I can't believe we are already in February!  The first month of this year just flew by.  I'm sorry I have been so MIA but school and internships are taking up a ton of time. This month brought so many amazing subscription boxes but also some disappointment.  I got some great items!  The only disappointment was Le Parcel a subscription box that NEVER showed.  The company was extremely unprofessional and I eventually had to call my bank to have them fight the charges when I waited over two weeks for it to show.

But moving on...here is this month's top 3!

1. Beauty Box Five - YES!! This box brought so many new items I had never tried it had to be the best this month!

2. Ipsy - I loved this month's box.  Sometimes there is only so much make up a girl can get and they stepped up and gave us a little variety.

3. Nailed Kit - This box comes with such cute designs that they are gonna make my valentines day really step up.

Next is the top 5 items this month!

        I hope all your subscription boxes this month were just as amazing.  This month is a little tighter on money so I am definitely planning on getting Ipsy, Beauty Box Five, and Birchbox which is teaming up with US Weekly this month to bring together an awesome box.  We will see what else is to come this month but you can bet I will review it. 

As always ladies,
Have a beautiful day!

        I am usually very fair and try to be positive with my reviews but when you mess with the beast, the beast gets mad.  I ordered my package the 9th for the 23rd of January and they sent me an email saying it would come on time.  When the 22nd rolled around I emailed them wondering where my box was.  They said it was delayed and would come soon.
      The following week I emailed them again and they said that they would send me a gift with my package and that it would come a week and a half after it was suppose to come.  You can imagine I was MAD!!  You can't work in a time sensitive business if you can't get a product out on time so I waited. 
        The special package with the gift came separately but the period box never showed.  The sent me a pair of plastic sunglasses, some cheap hand lotion, 4 rings, a canvas tote bag, and a package of candy cane hot chocolate.   It came with no note but it felt like they just took items they had laying around their warehouse and threw it in a bag a week and a half after my box was suppose to show.
        Finally when it didn't come on the day that they said it would I emailed them again and then they avoided my emails for close to a week before I had to contact my bank and report the charges to them.
    This whole experience has been ridicules and sadly after checking the blogesfier I am not the only one having issues with this company.  Although I am the first I saw that had this specific problem.  I would never order a box from them again and I do not recommend others to do so.  I am hoping that next month's boxes don't have issues.  I hope you week is full of luck!  Oh!  By the way look how awesome my fortune was from my fortune cookie last week.

        I have heard amazing things about Sample Society by Beauty Bar.  Allure magazine runs Beauty Bar so I was expecting some really awesome products.  I was uber excited to get this box since I ordered just as last months box orders were done.  And I didn't have to wait for it too long.

Not sure what Sample Society is?

Type: Beauty
Cost: $15
Sample Society is a box engineered by Allure.  Each month you receive five sample size products.  The products include makeup and beauty products from well known brands.  You will always get a $15 off of $50 purchase code each month to use on their online store.  Also included is a magazine with beauty tips and news from Allure editors.

    My hair is really important to me.  I straighten my hair on a regular basis.  I have tried several straighteners and some have been great and others are duds.  The most important part of a straightener is the ability to do it's job without getting too hot or too cold.  Here is a list I compiled of my favorite straighteners.  I didn't put specific straighteners but the best brands.

        I LOOOOVEEE this straightener!  It is the best I have ever used and leaved my hair feeling silky smooth.  I have used it on my other friends and they think its pretty amazing.  They now come in all new colors and designs.  My newest one is a pink paisley design, its so adorable!  These are of course on the more expensive side, usually $100 but I have seen them on sale for $70-80.

       This iron is great!  It works so quickly and you never have to worry about your hair frizzing up.  It works so quickly you'll feel like you cut your hair routine is cut in half.  Depending on the iron you can adjust the heat settings.  These are a little more expensive, the typical iron cost a little over $100.

    I adore the Conair Infinity.  They let you adjust the heat so if your hair is thinker or thinner you can adjust it accordingly.  On the higher setting it works so quickly I have done my hair in 5 minutes.  This iron is a lot more affordable than the first two.  The Conair is closer to the $50 range.

