MyGlam Bag for May 2012

May 24, 2012 By StephanieLouise 7977 CommentsMyGlam+Bag+for+May+20122012-05-24+15%3A36%3A00StephanieLouise

As far as MyGlam bags go, I feel like this one is in the middle somewhere. I think when we look at subscription services sometimes, we forget that its only $10. Do we want our moneys worth? Indeed, but sometimes we expect them to be way more impressive. Read on to see what I think about this bag in particular!

The contents:

1. Love Sweet Love Fragrance from Philosophy
I like this perfume quite a bit although it is VERY girly. I haven’t tested out longevity or anything really on it yet. I’ll have to see how it smells on my skin.

2. Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick in Winter Red.
I just have to say right off the bat: WTF, why are they giving us red lipstick now instead of in fall/winter? Bummer! I really don’t wear red (unless its a tint) during spring & summer because I prefer lip colors that are either a bright spring shade or low maintenance all together.

I swatched it 2 different ways to see if I could sheer it out. The bottom swatch is 2 swipes atop one another & the top is one swipe sheered out. This is really moisturized feeling but it smells like plastic vanilla. It has a golden or red glitter to it. Its fine, but visible so I probably won’t wear it sheered.

3. ISS (Kiss?) Beauty Nail Bling
These nail sticker decal things have me on the negative side of the fence. I took a picture with my largest nail (besides my thumb) to show how large these are. I wish some of them had smaller hearts because on me, these will probably look pink & silver…not silver with hearts. These are really textured as well so I wonder how well they will stay.

4 + 5. MyGlam Concealer Brush & Defining Eyeliner Brush
The last 2 brushes (according to the card) are finally here. Its not that I hate these brushes but the first few stank to high heaven. I find these to be about ELF quality (around $1-$3) which isn’t a big deal except that I didn’t really need these. I’m glad they are coming to an end although I know some people really liked them.

Overall, this isn’t the best or the worst. I will keep on next month though if for no other reason than the brushes will end. I want to see what they include instead. If they switch to foil packets or cheapie products to replace them, I’ll likely kiss this subscription goodbye.

What do you guys think of this bag? Are you subscribed to MyGlam?

Fragrance Review: DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Juiced

January 5, 2012 By StephanieLouise 890Leave a Comment2012-01-05+16%3A09%3A00StephanieLouise

What DKNY says: Introducing Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Juiced! A medley of blushing blossoms and delicate petals. The scent begins with pink grapefruit and bright freesias. A rich, feminine, and fruity fragrance.

A blend of sparkling grapefruit, casses and sun-kissed apricot meets a blooming floral heart of sheer muguet and petally rose, wrapped in luminous jasmine. Finish the apple sensation with a body lingering base of blond woods and smooth skin accords.

My Take: I wore this pretty much my entire trip to Texas. This was one of my Christmas presents from my husband. Whenever he picks out fragrances, its always really special because he really takes his time. Because everyone’s skin chemistry is different, keep in mind this might not be exactly the same on you. I really love this scent & am very sad its limited edition. I really smell the rose in this, even more so on my skin.

The apple throughout is what keeps it from smelling like a room spray. It keeps it fresh & young while still being extremely seductive. Although I own many DKNY scents, this made it to the front of the pack quickly. Its very long lasting as well, just spray it on your pulse points in the morning & you’ll still be getting whiffs of it throughout the day. As the scent starts to fade, I really smell the smoothness of the fruits. I’m hoping they make this permanent!

Get Your Hands on it: $52 for 1.7oz on DKNY.com

Have you picked up or tested out this scent? What do you think? I think my husband has good taste!

Fragrance Review: Sula Rollerball in Blackberry Blush

November 26, 2011 By StephanieLouise 8971 Comment2011-11-26+14%3A40%3A00StephanieLouise

$18 for a Rollerball.

So I picked this up at Ulta ages ago, took my picture, then have been in love with it ever sense. I always have at least one fragrance in my purse (usually more like a mini spray & a solid too) because I pet sit & frequently touch up. When its this bitter and cold, it normally throws off my routine! This was a very unexpected scent for me but its intoxicating.
Ulta’s Description:
Blackberry Blush: Simple and fresh, Blackberry Blush gives you a yummy, fruity aura. Stiletto Musk: Captivating and simple, Stiletto Musk exudes warmth and sexiness. Features notes of musk, amber and dusky florals.

Not your everyday citrus or too youthful smelling, its a new twist on the warmth of berries. They say you can layer it with other fragrances but eh…that’s not for me. Too complicated & I think its perfect as it is. Please keep in mind that fragrances will smell different on everyone due to our skin’s chemistry, but I definitely think this is a must try. If you’re unsure, definitely wait for a fragrance deal! Ulta has some great ones back to back usually. I added this to my basket when I was picking up another fragrance to add up to $50 for a freebie.

