Friday Night Beauty

Welcome to the weekend!  After writing about my husband’s shaving habits yesterday with #hydformen and knowing I have a pretty jammed packed Saturday and a probably busy enough Sunday, I figured tonight I would take care of some grooming. I started off with my eyebrows. I do them myself- I hate getting them waxed and I prefer to pluck and trim them on my own. I start by combing them up so the longs ones stand out and then I trim with an eyebrow scissor by Sally Hansen. Once I am trimmed on top, I pluck the ends with my beloved Tweezerman. My eyebrows have a decent shape so a good clean up every week or so is all I need. I don’t have a uni-brow so I don’t have to deal with it. I might test out some eyebrow powder tomorrow to fill in the sparse spots which I think are more evident in photos or it could just be the fact that I just ignore them.

Giving myself a haircut.

Once I was done plucking, I washed my face with my favorite Moody Sisters Foaming Wash and then applied NUXE Paris Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute. (That is missing all sorts of accent marks. Just saying.) It is a 24 hour soothing mask that hydrates skin. Truth is I was afraid to try it. I will now have to buy it. I applied it and left it on for about 40 minutes (The website says ten minutes. Like I ever pay attention. My little sample tube had no instructions.) It smells like oolong tea and jasmine. As it penetrated my face, it got a bit oily so I got a wash cloth and gently removed it. My skin is so soft right now that I might actually have to buy this.

You do want to touch my face. It’s a little scary.

My last step was painting my nails. I did go for a manicure and pedicure this week but the polish started to chip and look blah so I took it all off. At least my cuticles look good and my nails kept their shape. I painted on a coat of NailTek Foundation II and then two coats of Revlon Color Stay Longwear Nail Enamel in Trade Winds. On my ring finger, I applied two coats of P2 Sand Style Polish in Strict. (Thanks to Girl in the Glasses!) I love this sand polish because it had a shiny application and I don’t mind it shiny. Then I used Nails Inc. Nail Caviar Topcooat (dries polish in 45 seconds!)  Here is what I got!

Conservative with a little edge.

My hubs put on “Battleship.” I figured out the entire plot in the first five minutes (maybe less) and then the whole reason why I would even watch the movie got killed off. Right now, I see water and smoke on my TV screen. And a pretty blonde.

What did you do tonight? I hope you were out and carousing!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

What’s in my Shower?

Hey all! It is another hot day in Brooklyn, NY and I will probably hibernate in my house with the air conditioner. My mom is coming over today to hang out since our apartment stays much cooler. I like to live in an icebox at all times. One of my favorite things to do in the summer (and everyday) is take a shower. I don’t feel good until I have showered for the day and in this weather, it brings on some relief!

Being obsessed with products, I have a few lying around my shower. I have actually pared down quite a bit and instead of 30 products in the shower, I think I have gotten down to maybe 15 total. My trick was to really just use up those things that I am sick of and not add anything until absolutely necessary. In fact, I have also been cleaning out my hair product closet and giving things to my aunt, since she is a hair stylist. I am sure she will find some clients to use them on.

Currently, I have these items in my shower:

It is a shower expose.

Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery  Treatment: I have a fairly full jar but haven’t used it in a long time. I should give it to my friend that likes it. It is a really thick conditioning treatment.

Suave Mint Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: This has a few washes left and I just need to really use it up. It is a good shampoo and doesn’t smell like a dandruff type. I think they only make the coconut anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner now and I did like that one better.

Suave Professionals  Rosemary +  Mint Shampoo: I put to the wayside because I dye my hair but I think there maybe 2-3 washes left. I need to just kill it off. It smells delicious and feels really refreshing.

Dove Body Wash: My husband uses this. It is his favorite.

Queen Helene Placenta Shampoo: I have a pretty full bottle and I do like it, as a little goes a long way and it doesn’t strip hair color.

Perlier Honey and Tiramisu Honeycomb Shower and Bath Cream: My aunt got this from someone for Christmas and of course I end up with it. Though it makes my skin soft, I am not loving the scent.

Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shower Gel: I am about halfway done with this and I love the minty fresh smell.

L’Oreal Color Vibrancy Shampoo & Conditioner: These are really my go to for daily cleansing and are pretty full.

Even the windowsill has crap.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser: I love how this soap-free formula foams up and really cuts the oil on my face. For ultra-gentle, I find it to be ultra-scented.

