Michael Todd Charcoal Deep Pore Cleansing Gel Review!

So, I did a haul video last week on my YouTube channel,( link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9H_w8f2CHY ) and one of the items that I purchased in that haul was this Michael Todd Charcoal cleanser.

 (Priced at $29.85 United States Dollars)

 Because of the charcoal that is in the cleanser, the consistency is black and a little off putting when initially seeing it, but there is no weird smell to it so , you move on. I can say with all honesty, this cleanser is indeed a deep pore cleanser that cleanses my face as well as the clairisonic. Those of you who have a clarisonic know that "feeling" when you have just washed your face with it and you feel as if you have wiped away a layer of grime after using it? This cleanser is the only cleanser that gives me that same feeling.

This cleanser is gentle, as I have somewhat sensitive skin, and I  experienced no irritation or burning sensation during or after application. The only thing that I did feel however was that my skin was exceptionally clean. This item is going to be a staple in my nighttime skincare routine and I am so happy that I found it! Thanks for reading!!            Youtube Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIO6HDc9Imc

Birchbox Anniversary Video!

I just wanted to come on here and express my gratitude to Birchbox for featuring me and a slew of other vloggers in their anniversary video. Some may think its no big deal but I am humbled, and honored to be a part, even a small part, of their celebration. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that my lowly opinion means anything to them and again, I am honored. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJhN94vkHrQ    Thanks again for reading!

J'adore Dior!!

So I purchased the Dior Couleurs Designer palette in 308 khaki design, containing 4 shadows and an eye liner in the bottom right section.

 This Palette housed colors that I did not have in abundance in my collection and were perfect for the fall season!  

The presentation of the package alone was enough to hook me but the colors and pigmentation sealed the deal 

 I found the colors buttery, easy to blend, and long lasting. I would recommend this palette and cannot WAIT to try out some of their other shade ranges! Thanks for reading!! Link for Palette Below!😊

Dior Khaki Design Palette: http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=dior%20khaki%20design&skuId=1435643&productId=P236819&_requestid=105271

Battle of the Cleansing Waters!

So, cleansing water is something that I have used for a while now and could not imagine my makeup routine without it. Cleansing water allows you to remove your makeup thourougly with its gentle formula WITHOUT rinsing.

I have had the pleasure of trying two very popular cleansing waters and have formulated an opinion on which one is better. First, lets talk about the Caudalie' Makeup Remover Cleansing Water: 

This particular item sells on the Sephora website for 

$28.00/200ml. I recieved this as a sample from Sephora and I must say that right away the smell of the water was a big bonus! There was a slight refreshing scent of cucumber that made me feel as if it 

was refreshing my skin. Another good point is that it was very, very gentle and did not irritate or burn my skin; it also took my makeup right off which is exactly what it claims to do! 

The second cleansing water that I have been using the longest is my Bioderma which I love!  

      Bioderma retails on Amazon for $28.33/500ml! So right off the bat, you are getting more than double the product in the Bioderma than the Caudalie. Bioderma is also SUPER gentle and was one of the first and only makeup removing products that did not irritate my eyes and make them burn. Using it on my face refreshes my skin, and if it did not do such a wonderful job taking off my makeup, I could swear it was pure water.

Now out of the two products, my vote goes for the Bioderma for two reasons: 1. For the same price as the Caudalie, you get more than double the product and 

2. The downside of the Caudalie Water is that I felt it left a slight residue or "stickiness" if you will that I do NOT like or get with using my Bioderma.

So that is just my opinion or take on the comparison of both products that are made to perform the same and I will place the links for each below! Thanks for reading!

Caudalie Cleansing Water: http://www.sephora.com/make-up-remover-cleansing-water-P381020?skuId=1528934

Bioderma: http://www.amazon.com/Bioderma-Crealine-Micelle-Solution-500ml/dp/B002LA53V8/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1378246162&sr=1-3&keywords=bioderma 

Julep Unboxing August 2013!

So I received my Julep box just the other day and these are the items that I received:

 For those who may not know, Julep is a monthly subscription service for nail polish and in all the boxes I believe ( depending upon your profile, selected by the answers you give in the quiz you take when you sign up) you get 2 polishes and an extra item. I think there is one box that just gives 3 polishes per month but I do not have that profile. My profile with Julep is, Classic with a Twist and for this month these are the items that I received. ( See my FULL video unboxing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNMY8FhStJE )

The first nail polish is a beautiful purple shade called Padma:

 This is a deep purple, perfect for the fall season, with reflective bits that make it catch the light and just brighten the color up. This was my favorite color out of the two, as soon as I saw it I was in love! Lol!

