Benefit Balms

I have always been a little nervous on using Benefit's tints.  The thought of using a "stain" on my cheeks and lips has me running for a hot wash cloth!  Maybe I just need to break down and try it one time.  However, for now I'll stick to their lip balms.   I was so excited when these were first introduced.  I received a sample of the Posie Balm in my July Birchbox and fell in love with it!

First things first....The packaging is so adorable! These balms leave your lips feeling hydrated and have just a light tint of color. I mainly purchased a full size of the Bene-Balm, based on the light red tint it gave off.  I was a little scared at first of the red, but after doing a few swatches of it on my hand, I noticed that it just had a red sheen to it.

The balms come in 4 colors-Bene balm, Posie balm. Lolli balm, and Cha Cha balm.
They are totally worth the money and I would recommend them to anyone...based on the packaging alone.....Then again, I would recommend any Benefit products!

~Holsnicole

*This is not a sponsored post. 

Birchbox + The EveryGirl

Two of my favorite websites coming together to produce an awesome product...of course I would get it!

The first day that Birchbox announced that they would be having a box with the website The Everygirl, I jumped right on it to get it.  However, there was such high traffic on the sit,e that I wasn't able to secure a box. I send Birchbox a tweet to let them know how bummed I was.  If you didn't already know, Birchbox has a great customer service department and I was able to get The EveryGirl box at the last min. (plus another box, since they didn't send me the right one).

I am totally in love with this box! It came with 5 products.

Number 4-Super Comb Prep & Protect
Benefit-They're Real! Push-Up Liner
Acure Organics-brightening Facial Scrub
Harvey Prince-Hello Perfume
Not Soap, Radio-Happiness Inducing Body Wash

For once I will be using all the products  in this box.  My favorite is by far the Harvey Prince-Hello perfume!

What is your favorite product in the box? If you didn't get the EveryGirl box this month-what was in your box?

Happy 'Birchboxing' my friends!

Want to win a chance to host your own Benefit Cosmetics Party!?!?!  Birchbox and Benefit are giving you a chance to do just that!  Check out this link for more info! http://beautybash.birchbox.com/

~Holsnicole

Birchbloggers-Book Review: The Vacationers

I recently received the opportunity from Birchbox to review the book, The Vacationers by Emma Straub for their June Book Club. This is by far the best book I've read in a while. There were many parts that took me by surprise and made me wanting more. Typically it takes me a while to to finish a novel, but this is one I couldn't put down.

The book follows a family and their friends on a two-week vacation that celebrates several occasions.  There are a handful of characters in the story, however it's not hard to follow their stories and makes you feel a part of their lives.  The characters have their own flair and each bring a dynamic part to the read.

This book offers;  humor, drama, advice and even a little sexual escapades that leaves you not wanting the story to end.

If you are looking for a quick summer read, I recommend this book hands down!  Looking forward to July's book, The Bridesmaids, which I will also be reviewing.

Looking for an opportunity to review products for Birchbox??  Become a Birchblogger today!

~Holsnicole



*This book was given to me by Birchbox & Riverhead Books for review purposes. 

Birchbox Special Box: Modern Mermaid

Summer is upon us and what better way to spend it by using some summery products!  Birchbox has put together an awesome special box to have you "swimming" through summer. 

Once in a while Birchbox puts together a limited edition box for a season, holiday or other special occasion.  I normally don't get sucked into boxes like this, since there are normally only 1 or 2 things that catch my eye.  However, in this box EVERYTHING caught my eye!

This box is still available for purchase in the Birchbox store, so check it out!

The following products are essential for a perfect summer...

Looking to spend a lot of time in the pool or local lakes-You cannot forget to apply Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat prior to taking a dip!





The summer sun (whether it's out in full force or not) can burn areas, that you didn't even know were possible!  Protect those lippies with Coola's Liplux SPF 30 Original Formula.  This lip product doesn't feel like sunscreen on your lips at all.  Provides a light moisture, however don't forget to re-apply throughout the day!




Summertime is the time to go wild with your makeup and try vibrate colors you typically don't wear. Vasanti's Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil in Electric Navy will provide your eyes with a mermaidesqe feel.  This waterproof eyeliner even has a sharpener on the cap for easy on the go application.





I don't know about you, but I love the way my hair looks and smells after being out in the sun or on the beach for a day.  Captain Blankenship's Mermaid Mane Sea Salt Spray provides just that.  This 2oz spray will provide just that and bringing back great memories of that perfect summer day.




