powder so you can de-shine your face and still look all glowy without having to reapply a full face of makeup and make a big deal out of things. They come in a couple of different shades from what I understand, and I think this is a more rad alternative to the oil absorbing sheets (although they are pretty handy little guys too).

*Eye Rock designer liner...Okay, these look like the coolest things ever! I wish I would've tried them out already, but I'm waiting for a special occasion (this weekend). They are single-use stick on liner strips, so you don't have to mess with busting out the liquid liner if you don't feel like it. If these are as amazing as I'm thinking I will definitely stock up...for 2 packs of 4 it's only $13! Check out the pic below!

*Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution...first of all, who doesn't love Kiehl's?! This is basically a brightening serum thats purpose is to even out your skin tone with Vitamin C and white birch extracts. Personally, I don't have a lot of issues right now with dark spots and noticeably uneven skin tone, so I might swing this one my mom's way to try out!

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel (Sensitive)... Honestly, I've never heard of the Juice Beauty brand before so yay Birchbox for showing me something new yet again. This is an organic facial peel that contains vitamins and fruit acids to leave your skin glowing. Who doesn't want that perfect glowy complexion?! I like this especially because it is organic and meant for sensitive skin. I have had problems in the past with some masques and facial treatments leaving me red and irritated so hopefully this one works a little magic...I want that glow!

And of course there's always a few non-beauty items thrown in the mix. There was a digital download for the band Green River Ordinance (indie rock) and then a Chuao Chocolatier Spicy Maya Chocopod, which is a dark chocolate mixed with chile and cayenne pepper. Now, I am by no means a spicy food kind of gal, but my husband can take the heat so I gave him this. He said it was "pretty good", which in my husband's terminology means it was delicious. If you dig the whole spicy chocolate thing you might love these. A full size bar is $6.

Well, it's a rainy day here and knowing that I have to run out to Target and Wal-Mart in a few makes me say "mehhhh". It's a hair-up cardigan on kind of day. Hope everyone is well and I am thinking of adding a few different types of blog posts. I try to keep things "beauty" centered but as my husband and I grow together as a couple, our lives, and all the whimsy therein, may spur a few interesting posts I have a feeling, so we shall see!!

Do you have a favorite Birchbox find, or a product you want to see a review on?? I entertain ideas!

XOXO,

J.

Taming Your Tresses: Frizz

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

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

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

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

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

*Use a leave-in Conditioner.

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





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


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

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

*When blow drying, use a diffuser.

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

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

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

XOXO,

J.



Birchbox #2: Clarity.

Wow, January got a little more busy than I anticipated. Between school and work ( been working with an amazing photog on some rad shoots) I haven't had time to catch up on everything else. I mean, here it is 3 days into February and I am just now reviewing my January Birchbox (and it's a good one too!). So let's cut to the chase...here's my review on January's BB.



Clarity is this month's "title/theme"



And you open up the box and see....

So, let me just tell you what all came in the box and you will understand why it's so rad...

• a Larabar mini bar...an all natural bar of dried fruits and nuts...like a luna bar...yummy and good for you.
• Stila Smudge Stick (looks full size!)...it's a waterproof eyeliner in a pretty deep purple shade (purple long). I love Stila eyeliner, not only because the colors are gorgeous, and this purple really is a great alternative to black, but they last a really long time with very minimal smudging. A definite recommendation to pick one up for yourself!

• 

  Stila Smudgestick in Purple Long

  Jouer Body Butter...love this stuff too! It's really good for rough patches of skin, like the elbows. It's made with shea and olive and avocado oils, so it's great for the winter months when you're skin is feeling a little under-moisturized.
• Borghese CuraForte Moisture Instensifier...a serum you apply before you moisturize, or you can mix it in with your favorite lotion to give it a little boost. I honestly haven't tried this one yet but it sounds amazing and maybe I will do a little review on this product alone.
• Sample of Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy fragrance...okay, who doesn't love this. Don't really need to say more.
• And, as a little Bonus Jonas, if you will, there was also a little Birchbox logo magnet. Cute.

