USA April Glossybox

Once again, Glossybox let me down by coming pretty much in May. Really glossy? Well, its here and this is what I received:

Alterna Haircare: Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist

BVLGARI: Eau Parfumee au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath

The Honest Company: Honest Organic Lip Balm

TIGI: Cosmetics Glow Blush

Wash with Joe: Coffeemint Invigorating Body Wash

Le Metier De Beaute: Replenishing Daily Solution 

I'm not really thrilled with this box. I actually have not been thrilled with a glossybox since January. I think that if they don't step it up I'm going to be canceling very soon. If anyone wants to use the Le Metier Coupon, you can go online to http://www.lemetierdebeaute.com/ and purchase the Glossybox + LMDB lotion and use the code glossybox for $75 off.

Glossybox is a monthly subscription service for $21 a month and can be purchased at http://www.lemetierdebeaute.com/

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: April 26

• Mama Fashionista: Quinn of Mama Fashionista tells you how to get Sexy Smooth Legs in 3 Coconutty Steps!
• Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: NYX Cosmetics Haul. I got all this for $60!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Not quite ready to show off your cute summer sandals because your winter feet aren't quite ready? Then follow these simple foolproof steps for pretty feet!
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: The new Zoya Stunning Collection is very aptly named! Check on Destany's post featuring the polishes.
• ColorMeSoCrazy: Color Club Holo Hues 2013.
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel plays with the revolutionary new Armani Flash Lacquer and finds a new lipgloss love!
• TheFabZilla: It's a feat! Consuming products down to their last drop that is. Check out TheFabZilla' fourth batch of Empties!
• Makeup Demon: Purple makeup idea not only for photo shoot!
• MakeUpMom123: Internet Friends & Lots of Nail Polish.
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed e.l.f. Therapeutic Conditioning Lip Balm which she just loves.
• The Convenient Beauty: Want a sexy and opaque nude that doesn't wash you out? Check out Tom Ford Rose Crush lipgloss.
• Beauty by Arielle: Checkout the Spring 2013 Revlon Lip Butters.
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: Here Comes The Sun...Salon Perfect Orange A-Peel.
• Beauty Professor: Hourglass Cosmetics just released their innovative #28 Lip Oil...the Beauty Professor weighs in on her experience with this luxe product!

MAC Matters (April 2013): Build A Core Collection with $21 per month

Hey there. This is  new blog series that was originally started by Pammy Blogs Beauty. I decided to jump on this bandwagon and do this series with her. You can see her original post here and follow her series as well. You can check out my April purchase here.

The idea of this series is to take the $21 a month one would spend on a beauty subscription service (Pammy chose to cancel her current subscription, I am choosing to opt into this as a "new subscription") and instead use it to buy Mac products in an effort to build a core collection of Mac items.

These are the rules (borrowed with thanks from Pammy):

Goal: Build my core MAC Collection using an average of $21.00 per month.

• Purchase at least one item a month: If the item is under $20, I can save the remainder for the next month. While there are many items priced under $20, there are plenty that are over the $20 range that I can save for. 
• Do a monthly blog post to share what I got! My goal is to continue this series for 12 months to see what kind of core collection I can build! 
• To coordinate with my "Build a Core MAC Collection" purchases, I will also be posting "MAC Matters: From the Stash" reviews! These "stash" items are MAC items that I love that are already in my makeup collection. Some months, I will be "saving" my $21 to go towards a bigger MAC purchase. This is when you will likely see the "stash" posts. Or, I might include a "stash" item mini review within my "Build a Core MAC Collection" posts because if you are reading this because you want to build your own MAC collection, you might enjoy reading about what I am already using and loving! 
• If this series is popular, I will repeat the series with another brand upon completion of 12 months with MAC.

You can see Pammy's last installment (March) here.

 Check out what I got for April! 

I bought the pro-palette custom palette quad and a singular eyeshadow refill in cranberry. I have been wanting to make my own palette for awhile and I am really happy to be doing this. I am going to make this a metallic palette. 

With Flash

Without Flash

This is a metallic, burnt red color. It is described by mac as red-plum with pink shimmer. This color blends beautifully and is quite pigmented. I love it and cannot wait to add to this palette in the coming months. I am loving this challenge! 

The quad was $9 and the eye shadow refill was $12 and I had $34.50 left over from March so that leaves me with $34.50 for May.

Anyone have any cool suggestions on what to buy in March or other future months? Feel free to share in the comments.

Mac cosmetics can be bough in a Mac boutique, Mac in Macey's or on http://www.maccosmetics.com.

