July Favorites

July was no exception to how fast the summer has been flying by. Throughout July I tried a lot of new products and found some new favorites.

1. Bombshell Lip Balm 2. Albiet Lipstick 3. LAQA & Co lip/cheek stain

To jump in, I'll start with last months go-to lip products. I am limited to the range of colors that are work appropriate. Fortunately, I found three great options including bombshell lip balm, Albiet Lipstick, and LAQA & Co Lip Cheek Stain. The Bombshell lip balm in French Kiss has been a great every day balm with a hint of pink while also maintaining subtlety at work. It feels moisturizing like a balm, and the color seems to make my skin look more tan...is that a thing? It is awesome!

I have been waiting years to buy the Albiet Lipstick in Peony ever since I heard it here. I LOVE this color, a neutral coral pink that is perfect for fair/light skin and seems like every hair color. It comes in a luxurious gold tube that looks great out on a vanity or to take out. It is pricey for a lipstick I'll admit, but after I finally made the purchase I couldn't be happier that I did. 

I first heard about LAQA & Co on Birchbox and immediately liked it. This color Humble Brag comes in the new Candidly Nicole guest editor box for August. It is a darker pink that can be worn as a lip or cheek stain. I have been using this primarily as a lip stain that LASTS and feels hydrating not greasy. 

Stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in Water Poppy

Speaking of hydrating, Stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in Water Poppy is my next product. After reading Lauren's Birthday Haul post (a fellow Birchblogger) I ran out and got this blush. The color is a bright orange/pink perfect for summer. The formula for this blush is gel and word to the wise, a little goes a long way with this. Of course, the first time I tried it I took a nice sized dab and even that was too much. As a gel blush, it goes on cool and has a glowing affect. As hot as it has been outside, I like to dab a little of this on with some mascara and start my day.

Marcelle BB Cream is another Birchbox favorite of mine. I have received several Marcelle products in my Birchbox and decided to try this out. I feel like I am always running behind and when it comes to makeup in a hurry, this is my current solution. As much as I like to spend 30 min on my makeup, I just can't seem to find that, especially before work. That being said, BB cream to the rescue. The shade is fair/ light and it seems to match well. The coverage is light/medium and build-able using my fingers to apply. Unfortunately, this BB cream does not contain SPF...enter my next product, COOLA SPF organic makeup setting spray. I reviewed this spray here. After purchasing the full-sized, it quickly became a monthly favorite.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Vanilla and LAQA & Co Humble Brag

After all the hype, I had to try Too Faced Born This Way Foundation. Formulated with coconut oil and claiming to provide undetectable, yet full coverage...seemed too good to be true. I used my 20% off coupon at Ulta ($38 seems medium to high in price) and went for it. Having dry skin in the summer is no joke. Increasing water in take, a nightly moisturizer, and around the clock SPF wasn't helping. Sometimes putting any sort of product or foundation on my face, just seemed to accentuate the dryness and highlight any peeling. Gross. When I first went to color match this foundation I tried applying a small amount of Vanilla on one side of my jaw and Nude on the other. For fear of being helped by an associate and lack of time, I hauled out of there. (Do you ever just want to shop alone?) I realize they could have helped match my shade, but times before and even the Color IQ at Sephora was a fail. So I got in my car to see which shade looked best in natural light and I couldn't remember which was which; they both looked great. Later that night I took a closer look and could even feel the difference. Where there had been foundation was smooth and the surrounding areas dry and peeling. I went back and got the lighter shade knowing my summer tan (if you can call it that) would fade in to the paleness I have grown to appreciate. The first day I took the time to apply this foundation, I took it for a test drive in New Orleans heat walking thru the French Quarter. After sweating and walking around for a few hours it still looked great without feeling heavy or melting. Even under to fluorescent lights at work this foundation looks great. If you are on the fence about this one, I highly recommend trying it.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible 2-step nail polish

