March Favorites

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This month there are so many exciting new makeup items I tried and loved! There are also a few things I’m digging that I don’t (quite) own (yet).

Westside Kate Birthday Card, $6 from Crumple & Toss

This cute birthday card is perfect for a stylish pal’s March birthday! I just discovered the online stationary/gift boutique Crumple & Toss and love most everything they offer. The store also offers quirky products from Ban.do, so you know it’s right up my alley. I’ve fallen for lots of new brands just by clicking around their site. This specific card is from Sugar Paper LA.

Cedar Street Dot Lacey Wallet from Kate Spade, $178

If I didn’t already own a beautifully chic wallet from Betsey Johnson ($15-20 from TJMAXX), I may consider purchasing this polka dot wallet from Kate Spade. I’m not into designers too much, but man, I’d love to get my paws on a Kate Spade bag! This wallet has a classic look and has plenty of storage for all of my random $1 or less gift cards accumulating in my purse.

LA Base Pro Primer from Lancome, $42

I’ve tried a lot of different makeup primers but was swayed by the incredible gift offered by Lancome in February if you spent $35 or more. I’ll be honest: this stuff works. I used it for my sister’s wedding and it kept my makeup from smearing off my face and revealing my constant struggle with adult acne! Instead, my sister and I looked flawless and our skin stayed looking matte. I’ll have to post pictures of the wedding so you can see for yourself! It’s a pricey beauty investment at $42 (that’s at least 10 caramel lattes)…but you only use a dime size every day and it keeps you from reapplying even pricier foundation.

If you haven’t already (and just why not?) check out my post about this makeup primer from Lancome for even more deets.

It Girl Cuff in Party from Ban.do, $20

I’ve just recently discovered this fantastically (This IS indeed a word. I looked it up) awesome brand called Ban.do. Basically if you could sum up my style and quirky-chic lifestyle goals you could just photograph me laying in a pile of products from this company. The bright colors. The quirky sayings. The prints. The empowering message. Ohh ahh! I think it’s for the best I live at least 100 miles or more away from a place that carries their products. This still didn’t keep me from making an order for my upcoming photo shoot for the blog. I didn’t order this rose gold script bracelet but I might for another event. You can wear it along or layer it with other jewelry for a fun look.

Roller Lash Mascara from Benefit Cosmetics, $24

The new mascara from Benefit came out in late February and I ordered it from Sephora! I’ve used it a number of times and love the way it curls my lashes. The jury is still out whether I like it more than They’re Real Mascara, but we shall see. Stay tuned for a full review with pictures!

Celestial Moisturizer from LUSH, $24.95

The weather outside here in Ohio is still frightful and my skin is turning grayer and gloomier. A way I’ve been combating this is by applying moisturizer during the day when my skin is completely nekkid. I received a sample of Gorgeous moisturizer from Lush in a gift box a few years back. It changed my skin and I was dead-set on purchasing it…no matter the cost. Then I went into Lush and realized it was $89.95. Needless to say, I asked for a similar product that was more within my beauty budget. A few of the gals turned me onto Celestial after giving me a sample to try. I’ve been using it for about a year and have purchased it twice. In the summer, I don’t use it but in the winter it keeps my skin feeling super soft. It smells like sweet almond yogurt (if that’s a thing) and is made with Fresh Dove Orchid Extract which is supposed to do magic for your face. It’s made specifically for sensitive skin so that’s a plus.

BaubleBar Goodies Arrived Today

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In preparation for the blog launch, I purchased a few items for the photo shoot. I couldn’t resist when BaubleBar sent me an email about their sample sale! I first heard of BaubleBar online. The bright colors and fun logo kept popping up on one of my sidebars. I assumed it was super pricey and just not something for me. Before I knew it, I was looking at their different products and contemplating some baubles for my sister’s wedding. (Maybe this brand was something I could afford!) BaubleBar has different discounts each week. There’s a weekly “buried bauble” that’s discounted. This jewelry item is usually $20. There are other sales for only $10. If you receive their emails, you get a hint as to where the buried bauble is hidden. After Christmas, I signed up for the company’s emails and saw some earrings for only $10 that would compliment my bridesmaid dress. I was shocked that the earrings included free shipping and free returns. Once it came in the mail I was sold. BaubleBar makes it feel like you’re receiving a special gift. Everything – from the product to the receipt are packaged professionally. After receiving and rocking the earrings, I ordered two more items for my blog branding shoot coming up.

