March Samples Showdown: Birchbox vs. IPSY

So sorry for not posting last week, one of us was sick and the other out of town. Just couldn't get to it! But we are back, yay!
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I might have a problem.

Well, just in the samples department--I can't decide between Birchbox and IPSY! Help! I signed up for Birchbox, canceled, then signed up for IPSY. Then I signed up for Birchbox again after forgetting about IPSY, so along comes the mail for March and I get two sample bags/boxes. As awesome as that sounds, I may need to just choose one. I feel like I am overloaded on samples a little bit, kind of ridiculous. Oh who am I kidding, no one can have too many samples, right? Maybe?...

I decided to review each one and then rate them accordingly. Here's a short video of each sample so you can get an idea of the size and packaging of each one (plus a bonus of my cat at the end, who helped set up each sample):

Pretty good haul, right? Now, my scoring method isn't precise, you might think differently. But this is how I judge the value of each shipment, and whether or not it's worth the subscription (each one is $10/month, one box per month).

Here's what was inside my March Birchbox:

-Supergoop, Sunscreen 

-Cherie Blossom, Perfume

-Stila, Lipgloss

-Air Rescue, Lip Balm

-Jergens, BB Lotion (body)

Rating:
1. Size: Good sizes for the most part, the Air Rescue is the smallest but a little goes quite far. (4/5)
2. Packaging: Love that the logos and brands stand out, although the perfume is a little bland after it's unwrapped. (4/5)
3. Quality: All seem to hold up quality wise, haven't had an issues yet. Products aren't watery or flimsy. (5/5)
4. Personal Style: The perfume isn't quite my scent, but everything else is a perfect fit. The lipgloss is spot on perfect coloring for me! (4/5)
5. Used/Unused: I have gotten ample use out of four of the five products. The perfume has only been tested. (4/5)

GRAND TOTAL: 21/25

And here's my IPSY bag haul:

-Bombshell, Eyeshadow Palette

-bareMinerals, Lipstick

-PIXI, Face Primer

-Nicole + OPI, Nail Polish

Rating:
1. Size: Perfect sizes, even thought the lipstick is tiny, it's a bold color so it should last a while. (5/5)
2. Packaging: Very cute products, they all speak well for their brands. (5/5)
3. Quality: No issues so far with quality, all seem to hold up for the most part. The eyeshadow doesn't last all day though, and the green shadow option seems a little "left-field" for me. The lipstick feels amazing and stays on for longer than I expected, very good product. (4/5)
4. Personal Style: The nail polish is not my style, and neither is the green option for me in the eyeshadow. But the gold, brown, and copper are great shades, so I'll forgive Bombshell! The lipstick is a great shade. (3/5)
5. Used/Unused: I've used everything except for the nail polish, and will probably use them until I'm out, great haul. (4/5)

GRAND TOTAL: 21/25

Well, that didn't work out quite how I had hoped it would. A tie doesn't get me any closer to choosing a winner, so I guess we will have to see what they send me in April and judge again. Do any of you receive a glam sample mailer? I'd love to hear what you like and dislike about it!

Thanks for reading! 

We post every Wednesday/Thursday, depending on how busy our day jobs are. 

xo MbN

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This post was NOT sponsored. Just my opinions as a self diagnosed sample addict! 

Post Gym Face Pick Me Up

So you just worked out, and your face is beet red. You can't seem to stop glowing even after you've wiped all the sweat off your forehead, but now you have unexpected plans to go out into public again? And you only have 5 minutes to redo all your makeup?! What?? The world isn't ready for your shiny tomato face! Just kidding, it's really easy to give your face a quick refresh and get back out into the real world.

I know that it's terrible, but I actually workout in my makeup. I know, I know, but I have really dry skin. To the point where I don't wash my face even at all if I don't break a sweat. Also, I make sure to wear light coverage foundation on my gym days to at least help a little with my pores. If I know I'm working out after work, I will always wear BB cream, liquid liner, and light mascara. I try not to add too much eyeshadow either, and I will wash my face with an exfoliant too at night, to really scrub those pores clean. Anyway, whether you're like me or not, here is a quick little video tutorial with some of my tricks to make my face look less sweaty and more ready for the rest of my night:

Also, what I forgot to show is that I rub any eyeshadow creases. I didn't have any shadow on so I couldn't film that, but your creases should rub out fairly easily. Remember to be gentle with that though! Our eyes are very delicate, I know, you've heard that before too, just had to say it!

