Sunday, April 24, 2011

April Birchbox!

Okay... it's that time again!  While I prefer the Birchboxes with more cosmetics than skin care in them, I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed this months box!  

First, Birchbox was going green this month which I completely appreciate.  I am a big proponent of saving the earth... minus the fact that I take too long of a piping hot shower and sometimes forget to turn the lights off... but that is neither here nor there.  But everyone makes mistakes... just as Birchbox did this month... keep reading for a the ridiculous element of the box this month. 

Second, all of this months products are all natural, organic, or biodegradable.  Great for the earth and great for your body!

Here is what came in the box this month.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength (Full size: $45):  I really like this product!!  As I've told you, I have really dry skin and I've tried many a product to try to remedy my situation.  I just rinsed it off (literally 5 minutes ago) and my face feels insanely smooth and my forehead is flake free!  I'll keep you posed on how this actually pans out tomorrow.  Enjoyable.  Recommend.

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion (Full size: $28): A nice cream.  Here is my opinion:  What I like about this is that it is really light, does not make my face feel oily, and is extremely hydrating.  The one downfall is that while it claims to have a very feminine and not overpowering smell... it in fact smells... just a bit.

LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection Earth Eau De Parfum
(Full size: $60): This smells DELICIOUS!  Perfume is a very personal thing... but for me... I love this scent.... fresh... and sweet!  The neat thing about this perfume is that it is made out of completely biodegradable ingredients and also is packaged in eco-friendly materials.  You are saving the planet and smelling oh-so-fine all at once!  This is a good thing. 

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Eye Treatment (Full size: $45): I'll be honest.  I haven't used this product yet.  But here is some information that I can share with you...

"Harnessing the rejuvenating power of plant stem cells, this eye cream combines the best of technology with the best of nature. Immediately you’ll feel the hydrating and cooling effects of this light formula; after a couple weeks, you’ll even see a noticeable softening in the fine lines around your eye area. Plus, all the ingredients are organic, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re applying to the most delicate skin on your face.
The two key components are a blend of fruit stem cells and a high concentration of fat-soluble Vitamin C, both of which help repair damaged skin cells, promote cell turnover, firm skin, and eliminate dark circles and fine lines. In addition to these star ingredients, the cream has antioxidant-rich fruit juices that improve the elasticity of your skin and plant oils that add hydration. "

Zoya Intimate Spring 2011 Nail Polish Collection (Full size: $8): I was given "Dove" (a light gray color).  I'll keep you posted on this as well.  The claim to fame here is that it is formulated without any harmful or toxic chemicals (so safe even pregnant ladies can wear them!!) but it's staying power is the serious factor.  No cracks or chips for a significantly longer amount of time when compared to your regular nail polish.  We'll see about that.

We also had the bonus of a little wild flower seed paper.  Just plant, watch grow, and enjoy!  

Here is a picture of this months box below. :)


Now... this is the stupidest thing I've ever seen.  No offense Birchbox.  So the whole idea this month is to go green but they send along this THICK PLASTIC marketing piece.  This actually has no practical use what-so-ever.  Not really sure why the contradiction.  
Let me explain the picture... This is a plastic square with little fingernails hanging off of it that Zoya has graciously used to paint some of their colors that way you can hold the piece up to your nail to see what it will really look like.  Not necessary... not necessary at all.  This should not surprise anyone... I threw it in the garbage.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Happy Birthday Alexis!!

Today is my good friend, Alexis', BIRTHDAY!!!  
We spent the afternoon together prepping her for her special night out.  
It's a little hard to see it in the picture, but the eye shadow is a mossy green/brown color... a blend of Urban Decay, Smashbox, and d.d.Nickel.  
Best wishes for a fantastic year Alexis!! :)



Monday, April 11, 2011

Carol Hannah Bridal Fashion Week Runway!

This past weekend, I had the greatest experience!! 
I was asked to assist the amazing d.d. Nickel  at Carol-Hannah's Bridal Fashion Week runway.  There were some absolutely amazing gowns and bridesmaids dresses. 
I was on lipstick duty right before the show started and I was so excited to find myself in some shots (even if I am a bit hidden) by photographer, Whitney DealLet me be clear... I was strictly the lipstick lady... aside from the pictures I'm in, I cannot take credit for the makeup in images below. 

Scroll for some behind the scenes shots!
                               

That right there... is my arm.

                                                 Also... my arm.. :)

                                   Lead make-up artist, the amazing d.d. Nickel ,
                                    in blue, perfecting the look that she created for
                                    the show.

                                    Gold leaving accents on the hair were an
                                      amazing addition to the look. 


                                Bridesmaids dresses by Carol-Hannah

                                Wedding dresses by Carol-Hannah


                                              Last minute alterations....        

End of Show


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Spring Clean Out Your Makeup Bag!!

Hooray for Spring Cleaning! 
This is a small thing you can do to help yourself feel refreshed and organized for the new season: Clean out your makeup bag... It needs to happen.   

Tips:
-Dump everything out so you have a clear view of the contents of your makeup bag in all it's glory.  The good, the bad, and the ugly. 
-Look at expiration dates...If there aren't any, use your judgment.  For example... If you look at your mascara and you remember reapplying a coat after that fun day at the beach 7 or 8 months ago... it's safe to say you can get rid of that one.

Some guidelines:
-Powders over two years old...toss!
-Foundations over a year old...toss!
-Mascara over three months old...toss!
-Finally... if anything feels or smells funny... toss!

Make sure you are cleaning all of your tools and products (this includes containers).  This pulls double duty because not only will it make your tools and products last longer but (think about it... this is all going on your face)  it will prevent breakouts!! 

Musts:
-Sharpen all of your pencils
-Scrape off the top layer of your shadows and blushes (this can be done with a CLEAN mascara brush!)
-Wipe off the top layer of your lipsticks (feel free to use rubbing alcohol)
-Do yourself the favor of wiping off the tops of lip glosses and foundation bottles...if left to collect, it can get kind of disgusting.
-If you are using brushes clean them, at the very least, once a month. 

           How to clean your brushes, you ask?
Use either brush cleaning gel, baby shampoo, or a very gentle foaming face wash.      
Lather up the brushes facing down in the palm of your hand. 
Keep the brush facing down as you rinse your brush clean.  
Lay your brushes on a paper towel to dry. 

Final thought on cleaning brushes...
You needn't bother washing your brushes if you blow on them to get excess product off... 
all you are doing there is spitting on your own face.... so don't waste your time with the 15 minutes of cleaning and day of waiting.  
If there is too much product on your brush...a simple remedy is to just tap the brush on your wrist or finger.

Finally, just to make it all look nice and clean...and to finish the whole process... put a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and wipe down pallets, mirrors, and makeup bags to get off all of the old grime.

After these easy tips, you'll feel more inspired to use products that have been hibernating at the bottom of your bag.  Guaranteed!!

Enjoy your new and improved "so fresh and so clean, clean" products, tools, and containers! 



See what popped out of my bag...


It was a bit of a hot mess inside my bag and I'll be honest, there were one or two products that I completely forgot about.  For example, I'm very excited to use the Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint (with SPF 20 btw) and my Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey again.  Two excellent, excellent products.

I love, love, love this bag!  It was given this by my in-laws for my birthday a few years ago and cherish it.  If there is one thing to say about me... I love bright colors.