Last months impulse purchase was L'Oreal Parish Infallible nail polish. A friend of mine at work recommended this 2-step polish to me claiming that it "lasts days even with all the hand washing." Earlier in July I tried Revlon's Gel Envy polish that lasted me approx 3 days...hmm. I am especially critical of nail polish because I pick it off at the first sign of chipping. Call it a nervous habit or OCD, but few things look as bad as chipped up nail polish. So after the first chip, I'll removed it all. But when one nurse tells you something works thru work, it peaked my interest. I found Forever Candy and a few other shades at CVS. I was taken by surprise at how pricey they are ($10), but it does come with two polishes a base and special formulated shade specific top coat. I like the packaging because both polishes can be easily transported together or separated. The color comes out as a bright red vs a pink and the brush is fantastic. It fans wide but coats an even thin layer, easily tackling the corners of the nail without buildup. After two coats of base and one of the top coat, the dry time is only a few minutes. When dry, the shine is so great that they look wet. I managed to keep this on for 7 days before chipping, including cleaning the house and three 12 hour shifts of constant hand washing!

July was an awesome month for new and loved products. I have already started accumulating new products for Augusts favorites. Check back for more reviews and favorites! Have a product you think I should try? I'd love to hear from you!

July Birchbox Review

My Birchbox this month was AMAZING. This box most likely falls in the top three boxes I have ever received in my 2+ years as a Birchbox subscriber. The first product I reached for when I opened this box was the stila stay all day liquid lipstick in Venezia. I put this on immediately and loved the color, a mix of bright orange and pink. Within seconds the lipstick was dry and stayed put for a few hours. In fact, I accidentally fell asleep before taking this off and to my surprise (6 hours later) it didn't come off all over my pillow and the color was mostly intact.

I have previously received other Macadamia products in my Birchbox and enjoyed them. I was excited to try the Macadamia Professional leave-in conditioner. The description states that this light-weight conditioner is both a protector and detangler. It seemed to work well as a protectant from my curling iron without adding weight. When it came to detangling- they weren't lying when the directions state "Spray liberally." I may be impartial to other types of detangling/conditioning products because I have found THE ONE here. This does come as a close second with smell, consistency, and performance. Until they discontinue my Beauty Protector Detangler, this one will have to wait.

theBalm Desert Bronzer- Lets start with the sample size on this one. I actually laughed out loud when I read that this was a bronzer. I don't have it pictured on here, but think tiny. The color itself is a nice chocolate brown that would look great as either a bronzer or eye shadow. It was a little dark for my fair/light skin tone. It goes on easy and blends nicely, with a little going a long way. Overall I would recommend to Birchbox or theBalm to issue a shallow but wider sample packaging vs eye shadow size. Overall I would consider purchasing this brand of bronzer, in a lighter shade.

Do you ever fill a cart online in hopes that your financial situation will allow you to purchase all the items, but sadly it doesn't? When it is available, the amika Un.Done Texture Spray has been sitting in my Birchbox cart on and off for months. Then it arrived. I savored the cute little can for a week before trying it. Like all amika products I have tried, this one did not disappoint. It smells wonderful without being overpowering, it sprays evenly, is light, and effective. Back in my cart it will go (on backorder right now) to be purchased indefinitely!

It's hard to rate the items in this box because they are all great, but if I had to pick one favorite it would be the COOLA SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray. Before I opened my birchbox this month, I would say the amount of times I used a makeup setting spray was twice. Honestly, I am usually running behind and opt for simple products that can be applied quickly. To me, a setting spray seemed like a "special occasion" product. Then I tried this. I won't lie to you, I got a little in my eyes the first time (mistake) it burns. BUT it works, is organic and has SPF 30! The trifecta! Having fair/ light skin and a strong family history of Melanoma, I am so glad to have this. I am not one to wear lots of makeup to the beach or pool, usually a few waterproof things and a full-thickness sunscreen. I am getting the hang of spraying my face without flinching because the end result is worth it. I already bought the full-sized version and will continue to wear this daily and re-apply when out in the sun.

Birchbox Plus item-
As a bonus upgrade to my box, I added the Sunski Headlands Sunglasses in Pink. These UV400 polaroized sunglasses are adorable. I have taken them to the pool and wear them frequently without scratches or any issues. Would I purchase them for the full retail amount of $48? No, but for a bonus I enjoy wearing them.