Most of the makeup I used is linked in our Index HERE, and it's all drugstore brands. Let me know if you want a specific link to a product in the comments below. I don't think the eyeliner is listed, but it's not anything special. I'm willing to bet that you have these basics floating around your makeup bag!

Have a great week!

We post every Wednesday or Thursday, depending on our day jobs.

xo, MbN

Magic Wand Curler

Well, it's not magical in the "Harry Potter" sense, but it is still great at making the perfect wave for your tresses. The Conair Curling Wand is one of my favorite curling irons out there! It gives the perfect wavy curl that looks completely natural and effortless. This particular curling iron does not have a clamp, which I think makes it much easier to achieve the perfect looking wave/curl. I've also read that without the clamp it puts less stress on your hair and causes less damage--always a major plus! 

I thought I would put together my step by step method for how to use it. At first it can be tricky, so here's how to get the hang of it:

How to use:

Step 1- Heat The Wand to your desired temperature. It can go up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty hot! I personally set mine to 360 degrees which is the second highest setting and is still very hot.

Step 2- Once The Wand is fully heated, about 30 seconds later, take individual sections of hair to begin the curling process. For looser looking curls, wrap wider sections of hair around The Wand. I prefer this look because it creates the most natural looking curls. The Wand comes with a glove you can use as protection from burning your fingers. I used the glove when I first starting using The Wand, but now that I am more comfortable using it I choose not to wear the glove. 

Step 3: Once you have the section of hair you are ready to curl, wrap hair around the wand so that the point of the curling iron is facing down (like THIS). Hold in place for no longer than 5-8 seconds. Because this curling iron reaches very high temperatures, it curls the hair within seconds!

Step 4: After you have achieved the right amount of curls you want, be sure to apply hair spray to keep everything in place. I prefer to use an "extra hold" hair spray because my hair is on the finer side and does not hold a curl for several hours on it's own. I like the Dove extra hold hairspray because it smells nice and it's not too strong. I only use a few sprays though because I still want a natural looking wavy curl.

link to hair spray HERE

And that's it! Check out my finished results:

If you follow the simple steps above, you should also be able to get the perfect looking, natural wavy curl! I will warn you though that it may take a few tries to get it just the way you like it. This is not your average curling iron and may take some getting used to, but once you do, I promise you will never look back to your old curling iron again!

Here are a few different stores where you can purchase the Conair Curling Wand in the .5" size 

TARGET // AMAZON // ULTA, all $23 

Here's what mine looks like, love it in red!

Good luck, please be very careful when you start out, and have some fun with it. Let us know if you want a video tutorial of The Wand in action. Leave a comment if you have any questions too! 

Thanks for reading! 

We publish new posts every Wednesday/Thursday (depending on how busy our day jobs are). 

xoMbN 

Inspiration: Shades of Pink

After seeing the new Paper Crown line (by Lauren Conrad of course) I couldn't stop staring at the makeup job on the model! I admit I might of not paid as much attention to the line and instead immediately thought of how I could recreate her look. Or at least be inspired by it, I'm not really a fan of the whole "recreate a celeb's look" with makeup. Just be yourself, and find inspiration to try something new. Break yourself out of your box every once in a while. So with that being said, here's the Paper Crown model:

photos via Paper Crown

Very feminine and a little sassy, so basically everything I like! Here are the products I used:

Links: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 

And here's what I look like with my version (don't mind my weird curls):

To do this look, you really need a about 3-4 eyeshadows of pink. The Pantone palette is my favorite thing ever when it comes to trying new looks because I don't have to open a million different eyeshadows to get it. Highly recommend it! I used the shades in the second to last column to the right. 

