Sunday, October 20, 2013

October 2013 glossybox and Byrdie recap and review





This month glossybox teamed up with Byrdie, WhoWhatWear's sister site dedicated to beauty! This is probably the earliest in the month one of my glossyboxes has arrived, such a fun surprise since I didn't have a shipping notification, I had no idea they had gone out yet! Sorry for the terrible photos, I was too excited to open up and play with everything inside this one.

Brands include Tarte, Fresh, Sesha, Bulgari, and balance Me (a UK brand). The Tarte lights camera flashes mascara is full size, worth $23. Judging by the other goodies in the box, it could easily be worth $60+ total this month.

First, the Balance Me limited edition Shine On Tinted Lip Salve in super soft beige: it's 100% natural,very oily in consistency (feels like vaseline on lips) which is no surprise because the first ingredient is sweet almond oil. It has a nice minty flavor and very pale brownish color. I like that it is natural and I like that it isn't super sticky. This is a great one for cold and windy days when the last thing you want is your hair stuck to your mouth and you need to prevent chapped lips.

Bulgari Au thé Vert eau de cologne is a lovely green fresh but sort of sweet and modern scent. I think this is a great mellow scent for everyday. It's not what I would usually go for but I think I really like it. When I don't want a heavier warm patchouli based scent (Tom Ford WHite Patchouli, and Flowerbomb are my usual fav's), this will be my go-to for sure. I keep noticing it throughout the day even with 2 dabs so clearly the cologne is making it last much better than the eau de toilette version which reviews say doesn't have great staying power. Notes: Italian Bergamot, Tunisian Bitter Orange, Spanish Orange Blossom, Ceylon Cardamom, Jamaican Pepper, Russian Coriander, Bulgarian Rose, Egyptian Jasmine, Green Tea, Smoked Wood.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara is definitely up there with the best. I actually prefer this brush to the Benefit They're Real mascara brush I use during the week. Inside it contained an extra real brush head with directions on what sides to use and how which is a brilliant idea. There can be a learning curve with new advanced mascaras for sure. Start with swipes of the shorter side brush to build up the volume and then switch to the longer side to comb them out and lengthen. I found that this was also super curling, I tried it without curling my lashes first to test it and it definitely curled and stayed that way. I like that this formula somehow stays soft and flexible whereas the Benefit They're Real tends to get stiff once dry.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve face cream is one of Allure magazine's Best of Beauty for 2013. It has a nice consistency and natural scent. According to Sephora, Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream is clinically proven to*:
- Moisturize skin for 24 hours after use
- Immediately improve skin radiance
- Enhance skin brightness and clarity
- Improve elasticity

After an independent consumer testing panel used Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream*:
- 97% felt their skin was immediately hydrated
- 91% felt their skin was revitalized
- 91% felt this cream gave them healthier-looking skin
- 81% felt their complexion was luminous
- 84% felt their skin’s elasticity was improved
*In vivo.I think I would have to try it longer to really give an honest opinion on whether it holds up to these claims, I don't have dry skin so moisture isn't really a concern for me. It feels luxurious when applied and sinks in fast, I tried it after work before a shower and was surprised that it didn't just wash off. My skin still felt very silky even after washing so it clearly had absorbed very well.

Sesha Renew Exfoliating Gel is know for great results, you put it on dry skin rub in circles and it beads up on the surface of your skin collecting dirt and dead skin cells with it.  It takes some getting used to, and needs to be done over the sink or the beaded up gel will rub off on you. Matching it up against my favorite exfoliator, Exfolikate, it is probably not as effective but is probably better for sensitive skin. My skin felt cleaner after use and smoother.

Overall one of my favorites so far, along with the Dallas Shaw collab box. Glossybox definitely knows who to collaborate with! Now if only I could get my hands on the Man Repeller box from months and months ago before I signed up.



Thursday, October 17, 2013

in the shadows



Probably should have found a spot with less dappled lighting but people were out everywhere today, leaving much fewer inconspicuous places to take quick photos. To be honest, it's probably not a bad thing since this dress could be seizure-inducing with these optic stripes in bright light.

Today's list: asymmetrical Laundry dress, BR navy cardigan, Fergie navy boots (it is surpisingly hard to find navy booties these were the only ones I found all last winter, thanks DSW for carrying these), Balenciaga bag, Toms sunnies

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

a little baroque






I love the look of black and cream, and especially love these textures together. The dress is super ornate lightweight, layered chiffon with an eyelet-trimmed, scalloped top and a micro-pleated A-line skirt and a slit, open back under one of my black velvet blazers. Sort of reminiscent of romantic baroque fashion. These cat eye frames are brand new so they had to be worn too, obviously.


