September Birchbox

Wanted to share with you what I received in this month's Birchbox! Seems like I have posting a lot about Birchbox recently but I still wanted to show you what they sent me this month.

From top left to bottom right:
Paula's Choice RESIST BHA 9 for Stubborn Imperfections
This is a night time treatment with 9% salicylic acid to address spots, blackheads and wrinkles. I wish the sample was bigger but I'm excited to test this out.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Hedge Fund
I love getting Nail Polishes in my Birchbox but I was not very excited about the color. Originally I thought it was good because it's a shade I would never buy myself but after putting in on it confirmed my gut feeling that I just didn't like the shade. The brush was a bit fanned out as well and not that smooth to apply. I'm just personally not really into the whole metallic nail trend.

Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hair Spray
I rarely use hair spray but I have heard good things about this one and I love that it's a mini size I can bring with me during travels. It claims to keep your hair smooth and frizz-free while also protecting your hair from UV rays. Excited to try and I like the packaging!

Costal Scents Eye Shadow
On first glance this looks pretty sad... I wish the packaging were nicer but the colors do look nice. These four complementary coppery brown shades can be easily worn day or night and I am excited to try them.

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips
I was super excited to get this as a sample. Only because I have heard Essiebutton talk about this before and if you can get over the weird name, it's freaking fantastic! I have already tested this out and it reminds me of Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream minus the weird scent and color and its not as sticky. It's very moisturizing! I will continue to use it to see how I like it.

Overall it was a pretty good Birchbox month. Especially since I went to Birchbox local this past weekend. If you haven't ready about that I will like that here.

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Essie Smokin' Hot

The other night I was at the US Open and it got really chilly! I still cannot believe it's already September and basically Fall. I love the transition from summer to fall because the nail polishes, lip colors and clothes get darker and I love layering clothes so I'm very excited for the transition to Fall.

A nail polish I know I will be wearing this fall is Essie Smokin' Hot. It's a deep eggplant purpley color that looks very elegant and chic on the nails. I use two coats and seche vite top coat. What color are you excited to wear?

And here were our seats at the US Open! Serena Williams playing on the right!

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The Face Shop Volcanic Clay Blackhead Aloe Nose Strip

I usually don't use nose strips because I'm afraid they're a little too rough on the skin, but once in awhile I think it's nice to remove white and black heads with something stronger (plus my boyfriend loves seeing the instant result of nose strips and it's kind of fun to do together). before I have only tried the bier nose strips which I think are really effective but a little pricey. when I found the Volcanic Clay Nose Strip by The Face Shop, a korean brand, it was only $1 each so i was curious to see the difference!

Here is what the nose strip looked like. I did a little research online and there are different types of these nose strips. The one I'm using is Aloe based. I saw there are other ones such as Charcoal and the nose strip is black (now I want to try that). Overall it was super easy to use. Wet your nose and strip and then wait for it to dry. I personally love taking them off super slow and then oohing and ahhing over the white and blackheads that come off. Your nose looks really shiny and feels incredibly smooth after. I think I will repurchase again!

Here's the description:
The Face Shop Volcanic Clay Blackhead Aloe Nose Strip, formally known as the Blackhead EX Pore Strip, is your go-to product for removing close to 100% of the white and blackheads. The product contains New Zealand Volcanic Clay and has strong blackhead and oily secretion absorption properties. Supported with pore minimizing ingredients, the Volcanic Clay Blackhead Aloe Nose Strip will leave your skin feeling tight and smooth.

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Dior Addict Lip Glow

I've rediscovered the Dior Addict Lip Glow by Dior after a few months of sitting at the bottom of my lipstick pile. It looks like a sheer balm but the formula is super cool because it uses color reviver technology reacting to the chemistry in your lips to create a unique shade for everyone's lips. Basically it's supposed to enhance the natural color of your lips. I love the packaging. It's super feminine and a great addiction to carry around in your bag. (Have I mentioned the amazing packaging??)

