Glossybox shoots out the gate in July with a box catered towards the “deep blue” which is fun. I like this as an end to summer…my goodness I miss California & the beach! This is a smart box, perfect for the beach or pool. I’m happy with the variety as well! I did, however, make an absolute mistake… keep reading to see my thoughts!
As always, here are the included cards! I really like the way they’re doing this lately, with the items on the side. I didn’t get a GlossyMag this month either…I hope they didn’t do away with them?
In the July 2013 Glossybox:
Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque- Brazilian Blowout products are crazy expensive so I’ve never managed to get my hands on them. I do wish the sample was a bit longer for my ultra thick & pretty long hair though. My hair was definitely smooth & felt hydrated. I’d have to use it a few more times to compare it against some of my hair masks.
Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au the Blanc Shampoo & Shower Gel- Bvlgari is a favorite with Glossybox it seems, I think I’ve gotten around 3 items from them? Either way, I always enjoy the products. This is described as a shampoo or shower gel but I am picky about shampoo. I like the scent, it smells perfume-y but not so much that I don’t like it.
Dr. Brandt BB Matte with Signature Shinerase- I got mine in the shade light to medium which is a bit dark on my ultra fair skin. I love that it gives SPF 30 & controls shine…but it isn’t a match for me. My poor dry skin just wasn’t a good match!
Nails Inc. Baker Street Nail Polish- This is an iconic blue & has been wildly popular. I have similar shades (dupes) from Essie & Sally Hansen but I do love me some Nails Inc.! It is no wonder this is one of their best selling shades!
Nicka K New York Absolute! Make-up Cleansing Tissues- This was a bonus & 10 sheets makes it perfect for travel. I didn’t want to whip it open & let them dry out though. It claims to remove even stubborn waterproof makeup…so I’ll definitely be excited to use them!
Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Lip Balm- I saved the best for last… First of all, woohoo a full size! I just want to say, in my own defense, I whip through everything when I first get my box…I opened this & thought it was a lotion because…the opening is huge! Way huge for a lip balm! Note: NOT a good hand lotion! ha. I like the packaging other than that, looks nice. It has a light cherry blossom scent which is pleasant & is organic which I also like. Plus, a soft tint of color!
Overall, I’m happy with this Glossybox! I’m excited to see what is in store for next month…maybe something about fall? Interested in signing up? I’d love for you to use my link! Glossybox is $21 a month & you can see lots of past reviews on my blog as well!
PR Sample.
Soap! If you don’t use it…well then I really can’t help you. But if you’re a soap lover like me you were likely drawn in by the colorful top photo. Soap just looks so cool right? Forever Polished by Ashley is expanding into some bath & body products so I have some to share! I’ll tell you more about these cool new products below!
So from what I can see on the Forever Polished site which you can view here I believe she is putting up products as available. She even has some I haven’t tried (Strawberry soap!) so don’t be shy, especially since the 3 I tried were fab.
My favorite is just a lemongrass scent. Pretty, yellow, with some fun curling swirling details. Simple but clean.
This beautiful tie dye soap has cute little blue feet on top & gold glitter throughout. If you’re a fan of LUSH products, this is close in scent to Karma. Very pretty obviously & if you like patchouli you’ll love this!
My last soap is a pretty orange & tangerine which is a mix of lemongrass & green tea. With gold glitter! Pretty!
Obviously because these are 100% handmade products your colors & such will vary. That’s just how original products go! She might change up colors & such as she finds her footing but from what I can see, she has a good things going! I like the scents a lot because they are a bit unexpected. I’ve had offers to review a lot of body products lately & while I love a good girly scent here & there…something is to be said for something clean & even multi-sex.
What do you think of these soaps? Do you love handmade body products too?
Hopefully you caught my review of my first 4 Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencils & if you’ll know I promised some comparisons! Promises must be kept right? So here I’m comparing the shades in my collection for reference…& there is a dupe in here for a much beloved limited edition shade! Keep reading to check it out!
So just in case you missed my prior reviews, check out my thoughts on the Milani Shadow Eyez in my favorite Limited Edition neutral shades & my beloved Rimmel Scandal Eyes Jumbos! Seriously…I love these formulas so much! & of course, the Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil review itself as well!
I’m going to talk about these from left to right, for reference. Let’s start out with Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil in Continuous Almond. This is my favorite type of base, light & pretty neutral. Plus, matte which is rare. Immediately I thought of my Milani Shadow Eyez in Almond Cream which might be my favorite shade period. It is a limited edition shade as well & I’ve been kind of hoarding it so it didn’t disappear on me!
