Happy Friday! Today I’m excited to announce the first giveaway I’m participating in this holiday season. Send a big THANK YOU over to The Lacquerologist for putting this all together, and please take a moment to visit all of the amazing bloggers who have chipped in to make this giveaway possible. Good luck!
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Happy Tuesday! Today I wanted to share some gift ideas with all of you. Whether you’re shopping for someone special, or simply looking for items to put on your own wish list, here are some ideas that I have! This post will be all about beauty and skincare products, but later on this week I’ll have even more ideas to share. Let’s get into the goodies!
L’OCCITANE Hand Indulgences
What:
Trio of 3 shea butter hand creams in the scents Fleur D’or, Cherry Blossom, and Shea Butter.
Price:
$28 (Retail Value: $36) [BUY]
Why I recommend it:
These luxurious hand creams are perfect for the winter season (especially if you have a nail polish aficionado for whom to shop!). Give the entire set to one person, or split them up for stocking stuffers.
Sigma Essential Kit
What:
Price:
$139 – save 10% with code NOV2013 [BUY]
Why I recommend it:
bhCosmetics Eyes on the ’60s Palette
What:
Price:
Why I recommend it:
Sephora X The Twenty-Two
What:
Price:
Why I recommend it:
Sephora Favorites Fragrance Sampler For Her
Wantable Makeup Box
These are all of my top gift picks for beauty and skincare this holiday season! There are, of course, many more great brands and options to choose from, but I hope you can draw inspiration from this Gift Guide as you head to the stores. Happy Shopping!
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Happy Monday! Winter Wonderland Week continues today with a makeup look. To create my festive face, I grabbed some new products to get glam – Duane Reade Holiday shopping is not just for gifts! On an every day basis, I keep my makeup simple and natural, but for the holiday season it’s fun to be a bit more glamorous. If you’re a busy student, a mom on the go, or simply looking to spice up your beauty routine for a holiday party, I have a few tips for you!
My first step was going shopping for some new makeup. I headed to the Duane Reade store at 40 Wall Street here in New York City. If you’ve never been to that Duane Reade location before, definitely stop by. It has a huge beauty department called the Look Boutique, and you can even get a professional manicure right in the store! The photo below is just one section of the Look Boutique! Look at how gorgeous and bright the store is!
I had a difficult time deciding which new makeup products I wanted to purchase for my holiday makeover because there was so much from which to choose. I finally settled on some goodies from the Boots No7 line. This brand is from the UK, and is making its way into Duane Reade stores around the city. The display (shown below) featured testers so I could swatch the colors on my hand before purchasing anything. Let me show you what I picked up from No7!
The first product I picked up is the No7 Lipgloss in Number One History. I’m always hesitant to try a red lipstick, so I thought this lip gloss would be perfect for the holidays and still be in my comfort zone. Plus, the packaging is adorable and was calling my name in the store. As for the formula, it is really nice, and feels creamy on the lips (no stickiness here!). This lipgloss is quite pigmented, so I wore it alone, but you can always layer it over a lipstick if you like. The retail price of the No7 Lipgloss is $9.99.
The next product I picked up was the No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Spice. I was sold on this blush as soon as I tried the tester in the store –the formula is so smooth and soft, and is extremely blendable. Spice was also the perfect shade for my skin tone. For just $9.99 I had to pick it up!
The last No7 product I grabbed for my holiday makeover is the Stay Perfect Trio Eye Shadow Palette in Cappuccino. This trio comes with gorgeous neutral and shimmery shadows – a bronze, a silver, and a light highlight shade. Just like the blush, these shadows have a super soft and silky formula. I’m also impressed with how pigmented they are. The shimmer adds a bit of sparkle, which I think is great for the holidays! This trio retails for just $7.99!
I also picked up a new foundation because winter means that my skin is a bit lighter than it was just a few months ago! I’ve heard so many great things about the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation that I had to pick it up. I got the shade Classic Ivory (or 810 if you use the number system), and it matches my skin quite well. This is definitely a medium to full coverage foundation, and I’m impressed with how flawless my skin looked when I put this on. It’s also an amazing value at just $13.49. This is definitely going to be my new go to foundation!
Here is my completed holiday makeover! As someone who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis, I feel so glammed up! I used all of the products mentioned above, plus the Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion in Blackened Brown and Rimmel Stay Matte in Translucent (which can be purchased at Duane Reade as well). For my hair, I just twisted it across my head and secured it with a bow.
All in all, I’m loving my completed look! I used products that are fabulous and affordable, and went a bit outside my every day makeup routine for the special holiday season. If you like, you can spice up this makeup look by adding some eyeliner, darker lipstick, and some bronzer. It’s definitely customizable! These makeup products also make perfect gifts this holiday season, so stop be sure to stop by the 40 Wall Street Duane Reade during your holiday shopping to grab these (and many, many more) cosmetic products. Stay tuned for more holiday posts as Winter Wonderland Week continues tomorrow on Adventures in Polishland!
