Inside My Beauty Boxes: Ipsy

August 2013's Glam Bag theme was "Glamour Academy".

It was all about looking great for back to school.

Full Size

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara - $17 for 7g

Sample Size

$2.43 for 1g 

Lash Booster? Nope.  It didn't hold a curl, didn't volumize, and didn't lengthen. It seemed more like runny black liquid.

Rating: 1 star

Full Size

Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Gentle Exfoliator Facial Scrub - $18 for 3.4 fl. oz.

Sample Size

$5.30 for 1 fl. oz.

If there is one skincare product I have heard of more than Proactive it is Michael Todd.  I was so excited to get this product and fell in love with it like everyone else. It is a black (hence the charcoal) which can be quite scary but it really gets in there and cleans out our pores.

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Eyebrow Color Pencil - $18

I was excited to get an eyebrow pencil in my glam bag but the Brunette shade, even applied with a light hand was WAY too dark.  And after using my It Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil for the past month I can't go back to anything else.

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

NOYA Beauty Cherry Lip Balm - $3.99

If you like cherry cough syrup then you will love this stuff! I on the other hand hated it and actually already threw it in the trash.  The smell and the taste was revolting.

Rating: 0 stars

Full Size

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream - $16 for 1 fl. oz.

Sample Size

$4.70 for 0.34 fl. oz.

Every Pacifica product I have tested have quickly become my favorite and this product is no different.  It is light but gives great coverage.  I love how it gives a very healthy glow to the skin.  If you have oily skin, I wouldn't recommend it but normal/dry this will be a dream.  I need to pick up a full size the moment my sample runs out. 

Rating: 5 stars

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Retail: $72.99 (full size) $34.42 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: 2 

The winner of August 2013 Inside My Beauty Boxes is 

IPSY!

Thursday's Three

M A K E U P 

theBalm NUDE ‘TUDE Nude Eyeshadow Palette - $36

   I finally got my hands on this sucker thanks to Hautelook, seriously that site is amazing for a deal! The shadows are super pigmented so a little goes a long way.  You get 4 matte shades and 7 shimmers.  My only wish was that there was matte light brown comparable to Omega shadow from MAC, but regardless I am very happy with my purchase.

F A S H I O N 

3.1 Phillip Lim Bag - price varies

   3.1 Phillip Lim is coming to Target on September 15th ladies! You can gorgeous comparable bags to this beaut for a pretty price ($30-$50).  Yes please! I have already marked my calendar, seriously. 

H A I R 

12 Benefits™ Instant Healthy Hair Treatment - $19

   Everyone talks about It's a 10! products but I found one that one ups that, or I guess two, for a much nicer price. I spritz this all over my hair after the shower and before I use hot tools.  It smells amazing and leaves my hair super smooth! 

Hope you are having a lovely week, while I drown in class work for my first week back.

Inside My Beauty Boxes: BIRCHBOX

August 2013's Birchbox theme was Finishing School.

You'll see Ipsy took a similar route in my next post.

Full Size

ARCONA Cranberry Gommage - $44 for 3.4 oz

Sample Size

$8.80 for 0.68 oz

One word...DELICIOUS. Yes, this is a face scrub but oh man does it smell good.  Imagine rubbing pixi sticks all over your face and that will give you a good visual and scent.  This scrub works wonders, no wonder it won an Allure Beauty Award.

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Miss Jessie's® Original Rapid Recovery Treatment - $26 for 8 oz

Sample Size

$1.50 for 0.46 oz

The sample allowed me 2 treatments.  Although I didn't love the smell, think dog food mixed with old lady salon, I did love the product.  It made my hair very smooth and shiny and my split ends were a tad less noticeable.

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

Miss Jessie's® Original Super Sweetback Treatment - $26 for 8 oz

Sample Size

$1.50 for 0.46 oz

Like the other treatment I didn't love the smell but it did make my hair ends less brittle.  Since I only had 2 uses out of it I can't tell if it really helps hair growth like it says. 

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick Trio - $24 for 3

Sample Size

$8 for 1

I received the orange in the middle of the picture called, Disco Fever.  I have been quite into oranges lately so I was super excited to try this out.  It was incredibly creamy, but not very long lasting.  Mine was received partially broken which was sad but Birchbox has since sent me a new box as an apology (A+ for customer service). 

Rating: 4 stars

Full Size

TanTowel® Classic Formula Self-Tan Towelettes Half Body - $24 for 5

Sample Size

$4.80 for 1 

These seem like a good idea but I didn't find them as effective as self tanning lotion.  It is easy to get streaky and splotchy which is definitely a no no. 

