Saturday, January 18, 2014

January Birchbox Review



Well, it's that time of month again....Birchbox Review Time!!!

I recently decided I would renew my subscription after many months of not receiving it and having an empty feeling every month without seeing that pink box in my mailbox.  I don't know why I cancelled in the first place.  This month was amazing!  Now, let's get into it...

First off, I love the fact that they include a welcome card in the box.  It gives a great overview on the months theme and a nice list of product description within your box. This months theme is "Go Time".

Products in my box this month:




Toni&Guy PREP Heat Protection Mist
 I was so excited to see this product in my box this month.  I noticed this brand at Target the other day, so it's nice to know that I can pick it up locally. I received a decent size sample, as well. 2.53oz.  Great for my upcoming travels!


















Nail Rock Velvet Nail Polish Kit
This is flippin' awesome!  Something that I would never buy myself. Looking forward to trying it out later today.  I got it in the color Navy, which is a great winter color.
















Paula's Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster
This products promotes a brighter, firmer skin.  It also helps fades dark spots, which I have. My plan is to apply right after I get out of the shower, prior to putting on my moisturizer. Another deluxe size sample with a great dropper applicator.


















100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream
Looking forward to trying these.  I wish I could open to smell them, but I received 3 foil packets, so I'm waiting to crack into them once I'm ready to use them. I received 2 coconut nourishing body creams and 1 super fruits reparative cream.  They each feel like I could more than one use out of them, just hard to store foil packets once opened.





Ahmad Tea London
 Not much of a tea drinker, so maybe I'll give these to my mom.  But the theme of this months box is trying new things....so maybe I will try them.  I received English Tea No. 1, Green Tea, and Apricot.
















Overall, I am very happy with this box and glad I decided to re-join the service. I also loved the cards they included.  My main thing this year is to be more positive.  So, I plan on putting some of these cards up around my apartment and work.


If you are interested in joining Birchbox, check out their awesome website at birchbox.com


~Holsnicole



*This post is not sponsored by Birchbox

Friday, January 10, 2014

Birchblogger Review: Beauty Protector Hair Serum

I recently received the opportunity from Birchbox to try out Beauty Protector's newest Hair Serum.  I will start off by saying, WOW!  I'm always a little skeptical trying these types of products, due to my fine hair.  However, this provided my strands with a nice sheen and didn't weigh my hair down at all.

Beauty Protector, Hair Serum


First Impressions:

Packaging:
I absolutely love the packaging!  It is very durable (great for travel) and has a very nice size pump.  Love the gold & black.



Smell:
I wish there was a such a thing as "smell-a-vision".  I can't pin-point the exact smell, but it's very warm, sweet, sugary smell.  Not overpowering by any means. However, on day 1 I could smell it throughout the day (not a bad thing).  Day 2, couldn't smell anything.

Use:
Day 1: Used after I towel dried my hair.  Pumped about 3 drops into my roots and worked the product down my strands (my hair is just below the shoulders).   Left my hair feeling smooth and made my straightener (protects against heat) glide through my hair.  Couldn't really tell if there was a shine on the 1st day-more just softness and smelling wonderful!

Day 2: Same routine.  Left my hair feeling smooth again and easy to curl.  A little bit of a shine.

I will continue to use this product to see if there are any changes in my hair. Overall, I am very happy with this product.  Typically something I would never buy for myself, but I could see a difference even within 2 days.  I will for sure be checking out other products from Beauty Protector!

~Holsnicole

Monday, January 6, 2014

I'm on Bloglovin'!!!

I recently joined the online community of Bloglovin'.  Where you can follow blogs within your industry or interests.

Check my page out! 

http://www.bloglovin.com/holsnicole


Stay Warm!

~Holsnicole

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Snail Mail

I was aimlessly walking the aisles of Target last night and walked past the card section and thought to myself the only cards I ever purchase are the ones I put on packages and hand deliver people. Snail mail has become a thing of the past and it makes me sad.  I once loved getting cards, letters, notes in the mail in college from my friends that I once saw everyday. Just the joy of seeing a little envelope in the mailbox means a lot. Whether you are sending a card for a special occasion or just a note to say hello! Go buy some stamps and cute cards and make your loved ones feel loved!

Recently, I have become obsessed with little cards, not the ones you can get at Walgreens, Target or Hallmark, but more unique ones.  Anthropologie and Birchbox.com have some great options.   Here are some of my favorite ones...




~Holsnicole

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Favorite Products of 2013

This was the year that I grew my makeup collection, however there were many products that are just sitting there collecting dust.   A few have made my all time favorite list and I will be repurchasing over and over. I'm here to tell you my favorite products of 2013!  I narrowed it down to my top 10.  So, let's get on with it! (these are not in any order)





Not Your Mother's - Knotty to Nice Detangler 
   So fabulous!  I love the way it makes my hair feel and it leaves my hair less "knotty" for sure!

Beauty Blender
   Nothing else needs to be said about this...

Benefit Box Powder-Hoola
  Great bronzer without the shimmer.  Love the matte finish! Hit pan already and already have a backup in place.

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-1 Foundation
  Primer, concealer and foundation in 1! Flawless coverage for sure!  (on my 3rd bottle already)

CoverGirl Smoochies Lipstick
  Great lip balm with great long-lasting color!

Debra Lippmann Nail Polish
  Purchased my first bottle this year as a treat to myself.  Worth the money for sure!  I have the color "Moon Rendezvous".  Can't wait to splurge on some of the glitter ones.

Benefit Boi~ing Concealer
  Covers up all my dark spots perfectly.

Ruffian -  Matte Finish Nail Polish
  Just recently purchased this on birchbox.com I am in love!  Works great with the Debra Lippmann polish.  Leaves a perfect matte finish.  Chipping is not an issue here!

Marc Jacobs - LipLock in Makeout
  Perfect lip balm!  Put it on every morning and night.  It even has SPF  Sleek packaging.  A little on the pricey side, but worth it for sure.

Benefit Box Powder- Rockateur
 A rose-gold blush that leaves glow to your face :)

Tory Burch Perfume
  So glad the sales associate @ Bloomingdales in Chicago talked me into pre-purchasing this!  I love everything from the scent down to the fine details on the packaging.


Overall, this was a great year!  I'm looking forward to trying new products in 2014!  One of my goals is to step out and try products that I normally wouldn't.  More colors, brands, etc. Please give me any suggestions or tips you have.

Happy New Year, Everyone!