Armani Flash Lacquer Crystal Shine Gloss in 202

Armani recently came out with these flash lacquers that are supposed to be a revolutionary new lip gloss that will be offered in 36 colors. I ran to an Armani counter, but found mine only had about 10 or so colors. I was lucky enough that they had the color I wanted. 202 is from the sparkling midnight shimmers and as such is a sparkly color. It is very bronzy with gold shimmer. It is stunning on.

With Flash

Without Flash

"Giorgio Armani premieres the newest generation in lip gloss with Flash Lacquer. Flash Lacquer provides the highest reflection ever achieved, even after blotting lips. The shape and shine technology causes light to reflect off of every point of surface for a pure pop of color."

This gloss is meant to create an extremely smooth surface that fills in the lines in the lips to make an extremely smooth surface. It is supposed to have no stickiness and be very comfortable with great hydration. 

I absolutely love this gloss. It is everything that it is meant to be. As soon as I put it on the first time I looked at my boyfriend and said, "Well, that's interesting." It truly feels different than any gloss I have tried before. It actually does not have any stickiness and is incredibly soft and moisturizing. It feels absolutely amazing. The only problem I have with it is that is doesn't last very long, only about 2 hours or so. However, I love it so much that I will still most likely buy this in other colors. 

The container is the standard Armani gloss container (I think), which I like. It has a decent amount of heft to it to make it feel luxurious without being too heavy and it looks pretty classic. I think I have found a new love.

I don't believe this is limited edition, although the website claims it is. If you cannot find an armani counter, you can always purchase this online: http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.

Beauty Blogger Spotlight Interview

The beauty blog Cosmetics Aficionado is doing a Blogger Appreciation month where she features a different blogger everyday. I was interviewed for a Beauty Blogger Spotlight yesterday. You can view the interview here!

GUERLAIN Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder in 02 Blondes

I cannot believe this is my first Guerlain bronzer. I have been wanting their four seasons bronzer for awhile, and for some reason ended up purchasing this instead. This bronzer is not matte in the slightest and it imparts a wonderful, sheer glow to the skin.

"Whether you're a fair blonde or a dark brunette, you'll love this new sun-kissed powder. This ingenious mosaic of five shades of compact powder, with both matte and pearly effects, can be used to create and adjust a natural, healthy glow."

This bronzer has a mosaic of different colors that all blend together to create a gorgeous golden bronze color to your complexion. This shade is ideal for those with a very pale complexion as it is very light and most likely won't show up on anyone with darker skin. I love it to add just a light hint of bronze to my skin while still looking incredibly natural. I also love the the glow it imparts as I am a lover of all things luminizing. Although this bronzer is very sheer, it is also very buildable so that it allows you to achieve your perfect shade of bronze. I prefer it more on the sheer side, but some might want a more noticeable bronze. And of course, being Guerlain, this bronzer is incredibly soft and finely milled and just melds into your skin to give you a very natural looking glow. 

The compact is also very sturdy and beautifully done. It is small enough to be portable, while large enough that you don't feel they were skimpy. It is great for on-the-go touch-ups throughout the day. It has a generous sized mirror in it as well. I think that both product and container were very well done and I would absolutely recommend this product!

This product can be purchased from Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstron, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, or any of these retailers online.

My Holy Grail Products

I consider holy grail products to be products that I consistently  purchase over and over again - products that I find I cannot live without. As such, that list is very small, especially since, even if I love a product, I will usually try something new when I finish it. The list right now is at 7:

Clarisonic Mia 2

This is must need skin cleansing product. It gets really deep into the pores for a really great clean, while still remaining gentle enough on the skin (I have the sensitive brush head). I have had this for 2 years now and keep buying the replacement brush heads.

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water

This is by far the best makeup remover I have ever tried. It removes pretty much all my makeup, while still remaining incredibly gentle. This never burns my eyes or makes my skin feel tight. I am on my third bottle of this.

Burberry Primer

This primer moisturizes and makes my makeup last all day without oxidizing while it also adds a nice dewy glow to my skin. My absolute favorite primer.

Urban Decay De Slick Setting Spray

I have used this for about a year now and I am on my third bottle. This sets my makeup when I am done to make it last all day. I also sometimes use this during the day to reset my makeup and also to refresh my face as it feels really nice when sprayed on. I started using this last summer when my foundation would slide off my face while walking in the city heat - this prevented that from happening. Love this.

One Love Organics Skin Savior

This is another product that I am on my third of and cannot live without. This makes my skin so clean in the morning without stripping my skin in the slightest. I have also used this in the dead of winter to moisturize my incredibly dry skin. This product is seriously a skin savior.