    I like Revlon irons but they aren't my absolute favorite.  They do the job but they take longer.  Although if you have pretty straight hair this is probably a good hair tool for you.  Some of the irons have different heat settings.  Revlon is a easy to find brand, sold in Target, Walmart and many convenience stores.  Many start at $20 dollars and go up from there.

    Overall, I believe that when it comes to flat irons that a decent iron takes a little more chunk of change.  They last a long longer.  I just got a new iron last year and my last one lasted 7 years.  The only reason I replaced it was because I felt it wasn't heating up as much as it use to but it still worked.  What is your favorite iron? 

If you want to see more beauty post come like my Facebook page to get updates here.

        I love getting my Ipsy every month.  This month I waited and waited for it to come.  It was surprising because last month it came 2 days after the email saying it was on it's way.  This month it took almost a week.  Either way I was happy to open it up and see what I got.  I knew that this months Ipsy was gonna be a lot more high end brands than normally.

1. Proactiv+Mark Fading Pads
    I have heard amazing things about Proactiv so I was excited to see these.  I don't think someone could get the full feel of if this product is working just based on 4 pads but they did feel nice on my skin.  I am considering giving them a try since my acne is the worst it's been in years right now.

2. Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow
    I am really excited about this!!  I like the application of this eyeshadow and I love the shade I got, Pearl.  It's so easy to use and great for the corner of your eye.
   

3. MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm
    This is such a cute little lip balm but I was so surprised that it cost so much!  I like the shade I got in Fiesta.  A lot of Ipsters said to put on chapstick before you apply it because it stains your lips but they seemed to like it a lot!

4. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask
   This is what I was most excited for!  I have a commitment to my hair because it is really important to me that it always look great.  This deep conditioning mask does the trick.  From review, it does amazing on color treated hair.

5. Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion
    I love how this item has both Moroccan argon oil and shea butter.  These two ingredients help moisturize so well.  It is also USDA organic which means it uses only natural ingredients.  This lotion leaves your face silky smooth.

        Overall, this box was a a nice mix of products.  I usually get a lot of make up so it was refreshing to try new items.  Although I am a little disappointment in the actual bag design, which wasn't my favorite, and that everything was a sample.  I am still happy that this bag is high in value at close to $40.  It's still an amazing deal   

THE GIVEAWAY!!
    This month's giveaway is for the MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm in Fiesta.  Since this was a sample and not a full size I decided to throw in a travel size Pink Nail File.  May the odds be ever in your favor!
And as always have a beautiful day!

      The lovely people at Nailed kit sent me this box to review.  They decided to have me preview their February 2014 box.  Next months box theme is Valentines Day!

Not sure what Nailed Kit is?
Type: Nail
Cost: $14/Month, less with 3 or 6 month subscriptions 
    Each month subscribers receive a kit with the latest designs. If you love nail art but don't have the time or the talent to get the latest look yourself,  then this is the club for you! Sign up by January 31st to receive our February box.

Also if you want designs for other occasions their store is full of fun designs.

        Here is my creation!  I decided to name it "Make my heart skip a beat".  It's super cute!  I want to do this for every holiday from now on. 

      Overall, I think this box is amazing.  It's a great value.  I use to buy the Sally Hansen nail strips and those are $10 alone.  These were much better quality and they are so unique your nails will always stand out.  The only thing that concerns me is that these might not be easy to apply for everyone.  You need to be good with your hands or it might not come out as well as you'd like.  I like that they give you enough to make several looks.  What do you guys think?  Are you guys fan of nail art?


I received this box for reviewing purposes only.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for them.

    Going to the spa and getting pampered is one of my favorite things to do.  Who doesn't love getting a massage or a facial?  Pampering can be expensive and there are so many ways to make things at home that its possible to relax and unwind right from your couch.  My favorite is putting on a nice face mask and taking a hot bath.

    I put together some really amazing recipes for face masks you can make at home with easy at home ingredients.

