Quick Review | Rothy's vs Birdies

This is one of my most popular YouTube vids (at over 200 views lol!), so I thought I would share it on the blog if you missed it! It's a super quick video to give you the main details, so let me know if you have any other questions below. Though, I think most people are coming for the Rothy's $20 off referral code ;P If you own a pair of Rothy's you too have a $20 off code. So many people have heard about them- but haven't taken the plunge yet- so definitely pass on your code to friends & family!

Rothy's $20 off referral code | https://share.rothys.com/x/hHT42P

Birdies $20 off referral code | http://fbuy.me/v/kimdalve

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Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment

Tatcha is one of the most gorgeous skincare brands I've come across. I've shared a couple of their holiday sets back in 2014 and 2015, as well as the dewy skin mist that everyone raves about! I've also been dying to try the Violet C Radiance Mask-which now comes in a set as a travel version. But today, I thought I would share a product I never really thought about purchasing and is now my secret skincare and make-up weapon.

For most of my life, my number one skin concern was acne. As I've gotten older under eye dark circles have stolen the first place spot. I assumed the answer was just add extra concealer-in a shade lighter-on top- despite that clearly not working by the creasing and cakiness.

The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment stumbled into my hands by way of Kirbie Johnson at the Popsugar Playground event. We sat in on her session about her favorite beauty products, and she shared this little purple Pokeball of a product. We were extra stoked it was included in a swag bag to try out!

It comes in three shades that roughly correspond to skintone but really it's the texture and the brightness that does wonders for the under eye. Hence, this is the medium shade, Softlight, and it works on my super fair skin.

Before

Here is my before face! No filter/editing/enhancing. Mostly natural light, but there was a light in the room to the left side of my face.

After

Only with The Pearl on! It's natural but oh so brightening. And the texture blends in your pores so well. You only need a teeny tiny bit for both eyes. As you blend it in with your finger, it kind of bursts into moisture.

All the make-up!

And here it is with a full face of make-up. Though, I totally skip the concealer step now! I also love that it's not only a make-up product but also a treatment.

What do you think? Have you tried this product? 

What are some of your Tatcha favs?

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Review | Herbivore Botanicals

I'm calling this a review, though it's very incomplete as there are many products from Herbivore I have yet to try. But before I spend a massive amount of money on the next batch of amazing smelling, powerful formulas, and streamlined packaging-I thought I'd share my first impressions of the brand.

The first product I tried was the infamous Coco Rose Body Polish. This scrub is amazing. It smells so delectable. The coconut oil, rose combo is just gorgeous. It's super scrubby and very hydrating. I need to repurchase a tub of this-which is crazy that the little one lasted so long! My next dive in the Herbivore pond, was the True Blue set. I couldn't believe the sizes for the price-and the amazing blue colour. I love facial oils and was excited to try Lapis Balancing Facial Oil with Blue Tansy Oil. The Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask and oil make my skin feel calmed and balanced. Gorgeous smelling, gorgeous on your skin, gorgeous packaging.

Next on my list are the mists-Rose Hibiscus, Jasmine Green Tea-, Moon Fruit, Pink Cloud, and a jade or quartz roller, perhaps?

Let me know what your favourite Herbivore products are!

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Subculture | The Ultimate Fall Palette

December 1st is still Fall y'all! And even if you are already jamming to Christmas music and basking in the glow of your twinkle-lighted tree-this palette is still perfect for the holidays. I know the Subculture eyeshadows have been making the rounds of some major controversies, but now that that has settled down...I thought I'd share my thoughts and a few eyeshadow looks.

When I first saw the color scheme of this bad boy, I had to have it. Did I know how to rock an orange or teal eyelid? Hell no-but who could resist these peacock feather, rich hues? I'd figure it out...and then, I read some reviews...which led to hours of YouTube videos of people tearing up this palette. If I was already worried about pulling off the bold shades, a troublesome formula wasn't going to help. There were a few reviews citing no concerns, so I crossed my fingers and purchased.

And I love it. Not that the critiques are unfounded, they are super pigmented shades, but I haven't experienced much of the complaints myself. I use the lightest amount-no swirling here-and plan the shadows accordingly. You can't blend a blue into an orange. But you can lay down some complementary shades for some badass contrast. Below are a few looks I've photographed if you need some inspiration!

Pumpkin Spice

Peacock Feather

Moscow Mule

Camo (& a cat)

If that Beauty Insider Holiday Reward is burning a hole in your wallet, definitely check Subculture out. It will make the perfect holiday gift for your trendiest make-up loving friend or as a treat for yourself to be holiday party ready. And if you end up being in the anti-Subculture camp-I'm sorry I steered you wrong. It was worth the shot.

