August 2013: Birchbox & Ipsy!

Hi Beauties! Well, its that time of month again; its time for... Battle Of The Boxes... Ipsy and Birchbox! Remember, the unboxing video is at the end of this blog.

The theme for Birchbox is "Finishing School".

The theme for Ipsy Glam Bag is "Glamour Academy".

(Note: I really wish Ipsy that they would have sent in a card with all the information/pricing on it like Birchbox does and Influenster). 

I've been trying out these products that Birchbox and Ipsy have sent me on August 13th, 2013 over the past few weeks and here are my thoughts on what I've thought about some of the products that they have sent to me.

Birchbox -- Finishing School

So, In this month's box I received 5 products and I really do enjoy them.

Coastal Scents -- Eyeshadow

Full Size: $34.00-$39.00 Sample Size: $3.06

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars.

What -- Four complementary shades that can be worn alone or layered for a smoky look.

How -- Use the light shade as a highlighter.

Jasmine Seven -- Fresh Feet Wipes

Full Size: $9.95-$25.95 Sample Size: $4.95

I get this product 4 out of 5 stars.

What -- Alcohol free towelettes that cleanse and soften with vitamin E, peppermint and aloe.

How -- Refresh feet after running around town or in between shoe changes. Great for hands too! 

Juice Beauty -- Oil Free Moisturizer

Full Size: $28.00 Sample Size: $4.95

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars.

What -- Oil free lotion hydrates oily and blemish prone skin with natural antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.

How -- Morning and night, apply a thin layer to clean face, neck and décolleté.

ModelCo -- Party Proof Lipstick in Red Velvet

Full Size: 3 for $24.00 Sample Size: $8.00

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars.

What -- A semi-matte lipstick that delivers both hydration and lasting pigment.

How -- One coat will do, but feel free to layer it on for extra richness. 

Beauty Extra -- Miss Jessie's Original -- Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo

Full Size: $14.00 Sample Size: $2.00

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars.

What -- Ideal for all hair types, this plush formula conquers tangles, dryness and frizz.

How -- Massage a small amount (a little goes a long way) into damp hair. Rinse thoroughly.

Total: $ 22.96

Ipsy Glam Bag -- Glamour Academy

I received 5 products and I really do enjoy them.

Ipsy Bag

I give this month's bag 5 out of 5 stars.

Urban Decay -- Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy

Full Size: $22.00 Sample Size: $0.99

I give this product 3.9 out of 5 stars. 

Why It’s Badass: Revolution Lipstick delivers the pigment-rich Urban Decay color you crave–in insanely gorgeous shades that look amazing on ANY skin tone.

Creamy: Delivers insane color payoff plus creamy shine.

Long-Lasting: Our Pigment Infusion System gives the formula its super creamy texture, insane pigmentation, superior color dispersion and extended wear. 

Hydrating: Maxi-Lip defines and hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller.

Nourishing: A nourishing blend of jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and Shea butter keeps lips super moisturized and cushiony soft.

22 Shades: Our shade range includes everything from gorgeous nudes to bold brights.

 

Pix! -- Lash Booster Mascara

Full Size: $17.00 Sample Size: $1.99

I get this product 4 out of 5 stars.

What it is formulated to do:

This unique mascara truly boosts your lashes, giving them a "push-up" effect that lasts all day. The dense, rich formula ensures that lashes are coated with maximum pigment, for long-lasting full color. The cone-shaped brush coats each lash evenly for the ultimate smudge-free, waterproof lash & eye definition. Available in intense eye-opening shades, including the revolutionary "blackest blue" that awakens the eyes and makes the whites of the eyes appear whiter.

Beneficial ingredients and what they do:

-Vitamin E nourishes skin Carnauba wax is naturally emollient

-Microcrystalline wax nourishes & ensures easy application

-Simethicone provides a smooth glide

Mica Beauty Cosmetics -- Shimmer Powder in Bronze

Full Size: $14.95 Sample Size: $2.99

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars.

MicaBeauty Mineral Eye Shadows’ glamorous shimmers will give you the look you always wanted. MicaBeauty Mineral Makeup is extremely gentle, free of preservatives, chemicals, dyes, talc, oils, and other fillers. With this unique formula, your Eye Shadows will look ultra-smooth and stay put for hours without creasing or pulling the delicate eye area.

