This is a phrase I've heard a lot over the past few years. Ever since Junior Year of college, when I started to think about graduation and the real world, all the articles I've read have talked about the idea of work-life balance. I never really understood it, I thought it would be something down the line, but it is surely not.

Since starting my new social media job, I've realized that work-life balance is alive and real in the world of us twenty somethings. It's something we're all struggling with, as we take our new grown Bambi legs and start walking on our own, right into our first big people jobs and back into our parents' homes.

Your first job is really overwhelming. You're suddenly responsible for a whole lot more than you've ever been used too. You have a boss, you have a desk, you have responsibilities and projects that have to be done day to day. You have deadlines, and have to make sure everything is done to the best of your ability. This isn't like school, you don't get a grade, this doesn't just affect you. You affect your co-workers and your bosses, and the entire company.

When you think of it like that, it can seem really overwhelming.

As a social media coordinator, I'm the face of the company so to speak and that is very scary when you think about it. Obviously you're a face behind a computer, behind an account, but you're responsible for the brand's social presence.

When I realized that, it kind of stressed me out and made me nervous. I've since gotten over that and remain confident in the content I produce and have learned so much in only two months.



The other thing about social media, is that it's timely. We all know this. Social media is the future and it's something that is immediate. If something is happening, you need to be on top of it. There is no leaving it for Monday morning.

With that, it's very hard to separate work and home. In social media, work never stops and it could be hard to stop the habit. Posting an Instagram or Tweet while I'm at home on a Saturday afternoon is no big deal, but I (like other people) have to remind myself to not get sucked into a hole. Don't dive into projects that are due next week, on the weekends, try not to answer emails that aren't urgent, etc.

At first I didn't understand this, I felt the need to do everything as soon as possible and remain on my game 24/7. Social media is 24/7 but I don't have to be.

It's very important, to have a life outside of work and not be tempted to work all day, everyday. There is always going to be things that need to get done but the thing is, your job is not your life. You need to make time to do things you enjoy, outside of work. Those are the things that make you happy and shape you, your experiences make you who you are.

You are not your job and the sooner you realize that, the sooner you can make a life you love.

I really have been struggling with this and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a few anxiety attacks over it. But I've learned over the past two months that I can work my butt off at the office, get stuff done, and have a relaxing weekend, then do it all over again the following week.

I do this by creating to-do lists, getting into the office early, only answering extremely urgent emails while at home, and reminding myself that it's a job, it's not my entire life. I'm still working on figuring out the perfect work-life balance, if it even exists.

The sooner you realize what works for you in relation to work-life balance, the sooner you can break the habit. I don't want to be so obsessed and worrisome over my job that I forget to go out and live a life that I love, that I've created for myself.

Work and life have to be separate, maybe not all the time, but most of the time.

Does anyone else struggle with this? How do you solve work-life balance?

Once again, June flew by and I can't believe July starts this week. Where is time going??

I asked one of my co-workers the other day "Is this how life is now? Time just flies?" And their response was a resounding "Welcome to the real world"-- great, that's just great.

In just a few weeks, summer is over and then fall comes along and this cycle continues. I really am surprised at how time is passing, it's going too fast. I feel like I don't even have enough time to do everything I want or need to do. I mean, in less than 6 months I'll be 23 years old. It feels like just yesterday I was going to high school.

How and why does this happen?! It's starting to make my think and rethink life choices and decisions.

I've come to realize, with time moving so fast, that you have do everything to live a life you want, a life that makes you happy. Nothing else really matters, as long as you're content with everything you're doing. This is something I'm working on, something that has come up recently.

Anyways, I'll stop rambling on philosophical notions of time and life and get into my favorites. I've been trying so many new products and things this month, and I have a few things that have really made an impact on me.



1. Colourpop: I haven't used any other eyeshadows since I got these. I am addicted and obsessed in so many ways. I placed another order that will be up on the blog within the next few weeks and I want more. They're easy to use, one swipe and instant eye-shadow look. Sometimes, especially in the summer, I don't feel like putting on a lot of make-up (and especially early in the morning before work). Eye-shadow is my least favorite make-up item to apply because it takes so much time and it's hard, for me at least, to get it to look good. These cream, mousse like eye-shadows are so easy to use, and make your make-up look appear pulled together. If you haven't checked them out, you really need too.

