A Bittersweet Week...

Hey, friends!

This week has been oh-so bittersweet for me! I started my little subscription addiction back in November when I first signed up for Ipsy. I, shortly after, joined a Facebook group of amazing, makeup-addicted women that get Ipsy and every other subscription box under the sun. This group, though I'm obsessed with checking it, has NOT been good for my wallet!

In January, right after my birthday I decided to sign up for the elf Beauty Bundle and The Fantasy Box, getting each every other month. I have nothing but the best things to say about each of those subscriptions, but since then, I have actually cancelled those subscriptions and ordered Birchbox and BoxyCharm in their places.

The elf Beauty Bundle was fantastic and I really enjoyed getting products from them that I wouldn't have normally picked out for myself! But every couple of weeks, elf hosts a 50% off sale on their site and it's just a better deal to order things you really want, or want to try, in the shades that match you. During the last sale I placed two orders and decided that I probably have enough elf products to last me until next year. I may, in the future, re-subscribe...especially if these new subscriptions don't work out, but until then, I'll stick with the 50% off sales1

It really broke my heart to suspend my Fantasy Box subscription. Their boxes were fun and a really great value, but I saw a couple of unboxings of months ahead and I already have a bunch of the products that we get (sorry if that TMI). Again, it really is a great value, but I'm not looking forward to so many duplicates! I'll keep the option of resubscribing open, because I might have a change of heart, but for right now, I'm really excited to be making way for my new boxes!

Birchbox has been around for such a long time, but I've been really hesitant to subscribe. The reason being is that I get these boxes wanting makeup and hair care products, and Birchbox sends a mixture of makeup and skin and hair products. I have recently perfected my skin-care routine, so I didn't want to throw too many wrenches in the works, but judging by unboxings that I have seen, the samples in Birchbox aren't that big. I have also heard they repeat a lot of their products and they're guilty of sending a lot of foil packets. BUT! Despite everything I've heard, I went for it anyway (and REALLY loved my first box). Stay tuned for my unboxing of my first Birchbox!

It seems from my research that Boxy Charm just gets better and better each month. After I saw a couple of gals post their boxes and I spied a Nars nail polish, I knew I had to sign up. My box is in the mail and I couldn't be more excited. Stay tuned for an unboxing video (probably by next weekend).

E.L.F. Beauty Bundle, January 2014 - New Year, New You REVIEW

Hey, friends! 

So, as promised, I'm going to review the products from my January elf Beauty Bundle. Here's a refresher of what was in my bundle: 

 

Pretty sweet collection, right? That's $40 worth of FULL-SIZED products that you get every other month...can't beat that! So, on to the products!

Eye Brightener: $3. "Perk up those tired eyes and diminish the appearance of dark shadows."  I was a little up in the air about this product, I mean, eye brightener...I don't need that! But let me just go ahead and stick my foot in my mouth now. This stuff is AMAZING! I put it on after the concealer around my nose, under and on my eye, and a little on my cheeks (a little goes a long way) and it made me look more awake and really made my eyes pop. I will definitely be re-purchasing this! 

Eye Refresh: $3. "The cooling sensation of the rollerball brightens and refreshes the eye area to help alleviate under eye puffiness and dark circles." I used this every day, multiple times a day, but I didn't really see a difference in brightening my eyes. I was cold, so it would make the skin feel tight for a couple of minutes, but that was about the only thing that happened. This was a pass for me :(

Prism Eyeshadow (in Naked): $10. "These ultra-silky and lustrous eyeshadows look like a powder but feel like a cream, allowing for a smooth and flawless application." I honestly really love this palette! I haven't used it wet yet, but even just dry the colors are amazing and bright and stay on all day! I just ordered more of this in the pink/purple colors as well. This is my go-to pallet from now on :)

Lip Exfoliator: $3. "Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin." You might recognize this from my empties video...I was not a huge fan. It was hard to put on and hurt after the first two applications. It was all the little beads and no formula to help it slide on. I also didn't notice a different in my lips (and I have pretty dry lips in the winter. I'll stick to chap stick and eos.

Daily Moisture Stick: $6. "An easy to use clear gel formulation that nourishes and hydrates the skin." I would have never thought to buy this product on it's own, but it's a staple in my morning and night routine now. This little stick is so hydrating and smooth, it makes my skin feel really great. I use this, along with the elf Lotion Wipes, in my problem areas (eyebrows, around the nose, forehead) and I haven't had dry skin in a month. Seriously, in love and can't wait to continue to use this! 