Review: Ginger Essence from Origins

August 23, 2011 By StephanieLouise 950Leave a CommentReview%3A+Ginger+Essence+from+Origins2011-08-23+21%3A29%3A00StephanieLouise

What it is: A fragrance scented with natural tones, mainly ginger. Described as a “sensuous skin scent”.

What Origins says about this product: Ancient Chinese tradition holds that where there’s yin, there must be yang. And so the fragrant fire of spicy ginger is balanced by the refreshing zeal of bergamot, lemon and lime to create a sensuous synergy between warm and cool, energy and calm, tempest and tranquility. Skin is surrounded in an enticing aroma that’s impossible to resist.

How to use: Spray on all-over, as desired. Pay particular attention to pulse points (neck, wrists and inside elbows) to enhance the fragrance’s warming, sensual characteristics.

Why I love it: This is definitely one of the sexiest scents I own, and definitely the most earthy in that category. Sometimes alluring scents are too musky or strong for me, but scent has the perfect balance of sexy and natural. Without being too obvious, Ginger Essence manages to awaken my senses in the morning as citrus often does.

With an energy infused feel and a sexy/spicy scent, I found myself wearing this for nearly any occasion. I feel like this is the best way to smell enticing effortlessly and doesn’t smell too young or cheap. I feel sophisticated-sexy when I wear this, and my husband definitely noticed. Maybe the Chinese did have the right idea! It blended into my skin without being harsh and lasted as long as my Lola by Marc Jacobs, one of my longest lasting fragrances by far.

On the Origins website you can see all kinds of details, including the history of ginger, components of this fragrance, and so much more. You can also read lots of reviews, most of them raving about how wonderful this scent is. Check out a few clips from the website:

I just wanted to point out this bar at the bottom here. This is on the Origins’ website under every product, but I feel it can be easily overlooked. Check out the cool features they provide you with and educate yourself about the products quickly and simply!

Where you can get it: Priced at $39.50 for 1.7 oz, I actually felt like it had twice as much in it. Because it lasted so long, plus you only need 1-2 spritzes (neck/wrists, more if desired), I feel like this will last me a really long time. Origins stores or you can purchase on their website (HERE). If you aren’t sure how you’ll like this scent (yes it is quite different!) go into an Origins store and use a tester. You can smell the fragrance and test out how long it lasts on you!

*Item(s) sent to me for review are featured in this post. This in no way guarantees coverage. All of my reviews and reactions are honest, I would never recommend something that didn’t deserve it. For more information, please see my disclosure policy in the top bar.*

June 2011 Birchbox

June 18, 2011 By StephanieLouise 10172 CommentsJune+2011+Birchbox2011-06-18+17%3A47%3A00StephanieLouise

Oh Birchbox, you have outdone yourself. No knowledge of this beauty holy grail? See my overall explanation and review RIGHT HERE.

I tell myself every month, “I shall not sneak peek my box. I shall not watch other haul videos or read blogs that will ruin the surprise.” So of course, that never lasts. I am one of the last to get my box and I get quite impatient. Obviously, I was psyched about this months box after seeing others receive the full-size Laura Geller product. & I am no less happy now that I have received it.

Let the haul begin!!!

So happy with
the items I recieved! Here is the breakdown:

ITEM-BRAND-AMOUNT IN SAMPLE-PRICE AND FULL-SIZE OF PRODUCT

1. Blow Up Daily Volumizing Shampoo-BLOW NY- 2FL OZ – $16 for 9 FL OZ
2. Twirl-KATE SPADE – .05 FL OZ -$65 for 1.75 FL OZ
3. Baked Blush N’ Brighten-LAURA GELLER-FULL SIZED SAMPLE- $29.50 for 0.32 OZ
4.Molecular Mist-SIRCUIT COSMECEUTICALS- 8 ML- $36 for 2 OZ
5. Stripper to Go Nail Lacquer Removers-DEBORAH LIPPMANN- 2 Mitts- $12 for 10 Mitts

Impressions: I love the Blush, which I feel is more of a bronzer. Nice shimmer, love that it is full sized, and I have been wanting to try it for the past few months. Shampoo has kind of a fresh and herbal scent. The bottle is good quality, will travel well. The nail polish mitts will be lovely to travel with too. Twirl by Kate Spade is tiny. I wish it were larger so I could try layering it with other scents, on its own, its not for me. They make it seem like its going to be fruity, which I love, but it doesn’t to me. NOTE: This could be my skin chemistry. Last, the Molecular Mist. I have been wanting to try a product like this so I’m so happy it was included. It is actually a decent size, smells nice and herbal, but not too strong. I think I will be loving it this summer. I might even buy a full size!

Overall: Very happy. You can’t beat the price. $10 for the box, when the Blush N’ Brighten in Honey Dipped alone is about $30. Very satisfied.