2. Smith & Cult: Another beauty brand I've been loving. After posting this Manicure Monday, I knew I needed another one ASAP. It's one of my best nail polish formulas I've ever tried. It's expensive at $18 a bottle but with Birchbox points, you can get them for cheaper. They're smooth, opaque, and incredibly shiny--they give a gel like effect to your polish. I have another Manicure Monday coming up with my new polish "She Said Yeah".

3. Rumba Watch: The watch that I got as my Birchbox Plus item in my June box has not left my wrist. It's the perfect size for everyday wear, I almost forget that I'm wearing it. It adds a bit of flair to any outfit and I love it. I've been looking for an everyday, yet dressy and slim watch and this is it.



4. Kimonos: I don't love clothes as much as I love beauty or accessories, but I have been trying to invest in more clothes so I have more options for a 5-day work week. The summer is especially hard for me to shop for because I like to be comfortable and the heat makes that so difficult. In comes Kimonos. This is a trend that I have missed out on the last two summers but finally got on board. I have three that I keep in rotation, and wear with colored pants. I'm obsessed. They're so comfortable but dressy, and aren't heavy in the slightest. They keep me cool and are perfect for work, if you have a more casual corporate office. Give me all the kimonos, please. Here are a few that I'm looking at for the future: One Two Three Four

5. Elite Daily: I've been obsessing over the site because it's constantly inspiring me and opening my eyes to new things, and new feelings. It's inspiring me to write more and figure out what I really want out of my life. Some of those writers are really incredible, it's so admirable. Snaps to Elite Daily for killing the game lately!

There weren't too many beauty "products" this month because I've been loving so many different things, and trying so many new things, I can't pick just one! Keep an eye out for your daily dose of beauty coming up in the next few weeks. I have a lot of reviews + hauls coming up!

How was your month of June? What were your favorites?









Shop my favorites below: 

I feel like I haven't done one of these posts in weeks, when in reality it's only been two weeks.

I'll be honest when I say I've felt very disconnected from my blog lately. I'm writing posts but I'm not posting them on social media, and I feel like I'm not engaging. I hate that, because I really want to throw myself into this and do some fun stuff, but work has been crazy and I'm exhausted on the weekends.

Sometimes the last thing I want to do at night after work, or on a Saturday afternoon, is go back on the computer and try to form coherent thoughts.

Also, this weekend, starts a very busy few weeks for me. Between graduation parties, 4th of July, brunches, and dinners with friends, I'm excited to have a lot of things to look forward too.

That's something I'll talk about more in a future post I'm planning--making time for your life when you're busy with your first real job. Boy have I learned a few new lessons.

I've also been doing a shit-ton of shopping. It's actually horrific but I've also been saving money & paying my bills on time so I think I deserve some retail therapy (even if it is every week)-- so expect a few haul posts soon!

Anyways, first off let's talk about the incredible events that occured yesterday. I'm so proud that our country finally found the good and legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. LOVE WINS #America ;)

Here are the rest of the links I've been loving over the past two weeks:

Eva Chen spoke to Elite Daily #dreams

Speaking of Eva Chen, Lucky Magazine got into some heat a few weeks back #yikes

Umm, Riley Curry stole the show (I know I'm late to the game, #sorry)

Us anxiety ridden people are a little complicated to love

Give me all the Baked Brie.. no seriously, expect a recipe post on this soon #NOM

Refinery29 did a beauty competition and some of the winners are pretty dam awesome

Kylie Jenner >>>>

All girls schools are amazing and I recommend them to everyone at least once in their life

What did you love this week?

Have a great weekend everyone!!

I've been a subscriber of Birchbox ever since I started this blog, so a little over three years. I stopped subscriptions in-between because I was a broke college student at one point, but I've loved Birchbox every step of the way.

It really has opened so many doors for me in terms of make-up and I've learned about so many brands & products that I now know and love. It's been awesome to try new products every month and then have the chance to buy the full size, using discount codes & points in the Birchbox Shop.

Three years, countless boxes, and more beauty samples than I could count, you could imagine how many samples I've accumulated and how much I actually have tried.

