Holiday VoxBox from Influenster!

For those of you who are not familiar, Influenster let's you earn badges and do activities that qualify you for freebies. All you have to do is review the product (s) and complete any mandatory tasks, which are always easy.

This month I qualified for this lovely box

Included was
Goody QuickStyle Brush
Quaker Oatmeal Real Medleys in Berry Medley
NYC Liquid Lipshine in Nude York City
EBoost natural energy and immunity in Pink Lemonade 
Kiss Nail Dress in KDS 12

I was so excited when I opened this box! Here's my video :D 

So far, I have used the brush, lip gloss, oat meal, and EBoost. I will be doing reviews for those over the next few days. 

xoxo 
Ashley

December Birchbox

I would have normally had, filmed, used, and been done with my Birchbox, but unfortunately mine was stolen this month, and so I had to wait for my replacement. Here's my video :D

Sick day makeup

This is how I do simple and smokey makeup when I'm sick and just really need to look put together. It's quick, simple, and really makes you look a little more human.

Updated lip product storage

This is a recycled fruit and veggie serving tray from the 70's or 80's, and I was going to toss it out before I realized just how much this would help. So glad I held on to it, since it's much easier to use than a big old container.

Pretty pinks

It was my birthday and I felt like doing something fun, colorful, and different. This is what happened.

Wearable golds

I wanted to play with the bright gold trend without looking insane, and while it is similar to other looks I've done, it was a bit of a twist on it as well.

Update and a skin care tip

I decided to mix an update with a tip, just because I didn't know what else to do and didn't want to just disappear.

Winter berry inspired look

I decided to play with some winter tones this time, and still feel festive while doing it. I can't get enough of winter this year!

November hits and a miss

This is the second month I was fortunate enough to only have one miss, though I am very sad that this particular product wasn't all I'd hoped for.

The Hobbit inspired makeup

I was reading the book and thought I'd do something fun and hobbit like. Sadly, I think this came out quite a bit like looks I've already done, but it's still fun to play with.

Julep Maven December box

My first monthly box, and the colors were totally awesome! As soon as I got the preview, I had to have that red.

Hair growth update

This is at the 6 month total mark, and about 2 1/2 months after my last trim.

Thanksgiving inspired look

I filmed this just a few days before Thanksgiving, and wouldn't you know, I ended up with a black eye from my mom's dog and couldn't wear it? Hopefully someone out there got some use out of this lovely look

Blue and Silver holiday look

The second look I took inspiration for from the holiday season. Totally wearable and easy to add or remove the drama as you see fit.

November Birchbox

Another exciting box that was well worth the wait and then some :D

Holiday look

I have been super excited for the holiday season, and so I did a small stretch of holiday-inspired looks, starting with this one

Complete list of Crest White Strips videos!

This is going to be the full list of videos I did for Influenster.

Unboxing

First update

Second update

Final update

Julep Maven intro box and initial thoughts videos

I am WAY behind on this blog, and I'm really not sure how it happened, but I will now be catching up and hopefully not falling this far behind again!

Here is my intro box video

And my initial thoughts

Crest White Strips from Influenster-FREE for the purpose of review!

I was emailed about this VoxBox, with no details save that it was a dental aesthetic product. When I opened this box, I couldn't help but dance like an idiot for 20 minutes.

I have already tried one set and I am extremely pleased with the quality, the ease of use, and the comfort while using them. They say you will notice a difference within 3 days, and I will be updating about it in 3 days, which will be Monday evening.

All about Influenster

I stumbled on this site earlier this year, and at first, I was doubtful that it was really totally free. There's so many scams out there, you can never be too sure. But the tasks to earn badges were fun, easy, and even if I got nothing for it, it was cool to earn the badges.

Then I received my first VoxBox over the summer.

Yes I really did get things for free, especially for reviewing. It was awesome to have a way to try new products that I may not have tried otherwise, and it was a good launching pad to really get back into beauty blogging.

I had a great time testing everything, blogging about it, and sharing my thoughts. Even if I'd never be offered another box, again, it was so fun and worth it, it didn't matter.

I've just received my second VoxBox (blog is coming!) and it did nothing but increase my love for Influenster. I can't believe I ever doubted them, and I never hesitate to tell everyone about the program. It's fun, interactive, and really helps you learn about new products, no box necessary.

Keep up the good work guys!

Fun every day look

You may not be able to wear crazy colors to your school or work, but here's a cool way to have fun and not get in trouble.

My tattoos and piercings

I get a lot of questions about what I have, where they are, what they are, etc, so I thought I'd make this video and answer some of the questions. If I didn't answer your question, feel free to ask!