HD Lifting Concealer (in Brightening): $3. "A skin firming concealer that hides imperfections and regenerates the skin for added radiance." This was the product was I was most iffy about and wasn't sure how to use. I start my routine with a little Maybelline Baby Skin and then touch this around my nose and under my eyes. It works well with the eye brightener to make me look more awake and really make my eyes pop, but I didn't notice a ton of "lifting" in it. Still, a solid product, though I doubt I will order it again.

Mineral Face Cleanser: $8. "Indulge your skin in rich cleansing moisture for a noticeably brighter and smooth complexion." I've been using this face wash every morning and night and I have been noticing that my face is staying more fresh through the day and is softer to the touch. This cleanser feels like it really works to get the dirt and grime away and tightens my skin in the right areas. Overall, it's a win, though I don't know if I would continue to buy this for $8 (I'll have to pick it up during their 50% off sales!).

Makeup Remover Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths: $3. "Gently and easily exfoliates skin to remove all traces of makeup and dirt, even waterproof mascara." I love that these makeup remover cloths have two sides...a smooth side and an exfoliating side! I have already ordered more because I love the way they take off makeup!

Slant Tweezer: $1. "A unique slanted tweezer ergonomically designed for easy and accurate tweezing." Blah. Tweezers....what can I say. I haven't used these at all, and the only time I do use tweezers is for nail art (picking up rhinestones is hard). But, not complaining...you can never have too many nail art tools around!

Overall, for $20 (+shipping) I think this was a great deal. I have placed a couple of large orders with elf so I'm not sure how much longer I'll need to get the beauty bundle but for now it's fun. Overlapping stuff just means for fun give-aways to viewers and readers! For more information on the elf beauty bundle, visit: http://beautybundle.eyeslipsface.com/

Stay Beautiful! Danielle

Empties Video | Feb 2014

Hey, friends!

This is my first official YouTube video. I know the video is mirror image (so the words on products are backwards). I'm working to remedy that right now! But, anyway, empties are my favorite kinds of videos, so I really enjoyed making this. I hope enjoy it, and stay tuned for unboxing videos, empties, and hauls! 

Stay Beautiful! Danielle

Nails of the Week: Galaxy Nails :)

I've been really into nail art lately, and with a lot of time on my hands with my two weeks off, I decided to start experimenting! The first experiment that I'm sharing is my take on Galaxy Nails! If you know me, you know that I love space, Star Trek, the Air & Space museum, and basically everything else that has to do with the universe! So when I saw this trend on nails...I HAD to try it!

Take a look:

The Line Up of Polishes:

 

I used (in this order): Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat (Base Coat), Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in (28) Black Out (Black), Pure Ice in Celestial (I didn't know that was the name of the polish, but that is fitting!) (Blue), Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in (220) Celeb City MIXED WITH Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in (300) White On (Silver/Grey), ELF Nail Polish in Smokin' Hot (Red), Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in (25) Grape Going (Purple), Spoiled by Wet n Wild Nail Color in Shaken Snow Globe (Sparkles), ELF Quick Dry Top Coat

      

What I love about this nail art is that you can't do it wrong and it's REALLY hard to mess up! The universe is a beautiful, complex thing, and now my nails are too! For some tips on what to do, watch this amazing video by Cute Polish! You can use whatever colors you have on hand! I just ordered a lot of nail stuff (polishes, embellishments, tools), so I would love to re-try this when I get some new stuff!

Stay Beautiful! Danielle

E.L.F. Beauty Bundle, January 2014 - New Year, New You

Hello, friends!

So I subscribed to Ipsy a couple of months ago, and now I'm really addicted to make-up and beauty subscriptions. One that I stumbled upon was the Eyes Lips Face (e.l.f.) Beauty Bundle. The subscription is $19.95 + $6.95 shipping and comes to you every 8 weeks. I really love it when you order a subscription in the middle of the month and the company sends you that month's bag anyway, which is what e.l.f. did!

I wasn't sure if I was going to get the holiday bundle because I couldn't find any blogs or unboxing videos that showed the January bag. But it arrived with the theme "New Year, New You." I could not be more excited about this bag! Though it does have a little bit of makeup in it, this bundle focused a lot on healthier skin. I've never been the kinda girl that has a "Skin Care Routine," so I love discovering new products in these bags.

So I'll attach the pictures, descriptions, prices, instructions, and reactions to the products, and by the middle of March (when I get my next bundle), I'll post my reviews of the products.