I've had this type of post written down in my notes for a while and after hitting the 3 year mark (give or take a few boxes), I thought it would be a great idea to do now!

There have been products I've received in Birchboxes that I love, some I've hated, and some I just didn't have an opinion on.



Some of these products are from my first Birchboxes and are long gone, but I haven't forgotten how much I loved them, and some are newer products that I've fallen in love with.

1. Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion: I have major eye issues, from dryness to puffiness to allergies, I'm a mess. When I saw I was getting this "soothing" lotion in my April 2015 Birchbox (which was a Mad Men Inspired Box) I was thrilled. It's a great size sample and it's more liquid than lotion. It has a very subtle cooling effect and really soothes my eyes in the morning. I definitely notice a difference when I use this and I may just buy the full size when I run out!

2. theBalm Read My Lips Lip-gloss: This is the lip-gloss that converted me into loving lip gloss. I realized that companies were making lip gloss less sticky and more nourishing and pigmented. Since receiving this in my February 2015 Birchbox, I've worn this more than I could ever imagine and it's become a staple in my beauty routine. It gives the nicest wash of color and doesn't feel sticky at all. I will definitely buy the full size (and in more colors) once I use this up.

3. Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser: Okay, so until I was writing this post, I thought this product was like over $50 but it's only $32 and I may have to buy it. This was one sample I didn't want to end. It's a rough exfoliate cleanser but leaves your skin super soft and smooth. It's an odd consistency because it feels like sand and then you add water to it and it becomes a foam. I'm just realizing how much I miss it and I need it back now!

4. Tocca Crema de Mano Luxe Hand Cream: I received this lotion in the same box as the Suki Exfoliate and it's still going strong. I now keep it at work and I'm obsessed. I used it sparingly because I wanted it to last and I know I will have to buy a full size soon. It's the perfect consistency for an everyday hand lotion, not too greasy, not too heavy, it's very light and airy. It also has the most incredible scent. I have the scent Bianca which is green tea & lemon, but I'm tempted to try out a different one next time. UGH give me it now!

5. Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint: It's time to throw it back to my April 2013 box and this little devil. It was a small tube from what I remember but I used the entire thing up. This was when I was kind of clueless on the beauty front but I loved the glow this product gave my skin. With a $40 price tag, I'm going to have to build up to buying this again but I know the Jouer tints (luminizing or matte) are worth it!

6. Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum: I received this in my March 2013 box and I still have it. It's on its last leg and I have to fight with the packaging to get a little bit out. This really works. I swear to God, it works. It clears up my blemishes instantly and has been my go to for the past two years. I will 100% need a full size when this runs out for good.

7. theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer: I didn't realize what this product really was until I started watching Youtube and everyone was gushing over it. It is definitely a cult classic highlight in the beauty world and I still have my baby sample. It is just so intense but yet subtle if you use a light hand. It gives off a gorgeous glow and makes your skin look amazing.

8. Skin, An Apothecary Soy Body Whip: OMG. This may be my favorite sample ever. It is a rich, nourishing body butter that makes your skin feel so nice. It smells incredible and isn't too greasy. It is one of the most perfect body butters/lotions/whips I've ever tried and I know I still have it floating around somewhere!

I definitely have a few more products that were my favorites but these are definitely my top 8!

What products have you discovered from your Birchbox or other beauty subscription services?

Ever since I was a little girl, I suffered severely from allergies. Once April rolled around, I knew I would have a rough few months and allergy season was in full force.

At first, it was just my eyes would water up and itch really badly--this was a quick fix with some eye drops. As I got older, the allergies and the symptoms got worse. And now it wasn't just the typical, Spring allergy season--it was when the weather changed in the Fall as well.

Now, I was coughing and sneezing and feeling drowsy because of the stupid pollen, along with my itchy, watery eyes. Not to mention constant sinus headaches and pressure from being having a stuffy nose *mad cute, right? It's honestly a nightmare, and sometimes, even after "allergy season" has passed, if the pollen count is really high, I'll still wake up knowing exactly what is wrong--it's my allergies.

Allergies aren't an excuse to stay home from school or work and you must muster the courage to get through the day. Looking good & feeling good with allergies, is a little difficult but I've had a lot of practice.

