"Real Perfume For Real Women: Feel Good, Feel Young, Feel Happy" - Harvey Prince
If you are a Birchbox subscriber then you may have gotten a sample of Harvey Prince's Hello in your July box. Some lucky members are receiving their scent Flirt in the August box. I absolutely adored Hello and so I added Harvey Prince on Facebook and checked out their website to look at some of their other products.
One day, a few weeks ago they had a contest to ask how their fans had heard about Harvey Prince and to post a picture. I took a picture of my Birchbox for July and posted it on their wall. I was one of the 10 winners to get a free 8.8 ml bottle of Fling as a prize. The only thing I had to pay for was shipping, which was only $3.50! The bottle itself cost $26 so it was a great deal :) I thought the box was cute and creative. They included another sample of Hello which I was so happy to get, since I was running out of my previous sample. They also gave me a discount code for my next order!
I really like how this company started out and their mission statement. They really want to empower women! Gotta love the two brothers who founded the company!
I really want to try out Flirt and Yogini next. What fragrances have you guys tried? Thanks for stopping by! :)
Woohooo! I got my Birchbox early and I'm sooo pleased with it! I filmed another unboxing video. Again, I appoligize for the traffic noises, living on a busy street sucks especially when the living room is the only one with enough natural lighting to film. The video really captures my impression of the box and my first impression of how I feel about the products. Please let me know which products you would like to see a full review for :)
Apparently there are 31 variations of this month's box (crazyyy). View them all on Zadidoll's site.
"Direct from London, these punchy color liners feature a pen-style applicator that's truly goofproof."
- Full Size .07 oz retails for $15
Other people got different colors such as purple, turquoise, and olive. Would definitely love to have gotten any of those colors. I swatched this liner on my hand in the video. Its very similar to my marbella semi permanent eyeliner except that it actually goes on black and doesn't stain my skin when I wiped it off, thankfully.
"Get a glass half full disposition with this optimistic blend of juicy Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, and pink plumeria."
"We started Harvey Prince in dedication to our mother, and we craft exceptional fragrances that empower women to feel young, happy, slim, and beautiful."
- 8.8 ml retails for $26 and 50 ml for $55
The sample packaging is super cute and the scent is so light and fresh. I also love that the tube has a spray applicator! I'm sure this will be one of my summer favorites. I can totally rationalize spending $26 for this fragrance.
"Keep these refreshing, tea-infused mints on hand for quick pick-me-ups."
"Fight fatigue with nature's natural energizers of uplifting Brazilian erba mate and rich, deep, chocolaty Columbian cocoa."
- 3 pack retails for $9.95
After filming the video I was able to try the mints. They are like mint chocolate! So delicious and there are a ton in the tin. I can't wait to use these. I am a bit tired at the moment, so I'm not sure how much they've helped "pick me up" but I'm sure I'll use them when I had a normal nights sleep and that 2:30 feeling comes along.
"We designed these neon headphones just for you. Pair them with your best playlist."
The headphones are fairly comfortable. They drown out a lot of outside sound which is really nice. I absolutely love the neon green :D
Overall Verdict:
Totally in love with this box. I do with the supergoop! sample was a little larger, but I can't complain. I am glad that I got a full size eye liner, too. Can't wait to see what other people got!
What did you get in your Birchbox for July? If you don't already have a subscription and want to sign up please click my referral link here.
I can't thank Birchbox enough for sending me Stila's One Step Bronze in last month's box. I use it fairly often and have fallen in love with it. I was so intrigued by the design of the product inside the container, which is kind of like a helix of the three components of the bronzer. This product is very shimmery, so it might not be for everyone.
This bronzing serum may look like a sci-fi invention, but don’t be intimidated. The three-in-one primer, bronzer, and skin perfector addresses our three main concerns: oversized pores, unevenness, and lackluster skintone. Made with a triple helix of bronzing, highlighting, and illuminating pigments, the creamy formula has a mousse-like consistency, and is subtly laced with coppery shimmer. We love how it blends easily and dries to a matte finish. Plus, it keeps your skin’s oil levels in check, so your makeup doesn’t slide off midway through the day.
How it Works
The formula uses a trio of complementary pigments: coppery bronze adds warmth, pink-toned bronze evens out skin tone, and Kitten (one of stila’s best-loved shades) brightens and conceals with its soft shimmery champagne hues. When you push down on the applicator, these pigments swirl together to create a lightweight serum. In addition to sheer coverage, it delivers an anti-aging mineral complex that helps regulate oil production while shrinking the look of enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
How to Use
Apply this serum to clean skin for an all-over glow. You can wear it by itself or follow with foundation or tinted moisturizer for extra coverage. For subtle highlighting effects, dab on to cheekbones, brow bones, and the tip of your chin. Blend well."
This small amount is all I apply to my entire face.
This might look scary partially blended (and on a smaller portion of skin) but it blends in well.
See all the sparkles? Like I said before, this product may not be for everyone. I don't mind it, because I want the shimmery tone when I'm out in the sun.
