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. 

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!