I am always looking for products that make doing my hair easier. I always want to achieve an easy, effortless, beautiful blowout. My hair is a sore subject. it is very difficult to make look good and when it isn't done, it

Before I got my Drybar Blowout Brush, I was never able to blow dry it nicely but one product that did, and continues to help is the IGK Good Behavior Anti-Frizz Smoothing Spray. I got a sample of it from Sephora and after one u
se it became my go-to favorite hair product.

For the past few summers, I've gotten a keratin treatment to help my unruly hair. The Keratin Treatment straightened and relaxed my hair so that styling was easier and it didn't frizz in the humid, hot weather. It was a blessing and completely changed my life.

The reason I continued to get the treatment is that I loved my straight hair and it was easier to achieve the look I wanted if I had it. However, this past winter I really fell in love with my curly hair and felt a little more like myself with it.

I started using my Kiss Instawave Curling Iron more and embraced my natural locks, probably because my natural hair has changed significantly over the past two years. Gone are the unruly, wild Carrie Bradshaw curls and hello to soft, beachy waves. My hair dries the way I wished for it to dry for years and I'm not sure how it happened.

I didn't want to give up my new found hair so I decided against the Keratin treatment and it was a great decision. I haven't had any problems with my hair and it pretty much comes out exactly how I want it each time.

Some days I curl my hair with the iron, some days I use a product to keep the natural curl alive for a few days and others I just go all natural to give my hair a break. The products I use are curl defying creams, detanglers, and no frizz to keep everything under control.

No curling iron, just Bumble and Bumble 'Don't Blow It'

Curling Iron

I wanted to give you the rundown on how I keep my hair summer ready and below are the products I've been using all summer long!

Hair Products I'm Using This Summer

There was a moment in time where I wasn't buying a ton of beauty products. I had taken a massive break after being consumed by my collection and I knew I didn't need any more items. I also was less than impressed with whatever was happening in the industry.

However, with the end of winter and the start of new seasons, my love of beauty has been reinstated. Maybe it's because the warm weather brings new and innovative products; everything from hair lighteners to SPF hybrids. It excites me and instills something new in me.

There are so many beauty products I want to try and that's a post for another time but right now, there are so many new beauty products I'm loving and simply cannot stop using.



1. Ouai Sun of a Beach Spray: Something came over me when I saw this product being teased on Ouai's Instagram. I don't know if it was the 11-year-old inside me that desperately wanted blonde highlights or if I was drawn in by the name and packaging. Either way, I scooped it up and have been loving it. I've used this a handful of times, spraying in my hair after a shower, and it smells like a beautiful beach. Is it doing anything for my hair? No, but I love it anyway. Maybe once I sit in the sun (if it ever gets warm in NYC) it'll make a difference to my dark locks.

2. Milk Watermelon Brightening Serum: This was another product I bought on launch day and I have never looked back. My skin is pretty decent but I deal with a lot of discoloration and dullness. Sometimes it looks like my skin is lacking and I just need something to oomf it up. That's this serum! I love the fact that it's a solid serum and it absorbs into your skin super fast so there is no greasy mess to deal with. It's also one of the few beauty products that I notice an immediate difference with; I wake up the next morning and my skin is a little brighter and looks a little evener. It's magic!



3. Trader Joe's Rose Oil: I have a new obsession with Trader Joe's and a continuing obsession with rose scented items. Those two loves have combined to give me this delightful oil. It's not too heavy, sinks into the skin immediately and smells pretty damn good. I don't notice a huge difference but I feel very pampered when I use it -- it's a nice little pick me up and is a lightweight moisturizer for the warm months.

4. Drunk Elephant Baby Facial: My curiosity about Drunk Elephant products is growing by the day and I owe it to the magic Baby Facial. I've never gotten a facial before but using this once a week (or even once every two weeks) has made a huge difference in my skin. The texture has disappeared and discoloration has faded -- this is magic in a bottle and there is a reason it has a cult following. DE is the real deal and Baby Facial is something everyone should have in their skincare routine.

5. Benefit Roller Lash: This is an oldie but a goodie. I've been using Laura Geller LashBOSS for a while but wanted something different. I picked up Roller Lash after using a sample I had and haven't looked back. I've gone through a handful of these in the past few years but rediscovering it was heaven. It has a really unique brush, the perfect wet/dry formula and is truly my favorite mascara of all time.

6. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealer: If you've been reading the blog for a while, you know how much I love concealers. I was itching for a new one a few months ago and bought the newest Laura Mercier one. It took me a few tries to really like it because I think I got the wrong shade, but now I'm in love and haven't touched Shape Tape in weeks. It's the perfect medium coverage and blends out like a dream. It's not super tacky but is long wearing; it's really everything you could want from a liquid concealer.

What are your current favorite beauty products?
xoxo
B

My hair has been a mess lately. If we're being honest, it's been a mess my entire life. I've said before how my hair is curly, frizzy, and very unruly. Because of this, I am always on the search for something new and exciting -- a product that will blow the socks off of me and change my hair.

I did a post like this last summer but I've since found different products that work just as well. Lately, my hair has felt fried, dry, and stiff so the following products have been helping me keep that feeling at bay.




1. Ouai Rose Hair & Body Oil: I've always been very honest with my love of all things rose scented so when I got this in the Vogue x Birchbox Limited Edition box, I was thrilled. I'm always in the market for a new oil and this one really helps to moisturize my hair and to tame the frizz and fly aways. I also love how this is a travel size because I keep it in my work bag for when the humidity gets a little crazy when I'm on my commute. I don't use oil in my hair when it's wet because I feel like it makes my hair a tad bit too greasy but after it's styled, I always finish off with this oil. *I have yet to try it on my body but I'm sure it's fabulous.

2. Ouai Wave Spray: I don't think I talked about this last summer but I really should've. I alternated between this and the Bumble and Bumble Don't Blow It cream, but I think I might like this more. When I'm   rocking curly hair, I will spray this in wet hair and then sleep on it. I wake up in the morning with full, soft curls and waves. It doesn't leave my hair oily, greasy, or stiff -- it's so good. I have been loving everything I've tried from Ouai and I really want to try more because the products are SO GOOD.

3. Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask: I can't tell you how many of these I've gone through. I have consistently using deep conditioners and hair masks as a regular conditioner for years now and this I think has been my favorite. It has a wonderful price tag of $11-$14 depending on if it's on sale at Ulta, and it take a while to go through. It's very thick, very hydrating, but does not weigh down your hair. It leaves my hair very smooth, shiny, and perfectly conditioned.

4. Drybar Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler: Drybar is still one of my favorite hair brands and I still have a lot of their products (and need to buy their newer products) but this is a must-have for me. It's so good my sister kept stealing it from me, and my bottle is now finished. I need to buy more and I'm thinking me not using this is why my hair has felt weird lately. Anyways... it's a hair primer and detangler that you spray in before brushing your wet hair, and before styling. It has heat protectant and hydrates the hair, while also strengtehning it. I can 100% attest to all of these claims. It's such a stand out product and now holds the spot for my #1 hair primer.

What is your current favorite hair product?
xoxo
B

As a self-diagnosed beauty addict, I am always trying new products. I am constantly searching for the next greatest product, browsing the new arrivals pages on Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom, looking to see what my favorite brands have recently put out.

If there is a new product on the market, I usually have tried it even if it was just a bonus sample from a Sephora order.

However, all that being said, I do have some tried and true favorites. When I was thinking about what products I've repurchased I felt like I didn't have enough but when I really looked in my collection there were so many products that I've bought more than once.

Now, there are a few products that I've only repurchased once because there are a handful of products that I've loved and bought again but these are my MOST REPURCHASED (two or more times).

If you're interested in my items I've repurchased only once, here's a little look:




Now onto the big items (which are mostly skincare because obviously, we go through skincare a bit more)



1. Simple Micellar Water: This is my holy grail of face cleansers and I don't know how many times I've repurchased. I use this every morning as my cleanser instead of using an actual face wash and I love it. It's so easy and quick but also leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean without a horrible residue. I've used the Garnier micellar water and I much prefer Simple. Simple is my favorite drugstore skincare brand and I've used so many of their products but this is my far my favorite. I highly recommend trying out a micellar water.

2. Tarte Frixxtion Stick: I have a huge post on this so I won't go into too much detail but I think I've purchased 4 or 5 of these since I posted it last year. I leave it in my shower and wash my face with it every night. It's compact, easy, and I love how the charcoal really deep cleanses. Stick cleansers are all the rave right now but this is my #1 ride or die.

