Influenster Moda VoxBox

It's that time again, people! My Influenster Moda VoxBox arrived! Getting these colorful boxes delivered to my front step is so exciting because who doesn't love free shit?

I'm really not sure why I didn't get the one in between this and my last one from earlier in the summer, but whatever. I also had no idea what the whole theme meant, but I'm thinking moda=life=lifestyle kind of needs? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Here's the babe in all her glory:

Now here's the rundown:


Rimmel London Scandaleyes Rockin Curves Mascara ($5.99):
Meh. This stuff is pretty meh. The wand itself is very oddly shaped and I feel that it makes it really hard to coat all of my lashes without either getting smudges on my eyelid or inner corner from the brush. Even the formulation isn't great, especially for someone who loves big-volume lashes. I would not recommend this mascara.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick ($6.99):
This. Shit. Is. Amazing. For someone who is completely against lipstick, I have fallen in love with the formulation of this stuff. It goes on so smooth and it feels like freaking lip balm. The color is a little intense, but it's definitely opening my eyes into the idea of lipstick, as I never knew it could feel so moisturizing. Perhaps I'll try something from this line in a more neutral color.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner ($5.99):
Probably the oddest product I've ever tried. It's weird to be putting a lip liner on your lips when you can't see where you're putting it. I've always thought of a lip liner as something to line your lips so you don't get the whole out-of-bounds-Kylie-Jenner-wannabe thing going on. I really can't give much feedback on this product because I can't really tell if it even works.

Puffs Softpack basic tissues ($1.99):
Tissues are always a great thing to have around, whether it's for makeup or snot removal, especially during these cold months. Bring on the flu! Just kidding. Seriously, I already had it. Please, no.

Hair Food moisture Hair Mask ($14.99):
Wasn't thrilled. Wasn't disappointed. I'm super picky about my hair products.

Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa ($2.29):
Cocoa is always something I love to indulge in during the colder months. Somewhere in between my coffee and my tea, I can get bored. Also, it's a great fix for when the chocolate craving attacks.

Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer ($5.99):
I can never seem to have enough lotion, ever. This little guy is great to throw into your purse and be ready for the days of scaly hands and hangnails. Cute. But really, this lotion is super moisturizing and feels pretty luxurious for a drugstore product. If I wasn't already trying to get through so many lotions, I'd definitely buy this.

Resource Spring Water ($1.49):
Well, I don't know what more I can say about this other than "yay, hydration!"

Fall Favorites

I've been terribly sick with a fever lately, so what better thing to do than curl up under a cozy blanket, drink tea and watch youtube? Not that I don't do that everyday... IRREGARDLESS. I found this tag done by makeupTIA and I figured I'd give it a shot because I absolutely love fall (minus the allergies that are quite obviously trying to kill me); something about the crisp, fall air and sipping on your hot coffee while bundled up in a cozy scarf just screams comfort to me. So, enough talking writing; here we go!

BEAUTY FAVES

1. Face product: I don't want to give up my summer glow just yet. Not that I ever really had one to begin with (Irish girl probs), but I think a nice glow goes great for the beginning of the fall. Enter: Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer. Yes, yes, I know it's a primer, but dotting it along your cheekbone and browbone gives you this wonderful shimmer/shine/don't-I-look-lovely kinda thing. Just trust me on this one.

2. Cheek product: I do need to work on getting a berry-colored blush... maybe Rocketeur from Benefit? Right now I've been loving my Mary Kay Shy blush, but I'm thinking that sparkly pink should end with the summer.

3. Eye product: Winged liquid liner! I've been loving my Maybelline Master Precise felt tip liner for a more elegant look than the basic mascara

4. Lip product: I'm so not big on lip color, but I love me some lip balm. You can find me multiple times a day slathering on Burt's Bees.

5. Hair product: I'm finding myself to be very boring... I don't often change up my hair products or hair care. I use a Critical Care Serum by BioInfusions on my hair everyday after showering that makes my hair feel smooth and soft.