Pink's CoverGirl poster inspired look

I received the poster in my Cosmopolitan this month and instantly fell in love. I was rushed and the liner wasn't perfect, but I think you will be more than able to enjoy it. :D

Birchbox October 2012

I decided to stick with the Transformations themed Birchbox this month, as opposed to the Goop special edition, since the Transformations box had more that I could use.

I love it!

Here's the picture and unboxing video :)

Sports/football fan series-Dallas Cowboys

This was so fun to put together, hope you all enjoy!

By request: Autumn look using gold, burgundy, and brown

I'm not extremely thrilled with the outcome, but at least the lovely lady who requested it likes it :)

By request: My oily skin care routine

The same lovely lady requested this, and since I already have to care for oily skin, here it is!

By request: How to winged liner

The lovely lady requesting this had asked for either liquid or gel. I decided to just go ahead and do both.

Sports/football fan series-Oakland Raiders

This was requested, and I hope I didn't disappoint!

First in a new series! Football team colors, starting with Baltimore Ravens!

This idea came to me just before my home-team's game tonight. Why not do an entire series dedicated to NFL teams' colors? I started with the Ravens, since they're my home team, but I will be taking requests for any team you can name!
Enjoy!

Autumn inspired eyes look

Saturday is the first day of Fall, so here's a look I thought combined all the colors of the season.

Aveeno Nourish+Strength review

Received the sample, used it up, now here's my thoughts while I'm on my way to buy the full sized bottles.

September Birchbox!

Minus the perfume, here it is!

Cool-toned neutrals look

I'm always using browns, but silvers are fun to play with too

Quick makeup in a pinch

Everyone knows if you only have one shadow, just do a sweep or use it as a liner. I prefer a little more definition than that, so here's a good idea of what I do in an ideal situation. This can be replicated with ANY shadow, just adjust it as needed.

My DIY sugar and lemon scrub

I've included pictures of what I used, and what it looks like, to make it a little easier.
I start with sugar and lemon juice, brands aren't important, just giving a demonstration.
I put a pile of sugar, maybe 3 tablespoons, in a bowl, then splash in lemon juice, mixing as soon as you can see the sugar turning yellow. It'll be runny at first, but don't worry.
Keep mixing until you can lift it with your finger with minimal dripping. Using your fingers, scrub your face gently, then allow to sit for a minute before removing with a wet wash cloth.
It's amazing, especially for acne prone skin, and tastes and smells great. I also rub a little on my lips, very gently. I wouldn't do this more than once a week, but it's so awesome you will want to do it more.

Enjoy!

Peacock inspired look

I had this all filmed, edited, and uploading, and then it ended up deleted somehow, so here's a slightly different tutorial video for you, I hope you still enjoy!

2 1/2 month hair growth update

It's been 2 1/2 months since the big cut, so here's the first update. I think it's growing faster this time around, and I imagine the vitamins are helping, but ask your doctor before making the switch, as too many vitamins can cause serious issues.

Kiss Nail Dress review/rant

I didn't like them from Sally Hansen, and sadly Kiss was unable to change that opinion. Here's why.

Fairy Halloween look

Another guide-line video for Halloween

Super fast school/work makeup

This makeup is light enough to be worn in any environment where makeup may be frowned upon, but leaves your face feeling done.

Vacation is almost over

That means tomorrow will be a new video! It's going to be a guide on fairy-type face art, for Halloween or even Renn Faire. Simple, flowing lines from eyes to hair, and the effect is pretty neat.

20s/30s Starlet Halloween makeup

This is your basic Flapper/20s/30s look, you can do with it as you please, it's just a guideline.

Coastal Scents Shadow Worx

BH Cosmetics 120 1st edition palette

Sephora palette

L'Oreal Voluminous liner

Revlon Custom Eyes mascara

First Halloween costume idea video!

This is just a guideline, I know it isn't perfect, but it was still super fun to do! I am going to spend the next few weeks coming up with more ideas, so stay tuned. I will make a special playlist for these videos, to make them a bit easier to find. In the meantime, here's the video.

I did have to edit this out, so I will put it here: The only product that isn't shown in the video is what I used for foundation. I had a Revlon Color Stay for Combination/Oily skin in 110/Ivory. This was already a few shades lighter than my skin tone, but I decided to mix in a squirt or two of my daily moisturizer, then blended together and applied all over my face, including my eyelids.