 

So this is all the contents of the bag, which equal a $40 value!

 

The description card with the theme and intro to the bag. Inside the card is the description of all the products, which is really nice to see as your unbagging.

 

Eye Brightener: $3. "Perk up those tired eyes and diminish the appearance of dark shadows." Directions: "Using a small brush sweep over the powder and apply a small amount to the inner and outer corner of the eye to brighten and create an awakened look." My Reaction: I'm really excited to try this product because it's not just an eye brightener, it could be used around the nose, lips, and anywhere you want to brighten. It can also be used as an eyeshadow base. I like that it's a powder too, so it's not too heavy on the skin!

 

Eye Refresh: $3. "The cooling sensation of the rollerball brightens and refreshes the eye area to help alleviate under eye puffiness and dark circles." Directions: "Gently roll the tip from the inner to the outer corner of the under eye area several times to dispense formula. Apply morning, night or as ofter as needed throughout the day under or over makeup." My Reaction: Not really sure what I'm going to do with this product because dark circles aren't a problem that I encounter...but we'll see!

 

Prism Eyeshadow (in Naked): $10. "These ultra-silky and lustrous eyeshadows look like a powder but feel like a cream, allowing for a smooth and flawless application." Directions: The directions for this one are obvious but basically they can be applied wet or dry! My Reaction: Though some people don't like e.l.f. shadows, I happen to really like them. Plus these colors are perfect for everyday wear! I've never tried their "Baked" eyeshadow, so I'm really excited that it's a higher quality item!

 

Lip Exfoliator: $3. "Gently exfoliate lips to remove dry, chapped skin." Directions: "Apply to clean damp lips and massage in a circular motion to exfoliate. Use a moistened cotton pad to wipe away scrub. Follow with a lip balm or gloss to condition." My Reaction: As an avid lipstick wearer, I feel like I always have dry lips! I can't wait to use this at night before my chapstick to see if it makes a difference. This is an item that I probably wouldn't have picked up on it's own, but now that I have it, I'm excited to try it out!

 

Daily Moisture Stick: $6. "An easy to use clear gel formulation that nourishes and hydrates the skin." Directions: "Twist up and apply to the face in a circular motion prior to makeup application. Great for use on dry or chapped hands, elbows, knees, or any other area needing moisture." My Reaction: I'll probably mostly use this on my face because my body lotion is a little heavy for face use. This will be next up after my face lotion sample from ipsy is gone!

 

HD Lifting Concealer (in Brightening): $3. "A skin firming concealer that hides imperfections and regenerates the skin for added radiance." Directions: "Apply to areas that need coverage and the fine lines that need a little lift. Blend into the skin with gentle pats for an even and natural look." My Reaction: This is the item that most intimidates me/that I'm least excited about. I'm not a foundation/concealer/blush person, so we'll see how this goes!

 

Mineral Face Cleanser: $8. "Indulge your skin in rich cleansing moisture for a noticeably brighter and smooth complexion." Directions: "Moisten your hands and face with water then pour a small amount of the cleanser powder onto hands. Activate by rubbing hands together to create a light lather. Gently massage over the face and neck and rinse thoroughly." My Reaction: Not really much to say about this, but it's interesting that it's in a powder form and promises to brighten and smooth my complexion. This will be a nice change-up from clean and clear.

 

Makeup Remover Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths: $3. "Gently and easily exfoliates skin to remove all traces of makeup and dirt, even waterproof mascara." Directions: ...pretty straight forward. My Reaction: You can never have too many makeup remover wipes, but these are cool because they are smooth on one said, and have exfoliating beads on the other side. I love the pads I use now, but I'll def give these a try!

...and last, but not least:

 

Slant Tweezer: $1. "A unique slanted tweezer ergonomically designed for easy and accurate tweezing." Directions: ... My Reaction: I don't use tweezers that much, so I don't know how different these will be from normal tweezers, but they're worth a shot. And I feel like tweezers are something that gets lost, so good to have an extra pair.

Overall, I thought this bag was a really good deal. I'm getting to try some products I wouldn't normally try for a good price. I like that most of the stuff was from the Studio line, and even a couple from the Mineral line, so it wasn't all the basic, $1 products. I was going to do a video unboxing, but I just don't have the apartment to myself today...and I didn't really want to get out of sweatpants :)

Again, I'll give you guys an update before I get my next bag in March! Also, if anyone has any tips for the concealer...let me know :)

 Stay Beautiful, Danielle