Lush Solid Shampoo

 This shampoo contains no preservatives and as such is a solid shampoo. You use this by running is through your hair like a bar of soap. I love how silky smooth it makes my hair feel after a shower and how it helps to maintain frizz free hair all day. I ran out of this a few months back and as such did not use it for a week and absolutely felt the difference. I will never let myself run out again.

and some no name Bisque Eyeshadow

I don't know the name of the brand that makes it and so have no idea how I will get a new one once I run out, but I have used this for a year and I only just recently hit pan, so I know I have a bit more time to use this. It is a flesh toned eyeshadow that I love to use as a setting powder for my under-eye concealer. I have tried replacing it several times, but always end up going back to this. I love it!

What are some of your holy grail products?

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: April 13

• Mama Fashionista: Guess what fragrance is so inspiring, Mama Fashionista had to style an outfit based on it?
• Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Limerance All Natural Skin Care- face cream, body oil and lip balm.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Attention lipstick lovers, there's a new Collection in town. Susan Thompson Cosmetics Spring/Summer Collection is simply not to be missed!
• Makeup Demon: Dramatic makeup idea for fashion photoshoot.
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel tries some Inglot shadows and find them to be incredibly pigmented and long lasting! Check out her swatches.
• Beauty by Arielle: Best $1 Beauty Products.
• TheFabZilla: Are you concerned about wrinkles? TheFabZilla reviews Jurlique Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Gel Mask and Facial Serum.
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed Oriflame Very Me Fat Lash Black Out mascara.
• Cosmetics Aficionado: MAC Sounds Like Noise could be the safe orange lippie you are looking for.
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: Just keep swimming...Some of the Sally Hansen Under The Sea Collection Swatches.
• MakeUpMom123: Top 10 March Favorites.
• Beauty Madness: Shares her thoughts and swatches of the Urban Decay Glinda Palette!

Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain in 7 Coral Aquatique

This is another product I had heard a lot about and have been meaning to buy. I had tried it a few times in Sephora, but never found it necessary. I was also not specifically thrilled with the colors (i'm not really sure why, but none of them really caught my interest). In my Barney's Bag Event bag I found a sample care with 3 Ysl glossy stain colors. 2 of the colors where reds that I was not interested in, but the 3rd color was this really light coral color that I tried on a number of occasions and when I ran out of I felt I needed it.

It is a pretty unique color in my collection. It is like the perfect shade of light coral that I can wear with heavy eye makeup.

With flash

Without Flash

This glossy stain is described as a "revolutionary new lip product that combines the texture and shine of a gloss with the long wear of a stain."

I also love that this practically stays on all day with little touch-ups. It lasts pretty well through food and is pretty much kiss proof. It is also pretty hydrating. I didn't feel the need for lip balm the entire time I was wearing it. It stays juicy and glossy and is absolute perfection. I can't believe I waited so long to buy this. I am going to have to get more colors!

I also love the does foot applicator that it comes with (I really prefer those to the brushes). And the container is really quite luxurious looking. It is square with a gold cap and has little see through spots that allow you to see how much product is left (and the color, which I am sure is helpful if you have multiples of these). It also has a bit of heft to it that really completes the idea of luxury. It really is quite well made over all.

This can be purchased from many locations including Sephora, www.sephora.com, Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus.

Inglot Freedom System - Eyeshadows

One brand I have heard a lot about and have been meaning to try was Inglot. One of the big problems is that I have not been able to get to a location that sells Inglot (is there even a place?) and I don't specifically love buying new brands online without checking them out in person first. Well, Inglot was at the New York IMATS and as such I got to play with some of their makeup. Wow, is all I have to say. Their eyeshadow are incredibly pigmented and pretty darn soft. I wanted to start off small (to test its wear and pigmentation on the eye and such), so I only purchased 2 shadows. Plus they also gave a 20% off coupon on your next online purchase with a purchase, so I am not too down about it!

These eyeshadows are from Inglot's freedom system. You can purchase a palette (starting at one slot on up to like 20) and the eyeshadows you want to be in the palette. They make round palettes and square palettes to fit what you purchase. You can put eyeshadows, lip glosses, blushes, etc. in these palettes. Everything is magnetic, so the eyeshadows just click into place very easily. I bought shades 372 (an orange with gold glitter) and 15 (a matte teal).

As stated above, these shadows are incredibly pigmented and pretty soft. They last all day and blend out really nicely. I can't believe I haven't gotten my hands on Inglot sooner!

