Twenty Something Plus

February 29, 2016

Birchbox Lip Sync Kit

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Apparently, in addition to Black History Month, February is also (unofficially) lipstick month.

Or something like that…

I almost missed the memo, but Birchbox didn’t and even had a lip product themed add-on option.

I don’t do add-ons very often, but decided to for my February Birchbox and it was such a good life choice!

The Lip Sync Kit included four lip colors (two of which are full size), a lip pencil and a lip scrub. $68 worth of products for only $30.

Laura Geller New York Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub | $16

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Liquid Lipstick in Strumpet | $16

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso | $24

ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner | $20

POP Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstix Trio in Satin Rose | $24

IPKN Twinkle Lips in Glow Pink | $18

From left to right: ModelCo, OCC, POP Beauty, Stila, IPKN

After attempting to do a 5 Day Lipstick Challenge that didn’t go as smoothly as I’d planned. I’m going to try again with One Woman Style’s 30 Day Lipstick Challenge, starting tomorrow.

I highly doubt that I’ll do all 30 days, but I don’t really intend to. My goal is to challenge myself to wear lipstick a little more often, instead of just hoarding lip colors. Including the ones in the Lip Sync Kit.

February 26, 2016

The HydraFluid Foundation I’ve Been Using Non-Stop

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Back in June, I found the first foundation that I absolutely loved. And since then, I haven’t been able to find one that I liked nearly as much.

That is until Pür sent me their HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation to try.

It is amazing and I can’t stop using it!

I swatched all five shades, but clearly some of them are far too light for me. I gifted the lightest two (light and medium), but kept the darker three (tan, dark and deep). Deep was basically a perfect match, just a little off. I fixed that by adding a couple drops of the dark.

This combo had worked wonders for me and I can’t imagine not having it at least as an option. So much so, that I snagged them from fellow beauty blogger, The Feminine Files.

Thanks to Kristina, I was also able to try the Pür Cameo Contour Sticks in both dark and deep, which I had really been wanting to. I don’t always contour, but when I do I like it to be super easy!

Which foundation can you not live without?

February 25, 2016

My February 2016 Birchbox

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

When I first learned about the new Birchbox brand Arrow, I wanted to try it. All of it. So, when they announce that the BOOST Color Enhancing Lip Balm was one of the sample choices, there was no doubt in my mind that it was what I would be selecting for my February 2016 Birchbox.

I didn’t even really care what the other products would be all that much and trying them all is still on my to do list, but I’m very happy with what all I got.

Especially the Color Club nail polish in That’s My Jam.

Even though I have it in a somewhat similar color already, no complaints here.

The Corioliss Argan Conditioning Mask, is an intense five minute conditioning treatment. Which would be great if I could just remember to bring it in with me into the shower!

I found the BORGHESE Fango Purificante Clay Cleanser to be of interest. One of the reviews mentioned that it left their skin feeling particularly dry. After reading that, I’ve decided to hold out on trying this particular sample until the summer, in order to hopefully save my face the same fate.

Fragrances can be a hit or miss. I own a ton (mostly samples), but tend to use the same few more often than not. I didn’t exactly love the Catherine Malandrino Romance de Provence Eau de Parfum, but I also didn’t exactly hate it. I don’t think it will be one of the few.

I just got the sample choice email for March, can’t wait to share my choice! Do you have a Birchbox subscription? What sample did you choose?

February 22, 2016

NEW Bioré Baking Soda Cleanser and Pore Scrub

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyBioreFizz #CollectiveBias

Bioré introduces a new product and just like that spring cleaning takes on an entirely different meaning for me!

In the winter my skin can be very very dry.

But as the snow starts to melt, that changes. And so does my skincare. The new Bioré Baking Soda Cleanser and Cleansing Pore Scrub are exactly what my combination skin has been needing.

Both products exfoliate my dry flaky skin, without irritating it. The Cleansing Pore Scrub is unlike any product I’ve ever used, here’s how you use it:

Start by pouring some of the scrub (about the size of a quarter) into your hand, after wetting your face.

Then add water and watch as it really start to fizz!

Apply the “fizz” to your face and then gently massage it and feel it as penetrates your pores. What I really like about this product is that you have complete and total control over the level of exfoliation.

Too coarse?

Add more water.

Want to dial it up a bit?

Add more powder.

Rinse.

And then just pat dry with a face towel.

Now you’re all spring clean!

While the scrub is super fun to use, for daily use, I recommend using the Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser.

If you have oily skin, as I tend to in the summer, you should try Bioré Charcoal products instead.

All of which is available to pick up on your next trip to Walmart!

How much do you want to try out the new Bioré Baking Soda Pore Scrub?

February 17, 2016

2 Ways to Wear Something: Cape Blazer

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Of all the Who What Wear pieces I picked up, the one that had me rush out to Target in the first place was the cape blazer.

I had been wanting to grow up my wardrobe a little bit, and this blazer do just that. And in a trendy way. Now, usually I’m not all that big on trends, but this is one that spoke to my very core.

Everything I’m wearing in this post, aside from the cape blazer that is, isn’t exactly new. The actual items are no longer available from where I got them.

But don’t worry, I’ve linked to some similar items below!

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February 16, 2016

Bloomingdale’s Bonus Box

Remember how excited I was to be one of the 50 influencers selected to receive a Rakuten Affiliate Network Bonus Box for the second time?

It’s happened again. Only this time, instead of the quarterly Bonus Box, I was one of the 25 selected to review an exclusive Bloomingdale’s Bonus Box.

I though I was the luckiest girl in the world. well, one of them anyways).

