May Birch Box

I have to tell you about my latest love!!! And let me first say, I must give credit where credit is due...My friend, Ashley, introduced me to the thing that makes my heart skip a beat...BIRCH BOX, BABY!!! What is Birch Box, you may ask, and why does it have me all weak in the knees?
Birchbox.com is a site that encompasses all that is good and right in the beauty world. For a small monthly fee, they send you samples of some of the latest beauty products out there. It comes in a cute box, once a month, packed full of awesomeness. Reasons #1, 2, , 3, 4 AND 5 why I love Birch Box are listed below...take a gander!
1. Every box has a different theme for each month. This is a great way to keep things fresh, keep the element of surprise alive, and make you see beauty products in a new light. Make-up use doesn't have to be routine and my opinion is that this site does a great job of, ironically, thinking outside of the box.
2. The description card is jam packed with info. Each box comes with a card explaining the theme and then on the flipside gives you a fun description of each product.
3. They make quality beauty brands accessible. Sometimes a girl  just doesn't have time to hit the nearest beauty supply store or to browse page after page of products online. On each card, along with the description, they list the price of a regular sized product, how many normally comes in the products package, and where to find it on their site. Easy, peasy!
4. POINTS! Imagine they send you a perfume you absolutely love and can't live without....go to their site, buy that product, EARN POINTS! Points then translate to money which can be used towards an order.
5. Birch Box makes your box work for you! In the setup process, they have questions designed to make sure your box is going to be full of products that you can actually use. For example, they ask about your skin type, hair type, and just overall personal preferences. P.S. You can change any of those preferences on your account at any time. Their site is also full of beauty tips and tutorial videos as well. Really, I could go on and on. Obviously....ahem.

So that's it....that's my story. The End. Wait, you want to know what came in my May Box? ;-)

Ok, so it doesn't look like a lot but really for $10, I can't complain. ESPECIALLY considering the nail polish is normally $8 by itself. The theme was Gossip Girl and while I am not a regular viewer of the show, I feel like I could be a New York socialite with this swag. Here is a rundown of the goodies I got:

* Arquiste L'Etrog = A fancy pants perfume that smells amazing. Hubs smelled it and fell in love.
* Beauty Blender/ blender cleanser = A formula that cleans your make-up sponges and brushes. So important!
* Color Club/ Nail Polish in Disco Nap = Ok, I'm not always a golden girl (haha) but this polish is blow your mind beautiful! I think I am going to slap on a coat before work today.
*Dr. Jart +/ Waterfuse BB Cream = I keep hearing about BB cream and have had no idea what it is till now. It's a combination of moisturizer, skin perfecting tint, suncreen, and serum. As described on the card, it is the "Swiss Army Knife of your beauty lineup."
*twistband/ Skinny headband = Just as it sounds, a headband. Although my hair is thick, it is fine so things like this tend to slide out of my hair. Let me just say that I slept in it last night and it barely moved! MAGIC!

I know this was a long post and I appreciate those of you that have read this far. I just wanted to get you really familiar with this great site and what they have to offer. Word to the Wise: If you want to take advantage of Birch Box, go to their site NOW. They actually have a waiting list and while it took me only 2 weeks to hear back from them, I don't want you to miss out on your box for June.

Do any of you use either Birch Box or any of these products now? Any of other great beauty gems out there to share with the class? :-)

Nail Polish Palooza

I've been on a bit of a blogging break (I say "bit" like it's been a few days as opposed to a few months...ahem) but for good reason! I don't know if you have noticed or not but this year seems to be the year of the nail polish. Sooooo many AMAZING colors and brands to try. That's just what I've been doing. Trying them out! I'm normally not a paint-your-nails-kind-of-girl because the outcome usually looks like a 5 year old did it (and quite frankly a 5 year old could probably do better) but even I can't resist giving these hughes a go! I think this may even change my outlook on the cosmetic from here on out. Here a few reasons why I am digging this fashion trend:

1. It's an easy update to your style. Within a few minutes (and a bit of practice), you can go from blah to b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!
2. Nail polish fits into any budget. Whether you are a high roller or pinching those pennies, nail polish is something any gal can afford! I love a fancy schmancy brand just like any girl (speaking of-check out my next post) but have found that there are some great colors out there at an even better price! I'm talking 79 cents, People! NYC brand is a new favorite of mine because they stay up to date with the styles + often have coupons that make staying in fashion a no brainer!
3. Any thing goes! Seriously, I am seeing colors ranging from pastels to neons. Not only are colors are a free for all but so are designs! And have ya'll seen the nail polish ideas on Pinterest? INSANE. I am dying to get my hands on a nail polish pen or those Sally Hansen nail strips. So go ahead! Try that glittery, fire engine red that has caught your eye! Take that neon yellow for a test drive!

A color that I have been rocking lately (ok, maybe not so much "rock" as "wear") is Loreal's "Now You SEA Me." At my job, I am basically in a uniform so any chance to express my personality and style is an opportunity I take! This color lets me do just that and has already brought some compliments my way. I don't know about you but I will take a compliment any day! Gives me confidence like maybe I can use the word "rock" and get away with it....

What do you think? Oooh & aaah OR blah?

What are some colors, brands, or techniques that you've been loving? Ever try those nail strips??? Wanna be my guinea pig and give them a try for me? ;-)


I have something so fun to share with you tomorrow so be sure to stop by! :-)