My Skin Cleansing Routine

 

So a few months back, i knew it was time to invest in a Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System.  I asked many of you for help in deciding which would make the best investment for me.  After much deliberating, it was obvious that the Clarisonic Mia 2 was the one for me!  First, one of my twins is named Mia so I'm a bit biased to the name!  On a more serious note, after reading more about this product, i felt that it was a great investment!  Yes, it's not exactly cheap, but... when you factor in the costs of all those expensive treatments/procedures geared towards keeping your skin young and refreshed, well... why not opt to just take really good care of it on a daily basis to avoid needing any of those other things right?  Now I'm not claiming that this product will keep wrinkles away or anything like that.  But I'm a firm believer that if you keep your skin clean, hydrated and protected on a daily basis, you can essentially delay some of the 'aging' factors. 

So on a daily basis (and yes, it is a bit of a commitment but if i can do it with my twinadoes, certainly you can find the time as well), i dab a few drops of my favorite skin cleanser Purity by Philosophy (i love Philosophy products, particularly their fragrances) on to my Clarisonic Mia 2 and proceed to cleanse my skin.  This product has an automatic timer, making it practically fool proof! This is ideal since i can get easily distracted!  The timer helps keep me on track!  It's basically 20 seconds on your chin, 20 seconds on your forehead and 10 seconds on each cheek.   So I'm pretty sure you have ONE minute out of the day to do this no?  Here's a little trick... i use it right before heading to the shower so that i don't even have to rinse my face off in the sink.  I simply use my Clarisonic, and when when the timer stops, i step into the shower and rinse there!   Just to be sure i never forget to deep cleanse my skin, i also keep my favorite skin polish in the shower which you can read about here. 

See, easy peasy!  So do you have a Clarisonic Cleansing system?  What are your thoughts?  I love all their fabulous colors and was so excited to get mine in 'Mango'!  I honestly felt a huge difference in my skin the very FIRST time i used it!  Isn't that insane??? 

XOXO, Carla

Somme Institute - Pillow Pack

I'm obsessed with great skincare!  Every time I find a gem, I love to share it with my wonderful readers!  So recently, I came across Somme Institute's Pillow Pack which not only promises to change your skin in one week, but it's also a wonderful way to sample some of their most essential skin care products!  Being the beauty junkie that I am, I was totally up for the challenge!  When my two week supply arrived in the mail, I tore open one of the packages and began to indulge in what would be a truly amazing experience!  The pillow pack is designed to transform your skin with MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology) in 5 easy steps, containing 5 essential vitamins all in 5 minutes! Did I mention that 5 is my absolute favorite number in the world??  Perhaps because I was born on January 5th, 1975 at 5:05 in the morning... could also be that I met my hubby on the 5th of August and that my girls were born on the 5th of December?  OK enough about that... but Somme Institute... you had me at FIVE! 

Before I begin my chat about each step, can we please talk about the packaging!  I am totally uhhhhbsessed with the sleek colorful dots against the crisp white packaging!  Each dot represents one of the five steps.  It's fun, playful, sleek and most importantly... it works!

Step one is the Nourishing Cleanser (in the blue dot).  I have actually been using this with my Clarasonic Mia 2 and love it!  My skin feels clean, refreshed and completely radiant after each use! 

 

Step two is the Transport exfoliating without abrasion (purple dot).  I cannot say enough good things about this product.  In fact, I think it's my favorite product in the pillow pack.  I simply use these pads to smooth over my clean face, neck and upper chest to exfoliate any dead cells on the skin's surface.  This helps to unclog blocked pores which I occasionally fall victim to.  I have honestly noticed a major difference since i began using this product.  Love, love, looooove!

Step 3 Serum (orange dot).  This wonderful serum is designed to boost collagen and lighten discoloration.  It contains vitamin C with MDT5 which strengthens skin elasticity and smooths the appearances of fine lines.  Um yes please!

 

Step 4 A-Bomb (green dot).  This step is designed to accelerate cell renewal.  This feels so good on my skin.  It's packed full of vitamins A & E helping to soften fine lines and wrinkles while targeting problem areas. 