Philosophy Cleansing Hair to Toe Baby Wash: I got this because I am ultra sensitive during certain points in the month (a-hem). I actually really just like the formula and there is a light scent that isn’t a fragrance additive. Unfortunately, I can’t find it anymore.

ETUDE HOUSE Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam Moist: I got the very small tube when I ordered from KollectionK.com. A little goes a long way and I am loving it. This formulation is for dry skin but I don’t find it to make me oily and my face feels very clean after using it.

Urban Decay Joe Glow Body Scrub: I had this forever and finally got around to using it. It was sealed and in a dark place- they don’t even make this anymore. It is some kind of coffee scrub and it does the job. I have about 1/4 bottle left.

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: I love this scrub and may eventually purchase as this is just a deluxe sample. I have very little left and think it should be done soon. It is a scrub with micro crystals and enzymes. My face looks brand new after every use.

Pure Silk Shaving Cream: This is a necessity in the summer. I’m not picky with shave cream and this was cheap.

Ulta Men Hair + Body Wash in Citrus: I bought my husband some manly stuff. It smells really nice and uh manly.

Miss Jessie’s Creme De La Creme Conditioner: I am about half way done. I really like this and use it when I don’t need to wash but just need to refresh and condition.

Shower comb: This comb is old. When we move at the end of the year, I will throw it away.

Shower pouf: I throw these out every couple of months, though they say you can wash them.

Razor: I changed my razor head every other week or about every eight shaves.

What do you keep in your shower?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

GLOSSYBOX and I are Exclusive- Almost.

Hello, gorgeous! I hope the week as treated you well and that the weekend treats you even better. I have some interesting PH news to share. It actually isn’t that interesting but after months of complaining and disappointment, I have cancelled my Birchbox subscription. I really thought about it, considering it has started to get a little better but when I received the email that it would be renewed on July 1st, I took the plunge and bid Birchbox adieu. I would post pictures of some of my monthly boxes but why live in the past? Besides. my ipsy and GLOSSYBOX subscriptions should keep me busy enough. I also decided to keep up with FabFitFun, since the first box was excellent and they only ship four times a year.

And after waiting a looooong month, I did get my June GLOSSYBOX today. Curated by Dallas Shaw, the theme is “American Beauty Box.” (You can read more about Dallas Shaw by visiting her website. I really had no clue about her until I read a bit about her today.) I purchased a six month subscription to GLOSSYBOX for $90 US, which was a decent discount. The June box is better than those I have gotten recently. Are you ready?

Pull tab here.

On top is the GLOSSYBOX magazine. I really wish they would save a tree. I always find typos and it takes all of five minutes to read.

Good things come in small packages.

The box has an illustration by Dallas Shaw and this one might be a keeper. Inside there is an insert with the same illustration, a note, and a listing of products.

She hopes I love her selections. I do, too!

The body and hair care portion of the box is actually quite nice. First up is c. Booth Honey Almond Nourishing Dry Oil Mist (2 oz. bottle, $4 US value): An oil that can be used on the body and the face, it absorbs quickly and leaves a “light, lasting glow.” I am attending a wedding tonight and I will try this out of the shower. (Full Size 8 oz., $8 US).

For my tresses, there is Philip B. Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner (2 fl oz tube, $8 US) which seems to be a frizz fighting, color saving, heat protector for you tresses. My two ounce tube will come in handy since I am running out of my usual hair cream. It is also a Paraben & Phthalate Free Formula.

I will smell so nice.

I got an email from GLOSSYBOX about two weeks ago stating that some product was unavailable but that there would be a great replacement. I don’t really remember if these Essential Luxuries by Oscar de la Renta are the consolation prize or if it is another product in the box. Whatever the case, I like three out of the six samples. This is Uncle Oscar’s tailored line of six scents that are “imbued with his love of beauty and luxury.” They are: Granada (love it), Oriental Lace (smells divine), Sargasso (I can’t even- delicious), Coralina (yeah, no), Santo Domingo (for those of a certain age), and Mi Corazon (gardenia- a lot of gardenia). A 3.4 ounce bottle of one is $150 US. Pure peanuts in my book, especially if I love it.

