Lush Lust: Mint Julips

I think most girls are in love with Lush, or if they haven't heard of it/aren't close to one, in love with the idea of Lush. I mean, come on: a company devoted to making all-natural, luxurious bath and body products designed to make a person sit back, relax, and decompress. It's practically a fairy tale. I'm no exception to the Lush  Lust, however, my favorite product at the moment isn't a bath or body product, it's a lip product--but really, no surprises there.

Lush has a wildly popular line of lip balms (I highly recommend Honey Trap), but even better are their lip scrubs. The best lip scrubs are sugar based, and are the perfect fix for dry, winter-chapped lips. Lush's line stands out in the beauty world because they are actually edible. Sure, you can rinse the sugar off like usual, but you can also lick it off. And with a flavor like Mint Julips ("Tasty mint chocolate sugar lip buffer for smooth moves and sweeter kisses") lip-licking is certainly tempting. Finally, a product that looks/smells good enough to eat where you actually can.

I normally am not an avid ingredient list reader, but since Lush labels themselves as all-natural every chance they get, I tend to get curious when it comes to them. Mint Julips is made from two different types of sugar and a few essential oils, vanilla and peppermint extract, and that's it. As a consumer, it makes me feel a million times better about well, consuming it. And yeah, this scrub does actually taste pretty good.

The packaging is a nicely-sized, hefty glass jar with a screw-off lid. But my favorite part? Turn over the container and there's a sticker showing not only the expiration date, but also the date it was made, and the name and a picture of the Lush employee who made it. I know some people don't like this detail, but I think it's a nice, quirky, personal touch, especially since the brand's motto is "Fresh, Handmade Cosmetics." 

All in all, I highly recommend. If you're not a mint-chocolate person, they have a plain chocolate version, as well as a popcorn and bubblegum flavors. These retail for roughly $10 and are available in Lush stores!

Are you a Lushie?

xoxo

Alyssa

NYX Butter Glosses: Review and Swatches

I heard quite a bit of hype on NYX's latest lip gloss formulation. Since the brand's Mega Shine Lip Glosses are some of the most popular from a drugstore brand, I knew the new product had to be something incredible for makeup junkies to be focusing on something different.

Left to Right: Eclair, Creme Brulle

And so I went to Ulta and found the Butter Glosses in the NYX section for I believe just around $5 a pop--pretty good! I picked out about five, but ended up only purchasing one, Creme Brulle. I ended up liking it so much that when I went to Target, I snatched the only one they had left--Eclair. These colors are typical-Alyssa-colors: a nude-y pink (Creme Brulle) and a creamy, neutral pink (Eclair).

Eclair, Creme Brulle

The packaging is lovely: round, doe-foot applicators, and color coordinated. I love it! And because the whole packaging down to the caps are the color of the product, it's very easy to pick out the one you want without them having to be upside down.

I'm about 95% positive that the scents are matched to the desserts they are named after (how amazing is that?) Eclair smells kind of like a sweet vanilla (like Eclair filling!) whereas Creme Brulle has more of a subtle caramel scent (just like its namesake). Maybe it's just my imagination, but if that is the case I would buy them just for that detail. But I do love these glosses. The formulation is one of my favorites--thick, pigmented, and very smooth and bendable. The formula can be sheered out or built up and look good no matter what. I also think these are good glosses to apply on the go--I'm sure the brighter colors (there's a red I'm dying to own) are a little less versatility in this way, but I can't imagine these neutral colors ending up splattered across your face. The formulation, feel, and wear reminds me of the MAC Cremesheen Glosses--which is a very, very good thing.

Creme Brulle, Eclair

I highly recommend these. They've wormed their way to one of the top spots on my favorite lip gloss lists. And for just around the five dollar mark, they are an all around winner. These glosses should be sold wherever NYX products are sold (Ulta, select Targets, and select Bed Bath and Beyond stores).

Makeup products named after food items: Yay or Nay?
xoxo
Alyssa

My Alternate Make Up Storage (November 2013)

I've been playing around with room decor and storage/organization lately, and one of the things I'm trying to perfect is my make up storage. I have what I call my "beauty box" on my desk (an updated post on that will be coming soon), but I have much more makeup than that box can fit. I have a separate drawer besides these two for more loved products, but today I'm showing you guys where I store the makeup I don't really use too much. 