With Flash

Without Flash

I fully plan on putting that 20% off coupon to work. I absolutely want to get more of these shadows. they are remarkable and quite fun as their color selection is quite extensive with colors that many of the other luxury makeup counters don't sell. I also love their freedom system that allows me to choose the colors I want in my palette. I know someone else who bought one of the huge pro palettes and she is having a blast with it. This is one company I will absolutely be back for!

Inglot shadows can be purchased from http://www.inglotusa.com/

Beauty Budget Tips: A Beautiful You Without Breaking The Bank

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed the last guest post I had, because I have another one coming your way. This one is from Amanda from the Skincare HQ blog. She's a new blogger and I decided I would love to support her, so lets all give her some love! =)

All women want to look beautiful, whether it be for a significant other, special occasion, or just for themselves. Yet not all women have unlimited funds to pour into their daily beauty regiment. Some women may only have a few dollars to put towards their beauty regiment. That's okay! You don't need to have a ton of money in order to have a full beauty regiment that actually works. Today we've come up with plenty of great beauty budget tips for a beautiful you without breaking the bank!

Tip #1: Go Natural

When I say “go natural” I don't mean no makeup. What  I actually mean is that you should use all natural items that you already have in your house as much as possible. These items are cheap and efficient. Although there are some things all natural items can't help you with, using them for the things that they do work for can save you as much as $100 a month! No, seriously! For example, did you know that diluted apple cider vinegar used in the shower after you condition can keep your hair healthy and shiny? Or that egg whites can be used to correct wrinkles? Did you know that strawberries can help you whiten your teeth? Or that plastic bags make awesome hair curlers? Go natural, and you'll save a lot of money!

Tip #2: It's Not Just Price, But Quantity That Saves You Money

Don't be fooled by something that's a few dollars cheaper but a lot smaller. The price may be lower, but in the long run, it will end up costing you a lot more money. For example, if you had a choice between a 2 oz bottle of facial cream that costs $5 or a 10 oz bottle of facial cream that costs $15, the $5 bottle isn't actually cheaper. $5 for 2 ounces comes out to $2.50 an ounce. But 10 ounces at $15, comes out to only $1.50 an ounce. Obviously, that's the better price. Besides being a better price, the larger one is also going to last you longer. If you used, say, half an ounce a day, the 2 ounce bottle  is only going to last you four days. The 10 ounce bottle, on the other hand, will end up lasting you for 20 days. Remember to check prices and quantities to find out what is really the best deal.

Tip #3: Waste Not, Want Not

I know it's a little cliche, but making sure you don't waste any of your beauty products unnecessarily will help save you plenty of money. In fact, making sure you're careful when squeezing out cleanser, moisturizer, shampoo, or conditioner, can save you as much as $200 a year or more! Everyone spills a little bit now and again, but being conscientious about not spilling can go a very long way.

Tip #4: A Little Goes A Long Way

Yes, here we go with another cliche, but cliches become that way for a reason, right? There is no reason to cake on your foundation, powder your face into oblivion, or use great globs of shampoo or conditioner in order to achieve the desired results. Powder and foundation should be used sparingly. If you have found one that works well for you, just a dab will be all it takes to cover your face. A good rule for shampoo or conditioner is to start off with just enough to place in the very center of your palm. If your hair is very long you may need a little bit more, or if it is very short (ear length or shorter) you may only need half that.

Tip #5: Shop Sales

Instead of running out and buying everything you need all at once, you should wait. Keep an eye on the sales that are going on, and when something you use goes on sale, buy it. If it's a really good sale, buy two or more of each item. Shopping sales can not only save you plenty of money, but it can also enable you to buy items that are usually just a bit more expensive than what you would normally be able to afford.

If you keep these five tips at the forefront of your mind, then you should be able to easily afford a full beauty regiment...and on any budget! What did you think of our tips? Do you have tips of your own that you would like to share with us? Tell us all about it in the comments below! We can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Author Bio: Amanda is a skin care fanatic and author of SkincareHQ.org which features a guide to the Best BB Cream for Oily Skin. Aside from writing, Amanda loves to travel and one day dreams about living in Paris. Questions or comments for Amanda? Connect with her @Skin

IMATS - NYC 2013

I just came back from IMATS New York and thought I would share with you some of the images I took. I mostly took pictures of the cool special effects looks as I thought those were the most interesting.

I was a pretty good girl and only bought 2 Inglot shadows and some Hakuhodo brushes, thought there was definitely more Inglot I wanted and some OCC and Eve Pearl, but I was trying to be good.

