September Beauty Army

September marked my second month with Beauty Army. Beauty Army is a montly subscription service that allows you to choose your own samples and you can skip a month if you want. Yay. I really enjoyed my first box last month so I was really excited for my window to open up this month. I have seven items this month since one of mine leaked last month.

• Emani Foundation Primer & Serum (Full Size Retail .84 oz $28) Velvety in texture, it absorbs excess oils and minimizes the appearance of pores. Hydrating Primer Serum contains 10 different organic extracts to aid and prep your skin for an ultimate foundation application. It deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and softens the skin, creating a soft, luminous effect. I'm always up for trying out new primers. 
• Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Japanese Cherry Blossom (Full Size Retail 10 oz $11) Bath & Body Works' exclusive formula is now enriched with Shea Butter for softer, cleaner skin in their bubbliest lather ever! Moisturizing Aloe Vera and skin-loving Vitamin E combine with our exclusive, award-winning Japanese Cherry Blossom for lather that bursts with fragrance! Japanese Cherry Blossom is a seductive and mysterious floral scent. Top Notes: Asian Pear, Fuji Apple and Ume Plum. Mid Notes: Japanese Cherry Blossom, Butterfly Lily, Kyoto Rose, Mimosa Petals. I really enjoyed the version of this I got last month in Twilight Woods. That is definitely a more masculine woody scent which is right up my alley. This is definitely a floral. It's almost too light and girly for me. Given the choice I'd pick Twilight Woods.
• SUNTEGRITY BB Cream SPF30 in Light (Full Size Retail 1.7 oz $45) An all in one, natural Beauty Benefit cream that treats, hydrates, protects, primes and covers the skin. Supercharged with youth promoting antioxidants that fight free radical damage, this cream also provides mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 30 coverage. Red algae and Certified Organic: aloe vera, jojoba, sunflower, pomegranate, cucumber, and green tea provide the face with additional sun defense and hydration. Non-nano sized zinc-oxide protects the skin while providing anti-inflammatory properties that help with rosacea, acne, and melasma. Carefully made for all skin types. Vegan and Cruelty Free (PETA & Leaping Bunny Cert.).  I love true BBs. This seems a bit pricey. I swatched this on my arm before slathering it all over my face. Too yellow! booo. To the trade piles.
• Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream (Full Size Retail 4 oz $37.20) This miraculous all-purpose formula will amaze you. This non-greasy blend of all natural ingredients serves an astounding variety of purposes. Use it on your face as a night moisturizer and eye cream. Apply as a split end mending hair conditioner and defrizzer. Try it as a lip balm and as a healing nail and cuticle conditioner. May be used to smooth rough areas and treat conditions like eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Egyptain Magic All Purpose Skin Cream has antibacterial properties and contains no toxins, making it a perfect stretch mark prevention cream for use during pregnancy. May also be used to soothe redness, fade scars, and even heal blemishes. I've read a lot about this lately and was excited to get the opportunity to try it out. I'm a bit hesitant to use this. I have a pretty small sample and if it's as amazing as people say it is, I'll want more more more! I'm not on a strict no buy again but I've definitely been weighing need v. want a lot lately. 
• LIPSI COSMETICS Aphrodite Power (Full Size Retail .74 oz $20) This fine finishing powder is designed to absorb the excess oil, allowing your skin to glow. Aphrodite Power sets makeup and absorbs shine while keeping your cosmetics fresh and natural all day long. This powder suits all skin types and tones. I'm a powder girl. I always set my BB or foundation with powder. I have combination skin and find that powdering really helps. The sample is a bit small and I can't seem to get a decent amount out. I can't imagine trying to do my whole face. So I used it in targeted areas like under my eyes to keep my mascara from smudging.
•  NAILTIQUES  Formula 2 (Full Size retail .25 fl oz $9.50) Formula 2 is a treatment for soft, peeling, bitten, weak or thin nails. The salon-tested formulation offers a special combination of ingredients, including hydrolyzed keratin and protein in combination with gelatin and calcium to build a healthy nail foundation. The protein formula bonds the nail layers together building a strong nail foundation resistant to peeling, chipping and splitting. My nails aren't in the best of shape. I don't really invest a lot of time into making them look nice and healthy. I worked with my hands for some many years that they always looked torn up anyhoo. So it's taken me a bit of time to get into the habit of taking care of my nails and cuticles. I'm hoping this builds up my nails some. Hopefully, I can remember to apply it daily. Two days in and I do see a difference.
• Delizioso Skincare Mangosteen & Acai Super Anti-Aging Facial Cream Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail 1 oz $58) 100% Natural Mangosteen & Acai extracts along with Alpha Hydroxy Acids use a potent anti-aging system of antioxidants to perfect dull skin. Organic oils nourish while aloe and pure juices of cucumber and blueberry rehydrate. As you apply the moisturizer Vita Burst Beads infused with a potent dose of Vitamin E, Acai, and Mangosteen pop and start to act immediately. This technology helps keep the potent ingredients at their very peak of action. This was my bonus sample. I could have gotten something else but I wasn't thinking fast on my feet when she asked me if I wanted this sample again or something else. I loved this last month though and used what was left in the jar up completely. I would consider buying this product. 

Overall, I'm still really happy with Beauty Army. Taking the profile test over and over can be a pain but I've been happy with the samples I've ended up with.

September Birchbox

If you've been reading my blog the last few months, you know that I've had a pretty tumultuous relationship with Birchbox. I finally decided that this month would be the month that would decide if we were going to break up or stay together.

• Vastanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator 20g deluxe sample (Full Size Retail $ 34)Vasanti’s multi-action exfoliator includes both enzymes and micro crystals, plus healing natural ingredients. The result? Renewed, decongested skin without any redness.  Wow that's a name! I thought my skin looked brighter after using this but I don't really care for the gritty texture. I'll probably finish up the tube at some point but I don't see myself buying this.
• Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner Foil packs (Full Size Retail $28 8oz)  Plant-based proteins keep color-treated looks looking true-to-hue, while moisture-restoring avocado oil hydrates dry, brittle strands. A potent blend of peach, apricot, and callendula flower extracts helps protect hair from discoloration and fading. Foil packs for shampoo are really hard to open in the shower. grr. I have actually been using this shampoo conditioner for the last month or so. I actually bought a sample kit after I fell in love with the Fekkai Gloss in my March Sample Society (that sample was a true deluxe size. I'm still using it after all these months and I use it regularly). I like this formula but I don't know if I like it enough to fork over $28 a bottle.
• Twistband Hair Tie 1 full size (Full Size Retail $18 12ct) Each Twistband is made of high-quality elastic that keeps braids, buns, and ponytails secured. Because they’re thicker than regular hair ties, they don’t leave crimps in hair.  Well that sounds nice and these may actually work if you have a normal amount of hair. Even after getting mine thinned out, I have a LOT of hair. I could only wrap this around my hair twice. Instead of a perky and cute ponytail, I got limp and sad. Some ladies mentioned that their cats loved these. Mia is just about as interested in it as am. Not to mention this is pink. I don't a single article of clothing or accessory that is pink and I'd like to keep it that way. 
• Birchbox & Color Club Custom Collection Insta This! Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $8) We designed this share-worthy custom collection with Color Club for all the social media addicts out there. You’ll be inspired to tweet, pin, tag, and post these four gorgeous shades with your followers.  The only thing I feel inspired to Instagram about this is a big sad face. Every time Birchbox gets a new batch of Color Club polishes, I get one. I'm really not that interested in nail polish and this color just is not something I see myself wearing. To the trade list it goes. 
• Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+ 3ml Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $32 25ml) A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum all-in-one, this tinted BB cream even helps hide imperfections—so there’s no need for foundation or cover-up.  These have been making the Birchbox rounds for a few months as well. When they first started appearing, subscribers were getting near empty tubes. Mine was about three quarters full which is a decent amount for trying this out. I love Korean BBs. I wear my Holika Holika nearly everyday. I've also tried and really liked Skin79. I wasn't really into this one. The coverage wasn't as great as some of the other BBs I've tried. The color is just ever so slightly too dark. Normal people (non makeup obsessed) would probably not even notice but I do and it kinda bothers me.
• The Brush Guard Variety Pack  Lifestyle extra 3ct (Full Size $5.50 4ct) The cross-stitched plastic guard holds the shape of a makeup brush. It also protects it from dust and dirt. And the snug fit keeps all our favorite tools safe. Try the ¼” for your shadow or liner brushes, and the ⅖” size for blush accents. We like the ¾” guard for foundation brushes, and the 1” for powder or Kabuki brushes to keep your all-over application tools extra clean. I actually haven't tried these out yet. It seems like a good idea though. I can't see myself actually spending money on these though. Usually when I travel with my brushes, I put them in a case by themselves so they're already protected.

There was also a digital download for some Tristan Prettyman tracks. Pretty cool if you're into that kind of music. I listened to the previews and decided it wasn't worth the space on my hard drive. 

