So if you have been here for a while, you might remember a great brand that I have talked about before: Pacifica. Their products are not only awesome, but cruelty-free and vegan. It's really an all-around great brand! They sent me a few products to try out and I am so excited to be sharing them with you today. The first product is the Dream Big Lash Extending 7 In 1 Mascara.
This mascara is SO cool! The wand literally changes size! You can twist the top of the lid and make the brush longer or shorter. The longer "setting" makes the bristles more separated and is great for lengthening. The shorter "setting" pushes the bristles together and really builds thickness. This mascara is also really buildable so you can get natural lashes or big, fabulous ones.
For the sake of testing, I applied one layer (long and short) in these pictures. I think it does a really fantastic job at lengthening and thickening. With just one layer, you can see how great my lashes look. I have been using it every day and have received a bunch of compliments already. Also, it doesn't fade or flake off! I will definitely repurchase this mascara!
The next item I got to try out is actually a set. Its called the Jet Set Trio Kale Collection and it is sold exclusively at Ulta. In this trio, you get a 2 ounce Super Kale Juiced-Up Shampoo and Conditioner set and a 0.5 ounce Hairvana Leave-On Detangling Conditioner. The shampoo and conditioner leave my hair feeling clean, weightless, and bouncy. The leave-on makes my hair soft and shiny. When used all together, these leave your hair so pretty and smelling great!
The last product is another trio. This one has three nail polishes just in time for spring: Stardust Memories, Superfox, and Midnight Rambler. I love these blue colors and I really love that they are 7-free, cruelty-free, and 100% vegan. They apply wonderfully, resist chipping and dry pretty fast!
As usual, Pacifica never fails to impress me. I love everything the company stands for and I love knowing that the products I am putting on my skin are safe and natural. That peace of mind is priceless! Be sure to check out everything they offer on the Pacifica website (or at your local Ulta or Target) and follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
As you may recall from previous reviews, my boyfriend, Josh, is growing out his beard. Since he started, he has been obsessed with oils. Oils work the best for him to not only nourish his facial hair, but also keep the skin underneath from being dry and flaky; beard-druff is not cute! When I saw this Gio Naturals Carrier Oil Gift Set, I knew that it would be perfect for him!
The set contains four oils: Argan, Castor, Tamanu, and Jojoba. All of the oils are 100% organic, cold-pressed, unrefined, and pure! It also comes with an empty bottle labeled "My Blend", which I think is a great addition so you can make the perfect oil for your needs, and maybe even add in some of your favorite essential oil to further customize it!
All of the oils come in glass bottles with glass droppers. They all have instructions and common uses on the black as well, which is really nice for oil newbies like us. This set is perfect for someone who is just getting started with oil, as well as someone who is more experienced. Everything is very high quality without a huge, high quality price tag, which I can always appreciate!
You can learn more about this set, and the uses for each oil on Amazon. While you are there, pick up a set for yourself, or someone in your life! If you choose to purchase more than one Gio product, you can also use the provided codes for discounts! Also, you can buy with confidence because all of their products are backed with a no questions asked, money back guarantee!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
I stand on my feet for 40+ hours a week so, by the end of most days, my feet really hurt! As you can imagine, I was pretty excited when Hydrofeet offered me the chance to try out their insoles. I have never heard of anything like them! Instead of being rubber, gel, or memory foam, they are filled with non-toxic, FDA-approved, food grade glycerin! How cool is that?
Hydrofeet insoles are anti-microbial treated and can be machine washed and air dryed weekly. No more stinky feet! The glycerin also helps keep your feet cool while keeping them comfortable! These claim to provide: fatigue reduction, cushioning, massage, shock absorption, and weight distribution. After wearing these for a little over 2 weeks, I can vouch for those claims; these are awesome! I never want to go to work without them again!
They come in a variety of sizes and are about the thickness of a quarter. I really like how thin they are. It makes them great for all kinds of shoes. The sensation when you first wear them is a little weird and definitely takes some getting used to. The best way I can explain it is like walking on a mini waterbed. No matter how your foot lands, the insole redistributes to keep your foot "even". The liquid makes sure that your foot is always cushioned, no matter what you are doing.