6. Fragrance / candle:
I love me some darker, muskier scents for fall. A new scent I've been legitimately obsessed with is Juicy Couture's Viva La Juicy Gold Couture. As for candles, fall scents kill me! Caramel Pumpkin Swirl by Bath & Body Works is to die for. To. Die. For.


7. Nail polish: I couldn't possibly choose a favorite... Several nail colors that you can find on my fingers in the fall are as follows: OPI Got the Blues for Red, Essie Warm & Toasty Turtleneck, and Essie Under the Twilight.


FALL FASHION FAVES

1. Trendy clothing item: I'm not so sure I go along with trends anymore... Although I totally love the kimono/cardigan kind of look! I'm sure I'll end up purchasing some kind of mix between the two this fall.

2. Comfy clothing item: Scarves and cardigans forever. Also, fuzzy socks.

3. Shoes: Over-the-knee boots! Working at DSW certainly has its perks...

4. Accessory: Scarves! Can I use that again? I'm totally using that again.



FUN FAVES


1. Halloween or Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving! Ever since graduating college, I find that it's no longer acceptable to get all dolled up in a skanky outfit and get completely sloshed at a party/bar. Sad times, people. Alas, the fat girl inside of me is choosing Thanksgiving.

2. Favorite festive food and/or drink: Pumpkin bread! Carrot cake! Red sangria!

3. What's the happiest part about fall for you: I'm someone who will actually go out of their way to step on a crunchy leaf. I'll also go out of my way to take the long way home to view all of the pretty trees slowly changing color.

4. Who do you tag: You!

DIY Sugar Scrub

Somewhere between watching a million youtube videos today, I decided to finally get off my ass (for literally 5 minutes) to make myself a yummy scrub for dry skin.

I've been experiencing some lovely dry hands lately due to the drop in temperature and I've finally had it. I'm going to try to use this little scrub every night before bed.*

*Definitely don't use before trying to write a blog post, because you'll surely leave a nice oily residue all over your keyboard... you've been warned.

Simply mix brown sugar with some olive oil and voila -- an all over body scrub your skin will love. The sugar will exfoliate your skin, which is perfect for the inside of my lips that get super peely and gross (you're welcome for that image), and I don't have to worry about ingesting any weird ingredients because you could pretty much eat this stuff if the urge really strikes. The oil will feel super hydrating on your skin and all will be well in the world.

Side note: this mixture needs a bit more sugar, but feel free to play with the amount of ingredients as you please, and even add some essential oils for an even better taste!

Summer Lovin'

I found this little questionaire being done by a few lovely Youtube gurus (cough cough, Fleur deForce) and I simply couldn't hold back. Read on if you want to hear my answers regarding my summer essentials!

1. Summer lipstick you're loving?
If there's one thing you should know, it is this: lipsticks scare the living hell out of me. Not only is my mouth miniscule but I have teeny tiny lips. There is absolutely no volume to my lips unless I make a terrible duck face, and even then, it's about the size of a "normal" person's mouth. Case in point -- I don't do lipstick.

2. Summer nail polish you're loving?
I'm actually quite obsessed with a nail polish right now from Sinful Colors called Thimbleberry. It's the perfect summer red -- not too orange, not to pink, and just a hint of neon brightness. Another favorite is by the brand Julie (bought at RiteAid) and the color is Santorini. It's quite reminiscent of Essie's Bikini So Teeny and this formula seems to last quite a while. 

3. Bikini you're loving this summer?
Speaking of Bikini So Teeny... I actually don't wear bikinis! I am not in any kind of shape, I believe, to be wearing something with such little coverage. I'll stick to my bright pink sweetheart neck one-piece.

4. Favourite summer Frappuccino from Starbucks?
Vanilla bean. Always.

5. Favourite fake tan?
Jergens Natural Glow is something I've been reaching for more and more this summer. After my introduction to my first spray tan, I can't get enough of sporting that summertime glow. I haven't been religiously using it, however, so I can't say I'm seeing much of a result. I will be purchasing the new scent-free formula and I will update you when I'm a bronzed goddess.