As you can see it looks like a sheer balm but after a few swipes it gives me light dewy pink lips! It's pretty moisturizing and I love how it adds pink glow to your lips. It is a little on a pricey side... I purchased mine last year during the Sephora Friends & Family sale. Not sure if I will repurchase again but I love using it while I have it!

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Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel

Since I have finished up my morning serum product, I have recently introduced a new product into my AM routine: the Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel. First of all, I have loved using Jurlique products in the past. Jurlique uses all natural ingredients (many from their own farm in South Australia) to nourish the skin and maximize our natural beauty in all their products. I love how Jurlique works on sensitive skin and I feel good about the ingredients that are being absorbed into my body. I want to be more conscious of what ingredients I am putting into my skin.

As you can see it's a dewy gel like formula that is very lightweight and gets absorbed quickly into your skin. At first I thought it was going to leave my skin feeling sticky but the feeling only lasts a second and you're left with smooth and hydrated feeling skin. Shake up the bottle before you use it and apply about 2 pumps all over your face after you wash and tone.

The Herbal Recovery Gel is a potent botanical anti-aging concentrate that helps to reduce fine lines, dryness and dullness to increase the skin’s elasticity, hydration and radiance, while also protecting the skin against environmental aggressors. It all sounds fantastic doesn't it! I was lucky to find this at Costco for only $30 something dollars. I'm really enjoying using it and I want to try more Jurlique products!

Final shot of all the lovely ingredients!

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Goodnight Skin

Here are the skincare products I have been using every night. First I have been taking off all my makeup with Bioderma Crealine TS H20. I just did a blogpost if you want to know more about the product: here. After that I wash my face with the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser. When I purchased this online I was hoping this would be more foamy but it's not really. It's very gentle and pretty scent-less. I enjoy using it but I think I want something a little more refreshing feeling (like when I used to use the Jurlique Purely Bright cleanser). I pat my face down with a towel and apply eye cream next. Currently I'm trying to finish up an Origins GinZing eye cream that I have been using. It's a little shimmery for my taste but overall it's a nice eye cream.

Next I apply a thin layer of the dr. brandy glow ruby crystal retinol hydracreme. I really like retinol creams for the PM. They will really help your skin in the long run. I have been using different brands for the past 2 years and I really have seen an improvement overall on the texture of my skin. I can see my old scars (slowly slowly) fading but I know it is working. I also like to add a thin layer of the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo on my t-zone and a little on my cheeks where I have acne scars. And finally to finish it off I apply the Aesop Camilla Nut Facial Hydrating cream all over my face and down on my neck. And then it's time to hit the bed!

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Nails Inc Portobello

I picked up my first Nails Inc polish in Portobellow recently because a couple of bloggers I follow always go on about it. And I'm a sucker for recommendations. In my opinion what you see online is never the truest representation of the color so this was much more orange than I expected but it's still such a fun summer color and has this transparent/gelly feel to it. It's super easy to apply and has lasted pretty long on my nails. Nails Inc is a London based company and I am definitely interested in trying out more from their line!

Online:
A professionally formulated, catwalk-inspired neon nail polish with an exceptionally glossy long-lasting finish.

This formulation has been specially created and developed using the latest professional technologies for instant and exceptional results. The formulation is long lasting, ultra glossy, and easy to apply so that you get the best possible results every time. All of nails inc. polishes and products are named after iconic places in the UK and streets in London in order to celebrate the brand's British heritage.

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Bioderma Crealine H2O

Hello most talked about makeup remover! After hearing people go on and on about this on youtube, I was so happy to receive it as a birthday gift from a good friend this year. I waited awhile to use it and now I use it every single night to remove all the makeup from my face. The best thing about this as a makeup remover is how non-oily and smooth it feels. It just feels light as water and yet it delivers the same results as an oil-based makeup remover. Very simple. It's really amazing and my skin feels nice and clean instead of oily and shiny. It doesn't leave my skin feeling very dry either which I dislike and it's unscented.