I stand by these insoles 110%. I can easily recommend these to anyone who is currently suffering from any foot related discomfort. Once you try these, you really won't want to go anywhere without them! You can learn more, and order a set for yourself, on the Hydrofeet website or Amazon! Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest as well so you never miss any news!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
It is that wonderful time of the month again where my BoxyCharm box arrives and I get to try out all sorts of awesome, new products! Just in case you forgot, BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that sends out full-size and luxury-size samples of high end and on-trend brands. Best part? A BoxyCharm box has a low cost of only $21, plus free shipping! This month the theme is Faces of the Moon and can we just take a moment to appreciate how sleek all of these products look in this box? It's totally an October box!
The first item I pulled out of this month's box is the Palmetto Derma Rejuvenating Antioxidant Mask ($64). This is a clay mask chock full of antioxidants to draw impurities out of your skin. It has a tingly, cooling effect which I really like and I love the way my skin feels afterwards. Also, as a bonus, this is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain phthalates or parabens! This mask is all win!
Up next is a Doucce Punk Volumizer Mascara ($24). First, I love the packaging; it is sleek and edgy. The brush on this wand is quite large and can be a little intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, this mascara is totally awesome! This gives you super thick, volumized lashes and I even noticed some extra length! I have quickly fallen in love with this and can see this being a permanent in my collection for quite some time!
A Cult Cosmetics Nail Polish in the color Boneyards ($12) was the next item I pulled out. This color is just great and totally up my alley. This dark grey polish has no shimmer and is simply stunning! It is also vegan friendly, ethically made, 5-free, and applies in one coat! I also peeked over at the rest of their collection and oh my goodness! You have to check it out; their other shades are GORGEOUS!
Keeping right up with the dark theme, a Lord & Berry Line/Shade Eyeliner ($18) is up next. This is a dark, rich black that is waterproof and glides on like a dream. I was actually really impressed with the staying power and how smudge-resistant this was after it sets. I have tried so many eyeliners and I have my go-to liners but this might sneak it's way into my top choices!
The last product included was a Bellapierre Cheek and Lip Stain in the color Coral ($19.99). This is a little bit of color in this box and look how pretty it is! Corals are my go-to for both lips and cheeks so I was pretty excited to try this. I love the little bit of gold shimmer that this has. It reflects the light so beautifully. Though you can build this color up for a more opaque lip, I prefer the way this wore on my cheeks. It sheers out beautifully and gives you a natural-looking glow.
As always, I loved my BoxyCharm box! With a retail value of $137.99,0 $21 is an amazing cost to pay!! It is a great value and awesome way to try out new beauty products. Be sure to head over to their site to sign up and see past boxes. Also, follow BoxyCharm on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to never miss any news or promotions!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
Before we hop into the review for September's Looksbook, I quickly want to share with you the items that I purchased using my gift cards from my last Starbox and Looksbook. I had a gift card to the Starlooks website and I noticed that they were selling previous Starboxes! I grabbed one from January 2015 which included a lipstick in Marsala, an eyeliner in Chestnut, an Eye Contour brush, and some Malibu Soapworks Young Coconut Brush Wash.
I had two gift cards to Torrain which is a company that uses recycled feed and cement bags to make wallets and bags. This is a great company and I really recommend that you learn more about them! You will be inspired, I promise! From them, I picked up a Snap Wallet in the color scheme Leaf Green and a 6 Bottle Wine Tote in the scheme Sunset Pink. Their patterns are always changing so be sure to check back frequently!
The last two gift cards I had were to The Laboratory. This website has a very eclectic feel and I think almost everyone could find a couple of pieces that they just have to have! I picked the Stitched and Beaded Babydoll Dress, the Leaf Me Alone Dainty Necklace, and a Sssssnake Ear Cuff in Silver. Everything I got feels really well made and I can't wait to wear all of them! I love the variety on this website!
