November 2013 glossybox

Black Emite eyeshadow
Mastey color protecting leave-in oil treatment
Nicka K eyeshadow brush
The Aloe Source jojoba radiance cleansing polish
Vincent Longo duo eye pencil

This glossybox was probably the least inspired of my year subscription. I have ton of black eyeshadow, they are in half the palettes I own. The makeup brush was ok. The Vincent Longo eyeliner was stiff and didn't draw very smoothly. The aloe source cleansing polish is the best of the bunch because it is a great exfoliator and not irritating. The Mastey oil treatment is not useful to me, I prefer not to weigh my hair down with oils.

November 2013 birchbox recap

Chella highlighter pencil
Color club top shelf polish
Tocca cleopatra hand cream
Vasanti enzymatic face rejuvenator
Chuao chocolate

November 2013 Birchbox sneak peek!

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.

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

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

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