REVIEW: LUSH Shoot for the Stars Bath Bomb

This bath bomb from LUSH was an absolute fireworks show for the eyes. It just spun around and turned the bath water into a foaming, tie-dyed mixture of white, yellow, and blue. And each color had some shimmer mixed in that really made this bomb a celestial experience. I definitely recommend trying this one for yourself, and I also think it'd be fantastic for kids.

Description 
Calming, shimmering, mood-enhancing
Featured Ingredients
Brazilian orange oils, bergamot oils, silver lustre
How-To
Drop this in a warm bath and enjoy the explosion of colors as it releases its pigments into the water. Make sure to breathe in the heavenly, calming scent as you enjoy.
My Review
I found this bomb to be quite enjoyable, if only for the show. I have used LUSH bath bombs that were more nourishing, and left my skin feeling better. But this has to have been the most beautiful experience of any bomb I've used. It left a bit more residue than I typically see, but again my little secret is always to run the shower afterwards to really make sure there's no glitter or pigment left over after my bath. The smell was very pleasant and quite a classic sweet-smelling LUSHy scent. I am definitely able to set aside my disdain for all things orange when it comes to LUSH products. I would maybe repurchase this just for fun, and for the visuals, but if my skin needs a good moisturizing soak-session, I will always go with Butterball or Honeybee, both of which are quite plain in terms of the colors.

I'm very excited to try a few new Valentine's Day products. How about you guys? Anything catching your eye at LUSH lately? Post a comment below. I'd love to hear about it!

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Weekly Favorites - January Week 2

This week has flown by, but it just means I have another excuse to share the things I've been loving this week! On Monday, I got my January Birchbox and found a CC cream that has instantly become top-shelf for me. Plus I pulled an old powder sample out of my (obviously very big) makeup bag and fell completely in love with it. Better late than never! And I've included a purchase I made today that I've been thinking about FOREVER and just finally decided to go for it. So without further ado, my January Week 2 favorites.

1  Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35+ Sunscreen
I got this on Monday, and I know it sounds dramatic, but it changed my life. I never bought into the whole BB or CC cream thing before because I like a full-coverage but hey, it was free in my Birchbox so I gave it a try. And damn, it is the most gorgeous, creamy formula with a really nice buildable coverage. And the color match was perfect. I hopped right out to buy the full-size and I'll never go back. I'm thinking it will be incredibly moisturizing during the colder months, but I'm more excited to use it in summer because of its SPF, and because I don't like nearly as full a coverage in the warmer months.

2  Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream
This is an absolute winter essential for me. It's the most moisturizing, thick, nourishing hand cream I have ever used. And it's practically the only thing that will rehab my chapped winter hands. It goes on like butter, but also makes the skin on my hands look and feel fantastic. Is that weird that I care how my hands look? I dunno, but this gives my hands a gorgeous healthy glow.

3  Tarte Cosmetics Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
I got this sample in last month's Ipsy Glam Bag, and I had just purchased the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder, so it was a little like why? But when I went home for the holidays, this sample was actually perfect for travel. And now, if I'm being honest, I like this just as much if not more. It's great for setting make-up, for baking your under-eye area and concealer, and I would absolutely consider buying the full-size of this powder after my the Laura Mercier runs out.

4  NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner
This eyeliner is absolutely brilliant. I love this more for tight-lining my eyes than I've loved any luxury liner, seriously. The consistency is so creamy and deeply pigmented, but you can also blend it to really smoke out the lower lash line. Because it's waterproof, it really will stay all day in the waterline! I have not tried it to truly line my eyes because I've been in a deep liquid eyeliner kick these days. But I'm sure it would be great there as well based on its smooth application. I am beyond happy with this product.
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.

5  The Real Techniques Bold Metals Brush Collection
I am so excited to have finally purchased these today. I've admired them online forever and ever, and I've tested them at Ulta (my god, they are so soft and the brush handles are so long and perfectly weighted for a really dreamy experience). I have contemplated buying them forever, and added them to my online shopping cart more times than I care to admit. But today I noticed they were buy one, get one free! So I was really mindful about which ones I'd actually use. If I'm honest, I don't apply gel eyeliner, so I don't need a liner brush. I also bought a set with an exclusive brush in it, that also comes with 2 of the standard brushes in the collection, so there was some additional value there. I am very excited to receive the shipment. They will look so gorgeous on display and I can't wait! I'm also hoping that if I love them as much as I predict, I will keep stocking up so I can have multiples of each like a real pro.

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You can check out last week's favorites here.
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Urban Decay | Gwen Stefani Makeup Collection

Guys, I am just still really obsessed with this UD | Gwen Stefani makeup collection! I even dedicated an entire post to the eyeshade palette last month. And they recently expanded the collection to include a blush palette, 8 lipsticks, 6 lip liners, and a brow box. I must say, I'm not sold on the brow box, though it is adorable, because it only comes in the "Bathwater Blonde" shade and too-light products in my brows tend to look a little too ash-toned. But this blush palette looks insanely gorgeous and also comes with a highlight and bronzer (the top right shade, and bottom left shade respectively). My fave, though, are the lipsticks which totally silence the complaints that her shadow palette was so neutral in tone. Of course Gwen is known for her outrageous lip looks! And I probably need them all. Take a look below at some visuals I put together of the shades available in the palette and lip collections. Enjoy!

Weekly Favorites - January Week 1

To wrap up the week, I thought it would be fun to start doing little Weekly Favorites posts! I spend so much time on the internet, and shopping, and trying new products through various subscription boxes and it adds up! I may not always have quite so many, but this week was jam packed with new discoveries I'm dying to share with you guys!

1  Kiss True Volume Lashes in Chic
These lashes are absolutely incredible. I am obsessed! Since I first tried them, I've literally worn them every single day. Even to work and other daytime activities. This particular style looks so unbelievably natural and not at all fake. They have this amazing fluttery shape and a tapered edge to more closely resemble natural lashes. On me, they totally double the volume of my natural lashes for even more impact. I can't say enough about these!
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.

2  Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe in Clear
This lash glue is actually the easiest I've used. It's a tube style with a little brush inside and you can just paint the adhesive onto your lashes and then apply. I know lots of people like to use the black adhesive, but I actually prefer this style because I want to be able to see that I've got enough on there and then let it dry after the fact. It works great, it's easy to use, and it's so not messy. Highly recommend this product too! It's def the best lash glue I've tried so far.
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.