Michael Todd True Organics -- Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

Full Size: $18.00 for 6 Sample Size: $8.99

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars.

Unique facial scrub formulated with Jojoba Wax Beads and Activated Charcoal to effectively remove dead skin, impurities and toxins. Jojoba Wax Beads provide gentle exfoliation without leaving microlacerations on delicate skin. Highly absorbent Activated Charcoal penetrates deeply into pores to draw out impurities and toxins. Refines texture and encourages skin renewal, leaving skin smooth and refreshed. All skin types. Gentle enough for sensitive and acne prone skin types. Unique facial scrub formulated using the powers of Jojoba Wax Beads and Activated Charcoal to effectively remove dead skin, impurities and toxins. Gentle enough for sensitive and acne prone skin types. Jojoba Wax Beads provide gentle exfoliation without leaving microlacerations on delicate skin. Highly absorbent Activated Charcoal penetrates deeply into pores to draw out impurities and toxins. Refines texture and encourages skin renewal, leaving skin smooth and refreshed.

Chella -- Dazzling Dark Brown Eyebrow Color (Chella: Hello Beautiful Eyes)

Full Size: $18.00 Sample Size:$18.00

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars.

The fine tip on this sleek European-designed mechanical pencil has a creamy consistency that glides into place and can also be lightly smudged for a more natural look (use the brush/comb attachment on Chella’s Razor, sold separately, to achieve this effect). Eyebrow Pencils are also available in our Brow Color Kits, along with our Eyebrow Defining Gel, Lace Highlighter and Dual Size Pencil Sharpener.

Total: $32.96

Where Did I Get All This Pricing Information At:

http://www.ebay.com/

http://www.amazon.com/ref=gno_logo

Join me on Ipsy!
http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-h7p1te9z5bj266o

Join me on Birchbox!
http://birch.ly/14c6BHc

August 2013: Birchbox & Ipsy!

Pick The Sponge For You

Hey Beauties! In this blog I'm going to be talking about: Beauty School: The Lowdown on Makeup Sponges! How to choose the right one for you! So, let's get started!!!

Although by now you probably all know that my preferred application tool for foundation or tinted moisturizer is the foundation brush, I know that some people still like to use makeup sponges. The advantage to these is that they're quick and disposable, so they can useful when time is of the essence.

 One differentiating factor between makeup sponges is that some use latex and others are latex-free. Interestingly, they don't get the job done any differently. The non-latex sponges were created for people with latex allergies, so literally the only difference is that one kind has latex and the other doesn't. If you have a latex allergy, don't worry–you're not sacrificing any sponge quality to take care of yourself.

When it comes to makeup sponges, what really makes a difference is the shape. So if you're going to use sponges instead of a foundation brush, keep the shape in mind rather than the material. Choose your makeup sponge based on the kind of coverage you're looking for.

Round and rectangular sponges are best for applying makeup on larger areas of skin, like the forehead and cheeks. Use wedge-shaped sponges for smaller areas or those that need contouring.

There are also egg-shaped sponges available too, such as the Beauty Blender or the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge, which are designed in a way that doesn't leave visible streaks on your face. The benefit to these sponges, which can be used both dry and wet, is that it's easier to blend the makeup into your skin. Use the pointy tip around the nose and mouth and the wider base on your chin, cheeks, and forehead.

What kind of makeup sponges do you use? Let me know in the comments section!

Grandma Fowler's Apple Pie Recipe

Hey Beauties! In this blog I ended up watching Blair Fowler's video on Apple Pie and thought that I would do a blog post about it. I love apple pie and I wouldn't mind giving this recipe a go! Hope you guys will enjoy this blog and let's get started! (Remember, her video will be at the end of this blog)!




Ingredients:
-6 Granny Smith apples cored, peeled and sliced
-1 Tablespoon lemon juice
-3/4 cup sugar
-1 Tablespoon flour
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
-1/8 teaspoon salt
-2 Tablespoons butter
-Sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling the top
-3 pre-made refrigerated pie crusts

Directions:
1. Core, peel and slice all the apples.
2. Mix in the lemon juice.
3. Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
4. Place the apples into a strainer placed over a large bowl and let sit for 15 minutes.
5. Pour the drained juice into a microwave safe container and add butter.
6. Microwave for 6 minutes then mix the home-made caramel back into the apples.
7. Line pie pan with pie crust and fill with apples.
8. Top with pie crust (up to you whether you want to basket weave the crust).
9. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.
10. If the edges start browning too quickly wrap them in aluminum foil to prevent burning.
11. Let pie cool before cutting into it and serve with vanilla bean ice cream.

