October Birchbox Reveal

I just received my October birchbox and I can't wait to try out all of my  new goodies. Check this post in about 2 weeks for my reviews.

*AHAVA:Revival Bath Salts in Mandarin Ceadarwood*
*Laura Geller: Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze*
*Pangea Organics: Japanese Match Tea Facial Mask*
*stila: Forever Your Curl Mascara*

(Box 9)

September Birchbox Reveal & Review

September's Birchbox theme was "Celebrating You!" and like all my boxes that I have received and the ones that I have yet to receive, I always feel that the box is designated just for me!

*Incoco Nail Polish Appliqué* These are so neat. I've seen various companies like Sally Hansen, OPI, and Avon come out with their own "dry" polish and I would peruse the different designs, but never bought a package to try at home. I was ecstatic when I received these in my birchbox; it gave me the opportunity to try it out. It smells like nail polish and it was more durable than the liquid form over time. I'd much rather use the dry form as opposed to paying $20+ for someone to do my nails or wait an hour after doing my own for my nails to fully dry. Very convenient!

*Jouer Lip Enhancer* I don't think it enhanced my lips in any fashion, but it hydrated my lips really well.

*LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection in Earth* I was a bit hesitant when I saw this in the box, I don't really like earthy fragrances(any type of wood smell), but surprisingly enough this fragrance was light and flowery. The bonus: Its eco-friendly!

*Pangea Organics Facial Cream for Normal to Combination Skin* I don't really care for the smell of ginger, but I have to say that it made my face feel great. I've been trying quite a few facial masques, creams, and cleansers since I started my blog and so far I haven't had any crazy reactions due to my frequent cosmetic changes, so that lets me know that these products are not heavy on the chemicals and are keeping the pH balance of face.

*Birchbox Bracelet* This could have been made with a more durable material, but it has held its own against my constant cleaning, dishwashing, sweating, showering, and multiple mommy duties. Its cute and great conversational started to let people in on the amazing things birchbox has to offer.

(Box 5)

August Birchbox Reveal and Review

My August Birchbox came with all the appropriate beauty items. The great state of Texas is in a drought and all of my birchbox products were very hot weather applicable.

*Shaveworks: The Cool Fix: Targeted Gel Lotion* With the weather being as hot as it has been, I needed my legs to look as sexy as possible, because there was NO way I was going to be wearing pants for day number 60+ of 100+degree weather. Use this gel lotion over your legs AFTER you shave and it prevents razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs! Yay!

*June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque* This masque is very light and it probably requires weekly to bi-weekly use during these hot months. My face has seen an increase in acne due to my constant sweating, but I followed this masque with a cool wrap and it was divine. I had a few more acne blemishes after using the product, so I am assuming that its doing its job by forcing the impurities to the surface.

*Ouidad Climate Control: Heat & Humidity Gel* Talk about a lifesaver. My hair is so thick and happens to have a lot of flyaways. If I use hairspray/gel/mousse I get that crusty and flaky affect. Again, this product is light, but it worked well enough to tame the little hairs and keep my hair styled for most of the day. Great for heat & humidity, but not strong enough to withstand the demands of my children.

*Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer* Eh, I was thoroughly impressed by this primer, but it works. It smooths over your blemishes, wrinkles, pock marks, etc., so when you apply your foundation over the primer it looks more flawless. At least it met the expectations that I have of any primer.

*Twistband Hair Ties* A cute, fancier version of any hair tie without the retro look of the scrunchie. Its very chic and there are multiple ways you can tie it. I liked it so much that I bought two sets!

(Box 1)

3 sick kids = my failure to blog

Between my eldest starting school, my return to school, and managing my mom/wife responsibilities....I have neglected my beauty blog. I wanted to let you know that I do appreciate all of my readers and apologize for my failure in blogging, BUT I am back and I have so many goodies to reveal and review. Thank you for your patience! Enjoy!

LoveandToast Happiness Kit Review

I happened to win the LoveandToast Happiness Kit from a Facebook contest hosted by Beautylish and I was super anxious to try it out. I had heard amazing things about it and I love Margot Elena, the genius behind this super happy, modern, hip line. She is also the genius behind TokyoMilk, so I had very high expectations for this kit.

White Tea & Mint Daily Shampoo & Conditioner: I happened to have extremely nasty oily hair today. So I thought what better way to test this duo? I have super thick normal hair, so when it gets dirty, I need something that will give it an amazing clean all the way down to my scalp. This duo didn't blow me out of the water. The mint gave my scalp a good tingly feeling and the white tea made my hair smell good but it performed like any other good shampoo and conditioner on the market.

