Tuesday, January 28, 2014

So I've gotten a few Birchboxes without my review of the products.......



First of all, let's be honest -- it's been a while and my last blog was dark. Hard day. You've been there too... maybe have even admitted to it! That being said, it's a new year, and I am amazed at where my family is now is 2014. Let me tell ya, that's a whole different blog in and of itself. Last year at this time, I was learning how everything worked at the big Oak Cafe. My first day at the cafe was a bit overwhelming! Ha.. but was a good change for my family and I am thankful for the opportunity to become a barista and the people I have met through the cafe. It's been a huge blessing for my family.

Now -- back to the real reason for THIS blog -- my opinion! :) There's a really good chance there are going to be lots of opinions here, but I feel the need to catch up before my February Birchbox (sign up here!) arrives in my mailbox!

In a totally random order -----

betty&ko - The Betty Polish is a very nice sugar scrub. I like the sample of it, but for the price tag, I would probably never buy it for myself. Very nice smell to it, not too gritty, not too soft.. I just don't think it's worth the $48 price tag.





A candle. (no photo. It's a cream votive.) I'll be totally honest (what else would you expect!?) this candle has such a strong smell to it. And not a scent that I enjoy being absorbed by my nostrils. Way too strong for me. It's a candle. I have had so many votive candles that it wasn't special to me.


Insert an image of a cream colored votive candle HERE.
 

Viva la Juicy -- I'm usually not a fan of perfume samples because I can go to a department store and get the exact same thing. I have also had some scents that are so strong I can smell them before I see them in my box. (gross.) This one is a light, fruity.. with a hint of a musk to it. As I smell my wrist, I am leaning more towards liking it with every sniff.




Manna Sheer Glo Oh the sparkles and the shimmer! :) I do like products like these, but I just don't wear them often. Great for a day to night look or to add a little somethin' somethin' to a look. I will say that I do prefer a tube to a pump though. I just like to have control of how much of the product I am getting. I have mixed this with my foundation for an all over, lightly shimmered look that I like.



Healing Balm My hands take a beating. I have a small patch around my wedding rings (I also joke that I an in dire need of a platinum band. My husband laughs in return). The patch ranges from a few small bumps  to being so swollen I can't wear my rings. Plus, being in the sanitation water from work -- it's so harsh. The balm has a clean, spa-like scent. It's light and fresh.. I do feel a tad greasy which I don't like. I don't like seeing a residue from my lotion. I do like this lotion, but I think it's best to use before bed or put on gloves.


Burt's Bees -- first of all, I gotta say there are a lot of Burt's Bees products that I do like and crave. This may be a new favorite of mine. I am normally an oily skinned girl, but this winter has sucked out all the extra moisture I normally have. This stuff is great if I need some extra hydration or am staying in for the day. For me, this is enough hydration to make me feel like I am glowing without glistening. Love this product!


Nail Rock -- I like the idea. Nail polish and glitter. However, I rarely wear nail polish anymore (Boo to dishes, glove, and sanitation water!) I did try this out so I can make an opinion.. The instructions tell me to sit for about 20 minutes for it to dry. That's not going to happen. I'm so spoiled by my Red Carpet Manicure or my Jamberry nails and I can't wait that long. It looks pretty and if I had time to devote to a traditional manicure, I would totally add some sparkle and glitter to it. I've been sitting for the 20 minute dry time..... some of the sequins/glitter/sparkles have come off, but majority have stayed on my nail.

(Stubby nails. Boo. Sad nails... that sparkle!)

Beauty Protector - First, the smell is to die for. There is a warning on my birchbox card that the scent is addictive. I totally agree. It's a warm, comforting smell.. Something that is just yummy in my hair! Plus it protects when I actually USE heating tools to create a style that is not a ponytail or a top knot :) I did have some issues with the spray NOT working, but after I cleaned it up I was good to go. (And, yes, just sprayed it again to make sure I wasn't lying! Oh.. the smell! YUM!)



And since it's been a while here are a few others I have LOVED in my last couple of boxes ---

Eyeko Mascara *drool* So I didn't take a photo of this one, but I really like this mascara. I have never used a mascara in a squishy tube, it's always been a cylinder-like tube.. but I really like it. I feel like I can get more of the product on the wand. It's not clumpy, does a great job separating my lashes, and I LOVE it. I'm also a sucker for a great mascara. This one, two thumbs up! 

Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm  - first of all, this name made me chuckle. I have nursed both of my children past their first birthdays.. The nipple creams are a great thing to have nearby. And the coloring and texture of this balm reminded me of some of the creams I have used on other regions of myself. I would feel very weird smearing some Medela nipple cream on my lips in public. However, this product is JUST what I need this winter. It has been so cold and dry around here that I am craving any kind of moisture I can get. I just found this on the bottom (THE SHAME!) of my make up box and I am about to go grab it RIGHT.NOW and put on my lips. It's a thicker, more moisturizing balm and it's been perfect.


I think that should update you on most of my favorites of the past few months. I'm hoping to get into a groove now. Maybe. Ha. Sure. ;)