3  Revlon Pro Collection One Step Dryer & Styler
When I was home for Christmas, I obsessed over finding this hair dryer. I tried it at an Ulta store, but literally called everywhere and it was completely sold out. I finally found it online at Target and now that I've got it, it has seriously changed my life. It's shaped like a paddle brush with all the impact of a regular hair dryer. You can seriously just brush your hair with it, and pull straight to give yourself a salon-quality blowout. As someone who has never been able to blow dry her hair because I have super thick, usually super long strands...this is something I could not live without now. I am buying a second just in case they discontinue it and my current one breaks. Is that crazy? No...right?

4  Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 
This, along with my new hairdryer has elevated my hair game beyond belief. I first tried this last week when my roommate picked it up at Sephora and I owned my own the next day. It gives you such amazing volume at the root, brings amazing texture, and smells incredible. I don't find that it completely replaces the need for their Detox Dry Shampoo (another major fave of mine) because it's not really going to totally absorb oil. But for volume, texture, and scent it can't be beat.

5  Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner
I was a bit hesitant about trying this product, but was curious enough to request it for my January Birchbox sample choice. It just really looks like a black magic marker, and I thought there was no way I'd be able to get a good, controlled liquid line with them... But the truth is, it actually makes it way easier to hold and to use. And the tip is so firm that it gives you great control and accuracy. The color is a perfect matte, deep black also. I'm a big fan!

6  LUSH Milky Bath Bubble Bar
This took the cake as my favorite LUSH bath product ever. It gave me the most bubbles of any other bubble bar I've tried, and it turned my bath into a relaxing, sweet-smelling, moisturizing dream come true. I wish I had bought ten...

7  Double Sided Earrings
These are such a fave of mine for a really strange reason. Don't get me wrong, I like the look of them for sure. But I also travel everywhere using over-the-ear headphones and listening to music/watching YouTube videos all day. And headphones press the spiky post of an earring right into my neck, which is sooo uncomfortable! These double-sided earrings make it so much more comfortable.

And that's that for January Week 1! What products have you guys been loving this week? Leave a note in the comments below.

#Blogmas Day 19: Holiday Wishlist: Tarte Cosmetics

In continuing the theme of brand-specific Holiday Wish Lists here on the blog, I thought I'd share a few items from Tarte Cosmetics that have caught my eye. I must admit, I haven't purchased anything from the brand yet, but I've been eyeing their products and packaging for ages! Everything is so gorgeous and I'm very intrigued by the whole "Amazonian Clay" thing. The products claim to be long-wearing, "high-performance naturals" which definitely seem worth trying! Have you tried any Tarte makeup? Leave a comment in the description box if you're loving one of these, or even something not mentioned here!

1  Amazonian Butter Lipstick  First off, I love how each shade has a different pattern on the cardboard packaging. Such a cute touch! While reviews haven't painted this as being very long-wearing or holding up against a traditional lipstick, the sustainable ingredients and balmy texture are certainly a plus!

2  Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15  I love a full-coverage foundation, because freckles...you get it. I've swatched this out on my hand and it's so thick and creamy. I got a sample from Sephora but all the shades in the packet were too dark for me, so I'll have to pop into Sephora to have an artist color-match me.

3  Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer  I love a cream stick concealer, because I'm really not into finger-blending if I'm honest. But I've always found it gets a little oily/creases a bit on me. But now that I'm exploring the art of "baking" I'd love to give this a try.

4  Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush  This has amazing reviews online, and most people are saying the color payoff is amazing and that it lives up to its 12-hour name! Blush typically just doesn't last on me. So this would be a vast improvement!

5  Tarteist Sculpt & Slim Contour Brush  This brush is the perfect companion to the palette listed as Number 7. The fan brush would be perfect to slim the nose and carve out cheekbones and a killer jawline. And the smaller end would be great for applying highlighter.

6  Tatelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette  I'm quite a fan of shimmer, don't get me wrong. But an entire palette of mattes that includes a few mauves and roses, beiges and browns? Yes, please! This is a palette I can definitely experiment with.

7  Tarteist Contour Palette  Both of these palettes from Tarte are just gorgeous. And this contour palette seems to be working for a lot of my fellow friends-in-paleness. A watch-out for me will be that I tend to run dry and I'm use to contouring with cream products (based on that fact). But I think if I moisturize like hell beforehand, this will work out well. Wish me luck!

#Blogmas Day 16: The 12 Lips of Christmas

I can not believe #Blogmas is over halfway over. How does this work, anyway? Do I blog every day until Christmas? Or keep going and blog every day until January? Stay tuned...Oh, the intrigue! My goodness. Though, at the risk of sounding too cutesy, I have really LOVED blogging everyday and reconnecting with whoever is left of my followers (and most importantly myself). Tear. I just may keep it up!

That being said, today I'm here to share with you my absolute favorite Christmas Lip Products! While many of these are what I'd consider to be my absolute favorites for achieving that bold, red holiday lip, others are perfect for nourishing your lips in winter, or just great tools for keeping your lips loud and proud this season. Whether you wear lipstick all year like I do, or you pull out a BAM! lip just for the holidays, each of these products below are tried and true, and JSQ-approved!

1  Nars Satin Lip Pencil in "Rikugien" 
While this isn't a red, I thought I'd ease into with a lip pencil guaranteed to just take your natural lip color and give it a bit more polish and pizazz. I am in love with this shade, and it looks beautiful with a bold eye, or can be equally great with a natural, pretty look.

2  Aveda Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Color in "Poppy"
I've sworn by this lip color for at least the past 5 Christmasses. It's a perfect cool-toned classic red that makes your teeth look hella white. And it also smells so minty fresh and feels incredibly nourishing. It's a fave!

3  Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in "F-Bomb"
I'm a huge fan of Revolution Lipstick's formulation. It's so intensely pigmented and totally creamy. It feels fantastic on the lips, and I love this shade for a classic holiday lip look.

4  L'Oréal Colour Riche Le Matte Lip Pen in "Matte-r of Fact"
This color came into my life in the summer, breezed through fall with me, and will now probably be my winter lip look of choice also. It's a perfect berry fuschia color that is both glamorous and totally festive. It was one of those shades where I thought, this will NOT be my color, no way will this look good on me...and I ended up absolutely LOVING IT. If I want to step out of my comfort zone, this is what I reach for and it nails it every time. (I am having a heart attack that I'm not seeing it on the L'Oréal website...but I did find it online at Ulta. Fingers crossed it isn't discontinued!)

5  Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15
First of all, just because it's winter doesn't mean your lips don't need their SPF. And I have blogged about this beautiful, oh-so-pricey number before. And the story is still the same. I can't live without it, nothing nourishes and protects my (super dry, flakey) lips like it, and I put it on continuously throughout the day. Bury me with it so I can take it with me to the afterlife, okay?