Exfoliating Oatmeal Mask
Ingredients:
1. 1 tsp of honey
2. 1 tsp of olive oil
3. 1 packet of instant oatmeal
4. Half the serving of water needed for the instant oatmeal
Instructions:
1. Prepare the instant oatmeal and water.  Let the oatmeal cool for 10 minutes.
2. Mix the honey, olive oil, and oatmeal in a bowl together until it turns into a paste.
3. Gently rub the paste on your face and scrub your skin.  Make sure to avoid the area around the eyes.

Give this mask a try twice a week to get great results!  Also a great Halloween mask.

Rejuvenating Pumpkin Mask
Ingredients:
1. 1/2 cup fresh pumpkin pulp
2. 2 eggs
3. 2 teaspoon almond milk (for dry or combo skin)
4. 1 teaspoon honey (for dry skin)
5. 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice (if you have oily skin)
Instructions:
1. Puree the fresh pumpkin pulp
2. Add the eggs to the puree
3. Add the almond milk and honey to the mix if your skin is dry.
4. Add the apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice if your skin is oily.
5. Apply to your face for 15-20 minutes and then rise thoroughly. 

    Make sure to clean your face off completely because of the egg in the mask.  This mask allows your skin to glow and makes your skin softer.

    These mask are natural and easy to make at home.  I love mask because they make my face feel so smooth.  I think it's great to make something at home that is useful to your health. Do you have your own formula?  I would love to hear it!

        I am back in school and I have been wondering about different things.  The start of a semester is so hectic that it is hard to keep all your thoughts straight.
1. Cute affordable work out clothes - Where???  I have started working out on a more regular basis the last few weeks but it's hard finding cute clothes to work out in that don't break the bank.  I LOVE Target and they have some great deals but I am not sure where else to look.  Do any of you know?

2. Starbucks calorie killer!  - I am also trying to eat better but I have been doing this for a while since last year.  I am in love with Starbucks but those calories are killing me.  Today I got a skinny vanilla latte and I though ehh its ok.  I got it because its only 100 calories compared to the rest of their drinks.  Do you guys have a lower calorie latte you get?

3. Textbooks cost an arm and a leg - Thank goodness you can sell your textbooks because it covered half the cost of my books this semester but it's still astonishing how much they cost.  I mostly rent my books to keep down the cost and less of a hassle of selling them back.  I ordered from Chegg, Amazon, and Valor Books.  Where did you get your books for this semester?  Any site that you recommend?  I am on the prowl for cheaper books!

4. Road Trip - When I am home for any break I spend half my time with my best friends from high school.  We are all extremely close and have a group chat on our phone that we use daily.  We live in South Florida and I would love us to take another road trip.  We normally take one every summer and it's one of the things I most look forward to at the end of the semester.  Any suggestions of fun spots in Florida or even Georgia? 

5. Suite up! - So I am pretty sure I got the internship I mentioned to you guys a few weeks ago.  I felt like my interview went well but I am not going to count my chickens before they are hatched.  Although I am going to go shopping this weekend for more professional wear.  I have one suite but I need some more clothes that I can wear in an office setting.  Where do you guys get your professional clothing?  I love Kohl's but I do want some more options that are affordable.

6. No more chipping - Recently I have been receiving a lot of nail polishes so I have started to practice painting my nails and I have to say practice does pay off.  I can actually paint my nails and not be embarrassed by the horrible job that I have done.  It might also help that I have slipped away from my bad habit of biting my nails.  But I have run into a new problem...chipping.  My nails chip so easily even when I put on several coats.  This needs to stop now.  What do you guys do to stop your nails from chipping?

    Make sure to like my new Facebook page here.  Keep checking back for more post and reviews! 

As always have a beautiful day!

        I already have hit up Starbucks and its only the first week of school.  That stuff is so addicting!  I am a pumpkin spice girl all the way.

    I got my Beauty Box Five and I have to give them a shout out.  The fastest delivery I have ever seen.  I got my box on the 11th and I got the email for my tracking code two days before.  This box was so cool!  I got items I had never even heard of before.

Not sure what Beauty Box Five?
Type: Beauty
Cost: $12/Month, $10/Month with 3 month subscription, $99/Yearly subscription
    Beauty Box 5 is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.

