Twenty Something Plus

August 10, 2015

My July Birchbox

Even though I still haven’t got around to trying all the products in my July Birchbox, I know I need to share what was in it (before skipping ahead to my August Birchbox)!

This has probably been one of the most useful boxes I’ve ever gotten. I may not be head over heels for all the products, but I can (and will) use all of them so that’s a major plus.

Every month there’s a theme and this month’s was go bold. From the box to the lipstick, Birchbox did just that!

I think I’ve said this before, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE getting to try product I would never buy strictly because of the price. $72 for an exfoliant? Not going to happen. Sample from Birchbox? Don’t mind if I do!

Ok, so to be honest, I don’t fully understand the difference between dry shampoo and texture spray. I mean, I do, but there’s just too many sprays! It is nice to be able to do an actual side-by-side comparison, though, since I still have yet to finish off my amika dry shampoo sample from last November…

I love Caudalie. And I have yet to try an oil product and hate it. This should be divine!

This Stila lipstick (yes, lipstick, because it’s that vibrant) is one of my favorites. The color, however, is not. It’s so bold that you seriously might need to wear sunglasses just to look at me when I wear it. I did find a way to make it so that I don’t feel like a clown. Maybe, if I start sharing makeup look posts, I’ll show you what I did.

If you get Birchbox, did you get the lipstick in Beso? If so, I think I hate you. Not really, but it’s the best and I missed out on the sample choice, color me super jealous. I made sure not to make that mistake for August!

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August 7, 2015

Why I Prefer Two Piece Swimsuits

I recently spent a week in Maine on vacation with the manfriend and his family. This is something we try to do together at least once every year.

I absolutely love it there.

Mostly because I love the beach.

The sun, the sand, the ocean…

And TWO PIECE SWIMSUITS!

This year, I decided I wasn’t going to bother buying a new bathing suit. I mean, I already had several. But the universe clearly had other plans. I somehow found out that Brickyard Buffalo was having a flash sale. All swimwear was $5. Five dollars?! How could anyone pass that up?

I sure couldn’t.

There were quite a few choices but I basically already had my heart set on a two piece swimsuit with high waisted bottoms.

Why a two piece?

I have nothing against one pieces. To be honest it’s not even like I’m all that crazy about two piece swimsuits.

I just really like having the option to mix and match…

Can you blame me?

Plus, I still have two other tops I could rock these with. And when you add bottoms into the equation, I have even more bathing suit possibilities.

What’s your favorite swimsuit style? Comment and let me know!

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August 5, 2015

Stay Comfy, Be Confident with U by Kotex

Did you know that today is National Underwear Day?

Well, when it comes to my underwear, I’m all about feeling comfortable, yet confident.

No matter what pair I decide to wear, I want to stay as clean as possible. The last thing anyone wants is to get their period unexpectedly. Goodbye, cute expensive panties…

You then wish you’d worn the ratty grannies as you try to gently scrub the stained ones.

Even more horrific is when this happens in public… Yikes!

How nice would it be if you just be confident 24/7, without sacrificing comfort?

Stay one step ahead with U by Kotex® liners!

U by Kotex® offers a full line of feminine care products for periods including pads, liners and tampons. Outstanding protection that keeps you one step ahead.

Want to try for yourself? Get a free sample!

There’s also a #BringComfyBack contest! To enter visit bringcomfyback.com and upload your creative pic or gif showcasing your best uncomfy face.

Each month, one lucky winner will receive a $200 Urban Outfitters gift card, a Go Pro Hero 3 white camera, a $100 Sephora gift card and U by Kotex products.

At the end of the contest, the most creative selfie will be chosen and the winner will receive a trip to L.A. with a girlfriend, an exclusive U by Kotex photo shoot to be their new social star and $2,000 spending cash!

U by Kotex will be judging based on originality, style and how hard you can make them laugh. So be creative and get crazy!

August 4, 2015

My 5 Favorite Birchbox Samples (So Far)

I cannot believe how quickly time is flying by! We are more than half way through the year, which means that I am half way through my 2015 Birchboxes.

So far, here are my favorite Birchbox samples:

Dr. Jart’s Dermaclear Micro Water really outdid itself. My expectations were serious shattered.

Just when I thought my obsession with Macadamia Professional could not get any worse, I get their Nourishing Moisture Oil Treatment, and I can’t even. The sample size was pretty big (I got this in May and still have some left), and it really helps my hair feel soft and look shiny!

