Birchbox Review - Worth $10 a month?

June 16, 2011

 I'm sure a lot of you have heard of Birchbox by now, but let me explain what it is to those who have not. Birchbox is a box filled with beauty samples sent right to your door every month. Usually a selection of 4-5 samples a month from amazing brands like Deborah Lippmann, Too Faced, Zoya, Laura Gellar, and more. Every month of course is going to be different and samples will vary. You can cancel your Birchbox at anytime as well with no charge.I was sent a box to try out and see what I think about the whole concept. 

My Review:
With these type of "sample boxes", each month is going to vary. One month you might get an average, not that exciting box. The next month might have a full size product that was way more worth the $10 you spent. That's the whole surprise of each box. From seeing what other people have received in their Birchbox lately, I definitely think they are worth the $10. My box was one of those average boxes, but I am using or have used 5 out of the 6 samples which is great. Some people only get one month, hate their box, and cancel. I feel like you do need to give it a few months and you will most likely get something in your box that you will be happy with.

What do you think about Birchbox? Have you signed up or are thinking about it?

♥ Stephanie
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Brand Bests #13 - Revlon

June 14, 2011

It's definitely time for a new Brand Bests post, I haven't done one since December! I decided it was time for a post on my favorites from Revlon. I always knew Revlon was a great drugstore brand, but recently I have been using them a lot more and realize that they make some amazing products for a great price. Just so its known, these are my favorites based on my experience with each product. Everyone will have a different opinion, these are what I think are some of Revlon's best products.

Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks ($6.49)
 These lipsticks are probably one of my all time favorites. I have about 4 different colors of these ranging from a nude to a peach to a true red and they all look really great on. I love how you expect a certain color from what you see on the top of the cap and what you get from the name, and it's that color. No second guessing if it's going to look different. For me, they are a bit drying, but I usually put a gloss over lipsticks anyways, so this doesn't bother me. My lips tend to be extra dry, so you might not need a gloss over. The wear is pretty good, about 3-4 hours, then reapply. If you haven't tried these you need to.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss ($7.99)
These lipglosses are packed with shine and shimmery goodness. Each color does have a slight tint to give you just a bit of color, but these are all about being a gloss. My favorite of these is the lilac one. I was so unsure about buying it, because I thought a purple gloss on my lips is never going to work. But it goes on with just a hint of lilac and the rest shine, it's amazing. 

Revlon Matte Powder Blush ($9.99)
Sometimes I don't feel like such a shimmery or too pigmented blush, so this is my go-to when I want natural cheeks. It gives me a matte finish with still giving my cheeks some sort of color. I actually love to carry this with me in my purse, because it has it's own brush and a pop out mirror. There were only a couple of times where I was out late and I did reapply, but at least I had what I needed all together in one nice compact. 

Revlon Nail Enamel ($4.99)
You can never go wrong with a Revlon nail polish. These are one of the bests drugstore nail polishes. Revlon always comes out with amazing limited edition shades and I will always find a color that I truly love. They are super easy to apply, very opaque, and dry super fast every time I use them. 

Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer ($3.49)
 This is just a bonus: I love this buffer! I'm actually about to use this right now while my nails are ready for a much needed manicure. I have a review of this here if you want to see more in detail what I thought, but here it is in a nutshell: It works, get it. 

A Revlon Brand Bests post was fun! I hope you enjoyed this as well!

What are your favorite products from Revlon? Share below.

♥ Stephanie
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China Glaze Anchors Away Collection - Sand and Sea Swatches

June 6, 2011

 There are two sets in the China Glaze Anchors Away Collection and I ended up buying the Sand and Sea set with more neutral colors. I actually enjoy all the polishes that are included in this set and I love the whole "nautically-inspired" theme. Here are my swatches:

White Cap
 This is described as a whimsical and sparkling multi-dimensional white. It's definitely on the sheer side, but I love that I can layer it on top of another color for some shimmer. 

Pelican Gray
 A cool toned grey crème with high shine. This one seemed to have a thicker formula than the rest and only took 2 coats, very easy to work with. I wore this color for a week long with no chips. One of my favorites from this set.

Sea Spray
 Calming pale blue crème is how this polish is described. Only took 2 coats as well, and very opaque. I wasn't too sure about this color, but after putting it on, I love it. 

Below Deck
 Ahh yes, my number one favorite of them all. This is a flirty mix of taupe and violet, very pretty polish indeed. I actually swatched this one last so I could keep it on. I will be wearing this one a lot for sure. 2 coats here was enough and the formula was also a bit thick.

Sunset Sail
 Delightful peachy pink high shine crème, Sunset Sail is going to be amazing to wear when Spring really does get here. I love that it's more peach, and the pink is hardly there. So gorgeous and this took 3 coats.

Knotty
 Knotty is described as Micro-particle beige shimmer. This was only one coat, so you can see the shimmer. Another one like White Cap to layer on the other polishes. I will do a NOTD with this layered on top of another polish.

 Hope you enjoyed these swatches!
♥ Stephanie
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Brand Bests #14 - N.Y.C. Color Cosmetics

June 2, 2011

N.Y.C. Color Cosmetics is one of the most inexpensive makeup lines that you can find in your local drugstore. A lot of people might even say they products are so affordable, that they are "unsure" of the quality. You should definitely think the opposite. Their makeup has been getting better than ever, and are actually amazing products for the price you pay. Just so its known, these are my favorites based on my experience with each product. Everyone will have a different opinion, these are what I think are some of N.Y.C.'s best products. 

N.Y.C. In A New York Color Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish ($1.99)
 I love these polishes. They are always really opaque and dry super fast. I even like the flat brush, making these polishes easy to work with. The price is amazing for these polish and I know you can find one color you will love.

N.Y.C. Smooch Proof 16hr Lip Stain ($4.99)
Yep, these are awesome and everyone needs to try them. Such an affordable lip stain, compared to other brands I have seen that carry lip stains. I have a full review of the lip stains here.

N.Y.C. Cheek Glow Blush ($2.99)
Now, N.Y.C.doesn't have any blushes that are super pigmented and bright. But if you want an affordable nude or pink blush, I definitely say give N.Y.C. a chance. These blushes have natural oil-absorbing ingredients that help control shine. They will give you that natural glow when you want to go for an everyday look. 

N.Y.C. Ultra Last Lipwear ($1.99)
 I feel like to get a really cheap, but good lipstick can sometimes be hard to find. These lipsticks from N.Y.C. are really creamy and not drying to my lips at all. I've never had a problem with these feathering or bleeding. So for the unbelievable price, I feel like to even just try them you can't go wrong. Either they work for you or not, but at least you didn't spend a lot of money trying to decide. 

Hope you enjoyed this Brand Bests! Let me know what you think of N.Y.C. Color Cosmetics. 

♥ Stephanie 
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