12/31/14

Naturebox First Impressions!

Hey guys!  As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I have done away with all my beauty subscription services other than my FFFVIP box, and instead I decided to go with Naturebox.  If you aren't familiar with it, basically it is just a monthly subscription service for healthier snacks.  They have several different options on their site depending on what you want/need.  You can get different amounts depending on your family size, and they let you specify any food allergies and things of that sort.  This is not fat free, calorie free, taste free food.  This is just simply food made with better ingredients to promote healthier snacking.  They have a free trial box available on their site and I decided to take advantage of it.  Here is what I got in my free box:


I got one full-size snack, the Chocolate Quinoa Granola.  This was yummy, as were all the other items we received.  (We have since gobbled up every bit of our snacks).


In the sample box you only get 1 full-size item and the rest are these little bags.  I think that is fine as you are getting this stuff for free (we had to pay $2 to have it shipped is all).  The 2nd item we received were these Coconut Cashews.  Naturebox has lots of different nut snacks, we always love some cashews!


I actually HATE tomatoes so I was a little leery of trying these tomato flavored almonds.  They were so good!  I personally don't think they taste like tomatoes, they just tasted like seasoned almonds to me.


These basically tasted like Craisins to me, which I totally love.


I love salty, crunchy snacks and these were one of the first items we finished.


All in all this was a great sample pack for us.  We ate and enjoyed every morsel so we decided to stick with it and we actually chose the $19.99/month plan.  We have since received that box and I thought I would incorporate those items in this post as well.....just to let you see what you get once you start getting billed for the service.


In the $19.99/month plan you get 5 full-size items.  You have the option to specify what items you'd like to try or they will randomly select items for you.  I went in and picked 25 or so things I would like to try, and they picked the first 5 off that list.


The Big Island Pineapple seems to be a very popular item that a lot of people like.  This is David's favorite thing in the box this month, but I can't really eat it.  I had a HORRIBLE stomach virus right after Thanksgiving and the last thing I had ate was dried coconut.  I just can't do dried fruit right now.  Yuck.


Love cashews, love this.


Look who decided to join me in this post!  Piper!  Anways, yes....more cashews.  These are just as delicious.  (We love cashews and love spicy food...win/win).


I think these were limited edition, although Naturebox has several varieties of Nom Noms.  (Nom Noms are basically these really moist, delicious cookies).  These are made of rolled oats, honey, and almonds, and they are SOOOOO good.


These are basically like Corn Nuts only they are so much easier to chew and don't feel like they're going to break your teeth out, lol.  Again, I love salty, crunchy snacks and these don't disappoint!

Alright, that's it for now guys!  All in all we are TOTALLY loving Naturebox at this point and we have no intentions on stopping our subscription.  If you get this box let me know what snacks are your favorite.  Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!
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12/28/14

Best In Beauty: 2014 Favorites

Hi guys!  It's that wonderful time of year again when I go through all of the beauty products I've used for the past year and compile a list of what worked best.  I did this a little different last year, kind of purposely finding a drugstore and high-end version of each favorite.  This year my list is much shorter, this is simply my standout favorites.  I don't care if they are drugstore or high-end, the only requirement to end up on this list is that they had to be a home run winner.  I've purchased a lot of REALLY great products here in the last few months of the year, and while I was dying to put some of them on this list, I did not.  If it wasn't something that I used for a considerable amount of time this year I didn't think it was fair to list it.  I basically just thought of my standout products, and put them into categories.  If I didn't have a favorite in a certain category then you simply won't see it.  Anyways, if you're interested in seeing what the best beauty products of 2014 were for me, then here you go!

FOUNDATIONS


High-end Favorite:  Make Up For Ever


Drugstore Favorite:  Covergirl Ready, Set Gorgeous

Picking the best foundations for this year was a total no-brainer.  It  just so happened I had both high-end and drugstore items in this category.  As you can see there are powders from each brand included in the photos, that is because they are actually powder foundations.  I use both of them to set my makeup, but they are in fact powder foundations.  I use all of these products interchangeably, but they are hands down my favorites of 2014.  All of these have great coverage and work well with my oily skin.

PRIMER


Primer Favorite:  Tarte Clean Slate Poreless
(click on link above to see me using this)

I don't necessarily use a primer every time I do my makeup, but if I do use one it's always this one.  I have huge pores on the apples of my cheeks and this really helps to hide them.

