March Birchbox Review

Hello all, it's that time again. This month I got a spring-themed Birchbox, with products to ease the transition from winter to warmer months (who am I kidding- we're all chomping at the bit for beach season). If you haven't already, head over to Birchbox.com to embark on your very own monthly beauty journey!

Here's a look at what I got:

Weekly Nordstrom Rack Visit

Last week I paid my weekly visit to Nordstrom Rack. I've heard rumors that they often receive shipments on a daily basis, and I know that at the very least they get new merchandise in weekly, so I like to swing by every week. If I don't, I feel like I might be missing out.

The Kimono trend is really big right now. I've never heard of the West Koi brand before, but it was an interesting item. I personally love the style, and loved the particular print and fringe detail of this kimono, but it was one size fits all. The fringe ended well below the knee. While I know it's intended to be drape-y, I felt that this one was a bit overwhelming. Also, the chiffon-type fabric is pretty, but doesn't add warmth, and I'm always very hesitant to buy pieces that don't have much function. However, I do think that on the right person, with a nice neutral palette, this would be a really lovely piece. Check out these similar kimonos- splurge here and an affordable version here.

DIY Gel Nails in Con-Fuschion

For those of you concerned about the damage gel polish might do to the nail, here's a look at my bare nails after a solid year of wearing gels. 

My nails look as good as they ever did. In fact, they split and break a lot less with gels on because the gel polish acts to thicken the nail and in essence, to provide a protective coating. The nail surface is very smooth and the cuticles look pretty good, if I do say so myself. 

Here are the polishes I used for this particular manicure, in conjunction with my MelodySusie mini LED nail polish dryer (The LED dryer is awesome, it dries each coat in only 45 seconds, versus two minutes using a UV dryer).

I used IBD Just Gel Polish in "Con-Fuschion." I like to use IBD polishes for the color coat, because their polishes are very complex and multi-faceted, whereas the Gelish colors are more opaque and flat. This particular fuchsia has a VERY subtle blue and pink shimmer in bright daylight. 

Here's a look at how they came out: 

Beauty Photoshoot

Recently I got together with a few friends to have our makeup done by a makeup artist friend, Michelle. Our beauty looks range from casual to dramatic, and everything in between. 

Below you'll find looks for every occasion, along with the products used to achieve each look.

For anyone in the L.A. area interested in booking Michelle for an upcoming event, here's her contact info:

www.MichelleReneeArtistry.com

Michelle@MichelleReneeArtistry.com 

Twitter/Instagram/Facebook - MichelleReneeArtistry

 On Cassandra:

To get Cassandra's Dramatic Smokey Eye & Dark Lip: Dinair Airbrush Foundation, Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner, Jordana Mascara, Urban Decay Naked2 Palette, Sephora Primal Instincts Palette (Black & Purple Hues), Lashes (99 Cent store!), MAC Cyber lipstick, MAC Nightmoth Lip Liner

On Lauren: 

February Birchbox Review

Hello friends! If you've never heard of Birchbox, it's a monthly beauty sample subscription. In essence, you pay a fee of $10 a month, and receive a box every month with 5 beauty samples delivered to your door. The products range in size from sample-size to full-size. You then have the option of purchasing the full-size version of the sample via their website.

 Click here to join!

What I like most about the Birchbox program is that you have the option to review your samples the month you receive them. For each sample you review, you're awarded ten "thank you" points. When you accumulate 100 points (the equivalent of 10 product reviews), you receive $10 off the purchase of a full-size item in the Birchbox online store! I did the math- if you review each item you receive in a given month, you'll earn 50 points. Thus after two months of review, you'll have earned $10 off! I currently have $30 worth of these "thank you" points sitting in my account that I intend to cash in shortly!

#1

Ruby Wing// Color Changing Polish (in “Kitten Heels”) $10.00 Full Size

http://www.birchbox.com/shop/ruby-wing-nail-polish

This nail polish is supposed to change color between natural light and indoor light (from pink inside to a darker red outside). I didn’t find this to be the case. It was a uniform hot pink color both indoors and outdoors. I find the color-changing to be gimmicky anyway- I don’t see the point in my polish looking different in sunlight, so I wasn’t too disappointed. That being said, I was satisfied with the quality of this polish, and actually thought that the hot pink color I ended up with was very pretty (it’s pretty true to the color it appears in the bottle). I would recommend this brand on color and quality alone, but can’t say it does what it advertises.   

Here's what it looked like on my toes in the shade versus in the sun:

Peter Pilotto for Target Review

I stopped in at my local Target over the long weekend to see if there was anything left of the Peter Pilotto for Target collection (I meant to go the day it hit the shelves, but I forgot, oops). I found a single rack with some of the remaining pieces, and surprisingly most of them were a size XS. I tried on everything in an XS, except for the gray racerback tank that I left on the rack because it didn't do anything for me.

I must say that overall, I wasn't overwhelmed by the quality of the collection, but the prices were pretty stellar. 

Get the Green Floral Print Coverup here for $34.99.

