Birchbox Beauty Favorites

 

 :: BIRCHBOX FAVORITES ::

 

I love products…. but I certainly don’t go to beauty supply stores and shop for myself often. With four kids, it seems like all shopping these days is for them…. not mama! Birchbox is perfect for someone like me! At only ten dollars a month, I don’t feel bad with the small purchase. The added bonus is that you don’t pay additional shipping and it comes in the mail… so it’s like opening up a little present once a month! I had every intention of doing a monthly review of its contents… but that hasn’t happened… In fact, I’ve only done this one {which you can view here}. In lieu of the monthly review, I decided to share with you several of my favorite products that I have received over the past five months. All of my favorites are on the Birchbox Best Sellers list, which means I am not alone in my opinions! These products are of great quality and ones I will purchase for myself once my samples run out. 

 

theBalm // Put A Lid On It

A little goes a long way with this amazing eyelid primer! I have used several other brands. This one happens to be less money, while still producing the same lasting, creaseless effect! Your shadows and eyeliner will stay on all day long! At times, I hesitate when about to wash off my eye makeup {at the end of the day} because it still looks perfect! I’m not one to sleep in my makeup, but I almost wonder if you could! You would probably wake up with your eyes looking flawless, assuming you’re a back sleeper! This product retails for $18. 

 

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{weekend} lovelies

The weekend is finally here!

Not sure about you…

but this was a long week for Nicole & I!

We are officially over Valentine’s Day,

sugar & cute little cards!

This week our focus will be on eating tons of kale salads

& perhaps a DIY project!

Pinterest has exploded with various chalkboard ideas!

We must admit, we do love the trend!

Here are our top 10 inspirational picks & products!

Have a {lovely} weekend, friends!

xo

 

{Chalkboard Bedroom Wall Inspiration // Poppytalk}

 

 {Chalkboard Frame  // Miss Mustard Seed}

 

{Free Chalkboard Fonts & Background // Nest of Posies}

 

{DIY Chalkboard Mug // A Beautiful Mess}

 

{Chalkboard Wedding Trends // Invitation Crush}

 

{Dining Room Chalkboard Wall // Pretty Space Tumblr}

 

{Chalkboard Style Posters // Lily & Val, Etsy}

 

{DIY Kids Chalkboard  Table // The Homemaking Cottage}

 

{Kitchen Chalkboard Wall // Breakfast at Yurman’s}

 

{Chalkboard Labels // Williams Sonoma}

 

 

 

January Birchbox Review

Do you LOVE beauty products?

I certainty do… so when I heard about BIRCHBOX,

I knew I had to give it a try!

For ten dollars a month

you get a BIRCHBOX mailed to your home which contains

a variety of hand-picked beauty & lifestyle samples!

 

 

 

 

 

The January BIRCHBOX

contained five different beauty samples:

*****************************

Embryolisse // Lait-Creme Concentre 24 – Hour Miracle Cream

{full-size, $16}

“A favorite of models and makeup artists,

this French moisturizer heals dryness and leaves skin primed for foundation.”

I really do like this product.

A little seems to go a long way.

I have been using it after the shower

and before I put on my makeup.

It is not greasy and soaks in well.

 

 

The Balm Cosmetics // Put a Lid on it Eyelid Primer

{full-size, $18}

“Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer,

which also prevents smudges and smears.”

I happen to LOVE primer.

Perhaps it is my skin, but I really feel like I need it

in order for my makeup to last throughout the day.

I had just run out… so this was a great treat!

It works beautifully!

 

 

Ojon //Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum

{full-size $25}

“Repair stressed strands with this aromatic hair treatment –

exotic ojon and macadamia oils work together to smooth and hydrate hair.”

I have been using this on my wet hair,  just prior to blowdrying.

Honestly, I haven’t noticed a difference with this product.

I think I prefer Moroccan Oil in both smell and

overall control of my thick hair.

 

 

 Aerie // Shimmer Fragrance

{full-size $14.95 – $39.95}

“This light-as-air blend of bergamot, peony, and vanilla feels fresh and warm.”

I do agree… it has a fresh smell.