BLUSH


High-end Favorite:  MAC Powder Blush in Peaches
(click on the link above to see me wearing this)

A matte peach blush is a must-have in anyone's collection as it works with just about any look and is universally flattering.  The color is just beautiful and this particular formula is great for not accentuating pores.


(click on the link above to see me wearing this)

I have loved this product for YEARS.  Hands down one of my favorite shades to wear in the Fall and Winter.

HIGHLIGHT


High-end Favorite:  Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders
(click on the link above to see me wearing this)

These beautiful powders are ALL I want to use for my highlight!  They give such a perfect glow without making your skin look like a grease ball.  


I love all the shades but Luminous Light is probably my pick.


(click on the link above to see me wearing this)

When I am not using my Hourglass powders this is basically the only other highlight I've been using for months now.  It gives a very similar look - a beautiful glow with no shimmers/glitters and it also doesn't give you a greasy look.  At $3.99 for 0.46oz (huge) this is such a steal.

BRONZER


(click on the link above to see me wearing this)

Not much to say about this, as it is basically the perfect bronzer for mediumish skin tones.  Beautiful, deep, matte bronzer that is excellent to use for contouring your face.


Drugstore Favorite:  Milani Bronzer XL in Fake Tan
(click on link above to see me wearing this)

Another huge product that is super affordable at the drugstore.  I love to swirl a big, fluffy face brush in this and sweep it over the high points of my face.  I also love to take my Nars Ita brush and dip it in the darker shade to use as my contour.

UNDER-EYE HIGHLIGHTING CONCEALER


High-end Favorite:  MAC Prep + Prime in Radiant Rose
(click on link above to see me wearing this)

I don't have super dark circles under my eyes, but I definitely like to brighten things up a bit.  I love the light consistency of this and the coverage and brightness it gives, as I don't like really heavy products on my under eye area.


Drugstore Favorite:  Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant

A drugstore product that is super similar to the MAC Prep + Prime.  The Radiant shade is definitely the best one they have.

FACE CONCEALER


Favorite:  Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Medium

I have no less than 30 concealers and yet this is ALWAYS the one I reach for to cover any imperfections on my face.  It covers without looking patchy and blends away to where you can't really see it.  I never mention this but it is a total winner in my book.

UNDER-EYE CONCEALER SETTING POWDER


Favorite:  MAC Shaping Powder in Emphasize

I use this every single time I do my makeup.  Like I mentioned above I don't like heavy products under my eyes, I like to keep it light and bright!  This setting powder helps lock your concealer into place but it doesn't cause creasing or anything like that.  Perfect.

EYESHADOW PALETTE



(click on link above to see me wearing this)

Definitely my most used palette in 2014.  I have used and loved this for months now.  Although I will admit, had the Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Palette came out sooner it would have probably knocked this one out of the #1 slot.  Vegas Lights is truly lovely though and it has received so much love from me this year.

MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY


Favorite:  Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

This is the makeup setting spray I reach for 95% of the time.  Rarely do I ever use anything else, as this is the best at combatting oil throughout the day.

EYELINER


High-end Favorite:  MAC Eye Kohl in Costa Riche
(click on link above to see me wearing this)

A beautiful reddish coffee bean brown, Costa Riche is my eyeliner of choice in the waterline when doing a smokey eye.  While lots of gals typically reach for a black liner, I actually prefer something not so harsh.  This works perfectly.


Drugstore Favorite:  Physician's Formula 2 in 1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner Pen in Ultra Black
(click on link above to see me wearing this)

I've used this for forever now.  Just a really great easy to use eyeliner for your upper lash line.

MASCARA


(click on link above to see me wearing this)

This probably is no surprise if you follow my blog at all.  I've used this for monthssssss now.  I've used several high-end mascaras this year as well, but this one has simply worked the best for me.  I definitely tend to use drugstore mascaras over high-end ones, as I like my mascara to be fresh.  Once it starts getting old I toss it and grab a new one and it's just more economical for it to be a cheap one at the drugstore. 

BROW PRODUCTS


Favorites:  Anastasia Brow Wiz and Dip Brow Pomade
(click on link above to see me wearing this)

Again, this should come as no surprise.  The only 2 brow products I use.  Period.  I always kind of quickly fill things in with the Brow Wiz, then go back over the middle to outer parts of my brows with the Pomade.  These 2 products work beautifully together.

LIPSTICK



High-end Favorite:  MAC Syrup
(click on link above to see me wearing this)

My perfect YOUR-LIPS-BUT-BETTER shade.  A beautiful cloudy pink, I think this would be flattering on just about anyone.



