AYRES Body Butters

Birchbox ran a contest a few weeks ago for the Birchbloggers to win products from Ayres and guess what?! I WON! I rarely win anything and I've been absolutely dying to try Ayres body butters, so I was beyond thrilled to discover I'd be getting all three plus a sample of bar soap!

Ayres describes themselves as 'a natural aromatherapy brand inspired by the traditional tango bars in the old Buenos Aires neighborhood of San Telmo.'

All of their natural body butters are enriched with shea butter & coconut oil to maximize skin hydration. Currently there are three scents: Pampas Sunrise, Midnight Tango, & Patagonia.

Pampas Sunrise: Lemongrass, mandarin, lime, lemon blossom, bergamot, patchouli and spearmint will awaken your senses, while an exotic background of cedar wood releases an irresistible, musky soft scent.

Midnight Tango: a blend of orange blossom and vanilla

Patagonia:  Just drift away on a cool breeze of delicate jasmine and aromatic rosemary blended with lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang, oakmoss, patchouli and fir.

Normally I find that body butters are pretty thick and take forever to really soak into the skin. These body butters have a really light consistency and absorb super quickly! They're not greasy at all and definitely help to keep your skin moisturized all day. I LOVE the scents of these, so I was pleasantly pleased to discover that the scent doesn't fade right away--it actually lasts for about four hours on me, which is pretty good for a lotion. 

My favorite is definitely Midnight Tango, but I'll use up all three no problem! 

$28 on Birchbox.com& Ayresbeauty.com

Ayres' shea butter bar soap is enriched with olive oil & infused with essential orders. Available in Pampas Sunrise, Midnight Tango, and Patagonia. 

I'm always a little hesitant about using bar soap. It reminds me of hotels and most of the ones I've used leave my skin so DRY. This one is super moisturizing and doesn't leave my skin dry at all. It also doesn't leave that residue that some bar soaps do. 

If you haven't checked out the Ayres brand, definitely do so as soon as possible. I'm going to try to get my hands on a few of the body polishes & shower creams next! :) 

If you've tried Ayres, do you have a favorite scent?

SNEAK PEEK: Fortune Cookie Soap Box-Summer 2014

A sneak peek of the THEME of the Summer Soap box has been released via Facebook:



Oh. My. Gosh. Could not be more excited. I was so obsessed with this game as a kid & I absolutely love sweet smelling things! Definitely subscribe if you're not already! :)

PREVIEW: Memebox 5-2

I've kind of mentioned this is my previous Memebox posts, but these sell out SUPER fast. I was too late on the 5th edition, so they released 5-2 which they said would be the same as 5 but with one different product.

This is a preview post just to show you what's in the box, but I'll be doing a full review once I get a chance to test everything!

Just as a note, Memebox has a note on the card insert this month that says "We would like to also let you know that starting from Memebox #5, we will be also including non-Korean products that are popular among Koreans." I know some people might be upset about that, but I don't really mind as long as it's only a product or two per box.

Lipozone Body Ampoule

5 5ml samples. (Full size 14 5ml).

Lipozone body ampoule increase its skin firmness, which will help to reduce cellulite and fat cells! Apply the product for 28 days for best results!

How to use: Apply on your thigh, belly, arms, and butts, and make sure you do not use more than once capsule per day.

Nuganic Customize Pore Control Essence

Full size 30 ml.

Pore control essence reduces the appearance of dilated pores. It is a lightweight gel that penetrates pores to control pimples and blackheads and rebalance your skin.

How to use: Apply to your face after applying a toner. 

Derma-B Daily Moisture Body Lotion

100 ml sample. (Full size 400 ml).

Derma-B's daily moisture body lotion provides 24-hour hydration, and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother. Also, natural ingredient phytoncide calms irritated or reactive skin. 

How to use: Apply on your skin, and allow the cream to sink in. It works even better straight after a bath or a shower. 

CNP Laboratory Cleansing Perfecta

50 ml sample. (Full size 150 ml). 

Cleansing perfecta is used to remove waterproof makeup, BB cream, and sunblock. This oil free cleansing gel thoroughly removes stubborn waterproof makeup and sunblock. 

How to use Gently massage over the face and neck, using fingertips. Rinse away using warm water. 

Physiogel Pouch Sample Mix: Cleanser, Lotion, Cream, & Intensive Repair Cream 

Physiogel Cleanser is a hypoallergenic cleanser that cleanses, soothes, and softens without drying the skin. 