Overall this was a huge win of a box for me. I apologize I haven't been posting more reviews, life has been crazy to say the least. I am getting back on schedule and have been trying lots more products so expect more reviews soon!

As always if you would like more information on Birchbox follow the link here for a referral.

February Birchbox Review

I have been a Birchbox subscriber for over a year and a half and LOVE it! For me its more than the monthly box of samples selected based on my personality, it's all the extras. Not only can you purchase the full sized version of each sample through their website, but you can review them for points that can add up to free or discounted products. My weakness- limited edition boxes. My addiction to kits and boxes full of goodies led me to Birchbox. Then the combination of samples, full sized items at a discount or free, and even more products has been dangerous to my bank account, but well worth it. And lets not even get in to the Birchbox plus items. 

The Birchbox I'll review first is my February Rent The Runway box that was this month's guest editor curated box. 

Fekkai-Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo

I can't get enough dry shampoo's right now so this was a great product for my box. Winter is upon us and it is too cold to have wet hair all the time. I also color treat my hair so skipping the occasional washing helps maintain the color and moisture. This dry shampoo smells fresh without heavy perfume, its light, and works well for adding texture and minimizing oil. I didn't find it to be overly volumizing as per the product claimed, but would definitely buy the full size version. 

derma e- Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub

Exfoliation is something I cannot live without during the colder months. I am enjoying this sample for its size, texture, and efficiency. Unlike some scrubs, a little bit will actually work its way all over your face and neck. Some scrubs stay put in the area they are applied, but this spreads easily without feeling greasy. The smell is not over powering, a clean, almost bubble-bath smell. 

Not Soap, Radio- Body Wash

Body wash- not my favorite thing to get in my Birchbox, but I am trying to broaden my bathing product horizons. This is an interesting product for Birchbox. The back of the bottle states " Love live not going according to plan." Suggesting that this particular body wash (or use in a bath), aids in seduction...(crickets). I thought what the heck I'll try it for its cleaning properties and go from there. Right from the start the smell is very strong and fruity, not for me. I filled a bath with it and the bubbles were nice. A line of men weren't waiting outside my bathroom door when I got out so who's to say it does or doesn't work in a sensual way. My boyfriend did say I smelled nice, but that was all that was said about that. I would not purchase this product in full size, but it was an interesting experiment.

Sumita- Color Contrast Eyeliner in Raina

For a slight pop of color this eyeliner is great. It is also a beast to remove. If you are looking for a long lasting dark navy eyeliner that glides on easily and smoothly, this is my recommendation. I prefer gel and kohl liners over pencil and liquid for their workability, which this one has. As a nurse, I wont be wearing this every day, but may try it on occasion for a hint of color. 

theBalm- Read My Lips

This sample is the perfect size for any purse, it smells great and the color is a neutral pink. The consistency was moderately sticky and didn't last long. Also this color was not flattering for my skin tone and hair color. 

In all, I really liked my February Birchbox and can't wait for next month!

Starting Over

Hi! My name is Abby. I was born, raised, and educated in Florida where my family still resides. I recently moved from the sketchy parts of New Orleans LA to a nice area called "The Northshore." I am a registered nurse working in the ER at one of the local hospitals. I have an amazing boyfriend, one sweet dog, and a lazy cat. 

I have seen and continue to encounter many things in this life. I try hard to help anyone and everyone I can. I am an avid believer in retail therapy, wine, and forgiveness. I am truly thankful for the things I have.

I believe that life is mysterious, magical, wonderful, difficult, rewarding, depressing, unsettling, fun, and more than anything, unpredictable. So we try to make the best of it. This blog will be my tiny shred of insight and hope. It will be my life written down and ways I make it more enjoyable and simpler. Things I love, dislike, am learning from, trying out, and sharing. Hopefully the majority of things I post will educate and entertain.

If you ever have questions or a topic you would like my opinion on, I am always more than happy to assist. Positive constructive criticism is also welcome. All of my reviews are my own honest opinions and sources of gifted products will be disclosed. Enjoy!