Derma e is a brand I LOVE. Their products are ones of amazing quality and that I trust. If I sample one of their products, it will be one of my top picks. In February I got the Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub and in March I samples the Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Crème with SPF 15. Not only did I love them both, but the make the perfect pair!

It’s no secret that true beauty lovers can never have enough makeup. That being said, I had never tried baked blush because I didn’t see the point. I would have rather have every single Naked palette. I did not know what I was missing. I wear this Laura Geller Beauty’s Baked Blush-n-Brighten pretty much every day.

I feel like I have to at least give an honorable mention to the Marcelle eyeliner I just received in June, mostly because I really love the color.

I haven’t gotten my August Birchbox just yet (two words: Nicole Richie), but I’ll be sharing my July samples very soon!

July 30, 2015

My June Birchbox

Back tracking a little bit here, but I want to show you what I got in my June Birchbox, before it’s August…

While this was not my favorite box, I didn’t hate it. I know I will use everything in it, so I guess there’s that.

I’m pretty sure I will never have enough makeup. This Marcelle eyeliner is a pretty color that’s perfect for summer, and my second favorite product in this month’s Birchbox.

I was least thrilled about the Pura Vida headband. Not because it isn’t cute, but I know I’m going to end up with a headband headache. Or I’m going to lose it…

I am officially sick of shampoo and conditioner samples. I haven’t tried these yet, I have added them to my collection.

I’m a fan of Tocca, but perfume samples can really be hit or miss. Thankfully, for me, Bianca was a hit!

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pick for my sample choice, I’m pretty indecisive like that, but I am SO glad I opted for the Dermaclear Micro Water! I seriously cannot believe how well this stuff works. I’ve already used up the entire sample, which is actually kind of bittersweet.

I’ll be sharing my July Birchbox soon, and already know that I’m going to L-O-V-E my August box!

July 27, 2015

July Loves

I’ve decided that I really love sharing the things that I love with you. Since that’s the case, my monthly Loves are here to stay. Yay!

July is typically a big beach month (at least it is for me). What I’m loving this month somewhat reflects what I find myself packing for the beach.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

I’ve been trying (and I think doing really well) not spending a ton of money. I have only gotten one pedicure this year. And although I don’t necessarily need more nail polish, sometimes I just want to treat myself a little. Sinful Colors has vibrant colors and cost under $2. Whenever I go to get groceries, I tend to come home with a new fun shade.

It’s all fun in the sun, until someone needs aloe. Thanks to melanin, that someone is never me, but I still want to take precautions against harmful rays. At the same time, when it comes to applying sunscreen I don’t want to spend forever and a day putting it on. With spray that’s not an issue.

In my humble opinion, it totally does not count as shopping if my mom buys me something. She recently got my a pair of Birkenstocks that I am absolutely obsessed with. I have literally worn them to every single cookout I’ve been to so far. Good job, Ma Dukes!

Birchbox points are truly a blessing and when I am able to get something awesome, it’s a wondrous thing. My Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Duo Brush is seriously a treasure. I don’t know how I ever did my eyebrow makeup without it.

Even when I’m on vacation, I having blogging on my brain. What should I write about? Who can I collaborate with? This Market and Luxe print pretty much sums up the blog life.

Do you have a blog? Like the print? Want it? Well comment the name and URL of your blog and you could win it!

Thanks SO much Market and Luxe for sponsoring this giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Begins Monday, July 27, 2015 12:00AM EST and runs until Saturday, August 1, 2015 12:00AM EST. Open to the U.S. only. No purchase required. Winner will be selected at random and must respond within 48 after being contacted. This giveaway isn’t endorsed or associated by anyone but me. Good luck!

July 16, 2015

Who Needs Just One Shower Caddy?

My dad has been renovating our bathrooms and I was trying to hold off until he was finished before sharing this post.

But, again, I have the patience of a two year old.

So, instead here’s ~~what’s in my shower~~ what will be in my shower!

Taking a shower (when not under construction) should be a relaxing experience. Lugging things back and forth is not an option, but I hated it when I would reach for my conditioner and knock over everything else. Picking it all back up was a nightmare, and cutting my finger on my razor in the process is a literal pain.

Well that won’t be a problem anymore, because all my shower products will each have their own home with this seven piece set!

Thanks to the MyEssentials Shower Caddy Set, everything has gets is own little caddy and my fingers and toes are all safe.

The set includes:

-MyHook
-MyShave
-MySmile
-MySoap
-MyGrip
-MyHeadstand
-MyHolder

Each piece is unique and some can fit items of different shapes.