Happy Subscription Sunday! I am excited to be showing you what was inside my November Birchbox today! I haven’t added up what the retail value is yet, but I’m guessing it is one of the best I’ve ever received! Let me go ahead and show you what was inside my box, and we can discover the retail value together.
This month, Birchbox’s theme is More Good. Going hand in hand with the Thanksgiving season, Birchbox is donating a portion of its proceeds to No Kid Hungry, an organization that works to end childhood hunger. I think that is a great cause! You can also use hashtag #MoreGood all month to share how you are doing good for others this season.
Here is the first set of products in my November Birchbox! I’ll tell you a bit more about each product from left to right, including the retail value of each sample.
Still two more items to go! Wow!
TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $30.26
RATING 1-5 (1 BEING WORST, 5 BEING BEST): 4
OVERALL OPINION: While the retail value wasn’t as high as I expected, I am still very happy with my Birchbox this month! I got six sample products, and a great variety at that. I got skincare, makeup, nail polish, perfume, and even tea! I’m very excited to use all of these samples!
As always, you can join Birchbox for just $10 per month HERE. I highly recommend this program, especially if you love getting a good mix of products. Stay tuned for more Subscription Sunday posts in the future!
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Happy Tuesday! I am so excited to bring you my first ever Monthly Favorites post. One of my favorite bloggers, Love for Lacquer, inspired me to start sharing my favorite products with you every month. It’s a great way to share some of the items I use on a daily basis that might not make it onto the blog for a full review, or simply highlight my current obsessions. Let me share my favorites for the month of October!
NAIL POLISH
I received Julep Char in my October PopSugar MustHave Box [review HERE] and I am blown away by its beauty! The dark blue color is stunning, and the formula is flawless. I wore it for nearly a week in October, which is a long time for me. I highly recommend it!
HAIR
I’m also obsessed with The Wet Brush that I got in my October PopSugar Box! It is a miracle for my fine, tangly hair. I even tried switching back to a regular brush after using this, and I could definitely tell the difference. It might sound weird to have a holy grail hair brush, but this is definitely mine!
BLUSH
A splurge product that I’ve been loving is Benefit Hervana, a gorgeous boxed blush that looks really natural. Plus, it has an amazing smell! If I’m reaching for a blush, it’s been Hervana. I definitely want to try out more Benefit blushes, too!
EYESHADOW
You’ve heard me say a million times that I rarely wear eyeshadow. Well, I recently picked up the Physician’s Formula Canyon Classics palette and I can’t get enough! The shadows are great quality for an affordable price, plus they are really natural looking. The colors are swatched above in a clockwise rotation beginning with the top left corner. I’ve never actually worn the grey shade, but the rest are amazing!
MASCARA
I love my drugstore mascaras, but the Manna Kadar Extreme Curl Mascara has been my go to this month! I got it in my October Wantable Box [review HERE] and I can’t get enough of it! The formula is just perfect for my lashes, and I’ve worn it nearly every day in October.
FOOD
I’ve been on a huge peanut butter kick this month! In fact, I devoured over half of this jar in October! You can grab 365 Organic Crunchy Peanut Butter at your local Whole Foods. It’s affordable, and tastes amazing! Plus, if you’re a vegetarian like me, this is a great way to get some protein.
SONG
Maybe it’s the native New Englander in me, but Ylvis’ new song Massachusetts is amazing! The tune is catchy, the lyrics are hilarious, and I just can’t get enough. I’ve had it on repeat since it came out!
EXPERIENCE
One of the most exciting moments of the month was getting to meet one of my favorite YouTubers, Meghan of Strawburry17. She and fellow YouTuber Arden Rose had a meet-up at the Nintendo World store here in NYC, and I just had to go! It was so great getting to talk with them, and both were so nice. If you haven’t checked out their YouTube channels, be sure to do so. I know you’ll love their videos!
And that concludes my October Favorites! Before I go, I wanted to share a new social media site that I joined! It’s called Luvocracy, and is a Pinterest-inspired website that you can shop from! I’ve curated my October Favorites into a collection, making it easy for you to purchase anything you see above. Plus, you’ll get a $10 credit when you sign up! Visit my profile HERE.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Keep a lookout for one of these at the end of every month, and make sure to let me know what your favorites were this October!
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Happy Thursday! After posting a spoiler of my recent Sephora haul on my Facebook page, I knew I had to share more about the products I purchased, and the great deals I got. Back in March, I shared with you six simple steps to get the most for your money at Sephora (you can see that post HERE). Today, I’m going to change those steps up just a bit for even more savings. Let’s get started!