Pink and purple leopard look

Coastal Scents shadow worx
BH Cosmetics Party Girl palette
Eyeko London liner pen in Purple
Rimmel Soft Kohl in Sable
Revlon Custom eyes
Burt's Bees lip gloss

Goth/scene/emo/punk inspired look, parts 1 and 2

Sadly I still don't have the software to edit the videos from my phone, so when my phone cut out, I had no choice but to separate the footage. I hope you enjoy either way.

Elements of Nature series-Water

This is the last look, sadly, but this has been a fun series. I hope you've all enjoyed!

L'Oreal Decrease
Coastal Scents Shadow Worx
BH Cosmetics Tropical shimmer palette
Rimmel Soft Kohl in Sable
Revlon Custom Eyes
E.L.F. Gloss in Angel

Elements of Nature series-Fire

This was another super fun look, this whole series has been a great time.

L'Oreal Decrease
Coastal Scents Shadow Worx
BH Cosmetics 120 1st edition palette
L'oreal Voluminous Smoldering liner
Revlon Custom Eyes
Maybelline lip gloss in Freshly Sliced

Easy homemade black head treatment

I am in desperate need of pore strips and my husband has the car, so I had to Google a solution. I found a recipe and modified it a bit, to get at least a temporary fix. It has left my skin feeling so nice, this might just be a permanent fix!
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Tablespoon and a splash milk
Put both in a microwave safe bowl, then pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds, until it's just barely warm, but warm enough you can stir both ingredients together. I then used my fingers to spread the mixture on my entire face, and let it dry for about 15-20 minutes. I then peeled it off, just as you would any facial peel. AMAZING! It feels so soft and nice, and really helped clear up my pores. Just thought I'd share with all of you.

Elements of Nature inspired series-Air

Another fun look inspired by nature's elements

L'Oreal Decrease
Coastal Scents Shadow Worx
BH Cosmetics 120 1st edition palette
Revlon Custom eyes

Elements of Nature inspired series part 1-Earth

I thought this would be a cool series to work on and figured might as well start with Earth, the colors associated with this are of course greens and browns. The next video will be air, the colors of which are white and yellow (GREAT combo!). :)

L'Oreal Decrease
Coastal Scents Shadow Worx
BH Cosmetics Party Girl palette
Rimmel London Soft Kohl liner in Sable
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara
NYC Kiss Gloss in Tangerine

Bright, tropical Bollywood inspired makeup, by request

I received this request yesterday and I had SO much fun putting it together!
First, let me show you the picture I was sent to go by.

Now, here's the video

I used

L'Oreal Decreas

Coastal Scents Shadow Worx

BH Cosmetics 1st edition 120 and Party Girl palettes

Revlon Custom Eyes

E.L.F. Matte lip color in Tea Rose

Burt's Bees Super Glossy Natural lip shine in Sweet Pink

And here are the pictures I took when I was done. Pardon the crappy quality, we're working on a better camera.

And here's a super special treat! The lovely lady that requested this look very kindly edited the picture for me, and I loved it, so I'm including it.

Ocean eyes look

I had the idea last night and came up with this just playing around today.

L'Oreal Decrease
Coastal Scents Shadow Worx
BH Cosmetics Tropical shimmer AND tropical matte palettes
L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering liner
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara

50 Shades of Grey inspired look

L'Oreal Decrease
Coastal Scents Shadow Worx
BH Cosmetics 88 Tropical Matte palette
L'Oreal Voluminous Smolder liner
Revlon Custom Eyes
Bonne Bell Lip Gloss

BH Cosmetics Tropical Matter palette first impressions

I used this palette for today's look (you can find that video in my next post) and I am just as happy with this one as I was with the shimmer. The colors blend together well and came out true, once again as I expect from BH.
 I think that I can officially say both palettes rate an A+, and I had fun playing with them even if they aren't the newest palette from BH.

Initial thoughts- BH Tropical shimmer palette and Eyeko London liner

I had meant to sit down and do this earlier but I got a little sidetracked. I used my both my Tropical shimmer palette and Eyeko liner for the first time today and thought it would be nice to post my initial thoughts. I'll start with the liner since I've had that longer.
I have never been a fan of liquid liner just because I've found it so hard to mess up. The pens that I've tried in the past were never what I'd expected them to be, and I'd about given up hope I'd ever find exactly what I wanted. I was right. I didn't find it, Birchbox did. I LOVE this liner, it goes on so easily and smoothly, it's amazing! The color is also fun and unexpected, and I can't wait to use it again. I'm already looking into buying more liners from this company. :)
The Tropical palette was exactly what I expect from BH: great color payoff with little effort. The shimmer was not overpowering in the least, and was a nice compliment instead of a distraction. It'll be a lot of fun testing the colors, especially since they're all so well coordinated already. I'm loving bronze and gold this summer, and there are plenty of those to play with.
 I get to use my matte palette tomorrow, so expect another first impressions post. I also plan on doing another video, but that depends on time. I also have a tentative plan for a mixed matte/shimmer look for Monday, but I have class so that's a major tentative.
 Thanks for reading!

