Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Honest Beauty Trial

So I fell for a Facebook sponsored post. On one hand that is entirely unlike me, but on the other, I was obsessed with the Magic Bullet's infomercial, so I can fall for it from time-to-time. I'd like to think it only happens with the good products (and not the too good to be true). Anyway, I saw the ad for the free trial from The Honest Company's Beauty range, Honest Beauty, and figured I'd check it out.

I chose the 'oily' version because I wanted the oil-free selection. It comes with a gel cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. And an especially cute bag. I love the gray pleather with floral lining. I instantly threw it in my purse to catch all my random odds and ends. Now that you know I approve of the bag..let's get into the actual products.

The Refreshingly Clean Gel Cleanser is really nice. It's a great consistency, foamy yet not too bubbly, and doesn't dry out your skin. The Dependably Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer has a sort of milk-like scent. I am not too sure how I feel about it, but I do love the texture. It's very soft and hydrating. Make-up applies over it very easily as well. I am definitely considering purchasing the full-size. I haven't tried the Beyond Protected Oil-Free Daily Beauty Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen but am looking forward to an oil-free facial sunscreen.

What do you think of Honest Beauty?


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Sunday, March 27, 2016

Lush | Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! We usually spend the weekend in Jersey but went out there just a couple weekends ago, so decided to stay home. We're making the most of the start of spring by doing a full cleaning. We made so much progress yesterday! Life is much nicer with a clean apartment. I picked up the latest from Marie Kondo, Spark Joy, to serve as a bit of inspiration. I also purchased a few goodies from Lush. I'm loving it as a simple, little Easter tradition. Plus, I have taken up rock climbing and am so sore-I could use a luxurious bath!

For Easter goodies, I went with the classic Bunch of Carrots. But this year, it has an heirloom, farmer's market update. I love the bright fruit scent. It's great that it's reusable. I always end of breaking my bath items up for several uses, but with this one, I don't have to. You just swirl it around in your tub, then remove, and let dry for next time.

I had to go with the glitter bomb that is the Golden Egg. It's a bath bomb melt. It feels super soft and smells very sweet. Perfect for a relaxing evening in.

As I was walking out of the store, the Intergalactic bath bomb caught my eye. I loved the bright, swirling colours. It reminds me of those rubber balls from the quarter machines-you know what I am talking about, right? It has a mint, cedar scent. Very refreshing. I feel like Preston is definitely going to want to steal a piece of this one.

What are your favourite Lush products?
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Thursday, March 24, 2016

Spring Cleaning My Everyday


It’s crazy to think it’s the spring of 2016. I feel like yesterday I was worrying that 2016 was too big a number. Usually, I am all excited about the new year. I feel like there are unlimited possibilities, always curious what might happen. 2015 was a great year for me. I was working full-time the entire year which made me feel so much more secure and independent. I was saving money, making plans, paying those student loans... I scored my dream job over the summer and everything just felt right. I had been fighting for so long to get to where I am. Long nights, worry, never enough money, wondering what will happen. But I am someone that loves having a goal. Something to strive for. So now that 2016 has rolled around, I have been wondering what’s next? There is no big finish line-graduate college, finish grad school, get the dream job. I should be so happy to not be furiously treading water to just keep my head up. It can be hard to not have that one goal where everything can fall back as long as you’re headed toward that one thing. Now, I am worrying about everything. Should I be eating better, exercising more, getting more sleep, picking up fresh flowers on the weekend? Maybe, this is holding myself up to an unrealistic standard, an Instagram filter. The day-to-day can be hard. I’m always telling myself that I can just try again tomorrow.

So with this new spring, I’m going to start spring cleaning my everyday. Does every day need to be perfect? No, but I do want to have a little more routine, to give myself time to find new hobbies, try new things, see new places. Otherwise, I’d just be crashing on the couch after work every night. A few times on this blog I’ve made some seasonal goals. A few of them still remain on the list. I think I’ll try to tackle those. Have a Marie Kondo weekend. And really just try to make my bed every morning.

It’s funny how the big things can feel easier to accomplish than the small ones.

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Saturday, March 19, 2016

Whole Foods Beauty Bag 2016

Woo-hoo! Another Whole Foods Beauty Bag! I loved last year's (I think I might have missed a fall version in between?), so I was super excited that they were doing it again. And this one is packed with natural and cruelty-free products.

Bag Breakdown
evanhealy Rose Geranium Facial Tonic
Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk
Weleda Skin Food
MyChelle Perfect C Serum
derm e Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask
Mineral Fusion Lash Curling Mineral Mascara
Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+
Burt's Bees Lipstick in Sunset Cruise
Riji Green Organic Cotton Bag

There is like every skincare product imaginable, plus a few make-up goodies too. An amazing value at fifteen dollars. Get on over to Whole Foods!

What are your favourite natural beauty brands?
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Nail Art | Rose & Gray

Gray + Metallic is my favourite combination. So cozy yet luxe. I had a solo night-in Friday and enjoyed a little me time playing with nail polish. I decided to do a gradient with Zoya Dove and Essie Penny Talk-and I love how it turned out.