Besides a colorful swimming suit, nothing says summer to me than colorful nails!  Ruffian has exclusively created a trio of colors for this box.  The Endless summer Collection sports colors such as, Endless Love, Blue Lagoon and Sahara.  Not sure which one to pick first!





After a day out in the sun, nothing is better than freshening up prior to going out at night.  Atelier Cedrat Enivrant Cologne Absolue Travel Spray.  This spray has a hint of lime, juniper and mint (my favorite).

Finally, you might be wondering how can I sport a lot of these products
without a mirror?!?!?  Have no fear!  Birchbox always remembers the fine details.  Stephanie Johnson has designed a "Mermaid Pocket Mirror" exclusively for Birchbox. This may be my favorite part of the box!




Hope everyone has a fab summer and what are some of the products you are using this time of year?


~Holsnicole


*This post was not sponsored by Birchbox and this box was purchased with my own funds. 

Home Desk Organization

I am normally a very organized and clean person.  However, I recently noticed that my home desk was getting a little cluttered with random items.  I wanted to new look - one that was simple and less messy.

From a recent order from Birchbox.com  I received an acrylic organizer that has a cute diamond green pattern at the bottom.  I think it was suppose to be used for makeup, but I thought it would be a great desk organizer!

You can find these acrylic organizers at stores like Target, The Container Store, office supply stores, etc. There are a wide variety of them and you can tailor them to the size of your desk or how many items you want to put in them.  A simple serving tray would work as well, just to group everything together.  But, I do like the different compartments to separate the contents.  

Let me know if you have any organizational tips for your home office.

Happy organizing!

~Holsnicole

April Birchbox Review

Birchbox brings so much joy to my life every month and this month was no different.  If anything it brought me even more joy!  Hands down the best box I've received yet this year!

If you don't know, Birchbox is a monthly subscription box of high end, hard-to-find in stores beauty and lifestyle products.  It's $10/month and worth every penny (most months that is). 

I would have to say, that I have actually made additional purchases on their website and have always been happy with my orders and if not, their customer service team is fabulous!

Well, let's dive into this month's box...

Color Club-Gala's Gems Collection in Breakfast at...

   As soon as I saw this on the info card I got excited!  First off, I love this color! It's not quite Tiffany Blue, but it will do...Can't wait to use it this spring!

Number 4 High Performance Hair Care-Clarifying Shampoo

   Looking forward to trying this brand.  I have seen it alot on Birchbox.  I'm a  little worried about trying a clarifying shampoo, since it's known to strip hair, but I think once a week should be okay.  Any thoughts on this?

    They also threw in a Reconstructing Masque-which I'm glad this was an extra, since it was a wonderful foil packet. :/

Sumita-Color Contrast Eyeliner-Deep Purple

   Decent size sample.  At first I thought this was a nice brown color, but it's actually a deep purple.  It glides on really smooth and it is really like a crayon.  I did purchase a full size one off the site, as well this week.  I decided to go with the brown.  Love it! 

Supergoop!-City Sunscreen Serum

   I've seen this brand before at Ulta, but never really looked into it.  Another decent size sample.  This goes on really smooth and leaves a silky feeling.  I'm planning on wearing this in place of my moisturizer in the summer, if I'm going to be outside.  However, I did also purchase the Coola Tinted BB Cream, that has SPF 30 for the summer. 

Finally, the lifestyle extra-KIND Snacks-Healthy Grains Bar in Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt.  Most likely won't be eating this, since I'm not really a fan of pumpkin.  Might look into other flavors of this though. 

Overall, very satisfied with this box.  They seem to keep getting better and better every month. :)

~Holsnicole

Target Beauty Box is Here!

Didn't know that Target offered a box of beauty deluxe to full size products?  Well, they do and it's awesome!

This is my second beauty box from Target and I have nothing but good things to say!  This one came a lot faster than the first one and overall better products. The one thing that I was a little disappointed about was the fact that they charged me shipping, after it stated on their site, that the beauty box had free shipping. Overall, still worth $11!

The box is nicely packaged in a sturdy, white box with a sleeve with Target logos on it.  When you open the box up, it has red tissue and a card (just like other subscription boxes) with product information and a coupon!  (least this coupon if valid for more than 2 weeks, unlike the last box).