Purple and gold pinup inspired look

Products used
L'Oreal Decrease
Coastal Scents Shadow Worx (champagne?)
BH Cosmetics 88 Tropical shimmer palette
Rimmel Soft Kohl in Sable
Revlon Custom Eyes
E.L.F. Matte lip color in Tea Rose

Influenster videos- all in one place :D

Now that I'm finished with the reviews, here's all the videos, all in one place so you can watch them all or maybe just catch one you missed. Please keep in mind everything was sent to me free of charge for the purpose of reviewing. All opinions are my own and are not paid for by the company. If I seem distracted, I apologize.

Box opening and Always Radiant review at the end

Clear review 

                                                 Sally Hansen  magnetic polish review

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles creme review

Hawaiian Tropic review

                                                                     

Influenster, reviews and a new look!

So as I'm sure you've noticed, I have been super busy this last week, giving you all kinds of new videos and reviews. As I type, I'm on my cell phone because I haven't had a chance to be on the computer to blog yet.
I have used everything in my Influenster box and have posted reviews on almost everything. I'll post the videos here when I get back to a computer, but in the meantime, here's my thoughts.
Always/ Tampax Radiant: Always is a brand I've trusted and used for the past 13 years or so that I've needed such products, and this line did not disappoint. The fragrance in the pad sample wasn't overpowering and I wasn't afraid anyone would notice it. The Infinity technology is amazing as well, which hasn't changed. The resealable packaging for the Tampax Radiant was an incredible idea, and definitely makes me worry less about what people might see. I give this product an A+ and am planning on switching to it.
Sally Hansen Magnetic polish: The color (Red-y Response) was actually very pretty and suited my skin coloring perfectly, which surprised me as that didn't look to be a color I would have bought for myself. I did find the product does take a little bit to get the hang of, but once I figured it out, it was easy and fun to play around with. The effects were neat and I haven't found another way to recreate the look using another polish. I give this another A+ and will be adding more colors.
Quaker Soft Baked bar: I did not expect to like this product at all, one because of the flavor ( banana nut bread) and two because I am really picky when it comes to oat meal products. I LOVED this bar! It tasted just like the banana nut bread my mom makes. I have already convinced my hubby to try it as well and he fell in love instantly, so we both rate it A+ and will be buying some in our next grocery trip.
Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy: I feel repetitive but I haven't had a bad experience yet, and most certainly not with this product. It's just the right level of moisture, with no greasy or heavy residue. My hair feels so much different now that I've used the shampoo and conditioner for a week, it's unbelievable!
Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Creme: a complete and total nail saver, I don't have half as many hangnails since I started using this and it smells nice too.
Last but not least, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration: what's better than sunscreen? Moisturizing sunscreen. I found it works great on my newest tattoo, and keeps it fade free and moisturized. I couldn't ask for a better combo!

I also did a new look today using the Party Girl palette, and I think it's probably one of my favorite looks yet. I have the tropical matte and shimmer palettes coming my way sometime in the next week so be prepared for more awesome looks. I think this covered everything, keep an eye on my videos and until then, thanks so much for watching and reading!
Xoxoxoxo

My first ever Influenster box!

Before I start, I want to make sure that it's stated I received this items complimentary for review. If you are interested in this program, visit influenster.com for more details.
Now, for the fun part! Here's the video showing what all I got today, as well as the pictures of all but the bar, which I ended up liking even though I didn't think I would.

And here's the pictures

Out of everything seen here, I've already eaten the Quaker bar, and really liked that. I feel like that would be a perfect snack, and is filling enough to make a light lunch item in a pinch. It really tasted like banana nut bread, everyone in my family loved it! 

I've also already tried the Radiant, and I think any woman who uses feminine hygiene products would love this line. The scent is light and fresh, not overwhelming, and the resealable tampon idea is awesome. The liners are just enough, without feeling bulky. 

I will be using the other items over the next few days and will post a review of them once I've really gotten a feel for them. 