6  The Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in "Loyal"
This liquid lipstick, in basically every shade offered, is my TOP makeup pick of 2015. It smells like a thin mint Girl Scout cookie, it stays on literally all day, and you can drink all the champagne and eat all the passed hors d'oeurves you want this Christmas and it will stay put. It's like magic in a tiny tube. Must buy all of them.

7  Bite Beauty - Bite Mix and Mingle in "Holly/Tannin"
This is a two-for-the-price-of-one perfect holiday lip set. Holly is the perfect bright red while Tannin is this deep berry full-on glamour girl color. You can even do a lip ombre look where you dab holly in the centers of your upper and lower lip for extra dimension! I believe both shades are sold separately too, because I have the full-size of Tannin and wore it to death last winter.

8  Nars Lipstick in "Scarlet Empress"
This is definitely my favorite lipstick when I'm going for big film noir type holiday drama. It's gorgeous for a party with a black dress and an chignon. Or it's amazing as a beautiful, deep fall lip look as well, like Zoella often does. Stunning and makes your chompers soooo white.

9  Too Faced Lip Insurance Primer
When you want your lips to last, I'd absolutely recommend using a lip primer like this one from Too Faced. It's definitely smoothing, if you're trying to smooth out your natural lip texture. And it definitely keeps lipstick from feathering, though I'd still use a lip liner if you're doing a red or deep lip look. It's just a little something extra to hedge your bets on the way to your holiday party.

10  Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in "Crimson"
This is the newest red lip to my collection, and I thought I'd share one that was more warm-toned in case that's better on you. I kind of love both cool and warm reds. And I love this formulation, because it's matte-like but it stays so completely creamy at the same time. Divine. And dare I say, it might be my favorite everyday red at the moment!

11  LUSH Santa's Lip Scrub
A lip scrub is absolutely essential for me. My lips don't love lipstick as much as I do, and this is just my little way of reminding them who's boss. I try to use this twice a day, because my lips are truly a dry, patchy desert by the end of the day. I do one round before bed, and top with the Sugar Lip treatment (Number 5) and I do another round in the morning if needed before I put on my lipstick. It tastes so yummy good, like Christmas cookies or something. Mmm!

12  LOC | Birchbox and Tati Vibrant Matte Lipstick in "Glam Life"
Tati from Glam Life Guru on YouTube is my GIRL, seriously. I fangirl hard for her. And she created this collection with Birchbox for their debut brand LOC (Love of Color). And this lip color is kind of the centerpiece of the lip collection (hello, the name is Glam Life). In fact, it looks like it's sold out so I'm sorry about that! But it's a stunning berry shade that comes through a bit lighter than it looks in the packaging, and I'm completely in love. It does dry out my lips a bit but as long as I make sure to use numbers 5 and 11, I'm good to go!

#Blogmas Day 15: Too Faced Stardust Palette by Vegas Nay

While this stunning palette from Too Faced by @Vegas_Nay came out this past fall, I'm planning to add it to my collection this holiday season! It's exclusive to Ulta, and while I know I could totally just order it online, I always love to go to the store when I'm home in Ohio visiting my family. I drag my mom and sister there with me, and they don't quite love makeup as much as I do, but they're usually good sports when I spend over an hour looking at every little thing. (I really wish they'd open an Ulta here in Manhattan...maybe someday!)

Anyway, this palette comes with a collection of other items like a loose glitter pigment, and deluxe sizes of Shadow Insurance eyelid primer and Better Than Sex Mascara. Plus it also comes with a guide to creating six looks with the palette! This is getting great reviews, and especially considering the additional samples included, it's such a great value at only $45.00!

Some thoughts, so far, on this palette and additional goodies: While I'm not 100% comparing them, I think I may end up purchasing this instead of my beloved UD | Gwen Stefani palette because I think I might personally get more wear out of the statement shades included in this palette (than the cool-toned pink and blue in the other palette). They seem like they could work a bit more with my own freckle-faced coloring. And since I have 3 Naked palettes already, I'd love to try Too Faced shadow's formulation. So, hopefully I'll find this underneath my Christmas Tree, even if I put it there myself ;-)

#Blogmas Day 12: Pantone 2016 Color(s) of the Year

I know I'm not the only one who was a bit mystified at Pantone's announcement that they've selected not one but two colors for 2016 - Rose Quartz and Serenity! I personally have a soft spot for Rose Quartz (not that I'm very into crystals) but on a special vacation with my aunt quite a few years ago, during a time when I was going through a bit of a heartbreak, I first heard about the rose quartz and how it symbolizes unconditional love, peace, and comfort. Ironically, I find myself in a similar position today...and while Rose Quartz and Serenity are certainly not my favorite colors ever, I definitely aspire to the feelings of calmness they bring! While I know, with any setback in life, that I'll be fine if not better than ever after some time passes, I do know that makeup tends to act as a beautiful band-aid in the interim!

That being said, Sephora + Pantone Universe wasted no time in debuting their 2016 makeup line showcasing these two colors. From spot-on Rose Quartz and Serenity pastel lipsticks (not sure about these) to a palette of shadows and a line of lip glosses that I kind of love, we'll be able to step out in the pastels that will dominate 2016. How about you guys? Did you like the colors Pantone chose for 2016? Leave your thoughts on the comments below!

#Blogmas Day 7: The 12 Masks of Christmas

Is there any greater treat than a mask? I just love them! A mask can turn a regular, lazy Sunday into a day of pampering, or a night with a friend and a bottle of wine into a spa evening! Whether or not they do anything miraculous to my skin (or it's sometimes just a placebo effect) I just love any excuse to treat myself. This is doubly important in the winter months when your skin and hair tend to dry right up. So, I thought, this is a perfect time to get festive and share a few of my favorite masks with all of you! Enjoy! And if you've tried an amazing mask that you don't see here, leave a note in the comments and I'll give it a try.

1  Boscia Luminizing Black Mask
I love love love this and find it super refreshing! The fact that it peels completely off in one go (like shiny black latex on your face) is weird and a bit tricky to get right, but I love how it makes my skin feel.

2  Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are the easiest and fastest ways to pamper. And they're also great for travel because there's no ban on liquids to worry about! This hydrating mask from Dr. Jart+ was the first sheet mask I ever used, and I keep going back for more!

3  Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask
This mask will 100% make you look like the moon emoji, but it is non-greasy, super clearing, and ultra refreshing. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a mask at a drugstore price point.

4  Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Instant Facial
I've used this mask for years and years, and I am such a fan. It's a quick and easy beauty treatment to incorporate into your regime – the mask wears for 5 minutes and you rinse off with warm soapy water and massage the granules into your skin to exfoliate. I love to put it on in the shower, and let it do its work while I'm shaving my legs or washing my hair...it makes rinsing extra simple.

