Rave - Foundation Brush

I have learned the hard way that when buying makeup brushes, chances are it's worth it to spend the extra money. I'm not saying that there aren't good, cheap brushes out there, but I have had my best of luck with durability and application with the Sigma line of brushes. Today's Rave is my favorite of my collection, my Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush (F80): 

Rave - Eyeshadow

I have three eyeshadow pallets that are my go to pallets every morning. I almost always use one of these three. I did an earlier rave on my Too Faced Naked Eye Pallet, then there is of course my Urban Decay Naked Pallet, and lastly, my favorite of the three, my customized MAC Quad:

Bash - Setting Spray

I have been wanted to try a setting spray for ages but I just can't fork over the money for MAC's version before knowing if it is a product that I will use daily, so I decided I would start by trying E.L.F's Mist and Set... needless to say I'm not extremely distraught about this product, but I'm not happy either. So, here is another Bash: 

Rave - Pigments

I am new to pigments, and it really took some trial and error to figure out how to work with them but I have loved all results I have gotten by using these. Today's Rave: Urban Decay Loose Pigments: 

April Birchbox

It's that time again! :) This is what the Introduction card read for April: 

"This month, in honor of Earth Day, we’ve partnered with our friends at EcoFabulous and greened our box, inside and out. It’s not just about a single day, though – April is a reminder that we should be mindful of our environment year-round. Here’s how we’re celebrating:

Waste Less, Love More Birchbox helps you discover beauty products you love — no more beauty graveyard of unused purchases. This month, meet earth-friendly products; from skincare to nail polish, these treats show that eco can be effective and chic.

Recycle & Reuse 

Every bit of Birchbox packaging, from the tissue to this letter, is recyclable — this month and every month! Many members also repurpose Birchboxes to store jewelry, makeup, and other tidbits. We’d love to hear how you reuse your boxes.

Healthy Body, Healthy Planet

Online, we have tons of articles and videos to inspire you to be more mindful about what you buy and how you use it. Check out what products Zem Joaquin, founder of EcoFabulous, can't live without, or learn how to get beachy waves with our video tutorial. Plus, an easy guide to reading product labels and much more.

PS - You’re holding a carbon neutral Birchbox! We offset the emissions of shipping this box and will continue to do so going forward.


Hayley, Katia, and the Birchbox team"

Rave - Tinted Moisturizer

I am pretty excited about this Rave, mainly because I love this product so much that I want you all to go out and love it too. I will warn you, it's a tad bit expensive but SO WORTH IT! Today's Rave, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: 

Rave - Nail Polish

Today I'm going to compare my two favorite nail polish brands however I just discovered a new brand I'm trying out and I'll let you know what I think of ZOYA at a later date. For today this Rave is on OPI vs China Glaze: 

Rave - Eyeshadow

I absolutely love eyeshadow, probably my favorite part of my makeup collection and I realized I've been doing a lot of reviews on skin care stuff, so, this is one of my favorite eyeshadow pallet! Let me introduce my Rave on Too Faced Naked Eye collection: 

Bash - Mask

I absolutely love doing masks. I find them very relaxing and give great results without being too hard to do on your own. With that being said, this one is not the easiest, hence Bash on Befine Warming Clay Mask: 

Rave - Toner

I was never one who believed in using a toner. I mean, is it really necessary? It probably isn't, but after using this product I will be adding a toner to my daily skin regimen routine. The one that took my breath away? LUSH's Tea Tree Toner: 

Rave - Brush

I have longer hair and have had for some time now. Today, in a matter of minutes actually, I will be chopping it off... In honor of losing my long locks I wanted to rave about my favorite brush, WHICH I have a feeling I will be using a lot more with my shorter hair. Today's Rave: My Teasing Brush!

March Birchbox - Review

1st Place:

Pomega5 Daily Revitalizing Concentrate - 4 capsules

Birchbox Claims: "Apply this pomegranate oil-packed treatment morning and night for smoother, brighter, healthier skin."