So, you're wondering what came in this box.....well, here it is!

Toni&Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray  2.5oz.

L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara  Full Size  (so excited to try this product!)

Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo 1.7oz.  (smells amazing)

CoverGirl Smoochies Sizzle Gloss in Tickled Pink  Full Size (love the lipstick, hope this is just as good)

Jergens BB Body Cream Light 2oz.  (Received this in my Birchbox-let me know if you are interested in trying this product, I would love to gift this to someone!)

I really hope that Target continues with these boxes.  I think its a great way to try out drug store type of products at a reasonable price.   Totally bummed though. I just looked online and the box is sold out, hopefully they will add more, so you guys can try it.

Nice work, Target!


~Holsnicole

*This is not a sponsored post. 

March Birchbox Review

It's that time of month again....Birchbox time!  If you didn't know, I am dedicated to bringing you at least 12 months of Birchbox reviews. If you likes these and I'm overall happy with the products that I receive, I'll continue.

Just like every other month, I can never wait to see what comes in the box and I always check online before it arrives to see what's in store for me this month.  My goal next month is to not look! :)

Let's dive into it!



1. Air Repair-Rescue Balm-  Overall, the smell of this product is nasty! Very medicated.  I would never put this on my lips.  I put it on my elbows, just to try it out and had to put other lotion over it, just to cover the smell. I couldn't really tell a difference that any other lotion could have done.

2. Beauty Protector-Protect and Detangle- In love! This product smells just like the serum that I reviewed for Birchbox a few months ago. This product has so many benefits and use.  The size of this sample, is great for travel.  I think I might even purchase the full-size, just to keep this one for trips. At first I thought the pump was broke, but you really have to pump in order to get the product out.

3. Coola-Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face-I've been wanting to try this product for a long time! Very light and smooth product. I love the fact that it's unscented. Can't wait to use it this summer under my foundation. It's SPF 30, which is fantastic.  I'll be spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, so it's perfect!  I will for sure be purchasing a full size of this and checking out their other products.

4. theBalm-How's 'Bout Them Apples? Cheek & Lip Cream-Another product that I was really excited about. I have a few products from theBalm and have always been satisfied with them. I received the color "Pie".  It's a pretty reddish-pink.  Most likely I'll be using this for my lips over my Marc Jacobs LipLock.  I don't know if I would wear this color on my cheeks, I'm much more of a rose gold color, soft pink type of girl.

Bonus Sample!
Jergens BB Body-This product was from the Birchbox Finds box. Decent size sample, at 1oz.  A product that I will most likely use on my upper arms to even out my skin tones. It also came with a $2 off coupon!  I found out I'll also be getting this product in my Target Beauty Box.  If anyone would like to try it, let me know.  I would be glad to gift my extra sample to someone.

Well, there you have it ladies, another month, another Birchbox! I was really excited and happy this month with what I received. I really enjoy getting products that you can't get at your local stores.

What did everyone else get this month?

~Holsnicole

February Birchbox Review

A new month means a new Birchbox review!   Could this box get any better.  They surprise me every month!

This month Birchbox and US Weekly have teamed up to bring us red carpet products in their 'Step and Repeat' box.  My box felt a little on the light side this month, but I was still really happy with what I received and will continue my subscription next month.

Here is what was in my February box:

Coastal Scents-Revealed Eye Shadow Palette Sampler
   Never really been a fan of these small samples that Coast Scents provides, however this month it was a quad and the colors are beautiful! They kind of remind me of colors from the Naked 2 Palette.  The full side Revealed Eye Palette is $34-worth checking out.

Fekkai-Brilliant Glossing Shampoo &Conditioner
   Both samples came in the size 2 fl. oz.  Decent to get a good feel for the product and also great for traveling.  I don't have a lot of flyways, but feel this could bring shine to my hair and a nice texture in the winter months.

Harvey Prince-Hello Fragrance
   At first I didn't know if I liked this scent.  It isn't the normal scents I go for, however the more I opened the packaging, the more I enjoyed it. It has lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit, forsythia and plumeria.  This might just be the next perfume I purchase!

32 Oral Care-Effervescent Breath Crystals
   They seem a little likepop rocks.  However, I'm looking forward to trying these.  The spearmint ones  smell amazing!

Check out Birchbox.com for great products and their monthly subscription service for both men and women!


~Holsnicole

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

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.

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

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

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!