1. Start at Ebates.com and shop online!
For a long time, I thought that Ebates was some sort of gimmick or spam website, but now I’ve been a member for a few months, and it is totally legitimate! Sign up, and you’ll earn cash back for almost all of your online purchases. I’ve already received my first check, so I know it’s safe to use. Sign up HERE. All Sephora purchases get 4% cash back!
2. Spend $50 to get free shipping!
I only shop at Sephora a few times per year, so I think it is fine to splurge and spend the big bucks! To get to the $50 limit for free shipping, I got the Sephora Collection Base Coat at $6, Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Shower Gel at $16.50, and Too Faced Primed & Poreless at $30. I am running out of Primed & Poreless, and it is easily a holy grail product for me (see a full review HERE). I also love the Sephora base coat, and the Philosophy Shower Gel was my bonus product. It will last me a very long time, and I’ve been hearing so many beauty gurus talking about it lately that I needed it in my life!
3. Add on the bonus products!
The bonus round is definitely my favorite part of shopping on Sephora’s website! This is the key to getting the most for your money. There are three ways to get bonuses added to your order:
4. Grab your free samples!
Every Sephora order comes with three free samples! They rotate all the time, but here’s what I grabbed with this order: Flash by Jimmy Choo perfume, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, and REN Hydra-Calm Day Cream. These three samples together have a retail value of $8.29!
TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $87.29
TOTAL SPENT (including tax!): $57.16
SAVINGS: $30.13 + $2.29 cash back from Ebates
All in all, I am really happy with my latest Sephora haul! I got great savings and some amazing products. When you’re on a budget, it’s definitely difficult to shop at Sephora on a regular basis, but by using these steps you can make each haul worth it. I hope you find this post helpful. Let me know what deals you’ve gotten at Sephora lately!
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Happy Subscription Sunday! It’s my first time reviewing just Birchbox, but as you know I cancelled my subscription to Ipsy last month (for more on why, see THAT post). While I did miss receiving some extra goodies in the mail, I think sticking with Birchbox is the best choice for me. Let me show you what I got in my October box!
This month Birchbox’s theme is Beauty Buzz. It’s designed to help explain the newest trends and buzzing products in the beauty world!
Moving on to the goodies inside! Here are my first three items.
My last two products came in this fancy, Tiffany blue box!
TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $27.19
RATING 1-5 (1 BEING WORST, 5 BEING BEST): 3
OVERALL OPINION: This definitely wasn’t my favorite Birchbox, but the good news is I got five products that I know I will use. I would have liked a larger foundation sample, and another product to make up for the Liz Earle duo counting as two. Otherwise, I’m happy with the samples, and will use them up!
What did you get in your October Birchbox?! Let me know in the comments! If you’re not a Birchbox member, sign up HERE. It costs just $10 per month, and has an amazing rewards program. I highly recommend it!
This post contains some affiliate links. Box purchased by me. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Happy Subscription Sunday! Today I have a new to me subscription box to share with you from Wantable.com. If you are tired of receiving sample size products in your beauty subscriptions, I definitely suggest Wantable. After taking an in depth beauty profile quiz, Wantable will put together a box of 4-5 full size products for you every month from high end beauty brands. Let me show you what I got in my October box!
Here is the first peek inside my first Wantable box! I couldn’t believe how fast it arrived to me as well – I placed the order on a Monday and it was in my mailbox on Thursday! My order also came with a detailed print out that listed the answers from my style quiz, as well as information for all of the products I received. I found the sheet very helpful!
The first item in my box is the Japonesque Angled Foundation Brush. This brush retails for $25, and is perfect for traveling or every day use. I’ve never used a foundation brush before, so I’m excited to try this one one. It looks like it is amazing quality!
The next product I received is the Bésame Cosmetics Brightening Violet Powder. This is a translucent loose powder that completes any makeup look. I just love the cute packaging, and this even comes with a little powder puff! The retail price is $22.
I always love receiving nail polish in my subscription boxes! This one is Michael Marcus Once You Go Matte, and is a black nail polish with a matte finish. I’ve tried a few polishes from this brand, and I do like it. Michael Marcus retails for $15 per polish.
Next up is the Manna Kadar Extreme Curl Mascara in Black. At first I was a bit disappointed to receive a mascara, since now I have way too many, but when I tried this one I was stunned! I’m loving it! This is one of the best mascaras I’ve tried in a long time, and I can’t wait to use it more. This product retails for $19.
The last full size product in my box is the Cailyn Cosmetics Red Tint lip stain. I like that this product is more of a berry shade than a bright red, and that it is so easy to apply. Beware, though, because this truly is a stain and doesn’t even come off with makeup remover! This product retails for $13.
As a bonus, Wantable through in a sample of the Skiin Instant Skin Tightener and Line Filler. This product is supposed to tighten skin and be an alternative to cosmetic surgery. I’m not sure what I think about that, but it’s great to have a bonus sample nonetheless!