Rating: 1 star

I was supposed to receive a Coastal Scents trio palette but it was not included.  Like previously stated about the Model Co lipstick, Birchbox has sent me a new box. 

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Retail: $144 (full size) $24.60 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: none

Come back on Saturday to see what was in my Ipsy box and who won for this month!

What did you get in your beauty boxes this month?

Back To School Series: Fall Trend Day 5

Classic Ankle Booties
are the shoe of the fall season.
Like I mentioned in my Thursday's Three last week, ankle booties are my absolute favorite shoe because of their versatility and comfort.
These boots are in pretty neutral shades without being boring making them perfect for any fall outfit and finish off every outfit.

SIXTYSEVEN 'Lillian' Bootie - $188.95

TOMS 'Desert' Bootie - $88.95

Sole Society 'Addison' Bootie - $69.95

Steve Madden 'Troopa' Boot - $99.95

DV by Dolce Vita 'Sandie' Boot - $98.95

Thursday's Three: Farewell Summer Edition

Seeing as though this is my last week of summer vacation I am making this week's Thursday's Three a Farewell to Summer edition.
I am sad to see my late mornings, adventuring with my boyfriend, and most definitely my tan go, but I am fully ready to embrace fall.  The temps don't seem to reflect that here in L.A. but I am willing to look past that.
So here are my favorite summer products this week.

H A I R

Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde line - varies

  If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen that a few weeks ago I decided to get read of my brown locks and embrace a blonder hue.  I am absolutely in love with it! To keep it in tip top shape I use this line of products that have a slight purple hue to counteract brassy/orange hues creeping back. 

M A K E U P 

BAREMINERALS bareMinerals READY™ Bronzer in High Dive - $24

  This is my favorite summer bronzer.  It is very pigmented so it needs to be applied with a light hand but it will definitely leave you with the most amazing bronze glow. 

F A S H I O N 

Creekside A Cappella Hat - $16.99

   My fedora has seen many sunny days this summer.  It made any bad hair day (or third hair day) look good and gave me a carefree look to all my summer outfits. 

Now that summer is coming to an end, what were you're favorite products this season?

Back to School Series: Fall Trend Day 4

Like leather LACE is staying put this season.
But instead of sticking to neutral and bohemian colors and styles try branching out in brighter colors and mixing in ladylike and punk styles.

Trouve Trouvé High/Low Silk Top - $58

Free People 'Fiona's Victoria' Top - $68

Hailey by Adrianna Papell Lace Fit & Flare Dress - $138

Back to School Series: Fall Trend Day 3

When it comes to accessorizing this fall it is all about
Chain Links

These Chanel-esque accents make this trend classy and perfect for the upcoming holiday seasons.
I know that some of these will be on my Christmas list this year.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Chain Trim Side Tie Blouse - $110 $73.70

Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini M.A.C.' Shoulder Bag in Rose Gold - $195 

(definitely drooling over this)

Rebecca Minkoff 'Affair - Mini' Convertible Crossbody Bag in Sapphire - $195

Tasha Leather Wrap Bracelet in White/Gold - $38

Back to School Series: Fall Trend Day 2

Today's Trend:
Leather

Don't put your leather skater skirt and jacket away just yet.  Leather is here to stay and I am pretty excited about it!
To amp up this style try it with laser cut outs and colored pieces.

Kensie Faux Leather Collar Blouse - $79

Betsy Johnson Laser Cut Faux Leather Fit & Flare Dress - $198 (online only)

Mural 'Tough Girl' Faux Leather Moto Jacket - Pre-order Today!

Back to School Series: Fall Trend Day 1

To make your transition to school and fall easy, I am going to be spotlighting FIVE fall fashion trends.
That means one new trend every day!

Today I am spotlighting:
Chic Pullovers

What says fall more than a cute sweatshirt? They are warm and cozy and easy to pull on when you're just rolling out of bed.  Find one with a fun graphic or classic style to keep this style fashionable, not lazy.

Equiptment 'Shane' Merino Wool Sweater - $318

Halogen Plaid Colorblock Sweater - $68

Zoe Karssen 'Born Lucky' Sweatshirt - $131

Thursday's Three: Back to School Series

This is most likely everyone's last or almost last Thursday before heading back to school.
Because of this I decided to add this Thursday's Three to my Back to School Series.  These are the top makeup, hair, and fashion must haves for school.

