5 Products I’m Thankful For

It’s mid-November and although I still have yet to see snow, I can feel that the holiday season is fast approaching.

Things have had their ups and downs for me so far this year, and I am thankful for all of it. That being said, I’ve found five products I’m thankful for as well…

1. I own and love the Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette. When I hit pan, I died a little on the inside. Then I was gifted the Maybelline Nudes palette and not only do I actually like it more, it costs less, so no more dying.Maybelline | The Nudes

2. Sens’eyes was recommended by Stephanie. Most makeup removers contain oil, and even some of the ones that claim to be oil-free, leave your face oily. This doesn’t. It’s perfect for those times you get mascara on your eyelid when putting on your face. Try applying your mascara first. When I don’t forget to, it works like a charm!

Make Up For Ever | Sens'EyesNo more having to start all over. Say what?!

3. Despite what you may think, I’m actually pretty low maintenance. Or rather, my skincare routine is pretty weak. Well, was. I invested in the Clarisonic Mia and I was able to step up my game with out have to add extra work. Clarisonic

Hard work may pay off, but unnecessary extra work is just dumb.

4. I’m all for No Shave November. However, I don’t want to participate. So, yeah…bliss | 'fuzz' off‘Fuzz’ Off works and doesn’t smell as strong as other similar products. I’d wax, but I’m not a masochist. 

5. A wallet isn’t a beauty product.

Nor is it something that most people are really thankful for.

But this wallet is special and I am VERY thankful for it.Triple C | Charging Wallet

I don’t know about you, but I’ll admit when it comes to my phone I am always on it. When the battery low alert goes off, I have to resist the urge to drop everything and find an outlet. Sometimes that’s not an option. Dislike.  Triple C | Charging Wallet

Problem solved!

There’s a whole lot more out there to be thankful for, read these blog posts for other products!

You’ll thank me later.

Sammi from College Beauty Buff
Chelsea from Chelsea Go Brightly
Lisa from Subscription Therapy
Julie from Collective Beauty
Kristina from The Feminine Files
Vivienne from Jolie Pagaille
Cheryl from Skinny On Beauty
Angela from Your Beauty Whisperer

xx Bet

Vitality VoxBox

Influenster VoxBox

I got my second VoxBox!

Vitality VoxBox

I have admit that I was not as excited about the contents of the Vitality VoxBox as I was for my first VoxBox. BUT, the Softlips Cube alone makes up for that. Plus, I was starting to run low on Playtex, so honestly I can’t complain.

Softlips Cube 5 in 1 Lip Care

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance

Even though I didn’t like the Vitality VoxBox quite as much as the Spring Fling VoxBox, that’s not to say that I didn’t like it.

First Degree Burn Cream

Burn cream is something practical that I didn’t already own and was extremely happy to have gotten when I burnt myself on hot glue.

Bikini Ready Energy Gummies

Energy gummies are the perfect solution to those Mondays when you just can’t even.

Pure Leaf Sweet Tea

I already knew I liked Pure Leaf tea, but it was nice to get to try a flavor other than what I typically drink.

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future

And, I mean, Elizabeth Arden New York in a free Influenster VoxBox?! Did not see that one coming and I love it!

Birchbox: Modern Mermaid

In case you haven’t already noticed, I am Birchbox OBSESSED. I have an annual subscription and try to remind myself of that whenever a new limited edition box comes out. Call me weak, because I just cannot resist!

Birchbox: Modern Mermaid

The closest I have come to not caving was the limited edition Modern Mermaid box. (Now, mind you, this does not include when a box sells out before I am able to purchase, but I 100% blame those times on my serious #fomo.)

I was doing really well until I saw the Birchbox unboxing of the Modern Mermaid box.

Ruffian

Modern Mermaid box contents:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat (Deluxe Sample)
Atelier Cologne Cédrat Enivrant Cologne Absolue (Travel Spray)
COOLA Liplux SPF 30 Original Formula
Davines This Is a Sea Salt Spray
RUFFIAN Endless Summer Collection – Nail Polish Trio
Stephanie Johnson Mermaid Mirror (colors may vary)
Vasanti Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil in Electric Navy

The Vasanti Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil in Electric Navy did me in, and who doesn’t want to be a mermaid?!

Electric BlueCoolaSea Salt Hair SprayLASH GeniusMirrorRuffian

And all of this for under $50? So worth it!