I took these pictures on my iPad, so I apologize in advance if the quality is not up to usual standards. But I have this little three-shelf on one of the walls in my bedroom, and the bottom is most definitely my favorite. The magazine racks (housing Vogue, Teen Vogue, Seventeen, and Lucky) are from Target, the three-drawer container is from Walmart, and I'll go more in depth with the books torwards the end.

                                 

This is the place I store my makeup products that I like enough not to throw away, but at the moment I'm just not using very much. A lot of these products I really love, so it's not the "reject section." In fact, when I redo my beauty box every few weeks, I switch in some of these products. 

                                 

First drawer: face products. Recognize the containers I use to keep things a bit neater? They're old Birchboxes! Birchboxes are one of my favorite organization bins--they are the perfect size. But anyways, the front houses base makeup. There's some Arbonne powders, an ELF powder, and some random concealers and luminizing products. In the back bin is blushes and powder highlighters. I have some various Maybelline blushes, other miscellaneous drugstore powders, and a few cream blush sticks. On the side of the boxes is my trusty Avon Correct and Conceal Compact, which is taking a break from being my every day concealer option (if you're wondering about the hair tie, let's just say the compact is very well loved).

                                 

Next up, eye products. The front bin houses singles and a few duos. I LOVE the single shadows in this bin and they get used often. The Elf Mineral Shadow in Elegant and the Avon Celestial Shadow in Moon Sand are two of my all time favorites. Other than that, there's some random drugstore shadows and an Estée Lauder duo. In the back there's trios, quads, and small palettes. I have a few Elf quads, some Clinique, and a few others. On the side is some extra pencil liners ans an Elf Cream Liner.

                                   

And lastly: lips. In the front are some excess Revlon's Lip Butters (Cupcake, Gumdrop, and Creamsicle) that I just prefer for the summertime. Then some Elf lipsticks, an Ulta one, and my favorite Avon gold lip gloss. Other than that it's just some lipsticks from various brands. In the back is 85% Elf glosses (I loved Elf glosses for years). I've tried about every formula, and this bin houses the squeeze tube ones, and the Hypershines (my favorite) mostly. Besides that, it's just random glosses. And on the side are some lip palettes from Ulta and a backup of my favorite Hypershine gloss from Elf (Fairy).

On top of the bin, I store some of my favorite books. From my childhood, I have Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book and If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff. Then there's The Fault in Our Stars (John Green) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky) which have been favorites of mine for a few years now!

Do you have a lot of products you don't use regularly?

xoxo

Alyssa 

Monday Questionnaire: November 18th 2013!

Ah, Monday. How I dread you every week. But really, I cannot believe that next week is Thanksgiving--this year went by so quickly! So I'm back today to answer a Monday Questionaire: it's just some quick questions to start off the week.

                              

                           This little guy came in my Birchbox last week! Can you say

                            perfection?

1.) Mood:

 I'm pretty content today. Tired, as always, but not particularly happy or sad.

2.) What is the last song/album you purchased?

The Taylor Swift Christmas album. I'm getting in a festive mood lately, plus the album is great.

3.) The best video game system ever is __________.

I'm not a huge gamer, but I love my Wii. However, my Gameboy will always hold a special place in my heart!

4.) Current nail polish:

Revlon's Facets of Fushcia

5.) How many times did you hit the snooze button this morning? 

None! I don't even allow myself a snooze button because I know I'll abuse it. 

6.) Current outfit:

Jeans and a sweatshirt: comfy, comfy,comfy!

7.) What is the furthest distance you've ever driven?

Not far!

8.) You can only use one mascara for the rest of your life-- which one is it?!

Maybelline's The Mega Plush. I like the my-lashes-but-better effect--no drama for me.

9.) If you could have a $1000 gift card to anywhere right now, where would you choose?

My first instinct is an American Express or Visa, but is that cheating? Probably either Target or Amazon!

10.) Weekly Goals:

Clean, clean, clean! I want my bedroom spotless and reorganized. 
--------------------------------
 

Leave your answers in a comment below!

xoxo

Alyssa 

Fall Fashion: My New Boots

Fall and Winter fashion is my favorite. I love jeans and leggings, and being able to snuggle up in a cozy sweater and a scarf makes me happier than it should. A girl can't be ready for Fall without her basic outfit of a cardigan or sweater, scarf, and boots. I was desperate for black boots that weren't riding boots or combat boots. Just little ankle bootie-type shoes that had a one-inch heel or less--no stilettos for me.