M A K E U P 

theBalm cosmetics NUDE 'tude Nude Eyeshadow Palette - $36

   If there is one makeup item a girl needs for life, let alone school, is a nude eyeshadow palette.  You can simple, adventurous, and smokey eye looks for any occasion.  And if you didn't already know theBalm is my favorite makeup brand, well it is, and so of course their palette would be my top pick.  (It also helps that it is drastically cheaper than Urban Decay's Naked palettes which are $50 bucks a pop.)

H A I R

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum - $20 

  Hair was a hard category to narrow down to one product especially since everyone has different hair textures and issues, but after thinking about I was surprised this wasn't the first thing that popped in my head since it is so clearly obvious...SERUM! It is the magic of all hair products.  You can use it on wet or dry hair for added shine, smoothness, and frizz control.  Paul Mitchell's is the best of the best with 5+ beauty awards. 

F A S H I O N 

Charlotte Russe Sueded Cutout Ankle Boot - $40

Report Ayden Bootie - $69.95

   If I had to choose one shoe to wear the rest of my life it would be an ankle boot.  It may not look good with a prom dress or formal occasion but I'd find some way to make it work.  Ankle boots are year round friendly shoes.  The small heel gives femininity and edge while still being comfortable to walk around in all day (seriously I live in mine).  I usually try to only have one item per category for Thursday's Three, but come one, you have to have them in both colors for unlimited styling options. 

These are my top picks, what are yours?

Back to School Series: 1st Day of School Makeup

Whether you are in 8th grade or college this makeup look will start your year off fresh and beautiful.

Step One: Prime 

  Primer may not be an everyday essential to many people but for the first day back you want to be looking your best.  Primer will keep your pores small and your oil contained.  Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional ($30) is a great light weight but effective choice. 

Step Two: Even Your Skin Tone

   Many people think foundation should be able to cover every imperfection, but when it does, that is usually when you look like a cake face.  Foundation should be used to eliminate redness and even our skin tone.  Revlon Color Stay ($9.99) is a good foundation that can be applied lightly for a natural finish or built up for full coverage for those of us with less than perfect skin. 

Step Three: Conceal 

   You know how you always go to bed unusually early before the first day back? But instead of getting a good night's sleep you toss and turn and can't stop thinking about what your'e going to wear or what everyone is going to think of your outfit.  So instead of going to school with bags under your eyes use concealer to brighten up those peepers. Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer ($6.99) has good coverage and comes in a variety of shades so you can definitely find your perfect match. 

Step Four: Bronze Yourself

   You just came from summer so of course you can't come back to school without a tan.  Fake a sun-kissed glow or enhance your tan with some bronzer dusted on your temples, cheeks, nose, and chin.  Jouer's Sunswept Mattifying Powder Bronzer ($28) gives the perfect glow and will also keep your oil controlled with it's mattifying properties.  

Step Five: Natural Flush

   Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher Color Icon Blusher Powder in Pearlescent Pink ($1.99) (wow, that's quite the mouthful) is a great color that looks great on any skin tone! 

Step Six: Bronze Eye

   To play up your tan even more, add a bronzed eye for that summer beach babe look.  Cream shadows are great because they are easy to apply and blend and they leave the eye looking dewy.  Revlon Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow in Skinlights ($4.94) is a great quad to have.  It also is small enough to fit in your purse or locker for touch ups in the day. 

Step Seven: Define

  If you need eyeliner I recommend Urban Decay 24/7 DOUBLE-ENDED GLIDE-ON PENCIL ($12).  What's so great about it is that you can have black for when you want more definition and drama and brown for more natural and subtle look and you only need one pencil! 

Step Eight: Lashes!

  No makeup look is complete without mascara.  I'm sure you already know my current obsession with Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions Lashblast Mascara ($8.49) and when you try it you'll understand why. 

Just add your favorite balm or gloss and you are ready for your first day back!

What are your back to school makeup essentials?  

All Natural Style Secrets

I am not an "eco" person on an everyday basis. 

But there are some days when I am feeling particularly "green."

I'm sure I'm not the only one who experiences this.  It's those days where you choose fruit over fruit loops, take the stairs instead of the elevator, drink water rather than your usual Diet Coke,
and decide to stick to your workout routine this week. 

When your "green" phase is inevitably over after 3 days
you can still implement some natural/organic products in your beauty routine.

