Colored contacts Review...!

So I finally tried my Geo Princess Mimi Apple Green colored contacts.

I didn't try it right away because I was sick for the longest time.

So my first thought was, Woa! these make my iris look huge!

I apparently bought the 'circle lens' which gives you an extra black border that makes your iris bigger.

To make you more doll-like I suppose, because it's not natural at all.

So I wish it was a regular sized contact.

However, I do love the color.  I thought it might be too crazy but it's not bad.

Not natural by any means but it's not costume-y either.

Couple other things. 

I noticed that they dry real fast and often.  Not sure what makes them dry but you'll want to keep eye drops with you.

And lastly, The uncolored area for the pupil was offset with my pupil.

You can see in the below picture that my pupil was getting covered up by the colors.

It made my vision a bit annoying--seeing a blur of green around the top corner.

I took a photo without flash and with flash.

You can tell a difference in the color.

I think I'll try the Air Optix colored contacts next.

I'm dying to try their 'gray' and 'sterling gray'

vanity...♥

I haven't owned a vanity table in years..!

I just use the bathroom mirror...but it's kind of a pain.

I asked for a vanity table for my birthday♥

thank you hubby!

I didn't want anything fancy.

Found a cute one on Target's website.

I love it! The chair is really cute too♥

BirchBox contents for November 2014 ♥

My first BirchBox is here!

BirchBox is another monthly beauty box subscription.

It is $10/month. (tax applies to some states and it applies to WA, so I pay $10.86)

BirchBox is very similar to Ipsy.  Many subscribers like to compare the two since they are similar in price and content. You can YouTube "battle of the boxes" and watch 

some entertaining unboxing reviews.

There is a bit of a difference though.  

I feel that ipsy samples more make up whereas BirchBox samples more skincare/haircare/bodycare and make-up.  I may be wrong but I also feel that BirchBox is a bit more high-end...

But them I'm still newly subscribed so what do I know!

I pay $10.86 (tax inc)/month..HOWEVER, just today, BirchBox sent out an email about a very limited time offer on a yearly subscription discount.  I took it!

It was 20% off a year subscription, which comes down to $7.33/month ($7.99 with tax).

Holy crap that is awesome!!

I should also mention that BirchBox has an awesome point system.

You can earn points by writing reviews of your samples every month or by referring friends.

You also get points when you purchase from their site.

Each review is 10pts=$1.00.  So for 5 product reviews a month, you're earning $5.00!

Points can be used to purchase full size items from their online shop and they have a million products.  I also earned 100 points from signing up at the beginning, so I started with a $10.00 credit already.  I'm now up to $20.00 in credits from reviewing and upgrading to a yearly subscription.

So anyway, this month BirchBox partnered with RED--for AIDS awareness.

The mailer box was red (see above).  They encouraged people to instagram, tweet a photo of their box this month with #shaRED.  For every post/hashtagged photo, they donate $1 to the aids foundation.  how cool is that?

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer *SPF 20 in 'Sand'

I feel that this is a pretty high end brand.  And this was a generous sample size!

At first I thought this was a concealer..but it's a 'tinted' moisturizer!

I tried it and I really like it.  It blends very well so a little goes a long way.

And the added tint helps give you a 'glow'. 

My Sample Value $34.00

(Full size value $43.00)

Wow, this is the best item in the box.  A whopping $34.00 and it's an item I love!

*happy dance*

Perlier Absolute Comfort Body Butter *white almond

I love lotion, hand creams, body butters, etc.

This one smells sooo good! I like the consistency too...not sticky or greasy at all.

My Sample Value ~$2.50

(Full size value $34.46)

Bain de Terre Color Therapy Styling Oil *argan oil & passion flower

I love hair oil. Love love! I have the thickest driest hair..and with it being colored it's even worse...

this oil is amazing!  It instantly made my hair look healthier and it smells so good.

I wish the sample size was bigger...I'm going to run out so fast.  I'm totally buying the full size!

My Sample Value ~$2.00

(Full size value $14.00)

theBalm cosmetics Cindy-Lou manizer

This is a fun versatile product.  It comes in this peachy pink hue.