6. Favourite summer song?
I've been constantly jamming to songs that were played at one of my best friend's weddings, aka, one of the best nights of my life. Something about the sweat dripping down my face in the California heat while dancing like crazy on the dancefloor floods my brain with the best kinds of endorphins. Here are a few:
Turn Down For What - DJ Snake & Lil Jon
We Found Love - Rihanna
Talk Dirty - Jason Derulo & 2 Chainz
Pompeii - Bastille

7. Favourite summer accessory?
I think my favorite summer accessory would be my crossbody purse. In the summer, you can go lighter and simpler when it comes to purses. I'm perfectly content with just my wallet, lip balm, bobby pins, and oil blotting papers in a cute little crossbody that will match anything.

8. Favourite summer fragrance/perfume?
This is something I'm totally looking to replace (hello, birthday in twenty days!), but lately I've been wearing my old favorite: Coach Poppy. I've also been into Gucci Flora. I'm hoping to get a new summer perfume soon, so I'll update you on that one.

9. Summer book you're loving? 
I bought "White Girl Problems" by Babe Walker to read on my flight to California early last month, and I have yet to make it halfway through. It's not that I don't like the book (it's actually hilarious), but I just forget that reading is an option when I'm bored. I shall reunite myself with Babe tonight!

10. What are you most excited to do this summer? 
It's not something that I'm doing (thank god), but my sister-in-law is due with her baby mid-August! I'm so happy to finally be an aunt and buy that little princess everything my brother and his wife won't!


Photo via Pinterest

Influenster Vow Vox Box

One of my favorite times of the month is when my Influenster box arrives outside my door! I mean, come on, who doesn't love free products to review? (Get yours here!)

Every month, Influenster comes out with a new Vox Box literally filled to the brim with amazing products. Sometimes makeup, sometimes lifestyle products, always something new and fun. This month's box, a special collection for brides, bridesmaids and the like, included a ton of good stuff. Read on for a short review of each!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Barracuda ($7.99)

I've always been partial to Sally Hansen nail polishes. They come in a great variety of colors and have a great consistency. The wide brush helps to apply the nail polish beautifully and chips are a rare occurrence with these products. I especially love the color they included in this box.

Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream ($30.99)

Olay has always had a great reputation in my mind. As a more expensive brand when it comes to their Regenerist line, I'd never had the balls to purchase any of the products. And, I mean, I'm just barely 24 years old; wrinkles haven't had the chance to even graze my face. One thing I really like about this product is that it claims to perfect your tone and get rid of dark spots and old acne marks; that's something I can hopefully take advantage of. I'll give a better review when I've had more time to experience the benefits of the product, but for now I can say that I love the luxurious feel of the cream.

Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream ($2.19)

To me, shave cream is shave cream. Half the time, I'm too lazy to even apply it before shaving. I do appreciate them including this product in the box this month because I suppose it is the time of the year when us ladies should be taking better care of our skin when we'll be displaying more of it during these hotter months. I love the smell of this product and definitely will consider purchasing it next time I walk down the razor aisle.

EcoTools Pure Complexion Sponge ($5.99)

I'm not going to lie: rough facial products scare the hell out of me. I've always been told to be gentle to my skin, especially my face, because it's the only one I've got. I use a gentle cleanser and always pat my face dry -- I'm not about to use a hard, rough sponge tool on my skin. Maybe I'll save it for my elbows and heels.

Tide to Go ($7.99)

This one was an odd inclusion, I feel. I understand that this box was all about being prepped and primed for weddings, but being a hot mess already, I never put on a fancy dress earlier than I need to due to my sloppy tendencies. If I were to spill on something, though, I suppose I would grab this handy little stain pen to save my clothes, I've used this product before and I don't remember my thoughts on it. I'll do a better review when I find myself spilling salsa all over my white tee (if it's happened before, it shall happen again).

*Disclosure: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Stay tuned for more reviews of products and, as always, stay beautiful.

Welcome, beauties!

This is my little blog dedicated to all things beauty. If you take the time to read these posts, hopefully you'll find a little spark of inspiration to find your own true beauty.

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Stay beautiful,
Aimee