Also, this post may seem a little outdated since allergy season has sort of passed and it's officially summer, but like I said, I suffer all year around if the pollen index is high.

If this sounds like you, here are some of my favorite beauty (and lifestyle tips) to cure your allergies!



1. Eye-drops: Your eyes are going to be red and puffy, constantly wanting to touch your eyes because they itch so bad and nothing will relieve them. I recommend carrying around eye drops with you 24/7. You shouldn't overuse them but when the pain is unbearable, these won't steer you wrong. These have been my favorite since I was little and I always go back to them!

2. Nude eyeliner: With your eyes red & puffy, you're going to want to make them look more awake. There's nothing worse than walking around with puffy, squinted eyes. I recommend staying away from black eyeliner on your lash line and applying a nude colored eyeliner pencil in your waterline. It will instantly lift your eyes and make you look more awake. Your eyes look more open and less red immediately! I LOVE the NYX Wonderpencil for this--it's one of my favorite beauty products.

3. Eye Masks: This is something new I've been trying out and I'm kind of obsessed. I love face masks so when I realized eye masks were a thing, I was sold. I've used a few and there are some great ones out there. They're great for reliving puffy under eye bags and the cooling effect that they leave is wonderful. I love using these even when my allergies aren't acting up--waking up on a weekend morning, washing your face, and placing one of these on for a few minutes is an immediate wake up call. I love the Sephora brand because there are so many for all different skin types and needs.

4. Bare face: Sometimes it's best to go sans eye make-up when your allergies are acting up. Let your eyes breathe and relax by only applying some nude eyeliner & waterproof mascara. Leave the heavy eyeshadows and black liquid liner at home and go simple. It'll be a relief when you accidentally rub your eyes and don't end up looking like a raccoon.

5. Calming Skin: Your skin is probably a mess from rubbing your eyes and blowing your nose so counteract the redness with calming face products, like a moisturizer to help combat redness, or a nice, soothing face mask. Go easy on the heavy foundation and opt for powder or a BB Cream. Your skin will thank you!

Aside from these beauty tips, find your favorite non drowsy allergy medicine to keep on hand, stock up on the tissues, and stay hydrated. Pollen will not get me down!

What are your favorite allergy tips? Tell me in the comments because I could use all the help I could get :)

For the past three years, I've relied on my trusty Lilly Pulitzer planner to get me through college and my first post grad year.

I knew this year that I wanted to change it up. I tried last year and really disliked the Kate Spade planners. That was way too plain and dull for me.

I also had a Whitney English Day Designer, but it was too big for everyday so I used that for my blog. Then, once I started my new job, I left it at work, because it's perfect for writing to-do lists and daily notes.

This year, I decided to have two planners--one for my blog & everyday life, and then a larger one to leave at work.

It was just a matter of which two planners I was going to choose. I was thinking of Erin Condren, or another Day Designer, and definitely another Lilly, but fate stepped in one faithful morning a few weeks ago.

I was at work, on Instagram, and saw that the new ban.do planners were being released for pre-order. I've followed ban.do on Instagram for a while but never had purchased anything from them. I've seen the planners before but quickly did an Instagram search to see what previous planners looked like.

I was immediately sold and purchased my favorite out of the three offered, one I've seen many times, "I'm Very Busy". I knew it was smaller than the Lilly planner, but a little bigger than the small sized Lillys. It seemed like the perfect size.

It took about two weeks for my planner to arrive and the moment I opened the package, I fell in love. I never have felt this way about a planner, not even my Lilly. I'm being so dramatic but it's true.

It's the sweetest, smallest little planner but big enough to not feel like you're cramming everything into a few lines. There is plenty of room for all your planner needs. Yet, it's not heavy and small enough to carry around everyday.

It's so adorable too, it's colorful and fun, with cute little sayings on each page, and fun little designs. It's very well made (I like that it is bound and not spiral, easier to not destroy), and it's very detailed. There are little details in every corner of this planner. You can tell that a lot of thought went into designing these planners and I really appreciate that.

It comes with a set of stickers that are so fun, I can't wait to use them.

I have had this baby sitting on my desk since I got it because I don't have the heart to hide it in my drawer. I just need it to be August so I can use it, it's been killing me!!!