So…is it a dupe? Almost! The first shade on the left is Jordana Continuous Almond & next is Milani in Almond Cream. You can see Almond Cream is a bit lighter while the Jordana is a touch more peach. Close enough for me though, I think this will be a great replacement for my beloved limited edition shade!
On the right side the two swatches are Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil in Tenacious Brown & Milani Shadow Eyez Limited Edition Shade in Espresso Line. To my eye, they are absolute dupes. Tones, texture, matte finish, & creaminess are identical. Perfection!
Next up is my blues & greens! As always, I go from left to right.
Blues left to right: Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil in Aqua Last, Milani Shadow Eyez in Aquatic Style, & Rimmel Scandal Eyes Jumbo in Tempting Turquoise. I’m calling Jordana Aqua Last & Milani Aquatic Style dupes! Dead on color & texture! The Rimmel is a touch more green & a bit thinner.
Greens left to right: Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil in Endless Emerald, Milani Shadow Eyez in Green Safari, & RImmel Scandal Eyez Jumbo in Gossip Green. Absolutely nothing near a dupe here! Completely different shades & I love them all! I can’t wait until fall…I really rock green in the fall most! Love all 3 of these shades, completely different tones.
I love these pencils so much, every single one. You have to work oober fast with these to blend them out if you’re wearing as eyeshadow but they’re totally worth it! Plus, bargains! 5 years ago there wasn’t anything like this at the drugstore…appreciate it guys! Drugstore makeup can only get more amazing!
If you’re a big fan of eyeshadow pencils that are creamy & long wearing then you have likely been chomping at the bit ever since you heard Jordana was jumping on the scene. Because Jordana is owned by Milani I had VERY high expectations. I personally use Rimmel Scandal Eyes & Milani Shadow Eyez the most, even over high end brands. I own almost if not all of both lines & use them as bases, eyeliners, & as eyeshadows themselves since they’re long wearing. Keep reading to see how the Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencils compare!
I can’t find much online about these so I figured I’d just quote what is on the actual packaging. It is nearly completely identical to my Milani Shadow Eyez claims on the packaging.Also like the Milani Shadow Eyez, you’ll need to sharpen these but it is super easy. The black plastic isn’t messy at all to grind down. On top of that, these come sealed which is totally fabulous & I really appreciate when brands do that!
Here you’ll see:
– Highly Pigmented Formula
– Shimmer or Matte Finish depending on the shade
– Long-Lasting Formula
– Water Resistant
– Close cap tightly after each use.
I chose 4 shades to start out: 03 Tenacious Brown, 04 Continuous Almond, 06 Aqua Last, & 08 Endless Emerald. My Walgreens was almost out of all the shades so I’ll be picking up more when they stock up! I obviously wanted the two neutrals & then I snapped up the aqua & green because…I love my colors!
Swatches left to right: Tenacious Brown (a rich matte brown), Continuous Almond ( a slightly peach toned matte nude), Aqua Last (a light shimmery aqua), & Endless Emerald (a deep turquoise toned emerald).
Beautiful pigmentation, easy to apply, & very creamy. These feel & look EXACTLY like my Milani Shadow Eyez…except with a lower price tag! I’ll be doing some comparisons as well so stay tuned for that, especially if you recognize any of these shades from other lines!
The Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencils retail for $3.99 at my local Walgreens & I also got them for BOGO 1/2 off which is common with Jordana, keep an eye out!
PR Sample. Affiliate links.
I am so excited to show you this month’s Beauty Box 5 box! This is from July but, just in case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t been posting as much since we’ve had tons of work. As I work my way back into regular posting & not being an absentee beauty blogger I bring you my BB5 box featuring items I am all happy about. So rare for me! There is normally something that doesn’t blow my skirt in any box but this one is a hit! Keep reading to find out why!
As always, we get a card with lots of info which is always helpful. It also includes retail information. This month we also got a $10 off coupon for MyNameNecklace.com. Feel free to click the photos above to make them larger!
Inside this month’s box!:
Every Beauty Foot Smoother- I seriously feel like foot care is SO underrated! It is important to me, like super important. I romp barefoot as much as I possibly can so whatever I can do to make my feel feel & look good…I’m in! Exfoliation is huge for me since I rarely wear any other footwear than sandals or airid flats, especially during summertime. This is a full size sample (retail value is $8.99 which almost covers the whole box!) & it is bigger than my palm. Reuseable, easy to use, & kind of like a flexible sponge that removes roughness. It is coarse on one side & textured on the other…I love it! I also love that it doesn’t feel slimy or anything because you can really clean it.