5  Sephora Pearl Eye Mask
I love this brightening sheet mask from Sephora. It's refreshing, really affordable, and I love to stock up a few at a time in case I'm having friends over, or traveling. I'm planning to bring a few home to put on with my mom and my sister over the holidays. Looking forward to it!

6  Glamglow Thirtstymud Hydrating Treatment
This hydration mask is definitely on the pricier side, and I confess I haven't purchased a full-size. But I received a sample and it was one of the most soothing masks I've ever tried, and it left my usually dry, patchy skin feeling dewey and amazing. I may go ahead and get this for myself for Christmas! Stay tuned!

7  Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
This little mask/cleanser combo is such an amazing drugstore product. It feels cooling and refreshing, and really helped me to minimize my pores and improve the condition of my skin after the first use! It's a great mask at a super high-value price point. Definitely check it out!

8  LUSH Cranberry Fresh Face Mask
This mask is so perfect for the holidays! It gives a deep cleanse, and a boost of hydration, and the rose clay leaves your face oh-so-amazingly-soft. As with all fresh masks from LUSH, remember to store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.

9  Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask
At first, I will admit, I didn't understand how this mask was any more hydrating than slathering your face in moisturizer or night cream before bed. But now I am addicted! I wake up to a completely dewey, glowing face that feels like I just applied the mask moments ago –

10  Tony Moly I'm Real - Tea Tree Face Mask Sheet
This soothing sheet mask smells incredible. I struggle with redness, and this mask feels so rejuvenating on the skin. And how cute is this packaging? Check out the entire line for even more adorableness.

11  Pureology Super Smooth Relaxing Hair Mask
While I love a face mask, I love a hair mask just as much! And this product literally saved my hair. Imagine my displeasure in finding out just now that it's been discontinued...I guess don't get too attached!

12  Dr. Brandt Oxygen Facial Flash Recovery Mask
This mask is by far the biggest price tag on the list, but oh my goodness, what a treat! It's absolutely worth the cost if you're a SERIOUS mask lover and skincare freak like me. Enjoy!

#Blogmas Day 6: Holiday Wish List - Clinique

You guys know I love my Clinique. In fact, this list was tricky to put together because I pretty much have it all, or I've certainly tried it all, already... But I'm itching to add the below items to my collection because I haven't found something I love yet from other brands. And when that happens, I know I will always at least like and trust a product from Clinique. They are my home base brand, and I'll keep coming back forever no matter how far into other luxury and drugstore products I venture.

1  Airbrush Concealer 
I am struggling to find the perfect under-eye brightening concealer. In a past life, when my makeup game wasn't quite as strong, I tried to use this concealer as a way to cover spots and blemishes...wrong. But I do have a feeling I will love this under and around the eye area, and to make my brows really pop.

2  Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey
There was a magical time when Clinique sold its Almost Lipstick in tons of amazing shades. Though, it seems to have been discontinued (other than Black Honey which went totally Pinterest-viral a few years ago). Anyway, the formulation is amazing, so creamy and subtle, and it really just enhances your natural lip. I was heartbroken when they nixed my favorite shade, Flirty Honey, but Pink looks pretty similar to me!

3, 4 Chubby Stick Hefty Highlight and Sculpting Contour
I tend to run dry so, for me, cream contouring is a better bet than powder to prevent the dreaded cake face. My current cream contouring kit from Color FX is great, but it's only something I can do when I have lots of time to put my face on at home. But my typical makeup routine is something a bit more grab-and-go, so I would looooove to try these.

5  Cheek Pops
My blush game is sorely lacking, to be completely honest. I just went forever without using it because I thought bronzer was enough. Other than the occasional pat of Nars Orgasm on the apples of my cheeks, I am a complete blush newbie. This post could actually just double as makeup fails, come to think of it. But I think these Cheek Pops are adorable, and I'd like to get at least 2 or 3 different shades in the New Year.

6  Long Last Soft Matte Lipsticks
This formulation is beyond amazing. Possibly holy grail, honestly. I have tried TONS of mattes, and loved a few. But this! I received a sample of Matte Crimson, and it has become my new favorite go-to red. It's matte-like in appearance, but never loses the feeling of being an amazingly creamy texture on the lips. I want to stock up on lots more shades, so I have a Long Last Soft Matte lipstick for every occasion. I'm obsessed.

#Blogmas Day 5: Sephora Stocking Stuffers - $15 and Under

On the Fifth Day of #Blogmas, my true love gave to meeeeee... Okay, okay, I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist! I am feeling festive after having started my own holiday shopping this week, and I'm headed out for more in a moment to do some more. Here's a fun fact about me: My absolute favorite gifts are stocking stuffers! I know most people view them as a bit of an afterthought, or even a total pain-in-the-wherever to buy. Especially if you're a mom like mine, buying gifts to stuff your own stocking...But I love getting (and giving) lots of simple, inexpensive little gifts just as much as bigger-ticket gifts. Below are a few items I spotted at Sephora, all for $15 dollars or under, that would make amazing stocking stuffers for the beauty or skincare enthusiast in your life!



1  L'Occitane Hand Cream Ornament
This would look adorable hanging from the tree on Christmas morning, or tucked inside a stocking - at a pricetag of only $12! And L'Occitane hand cream is such a rich, replenishing formula with shea butter that will leave your hands softer than gently-falling snow!

2  Bite Beauty Mix and Mingle 
I would recommend this lip duo to anyone, as a stocking stuffer or even just to buy for yourself! Bite lip products are my absolute favorite. They feel so replenishing – a complete treat for your lips! And these give you two shades to try at only $14 dollars, compared to a full-size lipstick at around $24.

3  Josie Maran BearNaked Nail Wipes 
These nail wipes smell fruity and ahhhmazing! And not only do they remove polish, but they also nourish and repair cuticles and do wonders for your nails. They're a must-have for your travel makeup bag, because they're perfect for taking off polish in a hurry if you chip or break a nail.

4  Fomula X: Studded X Mini Lip + Nail Duo
This little duo packs an edgy punch, by pairing a mini Kat Von D Studded Kiss lipstick with an identically matching Formula X nail polish, available in several cool statement colors.

5  Sephora Collection Eye Masks
There's no more refreshing beauty treat than an eye mask, and these fiber versions are super easy to use and remove, no muss no fuss! My favorites are the rose and pearl versions – both have brightening properties. But any of these is sure to be a nice and refreshing surprise.

6  Klorane Dry Hair Rescue Set
We all struggle with dryness in the winter and this little set would be a really nice, nourishing treat for someone looking to try some new hair products. I can personally attest that the dry shampoo offered in this bundle is one of the BEST I've tried, so I'd be very happy to give or receive this little gift set.

7  Tony Moly Apple Hand Cream
This cute little hand cream, in twist-off, apple-shaped packaging, is super cute and refreshing. There are additional versions in Peach and Tangerine scents as well. I always love Tony Moly's packaging, and these are too adorable to pass up!

#Blogmas Day 4: Urban Decay | Gwen Stefani Eye Palette

In keeping with the #Blogmas theme of things I'm dying to buy this holiday season...This UD | Gwen Stefani eyeshadow palette is everywhere on the internet and I'm hearing such amazing things about the formulation and wearability of the shades. I'm already a huge fan of UD shadows, and I have three of the four Naked palettes already in my arsenal (Naked 2, Naked 3 [my fave for spring and summer], and Naked Smoky) so I thought maybe I didn't need this palette? But the more I stare at it, the more I covet it...and I happen to have received a few Sephora gift cards for my 30th birthday so I'm betting I'll have this in-hand by the weekend.

Some thoughts on the palette so far, though: It seems to have a lot more neutrals than people were expecting from a Gwen Stefani palette, knowing she's such a fashion icon known for her bold style! But if you think about it, Gwen almost always does a beautiful, wearable nude or smoky eye look and pairs it with a bold lip or a crazy hair color. So, I would honestly recommend the Urban Decay Vice 4 palette for those of you who still want Urban Decay quality but are looking to go super COLORFUL.

I'm certainly adventurous with makeup, but the one thing that's kept me from getting the Vice palette myself is that I prefer a single palette that works together to create tons and tons of different eye looks, because I travel with my makeup bag constantly, and I usually put one palette in there and use only that for weeks and weeks. Vice palettes, in my opinion, have what I'd use as accent shades toned down with some neutrals.

Anyway, I'm rambling. I can't wait until I have this palette in-hand to swatch and play and experiment. How about you guys? Any holiday makeup releases you're dying for? Tell me more in the comments!

#Blogmas Day 2: Holiday Wish List - Benefit

I thought it would be fun to share a few little brand-specific Holiday Wish Lists here on the blog this month. The holiday season is a fantastic time to try new products you've been eyeing, or maybe wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself but you can always add them to a little wish list so family/friends/loved-ones can get you something that's a treat, and that you'll love this season! I have a few brands I stick to again and again... (ahem, Clinique and lately Urban Decay) but there are several brands out there that I really want to take a deeper dive into this season and into 2016. So, kicking off this series, below are several products I've had my eye on from Benefit Cosmetics. Full-disclosure, I'm a total packaging design junkie and Benefit always kills it in that department! Plus, the Benefit Brow Bar at the 34th Street Macy's is my go-to brow waxing hotspot...so without further ado below are things I'm definitely adding to my wish list from Benefit Cosmetics!

1  Air Patrol
This BB cream eyelid primer is the latest product release from Benefit, and the tip is advertised as being even softer than your pinky for that delicate skin on your lids. In swatches and reviews, it seems to really help eyeshadow appear fiercely pigmented and last all day! While I love my current eye primer from Too Faced, I'm always up for trying something new so this makes the wish list for sure.

2  Puff Off!
I am obsessed with this metal applicator tip (it's shaped like an iron!!) that helps this under-eye gel go on cool and it even claims to smooth creases. It's literally like an iron for your eyes! I do love my under-eye rollerball from Clinique, but this is too cute not to try!

3  Majorette
This is a cream-to-powder blush in a natural peachy color that I've swatched time and time again. I need to just get this already! And the packaging is just so cute, I can't even handle it. I love the classic majorette-looking packaging, and it kind of reminds me of my high school marching band days, because our school colors were very similar! So so so cute.

4  Eye Bright
I have wanted to try this product (and Lemonade) since I was in high school, when I was obsessed with the retro-inspired bright eye makeup looks from the movie Down With Love starring Renee Zellweger. Full disclosure: this is a terrible movie but I still love it to this day. Don't judge me! Anyway, I have no idea why I've never just purchased this product in the last 10 years...but I don't really have eyelid discoloration, and (until fairly recently) I fancied myself fairly bright-eyed naturally. But honey, 30 knocked yesterday and I answered, so let's give this product a whirl!

5  High Brow Glow
The girls at the Benefit Brow Bar always top me off with a little bit of this under my arches, and I love the subtle shimmer and lift that it gives. It really shows off that perfect "groomed" brow shape, and it's totally something I should incorporate into my current brow routine.

6  The POREfessional: Agent Zero Shine
I love the idea of an in-purse powder to carry with me wherever I go. And this unique packaging (it's tube-like, quite a different territory for powders) makes it look so easy. It even includes a brush! My combination skin rarely gets shiny shiny, but no matter how much I prime, I can't really keep my foundation from disappearing throughout the day. So this product would be a life-saver in terms of adding a bit of polish when I'm on the go.

And there you have it, my all-things Benefit wish list! If any of these ended up in my stocking on Christmas morning, that would be quite alright with me! Have you tried any of these items? Leave a review in the comments. I'd love to hear your take on these products!

#Blogmas Day 1: Fall Favorites

Sidebar: Can you begin with a sidebar? Whatever, I'm 30, I do what I want... Ahem... Today is my birthday! I'm 30 years old, can you believe it? I can remember back in the heyday of writing this blog, I was turning 26 and announcing my big move to NYC (where I sort of fell into a black hole and barely ever blogged again...but that's irrelevant, right?) and now four years have gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye! I don't really have any anxiety about being in my thirties *yet* so I'm just kind of enjoying the day and celebrating the things and people and life I love. If I DO decide to have anxiety, I may drop those feelings here for all of you, because it's cheaper than therapy!

OKAY, back to our regularly scheduled programming. I'm attempting to do #Blogmas this December. No, no, another bad start! I'm DOING #Blogmas this December. I'm carving out some time to devote to doing what I love! And I thought I'd begin by saying Farewell-to-Fall-and-Welcome-to-Winter® by listing a few of my fall faves for all of you below! These are things I have been beyond obsessed with across the beauty/skincare realm, with a few candles thrown in because nothing says fall like a 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works.