Physiogel Lotion & Cream is a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream that revitalizes dry skin. 

Physiogel Intensive Repair Cream is perfect for long lasting hydration on very dry, irritated and sensitive skin. 

How to use: Physiogel Cleanser: massage gently in a circular motion. Rinse with water. 

Physiogel Lotion & Cream: Apply once or twice daily. Ideal for the entire body. 

Physiogel Intensive Repair Cream Apply once or twice daily.

Dear Jane Touch the Silk Velvet Primer & Glam on your Shimmer Bomb

Touch the Silk Velvet Primer is a primer that covers the pores and sebums in your skin. 

Glam on Your Shimmer Bomb is used as a highlighter for your nose and cheeks, or as a shimmer for your face. 

How to use: Touch the Silk Velvet Primer: apply to clean skin after basic skincare.

Glam on Your Shimmer Bomb: mix with your foundation, BB, or CC cream, or apply little bit on your nose/cheeks as a highlighter. 

Leaders CC Cream & UV Moist Sun Gel

CC Cream: Complete Capture Cream, is a multi purpose cream fr basic skin care and make up. 

UV Moist Sun Gel is also a multi purpose sun block for whitening, wrinkle reduction, and hydration.

How to use: CC Cream: Apply to clean skin after basic skincare. Get a small amount on the back of your hand and gently apply on to your face. 

UV Moist Sun Gel: Apply it to your face before sun exposure.  

L'Oreal Paris Shine Caresse Gloss Tint in Bella

Full Size 6 ml. 

L'Oreal Shine Caresse Gloss Tint contains 30% water combined with light hydrating oils and concentrated pigments to provide your lips with a weightless wet look and color that lasts 6 hours!

How to use: Gently apply on your lips. 

Panier des Sens Liquid Marseille Soap 

35 ml sample. (Full size 500 ml). 

Liquid marseille soap is proven to be effective for sensitive skin types and it moisturizes the skin while cleansing out the dirt, oil, and make up. 

How to use: Gently massage over the face and neck, using fingertips. Rinse away using warm water. 

Aromatica Tasteless Aroma Therapy Roll On

Full size 14 ml. 

Start your aromatherapy now! It is one of the most effective and simple ways to enjoy your aromatherapy. Tasteless aromatherapy roll on allows you to relax and sleep well. 

How to use: Gently roll on the temples and pulse points. 

Don't forget you can get $5 in credit if you e-mail Memebox & tell them you were referred by this blog! You also get $5 for your first purchase. :)

REVIEW: Glossybox January 2014

I've been thinking about joining Glossybox forever, but always put it on the backburner for other things. Finally after some convincing from Cookie over at The Charming Cheshire, I decided to subscribe for January! :)

I know this post is pretty late, but they had some shipping issues that delayed a lot of boxes into February & I needed time to test everything out! I'm giving Glossybox another shot for February but I would just like to say how disappointed I was with their customer service this month. I understand that they ship later in the month than most boxes, which is totally fine with me because it spaces everything out. And I understand that the weather around the country has been pretty ridiculous, so a further delay on shipping is fine. But...I didn't get a single e-mail from them about the weather delays. The only reason I knew about it was from reading the thread for this box on Makeup Talk. I ended up eventually contacting them about it because February hit and I still didn't even have tracking and the response I got was basically 'it will ship when it ships.' Customer service is such a huge deal for me and as a new subscriber I just found the total lack of communication really disappointing. But, like I said, I'm giving them another chance for the February box so here's hoping things go more smoothly.

Anyway, on to the box:

This is the most beautifully packaged subscription box I've gotten yet! The box itself is pale pink & then it's all wrapped up like this inside. Like opening up a gift!

First look at the contents. All really great sizes and a fabulous variety of product types!

This was the spoiler that pushed me over the edge to join. I have the original pink Beauty Blender and I just love it. Honestly, live changing. Like, I always kind of thought: It's just a sponge! Nope, it isn't. It's a miracle. My foundation and cream blushes seriously look airbrushed when I use that baby. Thrilled to have a second one for a back up!

I have the liquid version of this cleanser but was interested to try out the solid form! After trying both, I actually like this one better but it is harder to store unless you have a soap dish, which I don't. I'll be honest: as much as I do like these cleansers...pretty much any kind of gentle soap will work the same way! Not sure I'd ever actually purchase either of these after my samples run out. 