Perfect for Umbuntu Oil products.

Even worked with my Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle…

And there’s a hook for your loofah!

This is exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

My question is, do you brush your teeth at the sink or in the shower and why? I’ve done both, but I want to hear from you all.

June 30, 2015

Splurge or Save: Straw Hat

I’m all about the summer. More specifically, I’m all about going to the beach.
Wearing bathing suits, flip flops, sunglasses, AND cute straw hats!

I spotted a super cute Eugenia Kim sun hat on Instagram. It reads, “Do Not Disturb”.
How perf?!

Naturally, my next step was to hunt it down online. It is SO expensive and not going to happen. At least not for me.

But now I want a straw hat. What is a girl to do?
Find a much cheaper alternative.

Boom!

Thank you H&M!

Eugenia Kim Sunny “Do Not Disturb” Sun Hat $440 | H&M Straw Hat $12.95

June 26, 2015

Nordstrom Beauty Trend Event

I’d known that stores often held regular events, but hadn’t ever attended one. I wasn’t really sure what to expect.

It was suggested to attend the Nordstrom Spring Beauty Trend Event, so I obliged. After making an appointment at the Nordstrom in West Farms Mall and kind of just showing up, I got my makeup done and enjoyed a nice little gift with purchase (minus the makeup bag, which I gave to my mom. I’m really picky about bags and she collects them).

Given my shopping habits [link to Clinton Crossing event], I don’t think I’ll attend these type of events often.

However, I am happy that I did and even happier with my purchases.

Smashbox is one of my top beauty brands. I talk about and recommend them so much that my mom starting buying their products off of HSN and/or QVC, and she’s not even big on makeup.

All the products I purchased were used to do my makeup that day. Picking three (the minimum in order to get the gift with purchase) was harder than I thought it’d be. But I ended up getting the three things that made the most sense.

Now that it’s basically summer I want to switch up the makeup I use everyday. I really liked how the primer was also essentially a moisturizer.

And the foundation didn’t even feel like I had any on at all!

I shared on Instagram that my mom had bought the Full Exposure palette and (still to this day) hasn’t used it. I wanted it. Bad.

I opted for the Double Exposure palette for a number of reasons.

If my mom does finally decide to hand over the Full Exposure palette, I won’t already have it.
The Full Exposure now comes in a mini, so I can alway get that and see how I like it.
I have all three naked palettes so I really don’t need the Full Exposure (I don’t think I actually mean this).
Smashbox used to have the full face kits for different complexions, I got the one for dark skin and loved it, but waited too long to buy a second kit and they discontinued it. So stupid on my part. But three of the shades in the Double Exposure palette match the three shades of eyeshadow for the dark set.

What Smashbox products do you love? Any recommendations?

June 25, 2015

June Loves

Guess who found more to love…

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

When I got my makeup done for my boudoir mini sesh, I asked for a natural looking lip. This is the color (Love Child) that was used. The texture, the color, the shimmer. Love!

When someone pulls out an oil a oil absorbing wipe and then offers you one, you know you’ve made a real friend. True story. But since you don’t want to be a mooch, you eventually go get your own. They can also clean your phone screen pretty well.

I got this brush to try out and liked it for a number of reasons. The way it curves and kind of hugs your head, the fact that it’s vented so it helps cuts down drying time. It wasn’t until I figured out that the end was double sided and also had a sectioning pick, that I totally lost it. In a good way, a very very good way.

So, Where’d You Go, Bernadette was a book I’d picked up a while ago. I put off reading it until Memorial Day weekend. I think I must have complained about it the entire time I was reading it. But I read it in one sitting, I only stopped reading it to tell the manfriend about it and to eat. If I don’t like a book I won’t read it. I’m weird like that.

Taco Bell is my favorite fast food restaurant, period. For the longest time you could only get Baja Blast at Taco Bell. It was rumored that if you mix blue Powerade and regular Mountain Dew together it tasted like Baja Blast. I tried it and it did taste vaguely similar, but it wasn’t the same. The fact that this soda (even if only for a limited time) is available in a bottle is a dream come true.

Taco Bell also has a new hotter sauce, Diablo. It didn’t make the cut this month, but that’s mostly because I can’t go to the store and buy it.

To put on ALL the things!

My mouth is doing a happy dance right now. #🔥

A photo posted by Bethany Everett (@twentysomethingplus) on Jun 18, 2015 at 1:24pm PDT

SO happy, so in love…

Oh, and speaking of love, today is the manfriend’s birthday.
Happy Birthday, manfriend!