Mini Haul

Okay, this photo isn't great... but I picked up a few goodies over the weekend!

Ulta was having buy 2 get 1 free on Maybelline-- My all time fav foundation is Maybelline SuperStay and I was running low so I grabbed one of those.  I'm also running low on my Fit Me pressed powder so I nabbed one of those too.  I took a leap of faith on the Dream Matte Mousse and I have to say-- my first impression is not great...

I was in the market for some white polish so I found Ulta's Angel Baby for $1.99!

I picked up a Sally Hansen strengthening base coat-- hoping to improve my weak nails.  I grabbed the cuticle cream too-- I had this years ago and I still love it today.  It's the perfect last step to a perfect manicure.

So many people pass up Big Lots, but seriously guys, they have some incredible cosmetic deals.  I picked up some Wet n Wild eyeshadow as I mentioned a few posts ago and the Almay intense i-color shadow.  Looking forward to using both!

NEW Essie!

Braziliant, 2011

Absolutely Shore, Meet Me at Sunset, Smooth Sailing, Super Bossa Nova, Too Too Hot, Braziliant

Fair Game Resort Collection, 2011

Fair Game, Your Hut or Mine, Lion Around, Da Bush.

Speaking of Zoya...

On my nails right now?

Zoya's Gemma-- perfect mossy green with flecks of purple shimmer

How have I lived without this for so long?

Finally!! Got this as a little gift from the bf this weekend-- seriously, how have I been surviving all this time?
This bottle comes with a flip-top cap and then you just press your cotton ball onto the pump, and it magically fills with remover! Genius!

Even more genius...no need to buy one of these suckers every time you're running low...just buy a bottle of cheap polish remover and refill!


What is Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover

Zoya Remove Plus is an award wining, gentle, yet highly effective 3-in-1 nail polish remover, nail prep and nail conditioner. Longer nail polish wear starts with Remove Plus.

What Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover Does

Polish remover is just the beginning of what this wonder 3-in-1 formula achieves. Clean and prep nails while moisturizing, nourishing and fortifying the nail plate for guaranteed extended polish wear. Nails are left without a trace of nail lacquer, without streaking or staining, hydrated and ready for a base coat.

How to Use Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover

Thoroughly saturate a cotton ball or pad with Zoya Remove , firmly press pad to nail for a few seconds and wipe until existing polish is completely removed and nail bed is clean. Remove surface oils from clean nails and prepare nails for new color by wiping each nail with Zoya Remove.

New Obsession!

Hi There!

Okay so after Christmas I decided to put a ban on purchasing eyeshadow since I had received SO MANY Smashbox shadows for the holidays.  I literally must have almost 60 Smashbox eye shadows... a little much?

The point is: I knew I could never get close to using up all of those shadows so I wanted to be economical and hold back (hard as it may be) from buying eye shadow.

My love for shadow is relatively new-- Only in the last year did I really discover all the different looks that can be achieved with these cool little colors.

Anyway, I love a bargain, and I started to see all of these new Wet n Wild products popping up everywhere...  I've steered clear of Wet n Wild since 6th grade (chunky glitter lip gloss was the thang, girl!) and haven't looked back... Until now...

         

BEHOLD:

The Wet n Wild Color Icon Trio!

This trio packs three (obvious.) shadows into one perfect palette.  They come in so many beautiful shades and are only $2.99!!!!!! I was fortunate to find them this weekend at my local Big Lots for $2.80 (19 cents worth saving!)

I am obsessed with these for 3 reasons:

1. They're so gosh darn cheap! You get three shadows for less than three dollars!

2.  Each color in the trio has in imprint telling you exactly where to place the shadow (please god remember to blend...) Although you could certainly play with these to create all kinds of effects

3.  These shadows are SO pigmented... I love my Smashbox shadows, but seriously, if you want to skip the insane price tag and get a product with the same incredible color, wear-ability, blend-ability, and staying power-- go with this-- seriously, this stuff is amazing!

I currently have 3 palettes:

This one is called Silent Treatment-- I love love love the shade on the bottom here: it's like a silvery lavender.

This one is called Walking on Eggshells-- this is the perfect neutral palette!

This one is called Knock on Wood-- I LOVE this as an alternative to a smoky eye for nighttime...





If anyone wants a tutorial on how to use these just let me know, I would be happy to do one.


Cheers to Wet n Wild for creating such a great product at an even better price!

Birchbox #2!

Hey Ya'll!  (Moving to Kentucky soon, I might as well start talkin' like it)

SO happy to have finally received my May Birchbox! This thing shipped almost 9 days ago and I didn't get it until yesterday... Unfortunately, I already knew what I was getting thanks to an email sent by Birchbox titled "In your box this month!" ... Thanks guys...

Oh well, the point is that it came in the mail and I'm pretty happy with what I received!  It definitely wasn't as great as last month, but what can you do? I'm always thrilled to receive new high-end goodies for just $10! This month, all products included items celebrating Mother's Day--

Moving on to said goodies:

Each Birchbox always includes a note card describing each product

Truly, this entire Birchbox was worth it JUST for the Stila eyeshadow.  I received the color Coco- a medium toned brown shade.  They sent the full size eyeshadow retailing for $18!! I paid $10 for the entire box... Love you Birchbox!

Along with the eyeshadow, I received the Ahava mineral hand cream, Archipelago pomegranate hand soap, Bulgari's newest fragrance, Mon Jasmin Noir (love this) and Birchbox always throws in a little something extra-- a Tiny Prints card: Tiny Prints lets you customize greeting cards.  Cute!

I haven't had a chance to review all the products yet, but I'm looking forward to it.  I still LOVE Birchbox even though it shipped a little late and it wasn't quite as exciting as last month, but for $10, this is so so worth it...

Looking forward to next month!

NewBeauty Test Tube

Hi All!

Popularity is rising among beauty subscription services ie: Birchbox-- I recently came across NewBeauty's Test Tube: 

The NewBeauty TestTube is a collection of some of the hottest and most in-demand products in beauty. In this tube, you'll receive the current issue of NewBeauty magazine, along with a mix of full-sized, travel-sized, and deluxe-sized samples from Bliss, Mally, Nick Chavez, Elemis, Dr. Denese, Kiehl's, Laura Geller, philosophy, and GO SMiLE. Who is it for: Anyone looking to sample a wide variety of fabulous beauty products at an unbelievable value. Why is it different: The NewBeauty TestTube combines luxurious beauty products with extensive product and how-to information. NewBeauty magazine, included in the test tube, provides insider information on trends and hot topics within the beauty world via respected experts from the beauty industry. How do I use it: This TestTube includes a booklet with instructions on how to use each product.

This beauty subscription was created by QVC and they have quite a few professional relationships with beauty companies so you can bet that the products you'd receive would be top notch--

I am hesitant to subscribe, however. TestTube is delivered to your door 4 times a year at $29.95 (plus shipping) per box.  30 bucks plus shipping, and only 4 times a year!?  P.S...Shipping is almost $9...

I know what you're thinking... "Alex, you pay 10 dollars a month for Birchbox, you're spending a comparable amount..."  I know, I know... and I almost hate to say this, but its just feels better to spend smaller increments of money and to get something every month-- that's what I love about Birchbox.

Test Tube has a good thing going for them, and I think it's a really great deal-- but I love getting my products every month, not every 3 months! 

I truly don't have the capital to be able to test (ha) this tube out, but if you're interested and have a spare $40, I say go for it. The products are bound to be fantastic and it really is fun every time you get a little surprise in the mail-- Poor (literally) little grad school-bound me will have to put this off for a while...I suppose I do have a birthday coming up...

If you decide to subscribe let me know!