My Opinion: Love Love Love!!! I really wish the sample was more than four capsules because I didn't want to use this product four days in a row, I wanted to enjoy it throughout the month. At first I was a little hesitant because I've never been fond of putting oil on my face but this product makes me think that I have just been putting the wrong kind of oil on my face. I put this on after a long day after I exfoliate, I would set a warm towel on my face to open my pores right before bed and apply the oil evenly all over my face and neck. My skin felt so amazing in the morning. I found that my initial reaction to the sample was that it was way too small for my face but a little goes a long way! This product is something I will definitely purchase the full size of once I'm off of my project 10 pan. I highly highly highly recommend this product if you have the funds. 

2nd Place:

Pangea Organics Lip Balm - 25 oz

Birchbox Claims: "Made with organic essential oils, beeswax, and vitamins, this uncommonly moisturizing lip balm soothes even the driest pout."

My Opinion: I get chapped lips pretty easily and I didn't experience chapped lips at all this month. Not only did this product work, but I thought it had a pleasant smell and was a large sample. I'm getting down to the bottom but I used this product religiously throughout the month. Pucker up!

3rd Place: 

Befine Night Cream - 0.5 fl oz

Birchbox Claims: "Upgrade your nighttime routine with this lush cream - cocoa spurs circulation, while rice bran keeps skin supple and healthy."

My Opinion: This product was also good and another decent sized sample. I currently still have some left. I love this brand and I thought this product did what it said it would but the reason it got third place is because I was so taken aback by the Pomega5 oil and I used it at night as well meanwhile taking away crucial Befine Night Cream time! I'm glad I have a bit left and I will keep using it with a smile on my face. I have a few different night creams but I will still consider buying this product full size because I like to mix up my routines so my skin never knows what to expect and I was pleased with my results. 

4th Place: 

Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste - 0.5 oz

Birchbox Claims: "Imported from Italy, this is the most luxurious toothpaste you'll ever try = the crisp mint flavor lingers all day to keep your breath sweet."

My Opinion: I will always be honest with you, and honestly I did not like this. I HATED the flavor. Not a fan... It may have kept my breath sweet but I couldn't tell because I ate something so quick afterwards to try to get the flavor out of my mouth. I used this once and then gave it to my mom... 

Honorable Mention: 

Brow Brush

My Opinion: I have never owned a brow brush like this and I really don't do much to my brows at all, luckily I have been blessed with good naturally shaped brows. With that being said, I do fill them and I loved how the brush combed through the hairs and was a good finishing touch. 

Product Bash:

Pangea Organics Egyptian Geranium Scrub - 1 time sample

My Opinion: This was another little bonus in last months Birchbox. I was excited to try it because I was enjoying the lip balm above which is from the same brand but I was very surprised when I finally used this sample. One: It smelled like crap!!! I gaged when I scrubbed this on my face... Two: it didn't exfoliate very well at all. Ew ew ew... I would never recommend this product!

Stay Smart, Stay Beautiful

♥Danielle

Rave - Eyelash Curler

I don't know about you, but I really am not a fan of curling my lases. Maybe it's my eye shape or maybe I'm just "special" but I never really got the hang of that old school torture contraption! So I tried for year but always end up squealing in pain from pinching my eye lid. So, one day while wondering the shelves at my local Ulta and buying things I don't have the money for I came across this wonderful tool which I never knew existed. My rave for today - the Japonesque Heated Mini Eyelash Curler: 

Rave - Mask

I'm sure we all have those days when one looks at their skin and just see's dull skin looking right back at them. I've said before but will say it again, I suffer from adult acne so add to that dull skin some scaring and if we're lucky maybe even some blemishes... On days like this I can get really down on my skin and feel like giving it a little pep talk. Time for another rave - My Face Works Masks in I Need A Clear Day: 

Rave - Crackle Nail Polish

I know I'm a little late on this trend but it was sold out EVERYWHERE and more importantly I'm currently on a project 10 pan so my makeup purchases have been zilch! Needless to say my Momma came to visit me and did get me the very much coveted OPI Black Shatter Nail Polish, isn't she the greatest!!! Let me tell you what... this post is definitely a Rave!!!

Bash - Foundation

Honestly, I can't say I was surprised when this product was a flop in my opinion. I was "growing up" in my make up collection and was looking to purchase my first liquid medium-coverage foundation. I was searching the counters at my local ULTA but being new to the liquid foundation scene I really didn't want to fork over too much dough for something I wasn't sure I was going to like. I was intrigued by Almay's Color changing foundation commercials so I though I would try ULTA's version of the same product. Needless to say, this shall be a Bash on ULTA's Color Instincts Foundation.