 

Step 5 (pink dot) is the Double Defense moisturizer.  I love it because it's lightweight!  I hate the feeling of heavy products on my face.  This water-resistant lotion with SPF30 tops off this skincare regimen allowing skin to feel hydrated and smooth. 

I'm totally impressed with the way my skin feels.  You've heard me review some of my favorite skin care brands before and know how devoted I am to them.  I was a bit skeptical going into this challenge simply because a week is such a short amount of time to really see any kind of significant results.  However, my skin really does feel incredible!  The best part... it's convenient!  I went away this past weekend and knew that I didn't have much to think about when it came to packing my skin care regimen.  I simply tossed the pillow pack into my weekender bag and voila... off I went!  Have you ever tried Somme Institute products?  What's your favorite?  I'm dying to try the Boost Warming Mask!  Looks delicious! 

Thank you so much for reading!  A special 'thanks' to Somme Institute for sending me the pillow packs to test and love! Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM! XOXO Carla

Naturopathica Lavender Honey Balancing Mist and Vitamin C Revitalizing Complex plus GIVEAWAY!!!

 

So you've heard me profess my love for Naturopathica on various occasions right? You can read some of my previous posts here and here!  Well, I've recently had the pleasure of adding a couple more products to my already fantastic collection courtesy of my friends at Naturopathica.  I was dying to try their Vitamin C complex as well as their Lavender Honey Balancing Mist.  Well, here's my review for both... and stick around because at the very end of the reviews, i will be hosting a wonderful giveaway from Naturopathica so that you can see for yourself just how uhhh-mazing they are!

 

Lets talk about the Lavender Honey Balancing Mist.  OK, I'll admit, I'm a HUGE lavender fan period!  So basically, anything that smells of the bloom, i'm immediately smitten! It's so calming and soothing... trust me, when you chase after twinadoes all day long, you need a bit of 'calm and soothing' in your life.  Well, enter the Lavender Honey Balancing Mist!  This is a wonderful mist is intended to tone and hydrate your skin while restoring equilibrium to the mind!  If you're not quite sure what the "restore equilibrium to the mind" means, I'll give you a perfect example.  Without fail, every single time I've used it, i utter the words "OHHHH MY GO"!  Seriously, i catch myself every time!  It feels incredible and smells as though I'm laying in a field of fresh lavender!  Trust me, one spritz of this beauty and you too will be uttering those words... trust me!  It's love at first mist!

So with the wonderful Fall season practically upon us, the days get a little bit cooler, the nights... a little crisper which can only mean one thing!  It is imperative that we up our vitamin C intake right?  No, i don't mean just for your body but for your skin as well!  If you have yet to try a vitamin C complex for your skin, do yourself a favor and pick some up asap!  It's a perfect blend of essential antioxidants that penetrate deep into the skin protecting it from 'environmental assault'.  Most importantly, it contains anti-aging properties to help extend the life of your skin.  I know many of your reading this may think, 'well, i don't have wrinkles, I'm too young for this product etc' but trust me, you are never too young to start thinking about prevention! I mean, do you actually want to wait until you have your first wrinkle to start doing something about it?  Doesn't sound right to me!  So do yourself a favor and start now!

And now for the best part!  Lets talk about the wonderful GIVEAWAY Naturopathica has in store for you!  They and I feel so strongly about these products that we wanted to give one lucky reader a chance to try the Vitamin C Revitalizing Complex (A $58 value)!  So here are the rules for the giveaway:

You must be or become an official follower of Fashion Maven Mommy on GFC.  In addition, you must "like" the Naturopathica and FMM facebook pages.  OK, so those were the mandatory entries.  You will also have some bonus entries which are as follows:  You can follow @naturopathica & @fashionmavenmom on twitter for extra points as well as follow Fashion Maven Mommy on Bloglovin.  These are not mandatory but will give you plenty more chances to win!  This contest is only open to USA readers.  GOOD LUCK!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d0df544/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

 

 