Now on to the September 2015 LooksBook:
You know how much I loved the Starlooks' Custom Starbox subscription, but they launched their LooksBook Membership which is just as awesome, if not better! This membership includes 3 "Perfect Size" cosmetics (about 3/4 the size of full size products) but they are chosen around a theme to create an on trend look. All of this for only $12 and free shipping! Each month, your products come packed in a travel-friendly "book" that even includes tips on how to wear and apply the products. The theme this month was Revival.
Just like last month, the packaging is out of this world. The colors are gorgeous and the "book" feels nice and sturdy. I can't say enough good things about the packaging. You can really tell that they put a lot of thought and effort into this subscription. The first item I went for was the lipstick in the color RAWR! This is a matte, bright pink that is absolutely stunning! I did apply it over a little bit of lip balm because my lips are always chapped, but on my wrist, it is over nothing.
There was an eyeshadow duo in the color Agave. The first color is a dusty, rosy pink and the second is a little harder to describe. It is a tan/beige with a slightly green/gold feel. They are both really pretty and apply and blend nicely. The last product included was a little bit of a dud for me. The mascara in the color Flora is a beautiful teal color. Unfortunately, on my naturally darker lashes, the color didn't show up well. I am going to play more with this and see if I can't get the color to show up better.
Overall, I really liked this month's LooksBook Membership. I like that you get a full look instead of random products that don't go together. The "book" itself is beautiful and great for travel. $12 for this membership is a total steal! Starlooks always has the best deals on subscription services! Be sure to check out everything that Starlooks offers and follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
It is that wonderful time of the month again where my BoxyCharm box arrives and I get to try out all sorts of awesome, new products! Just in case you forgot, BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that sends out full-size and luxury-size samples of high end and on-trend brands. Best part? A BoxyCharm box has a low cost of only $21, plus free shipping! This month the theme is Runway Ready and I am pretty excited about it!
The first item in this month's box was a Previse Skincare HydroMilk Hydrating Lotion ($48). I had never heard of this brand and after some research, and trying this out, I am really considering purchasing more. Their products are natural and after taking a short survey, they assign you a number 1-6 to help you find the best products for your skin type. I really recommend checking them out!
The second item was a set of SCRATCH nail wraps in a white and gold theme ($12). I really like the way this pattern looks. I haven't applied them yet, but I can tell there is going to be some negative space and I am absolutely loving that trend!
There was also a Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel ($18). This is your standard clear eyebrow gel and it came at a perfect time because I am almost out of my current one! A Vasanti Professional Foundation Brush ($32) was also included. This brush is a flat foundation brush and has a nice density. This brush is super soft and I really liked how it applied my foundation. It was not streaky like some flat foundation brushes can be.
A Tarte smolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner ($22) in gold was the next thing included. I absolutely love Tarte and I am so happy when I see them included in my BoxyCharm box. This is a beautiful color and smudges out wonderfully. Once it sets, it truly is waterproof and will be there all day! A bonus item was included: a travel size Kardashian Beauty Black Seed Dry Oil. I haven't put this in my hair yet but I am excited to because I have pretty dry ends!
As always, I loved my BoxyCharm box! With a retail value of $132 (plus a bonus item), $21 is an amazing cost to pay!! It is a great value and awesome way to try out new beauty products. Be sure to head over to their site to sign up and see past boxes. Also, follow BoxyCharm on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to never miss any news or promotions!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
I am so excited to be sharing with you another awesome subscription service from Starlooks! You know how much I love their Custom Starbox subscription, but this month they launched their LooksBook Membership which is just as awesome! This membership also includes 3 "Perfect Size" cosmetics (about 3/4 the size of full size products) but they are chosen around a theme to create a trendy look. All of this for only $12 and free shipping!
Each month, your products come packed in a travel-friendly "book" that even includes tips on how to wear and apply the products. The theme this month was Resort and the box is just beautiful. Being from Florida, I love everything about the beach. You can really tell that a lot of thought and time went into this packaging and I really appreciate that! It is just so gorgeous!
The first product included was a Water Eyeshadow in Aqua. This is a cream shadow stick in a shade that I can't describe as anything else other than a mermaid blue. It is has silver shimmer that accents the blue/green color perfectly. I love this color so much! It reflects in the sunlight so beautifully and really reminds me of the beach and mermaids! Since this is a cream, make sure you apply this over a primer and set it with a powder for a flawless look all day!