I've been missing again, and it's starting to become a common issue. YouTube made a mess of my account, as someone claimed copyright fraud on my Pretty Neutrals video, and that's still being worked on. Then I went and got terribly sick, with a lovely congested nose and runny eyes. I made a video to upload this evening, and I will be trying to make some more videos this week, provided my eyes and nose cooperate. :)

Pretty Neutrals

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
BH Cosmetics 1st edition palette
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in blackest black
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara

Finding Nemo Squishy inspired look

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
BH Cosmetics 120 1st edition palette
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in blackest black
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara

I've been falling behind! D:

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
BH Cosmetics 120 1st edition palette
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in blackest black
Lancome Le Curler
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara

Finding Nemo inspired Nemo look!

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
BH Cosmetics 120 1st edition palette
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in blackest black
Lancome Le Curler
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara

Finding Nemo Dory inspired look

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
BH Cosmetics 120 1st edition palette
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in blackest black
Lancome Le Curler
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara
Nivea Kiss of Shimmer

Pink and purple redo

This is my last Party Girl tutorial for a bit, I have the 120 I'd like to focus on for a stretch. Starting, of course, with my Nemo inspired series. I'm beyond excited for that! Here's the video and a product list.

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
BH Cosmetics Party Girl Palette, medium pink, deep purple, sheer white
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in Blackest Black
Lancome Le Curler
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara
Nivea kiss of shimmer

Big news and a review

As of today, I am a YouTube partner!!!!! I was hesitant to go through with it at first, but I'd rather do it now and have everyone know what I am than to do it later and be hated for it. I'm hopeful that this will at least help me feel like I'm actually achieving something, even if not subscribers or views, just that I set a goal and made it. Anyway, I have another look planned for tomorrow, another redo of an original one that you couldn't see, and then some quick test runs and I should be on track to start my Nemo-inspired series on Monday or Tuesday. Can't wait to see how those turn out!
 I used my OPI Big hair Big Nails night before last, with the black texture coat over it and I must say I'm impressed. While my nails have started chipping, they really took a beating this last week or so. I loved the pretty deeper pink color of the Big Hair Big Nails by itself, and the black really brought it out. I'd definitely recommend buying them if you really like pink nails. It looked orange in the bottle, but trust me, it's not. :)

Green smokey look video and products list

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
BH Party Girl palette, greens from bottom row, super light, medium light, medium dark, and dark
Lancome Le Curler
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in Blackest Black
Hard Candy Plumping Serum volumizing lip gloss in Cake Walk

BH Cosmetics 120 1st edition palette first impressions

My 120 1st edition BH palette is here!

Yet again I'm in love! I have no complaints with either palette and am actually planning on buying the rest of them. Great quality, easy to remove at the end of the night, and lasts all day. Great color payoff that's true to what it looks like in the palette. Here is the pictures I took of this one.

Nails of the day

It's O. P. I.'s Big Hair...Big Nails with the O. P. I. Black texture coat on top :)

I've had this BH makeup on for hours and it hasn't moved a single millimeter! I LOVE this, and am so glad I went ahead and ordered the 120 palette as well. It should be here tomorrow, so I'll be filming an unboxing-type video and doing a few swatches, like I did with Party Girl. I will not be doing a tutorial tomorrow due to time constraints but I WILL be back on Saturday with a very pretty green look, to makeup for the original green that you couldn't see me in most of the video.
 I'm also currently doing my nails with O.P.I.'s Big Hair...Big Nails and black texture coat, so pics shortly!
If you like my blog, be sure to subscribe. I'm getting tons of unique visitors and would love to have subscriptions from all of you.

BH Cosmetics Tropical look

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
BH Cosmetics Party Girl palette: bright yellow, dark orange, bright orangeish red, deep bright pink, mint green, bright blue, deep bright purple
Lancome Le Curler
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in Blackest Black
Nyx gloss in African Queen

BH Party Girl palette first impressions and swatches video

Party Girl palette is here!

I love it! I have some things that came up but I will have a video and swatches up ASAP. In the meantime, here's the pictures I have.

Still waiting for the BH Party Girl Palette to get here, I will be posting as soon as it's in my hands!

Mini haul

L'Oreal Decrease
E.L.F. lid primer
Sephora Christmas Palette
CQ liner in Emerald
Lancome Le Curler
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in Blackest Black

Update

Pink, purple and black look

E.L.F. lid primer
Nyx Ultra Pearl Mania in black
Hot Topic shadow pigment in Purple
Bloody Mary in Hot Pink
Lancome Le Curler
Revlon Custom Eyes mascara
L'Oreal Voluminous liner in Blackest Black