It's an all-in-one highlighter--used to add color or a subtle glow.

You can use it on your cheekbones as a blush, an eye shadow, or anywhere on your face really.

I had fun with this one.  I'm not much of a blush wearer but I loved this as an eye shadow!

Sample was super tiny...but enough for me to sample it out.  Definitely want to purchase a full size in the future.

My Sample Value FREE

(Full size value $24.00) 

dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner

this is an at-home treatment for blackheads. After you apply a thin layer to an area, it dries and crystallizes into a blue mask.  Rinse it off with warm water.  

I, surprisingly don't have very many blackheads and I couldn't find an area to try.

I tried my nose.  It was very simple to use.  As far as it's effectiveness, I couldn't tell.

I did find the smell to be a bit strong but it would've been from trying it directly on my nose.

I have heard great things from this brand though.  Just not too relevant to me.

My Sample Value ~$5.00

(Full size value $45.00)

Chuao Chocolatier ChocoPod *Pop Corn Pop

This was an added bonus treat.  They come in about 8 different flavors.

I got the Pop Corn Pop--it has pop rocks in it!!

It was surprising good, and I usually prefer my chocolates plain.

My Sample Value $1.00

(Full size value $9.95 for 8 assorted ChocoPods)

I was so impressed with my first BirchBox this month!

A lot of new products and genres to try.

I do wish that it came with one more make-up sample though.

This month's total value (roughly) comes to $44.50

I'm already excited for next month's box♥

Pinky Paradise colored contacts...!

I'm a contact wearer and I've wanted to experiment with colored contacts for a while.

I have brown eyes.  Always wanted some color...

So I researched online and found a few sites that sell cute colored contacts.

They're very popular in Asia, like Japan and South Korea.

I found Pinky Paradise and browsed FOREVER!

Found a green pair...

Geo Princess Mimi Apple Green (Bambi series)

$23.90 for a pair and they have prescriptions from 0.00~-8.50 (depending on availability)

Once you open the contacts, they are good for 1 year. 

Not bad!

I also got a free lens case.  Mine is a yellow elephant.  And a Japanese beauty item that pins back your bangs.  I think that was just a bonus item.

I have yet to try it...I received it a couple weeks ago but I'm kind of nervous to try...

also, now that I have it in person, I think the green might be too bright.

They will sit on brown eyes though so it's hard to tell just how green it will look.

the other color I wanted to try, and will probably try next is 'natural' grey.

I'll post once I try these on.

beauty box 5 contents for November 2014 + Free Box (Aug 2014 box) ♥

So Beauty Box 5 was the cheapest beauty box subscription I could find.

(besides the quarterly ones from Target & Walmart)

it's $12/month but gets cheaper with the 3,6,12 month plans.

With a yearly subscription, it comes down to $8.25/month. (that's like 2 starbucks coffees)

And you can also submit a coupon code where they send you a previous box for free!

so if you include that, it comes down to $7.25/month.  Can't beat that!

I received both my boxes today--The free box and my November box.

First, the free box.  This was their August 2014 box. 

(Even though they stated you get the 'previous' month's box..I somehow got their August box...

but I think August was a good box, so yay!)

Just like ipsy, Beauty Box 5 also has a 'theme' every month.

August was 'radiant and remarkable'.

Sounds very summery.

ROUX Anti-Aging Hair Serum

Full size!

Haven't tried this yet but it sounds fantastic!

It helps rejuvenate you hair to make it look younger.

My hair has become drier and frizzier it seems...as I age.

Or maybe it's from having kids.  They say your hair totally changes after birth

and boy, they were right.  I'm hoping this helps!

My Sample Value $11.99

(Full size value $11.99)

La Fresh Travel Lite Facial Cleansing Wipes

This will be good to keep in my purse.  

Although, I may just end up using these at home.

My Sample Value ~$0.50

(Full size value $2.49 for 3 packets) *Found different prices online

Nanacoco Lip Gloss *color-mysterious

Another full size!