National Lipstick Day

Since today is National Lipstick Day, I wanted to share one of my favorite lip products + a dupe that I discovered recently.

Dior Lip Glow

Dior is luxury. And while I try not to spend too much money on beauty products if I can help it, I am a Dior Addict.

I especially love their new It-Lash Mascara and their Lip Glow.

At $26 the mascara cost right around what most other non-drugstore brand mascaras cost. However, the Lip Glow is a little more pricey at $32. Not too bad, but I use it a ton, so it starts to add up.

Color Reveal Balm

I the other day I attended a Sephora event, and they almost always have a little gift that they give out at the end. This time it was a sample size of their new Color Reveal Balm. It’s only $13 and works just like the Lip Glow. I will say that I still prefer the Lip Glow, the Color Reveal Balm has a slight weird taste/smell to it, but I’ve been using the sample and am considering buying the full size.

When searching for the Color Reveal online I found a Color Adapt Gloss and since I prefer glosses, I plan to snag one of those for sure.

Henna Lipstick

Looking to go a tad more bold? The Man Repeller wrote about Henna Lips on her blog, the effect is similar, but with a little more punch.

Left to right: Dior Lip Glow, Sephora Collection Color Adapt Gloss, Magic Moroccan henna lipstick.
Left to right: Dior Lip Glow, Sephora Collection Color Adapt Gloss, Magic Moroccan henna lipstick.

Color adjusting lip products may not be your thing, but I like them for a soft, natural look. Don’t forget to share your lipstick looks on Instagram and hashtag #nationallipstickday.

Smooches, y’all!

xx
Bet

5 Products I Heart + Their Minis

While science isn’t a subject that I fully grasp (don’t get me wrong, I get the basics), experimenting with beauty products is a completely different story. Trying new things is seriously SO much fun!

This month (so far) I tried a ton of different new products + here are five that I absolutely love:

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Bioré has been featured on so many blog recently, so after getting a sample in a magazine, I rushed out to get the full size. Later while perusing the aisles at CVS I found a deluxe sample and since summer is all about traveling (well, at least mine is) I grabbed it to add to my to-go products. Also try their heated masks!

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I first learned about Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Push-up Liner from Birchbox. They offered the chance to win a sample in your June Birchbox. The catch? You wouldn’t know until you got your box if you would be receiving it or not.

Patience is not my virtue.

So, I bought the full size liner off Benefit the second I could. And. Let. Me. Tell. You. This liner makes up for the fact that they don’t have a Big Easy shade for my complexion! I mean I love black eyeliner. I love gel liner. It is legit struggle city for me to apply gel liner, so I ofter opt to forgo the intensity and settle for pencil instead. But NO MAS! Now thanks to the geniuses at Benefit I can have my cake and look hot too!

The mini? I actually ended up not getting it from Birchbox (hey, you win some, you lose some) + got an offer from Sephora that I took advantage of instead (it really does pay to be VIB Rouge).

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For my June Julep Maven box, I decided to add-on. I wanted to start trying out different top coats and read some good reviews for the Freedom Top Coat, I got both the full-size and the mini as a set. I gifted the mini, but use the top coat every time I paint my nails. I cannot get over the shine + it’s pretty quick drying. I still want to find something that is more like gel (without the light), so if you have any suggestions please throw them my way!

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The Target dollar bins section KILLS ME! I mean live in Vermont, so whenever I go to another state that has a Target, I suffer from serious fomo (fear of missing out).

I want it ALL.

Not too long ago I picked up a bunch of travel sized littles and one of the was Dove deordorant. I usually wear men’s. I sweat. A lot. Especially when I’m cold. I have considered getting those botox injections in my pits to handle some of the perspiration but would rather buy shoes than pay for that. I have tried clinical strength and that was a waste of money for me because I still sweat like crazy. Then, I learn that the PR girl for Oscar de la Renta used Old Spice and gave it a try, it worked better than anything else I’ve tried, so I converted. I’d even keep a mini in my purse at all times. I saw the Dove mini and wanted to try the scent and I was in the dollar bins section so really I didn’t need a reason, I was going to buy it regardless. I not only liked the scent but it worked! 48-hour protection was my answer. I don’t expect it to work 48 hours but all I need is to get through the day. I blew through the mini and picked up a 2-pack of the full-size and keep one in my bag and the other in my bathroom. Perf.

