Twenty Something Plus

August 23, 2016

My August 2016 Play! by Sephora

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I’m going to be extremely blunt about my August 2016 Play! by Sephora box. If this month’s Play! by Sephora had been my first, I would have canceled.

I have heard so many complaints about Birchbox and people saying they’ve been disappointed with their box. While I can’t say that I have never been underwhelmed with a monthly box, overall my experience has been really good.

I never even dreamed I’d consider switching it out for another box until Sephora’s.

And I definitely didn’t understand why anyone would complain about their subscription box samples, until getting my August 2016 Play! by Sephora box.

Not that I’m complaining exactly.

Will I use the samples? Yes. But I’ve had better. Like, much better.

The value of the samples is probably well worth it, I just wasn’t nearly as impressed as I was with my first two boxes.

Lancôme Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Moisturizer| $55

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm | $68

CLEAN Reserve Blonde Rose | $90

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Shadow Eyeshadow and Powder Blush | $21

SEPHORA COLLECTION Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof (in Love Affair) | $10

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara | $22

I haven’t tried the Lancôme or Alegenist samples yet, but I’ll get to them, love them, and then never buy them.

I maybe had one CLEAN sample that I liked before (once upon a time, in a Birchbox), but I find most of their scents too strong. This one would make a nice home scent (if it wasn’t so strong), but I doubt I’ll use it.

As always, the makeup samples are amazing. However, I already have four or five tubes in varying sizes of the Perversion Mascara.

The Sephora Contour Eye Pencil sounds interesting, but also like a scam. Either way, I like the color. I know because I have a very similar shade liner by another brand.

You never realize how much eyeshadow you have and don’t use until you hit pan in one you use a lot. I really need to stop buying expensive palettes and only get the pots of the colors I use. Anyways, most powders can be used as whatever you want (I’ve used eyeshadow to contour before), but I do like that this MAKE UP FOR EVER one doubles as a blush. My makeup bag just got a little lighter.

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August 22, 2016

July 2016 Loves

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I don’t even care that I pretty much just posted about my bar necklace from The Dainty Pear. I absolutely adore it and for that reason alone, it had to be a part of my July 2016 loves. It doesn’t get much more meaningful than this.

The first time I stepped foot into Niche, I wanted to move in. It is every crazy plant ladies dream. I didn’t buy anything then, but later at the Niche x Curio Coffee plants and waffles pop-up I got three air plants and spotted my next Niche purchase…

Modeling is far from my full time gig, but if you live in Massachusetts you will probably see photos of my around. Especially when it comes to local brands that I love. Going to The Innovation Conference for Boston Business Women was life changing in a number of ways. One way was getting to try Moroccan Magic. I liked it so much that when the opportunity came to participate in a photoshoot, I jumped at the chance! Later at an event at Shake the Tree, I got another sample. This time, in Rose. It’s my favorite chapstick and the only one that I’ve been using. It’s super soothing and smells divine! I am seriously considering buying it in bulk. And if I ever do another giveaway of my favorite products this would without a doubt be included.

In the same Shake the Tree swag bag, there was also a Yumi Kim sleep mask. I had a really, really cheap one that I was using and this was a major upgrade.

When I had my iPhone 4, I got for a Mophie case for Christmas and it was the smartest gift I have ever gotten to this day. I have now been able to upgraded my phone a couple of times, but I use it more than ever. Exploring Boston on a low battery is not an option. I don’t know how I’ve gone as long as I did without one!

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August 19, 2016

Fossil Crossbody Bag + Free People Top

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Top: Free People | Jeans: DL1961 | Shoes: Primark | Purse: Fossil

While I do typically useRent the Runway for dresses most of the time, that is not all that they have.

When I came across this Free People top, I though it looked unique in a way that piqued my intrigue.

Despite the fact that I was actually getting ready to cancel my Rent the Runway Unlimited subscription, and only rent something when I really needed, I figured just one more time wouldn’t hurt! Besides, it really goes with the vibe of the crossbody bag that I got from Fossil.