Just remember to start with the lightest shade and cover your whole lid, then work your way towards the darker shades and cover less and less of your lid as you go. Then blend it all with a brush or your finger and you've got the look! Also I have Egyptian Magic on my lips, not a gloss (find the link on our Index Page).

What do you think? Are you going to try some shades of pink for your next makeup look?

Leave us a link in the comments so we can see! 

Thanks for reading! 

We publish new posts every Wednesday/Thursday (depending on how busy our day jobs are). 

xoMbN

Current Faces: Hannah's Picks

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

1. This blush by City Color was sent to me through IPSY (see their site HERE). I get a few samples in the mail every month, and this is one I have fast tracked to my daily favorite. I have the color "FRESH MELON" which is more pink in person, the photo on their site looks brownish. I absolutely love how it warms up my face! Plus it stays on for much longer than any other blush I've used. $3

2. Baby Lips (Maybelline) is great for you chapstick lovers out there that also want color. I'm addicted! CHERRY ME, $3

3. Maybelline Color Elixir is so silky smooth you will forget you have lipstick on. The color isn't as bright as they look either, so go for the bolder colors for medium-pigment results. Don't wear when it's windy though, not a good combo with hair! $7-8, I have them in multiple colors. 

4. e.l.f. products are cheap, very cheap, but not too bad quality wise, besides their concealer--don't even waste your time with that. Their eye shadows are perfect! Not only do you get all the shades in one easy compact, but they have their ideal location written on them too. It's nice to have a little hint on where each shade should go, but feel free to rebel every once in a while too. The copper looks great covering the lid! Mine is in BEAUTIFUL BROWN, $2

5. Egyptian Magic is seriously the only thing you need to fight fine lines, dryness, wrinkles, chapped lips, cuts/burns, etc. It's the best thing that I've ever used, and it only has six (all natural) ingredients. It seems a little pricy but you don't use very much at all so it will last a while. The link is for one 4oz. jar but I got that plus a travel sized one at Costco for $40. Check your locate store to see if it's there--and then immediately buy it! $38 (on Birchbox)

6. I love BB cream when I'm not feeling like foundation, and this one is a winner. It covers more than other one's I've used plus it smells really good. It doesn't last all day though, so if you are going day-to-night you might need to touch it up a bit. Mine is "FAIR TO LIGHT", $15 

7. I know we are talking faces here but OMG this kit is amazing! TRESemme's Keratin 7 day regime will change your hair life--no more frizz finally! Get this kit for $7 and give it a whirl, its fun and you have salon looking hair SERIOUSLY. Finally a product that actually does what it promises!


Thanks for reading!

xoMbN

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Current Faces: Chloe's Picks

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Here are just a few of my top favorite beauty essentials:

1. This is my favorite brand of blush by Benefit. And particularly in this shade (Bella Bamba). It's a soft bright pink with a hint of shimmer. It also smells yummy! $28

2. The Sephora brand lip last is one of my favorite go to lipsticks! I love shade #12 Royal Rasberry. It looks best with a clear shimmer gloss on top. $13

3. This bareMinerals face brush is amazing. The bristles last forever and don't fall out all over your face! (major plus) I use this one for my blush in particular even though it says it's an all over face brush. Just a personal preference. $22

4. I also love the Sephora brand primer. It's inexpensive and really helps your make-up go on smoother. $15

5. This is my favorite brand of BB Cream. I use it when I don't feel like putting on foundation and it's a quick fix solution. It also smells pretty good! $10-12

6. This is my absolute favorite mascara! I've been using it for years and it works the best on my eyelashes compared to other generic brands. This one is made by Loreal and I buy the Carbon Black color. It's the best! Price ranges between $10-12 depending on what drug store you buy from.

7. I think Essie is a good brand of reasonably priced nail polish. This shade, Mochachino, is one of my favorites and works all year round. $8-10

8. Best eyeliner out there! By far! Seriously lasts forever and does not rub off. Not on my eyes at least! I buy the Black Pearl shade (it's basically black) $5-8

Stay tuned for Hannah's Current Face next!

xo - Makeup by Numbers