I will definitely be doing this look again. I think it's perfect for a special occasion. Even if that occasion is just your usual weekend.


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Friday, March 18, 2016

Birchbox | March 2016

My little succulent has been the star of several blog posts now. But today we are talking about the March Birchbox. I had just received February's after a postal challenge, so March wasn't even on my radar. So, let's explore around this box together.

Box Breakdown
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray
Wilma Schumann Skin Care Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads
trestique Color & Smudge Shadow Crayon in Aspen Pine
Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer Oil

I didn't select a sample this month, so this box was a complete surprise. I have been quite happy with my subscription lately. I feel like I am always getting a good variety and large sizes. Just look at the Kiehl's. I have heard about the Parlor Sea Salt Spray, I believe it was the first product they released. Last night, I ordered some new bikinis-I am so ready for beach days and beachy hair to match. Soothing eye pads are much needed after many late nights in front of a computer screen. When I first opened my box, I freaked out that the eye shadow crayon was missing it's cap. It took me a bit too long to realize that is the cap, and once removed, the twist-up crayon is underneath. I will have to give this dark forest green a try. Finally, I received a sample of smashbox's Primer Oil

What did you get in this month's Birchbox?
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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Review | New from Wet n Wild 2016

Wet n Wild has come out with loads of new products for 2016. There are eyeshadow palettes, make-up brushes, gel polishes, and more! I have had to reel myself back in several times in the drugstore... I did end up picking out a few new things. But I have to say, I now just want to try more!

I am always down to try a new mascara, especially when it promises cat eyes. I am not the hugest rubber bristle fan, but I am loving this Max Fanatic Cat Eye Mascara. The end of the wand really fans out to get all those long lashes in the outer corner. I only need a few swipes for length and volume, and I have found it to last all day on me without smudging. I love the Urban Decay Setting Sprays, but they are a bit on the pricey side, especially for something that runs out fairly quickly. I tend to use setting sprays more in the summer due to the unbearable heat (whether I'm in the city or visiting Florida), so I haven't tested this out too often as of yet. The Photofocus Setting Spray does have exactly the same light scent and feel as the UD one. Just for a fraction of the price. Finally, I did not need another nail polish, but I had to try the 1 Step Wonder Gel polishes. For blog research, right? I'm sold, and now want the whole range. I have Pretty Peas and All That Jazzy!  I love the look of gel nails but like to switch it up too often for the tedious removal process. These polishes give the look of gel with your standard nail painting technique without a single difference in removal. I haven't tried these as long as they could go, but I did wear it on my weekend trip to Seattle. They stayed picture perfect the whole trip. I am lusting after some of the bright summery shades and cool neutrals.

Have you picked up any new WnW releases?
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Sunday, March 6, 2016

ABM Happy Mail | January & February 2016

Yup, mail issues again. I actually ended up receiving February before January. I just wanted to quickly share these cute cards. My favs were the cinnamon roll with gold foiled dots and the cake with the star toppers. I don't think it's the baked goods that are getting me, just the simple illustration and colour palette. Lots of pink these past couple of months which isn't exactly my style. Though, I love a good coloured envelope. I also really like the 'Happy Mail' stamp. There hasn't been a stamp before, and I thought it was a great addition to the kit-something you can use again and again for all your cards.

Which cards were your favourites?
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Saturday, March 5, 2016

Birchbox | February 2016

A very late Birchbox arrival. We have been having such issues with our mail lately. So many things have been not delivered! A rant for another day... Thanks to Birchbox for having such great customer service and sending me a new box. Now, I didn't end up getting my sample selection (I wanted to try the Ren Glycolactic Mask!), but I got some other amazing goodies. Not to mention the adorable box.

Box Breakdown
The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Butter
Hey Honey Take it Off! Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask
Tocca Eau de Parfum, Emelia
Arrow Boost Color Enhancing Lip Balm
Terax Hair Care Original Crema

Who doesn't love The Body Shop's body butters? I am excited to try the Fuji Green Tea scent. The mini sizes are perfect for travel or just throwing in your handbag. I am a bit mask obsessed and am looking forward to a pamper night with this exfoliating honey peel off mask. I have been wanting to try a honey based mask for awhile. Though I am not the biggest perfume fanatic, I have never been disappointed in a Tocca scent. They are always so fresh and bright. I've even purchased their laundry detergent for delicates. Arrow is a brand direct from Birchbox. I was curious, so I am glad to get to try their lip balm. Finally, I received a generous sized sample of a conditioner from Terax. I go through shampoo and conditioner like crazy, so I am always up for trying something new.  

What did you get in this month's box?
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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Spring Nails | Julep Posey & Andie

Happy March! This weekend felt a bit like spring which had me wanting to bring back the pastel nails. These two polishes from Julep, Posey & Andie, came in the January mystery box. I wasn't quite ready for these shades when it was snowing. But now is the time. I have an obsession with lavender nails. I probably didn't need another one, but I love the pale, yet true, purple shade of Posey. And of course, I can resist a fun glitter. It makes my nails look like little easter eggs-perfect for spring!

What polishes have you been wearing lately?


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