I like lip gloss♥ My favorite is the Rimmel brand but I'm happy to try a new brand.

I applied this on immediately after opening it.

First thought was that it felt a bit sticky.  But nothing too bad.

I'll definitely use it though--I really like the color.  It's a color I've never tried before.

very girly♫

My Sample Value $3.99

(Full size value $3.99)

pur~lisse Sunscreen

hmmm..too bad I received this is in November... I won't be seeing sun for a while but 

I'll hang onto it until next summer!

It's a pretty good size too.

My Sample Value $16.50 (what?!)

(Full size value $55.00)

wow, quite pricey!  now I'm more excited to try this. Must be a good product. 

Style Essentials Nail Polish

I love nail polish! And honestly, I'll try any color!

I got a clear polish with black and white confetti mixed in. It's not glitter either.

I put on a few coats and it's kind of inconsistent with each nail.

I think this would be good as a top coat on a brighter color.

But it dried fairly quickly and it's not chipping off!  

My Sample Value $1.75

(Full Size Value $7.00 for 4 colors)

So that's it for the Free Box I received.

Overall, it was a good box! 2 full size items and i'll DEFINITELY use all of these.

This box's total value (roughtly) comes to $34.00.

Very pleased and not bad at all for a free box!!

The lip gloss is great but I think my favorite item is the hair serum.

any kind of hair serum that helps me smooth out the frizz is awesome.

Now for my actual first box, the November box.

The theme is 'gracefully grounded'.

I saw and read some reviews online for this month and many were unhappy.

Let's take a look!

Laura Ashley Body Butter *scent-sweet peony

I like cream and lotions and body butter...but I'm picky with scent.

The smell is...well...not to my liking :(  SUPER florally.

I don't typically go for the floral scent.  I like lavender though.

I already opened it so I can't give it away so I will use it lightly so I don't smell too crazy.

My Sample Value $3.30

(Full size value $20.00 for 6 pack)

HASK Macadamia Revitalizing Shine Oil

Full Size item. (it's still pretty tiny)

I used this today after I straightened my hair and it's nice!

Instantly made my hair silky smooth and I didn't need to use too much.

Smells very nice too.

My Sample Value $2.99

(Full size value $2.99)

Nicka K New York Eyelight Crayon *color-gold

Another full size item. 

Like a draw on eye shadow. 

I use a lot of browns and tan colors...so gold might work for me.

My Sample Value $4.49

(Full size value $4.49)

Dove deep moisture Body Wash

Travel size..?

So some people didn't like this being included in the box.

These are the sample sizes you get for free sometimes when you buy a full size body wash.

Yea, that's true.  I think I might actually have some in my bathroom.

And the fact that it's a common affordable drugstore item, chances are everyone has tried Dove already.  That's true too.  I subscribed to beauty boxes to try out new items and brands, so I was surprised to see this too. BUT it's great because I know I like Dove so I'll absolutely use this.

My Sample Value ~ Free~$.50

(Full size value $6.49)

DenTek Floss Picks + Case

And lastly...this.  Dental floss & picks?

I find this to be an odd item to be included in a beauty box.

Sure, clean teeth are beautiful but...I feel it's a whole different genre.

You could probably get these for free from your dentist. 

I personally don't like the hand held floss.  I like the old school 'cut your own floss' kind.

I might give these to my husband...or better yet, these make flossing easy for toddlers!

I'll use this on my 3 year old♥

My Sample Value ~$0.62

(Full size value $2.49 for 4 count)

So, this completes the November box.

Hmmm...the best item would have to be the HASK hair oil. 

Used it today and loved it.

The November Box's total value (roughly) comes to $11.90

woa!! remember, they charge $12/month (unless you get a plan) so this was not a 

good month, value wise.  I would be a bit upset too if I paid $12.  But with my plan I pay only $8.25/month so I'm not upset. Plus I got my free box today so that makes up for it.  

ipsy glam bag contents for November 2014 ♥

Yay my first beauty subscription is here--IPSY came first!

every month they have a theme and you also get a cute make-up pouch every month.

this month's theme is "girl meets glitter".

the pouch is pretty cute.