I noticed the 500 ml bottle I have is the "TS" version which is for sensitive skin so if you want the regular one look for the bottle without the "TS". There is also another version with green packaging named Bioderma Sebium H2O Micellar Solution and that version is more for oily skin. I think after this runs out I will be curious to try it.

I became a quick fan of this stuff and when I saw there were mini bottles I had to get one. I ordered my mini travel sized bottle on ebay and this time I got the regualr Bioderma Crealine H2O formula. I'm leaving tonight for a weekend trip in the Catskill mountains so I will be bringing this with me!

How I use it:
I simply pour a little of the solution onto a cotton round to remove all the makeup on my face. It's not hard work at all. The makeup just slides off and onto the cotton round and you're left with clean skin. I use a different makeup remover on my eyes first since I wear waterproof mascara but I always go over it with Bioderma. There's also a pump version but after hearing some negative reviews about how it's hard to control and how much product gets wasted, I'm fine with using this version.

I buy my Bioderma on eBay but I've seen some Asian makeup stores in Flushing and Chinatown carry Bioderma. Also, Sears of all places is now carrying it online as well!

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Empties #2

I seem to be finishing up my products a lot lately and it's about that time again I share with you what I've completely used up! I love finishing products because it's always good to be trying new things so your skin does not get used to the same routine.

1. Jurlique Purley Bright cleanser
I used this cleanser all summer and it was included not only in my May favorites, I even included it in my June favorites! I had no idea ha. I really did enjoy using it every morning. It wakens up the skin and makes you feel refreshed for the day.

2. Boots No7 Eye Make-up Remover
I wear waterproof mascara every day so I really need a strong waterproof makeup remover. After you shake this up to blend the product, put it on a cotton round and then hold it over your eye area to let it hold onto the makeup and remove it. It's gentle and I will consider buying it again.

3. Sephora daily Brush Cleaner
I have had this forever. It's quite a small bottle but it lasted me a very long time. It's nice to have a brush cleaner spray in your cabinet for days when you're a little lazy to thoroughly clean your brushes. I'm a big fan and I'd be interested in trying other brands.

4. Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion
This was a nice travel size product to bring with me whenever I was on vacation. I'm not sure I was in love with the scent although I know a lot of people like it but it was very moisturizing and not sticky at all.

5. Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel
I normally don't use gels on my face and I do think this was a little too lightweight for me. The description online sounds super fantastic but I'm not sure I'd purchase a full-size. I got this in a small holiday set and I liked using it but I don't think I will be using it again.

6. Lipfusion XL
This is a night time lip treatment that I would put on right after I washed my face. It makes your lips tingle and for me I LOVE that feeling. It was quite pricey and while I won't be purchasing this any time soon again, I can see myself picking it up again as I get older and my lips start to thin...

Thanks for reading!

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Diptyque Choisya

The diptyque room sprays are a great alternative to candles for the summer.  I love candles throughout fall/winter but for summer I trade that in for a nice light citrusy scent: Diptyque Choisya room spray. Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with diptyque packaging? This beautiful room spray isn't over powering, it's sweet and floral and really freshens any room with a few sprays. Described as the scent of Mexican Orange blossoms, I love having this around the apartment to brighten the atmosphere and put a smile to my face. I got this at a diptyque sample sale this past year and I've barely made a dent in it! It's pretty strong so I don't need to spray much and I'm happy it's going to last me a very long time!

Description of Choisya on the diptyque website:
Referred to as golden apples in mythology, Jupiter offered oranges to Junon on their wedding day. The orange blossom symbolizes the eternal bond of marriage.

Message: As pure as it is beautiful

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batiste dry shampoo for dark and deep brown hair

I have been trying to wash my hair every other day and in between those days, I NEED DRY SHAMPOO (especially in the summer). My hair gets pretty oily if I don't wash it after one day so for me, a can of dry shampoo lives in my bathroom, my handbag and my car. I picked up the Batiste Dry Shampoo for dark & deep brown hair because I heard great reviews about it. And since I have dark dark brown (pretty much black) hair I have been loving using it!