1  Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Glow Palette

I need to preface by saying that this palette has literally vanished from Sephora's website since I bought it, and as far as I knew, it was a Holiday item...which I'm taking to mean that it's sold. out. everywhere. If so, I am not surprised because the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop highlighter from Becca was THE top-selling product of the summer, and this palette gives you that signature shade in the center along with two other beautiful shades on either side - a light, stunning highlight that mixes beautifully with Champagne Pop for pale skin, and a blush overlay that looks gorgeous on the apples of your cheeks or wherever your want some GLOW. I looooove this (like, I'm obsessed) and will probably cry when I hit pan on these, but a little goes such a long way that I hope it will last me quite a while. 

2  All Things LUSH Bath

I fell for LUSH very, very hard this fall. I had never really purchased any bath bombs before (or even used my bathtub really) but LUSH bath bombs, bubble bars, and bath melts have become my ultimate guilty pleasure and the best way to #treatyoself. If you have a tub, get yourself to LUSH and try these. They're all-natural cruelty-free products and they smell and feel amazing. (Note: LUSH sells tons of other beauty and body/shower products, but I haven't tried them yet so stay tuned for reviews on non-bathtub related items!)

3  Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

This mask from Boscia has been a super fun addition to my beauty routine this Fall. It's like shiny, black vinyl applied in a thick layer on your skin, and it tightens up and peels right off in one go, taking blackheads and imperfections with it (kind of like a pore strip for your entire face!) I am addicted.

4  Cargo Cosmetics Venice Enchantment Eyeshadow Palette

I got this Cargo palette from Birchbox specifically for Fall, and I have really enjoyed creating looks with it! Full disclosure, it isn't my absolute favorite eyeshadow formulation in the entire world, but most of the shades and pigmentation are gorgeous – especially the maroons and browns in the top row. Most of the shades have glitter, and some are more shimmery but there's no true matte shade in here. While I love matte eyeshadow, I also love my glitter so this wasn't a deal-breaker for me! It was perfect for Fall, and I wore it QUITE a bit.

5, 6, 7  3-Wick Candles from Bath & Body Works

Fall isn't Fall without a 3-wick candle burning in the background, and these three were some of my absolute favorites this season. Autumn was such a perfect, crisp almost apple-like scent (I went through 2 of these) and unfortunately it's not for sale anymore, because the holiday candles have moved in after Halloween. Pumpkin Pecan Waffles is a super-sweet, delicious confection of a candle to burn in the kitchen and I bought a few of these to gift to friends and family this season. And Party Dress, I will be going back for 2-3 more of these to stock up for Winter. It's girly, feminine, and not too overpowering. This is the one where guests will always ask "What is this amazing smell emanating from your bedroom?" Obsessed. Look out for sales where these are 2 for 24 (and 12 for each additional candle). You can get a great deal!

8  Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen

This liquid liner from Clinique is the bomb. I have tried (and failed) to master liquid and gel liners for basically my entire adulthood, and this product helped me succeed! It's super easy to apply, does not budge all day, and creates the perfect super-black winged eyeliner I've been rocking this Summer and Fall. It's a must-have!

9  Clinique Just Browsing Brush-On Styling Mousse

I am in love with this brow mousse from Clinique, and it really adds some extra definition to my naturally sparse, blonde-ish brows, more so than a clear brow gel would. I still use other brow pencils to define the shape, but this is always my last touch to polish off a bold brow. Love!

10  L'Oreal Color Riche Le Matte Lip Pens

Saving the best for last, these lip pens were my absolute favorite discovery this Fall. I bought every shade, and each one is incredibly wearable. They are super easy to apply, and extremely long-wearing. And the matte finish is incredible for the price. I don't usually gravitate toward drugstore makeup because I work literally next door to a Sephora, but I'll keep buying these again and again as long as they sell them! If you try ONE thing from this favorites list, make it these!

Review: LUSH Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb

While Halloween may have come and gone, I still really wanted to review this bath bomb because it was absolutely one of my favorites from LUSH to date. The Lord of Misrule bath bomb put on quite a beautiful, spooky show in my tub and felt incredibly luxurious as well. I'm hoping this one will be back next year!

Description
Frothing, Herbal, Mischievous
Featured Ingredients 
Patchouli Oil, Popping Candy, Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute
How-To
Pop into a warm bath (I particularly enjoyed this on a crispy Autumn evening just before Halloween) for a surprise-filled show in your bathtub. This bomb turned my bath into a work of art as it fizzed and released its crackling popping candy, and it smelled incredible–a little feast for (almost) all the senses! Read: Don't taste your bath bomb. But feel free to enjoy the sights, smells, sounds, and of course the feels of it!
My Review
I absolutely loved this bath bomb, in case you couldn't tell. Immediately upon dropping it in the bathtub, it started fizzing and foaming, turning my bath a lime/slime green shimmering color. But as the exterior dissolved it gave way to a bright poppy red interior that shot out from any openings, creating really beautiful foamy, fizzy designs in the bathtub. Once it had fully dissolved, the water was a deep wine-red color and the texture felt very smoothing and nourishing. Despite the popping candy, red pigment, and the shimmery materials, it didn't create any additional mess in the tub and I completely cleaned up just by draining and giving the edges a quick rinse with water. I highly recommend Lord of Misrule next year, but am highly looking forward to trying some of their Holiday offerings that have quickly taken over! Stay tuned.

Review: LUSH BlackBerry Bath Bomb

A super-friendly LUSH employee tipped me off that the BlackBerry bath bomb may be discontinued pretty soon, and sure enough it's marked as "online only" already so it must have been pulled from shelves. In short, order this before it's gone if you want to try it!

Claims Fruity, Shimmering, Uplifting

Featured Ingredients  Frankincense Oil, Citric Acid, Bergamot Oil

How-To  Just like any bath bomb, drop into a warm bath and enjoy! This one is quite consistent in terms of color and fizz throughout its duration. Meaning, it's less of a "show" but it leaves your water a shimmery blue and it even has a little surprise inside (as you can see from the photo on the right). SPOILER ALERT: It's a little picture of an explosion with the words "Boom Boom!" written on it to go along with the fact that it's labeled "BOMB" on the actual bomb itself). Very cute.

My Review  I am not normally a fan of Frankincense scents, but this was definitely not too overpowering (unlike some other LUSH products that feature the scent, like the Blue Skies bubble bar - yikes! Not for me!). But this smelled perfectly nice to me! Quite a few reviews have indicated that this left a stain or residue on their bathtub, but I definitely didn't find that to be the case for me. TIP: I usually turn the shower on after having a LUSH bath, to give the tub a good rinse-down. And it definitely saves on the clean-up. The verdict: BlackBerry was quite invigorating and fun, vs. some of the other more relaxation-themed bath bombs. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but since I'm a bit of a newbie to all things LUSH, I think I'll be okay to let this one phase out. I'll try to stick to new things and true faves. 