This was taken about 20 minutes after the previous picture. I wanted the redness to go away from rubbing in the product and to show that some of the sparkles do fade.
Like Birchbox said earlier in their description, this serum helps balance out my naturally oily skin (mainly in the T zone). I don't really have fine lines or wrinkles, so that part doesn't apply to me; however, this does help even out my skin tone. I love any product that does that. Recently, acne scars have been staying noticeably longer and I need something to help reduce their appearance. Lastly, I also love that it keeps my skin hydrated and nourished. This is crucial, especially in these summer months!
I like layer this product with my sunblock or favorite foundation.
Have you tried this product? What do you think of it? What other Stila products do you recommend?
I was reading through this months edition of Women's Health and an article on sunscreen caught my eye entitled "No More SPF Excuses." I figured it was a relevant read since I just got my Look Bag with all my skin care products that help fight damage due to UV ray exposure, pollution, and what not.
One of the excuses mentioned in the article is "My makeup has SPF in it" which is totally why I don't wear my sunscreen on my face on a normal basis. I even stopped using it at the beach once I got makeup that had SPF in it, because I hate the greasy feeling of sunscreen. How about you? Do you use this same excuse?
That's how I feel.
I was doing some searching online though, and there are lighter formulas of sunblock that don't have such a heavy oil base. That's something I need to look into. Aveena was one of the brands that popped up often, along with Neutrogena.
Apparently, if you are using a mineral powder (I do) then you have to use "ten times the normal amount" to protect your skin with just the single product. WOW. I was definitely guilty of wearing no sunscreen before I got my e.l.f. Mineral Starter Kit which has SPF 15. But then I would just wear this product by itself, thinking I was protected. Then in my May Birchbox I got my Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+. I feel like I'm set now. The BB cream is a sunscreen, moisturizer, and treatment serum. Its really a great product! Although, recently I've stopped using it because I ran out :( I need to purchase a full size of this ASAP!
Found through a Google Image Search
Do you guys recommend any other BB creams? This one costs $32 for 1.7fl oz. I need a better deal! I mean its obviosly worth the money, so I might wait til I have enough points to buy it. If you'd like to help me out with that you can sign up for Birchbox and I'll get 50 points. That's halfway to $10 off a product. Doesn't that sound like an amazing reward? That's why I love Birchbox! Click here to sign up :D
What other kinds of products do you use to keep your skin protected?
Here is my promised post and sorry it took so long! Work has been keeping me busy and I didn't have my normal day off yesterday (gotta make that money!).
So DUN DUN DUNN! Here is my June Birchbox! I will link all the products I got to Birchbox's website and the products' manufacturing website. This way you can read Birchbox member reviews and see the tutorials/videos they have on each product.
The Theme: Jetset
This month's box contained products that were seen as essentials for traveling. Several products were sampled and given to members this month, so there'a a huge variety in the products that everyone received. I can say, without a doubt, that I received one of the better boxes this month. This is solely due to the fact that I got a full sized product worth $36!! Remember, I only paid $10 for this box. Unfortunately, other boxes weren't so great for this month; however, it's like a cycle and I'm sure my box for next month won't be worth as much as this months. It was very satisfying that I got the full size item I wanted though!! I need to stop peeking at other people's birchbox before I get my own, but I'm just not that patient!
Color: Beauty Queen (Sheer Berry Pink) - Full size is $17.00
Review:
This was a product that I was really looking forward to getting in my Birchbox this month, because I've heard great things about the Balm! I really want to win their Nude 'Tude Naughty Palette from their fb contest that they have everyday. Didn't know about this? Just 'like' their Facebook page and write a post on their wall saying which product you would like to win and draw a name every weekday. I hope to win one day!
Anyway, I like this product on my lips, because its a nice sheer color and nothing to dark. It also comes in Prom Queen (Light Pink Color) and Homecoming Queen (Nude/Peach Color) shades. I'll add it a picture of this lip/cheek stain on me in a few days. I have not yet applied it to the apples of my cheeks yet, so I can't review that aspect of the product. I'm also not sure how often I will wear it on my cheeks, but I'll let you guys know how I like it. It is not sticky at all in consistency, so I'm sure it will feel fine once its blended.
YAY!!!! Can't you tell I'm excited for this product?! Once I saw this beauty on the Birchbox June Sneakl Peek video that mentions all the products that are being sampled this month, I instantly wanted it! I don't have any liquid bronzers and this product is much different than your typical bronzing serum.
Birchbox definitely explains it best "The formula uses a trio of complementary pigments: coppery bronze adds warmth, pink-toned bronze evens out skin tone, and Kitten (one of stila’s best-loved shades) brightens and conceals with its soft shimmery champagne hues... In addition to sheer coverage, it delivers an anti-aging mineral complex that helps regulate oil production while shrinking the look of enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles."
I love the shimmery look I get after applying this bronzer and it helps so much with evening my skin tone! I apply this after my Philosophy take a deep breath - oil-free energizing oxygen gel cream moisturizer (that I received in my June Glam Bag) and my face doesn't get oily all day! I have combination skin and while my cheeks are dry, my T zone gets pretty oily midday. With these two products I am now oil/shine free!