LA Fresh Travel-Lite Antibacterial Wipes- LA Fresh products pop up pretty frequently in BB5 & I don’t mind a bit. So far I think I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve tried & try to save them for trips! This is a package of 8 LA Fresh antibacterial wipes…perfect for travel again!!!! This retails for $1.99 & will be super handy!
Jean Pierre Cosmetics Nail Polish Remover Wipes- Another travel friendly product! I got 2 nail polish wipes to try & while I tend to stick to acetone these are perfect to throw in your purse, diaper bag, or luggage. I always save these for travel because I’m bound to chip a nail or nick a pedicure. I also keep a pretty glitter polish on hand. Remove the first messed up shade & top with the glitter…it’ll look brand new! You get 10 wipes for $3.99.
H2O Plus Face oasis Hydrating Treatment- I really like this treatment! I have dry skin so this is totally up my alley. This is a decent sample at .27 fl oz, it retails for $36.00 for 1.7 oz. I used this on my cheeks since they tend to get the most dry which can make a lot of powder products (including blush & highlight) look a bit dry or flaky. Works like a charm! Super lightweight too!
Be A Bombshell Lip Gloss in Last Call Girl- I don’t love the name (Hooker pink?) but I do love the shade! This is a medium coverage hot pink blush. It tends to settle into my lines unfortunately so I use it to top off my moisturizing lipsticks. This is a full size which retails for $14.00. I don’t like the smell though, smells a bit plastic-y. Pretty shade none-the-less though.
Overall, so happy with this box! I really enjoy Beauty Box 5 because their base brands tend to be something I really enjoy & they are constantly introducing me to new brands & products as well. Plus, the sizes in this box was nice! I think I like the foot smoother the best…again I say feet shouldn’t be overlooked! I want to be pretty from head to….toe… You like what I did there? 😉
Okay guys that’s it for this box! Very pleased! What did you get in your Beauty Box 5 for July? If you’re interested in signing up please use my link, I seriously appreciate it!: Use my BB5 link! <3
I had held off writing about these shades because 1) they’re limited edition 2) I got them on clearance & didn’t know if they would still be available & 3) I did write about my favorite shade which is the Sephora Outrageous Prisma Chrome in Metallic Taupe here. Clearly I changed my mind! See, they’re still on sale on the Sephora website here & I really want you to be able to snag them if you can. These are so worth the clearance price of $7 (even the full price which I paid for one!) & I desperately wish they were permanent. Keep reading to see the other 2 shades I snagged!
Sephora Outrageous Prisma Chrome Eyeshadow in Beige has a touch of light bronze & rose gold depending on the lighting…& well…Beige! Love this shade, gorgeous.
Sephora Outrageous Prisma Chrome Eyeshadow in Lilac is lovely & has some great purple & blue tones.Looks a bit duochrome on the eye which is cool, not a strong shift or anything but one of those ” in between shades” that I love for originality.
Left to right: Sephora Outrageous Prisma Chrome Eyeshadow in Lilac dry then foiled, Sephora Outrageous Prisma Chrome Eyeshadow in Beige dry then foiled.
I just love these eyeshadows. I really hope that if you’re making a Sephora order or happen to frequent Sephora in person you’ll check them out. On clearance for $7 is amazing. Have you managed to get your hands on them yet?
I used to really dislike fall but now I kind of adore it. Boots. Cute sweaters. Pumpkins. What’s not to love? I feel like fall shades get totally overlooked in most beauty communities but not Zoya! This is my third (Yes! 3 collections for fall specifically!) swatch & review post. The Zoya Fall Pixie Dusts were fabulous, seriously fantastic. & the Zoya Satin collection blends perfectly with this one as well. The Zoya Cashmere collection is a set of 6 creme shades. Keep reading to see swatches & my thoughts!
I used top coat in the photos below out of habit, I just love a shiny creme. These all had fabulous formula, I’m really impressed. As you read, keep an open mind for me will you? I want to do some comparison posts & maybe you’ll have some thoughts on similar shades. I went ahead & italicized the Zoya descriptions for each shade for reference & put my description below.
2 coats. To me, I think of caramel macchiatos. Coffee with tons of cream. A nude that still has color to it. I was really afraid this wouldn’t look good on my fair skin but I actually really like this neutral!
2 coats. Louise is my middle name so you know I’ve been waiting for this shade! I claim Stevi as my namesake ( from the Zoya Summer Pixie Dust Collection here) because Stephanie is not my shade but this is a unique one as well! I don’t wear brown often on its own but this is rich & opaque. Great for nail art & accents I think! Perfect formula too. Feels warm & cozy…as a fall shade should.