Although, the style of the Fossil crossbody bag isn’t exactly my choice for everyday, it’s definitely a nice piece to use from time to time.

Add the shoes that Gabby of First & Warren said I had to get during one of our Primark excursions and the DL1961 jeans that I’ve been wearing quite frequently, and you have a chic yet minimalistic look with a whole lot of style!

Photos by Miranda Mu.

August 18, 2016

June 2016 Loves

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June was a really good month for me product wise. I didn’t buy a lot or spend a ton. But, I won a few things. Bought a couple of quality things. Saved a ton. And received samples that replaced some past faves.

My June 2016 loves pretty much made the start of my summer one worth blogging about! I mean, it’s hard not to be excited to hit the beach (which I have still yet to really do) with sunglasses and espadrilles.

The espadrilles were such a deal! I had stopped by the Cotton x Rue La La Pop-Up Shop on Newbury with the intension of meeting up with friends and maybe snapping a few pics in the photo booth. When I saw the Soludos espadrille flats, for under $30, I knew there was no way I would be leaving without them. Except, I had to because they were samples. But, I didn’t leave before placing an order for them.

Bioderma was what I considered to be luxury micellar water. I felt that it did the same thing as the cheaper ones, and the only difference was the cost. That is, until I received it as a press sample to try and I take it all back! Bioderma is 1000x better. Zero oily feeling and cleans off waterproof makeup like you wouldn’t believe. I don’t even rinse my face after!

After being mildly curious about Smith & Cult’s nail polish for the longest, I went to Bluemercury in Boston to finally get it in The Bee Side. It was suggest as one of the nail polish shades you needed for summer on some email I got and I really wanted to try it anyways. I already knew I liked their lip gloss. Now I know that I also like their polish.

Follain is quickly becoming a second home for me. Finds like RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Diabolique are why I hardly ever have any extra spending money. SO worth it!

This isn’t my first time sharing about these shades on Twenty Something Plus. I got them back in June and they are my favorite pair of sunglasses. And, unless I get a pair of Prada ones, I’m sure they will be for a very long time.

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August 16, 2016

Exuviance Retexturing Treatment

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When I was in high school I wore long sleeves and jeans, most of the time. Not for any religious reasons or anything like that, which would be one thing, but I just lacked the confidence to show any skin.

And that was when my skin was pretty much still in it’s peak condition.

I’ve since outgrown that.

But, now that I am older, so is my skin.

Trying different skincare products is something that I do to cope with aging. Cleansers, micellar waters, creams…

I had NEVER tried an exfoliating moisturizer before.

Or even heard of one.

Exuviance is a luxury skincare brand that I’ve tried products from before. I love their oxygen facial mask. So much so, that I decided to start using their retexturing treatment.

My original plan was to share before and after pictures, but the real difference is in the way my skin feels.

After using the treatment for not even a full week, my skin felt noticeably smoother. I can’t wait to see the difference with continued use.

If you see me overly touching my arms or legs, you are more than free to judge me. But, only after you feel them for yourself!

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August 15, 2016

My July 2016 Birchbox

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I’m not going to lie to you. I missed the sample choice window for the July 2016 Birchbox.

And, it may come as no surprise that I really wanted that month’s feature box. So, honestly, no matter what I got, I expected to be at least somewhat disappointed.

Really, the only let down was the box. It wasn’t the pretty patterned box for the month, but a plainer one. The samples were actually pretty decent.

I haven’t used them yet. But, I’m pretty confident that I will.

Let me know in the comments, if you’re interested in hearing about any of these samples!

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August 12, 2016

Bellbrook Backpack

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Beacon Hill is my favorite area to hang out in Boston.

On Charles Street alone there’s Follain, Tatte, Crane & Lion, The UPS Store (which I frequent for Rent the Runway purposes)…

Plus, it’s just a short walk away from Boston Public Garden. Which is the perfect place to brush up on my photography skills.