3. Eva NYC Hair Mask: I've used this hair mask so many times I've lost track of the number. I always switch between this and the Briogeo one but Eva NYC is cheaper and just as good. My family loves it too and it makes such a difference in our thick hair. I only wash my hair 1-2 times a week and I don't even use regular conditioner anymore. This is my holy grail, go to conditioner!



4. Tarte Eye Brightener Cream: I have a love affair with eye creams and all eye products; this is the first eye cream I ever truly loved and have purchased over and over again. It's hydrating and truly brightening; it also doesn't irriate my under eyes which is very important to me. I notice a differnce when I use this and if you need a good eye cream, try this baby.

5. Benefit Cosmetics Ooh La Lift: This was the first makeup item I ever purchased from Sephora and since then I've repurchased many times. It seems a little gimmicky but try it, just once! It brightens and lifts the under eye; it also makes a great 'primer' for your concealer.

6. Too Faced Better Than Sex: Is this everyone's most repurchased mascara? It's definitely mine and it's my go-to mascara. It creates fluffy lashes that are long and volumnious; Better Than Sex might actually be better than sex...

What is your most repurchased makeup item? Give me suggestions!! 
xoxo
B

I've talked a lot about haircare on the blog... I've also talked a lot about my love of Drybar. Those two things combined is a match made in heaven for me.

Drybar cannot release enough products to satisfy my love & want for them, so when I saw that they were releasing a new shampoo a few weeks ago, I jumped at the chance to purchase it. I bought mine from Sephora when it was a VIB Rogue exclusive but it's now available to everyone at a variety of retailers, including Ulta & Nordstrom.

Double Standard Cleansing + Conditioning Foam is advertised as a something for ladies on the go, especially ladies who are athletic & focused on the athleisure lifestyle. That's because it is a deep cleansing shampoo that is also a conditioner, so no other product is needed.

Do I fall into that category? I suppose I can. I don't go to the gym before work, and I don't necessarily ever wash my hair when I'm in a rush but it's by Drybar and I was in the market for a new shampoo so mind as well try!



Double Standard is described as a gel foam formula that will gently cleanse & condition your hair. It claims to remove product buildup, prevent drying, and adding moisture to your hair -- all while staying lightweight and not weighing down your locks.

It contains volcanic ash which helps in absorbing the residue & removes the environmental pollutions that stick to your hair.

All sounds very enticing doesn't it?

It does & it is! This is by far my favorite Drybar product at the moment. I've never experienced a shampoo like this. My mom used it too and we can't get over the results.

Ok, so, I don't use a conditioner with this shampoo since it is 2-in-1. That's very unusual for me because I usually don't trust 2-in-1 products. I feel like they're a gimmick but this is not. It truly is a gel & foam mixed together, which helps cleanse and condition your hair at the same time.

I work part of it into my scalp to remove the impurities and then add a little more at the ends of my hair to condition. Once I get out of the shower and I brush my hair,  I do apply my Prep Rally Detangler/Leave in conditioner, but even before that it's insane how squeaky clean my hair is.

All the build up is gone and my hair has never been cleaner. After I straight my hair it's incredibly smooth & soft. I even felt my mom's hair after she cleansed with Double Standard and it was weird how clean her hair felt. It's almost unnatural because I've never felt my hair be so clean.

After washing & styling my hair with Double Standard

Now, the catch with such a heavy duty cleanser shampoo is that the directions say to use a regular shampoo every 2-4 washes. I did that and my hair seems to be fine.

My hair styles better with this and even stays cleaner a little longer.

For the record, I have very thick, frizzy, coarse, and unruly hair so it didn't make my hair oily or change anything in a negative way.

I know I say this a lot about products, and that's because I am a true product junkie but my hair is something I'm serious about, this is a hair product I will continue to buy and use because it makes my hair feel and look amazing. I may be taking a break from it for a bit because I need to use a medicated shampoo for a while -- I have a severe case of dandruff that is effecting my scalp, but that's besides the point.

If you're looking for something that will really cleanse your hair without stripping it of any essential oils & properties, try this one. Nordstrom has a mini size for $13 that you can buy to try it before splurging on the big size. You also need the tiniest bit of it to cleanse so you won't run through it too fast.