Rave - Eye Cream

Every winter I always experience very dry eye areas but never seem to find a product that fixes the problem, more-so just products that make a barrier on my eyelids which I can feel the presence of all day. At least that WAS the case until I finally spent a little more money on this tub of joy and let me tell you... worth every penny! Today's Rave is on Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream

Rave - Mascaras

Greetings Gorgeous! Today I have another rave for you but it's... brace yourself... a Rave X2!!! Woah, didn't see that one coming did ya!?!? I wanted to compare two of my favorite mascaras for you today, and they are even drugstore. So here it is: Maybelline's waterproof falsies mascara and L`Oreal's voluminous million lashes mascara. 

Bash - Emotibombs

I regretfully feel I need to do a product bash today. It's not a terrible product but I was SO excited about this product when I first got it and sadly I am left unfulfilled. I feel like that kid who really only wanted thing for Christmas and then when they got it... it broke. I digress, I am by no means saying this brand is bad, in fact I generally think very highly of it and I'm sure later this month I will rave about at least one of their products, but for now let me share my disappointment on this one: LUSH's Up you Gets Emotibomb. 

Rave - Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I figured I would have to start this review series with a rave. This product is an everyday necessity for me. With that being said I could live without it if I had to, but I would seriously be at a loss. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce to you Rave #1: Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion!

April - Rave or Bash!

I've been a busy little bee lately and wanted to get back into blogging again. Since I got back from my vacation it's taken some time to get back into the swing of things. Now that I have reached some kind of equilibrium in studies, work, and family I've decided to come back with a bang! I am going to do one product rave/bash per day for all of April... 30 straight days! You better believe it!!! Hope you are prepared for the intensity! ;)

Nail of the Day - NOTD

Painted my nails, thought I would share: 

Essie - Lilacism

March Birchbox

I was very fortunate to be able to take a spring break trip this year. I don't normally travel for spring break, I usually just work the whole week but this year I visited a friend for an extremely needed break from my studies. While away my March Birchbox arrived and I was delighted to see that cute little pink box awaiting me to rip it open! Best welcome home gift ever! Here's what I got: 

How To - Tea Tree Oil

I don't know about you beauties, but I love DIY projects especially when they can benefit my skin! You may have heard of some DIY projects which include tea tree oil, which is a Australian anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Now you can find it for fairly cheap (I got mine at The Body Shop - 0.33fl oz for $9) however I don't like to waste products so I wanted to find a few different uses for this oil. There are countless was to use this oil, but here are two ways that I have been enjoying and hope you do as well.

 

NOTD - Nail Of The Day

This one has a little bit of a back story. I am visiting a very dear friend in Chicago, IL. Last weekend we decided to venture downtown and check out their Beauty Bar. It is a retro themed salon with a dance floor, DJ,  and a well stocked bar, BUT what is AWESOME are their $10 martini and manicure deal. That's right, you heard me correctly, what more could a girl want?! The martinis are cleverly all named after salon type services/themes. I don't want to give away what the martinis themselves are but I will tell you that my friend ordered the "Platinum Blonde" and I the "Deep Conditioning" - which I am in actual dire need of... Now I didn't get a picture of my girlfriends nails but she went with a bright green (very festive for this time of year). This is what I got: 

OPI - Red My Fortune Cookie

They are located New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Los Vegas, Austin, Brooklyn, Portland, Chicago, Denver, and Dallas; so if one is near you I dare you to check it out! 

http://thebeautybar.com/index.php

February Birchbox - Review

1st Place: 

Befine Exfoliating Brown Sugar Cleanser - 1.5 fl oz.

Birchbox Claims: "A foaming face cleanser that gently sloughs away dead skin using natural brown sugar and oats to leave skin super soft"

My Opinion: I ABSOLUTELY ADORE this cleanser. My sample is well past gone but I do have another full size one coming already in the mail! I like this for a couple reasons. First, the smell! It smells very natural like something I SHOULD be putting on my face, or even in my mouth. Personally, I think it smells like nutty sugary lemons. The brown sugar and oatmeal calms my senses, perfect for right before bed. I suffer from adult acne and I don't see any immediate changes to my scars but it does help oncoming acne and any open sores do heal quicker. If you have read my previous post I recommend cleansing and exfoliate as two steps in the four step skin care regimen... well, this takes care of both. It starts off as a heavy potent scrub but as you work it into your skin it turns into a cleanser. The sugar cane extract is extremely moisturizing. The best way I can explain myself is that it just. feels. so. good. 