Ok, listen up ladies!  So you know how sometimes your skin just feels like it needs an extra deep cleaning even after you've already washed it?  Well, i've found just the perfect thing!  Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads are insanely delicious on my skin!  I keep them on my night stand, ensuring that i will not forget to use every night before applying my night cream!  First, lets talk about how uhhhh-mazing they smell!  Do you like peach Bellinis?  Of course you do!  Well, that's exactly what they smell like, unlike some of those other traditional medicine smelling pads... YUCK!  One swipe with these delightful little wonders and your skin will feel incredibly clean and smooth.  If you suffer from acne, these pads will certainly work overtime to help rid your skin of all those tiny annoyances!  Luckily, i discovered an even better use for these pads!  Just about one week after i started using them, i began to notice that my one sun spot on my right cheek was starting to fade away!!!  What??? Score!  I mean, to have an unexpected added benefit is just a delightful little bonus don't you think?  Soooo, what are you waiting for!  Pick yours up today!  They're available at one of my favorite beauty websites SkincareRx!  Have you tried these before?  What are your thoughts?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO Carla

A Peek Inside My Makeup Bag

As a beauty blogger, I often get asked what products I carry with me at all times.  Well, this is actually a tricky question as I often switch out products!  You see, my makeup bag is actually a bit on the small side and there's a good reason for this!  The bigger the bag, the more stuff I carry, making it so difficult to track anything down!  So, I try and limit myself... yes, this is limiting myself!  So without further ado, let me walk you through my current must haves!

First, here's my super cute Kate Spade makeup bag which i scored at Marshall's for an excellent price!  Woohoo don't you just love finding something you love for practically a steal??  Me too!

Ok so here are some of my lip products... from left to right:  Stila Long Wear Liquid Lip Color in Fiery  (warning, once this gorgeous color indulges your lips... it ain't going anywhere!), NARS lip gloss in Wonder (Love this pretty coral & love the texture even more!), and Bobbi Brown Creamy Color for Lips & Cheeks in Pink Truffle (It's no secret that I'm a huge Bobbi Brown fan, but what i love even more, is multi-tasking products... this one does NOT disappoint!).

Here are the swatches!  The top color is Bobbi Brown, the middle color is NARS, and the color on the bottom is Stila.  I love the range of colors stemming from a classic red, to coral-y orange, to a pretty rose, 'cause you just never know what you're gonna wanna wear!  What do you think?

Next are some of my favorite lipsticks... hey, you gotta have options!

 

 

 From left to right, Chanel Rouge Coco in 18 Rouge Noir (To quote the stunning Rachael Zoe... 'it's my day to night situation'!, MAC in Lady Danger (For when I'm feeling bold), and lastly MAC in Rocker (I snatched this pretty baby when they re-released 'candy yum yum, moxie and rocker'.  Hopefully you can too! It's a limited edition). 


I've actually already blogged about this Lip Paint in Rouge A Levres 61 that i picked up at Inglot during my vacation in Curacao.  I'm so in love with this stunning hue... i find myself reaching for it often.  I love the way it feels on my lips!  It's so silky and smooth... love!

 

Here's a swatch!  You can also see it here and here where I'm wearing it in the 'before' picture.

 

 

The next set of products are great for brightening up the eye area.  Very important after a long day, especially if you want to head out somewhere after work and don't have time to freshen up at home.  The first is NARS the multiple in Copacabana.  This is an awesome highlighter but is also one of those multi-tasking products i love so much because you can wear it on your eyes and lips as well.  This particular color is a bit too light for my lips, however, i have dabbed a bit in the middle of my lips over my lip color for some added dimension!  Clever huh?

 

 

This Bobbi Brown cream shadow in Bone is the perfect color for brightening the eyes.  It's matte and it doesn't crease.  I have dabbed this under my eyes when i don't have concealer at hand!  It's puuuurrrfect for this tired mommy!

 

 

OK so can we please talk about how obsessed I am with this Naturopathica eye serum?  OMG i carry it with me everywhere... did you hear me?  EVERYWHERE!  In fact, i need another one for my nightstand!  I blogged about Naturopathica (my new skincare obsession) recently, and i professed my love for this Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum.  However, at the time, i was in love with the way it felt on my skin, not realizing the brightening effects!  The other day i applied it in front of a mirror and realized that (woohooo), i could wear this and skip my concealer all together!   I may cry when i run out... It's uhhhhh-mazing! 

 

 

 

Here are the swatches... from left to right:  NARS, Bobbi Brown, and Naturopathica.