2 coats. This shade is fabulous & screams fall! Fabulous hunter green & again, perfect formula. I love this shade, greens are so my thing during fall!
I love this shade! 2 coats of perfection. This is the perfect sailor shade of blue. It is a brisk blue that fits right into fall color categories. I can’t wait to compare this to other blues I own!
2 coats. Sorry I had some problems getting this photographed! This is the perfect brick red for fall & I don’t have anything in this shade with this great of a formula. Very vintage fall.
2 coats. A gorgeous autumn classic but in a Crelly formula! Crelly= Creme + Jelly. The pigmentation & formula…omigarsh fabulous! My favorite red of all time ( Zoya Sooki!) just may have some serious competition! I can’t wait to compare. I probably should have done 3 coats since it is a crelly but it was just so darn perfect…
I don’t know how Zoya does it honestly. They keep putting together fabulous collections with no repeats that are exciting yet somewhat traditional in coloring. Freaking magic is what that is. If you love fall you need these cremes…is it fall yet? I’m having problems choosing my favorite shades but I think I have to go with Hunter, Sailor, & of course Livingston. I think these shades will look really nice across the board as well.
You can purchase these shades & other Zoya products from Zoya.com. I’d appreciate it if you use my share the love link!
What shades are you most excited about? Any colors you want to see compared? I already have some in mind but I’d love to hear what you come up with! I’d also love to hear of any fall nail art you’re interested in seeing!
PR Sample. Referral links.
Zoya made a big splash with their Zoya Fall 2013 Pixie Dusts (see them all here!) which I absolutely am in love with but their Satin & Cashmere (up now, check them out!) collections are fabulous as well. Today I’m showing you my review & swatches of the Satin collection which contains 5 metallics & a special edition gold glitter topper. You’re going to love them! Keep reading to see swatches & review!
I used a topcoat for all of the shades…purely out of habit. I actually think these were stunning without. They all had nice formulas for me but I’ll dive into that more below. Please keep in mind anything you want to see compared, I’ll be doing a post comparing these shades & the Cashmere collection as well! I added Zoya’s shade descriptions in italics & my own below.
2 coats. This is the perfect fall shade, a rusty orange metallic with hints of red in the base. Fabulously fall like metallic fall leaves. It is very metallic as well, a real light catcher.
2 coats. I think this shade is way more complex than described! I see a sapphire blue with an indigo tone so it looks slightly purple-y. The shimmer is fabulous as well with micro shimmer in lots of colors.
This is the only shade I trusted with one coat! A beautiful gray metallic with olive undertones. Completely unique in my collection. I love grays, especially in fall, & with a green tone? Fab.
If you’ve been following my blog then you know I’m a HUGE fan of purples but you don’t see many pinks. I absolutely love this shade! It is metallic, 2 coats opaque, & super sparkly. I see bits & pieces of purple in the sunlight which makes it look really ethereal. It is brighter than most plums/pinks I see during fall & looks like jewels.
A very strong fall collection for me, different but still feels crisp like fall. I love Mason & Claudine especially which I would have never guessed! My husband really likes Giovanna & refers it as “mermaid green” for reference haha. Each shade is really beautiful, perfect for solid manicures, tips, & nail art. Maria Luisa is also a wonderful addition, I don’t have a gold topper that looks similar! I’m quite happy with each shade individually & as a whole. When I review the Cashmere set I think you’ll find them cohesive together as well!
You can purchase these shades & other Zoya products from Zoya.com. I’d appreciate it if you use my share the love link!
What shades are you most excited about? Any colors you want to see compared? I already have some in mind but I’d love to hear what you come up with! I’d also love to hear of any fall nail art you’re interested in seeing!
PR Sample. Affiliate Links.
When it comes to summer, I like it all. Neons & glitters aplenty but sometimes I want something a bit more tranquil. Butter London Poole is definitely a winner. Keep reading to find out why!
Poole is part of the Butter London Summer Holiday 2013 Collection. One of my other favorite shades ever is Champers which I need to swatch & review on a nice sunny day still. Love that rose gold metallic! Anyway, back to Poole! In the summertime, I consider this a nice palette cleanser. A nice break from my in your face shades & nail art. Love.
I used Poole as a base in this post here as well. Man do I love this combo, black & white glitter just makes me so darn happy!
You can still purchase this shade from Nordstrom, Macys, Dillards, & select stores. This is a shade you need to snap up while you can!