The second item included was a Highlighter/Blush Duo in the colors Ritz and Tropic. These colors compliment each other so beautifully and add a warm and glow to your skin which is perfect for a beach day in the sun! The blush is a coral shade with golden shimmer and the highlighter has the same golden shimmer in it. These have great pigmentation so a little goes a long way!
The last item included was a Lipstick in the shade Jet Set. This is a gloss finish lipstick that is a great coral color. I like that this is a light, non-shimmery product. Since the look has a lot going on, I like that a simple lip product was included to round the look off. This lipstick is very moisturizing and can be layered for more color.
To finish off the first edition Looksbook, there was three gift cards. $15 to The Laboratory, $15 to Torrain, and $50 to Versa Swimwear. Overall, I am super impressed with my LooksBook Membership. I like that you get a full look instead of random products that don't go together. The "book" itself is beautiful and great for travel. The gift cards are a great bonus as well! $12 for this membership is a total steal! Starlooks always has the best deals on subscription services! Be sure to check out everything Starlooks offers and follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
Starlooks recently launched their Custom Starbox which is way too cool! Each month you get to choose 3 Perfect Size products which are about 3/4 the size of full size products, as well as 3 gift cards. All of this for only $12 and free shipping! Considering that you get professional quality products AND gift cards, $12 is an extremely good price to pay. Before we get into what I received this month, I would like to share with you what I got with my gift cards last month!
The first gift card I got was a $20 Starlooks gift card which can be used on any of their products except their Starlines. I choose the Studio Blend Cover Foundation. This contains SPF 15 and a chose the shade SB2. Starlooks is currently revamping their foundations so this is unavailable but I really like it so I can't wait to try their improved line which should be available soon!
Since I am a total Starlooks Addict, you know the $20 Scheana Marie Starline gift card was an easy choice for me. I picked up her 4 Shade Shadow Palette which features the colors Sun Bean, Peony, Palm Desert, and Garden Luster. This is a great neutral palette that I have gotten quite a bit of use out of. The quality is great, like I have come to expect from Starlooks, and I know that I can trust my eye look will look great from application to removal!
My last gift card choice was $50 to ELEVENPARIS. Before I mention what I got, I need to give a huge shout out to the ELEVENPARIS customer service. I had issues getting my gift cards to work and they were super helpful, fast to reply, and very friendly despite all of the issues! That being said, I picked up two shirts. One has a mesh front and shoulders with a bunch of symbols and the other has a super cute tropical/jungle pattern that I just fell in love with. Both of these shirts are made very well and the fabric is super soft!
Now on to what came in my August Starbox! It is no secret that I have fallen in love with Starlooks' lip gloss so this was an easy choice. I picked up the shade Just Say Yes ($9). On the website this is a pinker color but in person, it is an orange-coral color. It has beautiful gold glitter and it is great by itself or over lipstick. The vanilla scent is nice and the consistency is smooth and not too sticky.
My second choice this month was an eyeshadow in the color Golden Coast ($13). This is a wonderful bronze with a golden tint. It's satin finish gives it a multidimensional effect that adds beautiful depth to your look. As always, this eyeshadow has great color payoff and lasts all day without creasing or fading on my eyes. Another bonus is that even though this is a "Perfect Size" cosmetic, it contains the same volume of product as a full size product. The container is just more travel friendly!
The last item I picked was their Slanted Liner Brush ($18). This brush is soft, yet dense and easily applies an opaque line without being too hard on your eyes. Nothing is worse than an eyeliner brush that can't apply eyeliner without streaks or is too hard to use comfortably. You don't have to worry about that with this brush. The weight is nice and it feels good in your hands. I'm quite impressed!
Of course, we can't forget about my gift card choices for this month! I picked $15 to Torrain, $15 to The Laboratory, and $20 to Starlooks. As always, I will be sure to share what I got with next month's box!