Lips and tips weren’t left out either. I have been itching to try SpaRitual Favorites Nail Polish, as it is vegan, certified organic, and made with fair-trade ingredients. Clay Creme was in my box and though I am not particularly fond of the color, it will make for a nice autumn shade. (Full Size bottle $12 US)

Tarte’s Complexion Enhancing Lipstick in Medium to Tan is an interesting addition. I am kind of on the light to medium skintone side, though maybe with a little sun, more medium. I will give this a try in about a week after I get a little more sun (and yes, I use SPF and I never bake myself.) It is a jelly core lipstick in a nude shade that will give the appearance of more youthful lips. I am hoping this works for me because I love a good nude lip. (Full Size Tube $14.50 US).

Lips and my tips!

This month’s GLOSSYBOX retail value is roughly $36 US, which isn’t bad since six months was 90 bucks.

Spoiler. Or just spoiled?

I think the lipstick and nail polish are my favorites though the oil and hair cream will be useful. If you would like to try GLOSSYBOX, use my referral code by clicking here.

See you soon!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

BirchBox (Squared)

Image via CrunchBase

Two deliveries from BirchBox, you ask? You know it! I I received my usual box and then was happily surprised (well, not that surprised) by the extra delivery of the box of Nuance by Salma Hayek beauty products. Now, I have two boxes to contend with. I really have a only-like-a-little/hate relationship with BirchBox but this month was a bit better… and that’s only because I got the Nuance by Salma Hayek Bonus Box!

English: Salma Hayek at the Cannes film festival (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The May box was better than usual but that is still not saying much.

SPF and Eyeliner that won’t move- or so it claims!

COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: A sunscreen with a pleasant scent, this ec0-friendly formula protects and works on age-reversal. I am a little afraid. My eyes are sensitive and I only use Shiseido because it is the only one that doesn’t set my eyes on fire.

Sumita Beauty Suman Contrast Eye Pencil in Black: An eye pencil that is super soft and waxy with “sensational blending abilities,” the Sumita is all that and a bag of chips. Maybe not but I will find out soon enough. I wish I got one of the cooler colors. I have too many black pencils that I don’t use.

You Whish you had $20! (Pardon the picture- my original went missing!)

Whish Shave Cream: A bottle is $20 US. I won’t buy this but it will fit nicely in a travel bag.

DevaCurl 3-Step System: Known for the “No Poo” Shampoo, DevaCurl is a ringlet’s best friend. The system includes the No Poo, Ultra-Creamy Conditioner, and Hardworking Gel. I have wanted to try DevaCurl so this is a nice little intro and the packets are pretty generous so I will get a few uses.

Are you a Deva(curl)? (Another lost picture!) See the hub’s toes?

My BirchBox find is a Pilot Acroball PureWhite Pen that has turquoise ink. It’s pretty!

You got the write stuff…

I know that BirchBox wants to get into my good graces again. A few weeks ago, I received an email asking if I would be interested in getting another box, totally free that would not replace my usual monthly box. An extra box?! For free?! I signed up but there was no guarantee I would actually receive the box. Just yesterday I was wondering if I had been selected and figured that I am on a blacklist in the BB offices. I got home from work today and was pleasantly surprised to see a red BirchBox! I was a chosen one. Woohoo!

The box contains several products from Nuance by Salma Hayek. The line is exclusively sold in CVS and is based on beauty secrets of Hayek’s grandmother. The box is actually generous, as there are two full size products and some travel size.

Mail I don’t mind getting.

First, look in and there is a creamy box with pretty red blossoms.

I hope I channel Salma while using this stuff!

First product I noticed in the box was a small jar of Nuance Anti-Aging Super Cream. I am not one for cream but the container is so adorable and the product is based in Mayan skin treatments. I will give it a try because I never know if something could work on me.

I won’t show you the jar because you may want to steal it.

The two travel sized bottles of Nuance Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner will come in handy for my travels this summer. Not that I have anything planned, but you never know. I am also loving the full size tube of Nuance My Secret Super Moisturizing Body Cream. I am currently using a gradual tan lotion and will switch to this once I am done.

I’ll be clean and soft.

The last piece in the box is actually for my eyes. Nuance makes cool 3 in 1 products- I have a lipstick/liner/gloss combo- and I received a Lights, Camera, Action Eye Trio. The color is neutral and I love that it is all- in-one. Again, good for any journeys that I might have to make. (I’m so hoping- you have no idea.)

Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

Until I bring you some ipsy…

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

GlossyBox and I May Have to Take a Break

Ah, today. It is a beautiful day in NYC- the sky is blue and clear and the trees and flowers are in bloom, which makes for itchy eyes and scratchy throat but I won’t complain. It is just gorgeous. Moving along- it has been a crazy busy week and of course, my Product Hoochiness has been affected. I have a few products to share. Let’s get started…

I received my GlossyBox Monday night. I sadly am disappointed with GlossyBox as of late. Though always better than Birch Box, I find the products become more and more sparse as time goes on.

The suspense… is killing me?

First up, Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist.  It is supposed to give natural “just back from the beach” waves. I am not quite sure how this will work on my curls. I may give myself a spritz and see. This product in the second or third one from Alterna that I have received in a GB. A 4.2 ounce bottle is $22 US. The sample is .85 ounces.

If looking like you just came back from a beach holiday isn’t enough, why don’t you soak yourself in some tea? Another repeat in a different form, there is a Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au the Blanc Tea Bag for Bath. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like soaking in tubs and I especially do not like very strongly scented products. I received a soap in this scent in February or March and the box REEKED. That is too close, too soon. That is not to say that the scent is unpleasant but a body lotion used sparingly is more than enough. I received one full size packet, valued at $9.50 US.

Continuing with bath stuff, there is a “deluxe” 1 ounce sample of Wash With Joe Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash. I don’t care if it will revitalize the mind, the smell is weird but they are my two favorite flavors. The name also freaks me out-my dad was Joe. It is just creepy. A 16 ounce bottle is $28 US.

That’s it?!

Next in line, there is a tube of The Honest Company Honest Organic Lip Balm. I love Burt’s Bees so this is a product I may enjoy. It has virtually no smell and is made from jojoba, olive, sunflower, and coconut oils. Sounds like a party! A three pack is $10.95 US.

There is also a small sample of Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution. Lucky for me, I can get a full size $225 US jar for $150 US! Uh. Nope. I give my mom or aunt these samples. I am too oily.

The big ticket item in this month’s box is TIGI Cosmetics Glow Blush in Awaken. GlossyBox claims it is a universal shade and it is a pretty bronze coral. In other words, it is kind of rusty. I think this may work well with a summer glow. It is a full size blush and costs $22 US.

I know, I know. The blush value “covers” the cost of the box but I find that these products are not tailored to my needs. I understand that I may find something new that I love. In that sense, I would rather do a little research and pick out my own products. I have 1000 Glossy Dots. I think I will use them on the next box and move along.

I think I outgrew you, GlossyBox.

If you want to try GlossyBox, please email me at producthoochie@gmail.com and I will send you a referral link. I also am an ipsy subscriber. Click HERE for my ipsy referral link. I DO NOT receive monetary compensation if you use my referral links. I do get free products or points to use on the websites.

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Getting Lippy with the Moody Sisters!

As you may or may not know, I am writing a weekly blog post for Moody Sisters Skincare. Jess and Whitney created the organic line to address their very emotional skin! I ordered a few products to give them a try and so far so good. Since I love lip products,  today I am going to review the Moody Sisters Tinted Lip Balms. I purchased the three pack for $13.95 or you can buy them separately for $4.95 each.

I love cats!

The packaging is so cute. The balms are oval shaped and in sturdy cases. The labels are ADORABLE. I love how the color name of the tinted balm is in nice big letters on each tube. I hate searching for the names of colors. The ingredients are clearly listed and are very similar, though they vary because the colors are different. I can tell you that there are NOT words on the packaging that you CAN’T pronounce. That’s good. The variety pack comes with the three shades, all vanilla flavored. The scent is not strong at all and doesn’t linger.

Bronze Tinted Vanilla Lip Balm:

The bronze tint is the first balm tried out. It goes on very smoothly and leaves a slightly shiny finish. The color is very sheer and I find that I reapply it a bit more frequently but I like the way my lips feel.

Bronze Baby!

Rose Tinted Vanilla Balm:

I find the rose tint to be a bit more pigmented that the bronze and berry. It also is a little shimmery, like the bronze. The color really just makes your lips look just bitten and really enhances the natural lip color.

Everything’s coming up roses!

Berry Tinted Vanilla Balm:

The berry tint is probably the least pigmented but leaves a nice sheen. I keep it in my bag and use it as a regular balm.

Berry, berry good!

The verdict? The Moody Sisters make a great balm. I really enjoy using the product and can’t wait to really use the other skincare items I purchased.

Check out my guest blog for the Moody Sisters every Thursday and as always…

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO