Special Delivery: Birchbox

After seeing countless bloggers post about their monthly Birchbox, I finally broke down and added my name to the wait list. Tiane got her first Birchbox last month, and the $10 seems worth it for a few fun beauty goodies and the anticipation of a monthly snail mail surprise. I probably waited less than a month before I got the e-mail prompting me to subscribe, and I went with the month-to-month option so that I can cancel at anytime. I was so excited to see that little pink box in my mailbox Saturday afternoon, plus miniature anything is somehow more exciting and cute! My first Birchbox contained the following:

-Befine skin care sampler
- Color Club turquoise nail polish (how did they know I'm obsessed with nail polish?)
- Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy perfume (which I've tried before and love!)
- June Jacob Perfect Pumpkin Enzyme Polish (probably the product I'm most looking forward to testing out
- Show Stoppers designer fashion tape

All in all, it seems like it was worth the money. I'm already super excited for next month's Birchbox because it's a Gossip Girl theme! Do you have a subscription to Birchbox now? What's been the best product you've gotten? I want to know what else I can look forward to receiving!

Interested in trying Birchbox? Sign up here!

Illuminate Me

I've been dying to try this NARS illuminator for a while. I love the tutorial for dewy makeup seen here and I hope to perfect the look throughout the fall.

Beauty Loot

I made the mistake of setting foot inside Ulta this afternoon. I seriously forgot how amazing a store it is. It's basically a giant drugstore that only carries hair care, makeup, and beauty products. Anyway, it's great and probably a guy's worst nightmare so I'm glad I didn't drag M with me over the weekend. I managed to make it out with only minor damage. I picked up a bottle of Big Sexy Hair shampoo, which I've never tried but have heard good things about. I also got a new, summery scented Philosophy body wash (coconut frosting), and of course, I had to get a couple of nail-related goodies. I finally found the leopard print Sally Hansen nail strips, so they were a must. They must be the most popular pattern because they're always sold out no matter where I go. Last but now least, I decided on a bottle of Essie's Tart Deco polish, which is a fun orangey-melon hue that I can't wait to try on my toes.

Sometimes a little impromptu shopping trip is the best way to start the weekend!

So Fresh

Take a peek at my new favorite tinted lip balm made by fresh. I was first introduced to lip sugar by my sister, Austin, so while I was home I made sure to buy a tube of my own. I've taken it everywhere with me and I really love the sheer color and sweet smell, plus it has SPF 15.
I definitely recommend trying it out!

New Beauty Bff

I received this magical elixir in my Christmas stocking and have been obsessively applying it twice a day ever since. It's a miracle product, especially for the type of dry, frigid winter we've been having in the Northeast.

Further proof that Oprah really does know everything.
Run out and stock up. Thank me later.

Caffeine Fix

A few months ago I realized that I was starting to look tired all the time. I was getting plenty of water and (almost) enough sleep, but I still couldn't combat the dark circles under my eyes. Fortunately, I heard about an amazing under eye cream made by Origins and decided to give it a try. I'm a fairly skeptical consumer, especially when it comes to beauty products, but I decided to shell out $29.50 for a three month supply of GinZing, a refreshing eye cream that promised to "brighten and depuff."

Well, it's been about six weeks of using the product almost every morning, and I have to say I've had noticeable results. My under eye area is definitely brighter and firmer and I barely need any concealer. The cream is very soothing and I'm going to start keeping it in the fridge to add to the cooling effect. I'm planning on continuing to use the cream until it runs out and then deciding whether or not to buy more. I'm pleasantly surprised that it's worked this well so far!

What's been your experience with beauty remedies?

Villainous Vamp

I just read on Temptalia that MAC is collaborating with Disney this fall to release a line of cosmetics based on villains from Disney movies (appropriately titled the Venomous Villains collection)! I love this idea and I'm sure it won't disappoint. Hopefully the line will include some fun packaging and at least one new nail polish! Check out the sneak peek video here.

Who are your favorite Disney villains? I'm partial to Ursula from The Little Mermaid. She terrified me as a child!

Wake Up!

I'm dying to try the new all about eyes product from Clinique. I've seen it advertised all over the place this past week. It's a de-puffing serum that massages your under eye and (supposedly) rejuvenates it and makes dark circles less noticeable. It's basically a miracle in a roll-on tube (if it actually works, that is). I think I'm going to make a little trip to Sephora today and scoop one up during their beauty savings promotion. Everyone can use a little pick-me-up once in a while. Does anyone honestly get 8 hours of beauty rest anymore?

Have any of you tested it out yet?

Touch-Ups To Go

I've never been one to carry a separate cosmetics bag with me when I go out, but this little pouch may sway me! I love the orange & teal color combination and seahorse print on this bag by Dylan & Dillon. Even if I don't carry it in my purse, it'd be great for toting sunscreen to the beach. The vinyl lining makes clean up a cinch.

I think orange is definitely my new favorite color!