All in all, I’m impressed with my October Wantable box! The retail value of my box is $94! What I really like about Wantable is that you are getting items really tailored to your personal likes and dislikes, and you know that everything will be full size. You can also choose to subscribe to Wantable for $36 per month, or buy a box whenever you wish for $40. I really think this is a great value, and I highly recommend it! Wantable also offers an accessories box, an intimates box, and a limited edition Halloween box! To shop, simply click the image below. Let me know what you think of Wantable in the comments!
The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Happy Thursday! Today’s Back to School post is the perfect, easy makeup look for the classroom. To be honest with you, I didn’t wear much makeup at all when I was in high school, and even in college. Now I’ve mastered what DJ Tanner aimed for when she headed to Junior High. As Aunt Becky advised: “The trick to wearing makeup is to make it look like you aren’t wearing any.” I totally agree! Let me show you what I use to do my every day makeup!
These are all of the products I need for my “no makeup” makeup look! As you can see, I stay away from eyeshadow, eyeliner, bronzer, and all of that fun stuff. While you can certainly play around with your own makeup look, I prefer to just look like me when I’m at school! Be sure to let me know what your makeup necessities are in the comments, and stay tuned for the last day of Back to School Week tomorrow!
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Happy Tuesday! Now that I’ve officially accepted the fact that I am heading back to school next week (ah!) it’s time to start putting together my book bag. While I don’t tote a ton of cosmetics to school, it’s important to carry the essentials just in case the unexpected happens. Let me share with you the goods I’ll have in my makeup bag this school year!
Here is the makeup bag I will be using! I got mine from Ipsy, and I just love the leopard and neon print. The reason I am choosing this bag in particular is because of its flat shape — it will easily fit into my book bag without taking up much space! I know this can’t be easily purchased, so I would definitely recommend these:
Now onto the essentials inside! I think these items are needed, and yes, they all fit in the bag!
Hand Lotion: You never know when your hands will be dry! Keep a travel size lotion on you at all times, especially in the winter. Plus, having lotion is a great way to meet people — I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked if I had lotion! Pick a brand and scent you’ll like, and one that won’t bother those around you. [Julep Age Defying Hand Brightener]
Powder Compact: Women historically go to powder their noses for a reason! Pressed powder is the perfect touch up, and keeps your skin looking great all day long. I like to have a compact with a mirror in it as well. This one from Covergirl also has a sponge inside so I don’t have to carry a brush! [Covergirl Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder]
Hair Ties: If it gets too hot or starts to rain, you’ll want to pull your hair up! While I love ribbon hair ties, it’s good to have a plain black one, too. It goes with every outfit! I find that Goody from the drugstore is the perfect go-to brand (and it’s affordable!). [Goody Ouchless Elastics]
Colgate Wisp Brushes: If you decide to have a garlic-filled lunch at the last minute, you’ll want to be able to freshen your breath before class resumes. No one wants to be embarrassed about her breath, that’s for sure! You can grab these Wisps at the drugstore and keep them for when you’re in a pinch. [Colgate Wisp Brushes]
Perfume / Body Spray: Everyone gets stinky once in a while, so I like to carry a perfume or body spray in my makeup bag. I get so many perfume samples from Sephora, so instead of purchasing a travel size product, I just stick a sample in my bag! If you prefer lighter scents, opt for a body spray instead. [Juicy Couture Couture La La]
Oil Absorbing Sheets: Heading back to school in August means the heat and humidity are sticking around for a while. To make sure I don’t look like a grease ball, oil absorbing sheets are necessary! These are great because they don’t mess up your makeup, but they leave your skin looking great. Any brand will do, but I suggest Clean & Clear and the CVS brand. [Clean & Clear Instant Oil Absorbing Sheets]
Mini Nail Files: We’ve all been there — that awful moment when (gasp!) you break a nail! I just love these mini nail files. They are cute and disposable, and save you in an emergency situation. These are also perfect to share with a girlfriend when she’s in nail trouble. [Tweezerman Matchbox Files]
Lip Balm: Every girl needs a good lip balm with her at all times! I like to have both a clear balm and a tinted lip color just to be sure I’m set for every occasion. Keep those lips soft and moisturized with your lip balms of choice. [C.O Bigelow Lemon Lip Cream & Baby Lips Cherry Me]
Antibacterial Lotion: My last must have is probably the most important, and that is antibacterial lotion. You never know when you’re going to touch something gross and won’t be able to wash your hands. I personally love the unscented lotions like Purell, but Bath & Bodyworks has tons of scents if that’s your thing! [Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer]
These are all of my makeup bag essentials for school! As you can see, I like to stick to the basics and ensure I’m ready for the unexpected. I hope you found this post helpful as you put together your backpack for the new school year. Be sure to let me know what items will be in your makeup bag in the comments!
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