 Grandma Fowler's Apple Pie - How To!

Stila BB Cream vs. Maybelline BB Cream

Hey Beauties! Okay, so in this blog, I'm doing a battle between these two BB Creams by Stila and Maybelline. Don't forget that at the end of this blog, I'll have a video of me talking about these products. So, may the best BB Cream win! LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!

Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Water-Resistant (80 Minutes) 1.3fl. 0z./oz. liq./40ml
-Cost $38.00
-Indulge your skin with Stila's all-in-one, high definition, age-defying beauty balm with SPF 30 broad-spectrum UV protection.
-Benefits:
   1.  Contains innovative microspheres, which have been shown to hide skin imperfections and reduce wrinkle depth by up to 84%.
   2. Enriched with tri-peptide 37, which has been shown to reduce skin  inflammation, improve texture, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 67%.
   3. Infused with antioxidants to combat free-radical damage.
   4. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 Shields skin from UVA & UVB exposure.
   5. Hydrates and nourishes the skin.
   6. Helps reduce pore size and provides oil blemish control.
   7. Features an exclusive complex, which helps reduce redness and skin irritation.
   8. Uses the smallest particle size of coated pigments for seamless, smooth coverage.
   9. Primes the skin and leaves a silky, powdery finish.
 10. Oil-free, paraben-free, dermatologist tested and ideal for all skin types.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Light Sheer Tint) 30 ml 1.0 fl. oz
-Cost $8.99
-Enhance skin with eight benefits in 1:
    1. Blurs imperfections
    2. Enhances
    3. Brightens
    4. Adjusts to skin-tone
    5. Smoothes
    6. Hydrates
    7. SPF 30 Protects
    8. 0% oils and other heavy ingredients 

As you can see in the photo here, the Stila (Left) is way to orange and the Maybelline (Right) seems to be the right shade for my skin.

Stila Pro's:
-Gives great coverage
-10 benefits
-SPF 30
-1.3 fl. oz 

Stila Con's:
-Not enough color range
-Product is orange
-Cost's too much
-Not long lasting


Maybelline Pro's:
-Great low cost
-Gives great coverage
-So many shades to choose from
-Long lasting
-SPF 30 

Maybelline Con's:
-8 benefits
-1.0 fl. oz

Winner:
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

243- Stila BB Cream vs. Maybelline BB Cream

Why Society?

Hey Beauties! This is something that has been flooding my mind as of late and I wanted to kind of rant on a few topics as to why society wants us to be something that we aren't. 

Why is it important to fit in with the right crowd?
Why is it important to have sex?
Why is it important to be a size 0?
Why is it important to make everybody happy but not yourself?
Why is it important to please everyone and not yourself?
Why is it important to be perfect in every way in order for society to except us?
Why is it that teenage pregnancy is considered popular but being gay is like worshiping the devil?
Where did society go wrong?

Some of these things and more I just don't understand and that plague my mind, like rats invading a restaurant causing mayhem and chaos to destroy the very well being of your existence. Like when you walk into a modeling agency because you've always wanted to be a model and they say to you, "Oh, you have a pretty face but your just to fat! Sorry! Maybe you should lay off the rice and beans!" That's when they all start laughing and all you wanna do is just cry. You look at yourself and think, "Where the hell I'm I fat at?" But its people like that who degrade people like you and me and they just don't care.

Society has to be so cruel because in America they want us to be and think a certain way. Some people only cater to thin model's but not plus size model's. Is being anorexic really the way to get into the "It" crowd and be popular? I like being curvy, yeah I can't wear a bikini like these swim suit model's but at least I'm not starving myself thin anymore (I use to in high school when I was 16). I like the way I look and who cares if I'm not a size 0, I feel comfortable just being me. I'm a size 10, sometimes a size 13 but it really depends on the manufacturer who makes the clothing.