When you open the box, you can see the inside has a bright pink color and the company’s logo. Also note the fun striped tissue paper.

I’m a sucker for pretty paper goods. Included in all orders is a neon envelope with your receipt. I thought the little “Yay!” envelope seal made the entire package!

My card included a little catalogue introducing Wendy’s Lookbook collaboration and a code for 20% off my next purchase. BaubleBar works with all different women to showcase it’s jewelry. Wendy Nguyen is a famous blogger and fashion guru from Wendy’s Lookbook.

Each item comes packaged in a drawstring cloth bag. This is perfect for storing your baubles after you wear them.

Why hello there! This necklace was something I was really looking forward to. For the BaubleBar sample sale the site had items that were up to 75% off. This necklace was $18. I think regularly it would probably be around $45-50. Even at $45, I’d probably purchase it for a special occasion or as a go-to statement necklace.

The design has turquoise plates which are cut out into different geometric shapes. These are attached to a thick (and shiny) gold chain. In total there are five different turquoise plates and three of them have sparkly pieces adhered to them. The center of the necklace has a large collection of faux crystals in different shapes. Some of the shapes are teardrops while others are emerald-cut. There are also two crystal sections that hang on either side of the main plate. What really surprised me was how well-made the piece was. It was heavy and didn’t feel like something from Forever 21. I like purchasing more affordable jewelry (under $20) but this piece is made with much more quality. And it was under $20 since it was on sale!

Near the clasp is a pretty tag with the logo on it.

Included in each piece of jewelry was a little card describing how to care for it. I think this is a great idea because so often I throw jewelry around without properly caring for it and then I’m bummed when it breaks or changes colors.

These earrings popped on the BaubleBar website and I couldn’t resist adding them to my cart. The bright neon colors and fun shapes were what caught my attention. These will look great with a simple colored t-shirt or even to dress up a cozy sweatshirt and jeans. They were marked down to $10. I think regularly they would be about $25.

Look at those details! I like the size and shape. Quirky and classic at the same time.

BaubleBar has all types of jewelry that isn’t limited to these neon colors and style. At different times their site has a Guest Bartender that will showcase different styles of baubles. In the past the brand has worked with the lovely Emma Roberts and bloggers Erica Chan Coffman and Lauren Kolodny from Honestly WTF.

The site also offers personalized options and free shipping/returns!

What do you think? Would you order an item from BaubleBar? Is it too pricey for you or does the quality and uniqueness of it make it worth the splurge?

Lancome’s LA Base Pro Review & Makeup Haul

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When isn’t it a good time to do a makeup haul? Well, I can’t think of a better time than to celebrate my little sister’s February wedding. I’m the Matron of Honor and will be doing her makeup and mine! While my mum was getting her eyes done at the Lancome counter, of course I had to purchase a few items too.

What really convinced me to splurge was the gift promotion they were having. If you spent $35, you’d receive a bag filled with makeup goodies that totaled up to about $70! I remember when I was a little girl going to the mall with my mum when she purchased Lancome makeup. As one of their promotions, they would give you a loaf of French bread and a tote bag. Looking back, it seems so strange to give out a loaf of take-home-to-bake bread with purchase, but it solidified the idea that Lancome was a French brand! I stopped writing this post to call my mum and ask her about it. She began laughing as we reminisced. She said that when she’d get her makeup from the booth, we’d always have a meal that went with French bread that evening! How neat! Long gone are the days when you receive a loaf of bread with purchase, but the company always has gift promotions that include makeup bonuses!

For the main item, I purchased a primer that I’d been wanting to try for awhile: the LA Base Pro.

This primer from Lancome is designed to help your makeup look perfect for photos (and in person). What really sold me on it was the texture. The product feels like silk and isn’t sticky or thick. La Base Pro is supposed to help your makeup look more vibrant while helping it stay put! I especially liked the products ability to diffuse light, reducing lines and imperfections. I have pretty large pores and have tried a lot of different primers. What this product did was smooth my skin and help it look much less oily during the day. Pricey at $42, this is an item I consider a beauty investment.