Birchbox teamed up with Madewell clothing and put together a little fall fashion guide. I don't take pains to be on trend every season. I like what I like and that's that. They included a $25 "gift card" (good on purchases of $75 or more) to redeem at Madewell. To me their clothing was a little pricey and boring. They also only carry up to a size 12. I can sometimes where a 12 on my top half but no way on the bottom half. My code is up for grabs if anyone wants it just leave me a message. 

So what's the final verdict?! This is definitely a better box than last month. There are some products I like but it's too little too late. This will be my last Birchbox for awhile. I'm consistently happy with Sample Society and I've liked my last two Beauty Army kits. Sure it's only $10 a month but that adds up and I'd rather save my money or buy a few products I really like instead. 

June Favorites

It's hard to believe June is over already! I really haven't been wearing that much makeup this summer.

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush, Holika Holika BB, Revlon Lip Butter, Balenciaga Perfume

• Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin.  I had forgotten about this blush until I found it again while digging through my makeup drawer. I love this blush. I'm so sad it's discontinued. I do have an unopened one in my secret stash. I find this blush gives a nice peachy glow.
• Holika Holika Shimmering Petit BB Holika Holika is a Korean cosmetic company. BB stands for blemish balm. These are like a somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a foundation. They also usually have some skin nourishing ingredients and sunblock. I am so in love with this. I hardly ever wear foundation any more. I will do a full review of this soon. I promise.
• Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie.  When I first bought this, it just didn't live up to the hype for me. I decided to give it another shot and now I can't put it down. This gives a nice berry color to the lips. It lasts a decent amount of time and isn't sticky.
• Balenciaga Essence Perfume Someone sent this to me as an extra with one of my trades. The funny thing is that I just added to my wishlist because I wanted to try it. I'm so in love with this perfume. I'm starting to not wear it every day now because I'm running out. I may have to break down and buy the full size. I suck at describing perfumes so just look it up. :)

So those are my June favorites. Not a whole lot as I'm going for minimal effort these days. I've also spent most of June on the quest for the perfect mascara. I haven't found it yet. ;(

Pretty and Cute Haul

I recently traded my Missha Perfect Cover in #23 for the Holika Holika Shimmering BB. I am ridicously in love with the Holika and had to find a steady supplier. A few bloggers have mentioned Pretty and Cute as a good source for Korean and Japanese cosmetics so I headed over to check it out.

L to R: Holika Holika Shimmering BB, Skin 79 Miniature Set, Skin 79 Mini Lip Gloss, Holika Holika mirror

I got a new tube of the Holika Holika Shimmering 30mL for $12.09. I am so in love with this BB. I will have to do a post on it. I used to think tinted moisturizers were the answer to a quick and easy face. Wrong! It's definitely Asian BBs (blemish balm). Not only does this have excellent coverage but it also offers SPF 45.  Since I'm not addicted to BBs, I picked up the Skin 79 miniature set as well. I've heard good things about the Skin 79 BBs and wanted to try out a few before purchasing a full size product. This set includes the Oriental Gold, Oriental Gold Plus, and the Premier Gold.

The rose shaped miniature lip gloss is from Skin 79. I'm going to add this to my keychain. I love the black rose design. The gloss itself is very sheer and just adds a hint of color. This will definitely be useful for on the go moisturizing. 

I picked up a matching black rose mirror for my purse makeup bag. This must be a popular design for re-branding in Korea. The mirror is sold by Holika Holika.

I placed my order on a Thursday morning and had a shipping notification by the afternoon. They ship out of Oregon so I had my order by Saturday. I'm super happy to have found the site and I'm sure I'll be shopping there more in the future.

Question Wednesday: Holy Grail Products

Thanks to Nykki for Question Wednesday. Check out her blog Nykki's Mane Blog

Today's Question Wednesday comes from Aly over at Wonderland Beauty!!

Today's Topic from Aly over at Wonderland Beauty is: Holy-grail products


What is your go-to eye makeup look? What products do you use to achieve this look?
Neutral Eyes. Using my Inglot palette. #337, #341 & #353

What are your top 3 favorite lip products for summer?
EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint, Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie, and Guerlain Extrait de Rose

What is your favorite liquid face product?
Holika Holika Shimmering BB (the pink one)

What is your favorite eyebrow product?
MAC eyebrow pencil

Lastly, what are some of your holy grail makeup items?
My Inglot palettes, Milani Luminoso Blush, Benefit Porefessional Primer