Drugstore Favorite:  Jordana Twist & Shine in Honey Love
(click on link above to see me wearing this)

I think the Jordana balm stains are excellent products, not too mention they are super affordable.  The mauve shade Honey Love is my pick of the bunch.

LIP BALM


Favorite:  Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm
(click on link above for more info)

I have oodles of lip balm and this one is my standout favorite.  Totally worth the price tag.  Totally worth the hype.  I will always have this in my collection.

LIP SCRUB


Favorite:  Lush Mint Julips

Not only does this product make your lips feel soft as a baby's bum, it tastes great too!  In case you're not familiar with it, you just rub a tiny amount of this sugar-based lip scrub on your lips then lick it off.  Works great.  Simple as that.

BEAUTY TOOLS


Skincare Favorite:  Clarisonic

An item that I use every single day but rarely ever mention.  I've used a Clarisonic for years now and I can't imagine it not being in my daily routine.  Nothing else makes your skin feel as clean as this item does.


Makeup Favorites:  beautyblender and Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki
(click on 2 links above for more info)

There are numerous brushes in my collection that I couldn't imagine not using when doing my makeup but this foundation brush by Sigma, along with my beautyblender, are total must haves.  Once you use them there is just no going back.  Have.  To.  Have.

SKINCARE


Moisturizer Favorite:  Nerium AD
(click on link for more info)

I did a whole blog post on this moisturizer and why I love it so much.  I'm currently out of it but will definitely be repurchasing it.  Solid product.


(click on the two links above to see me using these)

Freeman has totally got it going on in the mask department.  I know most would probably mention Glam Glow in this category, and I too am a big fan of those masks as well (especially the Thirsty Mud).  But I have used these more and find myself reaching for these more than I do those, so the favorite goes to these two.

EYE MAKEUP REMOVER


Favorite:  Bioderma
(click link above for more info)

I've used this for yearsssssssss.  I have the world's most sensitive eyes and this works best for me.  It's as gentle as water (literally) but still removes your makeup.  I buy these huge mega jugs at Amazon and they last forever.  Love.

FACIAL OIL


(click link above for more info)

My love for oils is no secret, and this is my FAVORITE one for the face.  Just a basic, natural, pure no-frills face oil that my skin adores.

HAND CREAM


(click link above for more info)

I am never without this.  Feels lovely on your hands and really keeps them soft and moisturized.

NAIL POLISH



Favorite:  Essie I'm Addicted
(click on link above to see me wearing this)

If you go back through my blog from this year you will see this on my nails in the majority of my posts, lol.  Can't.  Get.  Enough.  This is literally the only color I ever want to wear.  Such a no-brainer obvious winner for this year.

TOP COAT


Favorite:  Seche Vite
(click on the link above for more info)

The only top coat there is.  Perfection.  Period.

LEAVE-IN HAIR PRODUCTS


(click on the link above for more info)

I own and have tried SO many hair products it isn't even funny.  Generally speaking if it is something that goes down the drain (shampoo/conditioner) I buy cheaper products, whereas if it is a leave-in product I'm more apt to investing more into it.  While these two products are not crazy expensive, they perform like they are and I prefer them to some of my more costly items.  I use these every single time I wash my hair, and I use the oil even on days when I don't.  Both make your hair super soft and silky and I just adore them.

DRY SHAMPOO


Favorite:  Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

Favorite formula, favorite scent.  Not only do I keep this at home, but I also keep travel size ones in my travel toiletry bag as well.

HAIR TOOL


Favorite:  Conair YOU Curl
(click on the link above to see my hair curled using this)

I have used this SO much this year.  2014 was definitely the year of the curling wand, and this one did everything I wanted it to do.  If you go through my blog posts and see my hair is wavy or curly, then I probably used this.  Highly recommend.

PERFUME/FRAGRANCE


Favorite:  YSL Manifesto

For the biggest part of this year I only had samples of this perfume that I would put in my Travalo.  I got the big bottle of this a few months ago and have used it like crazy.  A great scent for anytime of the year, but especially Fall and Winter.  YSL has amazing perfumes!

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today and going through my favorites from this year!  It's been a great year and I thank you for sharing it with me!  I can't wait to see what the new year brings and what beauty trends come along with it.  I hope you will continue to check things out from time to time on here, and will share with me your thoughts and feedback.  Have a great week and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
#herestoagreat2015
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