Clementine Crush Shower Creme, Body Lotion, Sugar Scrub: I smell like I fell into a box of clementines and rolled around in it. I love the smell of citrus but I wish that the lotion would offer more moisture for my skin. It may just be because we've hit day 43 of 100+ weather, but when I put it on before bed, I still felt like I needed more moisture. The scrub and creme are luxurious but again nothing more than what I would expect from a scrub and creme.

Mint & Ginseng Facial Scrub: Not enough exfoliates and too much ginseng. I did not feel like my face was renewed or that the dead skin was even exfoliated BUT after using the cleanser AND the moisturizer, my face is feeling really soft.

White Tea & Mimosa Leaf Facial Cleanser: This brought back childhood memories of amazing summers, poolsides, and happiness. This cleanser, smells like the Flintstone Push Up popsicles. I indulged in it and after feeling let down by the other products, I was really happy with this cleanser. My face felt clean. It did not leave a residue or leave my face feeling dry or streaky.

Almond & Apricot Facial Moisturizer: I did not like the smell of this moisturizer but my face is feeling really soft. If you can put aside the overpowering smell of nutshells (it does not smell like almond or apricot) then yes! it does make your face feel amazing.

Green Tea & Mint Lip Scrub: This is my FAVORITE product out of the entire kit. The heat has made my lips super dry and I happened to LOVE LOVE LOVE this lip scrub. It has super exfoliating powers, so there is no need to apply a lot of pressure to your lips unless you are trying to sandblast them off of your face. Gently rub the scrub on your lips and wash. Voila! Super soft, sexy, sultry lips.

Strawberry Fields Lip Butter: Oh my goodness. When they say butter, they mean buh-tah. This delight glides on smooth and moisturizes. Again, I was on memory lane with this product as it smells like the old school Bubbletape bubble gum.

Happiness---YES! I had a wonderful sensory experience. The smells of the Clementine Crush, Strawberry Fields, White & Mimosa, Green Tea & Mint, allowed me to reflect on some of the most happiest moments in my life. A true happiness kit and if you need an extra pick me up during a rough week, then you might just want to try this kit. The design of this kit is aesthetically pleasing with its bright colors and modern design, so you just cannot help but smile.

EcoTools Eye Brush Set

I love EcoTools and this eye brush set did not disappoint. Think of a cloud swooping across your eyelids...yes, they are that soft. They have not lost their shape, bristles, or softness under intense wear and tear: I'm the kind of person who cleans brushes daily. They are durable and definitely worth every penny ($7.99@Walgreens). I happened to get this set for free with a coupon that I received from EcoTools through their Choose To Live Beautifully campaign.

Want a coupon from EcoTools so that you can grab this set or another goody for free? Go to Choose To Live Beautifully for more detail and before they run out!

TokyoMilk

This line is by Margot Elena, she also created the LoveandToast line that you may have seen me mention previously. My first TokyoMilk product was a soap bar that I received as a gift from an attorney that I was working for, but he assured me that it wasn't a sign that I need to shower, but he saw how much a loved beauty products that he thought he'd gift this one to me because it was his wife's favorite. I still have the soap, it comes so beautifully wrapped that I didn't want to use. So it sits in my dresser with my unmentionables and makes everything smell.....sexy. This line is so mysterious and chic, hence the reason why I am drawn to it. 

The bubble bath that I received was a sample of their Eiffel Tower Bubble Bath No. 15. It smelled so good, so I was super excited to fill up my tub with warm water and indulge in its sweet fragrance. I felt renewed, relaxed, and uplifted. I also had the best sleep ever that night. I don't think I was anymore tired than normal that night, but I think this product had the perfect blend of fragrances to help me relax and as a mom of 3 kids under age 5,  this made the list of my most coveted products.

Margot Elena products are all paraben free, phthalate free, petrolatum free, animal free, never tested on animals, no artificial colors, and natural alcohol (in the perfumes)

Wowzers!

I have to say THANK YOU for all of your support. I have not blogged recently because I have received mailbox after mailbox of products that I have been testing out these past few weeks. Just to name a few of the goodies that I have had the pleasure of trying out: hair care from Carol's Daughter, the eye brush set from EcoTools, the Love & Happiness kit from Love&Toast, a bubble bath, compliments of Tokyo Milk, and I just received my August Birchbox today so the list continues. So, check back soon and I'll have the latest and greatest on these products!

Hello Kitty inspired nails

I don't paint my nails often because it does not pair well with motherhood, but I was really feeling in the mood to do something awe inspiring. I love Hello Kitty, I always have and I had bought a pack of Hello Kitty nail decals for my daughters during my last Sephora trip, but they wanted me to use the Sephora Blasted nail polish instead of the decals. 

So I decided to use the decals. These are the Hello Kitty Modern Icon decals for $5.00 at any Sephora store and at Sephora Online and I also used some flower nail decals that I found at my local Sally's Beauty Supply. 