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Review | Onzie Flow Yoga

I had been in real need of some new yoga outfits. My current workout wardrobe was constantly being rotated in and out of the laundry. I had been following Onzie on Instagram, and a few yogis who seem to always be repping their stuff. I loved how many neutral colored yet bold designs they featured. They are high quality with a price tag that's way more affordable than brands like Lululemon. Think $50-60 dollars per item. Every so often they have a discount code which is when I ordered. You can also find their stuff on YogaOutlet.com which is where I ordered to get the Petunia print that was off season. I have also seen Onzie at Nordstrom Rack-the difficulty there is finding your size.

These photos are some real awkward timer shots, but I hope they give you a sense of the fit and movement of these pieces. I really can't wait to order some more. The fabrics are super luxe with edgy design details. They also passed the hot yoga test with regards to moisture wicking. I will say I prefer wearing the Ballerina capri in a non-heated, not so sweaty sesh as the fabric has a more cotton/sweatpant feel (despite not being cotton-they are just more cozy feeling). It showed a bit of sweat marks during class though instantly were dry after leaving the room. I also realized I prefer long pants for hot yoga, so I am not slipping when holding my shin or ankle (trikonasana). The high rise legging are perfect for that since they are long, skin tight, but super movable. They are so sleek, it's almost like water. The bra is full of details with the darting, high neckline with chest cut out, and X back. They have so many awesome strappy selections. And speaking of straps, I just love the lace ups on the side of the ballerina capri. I ordered an XS in the pants and a S/M in the bra.

Ballerina Capri in Stone

(I feel like I am in a Thinx ad...)

Open Heart Bra in Black 

High Rise Yoga Leggings in Petunia

(Both the fox & I are headless)

What are your favorite styles or prints from Onzie?

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Sephora Favorites Skin Super Foods

I was able to score this here beauty. All the heart eye emojis...It's been quite difficult from what I hear online, but lucky for me, the city is full of Sephoras. I was ready to do my thang and take pictures and write a post. And then, I had a little sense of adventure and decided to try my hand at making another YouTube video. I mean at some point it has to click and get a bit easier? Anyway, hopefully you enjoy, and it helps in case you are thinking of making a mini road trip to get the Skin Super Foods set!

Tarte Maracuja Oil

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

Josie Maran Cosmetics Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask *Not cruelty-free

Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask

Youth to the People Age Prevention Superfood Mask

Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Body Polish

Kopari Beauty Coconut Melt

 

Have you picked this up? What are some of your favorite products from these brands?

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Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser & Boy Brow

You can tell I took this pic awhile ago with the winter sticker...Oh well, that means I have had plenty of time to test the products out! Here is the quick review:

Boy Brow | Definitely adding this to my arsenal of favourite brow products. I have been using it non stop. It makes it seem like you have naturally perfect eyebrows. It doesn't give a bold brow look, but if I am doing a bolder brow, I like to use it to fill in the beginning of my brow to have a nice fading in effect.

Milky Jelly Cleanser | Even after using this for several months now, I am not sure what to think.  I haven't been wowed, but I don't not like it? It leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated. It does an okay job removing make-up (doesn't quite remove all mascara, liquid liner). The texture matches it's namesake, and you only need a little bit of product per use. I think I just am not a fan of the scent-it's unscented fragrance wise but the scent reminds me of putty. Sorry that my description of this is not much help ;P

There are a few more products I want to order. I am curious about the super serums, and I want to try more of their coloured make-up products. And for the awesome stickers, of course.

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Birchbox Refresh + Reset Limited Edition Box

I am so behind on blogging! I just got back from South Africa, and I can't wait to share the photos. But before that I needed to catch up on my backlog of post ideas that I took the pictures for without quite making it to the writing. First up, I wanted to share Birchbox's Refresh + Reset box. It's been on the site awhile now, but who knows when it might sell out!

Box Breakdown

Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara 

HUM Nutrition Raw Beauty Green Superfood Powder - Mint Chocolate Chip Infusion 
ARROW REFRESH On-the-Go Cleansing Cloths 
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Living proof. Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo
R+Co ANALOG Cleansing Foam Conditione
S'well 9 oz. Bottle in Amethyst Quartz

Pointe Studio Jett Grip Light Socks

I love when Birchbox does a bigger box with a theme. There is always a mix of beauty and lifestyle goodies at a great price point. Whether you want to sample everything yourself or give as a gift. I've been back on a fitness kick, so I was already digging the theme of this one. Additionally, I had already tried most of the products included and knew I loved them. You can't go wrong with a Swell bottle. You get most of the cost of the box back right there. I have accumulated a couple of Swells but just had to have this cute mini size.