If you couldn't tell I really, really love this planner. I am SO happy that fate stepped in and I saw that Instagram post at the right time. I think I have officially converted to band.do planners & the entire company. It's just so fun and full of life, and so girly. It's awesome!

I will still (probably) be buying a Lilly planner to use & keep at work since that is slightly bigger.

Here's a little peek inside the ban.do planner!














What planner did you decide to use this year? Have you ever used the ban.do planner? Tell me in the comments!

When I started working at a beauty company, I knew I was going to acccumlate a ridiculous amount of make-up. My beauty obsession already warranted a ton of make-up that I didn't need. My mom was getting tired of me getting packages delivered to the house filled with make-up I didn't need.

The storage situation was getting out of hand. I had no place to put everything in my shared bedroom with my 19-year-old sister. It was starting to stress me out.

I knew when I got my first paycheck from my new job, I was going to splurge on the Alex Drawers from Ikea. These are the famous drawers that every Youtube beauty guru has to hold their *ridiculous* make-up collections.

My mom was trying to sway me from getting these drawers because they were expensive and I'd have to put them together but I was adamant about getting these particular drawers. I knew what they looked liked, I knew that they were perfect for make-up, and I like to stick to what I know.

The drawers cost $80 but with shipping it came out to around $111. I knew that when I received them I'd have to put them together but my goodness, it was a task.

It took me two days and two big mistakes to put these bad boys together. I used little to no help from my mom and I was so proud of myself for completing it! I lost my cool a few times but I mean, who wouldn't? I'm a very impatient, easily frustrated person, and I am not handy, whatsoever. These types of things never work out well for me, I'm lucky if I can tie a knot in a bathing suit top... seriously, I'm incapable of a lot of things so being able to put a drawer unit together was incredibly satisfying.

It did however, take a few mistakes to get it right. I couldn't get the drawers into the right slots and I actually had to force the top drawer in, and now it doesn't open all the way but too bad. I also slide in one of the drawers the wrong way so the white side isn't facing up. The rest of the drawers worked out well though.

I didn't really think about how I would organize all my make-up and was going to leave the task for another day but after I put the drawers together, I kind of just wanted to be done with it.


These are the inside of my drawers, an organized mess. I was originally storing my make-up in old Birchboxes (still am storing some stuff in them) until I got some acrylic organizers from TJ Maxx.

1st drawer: Nail Polish


















2nd drawer: Makeup


3rd drawer: Skincare & foil packets



















4th drawer: Eyeshadow & lipsticks



















5th drawer: Birchboxes & make-up bags



















Side note: I know I have A LOT of make-up, not more than my favorite Youtube bloggers but too much for a normal person.

I really do think these are great drawers. They are small enough to fit in tight spaces but big enough in width & depth to fit everything you need. They are pretty perfect for make-up or even clothes. I would LOVE to get more of these or more in the Alex series from Ikea  once I move out and get my own apartment like a real adult. I will though, hire someone to put everything together for me LOL.

Have you used these drawers? What do you use for your make-up collection? 

I have expressed my love for Bethenny Frankel on the blog before and with her return to Real Housewives of New York this season, the love has not gone anywhere.

That love was further reinstated when I listened to her newest book "I Suck At Relationships So You Don't Have To". I was weary of listening to this only because I didn't know what to expect. I thought it was all about warning signs and maybe some stuff I couldn't relate too. There were definitely some things that I couldn't grasp because I've never been married (nor have I had an ACTUAL boyfriend) and I surely haven't been divorced but the nonetheless, this was an extremely helpful book.

Listening to Bethenny read you the book is even better. Hearing her voice and hearing everything explained to you seems so much better than just reading about it. I feel like I was able to absorb a lot of the information a whole lot better.

The book is set up into 10 chapters, each chapter a different "tip". Throughout the book, Bethenny's therapist puts his own input in, and either contradicts what Bethenny says or agrees with her. If you've followed Bethenny's journey and know her well, you know she can be hard on herself and is very strongly opinionated so having her therapist offer his advice was an added bonus.

A lot of people may not agree with what Bethenny says, a lot of it puts down men and simplifies them down to sex, sports, food, and work... but I mean, there's some truth there.