Anyone else from New York go to the New York one? Or has anyone gone to the one in California? Let me know what you thought about it. I know I had a lot of fun! =)

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: April 6

• Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista shares the perfect fragrance to transport your senses to Provence and put you in a Spring state of mind!
• TheFabZilla: Get 'Yo Funk on with Eddie Funkhouser New York Makeup Line!
• Ishah x Beauty: One of the hottest Spring makeup trends made easy: Ishah shows you how to get Two Toned Lips 3 easy ways.
• Emily hudspeth, hair and makeup: Freshen up your look for Spring without Spending too much time or money!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: How many facial cleansers does a girl with a penchant for skincare need? Find out here!
• Midnight Manicures: Are you looking for a great volumizing mascara at an even better price? Jayme has your answer, the new Milani Grandissimo Lashes Incredible Volume Mascara.
• Cosmetics Aficionado: April is Beauty Blogger Appreciation Month at Cosmetics Aficionado!
• Harajuku Girl FL Beauty: Lady Grenade Cosmetics has reopened, check out swatches and a special deal!
• Beauty Apocalypse: Beauty Apocalypse reviews a new clear skin regime.
• Beauty by Arielle: How to Volumize Fine Hair.
• MakeUpMom123: Light It Up Blue.
• Beauty by Miss L: This week Miss L showed her March favorites.
• Love At First Site!: Reviewing Lait des Bienfaits by Roger & Gallet.
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel weighs in on some of the products from Burberry's Spring 2013 Collection and it sure was a hit!
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: If $40 is outside of your budget, how about less than $4?
• Beauty Professor: Now that it's soon to be sandal weather, the Beauty Professor embraces a "do-it-yourself" springtime pedicure!
• Beauty Madness: Want to take care of those hideous pimples, quickly? You're gonna love this!

Burberry Coral Pink Blush and Mallow Pink Lip Glow

As I was writing the post last week comparing the Tom Ford blush to Burberry's blush, I realized I never actually wrote a review of my Burberry Blush! I also realized that I completely missed the Lip Glow I had also purchased from the Spring 2013 collection: Mallow Pink Lip Glow and Coral Pink Blush.

As you can see, both have a coral appearance to them and are very hot for this season. The gloss is as amazing as any other Burberry gloss (not sticky, but with a little tack so that it lasts - lightly hydrating, and incredibly pretty), however unlike other Burberry glosses, this is incredibly pigmented. It quickly became one of my favorite staple glosses.

Burberry states that this formula has "a creamy touch and perfectly adherent texture" and contains "light oils and spherical powders to give fluidity and comfort. It reflects light to create the illusion of plumper, fuller lips and leaves lips supple, and glowing with natural highlights and subtle iconic tones. "

The blush goes on like a dream. It is creamy (even though it is a powder) and is incredibly soft and finely milled. In a competition between Tom Ford and Burberry, I still think the winner is Burberry. Once again this is an incredibly pigmented blush out of the norm for Burberry.

Burberry describes their blushes as "a bright and radiant finish with warm glowing skin, reminiscent of the freshness of a spring morning. This airy micro-powder ensures rich shades and silicones provide an easy glide."

I, as always, was also incredibly impressed with the packaging. The blush is in Burberry's usual metallic case with the magnetic closure and the lip glow is in a clear lucite container with Burberry's signature metal cap and a doe foot applicator. The blush has a nice amount of heft to it that (as always) makes you feel like you are getting your money's worth. Burberry just knows how to make a classy container.

I am a huge lover of all things Burberry Beauty, so it is not surprising that I would love these products.

As a heads up, Nordstrom is doing their Trend Show Event on April 27th and Burberry is doing a gift with purchase at $125 and it will be two mini lipsticks - Lip Mist in Copper #02 and Lip Velvet in Antique Pink #303 and a little Burberry Lip Charm (the charm from the winter collection minus the tassel).

These can be purchased from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, any of these retailers online or http://us.burberry.com/store/.

Rachel's Curated Glossybox

I realized I never posted the prize box from my giveaway. I just wanted to share with everyone what my glossybox would look like if I had curated one. Congrats to Diane for winning this!

Included in this box was:

1. A Butter London Polish (forgot what color)

2. NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

3. By Terry Sheer Expert Sample Packets

4. Nars Lipgloss in Orgasm

5. Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Hydra Gel in a Deluxe Sample

6. Lush Solid Shampoo in Karma

What do you guys think of the box? Was it a good prize? Would you like to see another box in my next giveaway?