Please pick it up & let me know what you think! I'm always up for a chat about beauty so leave a comment or email me at briana@royallypink.com!

xoxo
B

I'm always in search of a better product; to me, I am never satisified with the beauty products I have. Do not get me wrong, I have my favorites and items that blow me away, but I know there are always new things that are being released and I just assume they're better than what I have... which is why I'm always buying new products.

While I have holy grail foundations, concealers, etc, there is one beauty product that I'm just not convinced that I've found the right one.

That item is Dry Shampoo.

I've tried really good dry shampoos and really bad ones. I've used dry shampoo for months, been pleased, and then one day it just feels like it's not working anymore. I've used dry shampoos that I know are bad right off the bat.

While I do have my favorites, I'm always searching for the next best thing.



That's why I was so excited to receive a Dry Shampoo VoxBox from Influenster. I received the Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist; I LOVE Nexxus because they're sold in the drugstore but have that high end feel; even though the products do come with a higher price tag, I am more drawn to these products.

I had a feeling that I would really enjoy this dry shampoo & so far, I was right.





The mist is very fine so I feel like I have more control over how much product I'm putting into my hair. I never go crazy with the dry shampoo because my scalp is very sensitive and I don't like too much product build up.

Nexxus claims that it removes oils from your roots without leaving visible residue, which I can attest for. It's completely invisible and not heavy at all on your hair. Sometimes I can feel the dry shampoo minutes after I put it in my hair, or when I touch my hair, it feels greasy.

This Nexxus one does not do any of that .

It also smells like a Bath and Body Works candle without being overpowering and I'm kind of obsessed.

As for right now, I really like this dry shampoo and I think I will be repurchasing after this HUGE bottle is done. I would also say this is better than some high end dry shampoos I've tried!

What is your current favorite dry shampoo?

My hair is something that I have a love/hate relationship with. It's very thick, curly, frizzy, and unruly. It has given me a lot of grief over the years; from flat ironing it to a crisp during middle school, to trying to embrace my Carrie Bradshaw like ringlets, to sometimes just throwing my hands in the air & surrendering to the messy mane, I've had my fair share of trouble with it.

I've gotten it relaxed, and I'm on my 3rd keratin treatment which has all been a huge help. My hair is easier to maintain and when I do wear it natural, it's more in control.

Even though its slightly better, it still takes a village to keep it together. I used to not really care about the products I was putting in my hair because as long as it was making it less frizzy, I was good to go. That is until I started really get into beauty and had to pay attention to what I was putting into my hair when I got my keratin treatments.

When you have a keratin, you cannot use any products with sulfates in it, so I pay close attention to that.

Also, I have a very dry scalp so I have to be careful what I use to make sure it doesn't irritate my scalp at all. I can tell within one shampoo if a product is making my scalp itchy and dry.

I also only wash my hair around 1-2 times a week. When I have a keratin, I wash my hair probably 2-3 times a week because it's a little greasier and I don't mind having to wash it because I usually am not blow drying or ironing my hair.

When I don't have a keratin (usually in the winter months), I only wash my hair once a week, because my hair is usually blown out and I hate wasting a good blowout until I have to.

Now that you know my hair routine, here are my most used & beloved products (as of lately). They work for me, keep my scalp in good condition, and help control the horse's mane I have on top of my head.




Alterna Caviar Scalp Exfoliating Facial: A few months ago, my scalp was on fire. It hurt so bad and I couldn't take it anymore. I did some research and found this little product. I immediately picked it up and started to use it, and it made all the difference. It has a scrubby brush on the end, and the product squeezes out from there. You run it through your wet scalp before shampooing and it removes all the dead skin from your scalp, just like a body exfoliator. It makes my hair look and feel so much cleaner. It's such an incredible discovery. If you have dry scalp, TRY this!

Loreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner: I LOVE the EVER line from Loreal because they are free of sulfates & the price is right. They have a lot of different kinds, depending on your hair type but I love the nourishing shampoo because like I said, my hair is dry. I've tried a lot of shampoo and conditioner duos but this is by far my favorite because it leaves my hair clean and soft.

Verb Hydrating Mask:  This is a hydrating mask that I use as my deep conditioner about once a week. My hair can get very dry & this really puts the moisture back into my locks, and keeps my hair shiny, for longer. It's a huge bottle for only $14 and it's totally worth it! It's also sulfate (and paraben) free so added bonus, for sure. Verb is such a great haircare brand, I highly recommend it!