The thing is, we have to come first, we have to make ourselves happy and stop worrying about what other people think and start living out our lives. And who care's what the media has to say, obviously they don't know a thing about people at all and what we should look like. Hey, back then, plus size model's were considered popular and anorexic model's were considered not popular. So, what the fuck happened? How did it get switched around and get so fucking distorted?  Apparently, somethings can't be answered, while other things are really quite understandable. All you have to do is really stand up for yourself and look media in the eye and say, "Fuck You!" "We don't need your distorted mind telling us how to look and think!"

The media degrades one thing just to make another thing popular, like teenage pregnancy and the LGBT community. I'm apart of that community, if you don't already know, I'm Bisexual. So, this is something that I feel very strongly passionate about when some jerk off decides to poke and make fun of us. While, they are praising teenage pregnancy like its the cool fucking thing to do. I'm sorry but children should not be having children of their own, plan and simple. I didn't know that having sex was the cool thing to do, like porn.

This is what the media has done, they caused havoc and chaos in this deranged society. Whoever invented the media is maybe unhappy with their own life; maybe they got picked on in school, watched too much porn because they never got laid, did way too many drugs and literally killed their brain cells,their marriage is a disaster or whatever the case maybe.

They think their Gandhi, but only Gandhi is Gandhi. They think that what they are saying and spewing is the truth and the word of God. But boy, are they dead wrong. Don't they know, what their saying is literally killing lives everyday across America, across the world. So, they really should be the ones that are put in jail because teenage suicide or suicide in general is the number one killer in this society and they created it. By telling people that they have to look and act a certain way. Why society, why? We as individuals should make our own choices and we don't need people like you getting in our way of our life. Just because you can't control your life, don't try and control our lives!

12 DIY Eye Masks for Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags

Hey Beauties! So I thought I would share with you guys some DIY tips and tricks you can use to get rid of your dark under eye circles and under eye bags. So, let's get started!

Masks are really helpful to reduce puffiness and remove dark circles. Normal facial masks should not be applied around the eyes. Be very careful with what you apply on the skin around your eyes because this part is very sensitive and inappropriate substances can be very harmful. Here are some of the best homemade eye masks to treat this frustrating beauty problem that appears right when you want to look your best. Also, these homemade masks would give you the most natural look you need.

Homemade DIY eye masks to remove dark circles and bags under eyes

1. Coconut Oil Mask

Coconut oil is very beneficial and effective to remove dark circles and puffy eye bags. Massage a few drops of coconut oil around the eyes to get rid of dark circles and bags under eyes. You may have to do this home remedy every day to reduce dark circles and swelling under eyes.

2. Almond Oil Mask

Almond oil is a beautiful hydrator for your skin. Almond oil helps to fade away dark circles and reduce the appearance of crow-feet wrinkles. A mixture of honey and almond oil applied each night can help to get rid of dark eye circles and bags under the eyes.

3. Cucumber Eye Mask

Cucumber is one of the best skin lightening agents and it helps in removing dark circles naturally. Cucumbers are also popular for reducing puffy eyes and eye bags. Just slice cucumber and make it as an eye - patch. This helps lighten the dark circles. Your eyes will feel cool and puffy bags under eyes will go away. Cucumber contains high amounts of ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, which is great in minimizing puffy eye bags.

4. Potato Eye Mask

Putting potatoes on your eyes is one of the best DIY remedies to reduce eye bags and dark circles under eyes. Take a piece of potato and apply to the eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Potatoes have a cooling effect and can actually lighten dark under-eye circles. This homemade remedy is useful to get rid of eye bags and puffiness, because potatoes have astringent properties that can help reduce water retention around eyes. Mixing potato juice with cucumber juice in equal quantities also helps to reduce puffy bags under eyes along with black circles.

5. Powder Milk Mask

Take 1 teaspoon of powder milk and mix it with 1 teaspoon of honey to create an easy to apply eye mask. Apply the mask to under-eye discoloration and allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes. This DIY homemade remedy is best for reducing under eye black marks and puffy eye bags.

6. Tea Bags as Eye Mask

Tea bags such as green tea and black tea, and herbal teas, such as chamomile are a great way to treat dark circles around your eyes and to reduce puffy eye bags. What you can do is to put some used tea bags in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes. Then damp the tea bag over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. This is one of the best homemade remedies that will reduce the swelling under the baggy eyes and also restore dark discoloration under the eyes.