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So, I don’t have mini of the eos shave cream, but I know it exists, because I saw it. At Target. In the dollar bins. But I didn’t buy it. Hear me out! I am pretty hairy chick, so shaving isn’t something I can just sample, I need a lot. Running out mid-shave is not an option. So I didn’t get it. I will say that this is the only shaving cream I will ever buy again. It claims, as many other shaving creams/gels do, that you can dry shave with it. I tried and yes, yes you can! I HATE dry shaving and only do it if it is my last resort. I hate how itchy and dry my legs feel after so I avoid it at costs. Remember when I said I must be a cat? Well, my curiosity got the best of me, and I tried it. I am telling you, you can dry shave with this stuff! That being said, I still prefer to shave in the shower, I enjoy it…

BeautyCon Swag Bag

As promised, here’s the BeautyCon swag I scored while attending BeautyCon NYC 2014! BeautyCon swag bag

BeautyCon Sunnies

The tote + these sunglasses + a shirt were the only things thatI knew for sure I would be getting. I knew the tote would be filled with products, but didn’t know brands, or quantities, or anything like that.

Primer

Contrary to lip products, I am not very adventurous when it comes to primer. I never really understood the different types. bareMinerals changed that. (There was also a bareMinerals booth and they gave out products + pointers. I didn’t get any additional products but the pointers were very useful. Also, I was not upset about missing out on the extra products because I had already splurged on all things bareSkin, their new liquid foundation…but more on that later, maybe.)

Maybelline

Maybelline was the first brand of mascara I’ve ever tried, and I still use it to this day. Why? Because it’s good. As is this lip color!

NYX + OPI

This NYX eyeshadow in Psychedelic is the perfect dupe for Urban Decay’s Thrash + I am a little too excited for fall to start rocking the heck out of this OPI is just perfect.

YouTube Mirror

Given that I have started to dabble in video, this was a nice little surprise from YouTube.
StyleHaul Sunnies

I collect sunglasses/shades/sunnies/whatever you call them. Thank you StyleHaul for the extra pair!

Bronze Booster

Really impressed by all the benefits of Bronze Booster!

Too Faced

You can never have enough bronzer! I use bronzer that’s a little too light for me as an illuminator. Too Faced in Chocolate Soleil

Snack

Who doesn’t love kettle corn?! So good + the bag is super cute!
Drink

I don’t like diet soda. I should not have expected to like this zero calorie soda. But I did. And I did not like it. I gave it to my mom to finish, she liked it. Then again, she likes diet soda.

Coupon

Thursday Friday designed the BeautyCon swag bag tote, so this coupon made perfect sense.

Me Undies

Me Undies tee shirts are my favorite! And while I don’t think they were at Beautycon, it was still cool to see a gift card from an upcoming brand that I love in the swag bag!

Elle Magazine

Elle was a major partner for BeautyCon NYC, and as an Elle Magazine subscriber,  I found this cover to be utterly flawless (I’m still not over the Jennifer Aniston + Brad Pitt breakup, but I can’t hate Angelina…She has ageless beauty and is an amazing actress)!

Three of these will be included in my next giveaway! Which three do you hope they are?

spring fling voxbox

I joined Influenster not too long ago, and recently got my first VoxBox. I am always saying that I like to try new things, and VoxBox allows me to do just that + share my opinion on the products I try.

Spring Fling VoxBox

The theme of this particular VoxBox was Spring Fling, and had products to help you get ready for spring.

Spring Fling Vox Box

Spring Fling VoxBox

My Spring Fling VoxBox contained:

Peach Pie Car Freshener from the Labor Day Movie $21.24

Labor Day Pie Air Freshener Front

Labor Day Pie Air Freshener Back

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara $5.47

Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara

NIVEA Skin Firming Hydration Lotion $5.97 for 6.8oz

Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance available in Walmart stores  $3.99 – $4.99

Playtex Sport   Playtex Sport

Kiss Everlasting French Nails $7.79

Kiss Everlasting French Nails

Kiss Everlasting French Nails

Kiss Everlasting French Nails

voxbox-blogimage

These products were received complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

two amazing little products

In an earlier post I basically said that waiting in line is the devil. Maybe not in so many words, but it is where 98% of my impulse buys are picked up.

This weekend I got to explore Albany and pretty much went buck wild crazy. Especially at Charlotte Russe. So many cute dresses and skirts! And the shoes…

Well on my way to check out I spotted two majorly amazing little products that I just HAD to snag.