So, that was January's box, and February's box will be here next week I believe. That's exciting stuff in my little world of glam! I hope everyone has a stellar weekend, and I will try and post a little something something this weekend since it's a 3 day one for me!!

XOXO,

J.



Birchbox #1

Happy Christmas Eve! Well, those who know me know that I haven't been that much of a festive person this season given that January 1st will mark the one year anniversary of my dad's unexpected passing. But we finally put finishing touches on the tree this morning...instead of going with our usual array of ornaments of all sorts, we used all of my dad's collectible wolf ornaments and in the middle hangs a special ornament with my dad's picture etched onto glass, so that's pretty special in my book. I also went full force on the wrapping of this gifts this morning! I am really into black and white wrapping paper this year with colorful bows! The husband I and also spent most of the morning cleaning out our closet and drawers and getting all things laundry related situated. I also want to try and make some cake balls before dinner! The time has flown by this morning, and my sore back is in desperate need of a massage...sleeping uncomfortably and then sitting on the floor for a few hours doesn't help...but Christmas. Let's not get the reason for the season that a lot of us mask with bows and garland and glitter...it's to celebrate the birth of the rockin' baby Jesus! So, please, take the time to remember that and spend time with your loved ones all at the same time. Yay!



Point of this blog: I have always heard about Birchbox and seen countless YouTube videos on it and finally I signed up for it last month, so my first box was the December box I received a few weeks ago. Basically, if you don't know what it is, it's a monthly service that sends you a little box of the latest product samples, and it's pretty rad. (visit http://www.birchbox.com/ for all the details). So, I got my first box and already found some little gems I looooove!



This is how the box arrived at my door! Even the outer packaging is super cute!







What the actual Birchbox looks like.

So when you open the actual box there's a little "greeting" note that also tells you about all the samples you'll find inside.

Greeting note inside: "Frolic & Fancy"...cute!

So, here's what was in this month's box!!

• a sample of the Harvey Prince fragrance "Yogini"...it has a scent mix of sandalwood, Egyptian myrrh and grapefruit...the sweetness of the grapefruit really balances out the darker scents. I actually really like the way this smelled and am totally considering buying the full-size bottle.
• Jouer's moisturizing lip gloss in Birchbox Pink...Birchbox actually joined forces with Jouer to create this signature pink shade, which is so pretty on!
• L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil...a lightweight oil that is meant to boost shine and tame frizz.
• Befine's Gentle Cleanser...a face cleaner made with sugar, rice, and oat extracts to hydrate your skin, especially during these winter months.
• Prep ShowStoppers...double sided fasion tape.
• Recharge EBoost...an orange flavored natural energy booster packet that you can add to your water.

So that was this month and I'm already curious to see what January's box holds! If you are into trying new things in the world of beauty this is definitely something you want to check out and consider signing up for. You also earn points with the company that can be used to get even more goodies.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! God bless.

XO,

J.



Beauty D.I.Y.: Volume 1

I consider myself to be a pretty creative/crafty person, and who doesn't love a good do-it-yourself (D.I.Y.) project?! Even if this sort of thing isn't normally up your alley, why not try it out anyway. These particular little gems are actually things that can benefit your beauty routine, so try one or both and leave feedback if you want.

Let's start with something really simple:
At-Home Hydrating Masque

You'll need: A container of plain Greek yogurt.
What to do: Smear an even layer of yogurt all over your face and let dry moderately, then rinse off. The yogurt contains lactic acid which softens and hydrates the skin. It's easy as that!

This next one comes from "Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets" and I think you'll love it!
Homemade Lip Masque

You'll need: Petroleum Jelly
                    Honey
                    Cinnamon
                    An empty lip balm pot
What to do: Mix 3 teaspoons of petroleum jelly with one teaspoon of honey and a dash of cinnamon. Store in an empty lip balm pot. At night, massage some of the masque onto your lips and let sit for about 30 minutes. After wiping the masque off your lips will feel extra smooth!
See how easy at home beauty can be?!
Bonus Jonas: Interested in some other at home projects? Check out this link to learn how to make Kandee Johnson's t-shirt necklace. It's pretty rad.
http://youtu.be/BW78xxXyJDA

XOXO,
J.