Inside My September Birchbox!

Hello there! This is only a little late, considering my October Birchbox has now officially shipped and is on its way! But I wanted to spend some time with my August Birchbox so that I could give an honest review of each of the seven products included - as well as a sample value breakdown for you all. Full disclosure: Birchbox offers an option where you can peek at the samples you're getting before the box itself arrives, and for the past two months, I've done it. I can't help myself! But I'm hoping to get to a point where I'm fine just being surprised. Maybe I'll treat my November and December Birchboxes and Ipsy Glam Bags a bit more like presents to be unwrapped physically, vs digitally? Who knows!

Anyway, I was super impressed with this special Anniversary Birchbox, which came with a few extra samples as well as some fun balloons! It was like unwrapping a party. And many of the products were great! But for the first time I wasn't as keen on some of the others. For more on that, read the reviews below. And if you're interested in trying a Birchbox subscription, you can get the ball rolling here! Enjoy! xo Jenna

Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo
Full-size | $25.00 for 8.45 oz.
Sample value | $07.69
Right away this sample shampoo caught my eye because it was such a generously sized sample. I even brought it with me when I traveled to a wedding, along with the one-time-use conditioner packet. It smelled incredible, and really did smooth and tame my hair. It was definitely my favorite thing in this month's box and possibly the only thing I'd purchase in full-size.

Davines LOVE Smoothing Conditioner
Full-size | $29.00 for 8.45 oz.
Sample value | $01.37
Like I said, loved the combination of these two products, but I'm kind of bummed that this sample wasn't equally sized to the other...because I typically don't like to mix brands when it comes to shampoo and conditioner. Is that weird? Maybe. Plus I always run out of conditioner first, so I need extra shampoo like I need a hole in the head. It would still be great for travel, and I'm certainly not going to let it go to waste. But...that was my big complaint with this sample. Other than that, it was a beautiful conditioner, and the combination with the shampoo is definitely on my list of possible future purchases.

POP Beauty POP Portfolio Eyeshadow Palette
Full-size | $29.00 for 36 shadows

Sample value | $02.15 for 3 shadows

I am loving the formulation of these shadows by POP Beauty. The powder is fine and richly pigmented, and it swatched and wore like a dream. In terms of the colors, each is a shimmery shade and I do love each one in its own right, but definitely wouldn't wear them together the way I would wear the 3-shadow palette from my Ipsy bag (more on that in an additional post). But the light color is a beautiful inner-corner or brow bone highlight, and the shimmery gray is a great lid or crease color. the purple is gorgeous as well, with more of a fall browns/taupes eye look (my personal preference, since an overall "cool-toned" eye is not great for my personal coloring. My holy grail eye palettes work together to create one look, since my everyday makeup bag is a travel bag that lives in my purse at all times. But otherwise, love!

English Laundry Eau de Parfum Signature for Her

Full-size | $90.00 for 3.4 oz.

Sample value | ~$01.32

I'm going to say it. I am just not a fan of perfume samples! I have been on a lifelong journey to find a fragrance that both work with my body chemistry and don't give me an all-day case of the sneezes. #allergyproblems. This was a very floral, romantic scent that I actually got quite a few compliments on throughout the day...but it also made me sneeze like crazy and feel a constant headache. Pass, thanks. I just happen to like amber and woodsy scents. If you like florals, though, this is a nice option to try. 

Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser

Full-size | $32.00 for 8 oz.

Sample value | $02.00

This was a nice cleanser, and I really loved the fresh smell even though typically citrus is not my fave. But I have liked other cleansers much more, recently. So for the price, I would just never purchase the full-size. Last month's Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser is definitely #1 on my current Birchbox wish list.

Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

Full-size | $46.00 for 4 oz.

Sample value | $01.13

This was the biggest disappointment in my entire subscription box history, by far. The foil packet sample may have done something to alter the scent of the product, and I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, but it smelled terrible! Kind of like plastic or synthetic; just nothing you'd want to put on your face. And it just sat on top of my skin and never really absorbed, giving me an oily residue. I have naturally dry/combination skin, so I don't often feel oily or shiny, but with this I certainly did. I hate to be rude, and I love reporting back to you guys that I love everything I try, but this was so so bad. I can not imagine a world where I would ever pay $46.00 for this. Bye, Felicia. 

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive

Full-size | $39.00 for 2 oz.

Sample value | $04.29

I really enjoyed trying this product, and while a peel isn't part of my typical beauty routine, it was fun to try. The sensitive formula was gentle, and the green apple scent was super refreshing and perfect for fall. Ultimately, I liked it and it's definitely worth a try. I'll certainly use up the full sample, but I probably wouldn't get the full-size because I just don't think I'd use it often enough. My routine already includes a weekly exfoliating scrub, and an every-other-day cleansing treatment with a vibrating cleansing brush, so a peel is just not really necessary. (I'd like to do an upcoming post on my sort of "skincare regime" soon, so look out for that.)

FINAL TALLY:

Money spent on my September Birchbox: $10.89 (including tax)

Value of my September Birchbox: $19.96

I am loving my subscription boxes (and bags) and definitely find that they are absolutely worth the monthly cost. Plus, if you're a Sephora junkie like me, with a store in walking distance and a burning desire to TRY ALL THE MAKEUP AND SKINCARE PRODUCTS EVER MADE, getting these boxes satisfies that urge to sample without spending a bazillion dollars on hit or miss full-size products. If you'd like to subscribe to Birchbox and see for yourself, you can do so at this link!

Reviews: LUSH Twilight Bath Bomb

Claims  Comforting, Relaxing, Restful

Featured Ingredients  Lavender Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Citric Acid

How-To  Drop into a warm bath and enjoy! This bath bomb puts on a bit of a show as it changes from pink bubbles to blue bubbles, turning your bath water from pink and frothy to lavender to a beautiful deep purple, even leaving behind a milky shimmer. 

My Review  This smell is incredible. The lavender oils made my bath (and my skin) smell amazing, and it put me perfectly in the bedtime zone, which was exactly what I was counting on! The name "Twilight" is quite appropriate considering the colors and the scent, even the shimmery dreamlike texture. While all of Lush's bath bombs feel luxurious while you're immersed in the tub, I've found some to be more moisturizing than others, especially after the bath is over. Twilight definitely made my skin feel softer. The verdict: this is my favorite bath bomb so far. I will definitely stock up on these.  

Questions and Answers - Beauty Edition

1  What's your favorite eyeshadow to wear? The entire Urban Decay Naked 3 palette is my spring/summer favorite, with its golden pinks and neutrals. With fall right around the corner though, I'm excited to play with the Naked Smoky palette.