In my opinion, Bethenny does no wrong and I truly trust her opinion--she is hands down one of my role models, for her business success, but also I feel like we are similar in a lot of ways so I can really relate to her (even if she is 20 years older than me).



I'll be honest, I listened to this book over a month ago so I don't remember everything but it is one of the most valuable books I've ever had come into my life. When I would listen on the train, I would have to stifle a smile because everything I was hearing was SO true! It was amazing...it was like having an epiphany every single time I listened to the book.

A lot of the book may be lessons you already know about relationships, some may not apply to you, and some you may not agree with but I have to say, Bethenny knows what she's talking about. She has a firm grip on the subject and uses her own relationships as examples.

A few things stuck out to me the most, some of which were repeated the most in the book, were this.

1. Men & women are drastically different: What is important to a woman may not be important to a man. We think differently, we express emotions differently, we want and need different things. We are total opposites. While you, as a woman, may think something is a huge deal, your boyfriend won't even know that was a "thing." This isn't bashing men, because maybe some men are more sensitive than others, but the way Bethenny explains it is just so true.

2. Stop overthinking: Women are natural over-thinkers and we create scenarios up in our head. We convince ourselves that these scenarios are true and we get mad because we have convinced ourselves that these scenarios are true. Sometimes, we expect people to react a certain way because we have convinced ourselves that they will, then we get upset/mad or are pleasantly surprised when that person reacts differently from what is in our head. I do this in all aspects of life and to listen to Bethenny say this is natural for women, made me feel better. I mean, we should still  all try to not to do this but we're all in the same boat which is reassuring.

3. Think & breathe before you act: Have you ever seen something that has made you so irrationally mad that you need to take care of it right then and there? Raise your hand if this is you! (*raising hand*). Have you ever wanted to just fix something you're upset about and not let it sit and fester? (*raising two hands*). When I'm upset, I need it to be fixed immediately. I don't like to sit and think about it for too long because I just make myself more upset and more angry. Women are fixers and we like to get shit done immediately. When we see a problem, we want immediate results. Men aren't like this, some women aren't even like this, but then again, some are. Bethenny recommends waiting one day before approaching the problem. Think rationally, let it sit, think about all the possibilities. Don't just unleash a world of anger and emotion all at once. Think about what the problem is and approach that one issue--don't lump your problems together and unleash a rath of fury. Take some time to get your emotions in check. Never fight when you're emotional.

There were so many other amazing lessons in the book, I can't remember them all, but those three are what I related to the most and I think I will keep them with me for a long time.

I would HIGHLY recommend this to EVERYONE. Seriously, if you're just starting out dating, just getting out of a relationship, in between boyfriends, or in a serious, committed relationship--everyone and anyone I think could get some enlightenment and advice from this book.

Have you read this book? Any other relationship books you have read and loved? Tell me in the comments!

I think there was a pattern this month where a lot of people were unhappy with their Birchbox. Sometimes Birchbox has off months and everyone gets besides themselves.

Let's all remember that this is a $10 a month subscription box to TRY OUT NEW PRODUCTS. Birchbox gives out SAMPLES, that is what they are known for. I always see a lot of people complaining about the size of products and I don't understand because Birchbox never claimed to send full sizes.

Okay, end rant.

The point of that semi negative intro is that this month's Birchbox was less than satisfactory. So unsatisfying that as I write this post, I have barely touched the Birchbox since I received it last Wednesday.

I think the reason I was so meh about it was because I received a perfume sample (I usually don't mind those but I found out back in January that I'm allergic to perfume), and I received a Real Chemistry 3 Minute Peel, which I already have a few bottles of (I posted a review about it here)

Other than those two products, my box was pretty okay and I'm not complaining. But, the box as a whole was blah.

Positive note: I hit Ace status this month which means that I earned 500 Birchbox points so far & I get a few nice perks like free shipping on everything, special discounts & deals, and a few surprises every so often. When I received that email, I was beyond excited.

Also this month, I took advantage of the Birchbox Plus item and I am so happy I did. Every month, along with Guest Editor Boxes & Sample Choice, Birchbox gives you the chance to have "add on" products for a special cost. This can be anything from tumblers to bags to notebook, but this month one of the options was a Rumba Watch.