Here are my favorite

All Natural Style Secrets

(starting left to right)

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Peaceful - $26

  Perfectly peach color that will suit any skin tone! 

bareMinerals MATTE Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 - $27 

  The most popular all natural foundation that will leave you with the perfect matte and natural finish. 

Seventh Generation Boosts Firming with Baobab  - $9.99

  This is my newest love for all natural skin care.  Seventh Generation, an all natural organic company, has introduced their 6 new Boosts (hydrating, soothing, clearing, firming, revitalizing, protecting).  I have been using the Firming with Baobab daily after I have cleansed my face but while it is still damp.  It absorbs super quickly, doesn't clog my pores or leave my skin feeling heavy, and it is 100% biobased.  The Firming formulation will help with fine lines and lack luster skin.  After using it you will find your skin looking more youthful and tighter in those trouble areas around your eyes and lips. 

Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush - $6.99 

  This natural brush is incredibly soft and will blend products beautifully.  Don't think you can only use this for bronzer, it blends mineral makeup beautifully. 

Burt's Bees Natural Lip Gloss in Rosy Dawn - $9

  I am a loyal customer of all things Burt's Bees, they can do no wrong in my book.  This lip gloss is super smooth and tastes incredible. 

Physicians Formula Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara - $9.95

  Physician Formula is the most popular organic drugstore brand and they build their good reputation with every product.  This mascara is 100% natural, contains lash lengthening minerals, and it's pretty (that's all that really matters, right?). 

SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Provocateur - $10

  Even your nail polish can be natural! SpaRitual is known for their all natural ingredients.  They have a huge color range that are greatly pigmented and don't leave your nails feeling dry and brittle after taking it off. 

DevaCurl DevaCare - No-Poo™' No-Fade Zero Lather Cleanser and DevaCare - No-Poo™' No-Fade Zero Lather Cleanser - $19 each

  Being a curly girl myself, I swear by DevaCurl! I recently just learned of their natural line which makes me love them even more. 

How do you stay pretty using natural products?

Tell me your all natural style secrets!

I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.

7 Melt-Proof Products

I took a quick hiatus this past week from the blog. 

The reason being I had to travel to the wonderful and beautiful city of Phoenix. 

If you can't tell that that statement is dripping in sarcasm, well I am making my opinion of this city clear now.  

108 temps until 10 p.m. with monsoon weather humidity?!

No thank you.

The only positive this trip has brought is a blog post spotlighting 

7 Melt-Proof Products

so you Phoenix and other unbearably hot and humid residers can endure the summer while still looking especially adorable. 

You would assume cream based products would melt right off your face, but it's actually the exact opposite.  Cream based products usually contain silicone which makes products extra long lasting.  Powder products when layered and mixed with sweat make for a cake face, and no one wants that or wants to look at that. 

1. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in Sweetheart - $7.49

    Revlon wins hands down when it comes to drugstore lip products.  Their lip stain balm keeps your lips perfectly pink without the dryness of a marker like stain. They come in 12 different colors but Sweetheart is a universally friendly color. 

2. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 - $39

    This BB Cream leaves a matte finish while leaving a light feeling on your skin.  Bonus it has SPF and there is no flash back! $39 may seem like a steep price, but they also have travel sized bottles for $19, the perfect amount to last your throughout the summer. 

3. Tarte Cosmetics Cheek Stain in Blissful - $30

    Tarte is famous for their outlasting power, so obviously their cheek stains are the MVP of stains. Blissful is the perfect pinky coral that flatters your summer tan. You can also use it as a lip stain as well!

4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil - $19 each

    I usually nix the eyeliner when it's sweltering outside but if you can't resist your classic cat eye these liners are the way to go.  They are super smooth and will even withstand the pool and waves.  With their 12 shades you can get even more creative. 

5. Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base - $48 

    If you haven't heard about Chanel's Soleil Tan De Chanel, you've clearly been living under a rock the whole summer. These cream bronzer has built the biggest hype for a reason...it's AMAZING! You can put this on under your foundation to give your face a subtle glow or apply as usual bronzer.  $48 is quite the pay out for bronzer but this will last you your whole life, because a little goes a long way. It's worth every sun kissed penny. 

6. Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze and Barely Branded - $5.94 each

    These are must for all seasons.  They work great as both full eyeshadow or eyeshadow base.  These are a almost identical dupes for MAC paint pots formula wise.

7. CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Water Resistant Mascara - $6.49
    No clumps no matter how many coats your layer on throughout the day! 

What products have proven to be melt-proof for you this summer?