My obsession with Jo Totes basically started the second I learned to shoot in manual. I mean, a purse that doubles as a camera bag? Genius.

But since I already had a camera bag. And more than my fair share of purses, I showed restraint. Then I found out about the Bellbrook Backpack and lost it!

I’ve never really been a back pack person. But, after one too many times of bringing my rather bulky messenger style camera bag on the Red Line, I knew something had to be done.

What I love about this backpack is that it’s big enough to carry what I need for a day shooting photos around Boston. There are compartments for everything. It holds what I need, without the unnecessary bulk. And it has easy access side pockets. If you’re looking for a multi-purposeful camera bag, then you seriously need this!

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Photos by Miranda Mu.

August 11, 2016

Styled by 5 Featuring PinkBlush

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Each month myself and four other boss blogger babes have been styling the same piece of clothing and since we all look and think differently from each other (hair, religion, location, skin, size, height, style…all of the above), you’ll get five totally different looks. That means you’ll get to see what I style, on other body types so you can find something that is best for you!

While Kaylynn was pregnant, she did a series on her blog, Among the Young, where she would wear non-maternity clothes. Even when she was very much so ready to pop, she looked absolutely fabulous!

Well, this is kind of like the opposite of that.

PinkBlush carries both non-maternity and maternity clothing for women. However, Deidre, Kaylynn, Jacque, Lauryn and I each styled this royal blue floral short sleeve maternity dress. Before you get any ideas, this is NOT a pregnancy announcement. I honestly wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about wearing a dress like this. But then, I got more compliments while taking photos for this blog post than any other outfit! Random strangers would pass by and say how beautiful it was.

It also didn’t hurt that it is super comfortable and had pockets. Because those are both very important details.

While white accessories go really well, the next time I wear my PinkBlush maternity dress, ankle boots will probably be involved.

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Photos by Miranda Mu.

August 9, 2016

Shake the Tree Yumi Kim Event

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When your friend co-hosts an event, you go!

Georgina of A Noted Life is someone I consider to be one of my blogger besties (whether she agrees with me on that, or not). She and Tiffany of Boston Foodies hosted a Yumi Kim shopping event at Shake the Tree in Boston’s North End. And, when I say that bloggers sure know how to put on a fun event, I mean it with every ounce that’s in me.

The food was phenomenal. And local. There was everything from Neptune Oyster Bar oysters, to the best cannoli in North End from Bacco (of which I had far too many).

To that, add a handful of my favorite Boston bloggers, flavorful sips, and the prettiest floral dress EVER.

I’m wearing the Jayne Silk Dress, and I could just kick myself for not buying it that night! It was so comfortable and the color flattered me far better than I imagined it would. Regan of Venture Travelist helped me decide which one to try on. She really knows her stuff. Even though I wasn’t at my best, I felt absolutely gorgeous.

Lucky for me, Yumi Kim is also available on Rent the Runway. Although, I will probably end up back at Shake the Tree very soon!

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Photos by Regan Cleminson.

August 8, 2016

My June 2016 Birchbox

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For the June 2016 Birchbox the sample choice was between the different shades of the new and improved Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow. I knew I loved the original, so naturally I wanted to get my hand on this updated one. It was basically a no-brainer.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I didn’t like the Gimme Brow nearly as much as I remembered. I’ve used it from time to time, but my current favorite is actually NYX brow mascara.

After posting about my top highlighters and getting to try a priming one from Becca Cosmetics, I was happy to add another one to my list. Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl is the kind pigment-packed glow any goddess would kill for!

My hair can always use as much moisture as it can get, so this Oribe cream is a very much appreciated sample.

Evologie has worked to help with my pimples in the past. I may have to seriously consider switching from Proactiv…

Anything moisturizing is great, like I said, but I was not as impressed with the PARLOR shampoo as I was with their blowout spray.

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