You can use any base coat of your choosing but I've always had great results using the Sephora by OPI base coat, quick drying drops and top coat. The nail polish that I used is Strawberry Fields (716) by China Glaze.

How to get the look

1. Apply your base coat
2. Apply your color
3. Let your color dry: you can do this anyway you like,
but I'm always on a time crunch so I use the quick drying drops and
make sure that they dry

4. Apply your decals anyway you want.

5. Apply a top coat and let it dry

It's pretty simple. Obviously if you want a more uniform look, you can use the same decal on each nail or the same type of flowers or just the Hello Kitty bows. Remember, b.e.e creative & dream. If you have a look you want to share with me. Send me and e-mail and I just might feature your look on the blog.

Much love, 

Eunice

SP Beauty Boutique

I need your help! SP Beauty Boutique is doing a giveaway on their Facebook page. The prize is.

"The Prize: $500 worth of beauty products for the year! We will send you one beauty product every month for one whole year, which means 12 new and exciting beauty products for you to experience and indulge in!

Contest ends August 31st." --SP Beauty Boutique

SOOO...you want to know why you should help me!!

IF i win, your vote will be counted as an entry in my own beauty giveaway. I'll include one of the beauty products from the SP Beauty Boutique contest and I'll throw in some of my other favorite beauty products to sweeten the pot.

Now PAY ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING: If you get your friends to vote for me, tell the to put "Referred by (your name)" in the comments of my photo. For every referral you'll gain another entry. Got it! GOOD! So vote, vote, vote, for me PLEASE!

HOW TO VOTE:
1. Log in to your Facebook
2. LIKE the SP Beauty Boutique page
3. Find my picture on their wall (see the above)
4. LIKE my picture on their wall
5. SMILE because if I win, you could win too!

Much Love,
Eunice

Birthday season!

July is a hectic month in my family with 2 of my daughters, myself, my father-in-law and my brother all having birthdays! This does not include cousins, nieces, nephews, best friends, etc. BUT you get the picture. With all the festivities and summer travel I'd like to present one of my favorite "all-purpose" beauty products. Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake. It is a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath ALL IN ONE. It smells amazing and it feels great on the skin. It makes packing easy. Just throw it into your travel bag and go!

Jergens coupon

via Jergens US on facebook:
Want to try an award-winning lotion and SAVE too?! Click here for a $1.50 OFF COUPON for Jergens Overnight Repair Lotion: http://bit.ly/mXdcQD. (While supplies last; Limit 1 per person). Use the coupon today, apply the lotion tonight, and wake up to smoother skin tomorrow morning! ;-)

Belk>Estee Lauder Giveaway

 

*The giveaway is over*They are all out*Hope you were able to grab yours*

Belk's is giving away 1,000 FREE samples of the Estee Lauder: Even Skintone Illuminator through their Facebook page. Hurry over to FB to grab your free sample. These are going fast!

EcoTools Preview

I perused the EcoTools website trying to figure out what product I wanted. I already had the 6-piece brush roll:

• Blush Brush
• Concealer Brush
• Angled Eyeliner Brush
• Eye Shading Brush
• Lash & Brow Groomer
• Hemp & Cotton Case (Room for both brushes & makeup essentials!),

two(2) foundation brushes and I couldn't decide if I want a bath product or a body care product or more brushes. I was indecisive because I wanted to use my coupons to the maximum amount allowed--$7.99. 


Eventually, I came to my senses and jumped in the car and headed to Walgreens, it was the furthest out of all the stores that carried EcoTools so I figured I would wander store to store looking for the perfect deal and if I didn't get a good deal, I'd eventually end up back at home.


 Surprise! Surprise! Here is what I found:

Green, Clean, Go Travel Set

Sustainable Softness Body Lotion

Clean Skin, Cleaner World Body Wash

6-piece Eye Brush Set

The travel set and the brush set I got for FREE. Thanks to the coupons sent to me from their "Choose To Live Beautifully" recycling campaign and the lotion and the body wash happened to be on sale. I'll post reviews in a few days to let you know what I think of the different products!

Much love,
Eunice

I WON!

 

Beautylish is doing a One-A-Day Giveaway I've been entering EVERY day and it FINALLY paid off! I won the Day 19 giveaway and I am so excited! The "prize" is by a company called Love&Toast and I will be receiving their Happiness Kit!

Eunice 'Bullecer' Gonzales my TOMS sunglasses! can't hide from the big TEXAS sun. I always have them with me. www.beautylish.com/eb1gonz​o.Yesterday at 1:12pm ·

EcoTools FREEBIES

I was on the hunt for an AMAZING set of brushes. I don't believe in dropping $$$$ on something that you'll have to replace every couple of months to a year, but I really wanted something durable. I stumbled upon EcoTools. I had seen their ads here and there and its always a plus when they are eco-friendly and give back to the environment. So, I bought my first set and I am super happy with them. The brushes are sturdy and they do exactly what they are supposed to do. I've had them for about four weeks now and they endure daily use plus daily cleaning and not a single bristle has fallen off.