I have a Kate Spade watch that is kind of big and clunky, especially when I type on my computer at work. I wanted a simpler watch that doesn't move around so much and this was the perfect one. I got it in Rose Gold/Pink as opposed to the black option they had and I haven't taken it off since. It cost $28 along with the monthly $10 payment for my regular Birchbox. I have gotten so many compliments on the watch and it's so comfortable to wear. I'm pretty obsessed. I'd say the best $28 I've ever spent.

Shall we get into the actual Birchbox? I think so.



//Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow: I always appreciate a good BB Cream sample because it's an excellent way to try out if I really do like it. I also love BB Creams in the summer so it's a perfect match. I've never received anything Marcelle in a Birchbox so I was excited about this. The BB Cream doesn't seem like anything too special or different from other creams I've tried but I do like it and I'll probably use the entire thing.

Full size: $27
Sample size: 4/5



//Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner: I usually don't mind eyeliners in subscription boxes but I have so many eyeliners to go through. It's kind of excessive. This is a nice blue eyeliner and I've been really into color eyeliners lately so I'm happy to have it. The last time I received a blue eyeliner in my February Birchbox, I purchased the full size. I later realized that this Sumita eyeliner is a little watery and smudges very easily. This seems to be a little drier of a formula so hopefully it'll stay put.

Full size: $11
Sample size: 4/5



//Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel: I won't go into detail about this since there is a full post on this here but I know I love it, it works, and I'm happy to have another backup.

Full size: $48
Sample size: 5/5




//Supergoop Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology: Supergoop is a much known Birchbox brand but just as Marcelle, I've never received anything from them. This is just a typical sunscreen and I don't know when I'll use it, since I use a moisturizer with SPF in it but there's nothing wrong with having more sunscreen in your life. It's the perfect travel size as well!

Full size: $19-48
Sample size: 4/5



Sarahpotempa Darby Clip: This was a lifestyle extra this month and I don't remember the last time we received an extra in a box. It's always nice to have an extra hair clip in my collection and this is a perfect size for my full yet Keratin treated hair.

Full size: (Set of 2 or 4) $9.99-$16
Sample size: 1 clip



I know I said I received a perfume sample--the Joie, Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum--but it came to me completely empty. It wasn't spilled out all over the box, the bottle was just empty, which is weird.

I'd give this month a 3/5 rating, and I'm already looking forward to next month's box!

OMG I promise I will stop posting Manicure Mondays, I'm sorry! I just keep getting new nail polish and feel the need to blog about them.

I also wanted to post an update on last week's Manicure Monday of my new Smith & Cult nail polish. The polish stayed *almost* chip free for a week. I picked at the polish a lot, filed my nails, and bit my nails off so that really is the only reason that the polish chipped.

Look at that?! How incredible! My mom had the same experience so I will be purchasing another color very, very soon.

Ahh another week gone! Can it be classified as mid-June yet? I mean, Father's Day is already next weekend. I really need time to slow down. Like really really really need it to slow down.

Mercury is officially out of retrograde and I kid you not, I felt the earth shift Wednesday night. Everything just felt better. Yesterday was even better... I mean I had a mood swing when I came home from work and was sitting in a 90 degree house but laying in my mom's bed, in the dark, with the AC cranked up fixed it.

The next few weekends I have a lot planned and I'm really excited. The rest of the summer seems to be turning up (hopefully figuratively and literally). I just want to feel settled and have fun. Is that so much to ask?

Also, did I mention that my blog calendar is planned through JULY?! That is insane for me especially with the writers block that has been happening lately. I also really want to start "writing", like articles for Elite Daily and try my hand at freelance. I love my blog clearly, and it's a great creative outlet for me but the journalist in me is seething for something real and hearty to sink my teeth into.

We shall see!

I will stop rambling and get into the links. Wait, can we also talk about the fact that two crazed murderers escaped a prison in upstate New York this week and they still haven't been found? That is insane and I cannot stop following this story.

Okay, seriously, here are the links I loved!

TV writers reveal their favorite episodes & scenes they've ever written--awesome! 

Be miserable with or without you? What is your poison? 

Your first love is the realest, deepest, and truest. 