 

 

 

OK so yes, all these beauty products are essential... however these next two items are always a MUST!  Repeat after me... I solemnly swear to always carry a nail file and a little pill box!  Yes, because have you ever been in a situation where your nail chipped and it's tugging at everything making you want to pull your hair out?  Yes, I know you have... so arm yourself ladies!  I opted for a cute Sally Hansen file.  The pretty pill box was gifted to me by a wonderful friend and I use it to house some headache medicine because... again, mommy of twins (aka twinadoes) hence... headache prevention medicine!

 

 

Here are a few other necessary products i carry with me at all times. From left to right: Melvita Eau Florale de Rose, thank you Birchbox (I splash this on my face to refresh on those scorching hot summer days... it literally saved my life on my flights to/from vacation), Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream, thank you again Birchbox (I use this on my lips, cuticles, hands, etc... great stuff), lastly, Bath & Bodyworks antibacterial soap in Fresh Lemon. I LOVE this stuff and as a mommy of 4 year old double trouble, germs just seem to find us! So I like to be armed with this great product... and did I mention it smells incredible??

 

 

Lastly, it's very important to carry around some cute hair ties and headbands, because you never know when you may need to keep your hair out of your face.  However, you still want to look super cute and not frumpy right?  I love these sleek hair ties (I don't remember the brand, but I purchased them at Target), and I'm obsessed with this sparkly headband!  Yes, i know I'm a mom and should have outgrown sparkles by now, but c'mon... can you ever really outgrow sparkly things?  I think not!  I picked it up at Bath Junkie but I've seen similar at Anthropologie!

 

And there you have it, my makeup bag must haves.  Soooo tell me, what's in your makeup bag?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! 


Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO Carla

 

Skinnygirl Lip Scrub

The other day, I strolled into CVS looking for some magazines.  I was instantly greeted by Bethenny Frankel's Skinnygirl line of skincare.  Interestingly, i wasn't even aware that she made this.  I mean, we all know the girl can make a mean cocktail (omg have you tried her Skinnygirl Sangria?...drooling), and we also know she could entertain us for hours with her quirky sense of humor and admirable rawness, but skincare?  Well, why not!  So, after checking some of the products out, the Skinnygirl Lip Scrub stood out as a product I really wanted to try.  You see, I find that the cooler weather takes quite a toll on my lips!  As we prepare to transition from the warmer summer months to the crisp Fall air, I figured I'd arm myself with a lip scrub since i just ran out of my current stuff. 

I found this product to be quite good!  In fact, it not only exfoliates, but moisturizes as well.  You simply apply a small amount on your finger, place on  your lips and gently rub to scrub away all the dead skin leaving your lips looking and feeling brand new!  It's key ingredients are Mango Seed Butter; Peppermint Oil Safflower Oil; Sweet Almond Oil.  Best part you ask?  Made in the USA!  Way to go Bethenny, what else do you have up your sleeve??

You can purchase Skinnygirl Lip Scrub as well as other Skinnygirl skincare products at your local CVS.  Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO Carla.

Naturopathica

So a few months ago, when i did the HBA Global Expo event for Allure magazine, i mentioned that i met with some really wonderful beauty companies.  One in particular was Naturopathica.  They are a skincare company that combines active, certified organic and anti-aging ingredients to deliver powerful results.  They so generously sent me a package of their most popular skin care products.  I've been testing every single one of them out for almost a month now.  I wanted to be sure to give you the most honest review possible.  Truthfully, I'm totally smitten by these amazing products not only because they feel wonderful on my skin, but they really appeal to my 'green' side.  Who doesn't love organic products right? So in this package, I'd say there were a few products that really stood out from the bunch which i will review for you today. 

First, lets talk about the Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum.  When i first sampled this product, i was a bit taken aback by the texture and scent.  Lets just say i didn't love the scent necessarily, but i will tell you that the texture is amazing... did you hear me?  AMAZING!  I probably use this product about three times a day because its texture makes this eye serum so easy to manipulate and massage around the eye area.  I simply dab it in the area under my eyes and proceed to massage all the way around including the area above the eye by following the bone structure. It's honestly, a little bit of heaven.  I have sampled many many eye serums, but this one just feels different.  As for the scent, it's an acquired taste... it's light and I've since learned to like it.