7. Almond Mask for Eyes

Almond eye mask is one of the best homemade masks for preventing puffy eyes and dark circles. Make a paste by mixing crushed almonds and a few drops of milk. Apply this mixture under the eyes every morning, for 10 minutes. Wash off with water. You can use this mask on a regular basis to lighten dark skin under the eyes effectively.

8. Egg White Masks

Use an egg white mask for reducing black spots or circles under your eyes. Egg whites will tighten the pores of your eyes as well as reduce the puffiness under eyes. You can beat one egg white until hard and then apply it under your eyes. Egg white mask should go stiff within 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. This DIY home remedy will reduce inflammation and also improves the circulation around the eye area.

9. Tomato Juice Mask

For removing eye bags and dark circles under eyes, make a paste from 1 teaspoon of tomato juice, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of gram flour. Apply the mixture generously to your black bags under eyes. Let the mask sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

10. Pineapple Mask

Another effective homemade mask for dark bags under eyes can be prepared by using natural skin care ingredients such as turmeric powder and pineapple juice. Mix the ingredients and apply on your dark eye circles. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes under your eyes every day for 2 weeks. This is a simple DIY homemade mask for getting rid of dark circles and bags underneath your eyes.

11. Cottage Cheese Mask

Cottage cheese mask is one of the most effective and famous DIY remedies to reduce dark circles and swelling under eyes. Wrap some cottage cheese into the piece of bandage and put onto the eyes area for 15 minutes. If used regularly, this eye mask can successfully rid you of dark circles and puffy bags around the eyes.

12. Parsley Eye Mask

Applying a natural mask prepared from parsley leaves helps get rid of eye bags, puffiness, dark shadows, and circles naturally. Parsley is well known for its skin lightening properties that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolored skin under eyes. To lighten under eye circles, reduce puffiness, and nourish dry skin while age, make an eye mask from the leaves of parsley and sour cream. Apply the eye mask on your dark circles and bags and when it dries out; rub your face with wet hands, to remove the pack. Rinse your face well and pat dry.

Try these homemade DIY eye masks and get rid of puffiness, dark circles, and bags under the eyes naturally. Eye masks should be done regularly for getting the best results. Apply and rinse them with careful movements, without stretching the delicate skin around eyes. Besides these natural remedies, you should also make sure that you get at least 7 to 8 hours of good sleep. Moreover, improving skin tone with water, healthy balanced diet, and regular exercise can help you reduce or remove dark circles naturally.

Follow Me!

Hey Beauties! This is going to be a quick blog post just letting you that I've gone viral everywhere and asking you to come follow me!

So, come join The Chira Project, become a full time family member for life and join the madness!

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July Favorites 2013

Hey Beauties! I know its been since March the last time I did a favorites blog. But this time I'm gonna do it a bit differently from how I would normally do these kinda blogs. Granted I didn't follow these steps this month but I promise you, I will next month.

Along with me explaining to you what I've been loving, I will post a photo of my favorites on here. But to give you an idea of what is expected to come next month are going to be only 9 favorites in each category.

The categories are: Skin Care, Hair Care, Jewelry, Media (TV Shows, Movies, Music, Books, Social Sites), Humans (YouTube, Celebrities, Favorite Person on a Social Site), Fashion, Food, Drinks, Beauty (Nail, Makeup, Lotion, Perfume). Now, I'm only going to pick 1 from each category; 3 of the categories I gave you an example of what is in there. But again, I'll only be choosing 1 particular brand from each category. And in the photo will be a group of only 9 pics. But all of that won't start until next month. In the mean time, here is a photo of the things I was loving in the month of July!

1. T.G.I. Friday's Potato Skins Snack Chips Cheddar & Bacon
2. International Delight Iced Coffee Sweet & Creamy Light Mocha
3. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
4. CoverGirl Single Eyeshadow in #740 Brown Smolder
5. Physicians Formula Youthful Wear 3 in 1 Concealer in Light + Yellow
6. Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Water Proof Mascara in Black Drama
7. Revlon Color Stay Liquid Foundation Combination/Oily Skin in #110 Ivory
8. Chain Bracelet, Flower Ring (Forever 21), Hook Bracelet, Snow Flake Necklace (I couldn't decide on which piece of jewelry to choose)
9.  Mint Green Chiffon High Low Long Sleeve Dress From Charming Charlie