BirchBox January 2013 - Welcome Box review

So, Ive now that Ive become obsessed with beauty products. I have decided to join a few beauty box subscription programs.   I received my first box a few days ago.  It is from BirchBox.

In my first ever BirchBox I received samples of Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre 24-hour miracle cream, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy , Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo, theBalm cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer, and Larabar Cherry Cobbler.   I am so excited to try all of these, in fact I have only tried one of these amazing products. I have had a Larabar cherry cobbler before...so delicious!

The only sample I have tried so far is the Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo.  A little goes a long way and left my hair feeling super clean but sadly a tad on the dry side.  It states its safe enough for every day use, but I think I'm going to use it every few weeks or so just to be on the safe side. I don't think I would purchase this in the future.

More reviews on these samples are to come. I'm really happy with my first BirchBox I can't wait for next months!

**This BirchBox was purchased with my own funds**

Profusion Glamifeye Shadows

Over the holidays I discovered this amazing eye shadow set. It found it on sale for $2.99 at a Walgreens and figured hmm why not try it. I am in love! I so wish I could have a better quality picture of this palette as the below pictures do not show how vivid these colors are. 

The Profusion website seems to be down while I'm typing this, but here is the link Profusion Glamifeye Shadows

 Hello Kitty decided to photo bomb! (Hello Kitty does not come with this palette)

 Now the only downside of these is the package/container is easily breakable and extremely hard to open. In fact I use a little paper clip to open it.  Also, they can crumble just a bit while putting the shadows on a brush/wand. However, the color pigment is wonderful.  The color below is the middle "turquoise-ish"  4th row from the left side, second from bottom.

As the great RuPaul would say....

"work, turn to the left
work, now turn to the right
work, sashay shante!!!"

Attack of the Mascara Hoarder!!

So as I stated a few posts ago, Ive become a beauty hoarder. Oh, how I love a good beauty sale.  So within the past few weeks I've accumulated quite a haul of mascara. Ive decided to review each and every one of them on my blog!

From Left to Right- NYC, CoverGirl, Almay, Revlon, Loreal, Beauty for Real,  the last three are all from Physicians Formula.     **I purchased all items with my own funds**

Now when it comes to my hoarding, I do not like wasting things! So..its going to take me a while to review these. The first two are the only mascaras I have tried so far and I wont be opening any more until I get a good use out of them first.

Up first for review. NYC HIGH DEFINITION VOLUMIZING MASCARA

I was rather impressed with this inexpensive little gem. I am a dramatic eye lover and this mascara really does give high definition and volume. The only downside is it can get clumpy if you go overboard.

Extreme close up time!

 

 Ewe extreme close up eye shots are rather gross, aren't they?

This was honestly the best shot I took of my lashes, not so impressive in the picture, once the rest of the eye make up is complete it looks wonderful.  

I rate NYC HIGH DEFINITION VOLUMIZING MASCARA 
4 out of 5 stars. Excellent price, decent mascara, I would purchase this again.

Second Review: Covergirl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara

 NatureLuxe was a good "everyday" mascara. No clumping at all and went on very smoothly as well as it left my lashes soft and light. This would be a wonderful addition to any eco-friendly make-up bag.

Time for another extreme close up!

ewe, my lashes and eyebrows are crazy...please excuse the mess!

I'm going to rate Covergirl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara  4 out of 5 stars as well. It gave my lashes a wonderful natural look, very smooth and light formula.

                                           

                               On the left   NYC      the right      CoverGirl                                                                          

 

**I purchased all items with my own funds**

Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy Bennett

 

Amazon

Description via Goodreads-

"Rapunzel is not your average teenager.

For one thing, she has a serious illness that keeps her inside the mysterious Gothel Mansion. And for another, her hair is 15 feet long. Not to mention that she’s also the key to ultimately saving the world from certain destruction. But then she meets a boy named Fane, who changes all she has ever known, and she decides to risk everything familiar to find out who she really is.

Filled with romance, adventure, and mystery, Rapunzel Untangled is one story you won’t want to put down. Discover the true meaning of love and friendship in this modern twist to the classic fairytale."

Rapunzel Untangled was a clean, quick entertaining read. I really enjoyed this updated version of Rapunzel and Cindy Bennett did a wonderful job making the story modern. The romance was refreshingly sweet and the characters were well written.

4 out of 5 stars. Highly Recommend to lovers of fairy tales!

Special thanks to NetGalley and
Cedar Fort, Inc. for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review

 

I'm alive and 110lbs slimmer! :D

Hi Everyone!

Well, my gastric bypass surgery was a success! Things didn't go as smooth as I hoped, I had a few issues come up but  I have officially lost 110lbs since July 24th (60 lbs before the surgery and 50 lbs after..and counting :)  It wasn't an easy process but I'm happy to say that I believe I am fully recovered and ready to slowly get back to posting reviews.    Since this year I am focusing on the "New Me" Ive decided to start focusing on more beauty product reviews, I have all of the sudden become extremely addicted to finding new make up. Don't tell my husband, but I think I'm begining to be a make-up hoarder!     I don't know why I never new about beauty subscription boxes (I guess I spent the past year focused on my weight) but Ive decided to subscribe to a few and will be posting reviews for them.  I will also continue to post book reviews, I have quite a few read and needing to review!