The next 'must have' product is the Plant Stem Cell Serum. This tiny little powerhouse is a certified organic concentrated serum, designed to significantly slow down the aging of cells due to inflammation caused by UVA photodamage and oxidative stress.  I'll take FIVE please!  OMG i love this product!  I wear it every single day under my moisturizer and love the fact that it slows down the aging process.  I may have to dab this pretty baby on more than just my face... ahem!

OK if you're obsessed with lavender like me, you'll LOVE the Lavender Protective Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 17.  This has been my go to daily moisturizer since it arrived and when i run out, i will replenish it!  The scent is sooooooooo wonderfully soothing and it feels light (which i love in a moisturizer this time of year) yet provides just the right amount of hydration.  A wonderful product in my book!  If your skin is a bit on the dry side, i highly recommend the Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream.  It smells incredible and is a bit heavier then the Lavender Protective Moisturizer.  I will definitely sport this pretty baby during the winter months, when my skin tends to get a bit on the dry side.  If you're in the market for a new facial scrub, check out their Oat Facial Polish for all skin types.  I like to keep it in the shower, this way I'm sure to use it daily.  After all, clean skin is imperative!

 

Overall, I'm so grateful to the wonderful people at Naturopathica for introducing me to such amazing products.  I will definitely do some shopping on their gorgeous site.  I already have my eyes set on the Vitamin C Revitalizing Complex as well as their Lavender Honey Balancing Mist.  So, if organic is your thing (and even if it's not at the top of your list), do yourself a favor and check out these amazing products.  Your face will thank you for it! 

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM! XOXO Carla

Beauty Bar Sample Society with Allure - August 2012

OK, this was hands down, by far the BEST box I've received so far!  In fact, i was on the fence about whether or not to continue my subscription, but this box made it real easy for me to decide!   Here are its contents:

• Deborah Lippmann full size nail polish in Private Dancer.  (Yes you read that correctly, i had the same reaction!)
• Phyto Phytonectar Oil Ultra Nourishing Oil Treatment.
• Elemental Herbology Cool & Clear Facial Cleanser.
• Arcona Cranberry Toner.
• Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara.
• Bonus Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

Overall, i felt that this was a very well rounded box.  I received something for my nails, hair and face!  I'm in love... OK, gotta go play with all my goodies!  Enjoy the video! 

Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer

So, we all have days where even the best of concealers just don't seem to house the power to vanish the most unrested looking eyes, correct?  I mean, as a mommy of twins, I've found myself dragging through many sleepless nights and really, the only cure is a good night sleep.  I have a favorite concealer for days like this which you can read about here.  However, most days, i don't want to wear a heavy product.  I just want good coverage that brightens the eye area without that heaviness that some of the stronger products make you feel like.  So when i came across Perricone MD's No Concealer Concealer, i was immediately intrigued.   The name alone makes you wonder?  Well, is it a concealer or not?  Well, you know I'm a huge fan of multi tasking products and this little baby is just that!  It is a treatment and concealer product that's specifically formulated for the eye area to create a naturally more rested, awakened, and brightened eye. Hello... naturally more rested all in a tiny little bundle of joy!  I need 'naturally more rested' for sure!  And if a good night sleep isn't in the cards, well i know exactly what to reach for!  Well, if this isn't enough to convince you to stroll on over to Sephora and check it out, perhaps this will!  This product is a mineral based SPF 35 (yep, you read that correctly) that conceals without irritating and can also camouflage those imperfections in targeted areas of the face.  In addition, (yes there's more), it's also a primer creating a smoother makeup application while making your makeup last longer.  It comes in one universal crease proof shade, and is packed with anti aging ingredients!  I don't care how young you are, it's all about prevention!  So run, don't walk, over to your Sephora counter and grab one of these tiny powerhouses.  Your eyes will thank you for it.  YOU'RE WELCOME!