I've heard great things about the Vichy brand, but this is the first product I've tried. If this is any indication of how the rest of their brand is...I'm a fan! This moisturizer is seriously fantastic & could not have come at a better time with my ridiculously dry winter skin. It seems thick in the jar but it's actually very light on the skin and not greasy at all! 

This is Bellapierre's Mineral Blush in 'Desert Rose.' It's almost like they read my mind and created my perfect shade! I wear a lot of peachy shades and have been searching for a sort of peachy pink with gold shimmer & that is exactly what this is! I don't own NARS Orgasm myself, but I've heard from some other subscribers that this is similar to that. 

This is a UK brand, which is always a plus for me. I love trying things I can't get here! However, this body wash was kind of a let down. I smell a LOT of lavender, which I'm just not a big fan of, and basically..it's just a body wash. Nothing spectacular. I'm sure I'll end up using it eventually but it won't be the first thing I grab in the shower. 

I have actually tried this sea salt spray before in a Birchbox, but I love it and I'm glad to have a back up! Salt spray doesn't do much for me as far as making waves. I think it's just because my hair is so long and heavy. BUT I do like to spray it in my hair when it's wet before I blow dry for amazing volume! This one smells really nice & beachy too :) 

Any other Glossybox subscribers out there? What did you think of this month's box? 

Mally Evercolor Starlight Eyeliners - 10 Piece Set

I absolutely adore Mally Roncal. I've watched her on QVC a few times and she just seems like such a fantastic and down to earth person. When I saw that some of the Ipsy bags for this month would contain her Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner, I was SO EXCITED...until I checked my glam room & saw I wasn't getting one. I thought about swapping for one, but since we got a 25% discount code I just decided to go for it & order the ten piece set off of her website.

I got the package in the mail yesterday and I am officially in LOVE. These eyeliners are super buttery and smooth to apply and they have outrageous staying power. I swatched them on my arm yesterday and they're still almost perfect, through sleeping last night, a run this morning, and a shower. Needless to say, I've already ordered the other ten piece set which is the automatic liners and contains different colors than this set. What can I say? I'm a fan!

I was in such a rush to order these that I didn't even realize they came in a box! Gorgeous. This is going to look fabulous displayed on my vanity. 

Swatches: Deep Olive, Starshine, Steele, Bronze, Sailor, Midnight, Ice Blue, Kona, Pink Champagne, Black Cherry. 

Natural light. 

No flash. 

With flash. 

Aren't these just beautiful?! If you know me and my love of all shiny things, you'll know that Starshine, Bronze, Ice Blue, & Pink Champagne are my favorites but honestly I'll wear all of these on a regular basis. 

This set is $50 which is actually already a really good deal for 10 liners, but with the code IPSY you can save 25% and bring it down to only $37.50!

Fortune Cookie Soap Box-Spring 2014

I've been kicking myself for months for missing out on the Winter Fortune Cookie Soap Box, which was Nightmare Before Christmas Themed, so when I saw sign ups were open for the Spring Box I immediately signed up! If you haven't checked out Fortune Cookie Soap, stop what you're doing and check out their website. They have all sorts of awesome scented bath & body products, including their signature fortune cookie shaped soaps.

The Soap Box ships out four times per year and is $19.99 per box (you do get $10 back to spend in the store though!). Each box has a theme & contains eight mini versions of the full collection's products. The full collection is released a few weeks after the Soap Boxes go out, so you get a sneak peek of the products & scents before they're officially on sale! You can see examples of past boxes here.

Anyway, the Spring Soap Box's theme was "Garden of Good & Evil Collection" and it is SO COOL. As implied by the title, some of the scents are 'good' and some are 'evil' and honestly I couldn't tell you which ones I like more!


Photo: http://www.fortunecookiesoap.com/


Photo: http://www.fortunecookiesoap.com/

First, a photo of what I saw when I opened the box. How adorable is this? It's like opening up a little box full of happy. Also, I could smell it before I even opened it up. :)

Another photo of the grand opening, which a few items unwrapped. 

What a gorgeous collection! I know the theme is 'The Garden of Good & Evil' but it kind of all reminds me of the garden in Alice in Wonderland. Definitely puts me in a Spring mood, despite all the snow & negative temperatures here. 