Amika Nourishing Mask: This is another hair mask that I really love. I think of this more as a repairing mask than strictly hydrating. When I feel like my hair just needs a huge break, I'll use this bad boy to help it out. It's also free of sulfates & parabens, and it is advertised as a true deep conditioning mask, it just feels like it does so much more. I switch back and forth between this and the Verb but both are incredible.

Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray: Amika is such a good haircare brand, you must try it out. This is the only blowout spray I've really tried but it's incredible. It makes my hair easier to brush out and makes it easier to blow dry. I'm also convinced it makes my hair dry faster, which I'm pretty sure is supposed to happen. I just ran out and I need more ASAP.

Below are some of my other favorites like dry shampoos, oils, and finishing sprays!


What are your go-to haircare products?

This has been a long and fast month. It seems like so much has happened in such a short time. I cannot believe it's already June. How is the year half over? How is that possible? Wasn't Christmas, uhhhh yesterday????

It's very scary how time goes by and if this is growing up, I don't like it... at all.

I'm currently writing this sitting in bed, watching Harry Potter on MDW. Strep Throat is not fun, as I mentioned yesterday and I'm in so much pain, I can't even speak. SOS.

Trying to think of my favorites this month is a tad difficult. I feel like I discovered a lot of new products but nothing that I'm obsessing over. That's a change for me... not obsessing over things.

I have been loving some trends, that I want to talk about in a different, more in depth blog post. I've been addicted to cream beauty products. Cream foundations, cream blushes, bronzers, and highlights. ALL THE CREAMS, PLEASE! It could be a cream or a liquid, just not powder. I think cream is amazing for summer and I can't wait to share my favorites -- I'm still testing some products out!

As for my other favorites...



-InvisiBobble Traceless Hair Ring: I've been obsessed with my hair lately. I just want it to look good, clean, and healthy. I'm getting a keratin treatment this week so I've been trying to maintain my hair however I can. These hair ties I found at Sephora are everything. They look like a slinky, in a way, and at first glance you think "Those are NOT going to fit in my head" but then you receive them and they're super stretchy and keep your hair in place. My hair is super thick, curly, and unruly and these are the best hair ties I've ever used. The best part? They don't leave a dent in your hair after using. That is my biggest feat when it comes to hair ties -- they always leave a mark. Since using these I haven't had any trouble and my hair has never looked better (so my co-workers say!)



Rebecca Minkoff Avery Tote: I talked about this bag a few weeks ago. I scored it in the Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale and I have not stopped using it. It's the perfect year round color (a stone griege if you will) and it's the perfect size for everyday use. It's not too big, or too small. It fits just right. It comes with a long strap to wear as a cross-body or on the shoulder but I'm not a fan of that. I like just carrying it on  my arm. I can't find this bag anywhere but here is a similar style.

Alterna Scalp Facial: I've suffered from dry scalp since I was around 12 years old. I've tried everything in the books and while things have worked in the past, my head usually starts to reject it after a few weeks. It really was getting to me this month so I did some research and found this little gem. It's pricey but my goodness, it's incredible. It's a pre shampoo treatment that you massage into your scalp to get the product buildup and dry flakes off your head. I wet my head, start scrubbing, and start to feel the particles leave your head. It's REALLY GROSS and REALLY WEIRD but I am addicted and will never be without it ever again. It does make my hair look and feel cleaner, while also keeping my dry scalp at bay one or two days longer than without it. I've only used this three times but I'm excited to see how it keeps up.

DryBar: On the subject of hair... I'm having a love affair, a love affair with The DryBar. You can read about my experience here but not only am I obsessed with the salon, but the products are incredible. They have been helping keep my hair shiny, gorgeous and clean. Take a look below at what I've been loving!

I can't believe this week is 4 years since I started Royally Pink and I can't believe how fast time flies. I was going into my junior year of college and felt like I needed something extra to do. I knew I was going to be busy with my sorority, my education, my activities in school, and an internship but I felt that this blog would be beneficial to my future.

And it has been... in so many ways.

It's expanded my writing, expanded my horizons in terms of what I like to write about, and has helped my career. I got my first "real" internship from using my blog, which introduced me to my mentor, who got me my first job out of college.