Bobbi Brown Haul

There are so many amazing cosmetic brands out there, it's hard to ever commit to just one!  However, I always find myself itching for Bobbi Brown every so often!  When i purchase a Bobbi Brown product, i know that I'm getting the best possible quality, and that's important to me!  Last month, i went on a little shopping trip and walked away with some wonderful goodies that I'd like to share with you! So you all know how much i absolutely swear by Bobbi's Beach Fragrance during the summer months right?  Since i already have that, i figured I'd add the lotion as well as the shimmer fragrance oil to compliment this already phenomenal scent.  Well, i was certainly not disappointed.  The lotion is light and very hydrating.  This lotion gives you just the right amount of hydration without feeling heavy on your skin.  The wonderfully light scent is the perfect compliment to this cult favorite fragrance.  The oil is also wonderfully hydrating but also adds a gorgeous glow with a very subtle amount of shimmer making this perfect for showing off your sun kissed legs and arms!  I highly recommend both! 

Next, i was running low on my all time favorite Shimmer Bricks in Bronze.  I always pack this gorgeous versatile little compact with me when i travel to the Caribbean.  I find that it's an all in one kind of product.  I wear it on my eyes and cheeks... heck, i dab this pretty baby all over for an added glow!  Top it with some mascara and lip gloss and you have a simple yet gorgeous look for your evening plans.  I mean, in super warm weather, you don't need much more then that to complete a look right? 

With this palette, you can basically choose to use an eyeshadow brush to wear each individual color on your eyes, OR you can use a blush brush or bronzer brush to dab all the colors combined and apply.  It's seriously one of my favorite shimmer bronzers. 

Another product i fell instantly in love with and will never do without again is the Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral.  Seriously, this color is peeeerrrrrfect for this time of year!  It's just bright enough and goes on smoothly giving you a bit of a dewey look.  You can apply this beauty on your lips as well.  Again, I'm a huge fan of any product that can multi-task, and this gorgeous cheek/lip color does just that!

Lastly, I'm always on the market for a great concealer.  You see, as a mommy of twins, beauty sleep is one thing I'm often deprived of.  I own several brands, some i love, some i don't.  I also have concealers for different occasions.  Meaning, some are milder, which i can get away with when i am more rested, or have a tan and don't need as much.  Then there are those heavy duty ones i use when i desperately need to erase those atrocious bags under my eyes that scream get back into bed asap!  This particular one is what i arm myself with when i have one of those days!  It's seriously industrial strength!  Interestingly enough, my sister (a former MAC artist and current freelancing makeup artist) suggested i pair it when a corrector.  Really?  A corrector?  Well it basically neutralizes dark under eye circles.  Umm I'll take two please! Heck, I'll give anything a try if it makes me look well rested when I'm really not!  So i picked up Bobbi Brow's Corrector in Bisque and topped it off with the Creamy Concealer Kit in Beige and voila.... you'd never know i was sleep deprived... EVER! I love that it comes with a setting powder that you apply over the concealer to create an even look without streaking.  LOVE this product!

Well, there you go... my Bobbi Brown Haul is complete.  I hope you enjoyed it and found it some what informative.  These products are available at Sephora, Nordstrom or Bobbi Brown stores.  So tell me, what's your favorite Bobbi Brown product?  I'd love to know!  Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO Carla.

eos Lip Balm

Psst...I have a little confession to make! I'm kind of obsessed with lip balms! (OK so i have lots of obsessions but for now we'll just discuss this one... don't judge!) I have found all kinds of gems that i will share with you one at a time. Most recently, i stumbled upon these super sleek, playful and oh so smooth eos lip balms! You've heard me say it before, I'm a total sucker for great packaging and this lip balm certainly does not lack on the 'cuteness' factor! You will definitely want to take this baby out of your make up pouch often just because... well, it's so cute! Well, cuteness aside, this lip balm is also an incredible product. You see, in the winter, i find myself reaching for 'healing' type lip products because my lips get so chapped. However, in the warmer months, i opt for milder balms that simply hydrate without feeling as though my lips are medicated. Oh and if they taste yummy, well that's just an added bonus right? Well, eos (which stands for 'evolution of smooth') has taken care of all those things! The best part about these balms is that they are 95% organic, 100% natural, gluten, paraben,Petrolatum and Phthalate free, so you can rest assured that you are not consuming all kinds of yucky stuff! My favorite of it's ingredients however is shea butter. I looooooove shea butter! I use it on my lips, skin, and hair! It's so hydrating!!! So, if you're in the market for lip balm packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oils and is 100% natural, this pretty little bubble of happiness is for you! They come in the following flavors: Summer Fruit,  Lemon Drop SPF 15 (hello.... SPF 15!! YAY), Strawberry Sorbet, Honeysuckle Honeydew, Medicated Tangerine  and Sweet Mint. Right now, I'm loving the Honeysuckle Honeydew and the Strawberry Sorbet, though i plan on adding Sweet Mint and Lemon Drop to my collection ASAP! eos lip balms are available at Target.