[Update]

I was pleased with the primer and used it on my sister for her wedding (and on me!) I noticed that her pores looked a lot better when it was applied and that her foundation went on much smoother. It was hard to measure how well it made her makeup last because she usually doesn’t wear foundation.

My skin, however, looked really great during the wedding and during photos. I kept some concealer and a beauty blender in my purse and only needed about two touch-ups. I have acne and uneven skin tones. The base really helped create a smooth surface for my blush and bronzer. Since I’ve been wearing LA Base Pro I’ve even gotten a few compliments on my skin. Muahah…if they even knew!

Included in the gift was a choice of makeup bag and many other goodies. Here’s a breakdown!

I picked out this adorable makeup bag with my gift. There were two others to choose from but I loved the stripes and teal color. It reminded me of Kate Spade. The zipper has a flower with a crystal. Fannncy.

Definicils Mascara in black

I almost purchased a full size of this mascara, but I’ll be honest, I’m waiting for Benefit’s Roller Lash mascara which is coming out at the end of February. I always seem to have trouble with my bottom lashes. Mascara rubs off and gives me raccoon eyes. I told my mum this and she said that she was in love with Definicils and it doesn’t smear. When our friend (a Lancome rep) brought out the primer, I was sold…but I was happy to get a sample of this in my gift. Mum was right: the product stays on and doesn’t rub. I’m impressed. I like this better for my lower lashes than my holy grail mascara: Benefit’s They’re Real. Mixing both products seemed to give off the best results. Definicils on my bottom and Benefit’s on the top.

Although mum said she liked Definicils, a few friends talked her into trying the newest mascara from Lancome: Grandoise. I tried hers and liked it. The curved “swan neck” applicator helps you get every individual lash.

Bi-facial Makeup Remover

This product is a holy grail for many makeup addicts! I’ve never purchased a full size because I always get them free in bonus gifts. Right before my sisters’ wedding, I used this to clean my beauty blender. Let me tell you, it worked phenomenal. The makeup that had been inside the sponge grossed me out. I kept pouring the makeup remover on the sponge and running it under hot water until it looked like new! I haven’t yet had a chance to use the makeup remover on my face, but if it works half as good as it did on the makeup sponge, I’ll be impressed.

Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Cream

I always get excited about lipsticks and other items in my gift but this was a pleasant surprise. With 30 SPF, you can’t go wrong with this indulgent moisturizer. Although I’m partial to LUSH products, I’ve been using this in the morning before I put on the LA Base Pro Primer. The sample came with a lot of product and it didn’t feel too heavy on my skin. It smelled really fresh. I still prefer my LUSH moisturizer called Celestial.

Lancome Color Fever Gloss Sensual Vibrant LipSine in Hot Number

This gloss was underwhelming. Nothing too great. Just a simple lip gloss. It has little color payoff and a lot of shimmer. Although this girl loves glitter, the product just wasn’t something I got too excited about. I did, however, put some on when heading to the church for my sister’s wedding (before I did my makeup). I really love the packaging and the application wand is nice. The smell reminds me of chemicals. If you like lip shimmer that’s a little pigmented, this may be your go-to “no makeup “makeup gloss.

BLUSH SUBTIL Powder Blush in Shimmer Pink Pool

This blush rocks. The packaging is really nice and I like the mirror which makes for easy application. Blush Subtil is oil-free and is a powder blush. The shimmer is the right amount and the color is a pretty pink – perfect for my skin tone! I don’t go through blushes too quickly so I think this will last me a long time. I like applying it with a peachy lipgloss and light eye makeup for a “fresh-face” look.

Overall: It was a pricy investment.

I do love picking up products that I know will last me a long time and will help my makeup stay on longer. Honestly, I wouldn’t have purchased the LA Base Pro if it hadn’t been for the bonus items and my sisters’ upcoming wedding. (They get you with those bonuses!) I’m pleased with the product but I’m not sure how other brands would compare since I’ve never purchased a full-sized face primer. I’ve used samples of Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer and Benefit’s Porefessional. They seem to be similar in quality but I can’t make a right assessment since I didn’t wear them as often.