I am SO happy with my August Starbox! I love that you can pick what is included and I think it is a wonderful value. The products retail for $40 and I got $50 in gift cards. You really can't beat $90 for only $12! I know you are dying to get your own Starbox so head on over to the Starlooks website to subscribe today! You must subscribe before the 10th of each month to receive that month's box which is shipped out during the 3rd or 4th week of the month. Also, be sure to follow Starlooks on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
Recently, I was offered the chance to try out the ISA Professional 1" Ceramic Flat Iron and I am so excited to be sharing it with you guys! This flat iron is awesome! The plates are 100% solid tourmaline ceramic and they pivot for more even results and less hair pulling. It can be used between 175 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, while it is heating up, you can watch, in real time, what temperature your iron is currently at. No more guessing when your iron is ready to use!
After reading the reviews on Amazon, I noticed a lot of people complaining about the placement of the buttons, saying they would accidentally hit them while using it. While I did hit the buttons during use, there is a lock feature that disables the buttons. If you press the power button twice, the buttons will lock and not work. I included an up close picture of the key symbol on the LCD screen. I found this feature to be extremely useful. I know most of us have accidentally turned off our straightener during use but this feature eliminates that!
So here is my hair in all of it's frizzy, air-dried glory. As you can see, this flat iron straightens without making your hair look flat. It helped tamed my frizz and a love that I didn't lose all of my volume. While using it, the anti-tangle swivel cord proved to be so useful! Not once did I have to worry about my cord getting wrapped up around me or the iron itself.
Over all, I really love this flat iron and think the features are great! This definitely replaced my old one as my daily flat iron. If you would like to learn more, you can visit the ISA Professional website HERE or view the product on Amazon HERE. There is also a 2-year manufacturer warranty so you know you can buy with confidence!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
It is that wonderful time of the month again where my BoxyCharm box arrives and I get to try out all sorts of awesome, new products! Just in case you forgot, BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that sends out full-size and luxury-size samples of high end and on-trend brands. Best part? A BoxyCharm box has a low cost of only $21, plus free shipping! This month the theme is Gorgeous Globetrotter. Let's hop right in!
The first item I pulled out of this month's box was the Nios Shield Leave-In Conditioner ($26). This leave-in contains SPF 15 and vitamins E and B5 to not only protect your hair and scalp from the sun, but also hydrate and nourish your strands. The added Moroccan argan oil also helps to tame frizz. This leave-in smells really good and makes my hair look so shiny and healthy. Also, being so pale and prone to sunburns, I love the added SPF.
Up next is the So Susan Statement Skin in Starlight ($20). This is a crayon highlighter that has no mineral oils, phthalates, parabens, and is also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Also, another huge plus is that it is cruelty free! I have included a heavier swatch and a sheered out swatch and I quite like the way it looks. It isn't too glittery but still provides a great highlight. I really like it.
A Seta Eyeliner Brush ($16) was also included. This is a great little brush for cream and gel liners. I love how small it is so you can create smaller, or thicker eyeliner looks. A MicaBeauty Gel Eyeliner ($35) in black was included as well. This is an awesome jet black that dries to a matte finish. This liner means business! Once it sets, it isn't going anywhere! It stays all day with no smudging, fading, or flaking.
The last item included was the Revealed 3 Palette by Coastal Scents ($39.95). I loved the first two palettes in this set and this one is no exception. The colors included provide seemingly endless options. There are all sorts of different finishes and most of the colors have great pigmentation. I have swatched them over product free skin in the order they are in the palette for east reference. I am really loving the plumy colors included which will be great for fall smoky eyes!
As always, I loved my BoxyCharm box! With a retail value of $136.95, $21 is an amazing cost to pay!! It is a great value and awesome way to try out new beauty products. Be sure to head over to their site to sign up and see past boxes. Also, follow BoxyCharm on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to never miss any news or promotions!
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.
The next item I got to try out is actually a set. Its called the Jet Set Trio Kale Collection and it is sold exclusively at Ulta. In this trio, you get a 2 ounce Super Kale Juiced-Up Shampoo and Conditioner set and a 0.5 ounce Hairvana Leave-On Detangling Conditioner. The shampoo and conditioner leave my hair feeling clean, weightless, and bouncy. The leave-on makes my hair soft and shiny. When used all together, these leave your hair so pretty and smelling great!