Great blog post on how a blog can launch your career, courtesy of Charmingly Styled! 

Another great blog post featuring one of my fav bloggers, Hallie! She's awesome  :)

I thought I was losing my mind, but then I read this #twentysomethings

50 beauty products to buy before you die--I stand by all of these

I'd be lying if I said I didn't go and watch "Get a Clue" on Youtube after reading this list

What did you love this week?

Colourpop is one years old as of last month and they came on the scene with their unique eyeshadows. They aren't a powder, they aren't a cream, no one can describe the texture and everyone makes sure you are enticed by the fact that it is indescribable.

People say it's a mousse like texture, you can touch it and your finger is imprinted into the shadow. Yet, it feels like a powder on your eye but has the staying power of a cream. It is very, very unique.

Colourpop then expanded with Lippie Stix & Lippie Pencils, lipsticks that came in a thin tube and matching lip liners. Then blushes, then bronzers, and now highlighters.

The company has grown exceptionally in the past year and since hearing about them late last year, I have been lusting after them.

Oh, did I mention the best part? The price range. Are you ready??

Eyeshadows, Lippie Stix & Lippie Pencils are $5 each--YES FIVE DOLLARS! Blushes, bronzers, and highlighters are $8. The face products are also bigger than the eyeshadows, hence the increase in price. You must pay for shipping but if you spend $30, shipping is free. That is pretty reasonable in my opinion.

I have always put off ordering from Colourpop because I don't use individual eyeshadows. I go through phases where I won't even wear eyeshadow, for weeks on end, so I was skeptical.

Then, my favorite YouTube beauty guru, Kathleen Lights came out with her own eyeshadow quad (she already has a Lippie Stix in Lumiere) and I knew that would be my first purchase.

Over Memorial Day weekend, I saw that Colourpop was having a special where with any purchase, you received their Birthday Girl eyeshadow for FREE & it was in hot pink packaging. I also found a coupon code for 20% off (it could've been 10% but I don't remember) so I thought now is just a great time to do it. I bought the Where the Light Is quad, the Smokes N Whistles Highlighter, and got the Birthday Girl eyeshadow for free!

The order took a little while to get here since they were backed up because of their birthday/anniversary special but it was well worth the wait. Actually, the day I got my shipping email, I received it in the mail, but I don't think Colourpop usually takes that long.



I was so excited to have these products in my hands, I was squealing with excitement and just so pumped to finally see and feel them in person.



The 'Where the Light Is' quad comes with four shades, two matte shades, one peralized finish and one metallic shades. I had watched her review of the quad when it was first released so I knew what to expect but I don't think I realized how shimmery these shadows were.

"Kathleen Lights"

Blaze

"Cornelius"

"Glow"

I tried on Birthday Girl, which is a metallic finish, and also tried on "Blaze" (from the palette), which is also a metallic, and they were very shimmery. They are much more suitable (for me at least) for a night out. I was however, obsessed with the matte shade in Cornelius (named after Kathleen's dog--how precious!). It's perfect to just throw in your crease with a fluffy blending brush and be on your way--which is what I did all last week.

"Birthday Girl"

The texture is in fact, very hard to explain, and feels just as everyone else described it. They are very long lasting which is always a plus.

The best way for me, to apply the shimmery shades, is with my finger. If you have a dense, shader eyeshadow brush that packs on color like a pro, go ahead and use that but fingers are just fine!

The highlighter is a dream. After much research, I decided to go with the white, shimmer that is Smokes N Whistles. It packs a serious punch and gives an intense glow to the skin. I'm kind of obsessed and haven't been using any other highlighter all week.

"Smokes N Whistles"

The face products also have the same texture as the eyeshadows. All of Colourpop's products are incredible smooth, soft, and pigmented. I was stunned at the color payoff when I swatched them.

Top to bottom: Blaze, Glow, Kathleen Lights

Top to bottom: Smokes N Whistles, Birthday Girl, Cornelius

I'm already looking to place another order, to try out the Lippie Stix, bronzers, and blushes. I also want more matte shadows because I could always use a good matte color.

Needless to say, I have found love with Colourpop and I think they are the bomb dot com!


Have you tried any Colourpop products? Tell me in the comments!!