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I know I swear by Travel Lite, but I also use Say Yes To. I also discovered my now favorite eos flavor! Raspberry Pomegranate.

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Can’t wait to share some of my other purchases, stay tuned!

10 beauty products to swap out for spring

Being in Vermont, this winter has been…long. After yesterday’s weather and looking at the forecast for the week, I think it is safe to say the spring is finally here to stay. Transitioning away from our winter wardrobe is something that those of us with heliophilia, await from the very moment that the leaves start to fall.

daffodil

I noticed that I don’t really find myself thinking about as much is updating my makeup bag. When I say updating my makeup bag, I don’t mean adding to it…that is a never-ending thing for me that just kind of happens whenever I have money. What I’m referring to is the swapping out of darker, more wintery and sultry makeup for brighter, lighter and fun makeup used in the spring.

20140509-093004.jpg Winter Beauty

20140509-093013.jpg Spring Beauty

Everyone has their rules for just about everything now-a-days. While I understand that rules can be broken…there are products that I generally find myself going to in particular seasons that I don’t care for as much during others.

The ten beauty products I swap out for spring:

1. Perfume

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Left: Dolce & Gabbana + Versace
Right: VS Coconut Passion + Viva La Juicy

2. Nail Polish

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Left: Essie in Wicked + OPI in Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!  + Sinful Colors in Nirvana
Right: Butter London in Teddy Girl + Essie in A Crewed Interest + Ruby Wing in Gypsy

3. Lip Stick/Gloss/Balm/Etc.

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Left: Beauty for Real + Bite in VIB Rouge + Baby Lips
Right: Make + Givenchy + Dior

4. Foundation

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Left: Clinique
Right: Laura Mercier

5. Concealer

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Left: Benefit Fake Up
Right: Nars (Because my skin gets darker…)

6. Blush

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Left: Nars blush in Seduction
Right: Nars Illuminator in Orgasm + Nars blush in Taj Mahal

7. Mascara + Eyeliner

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Left: Guerlain + Sephora Define Yourself Black Eyeliner Set (Out of Stock + now I regret recommending it so much…)
Right: CoverGirl + Sephora Define Yourself Color Eyeliner Set (Out of Stock)

8. Face Lotion

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Left: Clinique
Right: Supergoop (+ SPF)

9. Anti-Bacterial “Stuff”

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Left: Bath & Body Works  (I want my hands clean, not dry + No longer available, so glad I stocked up!)
Right: Purell

10. Tools

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Left: Free gift with purchase from Sephora + sponge I found at a some drug store (here’s a better alternative + it’s a two pack!)
Right: Birchbox (No longer available, but here’s their new Birchbox exclusive Pouch) + Julep

Are these products that you find your self swapping out too? What else do you swap of for the spring? Do you have Instagram? Share a “What’s in my makeup bag” photo and share what’s stashed in your current makeup bag with the hashtag #myspringswapout!

 

 

meet your match

Meet Your Match Kit

Meet Your Match Kit (open)

I majorly heart Sephora.

I majorly heart trying new products.

Each time Sephora comes out with a new collection or kit I can’t fight the feeling of needing to have it.

This was very much so the case with the Sephora Favorites Meet Your Match Kit.

There was nothing that I disliked about this kit, but I want to stress that these are minis. Samples. Not full-sized products. A lot of the reviews were from those that were disappointed with the size, so I was prepared to be a little disappointed. I wasn’t. In fact, I was very pleased with it.

A few notes:

The “purple” nail polish is really thick. I only painted one coat and was afraid that two coats wouldn’t dry without me managing to smudge them, and the color was bold enough to look as though I’d painted two coats.

The “coral” nail polish was a bit thin and even after two coats, I could still see through it, but I didn’t mind as it wasn’t too noticeable…

Meet Your Match Coral

Coral

Meet Your Match Radiant Orchid

Radiant Orchid

Meet Your Match Neutral

Neutral

Kit Includes Deluxe Minis of the following products:

Nails Inc. Devonshire Row Nail Polish

Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Tint in Elite

Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss 

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Formula X Nail Color in Invincible

Hourglass Cosmetics Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Child

I am so glad that I purchased this kit! I really do like all the colors and can’t decide which color set I like the best.

Do you have one that you prefer over the others? Let me know in the comments, this info may be used to help me plan a special giveaway later on!

xx
Bethany