And then I opened the box and knew I was!

The first three items are different face masks.

I’m not going to talk about them, that’ll be another blog post…

I’ve tried a few, but I don’t use them very frequently. I have a feeling I am going to be using them a lot more often.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask | 1 Sheet $17, 10 Sheets $135

Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask | $42

Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque | $32

What I will talk about is the makeup included.

Any other time I’ve used a setting powder it’s been white. Even though they are all technically translucent, this one has been the best by far.

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder | $38

Normally liquid eyeliner is not my thing. Not because I don’t like it. But because it’s frustrating to apply. It bothers me that my eyeshadow gets all over the tip of my pen. And it really bothers me when it takes forever to apply over eyeshadow.

Not the case with this liner. It goes on smooth and is super vibrant!

Gucci Power Liquid Liner | $38

Bobbi Brown is one of my favorite makeup professionals and her makeup line is top notch. I love this mascara for everyday use.

Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara | $30

Trying new products is always an honor. Clinique’s Pop Oil isn’t available yet, but when it is, you’re going to want it!

For now, you can pick up their Pop Lacquer Lip Color + Primer.

I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when I saw this Sisley Paris face cream. Given my budget, anything over $50 for a skincare product that doesn’t come with a plug seems somewhat excessive to me, but my skin feels amazing and I am going to savor every single little scoop.

Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age | $525

Plus there’s a ton of bonus offers right now on the Bloomingdale’s website that you don’t want to miss out on!

February 12, 2016

14 His and Hers Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Valentine’s Day is this weekend and the manfriend and I made plans in Boston. Gift exchange isn’t really a big deal to us, but I think that’s mostly because we both always forget until the last minute to come up with Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

I’m sure we aren’t the only ones, so here is my Valentine’s Day gift to you!

A bouquet of fresh flowers and jewelry are pretty standard, making them practical makes them amazing. Flowers in a mug? It can be used in the office for coffee. Dainty jewelry? A simple necklace or bracelet will go with more outfits and can be worn pretty much everyday.

Seven LUSH goodies in one set? I may end up getting this for myself. Gift the ultimate at home spa experience. Or if you’ve booked a hotel room, bring this along and make it even more luxurious!

And to pack? A heart duffel bag. Because, who doesn’t love to travel?

These Steve Madden shoes are on my personal wish list, so I couldn’t not add them to a V-Day themed gift guide.

Chocolate isn’t the way to my heart, but Melted Chocolate? A totally different story.

Shopping for guys is something a lot of people find hard, but it really just comes down to knowing what your guy’s interests are.

For instance, the manfriend is a gamer. He also needs a new headset. See what I did there?

We are both a little nerdy, so seeing Deadpool (which happens to come out in theaters just before Valentine’s Day) is a must! And so is buying his favorite candy.

Does he have a favorite sport? A cologne he always wears?

Then, there’s the stuff that everyone wants. Apple watches are pretty nifty and if you can afford to invest, then why not for the one you love? If not, I’m sure he could alway use a new pair of boxers.

February 11, 2016

Styled by 5 featuring Cents of Style

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Never trust a groundhog. Despite his prediction for an early spring, New England has been getting hammered with snowstorms. Thankfully, this month’s Styled by 5 happens to be very weather appropriate.

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!

This month we’re styling a Cents of Style jacket AND a hat and scarf set, also from Cents of Style. Don’t forget to check out how Deidre, Kaylynn, Jacque, and Alexis of The Denovo Design, styled these items too!

What’s great about the jacket is that it can be worn in the spring and fall, and in the winter it’s ideal for when you’re wearing layers. Plus it has a hood. As for the hat and scarf set, I especially love the furry pom pom on the hat!

Hat and Scarf Set: Cents of Style
Jacket: Cents of Style
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Sperry

Bonus: Sperry winter boots are now 30% off. Plus, get an extra 10% off with the code: Extra10

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February 10, 2016

Target Wish List

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Walking into Target lately has been bad news for my bank account. So, I’m trying to steer clear. In hopes of holding me over for a bit, I’ve made a Target wish list…

While I am extremely grateful for my Who What Wear x Target buys, there is still a few more things that I want. In particular, the zip pouch and the knotted belt. I mean, not only do they match but they could literally go with just about anything! If I had to choose between the two, I would have to go with the belt. That being said, I really want them both.

Also, in other unrelated, but totally still kind of related news, the Oh Joy for Target home decor collection launched and is now both in stores and online and I already have my eye on a few items for the home office space that I don’t yet have…

The dotty acrylic table would make the perfect fun side table! It doesn’t take up a lot of space and would go great with the rug I have in mind.

Wall art is something I appreciate but have never invested in. Sure I could DIY it, but the You’re OK and Hey Hey Hey framed wall art prints are exactly what I didn’t know I’d been looking for!

What’s on your Target wish list?

February 9, 2016

Better Beauty with Beautycounter

I know I’m not exactly the healthiest person, but one of my goals this year is to try to be more conscientious of what I put into my body. As well as what I put onto my body.

This is much easier said than done.

Especially with makeup.

But Beautycounter is out to change that.

I met up with Emily of Beautycounter to learn about the products they offer and test some of them out for myself.

I had already sampled their Body Glow Scrub and Hydrate Body Lotion, because they were in the Monarch Workshop swag bag.

But it was the makeup that I really wanted to try out!

My personal favorite product (that I will most definitely be getting), is the Touchup Skin Concealer Pen.

Unexpectedly, I also really liked the Color Contour Matte Brozner (in No. 2). I didn’t think it would be dark enough, but it created a very natural looking contour.