March Birchbox

I really liked this month's box. Was not disappointed in one thing! Here's a glimpse at what was inside my "March Madness" Birchbox... 

Marcelle BB Cream

I've just added this to my "try it" list of BB creams, along with Dr. Jart, Boscia, and Revlon (which I've already tried and will post about soon). I'll let you know how this one turns out! 

LA Fresh Nail Polish Remover Pads

Going to be traveling these next two weekends so these will go straight into my luggage. Now I don't have to worry about packing my usual polish remover. I've only ever heard good things about these so I'm excited to give these a try. 

Vasanti Brighten Up Face Rejuvenator

Never heard of this brand, but it contains Papaya and Aloe with micro-crystals, and I like all of those things. Sounds like a great exfoliator. So we'll give it a shot and see how I like it. 

Whish Shave Cream

Never heard of this brand either, and was a little hesitant, but I did try it and this made my legs SO smooth. 

Nail File (by Madewell)

I only own one nail file, and it's seen better days. So I think this came at a perfect time. Plus, it was created by Madewell, so that's nice. 

If you're interested in trying Birchbox for yourself, click here!

What did you get this month? 

xo, Mal

happy friday, y'all!

Happy Friday, Y'all! Another long week coming to an end. This week the wood floors in my condo were finally repaired thanks to my amazing dad who seems to know how to do anything and saved me major $$$$.  Now I'm looking forward to a good weekend and making memories at the St. Patrick's Day parade tomorrow... :)

1. Captured this pic of Mike the Tiger taking a nap after the Men's Basketball game. Sometimes I wish I could just pet him, but think I think "eh, better not." [pitch perfect, anyone?]

2. Sushi for two. Had a great dinner date with my bff and long lost sister Danielle at Ichiban's. I love being able to catch up over good food. I wouldn't mind if this became a weekly event. 

3. I had a realization this week that my brush "collection" is out of control. Washing them is such a chore, mainly because I'm just lazy. But once their clean it makes me feel so much better. If you want to see how I clean this mountain of brushes, click here. 

4. I scored two House of Harlow look-a-like necklaces at Wet Seal for a total of $15 thanks to a bogo 50% off sale. I can finally check that off of my "find a less expensive version" wishlist. 

5. I really really enjoyed this month's Birchbox. I'll share what I got next week! 

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! Check out more H54F posts on Lauren's blog! 

xo, Mal

February Birchbox

Couture La La Perfume

This is a brand new perfume from Juicy Couture called La La. Of all the perfume samples I get, this is one of my favorites. It's up there with Kate Spade Twirl. 

theBalm MaryLou Manizer (highlighter)

I already own a full size of this product and I LOVE it. The full size compact is travel-friendly, but I can't complain about being able to sneak this little guy into my purse. More beauty products in my purse... just what I need. 

Tigi Flexible Hairspray

 Don't think I've ever tried a Tigi product before. And I just ran out of my travel size Tresemme hairspray so I'll be giving this a shot. 

Dr. Lipp Lip Balm

Was curious about this product so I looked it up online to see what this is all about. The Birchbox site says: "Packed with all-natural ingredients, the thick, creamy formula is clinically proven to repair rough, flaky lips in just one hour." One hour, huh? Have not tried this yet, but I'm going to put it to the test.

Ghirardelli Chocolate (the extra)

I love chocolate. Thanks Birchbox. 

Overall, it's a good box. But, not gonna lie, I've been eyeing other subscription services and thinking about trying more. Ahhh somebody stop me! My "sample drawer" is already out of control. So, just curious if anyone else subscribes to other beauty or lifestyle boxes and how satisfied you are with them. I've been getting Birchbox for well over a year, and I'm happy with them. For $10, I don't see myself ever cancelling. But we do see a lot of the same brands, so I'm interested to see how different other subscription services are. Let me know if you have experience with other boxes! 

xo, Mal

january 2013 birchbox

The theme of our January Birchbox is "Best Year Ever." 

In the order of what I'm most excited to try, here is what I received this month...

Ojon Rare Blend Oil: This is the second Ojon product I've received in a Birchbox. I loved the conditioner, so I'm really excited to try this hair oil. 

Eyeko Skinny Mini Eyeliner: I like using black liquid eyeliners with a felt tip for my upper lash line. I'll definitely try this one out after I use up my current liquid eye liner. 

Aerie Shimmer Fragrance: Another perfume to add to my sample drawer. And I really like this scent.  Like I've said before, perfect to keep in your purse or just to travel with. 

100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream: I think this was the lifestyle extra. Never heard of this brand before, but will keep the little packets for dry skin emergencies! 

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrete: Really was unsure about what this product was used for. After a little research, I realized many people use this cream as their moisturizer or primer under makeup, and a lot of people rave about it. However, it seems it's for people with dry skin. Not sure this will work for me, but I'm willing to give it a shot. 

I plan to do a post following up on some of my favorite products I've discovered through Birchbox. And maybe even my not-so favorite products. Let me know if you like the idea. In the mean time, also let me know if you're a subscriber and what your favorite products have been from BB! 

xo, Mal

December Birchbox

theBalm Hot Mama Blush

My favorite product in the box. I love anything from theBalm. This blush reminds me of NARS Orgasm. It’s a peachy-pink color with golden shimmer. It’s a pretty popular blush, so I’m excited that I’m able to try it out.

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo

I use a clarifying shampoo once a week, so this was a nice sample to get. It’s a good size and I can’t wait to try it out.  

Frownies Eye Gels

These are one of those products that I don’t buy, but like having for those nights when I want to pamper myself or try a new product. I'll be trying these soon!

Ahava Dermud Enriched Intensive Foot Cream

I’m kind of over getting foot creams in my box. Mainly because I just don’t use them...

Cartier Baiser Vole Eau de Perfume

This is not a perfume for me. It was nice to see a different brand name not usually seen in Birchbox, but the smell is pretty awful, in my opinion.

Cartier Declaration D’un Soir Cologne

This was an extra. If you didn't know, Birchbox makes a line for men, too. After being disappointed in the perfume, I was hesitant to smell this one. Surprisingly, I love it! Too bad I can’t wear it, but I’ll gladly hand over to my boyfriend.

$50 Gift Certificate to Rent the Runway
I thought this was pretty cool. I had never heard of this website, but after checking it out, I really want to try this. Some of the things I would be interested in "renting" are dresses from Badgley Mischka and Diane Von Furstenberg around the $70-$100 range, so this gift certificate could come in handy if I decide to give it a shot! 

What did you get in your December box?
Hope you're getting all of your Christmas shopping done! 

xo, Mal 

gift ideas... for the ladies

Birchbox Subscription $30-$110

Striped Scarf $8

LC Beauty Book $15 

Bow Earrings $8

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette $50

Coach Poppy Rollerball Perfume $22

State Pendant Necklace $42

Essie Nail Polish Holiday Set  $17
Buxom Lip Gloss Set $29

All of these items included are things that I own and love, or would just love to own! 

Use these suggested items literally, or just as a guide for when you're making your holiday shopping list [either for yourself or for others]. 

I'm working on a few more stocking stuffer + gift idea posts, so stay tuned for those! 

What's on your Christmas wish list? 

Have you started your shopping yet?