Lipstick, Lip Balm, Chapstick, Lippies.....Call It What You Want!

Lip products have always been my go-to beauty product for as long as I can remember.  Your lips are one of the first thing that most people notice (or maybe just guys do), however you always want them looking fresh.

Recently I have been getting into tinted lip products.  I have never really been a fan of standard lipstick, however lip crayons and tinted balms are so simple to put on and bring moisture and a hint of color.

I have a wide range of favorite lip products that I can not live without.  Some I have been using for a long time, others just a few weeks.

Here are my top 5 lip products that I absolutely in love with.

#1- Marc Jacobs Makeout LipLock
          I have talked about this product before.  Can't say enough about it.  Provides great moisture for the harsh Midwest winters and is very long lasting.  It is more on the pricey side, but well worth it!

#2 CoverGirl LipSlicks Smoochies in #Luv u
          Provides moisture and a hint of color.  Even though I feel like I go through this alot and the color really doesn't stay for a long period of time.  It's cheap enough that I feel like I'm getting my monies worth.

#3 Fresh Sugar in Rose
          This is a tinted lip treatment with SPF 15   It's been a while since I've used this one, but it's still one that I would always go back to.  It's got a nice lemony scent to it that makes your lips feel "fresh".

#4 Nivea A Kiss of Olive Oil & Lemon
           Other than providing moisture, it doesn't really do too much else. This is another product that I have to keep applying, however I don't mind.  I love the scent and love how it makes my lips feel.

#5 NYX Chunky Dunk Hydrating Lippie in Berry Mojito
          I think this is a new product from NYX.  I've gotten NYX products before and I've always been really happy with their line. I recently picked up this lip crayon and have only used it a few times, but have nothing but wonderful things to say.  It was a great price and very long lasting.  It's almost like a stain.  I will be going back to pick up more colors.  However, I'm obsessed with this color!  Great for spring and summer and really stands out!  This is one you have to pick up!

Bonus Fav
           Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Coral Crush
                 I received this one in my May Birchbox.  Very smooth and leaves a nice tint.  I love the coral color.  Just something different than the standard pink or berry colors that are in right now.

Well, there you have it.  My favorite lippies!  What are some of your favorites?  What color are you rocking this spring/summer season?

Pucker Up!

~Holsnicole


*This is not a sponsored post. 

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

Eating Healthy

If any of you know me, you know that I'm not a very healthy eater.  It's not that I eat a lot, however I don't always eat the right foods. I am determined to change that!

During the week, I normally just have a bowl of Special K for breakfast.  At lunch time, I typically don't eat, which is not good, but my schedule typically doesn't allow time to have a full meal.  I'm lucky if I get a piece of string cheese. Dinner just depends on the night.  I know I need to start cooking more. I normally cook about 3-4 times a week and eat out the rest.  Which not only takes a hit on my bank account, but my body also takes a hit.

One bad habit that I need to knock is drinking soda.  I typically have at least tumbler of water a day at my desk, but at lunch time I always seem to crack a can of Pepsi. Darn caffeine!

Another bad habit, is chocolate. It's all in moderation!

Here are some of my favorite recipes from Pinterest and YouTuber, Aspyn.

My Pinterest Food Page (note-not everything on here is healthy :)  Pick and choose what you think is healthy).

All I can say is bring on summer for seasonal fruit and farmers markets!  My favorite Farmers Market. Check it out if you are ever in Madison, Wisconsin during spring-fall on Saturdays. 

Healthy eating everyone!

~Holsnicole

Influenster UniVoxBox Review

I recently sign aboard with a website called Influenster. Haven't heard of this site before?  They offer opportunities for consumers to review products currently on the market or getting ready to go to market.
You do have to be chosen to receive a box and I'm not really sure if there is a limit on how many boxes you can receive.  However, I did receive a box pretty quickly after taking a handful of surveys on their website on different industries that I'm interested in.

I was uber excited to receive this box. Overall, the products were so-so. Out of the six products I received, I will most like be using three of them or even thinking about going out and re-purchasing those three.

The theme of the box is "Back to School".  Included were full size products of the following:

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure
    I will not be using or even trying these. I might be more open to them if they were in a solid color or even a pretty pattern.  However, the pattern is pretty tacky looking.  Maybe for a vacation to the beach, even that would be pushing it.  Just my personal opinion.

Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia
   I have tried the NYC brand before and have always been happy with the results of the products, however this color is just not flattering on me.  It reminds me the color of Lolli-tint by Benefit.  It would actually look nice on the cheeks. It does have a nice smell of bubblegum.  At age 30, I don't think it's something I could pull off.  I might look into other colors that NYC has to offer.  

Pilot Acroball Purewhite
   I use pens on a daily basis.  I like how it is a little larger than a stick pen and has a nice grip.  I have the starting stages of carpal tunnel, so I'm going to test it out and see how tight I grip the pen.  It might actually help.  The pen always came with a $1.50 coupon that I will be taking advantage of!  1st product of the box that I will get use out of!

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation
   I received the shade-Light Ivory, which is perfect for me.  I can't wait to try this product. I like a natural looking face and I feel that matte will do this, with using a beauty blender as an applicator. Very happy about this product.

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance
   Not much to say about this, other than I will get use out of these.  It's a full size box, which is fantastic.  the third and final product of the box that I will be using.

Red Rose Real Tea Premium Water Enchancer
   I recently gotten into tea, however not a fan of black tea.  Won't even be trying this product.  Hoping I can find someone to give it to. This also came with a $1.00 off coupon.

This was a great opportunity to try new products or products I typically wouldn't purchase myself or at least the brands of the products.

Looking forward to getting more boxes by Influenster!  Don't forget to sign up on their website for a chance to review products!

~Holsnicole


*I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from influenster. 

Spring Colors

Today was the first real day of spring here in Wisconsin.  Even though it's not going to last very long (stupid snow), it got me in the mood to do a little shopping and start the hunt for spring colors.

One thing that I absolutely love is pastel colored nail polish.  I have chosen my top 3.  If you haven't checked out my Pinterest page yet, you might know that I'm partial to one of the colors below....

Since, I'm on the topic of my favorite color (and if you don't know by now, it's mint!)  I came across the most beautiful purse in the word.  This purse was a little pricey, but felt like a spring/summer staple piece such as this, would be worth it.

Photo taken from Shopbop.com

I purchased this purse on Shopbop.com  Since the warehouse is based in Madison, I received my package pretty quickly.  I also treated myself to some Tory Burch flip flops that were on "clearance".


Next mission to find cute spring clothes!

Happy Spring!

~Holsnicole


*This is not a sponsored post.  The following items were purchased on my own. 

Stitch Fix

A few months ago my co-worker was telling me about a website called Stitch Fix, where you could have your own personal shopper.  I thought to myself how cool is that!  Personally, I have a hard time finding clothes that actually fit or look good on me, so I was a little worried that it might be a waste of time and money. Yet I still took the chance!

There is a little bit of a wait when requesting your "fix", it's not something you can order and have within a week.  I think I scheduled my fix for about a month out. (I already want to schedule my next!)  There is a $20 "styling" fee, however that fee will be placed as a credit towards your purchase.  However, if you do not purchase anything in your fix, you do lose out on that money.

Prior to scheduling your fix you will fill out a short questionnaire about your style.  Styles you like, your body type, colors, etc.  One thing that I really liked about the questionnaire was the fact that you were able to put a link to one of your Pinterest pages, LinkedIn and Twitter account. My stylist stated that my Pinterest board
really helped her.  I would have to agree ! Tip-link a board that most matches your current style or a style you would like to try.

I received 5 pieces in my fix.  This is typical.  The price range on the items in my fix were anywhere from $48-$88.  Some things I did find a little pricey, but the way I look at it is the fact that they are unique pieces and overall it's just the excitement of getting clothes right to your door that were selected just for you! Tip-You can tailor your price range within your questionnaire, however the avg piece is normally around $65

Here is a collection of the pieces I received.  I ended up keeping the scarf, tank top and jeans. The other two items did not fit or look good on me.

Overall, I am very happy with Stitch Fix.  My "Stylist", Lisa did very well and I never thought I would end up purchasing 3 items.  The 3 items that I purchased ended up totaling $174. Which I know is a little on the pricey side.  The total fix would have been $210, since you do get 25% off when you purchase everything, but of course not everything worked out.

If you are interested in getting your own "fix" feel free to use my referral code!

Happy Shopping!

~Holsnicole


*This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix.  I purchased my "fix" on my own and this is my personal opinion.