This was the first piece that caught my eye on the hanger. I enjoyed the floral print and the subtle hi-lo hem, and thought it was the perfect amount of sheer for a summer coverup. I also liked the detail at the neck and the open back. I contemplated buying this, but couldn't bring myself to buy a coverup in the middle of winter (although I was tempted to plan a tropical vacation). Overall, I think this is a great coverup option at a really reasonable price.  

Tech Product Review

Last year I got an iPad Air, but never got around to buying a case for it. I know that eventually, I'll want to travel with it and it's not the kind of thing you can just toss in your purse unprotected. I was really hesitant to shell out the money for an expensive case like the ones they sell at the Apple store, so I went on Amazon in search of something more affordable. They had a wide range of products at different price points, but I found one that was on sale for $4.99 that had a ton of great reviews (I'm always skeptical of things that are too good to be true, so I recommend really poring over the reviews).

It's called A Fintie Apple iPad Air Folio Case (Get it here.) The product info says that it is "synthetic leather," (read: faux leather) but for my price point, I knew I wouldn't get the real deal, nor do I really care. The inner front cover is microfiber, a soft, fuzzy material that functions to protect the screen. The front cover has a magnetic closure, which is very nice and has just the right amount of magnetism to really keep it closed. It also has a stylus holder, but does not come with a stylus (to be honest, I didn't know you could use a stylus with an iPad, whoops).

With the front cover open and tucked behind, it will lay completely flat. The cover adds very little bulk. Also, all of the buttons are perfectly accessible, and the key cutouts are in the proper locations. An added bonus is when you close the cover, your iPad automatically sleeps, and when you open the cover, the "enter password" screen pops up. I'm not sure how this works, but it's a nice feature.

Old Navy Review

When I saw that Old Navy was having a 20% off sale in store, I decided to stop by. I don't usually have much luck there (something to do with their proportions, nothing ever looks right), but I had my eye on a particular cinch-tie workout hoodie. Most of their items were on sale (although not ALL women's items, as advertised), and I also stopped by the clearance rack to see if any of the fall/winter items I'd had my eye on were reduced. If you like Old Navy clothing, I recommend stopping by now and scoping out the sales. 

Warning: A TON OF FITTING ROOM PICTURES

Women's Lightweight Tie-Waist Jacket here. The "Basswood Brown" color was on sale for $20 in store. This one was full price at $39.99. I like the color and fit, although I noticed the tie-waist did accentuate the hips quite a bit. I passed because this is too lightweight for my needs. 

This was my favorite find! I can't find this online anymore, but it was on clearance in store for $14.50! It has a removable shearling collar and is 51% wool. The XS was a little bit wide on me but it was fully lined and very warm, so I couldn't pass it up. It will have to fulfill my "military green" lust until I find the right utility jacket.

NEXT UP:

Calvin Klein Activewear

This past weekend, I stopped by my local T.J. Maxx. I'll be honest, I haven't had THAT much luck there in the past, but I know how stellar their prices are, so I'm determined to master the place. In the past, I've found some great handbags at really low prices, and some killer lamps in their home department, but haven't been thrilled with their shoe and clothing selection.

I told myself that I was entitled to some new workout clothes since I've been doing so well getting to the gym so far this new year. I like Lululemon as much as the next girl, but the prices are astronomical, and I REFUSE to spend $100 dollars on a pair of pants that I intend to sweat in on a regular basis, so this was my next stop (I'm also a big fan of Old Navy activewear, it's surprisingly durable).

I tried on a bunch of stuff at T.J. Maxx, but only came home with these exercise pants.

They are Calvin Klein Performance, regular $49.99 reduced to $19.99. The material (90% cotton/10% spandex) feels more like a fashion legging than a typical workout pant, so I imagine that these might show sweat marks. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but they are actually gray with tiny black stripes, which is a nice detail. They are different enough from the typical black yoga pant, while still being subtle. From afar, they look like a solid gray. 

 

Jacket: Fila old (Similar here), Top: Mossimo Supply Co. (Similar Here), Bottom: Calvin Klein Performance from T.J. Maxx, Shoes: Nike Fit Sole (Newer version here)

A Hint of Sparkle

About a year ago, my mom suggested we get gel manicures. I didn't know what they entailed, but her friend couldn't stop raving about them, so I was game. The process was somewhere between a regular manicure and acrylics. The result was the shiniest set of sparkly purple nails is ever seen. And four weeks later, although my nails had started to grow out, there was not a single chip to be found. I was hooked! The only downside was the price. One manicure set me back $30 plus tip. I knew it wasn't a realistic long term option for someone like me, who rarely splurges on my nails. The solution? An at-home gel nail polish system. 

Here's what you'll need: (I recommend Gelish for the foundation and top coat, they have a great starter kit called Gelish Basix you can purchase on www.amazon.com ) I got started for right around $100, the cost of just over three salon manicures, so within three months the system was cost-effective.

It's really a simple process. Here's the abridged version. Prepare nails like you normally would before a manicure, trimmed, buffed, etc. Then use the cuticle oil, and using a lint-free wipe, clean the nail with the nail surface cleanse. Once the nail is clean, use the PH bond to dry out the nails so that the polish will adhere to the nail. 

Click below for more instructions: