What’s In My Bag?!

I recently noticed a post on Pink Lady Beauty and figured a “What’s in My Bag?” post would be fun. I love pocketbooks. It is no secret. Some of my prize possessions are my bags. As sad as that may sound, I just can’t help myself. It started at a very young age. My grandmother worked at A & S and would manage to snag four year-old me the hippest pocketbooks that were on sale. Anyway, my obsession still continues and the wanna-be celebrity in me wants you to see what I have in my bag!

I currently am carrying an MZ Wallace bag. This bag is maybe from two seasons ago but their styles are pretty unique to the brand. I got this bag from my aunt. It sat in her closet for quite some time. It figures that it is one of my favorites and that it gets a lot of use.

Nylon with leather trim, this bag can take a beating. I am super hard on my bags and after a year of pretty frequent use, it still looks good.

The outside has two zippered pockets that are pretty generous in size. I find I don’t use them as much unless it is something I need to grab fast.

I keep things like tissues or um feminine products in the front pocket.

My only gripe with the bag is the top zipper to the main compartment. If you pull the zipper too far when opening it, it gets stuck and makes the bag pretty impossible to close. I do love that the attached short strap still fits under my arm and over a heavy winter coat and that there is a detachable cross-body strap, making it hands-free and shopping friendly. The inside of the bag is also roomy and there is an inside pocket with a zipper along with a few other pockets.

I use pouches in my bag. It’s an OCD thing.

Oh! There is also a back outside pocket! Hand sanitizer and lip balm are totally accessible in that pocket and I can just grab them quickly as I need them.

Sanitizer and lip balm in the back pocket. More lip product, hand cream, and blotting papers I keep in the inner zipper pocket.

Caudalie’s Hand and Nail Cream is delightful and leaves my hands feeling silky instantly so I can use my smart phone right after applying. Jouer”s Conditioning Lip Treatment feels lovely and gives lips that pillow look. My blotting papers are from Forever21 and there is also a mirror in the compact. I am hoping to be able to reuse the compact for other blotting papers.

My teacher pencil case!

My mom-in-law bought me the “Stuff” pencil case a few Christamases (is that a word?) ago and it is perfect for the work items I need to have on me. There is my random gaggle of pens and pencils, a USB drive that looks like a Carress bottle, some post-its and my work key lanyard. I thought the penguins were cute. I also stuck my “Never Judge a Book By Its Movie” button on there to remind people to READ!

The wallet is by Elliot Lucca. I have a thing for keychains and the pouch is from Ipsy!

My husband bought me an Elliot Lucca wallet last year. It  is a big wallet and I pretty much throw everything that has to do with cash, receipts, credit cards, loyalty cards, change in it… you get the picture. I love that there are billfolds on either side to organize cash and miscellaneous paper. My keys have a Croc on them because my husband loves Crocs. I keep an Italian horn and the charm to ward off the malocchio- the evil eye.  I also carry an ipsy pouch for my make-up.

Inquiring minds want to know!

I always have a few staples in my little cosmetics bag that never come out. Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer is a necessity since I love my pigmented lipstick. This sample is perfect but I do have a full size when I finish up this guy. I also keep Too Faced Borderline Anti-Feathering Lip Pencil, which is pretty much a clear waxy lip pencil. It is smooth and terrific because it keeps pesky colors from bleeding without altering the shade. That little nub on the left is Sephora Nano Eyeliner in Pearl Beige. It is great for perking up tired eyes by adding a little to the inner corners or a quick highlight when blended on the browbone. I always have eye drops on hand if my eyes get dry or if my allergies make them itchy. I don’t use the drops too often but like them nearby. Ibuprofen Cold & Sinus clears up some congestion or those annoying sinus headaches.  Bare Minerals Ready Touch Up Tinted Mineral Veil helps me stay shine free and is great if I didn’t get a chance to do my face before leaving the house. Don’t even get me started about the three sample perfumes in the pouch. I heart Marni’s eponymous perfume and wear it pretty often, so that is pretty much a mainstay. I currently am trying out Cartier’s Baiser Vole. It is very sophisticated and I am pretty much done with this sample. The last is D’Anjou by DSH Perfumes. It is a really pretty pear scent and I received it in my October Bergamot box. In fact, I liked it so much, I bought it! Finally, the lip colors. I switch them up daily but I think Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Radiant may be another product that stays in the pouch all of the time. It is a shimmery rosy pink that is very flattering and great for throwing on in a pinch. My lipstick of the moment is Em Cosmetics by Michelle Phan in Nude. The color is fabulous- it is a nude that does not wash me out and with my primer, lasts a long time!

And that is pretty much it! What is your favorite bag? What do you lug around with you?

I know I would be lost without my pocketbook!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Back with Bergamot

Bergamot (Image from leydenhouse,com

Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit that is about the size of an orange but the color of a lemon. They can be found in Calabria, a province of Reggio in southern Italy. You may find the scent of bergamot familiar, especially if you enjoy a cup of Earl Grey tea. The bergamot I am telling you all about isn’t just a confused lemon or orange. Bergamotis one of the latest beauty boxes and delivers three sample sized fragrances to your door every month. I found it on a whim and signed up. I love perfume and enjoy trying different ones. I rarely wear the same scent everyday, though I am loving my current fall fragrance (more on that in another post).

Love at first sight? Ya think?

Here is Bergamot’s philosophy on fragrance shopping: At the perfume counter, we’re bombarded with too many smells and pushy salespeople. Bergamot’s discovery set lets you sample at your own pace, in your home, and as part of your daily routine, so you can truly experience the subtle notes a scent can evoke. 

Sounds pretty good, right? I was so excited when I received my first box last week. It was packed up really well in all white with black writing. I loved the minimalist packaging, giving you the idea that the delivery is all about the fragrance, not what it came in. The theme of Collection No. 1 is Love at First Sight. Inside are three sample sprays and scent strips.

I can’t even with the test strips.

The three samples are JASMIN ET CIGARETTE by ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE, LOVE by MCMC FRAGRANCES, and EVENING EDGED IN GOLD by INEKE. I was happy to see that the brands are a bit obscure (and that MCMC is in Brooklyn, NY! I’m a very proud Brooklynite!). Since I don’t like smelling like everyone else, this gives me more variety!  There is also a pamphlet with information about each perfume. I didn’t really even bother reading it until after I tried each sample. With that said, let’s start with Love by MCMC Fragrances.

I wore Love to work one day. On first spritz, it smelled very green and herbal to me. I wasn’t that thrilled about it but as the day went on, it did grow on me. It softened up and smelled a little more woody and smoky. It seems my schnoz was spot on. Check out the description from Bergamot: The first impression is an explosion of … complex Japanese yuzu citrus, crisp French basil and bright magnolia. As time wears on… more subtle notes emerge… a smoky gunpowder tinged with ancient resinous woods…

Though I did enjoy MCMC’s Love, I will not be purchasing it. I don’t have enough of a crush on it but I will finish up the sample.

I then tried  JASMIN ET CIGARETTE by ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE. I sprayed it on and did not like it. At all. I actually regretted spraying it on my wrist without using a scent strip. Bergamot describes this as “sexy and delicious.” I felt like I dipped my skin into an ashtray, Blech. I was upset that I didn’t like it on me either, since the notes are spot on to what I normally love in a perfume: a candy-ish sweet note to complement the jasmine, composed of apricot and tonka bean. The tobacco opens into a blend of woods and musk, giving the scent a hint of toughness. I sniffed myself throughout the day, hoping I would like the dry down but had no luck. I also found it faded pretty fast.

Lastly, I sprayed on EVENING EDGED IN GOLD by INEKE. On first spray, I smell Calvin Klein’s Eternity. I kid you not. There is something very strong and cloying about it.  The scent is powdery and floral and very feminine. I personally don’t really care for it. It actually reminds me too much of something my grandmother would wear. I love my grandmother but she loves a strong perfume and it really reminds me of something she has worn. Check out what Bergamot says:  the highlight of this fragrance is powdery osmanthus, a rare yellow-blossomed flower from China. Flecked with sweet fruit and cinnamon, the drydown has a soft, leathery quality, making it easy and pleasing to wear. I can’t agree with pleasing to wear. I’m choking.

No winners here this month but if I did want to purchase one the fragrances I sampled, I would do so through Bergamot’s site and get the next month’s sample set for free. I could even gift it if I liked. I checked out the shop anyway and found that there were four more fragrances available that I did not get to sample.  The funny thing is that after reading the other fragrance descriptions, they seem to be more my scent style. I do like that I tried a few things that are a bit more out of the box for me.

A six month Bergamot plan is $14 US a month. I purchased the three month plan for $16 US a month. If you want to try one box, it is $18 US.  There is no referral code yet but if I do get one, I will let you know!

I do hope I get to try more perfumes from MCMC, Ineke, and ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE. Though I wasn’t necessarily a fan of what I got this month, that does not mean they don’t have other scents I would adore.

I am trying to get back into some blogging schedule. I am hoping within a few weeks, I am back to posting at least three times a week. Until then…

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

HauteLook Summer Essentials Are Pretty Necessary

A week or two ago, I wrote a post about the HauteLook with Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag. (You can check out that post here.) I was totally annoyed, as the bag was $29 US and had mostly “deluxe” samples.  About a week later, HauteLook released its Summer Essentials bag and I ordered it. For $20,  I thought it might just be better. Lucky for me, it was.

What have you got in there?

There are 13 products in the Summer Essentials bag and though many are fun size, the full size products up the retail value of the bag. I’ll start off with skin and body care. For the face,  there is a small jar of Miracle 10 AHA Cream. An exfoliator for dry skin, this soothing cream is supposed to bring on even skin texture and fight aging. I will use this eventually but not during the summer. My skin has a tendency to burn, so even putting gentle AHAs on my face frightens me. (Interested in trying Miracle10? Visit Miracle10.com to get Super C & AHA Cream for $82 US. Enter promocode HAUTEBAG13)

Another miracle?

Yay! Another self-tanning product. I have so many tubes and sheets of glow goop that I don’t even know what to do with it. This single TanTowel is good for half body application and can even be used on the face. I loved the spray on one I used last week (there are still remnants on my legs) but I might just have to try a sheet, too. (Hey- don’t you want to know what happens?)

Vacation in a towel.

In order to keep your faux tan looking glowing and not blech, slather on Whish Body Butter in Orange Cream. I have tried Whish Shave Cream and the scent was reminiscent of Fruity Pebbles. This tiny tube will be good to throw in a getaway bag but I have a feeling there will be no getaways this summer. L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream is a cult classic and a little goes a long way.  Cooler weather will be here before we know it, so this will come in handy. (Handy- get it?)

Creamy.

I love Diptyque fragrance because though they are complex, they are magically singular. I find the fragrances to truly smell so natural on the body and wear Eau Duelle, a spicy vanilla, I now have a sample of L’Ombre dans l’Eau, which translates to The Shadow in the Water. On first spray, it is very green but rounds out to a floral with rose and blackcurrant. It actually reminds me of a perfume I used to wear but can no longer recall. Such is life!

Secret like a shadow.

Your crowning glory is up next. Blow Pro After Blow Strong Hold Finishing Spray is a quick dry spray that claims to keep frizz and flyaways at bay. I probably will never find out if this spray works but it sounds good.

Blow Pro then Grab and Go!

I’m loving L. Erickson Grab n’ Go Pony Compact. The compact isn’t very sturdy but it holds a few ponytail elastics in a place where they won’t get lost in my bag. Thank goodness.

Onto the make-up! Start off with great brushes. Since I love my Crown Brushes, I was happy to receive their Travel Brush Set. I don’t like to bring my big brushes on the go and  this set will make it easy.  I am also curious to try Lashfood Nano-Peptide Natural EyeLASH Conditioner. It is supposed to make my lashes stronger. After the lash perm I tried last year, I think this is a safer option.

Long lashes, little brushes.

For some more lash love, there is a tube of LORAC Special Effects Mascara in Black. One side has a primer and the other has a lengthening mascara. I remember when Revlon had a mascara like this many years ago and I miss it so this should be fun to try out.

Long and lovely lashes.

Now, we go from lashes to lips. There are three lip products in the bag and they are pretty fabulous. First in line is an NYX Lip Smacking Fun Color Lipstick in #597 Margarita. It looks more like a watermelon margarita to me, as it is a shimmery pink-orange shade. This lipstick is in the round tube and is under $4 US. I love NYX lipstick and am more than happy to add this to my collection.

NYX Lips

Margarita!

We are almost done! To keep lipstick in line, there is an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Naked. Since it is a neutral color, I think it can be used with pretty much any lip color.

Lining and a bomb!

The bonus in the bag is a Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain in #27. It is a coral that errs on orange I’m guessing it is a gloss that will impart shine and stain the lip for lasting color. I have another lip product from Mirenesse that I really like, Maybe one of these day I will do a comparison.

What would you like to try from the HauteLook Summer Essentials bag?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Related articles

• HauteLook Summer Essentials Beauty Bag Review (genuinelyheather.com)
• Hautelook Summer Beauty Bag 2013 (addictedtobox.wordpress.com)

I Have A Lot of Beauty Boxes to Recycle

There were more. Trust me.

And I only mean that after I have opened them and emptied the contents! I got FIVE beauty packages in the mail this week. In this post, we will take a gander at my GlossyBox and Birchbox deliveries. In the next post, we need to discuss the HauteLook Summer Beauty bag and a package all the way from someone Short (and Sweet) in Texas. I will give you a quick rundown of each box and then pick and choose the items I really think you need to know about in future posts.  Here we go!

First up is the July GlossyBox, le Grand Bleu, or the Big Blue, or the Grand Indigo (I made that up.) Very disappointing delivery- probably most disappointing of the lot and there was no magazine! Actually, that’s good news because that means things will be looking up from here. There were five products plus a “bonus.” At $21 a month, I deserve a bonus. Unfortunately, I will not use three of them and only one is a full size product and the cheapest in the box.

Okay, give to Cindy, give to my sister, okay, throw in travel bag, give to someone that needs it

The Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Mask will be used up when I need to deep condition. (Remind me to tell you my Rio acai story sometime. I was fun in my 20s!)  Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au the Blanc Shampoo & Shower Gel is the third product from the white tea fragrance line. Though I like the scent, enough alread, my friend Cindy likes the smell and just like I passed off the soap to her, she will get the shower gel. Nails Inc. Baker Street Nail Polish may look like a regular bottle but it is small and I know because I already own it. My sister is lucky. That girl ends up with everything. Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Balm Tube is full size and is $9 US. I thought it was an L’Occitane hand cream. Nope. I will use it since I like the way the tube looks. My “bonus” is Nicka K New York Absolute! Make-Up Cleansing towelettes. I have said it before and I will say it again- they sell this brand at my local beauty supply and the make-up runs around $3 US on average. Lastly is the Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum. I rarely get acne and I like my good old tea tree to handle that.  I am not impressed with this month’s selections- they are way too run of the mill and small!

Every year, the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) have the Insiders’ Beauty Awards. Birchbox curated two boxes of winners. They were recently on sale- $26 for both. I thought that was pretty good and had some points left, so I managed to score both for $23.31. I’ll start with the Prestige Headliners – Birchbox for CEW. Originally priced at $18 US, this little box had the stuff you could buy at Sephora or a department store.

Birchbox Prestige Headliners

Since there are so many, I’ll list:

-IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil (might be a full size- Sam over at Samandro22 got me into filling in my brows!)

-Living Proof Prime Style Extender (Decent sized tube. Eh.)

-Julep Nail Color in Teri (It’s a full bottle!)

-Julep Essential Cuticle Oil (Another biggie! For my dry cuticles, I need a miracle.)

-Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Triple Defense Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (“Deluxe”Sample)

-La Fresh Eco-Beauty Oil-Free Face Cleanser, Scented (2 wipes. I’m cool with that.)

Next is the Birchbox for CEW Mass Market Finalists. This box is a treasure trove of drugstore finds and I have only tried two out of the six! Five of the products are full size, making for a great value.

On the cheap.

-Olay Pro-X Spot Fading Treatment (Sample tube but it should last a bit because you only use a few drops at a time.)

-Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey (Love these!)

-L’Oreal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in #557 Glistening Garnet (I hope it is way better than the Armani Eyes to Kill one I bought.)

-Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream (Full size tube- since I finished my most recent favorite, I will try this next.)

-Nivea A Kiss of Olive OIl & Lemon Moisture Rich Lip Care (Finally! My favorite balm is LaBello- it is Nivea in the States and this flavor is more European!)

-Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On (I love eye rolls…)

What do you think? I have a lot of work ahead of me, huh?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

–

FabFitFun and Fantastic!

Earlier this week I wrote a post about the HauteLook & Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag (click here to read the post). I was very disappointed. Luckily, I received my FabFitFun (fff) box by Giliana Rancic, too, and this delivery did not disappoint! Though it is $49.95 a box, it only comes quarterly and this being my second box, I find the contents are valued way beyond the cost. Here are the goods:

Five full size products, sunnies, and something good for travel.

I will start off with skincare. First up is Purlisse-Pur-Delicate Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser ($36 US). A Vogue favorite, it is a gentle, soap-free cleanser that does double duty as an eye make-up remover. I am currently using a soap-free ultra gentle cleanser and I do like them since I find they cut the oil in my skin enough without drying me out. I can’t wait to try it!

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray ($12 US) has been around forever. I currently am using Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir but I am close to finishing it up. I will use this first before I buy another.

Cleanser, face spray, cleansing wipes

Usually fff throws in a surprise. My first box had two- a Butter London Nail Polish and a GoSmile Pen. In this package, there is a travel pack of Yes to Cucumber Facial Towelettes ($2.99 US). There are ten towelettes of all- natural, hypoallergenic goodness and at this size, will fit into my purse for quick clean up. Though not as expensive as the previous surprises, I know I will get use out of these.

But I’m not finished with surprises! The next is a bottle of Orly Nail Polish in Mayhem Mentality ($8.50 US). It is a neon orange and since orange is my favorite color, I am loving this, The application is only okay and it dries matte, which is easily fixed with a shiny topcoat. It also needs three coats or it is streaky, so this is definitely only for when I go for a manicure and pedicure. I would botch the color up if I used this color myself.

Pardon my foot.

For a perfect pucker, there is a Catalina Su Lip Gloss ($14 US).  Catalina Su is Giuliana Rancic’s male-up artist. This is not normally a shade I would wear but I am trying more nudes as of late and will give this a try. I also think this is the only color in the collection so it must be universally flattering. We will see!

Flip flop friendly!

The big ticket item in the box is a pair of Ivory Mason Sunglasses in the Trudel Sunwear Style (On sale $135 US). They are very chic but the style is too small for my face. I also wear glasses and prescription sunglasses so I probably wouldn’t be able to use these. There is a way to exchange the sunglasses but I think I will pass these off  to my mom.

It Hair Care Surf Spray ($6.99 US)is supposed to create beachy waves. This is probably the third or fourth beach wave spray I have received (I got another in my ipsy delivery, too) and I just can’t use it. I don’t like the way my hair looks after a day at the beach. It looks like a mess.

As for sunless tanning, I need to get on the train. My legs are still pasty! Infinity Sun Glow on the Go ($40 US) is an aerosol spray with anti-aging properties. I will give it a whirl.

Beach Essentials?

KIND Bar in Dark Chocolate Chili Almond & Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt is great to throw in a bag for a snack. KIND bars are delish and this sounds ridiculously tasty.

The retail value of the FabFitFun box is $235. I think it was a fabulous buy for the money AND I have a coupon code for $10 off your first FabFitFun VIP box. Just visit their website, sign up, and type 647993 in the coupon code box. The offer expires on August 11th.

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Beauty Boxes & Bags

Hello there! Since canceling my Birchbox subscription, I have been trying not to order any other beauty by month mailings. I did receive two packages this week and I want you to meet the first… The HauteLook & Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag.

The HauteLook & Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag was $29 US and since I loved the HauteLook Spring Bag, I figured I would love this just as much. Well, for $29 I am disappointed. First of all, there aren’t any full size products. They are all pretty much deluxe size samples. Second of all, I would have never ordered it if I knew that HauteLook’s Summer Beauty Bag was coming out a few weeks later. It was like a bait and switch. Knowing that HauteLook is a Nordstrom company, adding Nordstrom to “HauteLook Beauty Bag” seemed pretty okay. Is it only me that would infer that they were one and the same in beauty bags?  Yeah. I ordered the HauteLook Summer Beauty Bag, too, for $20 and it seems to me that the things in that bag are going to be way better.