"The Bloom Bloom Room" Bath Fizzy (Evil)

A strip club for flowers? I wanna go! A sinfully sweet combination of Jasmine, Lilac, and Lilly of the Valley darkened with throbbing musical notes of fresh peach and citrus all swirling around the poles of decadent spun sugar.

I know the description of this says it's pretty floral-y, but honestly when I smell this...I smell CANDY. It's super, super sweet smelling! Unfortunately since we moved, I don't have my awesome tub with jets anymore, just a regular tub, so I don't take a LOT of baths. But when I do, I have a feeling this little guy is going to make it really awesome!

"Forbidden Fruit" Fortune Cookie Soap (Evil)

Dusky verbena creeping over fresh blueberry skins and lemon zest.

One of my favorite scents in the collection! Already planning on purchasing quite a few, if not all, the products in this scent. It smells exactly how they describe it: lemons & blueberries!

"Make It Rain" Whipped Cream (Evil)

Grab your umbrellas! Sparkling droplets of citrus and jasmine dripping with musk, clutched by bloated cedarwood boughs.

This is my favorite scent in the collection, hands down. BUT I will say I don't think it smells like the description. It is very heavy on the floral scents in the jar, but is much lighter on the skin. I think I like it because to me it smells like Lilies of the Valley, which reminds me of my Grandma's old house!

"Marshmallow Dreams" Cuticle Butter (Good)

Lavender sprigs draped over sage and basil, livened with a splash of vodka and a swirl of sticky, sweet marshmallow fluff.

MMMMM. This smells good enough to eat. Seriously. I don't really get the vodka scent at all (which is honestly probably a good thing!) but definitely get the marshmallow. It's a nice sweet, but light, scent. And the cuticle butter has a GREAT consistency. I'll definitely be using this for the remainder of the winter. 

"Me So Thorny" Steam Me Up Scotty! (Evil)

Me love you long time! Sorry, I could resist! Citrus, lavender, and french vanilla corrupted by a dark shadow of patchouli and sandalwood.

Really intrigued by the concept of this item in general! I've never used one. Basically you take the product and put it out of the stream of water in the shower. The steam activates the scent & the fizzy slowly dissolves, sending the scent into the steam around you! If you've ever been inside any sort of shop that sells incense, you already know what this smells like! Lots of patchouli and a touch of sandalwood; that's all I can really smell. I happen to love incense and don't get to burn it nearly enough these days, so I'm thrilled to get to have the scent in my shower!

"Venus Fly Trap" Perfume Oil (Evil)

Bergamot, narcaisse and musk lurk beneath delicate notes of water orchid, sparkling lemon and pink jasmine.

This scent is really interesting and complicated. It smells completely different in the bottle than on my skin, but it dries to this great mixture of floral & citrus scents that I absolutely adore. I have it on now, so I'll update the 'wear time' later on!

"Afternoon Delight" OCD Hand Sanitizer (Good)

Pink watermelon dancing with fresh apricots, crowned in white florals.

True Life: I'm addicted to hand sanitizer. Seriously, I use it aaaall the time, especially at work. So, pumped to get this. The scent is really fruity & the watermelon definitely sticks out the most to me. 

"Native Nectar" Body Wash (Good)

Fresh, cracked coconut. No Machine required.

I. Love. Coconut. That's exactly what this smells like. I have something like a billion shower gels in my shower right now, but this one is going to be my primary for a while!

The full collection launches on February 21st at 6 PM if you're dying to get your hands on anything! If you did purchase this Soap Box, don't forget you should have a $10 off coupon you can use. :)

SNEAK PEEK: Glossybox February 2014

February 11th, 2014

Received this email this morning:


I've tried a few Sumita eye liners from Birchbox and they're pretty awesome! Spectacular staying power. Like, I can barely get mine off even with waterproof makeup remover.

Are you excited for this box so far? What else are you hoping to get this month?

February 1st, 2014

I subscribed to Glossybox for January to see what all the fuss was about AND because they had a Beauty Blender as one of the sneak peeks! Unfortunately I haven't received my box yet, but I plan to stay subscribed for February so I want to keep you all up to date on the spoilers!

The first one is up on the Glossybox website this morning:

It's nail polish from Lauren B. Beauty! Not sure if it will be just this color or a variety, but I kind of like the pale pink for Valentine's Day! It seems to be a VERY small company, but you can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBBeauty and they do have a website that is launching at midnight on February 1st which you can find here: Laurenbbeauty.com/index

So far so good! I'll keep you all posted as the next sneak peeks show up!