2  What's the one product you wouldn't leave your house without? That would be eyebrows... I have sparse, light brows, so enhancing them is a must to give my face structure. My one-stop-shop for eyebrows is the Anastasia Brow Wiz, but I really lock them in using the Anastasia Brow Gel.

3  What's your favorite makeup look? This season, I loved a fresh face and playing up rosy, glowing skin. My top products for this are Nars Orgasm, with its rosy, golden shimmer, on the apples of my cheeks and Benefit Watt's Up! cream-to-powder highlighter on my cheeks and brow bone.

4  Which feature do you play up the most? Definitely lashes. My recipe for insane #realsies is to start by layering Benefit Rollerlash to lift and curl, and top with Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume, my holy grail mascara, for crazy umph. Confession: Rollerlash never feels fully dry to me, and tends to smudge, so it needs a finishing coat.

5  Which feature do you try to downplay/cover up? Any fine lines or signs of aging! I know it's crazy, but I'm turning 30 this year and skin care has become even more of a priority as a means of prevention! I've been loving the Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum and the Clinique Repairwear Anti-Gravity Eye Lift Cream. They both have become must-haves in my daily skincare regime.

6  What's your favorite makeup brand, if you could pick only ONE to exist? This is a hard one because I love so many brands, and trying new products, but I'll default to my first-ever beauty counter brand, Clinique. They have every type of product you could possibly need, their packaging is clean and well-designed, and I trust their products...especially the 3-Step Skincare System which I always default to.

7  Which product have you re-purchased over and over again? Definitely the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. It's a sad day when I've used the last of this lip balm, and at $22.50 it's a bit pricy to repurchase over and over, but it's the most moisturizing, nourishing lip product I've ever used.

8  What's one product you would NEVER repurchase and why? The Drybar Cream Soda Smoothing Cream, for sure. I've had a lifelong struggle with my thick, frizzy hair. I've tried many a product that promised to smooth and relax, but this just weighed down my hair and made it look greasy. Yuck! I stand by Drybar's products, especially their dry shampoos, but haircare is so personal and this one was a fail for me.

9  What's one beauty treatment you'd ALWAYS pay to have done? I would always pay for a pedicure. Living in NYC, I walk everywhere and I'm on my feet constantly. It takes quite a toll, so I'd never regret spending the extra money for a professional pedi.

10  What's one beauty treatment you'd NEVER pay to have done? That would be the dreaded bikini wax...enough said.

11  What's one beauty trick you can share with everyone? Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly (at least once a week) is a must. It prevents dirt, oils, and bacteria (read: breakouts) from finding their way to your face! You can use anything from baby shampoo to professional liquid cleansers or even solid brush cleaners. Pick a day of the week and make it part of your beauty ritual.

12  Best advice you've ever been given regarding makeup and beauty? NEVER touch your own eyebrows. Leave it to a professional to shape them, and never ever over-pluck. Trust me, once they're gone, they're gone...unless RevitaBrow actually works. It's on my must-try list!

Inside My August Birchbox!

Well hello there! This month I decided to treat myself by signing up for both Birchbox AND Ipsy's monthly boxes/glam bags. I have been buying tons of full-size products in the interest of trying new things, and 10 dollars each for these subscription services seemed like a much better way to discover products I love (or don't love) without the price tag the full-size item. I missed the cut-off point for this month's Ipsy bag, but I did make it just under the wire to receive an August Birchbox.

Below is what was in my amazing box, along with the value of each sample as compared to the full-size product available on the Birchbox website, plus a little review for each! It may be too soon to say, but I am very impressed with my Birchbox, and if you're interested in trying a subscription, you can get the ball rolling here! Enjoy! xo Jenna

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - Natural Tint 
Full-size | $20.00 for 3.2 oz.
Sample value | $06.25
I'm a huge fan of dry shampoo, like it's in my could-not-live-without-it favorites (which I may do an upcoming post on soon). I have my go-to which is Drybar Detox, but this Klorane version may convince me to switch it up. The tint is slightly darker than Drybar's (which is powdery white) so it blends better into my hair's natural light-brown-auburn color. It smells great, and I was very pleased with the sample size. Great for an on-the-go spritz.

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Sheet Mask 
Full-size | $06.00
Sample value | $06.00 (full-size product)
I had never tried a sheet mask, though I know beauty bloggers/vloggers have been praising these forever. And now I can see why. One weekend evening when I felt like really having a #treatyoself moment, I applied this and wore it in a fabulous bubble bath using some of my recent Lush purchases. It was ahhhmazing–super moisturizing and refreshing–a great experience. And getting a full-size product in my Birchbox was awesome!

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser
Full-size | $35.00
Sample value | $02.50
Full disclosure: I have not yet tried this product, because I've been trying to use up another sample of the Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser from Sephpora. But I am looking forward to giving it a try this upcoming month! And props to the Dr. Brandt social team for giving my Instagram pic a little likey-lou. That is always appreciated, by me at least! (By the way, follow me on Instagram here for more NYC and makeup adventures!)

Benefit Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter
Full-size | $35.00
Sample value | $07.27
So, this was the only product in my Birchbox that I wasn't SUPER jazzed about because I already own this full-size product. And I am not 100% sure I love it. I've really struggled to find a highlighter that works perfectly for me...and I'm not sold on liquids or creams/cream-to-powders. I may just cave and buy the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector pressed highlighting powder one of these days...or see if my desire to strobe-like-the-sun fades when Fall rolls in. But for now, I have a travel size of Watt's Up!, which should lighten up my makeup bag.

Coola Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint
Full-size | $36.00
Sample value | $03.60
I loooooved this, and of anything in my Birchbox, this is quite possibly what I would purchase in full-size first. The texture was like this...whipped, light, fluffy texture–similar to Benefit's Pore-Fessional but less heavy or creamy. It was not at all greasy, like my current Facial sunscreen feels...it would be amazing as a primer under makeup. This product is advertised as being tinted to even out skin tone, and I didn't quite feel like it was enough coverage where I'd wear it without any foundation...but would absolutely wear it to the beach with no other makeup, skin-tone-evenness or not!

FINAL TALLY: 
Money spent on the monthly Birchbox | $10.89 (including tax)
Value of my August Birchbox | $25.62

I have done tons of research on Birchbox and Ipsy, and have watched countless unboxing vids on YouTube in preparation for this. And while people aren't always 100% pleased with their samples or the value of their box, as far as I'm concerned...as long as the value of my box is worth more than $10.89 I've got my money's worth. And so nearly $15.00 of free product is quite a treat! Looking forward to many, many more monthly Birchboxes coming my way!