CAUTION: I do not use this more than 5 times a week. It is a heavy duty scrub and I don't want to scrub my skin raw. Also, make sure to use warm water and gentle circular motions. 

A Very Close 2nd Place: 

Bare Escentuals Flawless Definition Voluming Mascara - 0.16 fl oz.

Birchbox Claims: "This star mascara fattens up lashes to give you serious volume and intensity. Plus, the smudge-proof formula stays put all day"

My Opinion: First of all I am shocked and pleased that I still have some of this sample left. Now I will say that I didn't use it everyday; reason being, it's not labeled as waterproof. However I did not test it's waterproof ability. When it was snowing/sleeting outside I would wear my Maybelline waterproof Falsies because I do walk to school. 
I LOVE this product, it does what it says it will. It gives "serious" volume and intensity. The black is very dark in color and I noticed no smudging or fall out. Easy to build up, separates, and doesn't clump on lashes. Not once while using this mascara did I have to use my eyelash comb. Contains no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or dyes. 

It will be hard for me to purchase the full size considering it is $18 and money is tight. Nevertheless, if you do have the funds, this has become my favorite mascara and I highly recommend it. I would like to try it in the other color Espresso and a waterproof formula. 

3rd Place: 

Pomega5 Green Tea Mattifying Moisurizer - small (about the size of a quarter)

Birchbox Claims: "Get a triple does of antioxidants from this light cream, which uses Omega 5 fatty acids, green tea, and verbena to hydrate and brighten skin"

My Opinion: This sample didn't last long for me. It was a very small sample, but I did get a solid 8 days out of it. It smells very citrus-y. Goes on very smooth and dries into skin fast. I do like how glowy the skin looks right away however it is a matte finish after it completely dries. I honestly thought this product was good but I've been using Neutrogena's Oil Free Moisturizer and I think it works just as good, plus it is formulated for my skin type. I didn't break out at all with Pomega5 but I only used it for 8 days... It's very lightweight and the skin does feel hydrated all day. Like I said, not a bad product, I enjoyed using it but it cost $35 at the cheapest and I already love my Neutrogena mosturizer. 

4th Place:

NARS Orgasm Illuminator - 0.29 oz.

Birchbox Claims: "This peachy pink highlighter adds a subtle gleam to your favorite features - swipe it on cheeks, browbones, anywhere!"

My Opinion: I think some of you are going to hate me... :( I didn't like this product. I will start by saying I have never tried a liquid illuminator before, so I'm new to it. Honestly, the colors pretty but I could not for the life of me figure out how to get this thing to work for me. I tried using my fingers, I tried multiple brushes, I tried applying it before liquid foundation, after liquid foundation. I'm just at a loss... Now I am willing to keep trying it so if you have any advice or tips PLEASE help a sister out!

 Honorable Mention: 

Sweetriot Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs - 1 oz.

Birchbox Claims: "Tiny treats with a big conscience. All ingredients are responsibly sourced, and the recyclable tins feature limited edition artwork"

My Opinion: Because this wasn't a beauty product and I didn't LOVE it, I put it here under Honorable Mention. These were a pleasant surprise when opening my Birchbox. I absolutely love coffee and dark chocolate and when the two combine, Oh Lordy! I still have some left. I just put it in my purse and pick away at them. A few does the job, I only ever eat four at a time and my craving is satisfied. Extra Plus: cute packaging!

Stay Smart, Stay Beautiful 

♥Danielle

How To Get Healthy Skin

If your like me, when it gets close to bedtime I just want to snuggle in bed with a book. So when I wash my face I don't like anything that takes longer that a minute! However, there are four things one must do in their skin care regimen for that health, beautiful, glowy skin. Even if it takes more than 60 seconds...