What's in my bag: A Night out

Tonight I will be going out to an event and I thought I'd share what I will be toting around with me. My clutch for the evening is the 3.1 Phillip Lim Snakeskin 31 Minute Bag and it's the perfect size for just carrying around a few essentials.

First, I will be carrying around my iphone (of course!), my miu miu card case and my house keys with my awesome moomin x kidrobot keychain . I don't go anywhere without these. Then onto makeup bits: I always always try to carry Clear Eyes eye drops because my eyes are pretty sensitive and I've had a few cases where one eye will get irritated and then be red for the rest of the night. Not attractive. Taking the YSL Touch Eclat in #2 for any touch ups or makeup disasters. The Chanel blush is super compact and it has a little mirror so I like throwing that into my bag daily. And finally I'm bringing the lipstick I will be wearing for any touchups throughout the night. Tonight I will be wearing MAC Heaux from the Rihanna RiRi Hearts MAC Summer collection.

Have a great weekend everyone!

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ysl creme de blush in powdery rose

i have been wanting the ysl creme de blush in powdery rose for a long time and i finally got my hands on it. i usually go for a more peachy pink for blushes so i thought it was about time for a true pink blush. there is something very romantic about this blush and i really love using it. (and i'm a bit obsessed with the packaging too)

it's a lot creamier and softer than most of the creme blushes i have tried and it still blends into the skin very smoothly giving you a very natural looking flush. it feels very lightweight on your cheeks and has great staying power. it is a bit on the pricey side especially since you don't get a whole lot of product, but i think it's nice every once in awhile to treat to yourself! and there's so many more pretty shades in this line that i want to try as well!

i ordered mine at nordstrom.com because they currently have a spend $100 in ysl products and recieve a free gift!
ysl creme de blush in powdery rose, Nordstrom $38 

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OPI Koala Berry

As soon as Miranda Kerr mentioned OPI Koala Berry as a favorite nail polish color, I knew I had to own it. Immediately. I mentioned this polish in a Makeup Wishlist post and can happily check this one off the list! The color is a little bit more berry toned in person and even though its a pinky shade it feels quite sophisticated. It's definitely a type of color you can wear all year round and I can easily see myself wearing this all throughout August. I currently have it on my fingers and toes!

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My Makeup Bag

I love packing up my makeup for vacation or just a weekend away because this is my awesome makeup bag! I picked it up at Forever 21 for $6.80 (um steal!) a few months ago and it's the perfect shape and size for all my products. The material is super flexible so it fits easily into your bag or suitcase when you're packing. I keep all my skincare products in a different travel bag and only my makeup products in this one. If only the little black and white french bulldogs were the same color as Riley (my frenchie pup! see below). It's really hard to find cute french bulldog stuff in the cream/fawn coat!

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Review: Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream

The first thing you notice about the Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream* is that it smells amazing. Usually the smell of my moisturizers don't excite me, but this one is pretty darn good. It's super creamy and is absorbed so easily into the skin. The cream reminds me of the Amore Pacific creams. It feels thick, smooth and really hydrating. Even though it does feel like a heavy cream when you first take it out of the pot, when it's on your face it feels lightweight and really smooth. Something I am super excited to be using this fall when the weather gets colder and my skin gets drier. It doesn't break me out and a little bit of product goes a long way which I really love.

On the Missha website:
Inspired by the moisture preserving ability of desert plants, the Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream activates the moisture preserving ability to keep skin hydrated throughout the seasons.