I actually ended up bringing a lot of the beauty items with me on my trip since they were the perfect size. The Arrow Refresh Cloths and Avene Thermal Water were perfect for the long-haul flight (and after hiking and camping!) Dry shampoo is always a good thing, and the R+Co Conditioner is a fav. The Eyeko mascara gives your lashes amazing length and lasts all day while still keeping lashes fluttery. I mainly do hot yoga, so the socks won't be necessary, but they are great quality and would work well for some home practice. Maybe for practicing some up the wall inversions with the non-slip sole... Finally, the box also includes a few packets of Hum Raw Beauty in Mint Chocolate Chip. These packets are perfect for adding to a smoothie to make it taste like a milkshake. I blend it with almond milk, extra greens, and frozen banana and top it with some cocoa nibs. Yum.

Anyway, definitely check this one out. I feel like all the products are everyday essentials, even when not at the gym.  

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drybar Review Round Up

So, I am a bit obsessed with drybar. From my first trip to the repeat visits with my bestie, it's a blast to relax a bit and have amazing hair. Of course, I had to throw in a new product or two with each visit. Or trip to Sephora. It's my new go to brand for all things hair. The packaging, the scent, the texture is all perfect. I thought I'd share the products I've tried and link to any full-fledged reviews.

Sake Bomb Shampoo & Conditioner are repeat purchases for me. They are my favourite hydrating shampoo and conditioner combo. I might have to try the other drybar shampoos/conditioners to branch out a bit.

I used the Blonde Ale Brightening Cream during my time with a blonde ombre. Looking at the pictures, I kind of want to go back...

I think of The Chaser as a leave-in/styling cream hybrid. You can use it on dry hair, but I tend to use it on slightly damp hair. It keeps your hair smooth and sealed for any style.

For the full-on leave-in conditioner experience, Mr. Incredible is the product for you. It's a rich conditioner that sprays on quite finely and evenly for its thick texture.

When I don't feel like doing much to my hair, I reach for the Mai Tai Spritzer Sea Salt Spray. I naturally have waves to my hair, so this just makes my messy bed hair look a bit more intentional. I love that it doesn't leave my hair crunchy or dry feeling like other sea salt sprays can.

Sparkling Soda Shine Mist is a spray-on shine serum that never leaves your hair looking greasy. The perfect finishing touch.

I have used both Triple Sec and Detox as dry shampoos. Triple Sec is more of a hybrid style refresher, dry shampoo and Detox is a heavy duty oil & shine destroyer. I would recommend either if you are looking for a new dry shampoo.

I want to try some more of their tools-I love my little Lemon Drop brush. I also want to pick up some more of their heat protecting products.

Let me know if you have any drybar recs in the comments!

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Andalou Naturals Illuminating Toner and Luminous Eye Serum

I can't walk out of a Whole Foods without beauty products. And plants. I ran out of a couple of my skincare staples, toner and eye cream, and decided to try out the brightening range from Andalou Naturals, the Illuminating Toner and Luminous Eye Serum. I have tried many things from the line and am currently using a coconut water day cream from them as well. I wasn't expecting any results, just maintaining status quo; however, I am really finding my skin to be so much more bright and healthy looking. This summer, I was hard on my skin between beach days and long hours in front of a computer. The clementine scent is so nice after a long day of either extreme outdoors or indoors.

Do you purchase beauty products at Whole Foods?

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Nars Nordstrom's Best Cheek Palette

Nars blushes are just all the heart-eye emojis. Wrap them up in one sleek palette, and I'm sold. Last year, I picked up the Blame It On The Nars palette from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and this year, I scored this number. I have to agree with the name, Nordstrom really does have the best Nars blush sets!

This palette features six shades, 4 blushes, a highlight, and a bronzer. The old standbys Orgasm and Laguna, of course, as well as Albatross. I haven't tried Albatross before, so I was super excited to give that glowy, golden highlight a go, and I love it. Deep Throat, Luster, and Desire are other well-known Nars blushes that I was dying to try. If you have a ton of Nars singles or other palettes, you may find this one has too many repeats, but if you are missing a few of these cult classics, or just want them all in one place-this palette is a must. If you missed this one, be sure to check out Nordstrom's beauty department, especially during sales or holidays. I am always so tempted by all their sets and exclusives.

Are you a lover of Nars blushes?