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO Carla

July Birchbox

So it took me a while to post this review but i have to say that i was so bummed that i did not get to review the June box at all because it was such a killer box!  I mean, June was pure madness around here!  Between finishing off the school year, packing for vacation and preparing for the HBA Global Expo with Allure Magazine, i just couldn't find the time to create a beautiful tribute to this box.  But i will tell you this, i got a ton of use out of it during my vacation!  I'll quickly tell you just some of the things included... Stila bronzer, Rose Water hydrating spray (hello, best thing on the airplane... even my little girls were asking for a spritz!), Staniac by the Balm which i happily applied on my cheeks and lips for a soft glow and my super cute and useful Tili bag which housed some yummy snacks for the plane!  So there you have it, a quick run down of what was possibly one of the best boxes!  Though this month certainly did not disappoint!

 

So without further ado, here are all the wonderful goodies that arrived at my doorstep this month!   For the month of July, Birchbox teamed up with Glamour magazine for a 'senses' themed box!   The first item i received was Blinc Mascara.  It was housed in a tube, making this product even more intriguing!  I'm a sucker for great packaging, and this certainly did not disappoint!  As for the product itself, it totally delivered making my lashes incredibly glossy!  Best part, no make up remover necessary... a dab of warm water will wipe this shiny beauty to mascara heaven!

 

The next product was a wonderful luxe salt scrub in lemon leaf by Dirt.  Honestly, it was like the people at Birchbox could read my mind!  I've been in the market for a body scrub, so the timing on this baby was puuuurrrrfect!  I actually used it for the first time today and loved, loved, LOVED it!  The texture was just abrasive enough to make me feel as though it was truly scrubbing away all the impurities, yet gentle enough that it didn't feel like i was getting sand blasted!  The delicious citrus scent was intoxicating in the most pleasant of ways making for a spa like shower experience for sure!

In this box, was a charming scent called Eau Flirt by Harvey Prince.  This fragrance was layered with notes of Jasmine and fresh citrus along with a base of lavender and pumpkin.  Although the scent is quite lovely, i don't foresee myself wearing it on a regular basis. 

 

So this next product was really interesting!  I received a Stila eyeshadow palette in 'the light eye'.  The colors consisted mainly of neutrals.  I can't wait to sample some of these since i love Stila products!  In fact, i already own some of the colors included in this palette.  I'd never seen a palette sample like this.  It basically resembles a post card.  I'll have a blast playing with these... i LOVE getting make-up samples! 

The next two products were actually Lifestyle Extras.  The first was a Larabar.  I personally am a huge fan of Larabars.  I was initially introduced to them by my wonderful yoga teacher during a 'detox' type seminar.  I've been in love with their products ever since!  Interestingly enough, i had yet to try this particular type of Larabar that fused sweet with savory making it the perfect snack!  I will absolutely purchase this again!

Lastly was a super cool and very useful item!  I received Birchbox Exclusive Earbuds!  Glamour put together a playlist available on their site that you can listen to using these sweet earbuds.  OR, you can simply use them on your ipod or iphone!  Can i just tell you how awesome it is to have an extra set of earbuds!  I go through these like water!  Oh and i was secretly hoping for this very color combo! (Here's a little secret.... they're washing machine proof... don't ask!)  Yay!

Overall, i thought this box was just as good as last months!  Birchbox is quickly becoming my absolute favorite monthly delivery service!  After all, for $10 per month, you actually get a lot more product than you pay for, that's for sure!  Thank you Birchbox!  I'm a very happy customer indeed!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Don't forget to become an official follower of FMM!  XOXO Carla