I was expecting some glittery items in the bag but the pouch was it.

no glittery nail polish or eye shimmer...o well!

(Remember, ipsy is $10/month.  If the value exceeds $10, then it's a good bag!)

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray

This is a travel size.

I personally don't use hairspray..not since the 90's!

This also sounds like a volumizer, which I don't ever need.

I have so much hair, volumizing is the last thing I would do to my hair...

But seriously, who uses hairspray anymore?

I'll still try it out--it smells pretty nice.

My Sample value $2.99

(Full size value $8.99)

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil

ooo This is a full size! AND they accidentally sent me 2!

I got the color ultra olive.  It's kind of a grayish green color and it has glittery effects to it.

so it turns out I DID get a glittery item♥

It can be used as an eye liner OR eye shadow as well.

I did a swatch and it's creamy and smooth.  Fragile though --I broke of a tiny bit of the tip.

My Sample value $17.00 (x2 since I scored an extra one)

(Full size value $17.00)

Wow, this retails for $17?? well there ya go...this paid for my bag this month.

J.Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint

ooo that's a bright color.  I'm excited to try this but I've never tried a lip paint before.

I think I need to get a lip brush to apply it.  I saw some youtube tutorials.

Also, this is another full size sample! yay♥

My Sample value $4.99

(Full size value $4.99)

SeaRX Birchsap Moisturizing Lotion

Oooo enhanced with minerals from the sea!

Helps strengthen and moisturize your skin.

I'm excited to try this!  FYI, this is a sample size.

My Sample value ~$2.00 (calculated estimate)

(Full size value $28.00)

**ooo FYI, I found out there's a warning on this product. If you're pregnant or nursing, don't use.  That's kind of alarming...I wonder why? Hmmm.. Not too excited now.  Even if you aren't pregnant it makes you wonder what's in it that can be potentially harmful.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

So ipsy shows you sneak peeks every month of what you MIGHT get in your bag.

I was hoping for this one and I got it!

An under eye concealer with anti-aging properties. Excited to try it!

This is labeled as a travel size.  Pretty small but a little goes a long way!

The color I got is neutral medium.  Did a swatch and it looks about right for my skin color.

My Sample Value ~$9.00 (calculated estimate)

(Full size value $24.00)

So there it is! My contents of my first ipsy bag and I'm happy.

The value is definitely there.  

This month the total value (roughly) comes to $36.00.

I'm very pleased and look forward to using these products and hopefully I find something new I like.

I will post product reviews on a later post.

yay!

Beauty Newbie♥

So I'm a 'Beauty Noob/Newb'.

And at the age of 31 (going on 32 this month) well, it's time!

I never dabbled into cosmetics, skincare, etc.

Just some drugstore make-up items here and there...never started trying on lipstick til recently and until then Chapstick was my best friend.  O, and yes...skincare. I'm definitely noticing the wrinkles, blemishes, and after 2 kids, bags under my eyes...!
But how do I begin??

I don't recall how I started researching and stumbled upon beauty box subscriptions but there ya go, that's my answer for now.  Did you know there are beauty box subscriptions?

I'm probably the only one who didn't know..but what a genius idea!

There are numerous box subscriptions out there, not just for beauty but for food, lifestyle, apparel, babies, kids, etc.

So I subscribed♥

First, like I said there are tons of subscriptions out there but I decided to start out with the affordable ones.  Upon my research, it seems that Ipsy and BirchBox are the two favorites out there.

Both are only $10/month (I think you get a deal when you do full year subscriptions).

And for a beginner like me, I figured these would be the best.

Ipsy focuses more on make-up & cosmetics. Deluxe sample sizes with occasional Full size products.

BirchBox is more broad--Skin care, hair care, body, fragrance, make-up and nails.

For both sites, you fill out a questionnaire/quiz. And based on your answers they will customize your beauty box every month. How exciting!!

I subscribed at the end of October so I'm currently waiting for my November boxes to arrive.

Tick-tock-tick-tock.....

In the meantime...ooh pretty flowers♫