Fortunately, JustFab.com, which is one of my favorites for shoes and handbags, has a great selection of boots for the Fall and Winter. So when I spring for my new pair of riding boots, that site will probably be the first place I check. Everything on JustFab is $39.95, as it is technically a monthly subscription service. But most people just use it as an online shop.

Let's just acknowledge the fact that I ordered these boots on Monday (11/11) and they shipped from across the country and were on my doorstep Thursday (11/14) afternoon. Talk about amazing shipping services (and it's free with a $39.95 purchase...which is every item!)

The boots I picked are the Gale. They're black pleather booties that hit me mid shin. They have a one inch heel, wrap around straps, and silver buckle detailing. One of my problems with boots is that most of them include gold hardware, and I like silver a million times better. These were one of two pairs of black boots on the site that had silver detailing. The inside is also fur-lined.

While I think they look better in the online photo, I really do like the style. My one critic is the fur lining: it's way too much. Fur lining is okay if it can't be see on the outside, but with these you can totally see. It makes the style look less like a chic and fashionable shoe and more like a snow boot. But they are very warm.

In terms of comfort, these were pretty solid. I definitely had to break them in, but it only took walking around the house for twenty minutes with them on the night before to do so. The day after I got them, I wore them all day to school and nothing hurt.

These guys looked really cute with back leggings, a dress, and a cardigan, but when I tried them on for the first time, I was wearing skinny jeans and a plain tee and it looked good, too! They're really veritile style-wise and I think they'll hold up well in the snow. 

I'm pleased with these boots. They're my fifth purchase from the website (and fourth pair of shoes) and I've been happy with everything I've gotten from the site. My oldest pair of shoes from the site (brown riding boots) is over a year old, well loved, and still going strong. So if you're looking for some nice, reasonably-priced shoes, look here!

Link to Gale booties*:justfab.com/gale

*not an affiliated link

Where's your favorite place to buy boots?

xoxo

Alyssa

Birchbox: November 2013 + Update!

Hello, everyone! It's been over a month since my last post, and I have no idea how time passed so quickly. I feel like just yesterday I was complaining about going back to school and now it's almost Thanksgiving.

Before I get into today's post, I did want to do a quick update on what's been going on and where I've been. As soon as school started, every second of my life was taken up! Between driver's ed, editing the yearbook, assistant directing the school play, and you know, schoolwork, blogging kind of took a back seat. I planned on starting again the day after my play finished, but I ended up with family stuff and I just found it a bit hard to write. But now I'm back...and hopefully to stay! *fingers crossed*

Anyway, today is about Birchbox. Unfortunately I had to skip my October post, but I was seriously in love with my box, so I was really exciting when this little guy (or girl, I guess?) arrived at my door.

This month's theme is More Good, which is tailored to "...the abundance in all forms. More thanks, more giving, and more thoughtfulness." In short, it focuses on charitable beauty brands that give back. I think it's a good theme for November to coincide with Thanksgiving. 

My first two samples went together, but were counted separately: Beauty Protector Protect&Shampoo and Protect&Condition. Upon first sniff, they smell like a salon and they are new to the Beauty Protector brand. The bottles look like a travel size, which in my opinion, is the perfect amount of product to truly tell if it works or doesn't. However, while they are nicely sized, I kind of wish they were grouped together as one sample and I would have gotten something else. It just feels kind of cope out-ish to count this as 2/5 of my samples.

Next up, nail polish! More specifically, Color Club's On the Rocks, which is from their new Cocktail Hour Collection. It's a gorgeous shimmery, metallic silver that looks like liquid metal. How much more perfect for the holidays can you get? I picture this as an accent nail with a deep, berry red a bit closer to Christmas. And I promise, Birchbox, I will never complain about Color Club in my box--their formulations are underrated, in my opinion. 

Number four is the Dr. Jart + Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+. I've heard YouTuber  MeghanRosette  (one of my favorites) rave about this so I was looking to try it. However, there is practically nothing to this. BB Creams are used in place on foundation, and you really need to wear foundation four or five times before you can really make a decision on the wear, skin reaction, etc. I doubt I'll get more than two uses out of this, which sucks. But it is a product I've wanted to give a go. 