I tend to get headaches with new fragrances…

unfortunately, I did with this one, too.

Miss Sophia Blue was fond of it, however.

 

 

Eyeko // Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

{full-size $15}

 “This UK import features a user-friendly pen applicator and super smooth formula.”

Okay… I saved my favorite product sample for last!

I was impressed on the sample size.

It honestly is as big as my MAC liquid eyeliner.

I have used this a few times in the past week.

It stays put, but still washes away easily at the end of the day.

I am super happy with this liner and love that it is only $15 regularly.

It glides on easily and is perfect for that vintage cat-eye!

 

 

Overall, I was pretty happy with the samples I received!

Ten dollars seemed like a fair amount to pay

since the eyeliner was a decent size.

 If you do decide to sign-up, just know there can be a short wait.

After signing up on their website, I did have to wait

approximately three weeks before

I received an email indicating that I had 72-hours to pay

and put in my shipping information

{after the 72-hours, they go on to the next person on the list}. 

Please let us know if you already receive samples from BIRCHBOX,

and if so, what your experience has been like!

I am excited to see what February brings because

 I {heart}

beauty products!!

5 Favorite Cleaning Products

5 cleaning products worth your while……

Yes I know, totally relaxing topic……

Cleaning!

We all loathe it most of the time and

there is something that always needs to be cleaned.

It seems like a never ending chore.

As the comedian Phillis Diller said,

“Cleaning house while the kids are still growing,

is like shoveling snow while it’s still snowing.”

I know because I have one of these

+

A crazy one of these

Makes for a mess at times.

{yes we all do look quite innocent here, thanks Candace!}

So when I do have to roll up my sleeves and slap on a pair

of cleaning gloves, I tend to reach for these products.

These products allow me to keep my household as clean as possible,

while maintaining a healthy atmosphere.

All of these products for the most part are toxic free and

lack any harsh chemicals,

while also being Eco-friendly.

Here are my top 5 products listed below:

 

1. Method Glass and Surface Cleaner

 

This minty smelling cleaner works incredibly well with a lint free

microfiber cleaning cloth.

Keeps glass and surfaces streak free leaves behind a wonderful shine.

I use this on all of my windows and mirrors as well as

bathroom surfaces and fixtures.

 

2. The Bar Keeper’s Friend

 

I use the liquid form in all my sinks, toilets, and grout

in the bathrooms.

Its magical and non abrasive.

The Bar Keeper’s Friend works perfect as well

on silverware that has tarnished with

rust and are dulled by the dishwasher.

I use non abrasive recycled sponges such as

Scotch-Brite or Trader Joe’s Pop Up All Natural Sponges.

They work well with the Bar Keeper’s product as

they don’t scratch the surface you are working on.

They work perfectly in wiping up and cleaning the stove top too!

 

3. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap

 

Love love this dish soap.

I prefer the Geranium scent.

It is Eco-friendly and can be used as an all purpose soap.

Fill your sink with warm water and squeeze a few

drops of this magical potion, and your kitchen will

smell great as well as you will have sparkling dishes.

 

4. Method Daily Granite Cleaner

 

Great smelling and cleans up my messy kitchen counters.

Enough said!

 

5. Weiman’s Stainless Steel Cleaner

 

In my book there are zero substitutions for this product.

I have tried them all.

{Believe me I love stainless but can’t stand the kid finger prints}

So I favor quality and this is it!

It cleans all of the gunk as well as leaving the appliances

shiny and streak free.

Weiman’s makes this Mama happy!

But of course I can’t end this post with the one major piece of

equipment that is a must that helps to tie in all of these products.

A good vacuum cleaner!

I may be a bit swayed in this manner as I had

the incredible experience of both using this product

as well as being in an infomerical for

 

The Shark Rotator Lift Away

 

{ yes my film payment was the vacuum}

It is a fantastic piece of equipment.

It fits all of my families cleaning needs,

especially for us with having our dog, Lulu and

Shane’s allergies.

It cleans, rotates, and its suction is incredible.

Judge for yourself…….

{or maybe you have seen it late night on tv…wink}