I’ll give you the goods. The way too overpriced goods.

Let’s start with the cosmetics pouch. I like the design and the the size is great for a weekend getaway.

Classic colors

Okay, onto the make-up. The first item shown below is Laura Mercier Tinted Moistuizer SPF 20 in Nude (o.5 oz). I happen to love this product and it is a bit pricey. A 1.5 oz tube is $43 US, making my sample worth about $14 US. Coverage is pretty good and I like that the SPF keeps me a little sun safe. It also comes in a range of 14 colors, so it is easier to find a match.

Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen in Light to Medium is next in line. I happen to like Supergoop! products but as you all know, being an oil heiress (on my face), this is probably not a good idea knowing my history with BB creams. It is a little unfortunate because this is a self-adjusting shade. The sample is 3 ml which means probably enough to use once and maybe cover half of my face. A full size 1.6 oz tube is $32 US.

Teeny tiny

I don’t think I have ever tried a Napoleon Perdis product and in my bag is a 5 ml/.17 fl oz tube of Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer. I will give this a try but again, I might get only one or two uses out of the teeny tube. A full size tube is $59 US, so even if I love it, that is never happening.

I happen to think Estee Lauder mascara is decent and the pouch included Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in 01 Black. A tube is $24 US and I think this little guy might last a week.

With face and lashes covered, the last cosmetic piece is a Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain. Again, super small and cute but what the heck will I be able to do with this? Forget the obvious here. These samples are way to small to really make an informed decision!

Be soft.

The two creams I received in the bag were the most “deluxe” in size. AHAVA is a great line and their Body Firming Cream might just be lovely. A full size tube (6.8 oz) is $38. 50 US. AVEDA Hand Relief will eventually make its way into my bag since I like to carry hand cream. AVEDA actually sells this size tube for $8.50. I guess this is the official full size product in the bag.

Not for your lips!

The next item might be a dangerous addition to my bag. Sole Goddess Blister Protection Foot Balm is supposed to help prevent blisters caused by shoes that rub against feet. The tube sold on the Sole Goddess website doesn’t really look like a tube of lip balm and is $18.75 US. The stick in my bag is clearly marked “sample size.” It will probably never get used.

Now, for the last products.

There is one Emi Jay Hair Tie– ONE. A 3 pack is $5.99 US and you shouldn’t wear these in water. Give me the ones from Walgreen’s.

Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts Somerville 360 Body Tanning Towelette is a disposable towelette that is applied to the body for self-tanning. I’m just curious as to what the ONE towelette I received will do, as the Somerville website explains, “Use as often as needed for a deeper tan or to maintain your glow.” A box is expensive, too, at $48 US for eight towelettes.

Xen-Tan Face Tanner Luxe Sunless Tan in Medium/Dark can be used daily to  give an instant glow and self-tanning power. Self-tanner on my face scares me. I’m afraid I might channel an Oompa Loompa. A full size tube is $24 US for 2.7 oz.

Sunless tanning towelette and a hair tie that can’t get wet.

As I was writing this post, I realized how disappointed I really am with this $29 bag. I know I will not use four of the samples I received and the ones I will use won’t last for very long. What HauteLook & Nordstrom did was really deceiving and that is unfortunate because I do like both the website and the Nordstrom store. There also weren’t any coupon codes for discounts on any of the products. I did find a card about Nordstrom’s Anniversary and Beauty Bash, explaining that there will be some deals on some cosmetic brands. The kick-off is Friday, July 19 and is in-store and online. If I remember I may take a look on Nordstrom’s website.

Is there anything you think you would use in this bag? Are the bag and its contents worth the $29 US I spent? I want to know what you think!

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

ipsy-licious!

Hi Lovlies! I am home today with a nasty cold. I can’t hear out of my ears and my head is pounding. Great fun for a Friday. To ease my feeling yucky, I figured I would write about my ipsy delivery. I read about the June bag over at Pink Lady Beauty. Melissa got a slightly different bag but I am happy with the contents.

The theme of this month’s bag is “On the Wild Side.” I think the products I received actually fit into this idea quite nicely!

For the birds!

J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette ($4.49 US) : These glitter creams are neutral and that is better for me. If they were colorful I might have more trouble using them than I already will. I am not big on glitter and though these are really pretty, I probably won’t have much use for them. On the description of ipsy’s website, it says to NOT use them on the eyes, which makes it more problematic.

Lots of lights in this bag.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil($18 US) :  This pencil will get some serious use. I usually use the beige NANO pencil from Sephora and this one is a chubby pencil that I can use in the corners of my eyes or under my brow bones. This pencil can also help conceal redness and blemishes. This type of pencil is great for people that wear glasses. I do and I swear by some highlighting to help enhance the area that is hidden by my specs.

Starlooks Lips Pencil in Tickle Me Pink ($12 US): I have read a few reviews on Starlooks boxes and am intrigued. If I didn’t already get ipsy, GlossyBox, and Birchbox, I might have taken the plunge. The Starlooks line claims to have quality make-up at pro-prices (I guess they mean a discount.) The color seems to be very vibrant and I will probably use it this summer with a nice gloss over it.

Putting the pieces together.

NYX Mosaic Powder in Dare ($7 US): I love my NYX cosmetics! This powder has shimmer and matte colors. This is more of a rosy gold and I think will make it easy to use, as it can almost double as a light bronzer.

And I hope this next one gives you a giggle. I have now received my fourth bottle of… DRY SHAMPOO. I. CAN’T. EVEN.

My best secret?

Psssst! The TRUE Original Dry Shampoo (Travel Size $2.99 US): Great for sopping up oily roots and adding volume, Psssst! is the matriarch of dry shampoos. Basically, you spray in and brush out- which I why I probably can’t use it. If I put a brush to this head, you’d be looking at Frankenstein’s Bride.

Wild Things!

I am pretty pleased with the month’s bag. It far exceeded the $12 monthly charge.

You still have a few days to enter my giveaway. Click  here for a chance to win!

Until next time…

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

A Better Birchbox

Do good things really come in small packages?

Well, it is about time. After month upon month of disappointment, I finally got a decent Birchbox. I know that last month was better than most other boxes because I received two boxes but this month’s box is way more PH friendly than last month’s.

More on the “New Look” later.

This month’s theme is “wanderlust”- “When wanderlust strikes, it sticks.” The box contains some travel-friendly products, as well as something full sized.

The adorable postcards set the tone for quite a journey…

I’m partial to this set- my home and my favorite city.

Not that England and Spain are too shabby!

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Deluxe Sample: I have heard plenty about this dry shampoo. I don’t really use dry shampoo BUT I do suffer from second day oily roots sometimes. I might even say third day oily roots. TMI? This is probably the third dry shampoo sample I received from Birchbox and I guess I might take the hint. (Full Size $18 US)

Nails, Hair, and Anchors AWAY!

Birchbox + Color Club Professional Nail Lacquer  Mini Polish in Reign in Spain from the Wanderlust Collection: A Birchbox exclusive, this polish is a collaboration with Color Club to encourage the traveler in all of us. Reign in Spain is a cool peach that is a bit more coral. I actually love the color. (Full Size $8 US)

Twistband Birchbox Nautical Hair Tie Collection: I only got one in my box. These don’t tear the hair out of my head but I find they do stretch quickly and a pack of five or six is $14 US. That’s a lot of money for a ponytail.

Oscar de la Renta Something Blue (perfume vial): It is the latest scent from Oscar de la Renta and is a blend of mandarin and linden blossoms. Sounds like a pretty summer scent. (Full Size $85-$115 US)

You can’t borrow mine.

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick: Yay! A full size product in my Birchbox! This pen can be used as a gloss when layered or a stain when blotted. There were also instructions on how to use it as a cheek tint. ($26.55 US)

Double Trouble!

This box made me a happy wanderluster.

If you are not a Birchbox subscriber and are thinking of getting a subscription, they recently revamped the site. They want to reach a more diverse audience and are pushing Birchbox Man. I also think that the site maybe more user friendly. The old site was a little annoying to shop. One thing they did not change was the point system. Every dollar spent is one point, with 100 points equaling $10. You can really clean up there if you are a savvy shopper! I also have a referral code so if you are indeed interested, send an email to producthoochie@gmail.com.

There is also time to enter my giveaway! Click here for the Rafflecopter link. You can enter daily so get to it!

Keep calm & Primp On! XOXO