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!!!