My least favorite is the Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Noir sample, and not because I hated the smell. I actually kind of really liked it, and I'm not usually a major fan of Juicy Couture fragrances. I just cannot stand getting perfume samples in my box. Any person can walk up to any beauty counter or into any store and ask for a perfume sample and receive the same thing for free. I wouldn't mind them if they were an extra, but I don't want them as part of my five. 

And finally...the best part. Birchbox introduced their new section: Birchbox Finds, which is a completely extra item in the box that isn't related to beauty. There won't be one in every month's box, it's just something a bit extra that the company discovered as is loving. And the first Birchbox Find? A full-sized Ghirardelli chocolate bar in the new toffee flavor. Not only do I love Ghirardelli, but I LOVE toffee, so I squealed in delight upon finding this. It makes up for the perfume sample (and not many things would).

The box also includes a fun little Holiday guide with tips and tricks from Birchbox. It's something cute and quirky to flip through.

I didn't figure out my exact total, but I know I passed ten with the chocolate and the nail polish. All in all, I'm happy with this box. But please, Birchbox: no more perfume samples!!

Want to subscribe?* http://www.birchbox.com/

*not an affiliated link

What subscription box service are you subscribed to?

xoxo

Alyssa

COVERGIRL Jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon Twist: Review and Swatches

It seems as though every drugstore brand has been coming out with their own version of a jumbo lip pencil, and COVERGIRL is no exception. Their Jumbo Gloss Balms have been on the shelves for a few months now, and have gotten amazing reviews.

I chose the shade Watermelon Twist, which is a bright, fun pink that really perks up a look effortlessly. Bright lip colors are essential for one, making you look more fresh and awake, and two, giving the appearance of spending more time on your makeup then you actually did. Despite all beauty lovers knowing this trick, we still seem to say, "Wow! She has bright lips on! She must have spent a lot of time on her makeup this morning!"

The packaging is nice--it reminds me exactly of the Clinique Chubby Sticks. They're twists up, which I prefer for lip products, with a pointed tip, and the cap is color-coded to the product inside, which is nice if you have multiple of these. One packaging transgression stands out to me though: the name of the product is no where on the actual stick, just on the plastic bit you peel off. This annoys me for blogger-reasons. It's nice to know what the product is called when you're recommending it to someone (as opposed to just the number) or writing about it. I had to write this name down on a post-it to remember. When I accumulate more of these (and I plan to), it will be very hard to distinct them.

The color payoff is beautiful. This is pigmented, glossy, and moisturizing. I can shear the color out for everyday or amp it up for something bold. All in all? I'm smitten.

COVERGIRL's Jumbo Gloss Balms retail for $7-8 depending on store, and I think they're worth every penny. The color range is also gorgeous--there's something for everyone!

Do you hate when packaging doesn't include the name?
xoxo
Alyssa

Benefit Sweet-n-Wow

I hauled this in my Macy's post yesterday, so I figured I'd give it a bit of spotlight time. Mainly because, well, I am in love with this.

This set is a Macy's exclusive right now and includes a full-sized box powder in Sugarbomb (arguably their most popular. Let's face it, all of Benefit's box powders are popular) and a deluxe sample of Posietint, which I've always wanted to try. Since a box powder is normally $28 and this set cost $29, I thought it was worth the extra buck to try another product.

 I hope Benefit comes out with another set like this, like Bella Bomba and Benetint or Dandelion and High Beam or Coralista and Cha Cha Tint. But anyways...

First off: Sugarbomb. This has four colors which you swirl together: a peach, a coral-pink, a light pink, and a dark plumy-mauve. They're all shimmery and when mixed together, create a gorgeous peachy-pink-bronze glow that adds a flush, highlights, and bronzes the skin. It's the perfect one-sweep product, and I love that.

I cannot stress enough that the camera does not do this color justice. It just looks so beautiful on the cheeks.

As for the Posietint, it's a bright, poppy-pink (hey, a company got a description right!) that looks awesome. I use this both on my cheeks and lips, and I think it is really nice to pair with Sugarbomb.

The staining of this product is quite lovely. It stains and stays without being stubborn in washing off. It's just perfect!

Which Benefit product is your favorite?
xoxo
Alyssa

Macy's Beauty Haul

I had a bit of money left on a gift card from Macy's that was given to me for my birthday (how great of a gift is that?) and I decided to splurge on some frivolous beauty products I had my eye on. Macy's beauty selection is fantastic, so I went ahead and made an online purchase.