 Bonus Item:  Mirror Compact
    This little compact is perfect for my backpack.  I love how they paired up with That Awkward Moment this month and all the members got something special.

4. Epic Blend Hemp Coconut Lip Balm
    BB5 has really been into hemp products lately.  Last month we also receive an item made of hemp.  This lip balm smells fantastic.  As an added bonus it is also gluten and petroleum free, non-GMO, and cruelty free.

        Yes you read that right.  I let V do my make up to see how it would come out.  We love being silly with each other and this experience was hilarious.  If you ever let your boyfriend do your make up keep the make up remover wipes close by.  This suggestion came from a friend of mine who loves this blog and wanted to see something unique.  We decided why not? Although when someone suggested I do his make up that was his limit. 
        I gave V all the basics I use on a regular basis as well as a few extra things to play with.  He has watched me do my make up before so I was hoping he had caught on a little to my routine.  He also is very close to his sister and mother so he has seen them apply their make up as well.  I laid it all out for him but here was the TWIST..... I didn't tell him how to use any of the products, what they were, and which brush went with what.  I put it in a pile and V being the way he is had to organize it all.  I was pretty impressed with how well he put things together.  Before we even started he was kinda excited because he said he is an artist.  Also he made me keep my back to the mirror the whole process.  Needless to say I was a little worried.

        V chose foundation first.  I was pretty proud of him for noticing my make up routine.  I didn't say a word to him of how to apply it or what it was used for but he figured it out.  His most difficult task was trying to figure out how to get the foundation out of the bottle.  He spent a good two minutes trying to get it out.  Even after he did, he still couldn't figure out how to keep it coming out. 
        He literally caked on my foundation.  I usually put a very thin layer of foundation, but he just poured it on to my face.  At the end he looked at me and said "I put too much on didn't I?"  I said if this is how you want to do it then do it.

        V knew my routine to a T.  He knows I put a little touch of bronzer on and he pulled out a brush and started swishing it in the bronzer.  It was way too much!!  He just kept putting more and more powder.  Finally he saw the look on my face and he put his pouty face on  and asked me if it was too much.  I nodded a little and he stopped.  He tried to evenly apply it over my entire face and went all the way to my hairline.  Not shabby at all!

        For some reason V really loved doing blush.  He kept telling me to smile and applied a fair amount but not over the top.  He might have a career in this? 

        First V decided to put eyeshadow on.  He went with a very light pink for my lids and didn't apply to my entire eye.  Then he took a white eye shadow for underneath my eyes.  Kinda freaked me out how well he does with contouring.  He wanted everything to be symmetrical.

        Then V went for the biggest challenge for him.. eyeliner.  He first asked me where was my pencil.  I responded with what pencil, he told me the one for your eyes.  I use gel liner not pencil and he quickly figured out how to use it....sorta, lol!  My favorite quote from this whole experience is "I don't know how this works" - V.  He looked like an artist at work!

        V attempted mascara which I thought was pretty bold of him.  I did assist a little by positioning my eye lids in the perfect position for him to apply it, don't want to lose an eye.  He put a little on the ends of my eye lashes which gave them a full look.  His mascara application method needs a little work but it's his first time.

        I made it pretty simple for him when it came to lips.  I gave him a lip crayon and a lip gloss.  I guess he didn't think about putting them together.  He used my favorite Lip Crayon that I got in my November Ipsy: Be a Bombshell in Hot Damn.  Watching him try to figure out how to fully cover my lips was hilarious.  At one point he got frustrated it wasn't spreading well.  He doesn't know my secret is chapstick before lip stick because I have really dry lips.  First he drew the cartoon lips in the picture above.  But with a little work he got this...

        I was really impressed overall with V's make up abilities.  Although this was way more make up than I would ever wear out I couldn't believe how well it came out.  I asked if our next silly task could be to have him paint my nails but he just gave me a look like never in a million years but maybe he will warm up to the idea.  Would you ever trust your boyfriend to do your make up?  With a little more work maybe he could be a make up artist?  What do you guys think?  V's got a future here? 

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And as always have a beautiful day.