The next color is a true nude shade called Florence:

 Nude shades, for me, are more of a summer/spring shade but I won't NOT wear a nude shade just because its fall or winter. This color is a staple for any and every nail polish collection much the same as a black pair of pants or a pair of casual shoes is for your wardrobe. 

The next item in the box was the Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil: 

Cleansing oils are something that I have heard of and wanted to try, but not enough to go out and purchase one not knowing if I was going to like it or not. Getting this oil in my Julep box is awesome because I get to try it and don't have to pay any more than the cost of the box for that month. It's like getting a free product!

Last but certainly not least, they threw in this little extra: 

 This is a portable nail polish remover pad and it IS  a repeat item but one that I hope they keep on repeating. These little packets are ESSENTIAL if you are traveling and may be staying out of town for a few days and want to  bring a couple bottles of nail polish to change up your manicure. These wipes are compact, portable, and very easy to use. 

Now, getting into the heart of the matter, is Julep worth the price tag of $19.99/month? Julep polishes retail for about $14.00/bottle which is what a lot of the higher end polishes retail for or near. For $19.99/month I am getting TWO polishes ( great savings there ) and an extra beauty item! This month it was the cleansing oil. I would have to say that in my opinion Julep is totally worth the price if you are into nail polish and want to start collecting. 

*Another fun fact is that if you start doing your own nails at home, you are going to save hundreds of dollars per year that would have otherwise gone to a salon. Here is my link to Julep if you want to try them out! Thanks for reading!          http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/64609/

Holy Pigment Batman!! (Urban Decay Shadow Box Review)

.So, I just purchased a few new makeup items that all came in today. One of those items was the Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow Box palette.

 This Palette was on sale for 10.00 on Ulta.com and I figured I would pick it up and... Man.... I'm just blown away. Here is a photo of what the inside of the palette looks like: 

These colors seemed very vibrant and felt very smooth but nothing special which is why I always passed on purchasing it before now; but then...I swatched them and 

 HOLY PIGMENT BATMAN!! These shadows are vibrant, smooth, and I am OVER THE MOON that I got this palette on such a good deal!!!! I cannot WAIT to see what eye looks I get with these babies! If it is still on sale at Ulta, I will place the link below! Thanks for reading!!!

Link for Palette on Ulta.com: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2151347&productId=prod2151347&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat80045%20cat940003

E.L.F Neutral Eye Shadow Palette Review!

So not too long ago, I was in my local Target store and went into the makeup section ( as always ) and found this item on the end cap:

 <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10481421/?claim=hg6qsaucmf8">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

 This is the Eyes Lips Face neutral eye shadow palette. This palette retails at target for $15.00, but I found this baby on clearance for $5.99!! I could not believe my luck when I saw all the shades that this palette had to offer:

 This palette comes with 144 shades and ALL of them are neutral!! There is not ONE neutral eye look that you cannot do with these shades. Now, even though I believe this is a steal even at regular price, I must be realistic about the quality. 

 They are pigmented yes, but not to the quality of say Urban Decay or Mac, BUT ( and for effect, again I say BUT ) by adding a primer to your eyes and applying to color as you would ANY high end eye shadow, with a little work, the end results will be the same.

This palette was my go-to palette for fall because the colors are so warm and it was inexpensive enough to wear day to day without feeling as if I was wasting it. Again I say, these shadows are BEST when applied over a primer, but then again, what makeup DOESN'T  look better over a primer? I am of the opinion that this palette is worth it, and for the shade range as well as the price (even at regular price) you can't beat this deal with a stick!!! Thanks for reading! Links to where you can purchase this palette below!

Purchase the Palette at TARGET: http://www.target.com/p/e-l-f-neutral-eyeshadow-set-144-pc/-/A-14184484#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=ELF+NEUTRAL+EYESHADOW+PALETTE

or

Purchase the Palette on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/l-f-Piece-Eyeshadow-Palette-Neutral/dp/B009Q1YPTG/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1377736305&sr=1-1&keywords=elf+neutral+eyeshadow+palette