I love when packages come in the mail. It took a lot for me to stop and snap this picture before I divulged. 

I ordered three things, but my set from Benefit was part of a promotion that included a free deluxe-sized sample of their POREfessional primer, which I like, so it will definitely get some use.

The Benefit set that I got is the Sweet-n-Wow kit, which includes a full sized Sugarbomb Box Powder and a deluxe sample of Posietint. Regular Benefit powders are $28 and the kit was $29, so I figured for an extra dollar I'd give Posietint a whirl. Benefit is probably my favorite makeup company, so these two products are ones I have been wanting to test out.

My camera decided to be temperamental today, but despite the shadows, the Essie nail polish in For the Twill of It actually looks pretty true to color. I saw this color on display at Walgreens and when I found out that Macy's sold the brand, it was in my basket immediately. It's a gray/purple/green metallic duo-chrome, and I am beyond excited to wear this as my first dark manicure of the season. As for the Laura Mercier Creme Brulle hand cream, well, anything that smells like/tastes like/named after/inspired by creme brulle is a major sell in my book, as it is my all-time favorite dessert (by a landslide). I was a bit nervous ordering this without smelling it first, since at $15 for a 2oz bottle the price tag is totally steep, but I was not disappointed. The perfume version will make an appearance on my Christmas list this year.

As with any beauty order from Macys.com, it came with a "goody bag" full of perfume samples. Not the best goody bag I've ever gotten, but not bad ;)

What was the last beauty product you have perfect?
xoxo
Alyssa 

Birchbox Unboxing: September 2013!

It's that time of the month again: Birchbox time! This little guy arrived on my doorstep this morning (actually in my mailbox, but you know how it is) and I was so excited I ripped it open on the spot.

This month's box is themed around Heritage and the stories behind companies in the beauty and fashion industry. It is based around the history that made brands and labels what they are today. It's also Birchbox's birthday month, so they included a little card that says that we (their subscribers) are their favorite beauty discovery of all.

I think my box was pretty well rounded this month. It contains some skincare, a little hair care, a bit of makeup, and a dash of nail polish: the recipe for a great beauty-subscription box. Most people who get these types of boxes want a little bit of everything, and I think some brands overlook that fact.

Upon first opening, the samples look very promising. A can of some sort?! Something in a box?! Is that a lip product tube?! Let's divulge.

My box for September included:

• Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss (Precious Petal)
• Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive
• Ruffian Nail Lacquer (Fox Hunt)
• Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hair Spray
• Beauty Extra: Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream

The overall value ended up being roughly $31, which I was happy with! Honestly, as long as I'm getting more than I pay for I am very pleased, although I've seen/gotten some boxes that have been $50 and $60 values. You also get a voucher for a free travel sized Caudalie product with the purchase of a full-sized when you order on Birchbox's website. 

I'm satisfied with this box. I love the lip gloss, and I'm excited about everything except the Egyptian Magic cream. Foil packets DO NOT make me a happy camper. Anyone can go to a beauty counter and ask for a sample and receive the exact same thing for free. They are generally worthless and allow only one use, which isn't enough to get an accurate representation of how you feel about something. No more foil packets, Birchbox! It took away from an almost-perfect box.

Do you hate foil packets, too?

xoxo

Alyssa

Target Does it Again: Wallets!

I'm a huge fan of Target in terms of everything they sell: beauty, clothes, home decor, food, etc. In the past few years they've really become an iconic store, and they have squeezed their way to the top of my "favorite stores" list. Recently, I had found this wallet, and it has been my lifesaver.

My mom ended up buying it for herself when I passed on it, and then ended up passing it along to me after she switched to a different one. It's a purple continental wallet by the brand Merona. I've never had such a big wallet, but I've found it to keep me super organized.

I have this card case from Coach that I keep inside to hold my ID, debit card, and insurance card--just the basic necessities. If I'm switching to a tinier bag that can't fit my whole wallet for the day, I'll throw some cash in there as well and just take that. But day to day, I like having my whole wallet with me.

I also keep a lip balm in my wallet, so if I'm in a hurry to switch bags and forget to grab one, I'll always have one in here! Currently it's the Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil.

If you are looking for a nice wallet, I would check Target. The price points are wonderful (This was $14.99 but some are more and some are less!) and the quality has been really lovely so far.

Do you like big or small wallets?
xoxo
Alyssa