Project Ten Pan

For those of you who know what Project Pan is you are probably laughing at my goal. For those who don't, let me elaborate for you. Project Pan, depending on who makes the rules, is a way to use up products you have mainly for downsizing purposes. However, my Project Pan is merely an attempt to save money. Currently I have more than I need and because my goal of ten is pretty minimal it shouldn't take me long to reach. Since everyone runs their Project Pans a little differently I'm going to set some rules for myself. 

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation Review

I want to start by saying that I am a little new to the wonderful world of foundation. When I first started wearing makeup in high school I always used powder foundation, back in the day when I was a Cover Girl fan. Late last year I branched out into liquid foundation. I have acne scars so I was wanting something with a little more coverage. I started with an Ulta liquid foundation. It didn't really work for me but it started the ball rolling. Since then, I fell in love with the Revlon Colorstay Foundation. I was very pleased with this product, but since I was new to the foundation scene I wanted to try some other foundations. When the new year started I purchased the L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation:

Nail of the Day - NOTD

Painted my nails, thought I would share: 

OPI - Not Like The Movies

Tips: Piggy Polish - Grey-T

Determining Your Skin Type

If you are a person who puts forth any kind of attention into your face at some point during your day, then I believe you should take three minutes to read this post. It is CRUCIAL, let me repeat myself, CRUCIAL, that one knows their skin type. It will safe you a lot of extra stress and money. You could be currently buying the wrong face wash, primer, foundation, moisturizer, or acne system.  One needs to be aware of your skin type and what it needs and wants. Believe me, you want to keep your skin happy! Your face is the first thing someone notices and if not treated with tender loving care it can prematurely age and show damage... 

Nail of the Day - NOTD

Painted my nails, thought I would share: 

OPI - We'll Always Have Paris

Bling : China Glaze Sugar Plum

Two Words - New Perfume!!!

Miss Dior Cherie L'eau

I got a new scent and I am SO excited. I've wanted it for a while but could not justify spending at least $80.00 on it. However, recently my Ulta rewards voucher came in the mail and I got a discount on any fragrance of choice! Let me tell you... this was definitely my choice!!!

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque Review

You know those nights when you really have nothing you have to do and you are just going to pop a movie in and just lounge. Well, I have a challenge for you next time your Friday night consists of "me time." Try the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. 

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover Review

Late last year I was in the market for a new makeup remover, and more particularly a good eye makeup remover. Being from Northern Minnesota and walking to school everyday the eye area can get very dry from the cold wind. Applying makeup everyday can just make matters worse which leads to a very irritated eye area. So I needed something with a little moisture to it as well. I had started doing some research and it kept leading me back to the Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. 

Nail of the Day - NOTD

Painted my nails, thought I would share: 

OPI - Yoga-Ta Get This Blue

Bling : OPI - Last Friday Night

Victoria Secret Fragrance Haul & Review

This past weekend I was trying to buy some time waiting for a friend to get into town for a visit so I ran to the mall for a quick splurge. It all started when I was "shopping" online, which really only consists of me putting everything I would EVER want into the shopping cart and then looking to see what the damage would be if I could honestly afford to buy everything... needless to say, keep dreaming Danielle! I digress, I was "shopping" online with  my BFF - Victoria Secret and I have been wanting to try out two of their lines of fragrances. However, I would never buy fragrances online, I just have to smell them! So when I saw that the fragrances I was intrigued by were on sale, I decided a field trip was definitely needed. Overall, I think I did pretty good, it's very hard for me to go into VS and not get either the 5/$25 underwear or clothing by PINK. I just absolutely love both!!! BUT, let me show you what I did get: 

February Birchbox

I cannot tell you in words how excited I was to get my hands on Birchbox. Honestly... I sat in my living room all afternoon on my couch facing the porch window. Approximately every two minutes (for three hours mind you) I was looking up to see if the mail man was on his way towards my humble abode. When he FINALLY did, I waited for him to deliver my hot pink box and walk away. No sooner did he step foot off of the last porch step I sprinted to the door and flew it open, jumped out onto my porch and proceeded to dash inside to see what goodies had come my way. I can assure you I looked like a little girl on Christmas about to get her first Easy Back Oven, however when I was a little girl I wanted the Creepy Crawler Machine... and I loved it, Thank you!