I have not used these yet, but I am interested in using them. It is really nice that they gave us two wipes to be able to apply to more than just our face. These wipes take about 3 hours for the tan to fully show, but they are nice because you don't get that orange-fake-tan kind of look. This product actually blends well with your skin tone and brings out that warm, rich tan color. Well, that is what Birchbox says, anyway. I cannot yet say this is my own opinion, but will try this out soon. I'm trying to wait for an occasion that I would need to apply these. I am very "fair" in skin type but it doesn't bother me too much (I like to be able to pull off a ginger hair color).
So Taylor Swift is one of my guilty pleasures, but I can proudly announce that I love this fragrance! Its very light, flowery, and girly. I love, love, love it! I actually received a sample of this fragrance about two weeks ago when I got my NYX Jumbo Pencils (see post here). If I wanted to pay $49.50 for perfume, I'd definitely buy this. Sadly, I cannot afford to spend that, so its going on my birthday/Christmas list!
Lastly, I got this mini Luna bar in Peanut Butter Cookie. It was scrumptious! My school sells Luna Bars so I am very familiar with them. I cannot remember having tried this particular flavor, but it was definitely a nice touch. This was added to the box as an essential to traveling, just in case that "snack craving" strikes mid-flight and you've already devoured your peanuts or pretzels. This comes in handy anytime you need a snack, in my opinion. Full size in a pack of 15 costs $18.75. This seems pretty steep, but individually my school was selling them for at least 2 bucks (they overcharge everything). So it would technically be cheaper to buy in bulk. A 10 pack of minis (which is the size I received) costs $6.99. I think I'd go with the full size pack, but sometimes it can be hard to finish a full size bar (they can be very rich in taste depending on the flavor you choose).
Overall Verdict:
If you couldn't tell I definitely recommend Birchbox to anyone! Click that referral link, if you think you'd like to subscribe! Birchbox allows people to sample a wide range of products that they'd normally would either not have the time or opportunity to try out. I personally think its a great service. There may be glitches every now and then, but services like these are relatively new and might have problems along the way. I haven't had to deal with any issues like missing or damaged samples yet, but I'm sure I've read about it. Happens with Myglam sometimes too.
Let me know what you all think about this box. Did you receive a better or worse box?
"Unboxing" Video:
I also made an "unboxing" video for my Birchbox items. I'm not sure how I feel about the video since it is my first time filming myself. I never realized how hard it is to stare into a camera. I don't know how tv hosts do it! The audio quality is also not high end, so it sounds like I have a small lisp. I did not rehearse before I started filming, so its not the greatest, but I don't think its terrible for a first timer. I'm not sure why I elongate so many of my words during the video, but maybe it was because I was so nervous. I'm posting it as a learning experience and to let everyone know about how awesome Birchbox is!
A few weeks ago The Beauty Department completed their "shadow focus: eye color" theme, by focusing on blue eyes which they had not yet covered. They had only posted a color wheel, describing that since orange is directly across from blue those shades would make blue eyes come to life, and used an example photo of Jessica Pare. They have finally followed up that post with 6 great tips and example photos, due to an overwhelming amount of emails asking them to post more than one shade! You can find this post here.
This picture is directly from The Beauty Department's post.
The post mentions that Copper is one of the best colors that compliments blue eyes. This made me extremely happy, since that is the color I dyed my hair! Now I know why I've been getting more and more compliments on my eyes :D
The next tip they gave was to smudge your liner and not focus too much on having a straight, defined line. They recommend Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner. I might have to try that! I tend to try to be a perfectionist with the liquid eye liner, but smudging seems like the way to go.
They also say that peach, apricot, champagne or gold family colors really work well, too. I wish they would have mentioned this instead of the orange! I fees as though those colors differ greatly. I will definitely take this tip into consideration and branch out to more colors.
Another of my favorite tips that they include is the classic wing, which I do all the time! They recommend black brown eye liner, which I try to utilize. They also say that bronze/brown shades work well to bring out blue eyes. I tend to use a lot of brown just because I like neutral colors. I guess I didn't lack too much of a makeup sense after all!
The last tip on the post talks about winged shadow (including the waterline) and a nude lip for balance. I have found that if you don't fill in the water line the look is just not complete. I still am looking for nude shades of lipstick/gloss. Hopefully I get one soon in my June Glambag, Birchbox, or Look Bag.
Hello everyone! Hope you all are having a fabulous Monday :)
Today I knew I was getting a package via UPS and I figured it was either a cute panda necklace I ordered or my Ojon prize I won through a Birchbox blog contest.
Well I saw my package and was excited that it was my Ojon Prize.
I opened it and the anticipation built....!
WHOMP Whomp....I received the wrong prize! I was supposed to win the Damage Reverse not the Volume advance. My hair is thick and has enough volume already. I've emailed Birchbox already about my issue and hopefully they get back to me soon!