Step1. Aqua Lock
Imperata Cylindrica Extract creates a protective shield that prevents moisture from evaporating and from skin adapting to harmful elements

Step2. Aqua Sponge
Adenium Extract helps absorb moisture like a sponge to increase skin elasticity

Step3. Aqua Tank
Baobab Tree Extract activates the moisture energy inside the skin to stop the cycle of dryness

*PR Sample

#FOTD

This week I have been reaching for the same products for my face. My face has gotten a little lighter so I am able to wear the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Nude again. I blend that in with the Real Techniques expert face brush and then I put on Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze all over the lid. Next I use Smashbox Limitless eye liner in graphite only on the top of my eye for a little bit of definition and then top if off with Revlon lash potion. On my cheeks I have been wearing RMS beauty lip2cheeck in Promise. Some days I have also been dabbing a bit on my lips, but today to finish the look I wore Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Pop. Love the name!

Nailtiques Formula 1

I mentioned before a few of my nails were a little brittle which made my nail polish chip a lot faster. Awhile back I had purchased Essie's Feed Me intense hydration treatment but that did not work for me at all. I was browsing through drugstore.com and found Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 1, Maintenance. I read some reviews and overall looked pretty promising.

Nailtiques come in a few formulas for different nail conditions and Formula 1 is the weakest in terms of strengthening nails. I've heard a lot of good things about Formula 2 but I wanted something just to keep my nails in good health. The description says the formulations include ingredients such as hydrolyzed keratin and protein in combination with gelatin and calcium.

I'm currently using this as a base coat and I have to say my nails have not chipped or split since I have been using this. It is a little pricey because the bottle is very tiny but overall I'm very happy with it. I pair this with the Seche Vite top coat that I absolutely love and right now it's the perfect nail combo for me!

July 2013 Beauty Favorites

July is over already? Time for another monthly beauty favorites post!

Yesterday I mentioned Shopcade, which is a great way to organize all your favorite products into one place. This really helped me gather what I have been loving all throughout July.

The 2 lip products I have literally using every single day (and I've already talked about non-stop) have been the Revlon lip butter in Berry Smoothie and the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Nudist. Berry Smoothie is the perfect subtle berry lip products that gives some nice color to your face and Nudist is seriously the best and easiest nude glossy lip crayon ever. I don't really need a mirror for either so they have been living in the bottom of my bag all month.

My eyes have been loving the combo of the Smashbox Limitless Waterproof Eye Liner in Graphite and Revlon Waterproof Lash Potion in Blackest Black which I wrote about recently here. The Smashbox eye liner in Graphite might be discontinued but the formula of these eye liners are fantastic. It seriously does not smudge and is sweat proof. Before I was using the Rimmel Scandaleyes eye liners and they didn't stay on my eyes well at all (which is sad considering all the hype they get).

For blush I have been loving Le Blush Creme de Chanel in 62 Presage. I did a full review on my blog already. I have been carrying it around everywhere. It's very pigmented so be careful not to pack on too much at first, but it's really lovely and easy to blend creme to powder blush for the Fall 2013 Chanel collection.

Finally, I've been carrying around Soap & Glory's Hand Food Hand Cream in my bag all month as well. Every time I wash my hands they immediately become dry and so it's really important for me to carry around lotion. This has been my go-to and it's a really good size to throw in your bag.

What have you been loving this month?

Summer Beauty Favorites on Shopcade

A great way to keep a visual list of the beauty products you love, want or own is through Shopcade. It's really easy to keep all my favorite beauty essentials in one place. I mentioned before how much I love the Sephora hearts feature. I often refer back to that page just to remind myself which beauty products I have my eye out for (especially when websites are having sales!) . Shopcade lets you build your own Summer Beauty Favorites or any board you want! My beauty favorites are listed on the right menu so I can easily share what I have been loving all summer.

You can browse through products that are trending and discover what other people are loving. And it's not only limited to beauty and skincare! You can look at what products are currently on sale, too! You can explore fashion, accessories and even home accessories.

For my board, I really want to recommend products I love. Most of the products on my list are truly products I have been using every single day. I'm sure you've already seen most of these products on this blog already, but when I love something I love using it all the time.