Today's list: Cooperative Layered Eyelet Dress from Urban Outfitters, Topshop velvet unstructured blazer, Pink and Pepper open flat booties, Matt and Nat velvet bag, and Elizabeth and James mother of pearl cat eye Benedict sunglasses

Monday, October 14, 2013

fall-tastic



 

 


 

I can't pretend it's still summer anymore. Boots came out and sandals were put away over the weekend. It's starting to get awfully festive everywhere and definitely here in Old Town. I love PSL's but I've already had my fill for the season, I think. I could use a few more pumpkin beers though. I wish I weren't allergic to all the moldy leaves so I could -maybe- appreciate all the fall foliage. Can you tell I'm not really a fan of the season? It just means winter is coming, and I HATE that. Halloween is ok because it is socially acceptable and not creepy to have tons of skulls and black cats everywhere. Taking these pictures today was fun though, a good majority were of me making faces while all-out laughing. Not flattering trust me. The first two taken by Krysia Gabenski, the rest Patrick McBride.

Today's list: BR military jacket, DVF key blouse, Matt and Nat velvet taupe vegan bag (figured I'd bring it out since everyone is talking about furry/fluffy bags atm, AG knit brown pants, Wanted booties, Prada sunnies, and Bite Pomegranate high pigment lip pencil

Thursday, October 10, 2013

October 2013 birchbox recap review

Folle de joie perfume- pretty average floral with a more prominent sandalwood base, pretty universal though so it would probably make a good gift
Liz earle cleanser and muslin cloths-  the cleanser has essential oils and when you clean it off with the warm muslin, it felt like a spa treatment. Problem is I would not use this frequently because multiple oils will make me breakout and the muslin exfoliates well but I would prefer to use a disposable facial cloth to keep bacteria off my skin.
Miss Jessie's creme de la creme conditioner- very softening, but has a very soapy smell I didn't like.
Pop aquatic lacquer lip gloss- I got the one in floating rose, it is a great magenta color that applies very sheer blush shade. I hate the packaging though it has one of those spatula applicators instead of a brush or sponge tip.
New vanilla creme hydration lock chapstick- the cheapest but probably the best thing in here this month. I would highly recommend, very hydrating and less waxy than any other chapstick product. It has only a very very subtle vanilla scent which I actually wish they would play up, I am a vanilla fiend.


rain-bow print





It is so gross outside but I'm hoping at least now my filthy car is clean. The rain has just not stopped all morning. The last photo should be an outtake since I am wiping the drizzle off my forehead. This maxi skirt was originally a maxi dress from t-bags which I cut the top off of. It was soooo on sale from Blue Heaven Boutique and I love the weird tie-dye splatter rainbow print so much that I thought it was worth it to get a dress even if I was going to throw the top portion away.

Today's list: t-bags maxi dress turned skirt, gap shirt and jacket, Wanted boots, and same Deena & Ozzy bag as yesterday because I'm lazy

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

back to life, back to reality




Now that I'm back at work again (and hitting snooze too many times) I barely got out the door in time. For me no time= black and gray outfit thrown on as fast as possible. Having so much time off allowed me to get on my own natural sleep schedule and wake when it was light out as nature intended. Back to reality, I have to wake up in the pitch black and I'm not adjusting well, blah.

On a less complainy note, I wanted to share one of my all time fav nail polishes. This is Butter London's Bumster. Now that polishes to match your skin tone are in, I like this one as a quirky alternative. It's actually the exact shade of peanut butter not my skin so it doesn't completely blend away the shape of my nails.

Today's list: Gap cowl sweater, Free People skinny moto pants, Coconuts wedge booties, Deena and Ozzy neon skull bag, Glassing white angular aviators, Member's Only leopard jacket

Monday, October 7, 2013

BEACH BAG

 


 



 


 




I was very lucky to have earned a 6 week sabbatical from work. I went to the beach for a few days during this time off and one of my bbags came with me. I think miss galet twiggy enjoyed her vacation too lol.
I officially crossed the line into crazy by personifying a handbag now haven't I...

September 2013 birchbox recap

Davines sea salt spray (love this, works as well as Bb Surf spray and smells lovely)
BCBG bon genre sample (Jasmine and a little fruity)
Grand central beauty smart skin perfecting polisher (meh)
Ruffian nail lacquer (nice colors, kind of ridiculous bottle)
Soak heel foot cream (smells like cucumbers and is very moisturizing)


Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Birchbox October sneak peek and promo code!




Exclusive offer for 15% off any purchase of $50+ in the Birchbox Shop, use code BIRCHBLOGGER15 at checkout to get your discount! They are carrying Laura Mercier products in the shop now!