They have a recycle program, "Choose To Live Beautifully" where you can mail in your old beauty brushes and products and in return you get two (2) coupons for any EcoTools product FREE (up to a $7.99 value)! I had bought my first set prior to knowing about the recycle program, but I still had my old brushes and mailed them out last week. I was expecting a 6-8 week wait for my coupons, but I'm not complaining about the 1 week turn around. I'm a happy girl and I think I might grab two more brushes!

Remember, if you have old products: recycle them. The sooner the better, I don't know how long or how many coupons are available. Do what you can to make the world safe for our future generations!

Much love,
Eunice

July Birchbox Reveal and Review

I just subscribed in June, so my first box was sent to me in July. July also happens to be my birthday month so I considered it one of my birthday presents!

July's Birchbox was in collaboration with designer Cynthia Rowley. The contents of the box may differ slightly from what other subscribers may receive. Remember, when you sign up, you will build a beauty profile and Birchbox uses that to figure out what they'll pack into your box.

So here is my picture by picture. Reviews directly follow.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

Are you excited yet!?! Here are the contents with my personal review:

*Redken Shine Flash 02* This product is amazing! Its a glistening mist NOT a leave-in-conditioner. I have normal THICK hair and with the Texas heat it can become dull and dry looking. If I use a conditioner or a leave-in conditioner my hair gets oily and nasty looking. So I was super happy that the Redken Shine Flash 02 gave my hair that healthy shiny look without the oil. Just spray it all over and glisten!

*Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser* I had seen the Philosophy line at my local Ulta and Sephora, but I never really took much interest in it simply because the price tag seemed too high for my comfort and I did not know anyone who actually used the line. I had heard and read the reviews and it seems to be a good line, so I was excited to try the facial cleanser. Instructions are simple: Apply to a dry/damp face, massage for 60 seconds, rinse with warm water. At first I didn't really like it, but I'm finding that if I use it while I'm in the shower my face feels a lot cleaner. It has a fragrance to it, mostly a strong soapy smell, but it is a very gentle cleanser

*AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream* Its goes on smooth but it has an old lady lotion smell to it. I am constantly washing dishes, doing laundry, changing diapers...I'm a mom...you get the picture. I was not happy with this product. It did not give my hands the necessary moisture that I needed and with my body chemistry the old lady lotion smell ends up smelling like....well just plain gross. Sorry AHAVA, this hand cream is a no go for me.

*ZOYA Nail Polish, Shade: Shay* I'm not a big fan of nude polishes. They never seem to look right on me, but I was happy with the color. It turned out to be light pick with a hint of shimmer, more opaque, than glittery. Its a very professional looking color, one I will definitely be adding to my collection. Just to sweeten the pot: "Zoya Nail Polish is a nail polish free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor." Yay!

*KIND Snacks: Almond & Apricot Snack Bar* Occasionally, Birchbox will throw in a little edible goody that promotes wellness a well-being. This month, they had to have known that it was my birthday month. This snack bar was to die for! Perfect blend of almonds (my favorite!) and apricots (my other favorite!)!

(Box 1)

So, there you have it folks. My first Birchbox review! If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please let me send you an invitation {I can earn points for referrals and I would greatly appreciate it}, shoot me an e-mail.

Much love,
Eunice

Birchbox

Ah, Birchbox!

It's like Christmas, an "Employee of the Month" award or in my case "Most Amazing Mom" award....call it what you will but when you subscribe to Birchbox they send you 4-5 beauty goodies to sample based on your profile EVERY month (if you are subscribed of course). I should mention that it is $10/month and if you do the month-to-month subscription then you can cancel at anytime. You also have the option to sign up for a year and you receive one month free: $110/year.

Its an amazing and inexpensive way to find that perfect product without having to spend $$$$ on it just to find out that it does/does not work with your skin type.

If you are interested let me know and I'll send you a direct invitation. {Please let me send you an invitation, the referral allows me to earn points that I can use towards purchases. I would greatly appreciate it.}

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! 

I am so happy that you are here. This blog is separate from my daily ramblings of what is going on with me and my family and focuses more on my creative side. 

I love art! I love fashion! I love makeup! I love shopping! I love GREAT deals! 

Somewhere along the journey of life I was told that being a starving artist was no way to live and so I gave up my dreams and my passions. So here I am, married, three kids, three degree changes and no degree in hand, but an Associates in Business Administration just in reach and I've rekindled my love.

This blog will mainly be my reviews of the different beauty brands I receive on a monthly basis and from my own personal collection. Monthly? You ask! Yes! Stay tuned and I'll show you how and what I do.

Much Love,

Eunice