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Eye Cream Round Up

Just wanted to give a little shout-out to some of my favourite eye creams. I love grabbing different sample sizes. Full size eye cream is so expensive, but these little ones last a long time. I used to never bother with this step in my make-up routine, but getting older, spending all day in front of a computer, and a lack of sleep have made this product a must. Plus, the ritual of applying it gives me a little boost in the morning to be to tackle the day.

Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Creme is a light, gel-ish formula. It's cooling cucumber scent really helps my face wake up.

I always select the fresh Black Tea Age Delay Eye Concentrate as a sample when it's available. The texture is a firm gel, it almost feels bouncy-if that makes sense. I really do feel like it reduces fine lines and dark circles.

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream is one of the more affordable eye cream options and is an actual true cream formula. It's like a coconut body butter for your eyes.

What's your favourite eye cream?

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Review | Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel

I picked up a couple of the Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel polishes when they launched earlier this year. I love their longevity and glossy shine with just two coats. Plus, removal is as easy as regular polish. I added a few new shades to my collection. I want every bottle-they are that good. The names crack me up too. So far, I have: Peri-wink-le of an Eye, Coral Support, All that Jazzy!, and Pretty Peas.

Have you tried the 1 Step Wonder Gels yet?

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Beauty Favorites | June 2016

We are right in the heart of summer. I've been busting out the summer themed beauty products to keep up with the change.

Whenever I think of summer beauty products, I think of Nars Orgasm and Nars Laguna. This cult classic duo is perfect for the warmer months for peachy cheeks and a bronze glow. Another quintessential look for me in the summer is orange lips, and Tangerine from Bite Beauty is my go-to shade. I love the deeper, more reddy shade. It surprisingly goes with so much. I pair it with a simple eye look from the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette and lots of lashes with Physician's Formula Organic Wear Work It Mascara (isn't the tube amazing?).

Seeing as I used up the whole thing, I had to give a shout-out to the tarte Rainforest of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist. Another skincare sample I was testing last month was the fresh Soy Face Cleanser. It's such a clean, light gel. I love the Julep Ta Da drops for speeding up the nail polish drying process. I need to reorder. For polish colors, these gorgeous blue shades from Zoya (Blu & Sia) are summer favs. 

Summer, to me, is also synonymous with coconut. The Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut is my lotion of choice this season. Every once in awhile I decide to try a new product to clean my make-up brushes and Beauty Blenders. Dr. Bronner's soap is raved about, so I decided to give it a go. And I love it. I got the scent Hemp Citrus, and it reminds me of a fizzy lemon-lime soda. Finally, I am always carrying around the Bath and Body Works antibacterial gels. This one in Yay Summer is a little bit of happiness in my bag.

What were some of your favorites in June?

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Review | Physician's Formula Cushion Foundation

I'm a sucker for trying new products, and cushion foundations are all the rage. Make the deal even sweeter with availability at the drugstore, and I'm sneaking it in my cart. I bought this right when it came out. Yeah know, when it was cold out and like winter... And that's where the downside of Physician's Formula Cushion Foundation lies. The shade range. We had to hit end of June before my skin was sunkissed enough for the 'Light' shade. Now that it's a (better) match, I am loving the formula and simplicity. It gives my skin a really dewey, healthy look-feeling like a skincare/foundation hybrid-which alludes to its true 'All in One ABC' name. It's also nice not to have so messy of a system. No potential spills or extra pumps. I just dab my brush or sponge into the cushion to pick up the product. It's kinda of fun too.

What are your thoughts on the cushion foundation trend?

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Review | tarte Rainforest of the Sea Make a Splash set

I love tarte for make-up and self-tanner, so of course, I had to try some of the new Rainforest of the Sea skincare. Conveniently for me, Sephora was featuring this handy Make a Splash sampler set for ten bucks. Perfection.

This set comes with the Marine Boosting Mist, Drink H2O Hydrating Boost, and Deep Dive Cleansing Gel. The cleansing gel has a great consistency, starting as a gel and turning into a frothy foam. I can't say that I agree with the waterproof make-up removing claim, but I did love it for a clean, yet hydrated feel. I love toning mists and ran through the Marine Boosting Mist sample quickly. It smells like fresh oranges. It says it can be used as a make-up setting spray, but I used it after cleansing with the gel for an extra dose of skincare.  A generous size for the moisturizer and again, a lovely texture. I have been using it in the morning. It keeps my skin glowing while letting make-up go on smoothly.

There seems to be a lot of new beauty products in the Rainforest of the Sea range, and this set was a good introduction to the line. I'm glad I decided to try it out and even picked up an extra for a friend. The packaging is gorgeous and perfect for summer.

Have you tried anything new from tarte?

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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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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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