It's funny how things turn out, isn't it?

This blog has made me realize what I love... beauty, writing, giving people advice. It's made me realize I'd be very happy being a freelance writer/blogger and that ultimately, that is my goal.

I am so beyond grateful for my readers, my friends who make fun of me for being 'on the blog' but ultimately support me 100%.

Royally Pink started out as something fun to do on the side, to help my career, but it's been the one constant for the past 4 years. It's been with me throughout my last years at college, graduation, my first horrible year of post grad, and some of the toughest & happiest times of my life.

None of this would be possible without people who read, subscribe, and comment along the way. I may not be the biggest blogger but I'm very grateful that I've come this far.

I have a long way to go but it's been an exciting journey so far, and I hope to continue forever.

To celebrate YOU and Royally Pink, I want to give away some of my favorite things: BEAUTY PRODUCTS. I've been hoarding both bags of skincare, haircare, and makeup for months and just filling them up as I went.

Feel free to join BOTH giveaways or just one.

I have a weird obsession with being fancy, chic, and the most basic blogger gal in the universe. My friends mock me on a daily basis for my Instagrams, for my love of being "fancy" and just enjoying girly things. I love being part of a good trend and I don't like to miss out on something trendy.

These products were sent to me but all opinions are my own

It's been years since I realized I had psoriasis on my scalp. I can't even remember a time where my scalp didn't itch or burn. It's been something I've struggled with since I was little and nothing ever quite does the trick.

I've tried lots of shampoos, conditioners, creams, and treatments, but some either don't work, or they make my hair so greasy, it's not even worth it. I've tried prescriptions, high end, drugstore but nothing quite ever works.

When I saw that DermaE, one of my latest favorite skincare brands (and also available in the drugstore) had a psoriasis and eczema line, I jumped at the chance to review it for all of you.

I've talked before about my skin issues, but this just hit so close to home. My psoriasis is MAINLY on my scalp, and it's been getting worse and worse as of late, so why not try something new?




Well, I was certainly surprised when I opened this little package from DermaE and they included lots of goodies from this specific line.

I received the Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner, as well as the Psorzema Creme and body wash. I was super excited to see the other items too because like I said, while my psoriasis is mainly on my scalp, my skin acts up from time to time. These items won't go to waste.



DermaE describes these products as the best natural alternative to prescriptions, because as we know, a lot of people may not be able to afford prescriptions for something like this, or may not have access to it--or just don't like the idea of prescriptions (there are tons of different people out there!)

Both the shampoo & conditioner work to detangle, deflake, soothe, and nourish the scalp & hair. They contain Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree, and Menthol and are also sulfate free (perfect for keratin treated hair), tar free and steroid free. I mean, who doesn't want all those things in a haircare line?

I've used both of these products a few times and I can attest to saying they have helped. My scalp feels slightly less irritated, and my hair is definitely easier to maintain. I know that as I continue to use it, the benefits will start to reap bigger rewards.

My skin hasn't been too bad lately, even though it does act up from time to time, so I haven't used the creme and body wash as much as the shampoo & conditioner, but I have used them.

The unique thing about the body wash? It can be used as a face wash which would definitely come in handy if you have severe psoriasis or eczema on your face. The body wash looks like the shampoo, clear and very gel like. It feels soothing on the skin, which is always a plus. Like I said, my skin isn't acting up at the moment so I can't say whether it helps with the psoriasis but I'm guessing it would because of how soothing it is.

The creme is very, very thick. This would be IDEAL in the wintertime, maybe even now that Spring is nonexistent in NYC at the moment. But anyways... this creme is super thick, and hydrating and soothing. I'm very, very impressed. I've tried a lot of eczema cremes and this is by far the best one.

If you suffer from psoriasis and/or eczema, I highly consider trying this line. You will definitely find something that works for you.

DermaE is always available at DermaE.com, your local Health Food store, Whole Foods, and The Vitamin Shoppe.

Ah the final Birchbox of the year. I am unsure if this will be my last Birchbox for a few months but we'll see eventually...I'll probably wait to see the January sneak peek video that Birchbox posts every month on Youtube and then decide if I'll cancel or not.

I just look all the perks of Birchbox :( #firstworldprobs

Anyways...believe it or not, this Birchbox was actually pretty great, mainly because I picked out everything in it. I love anything with the word "essentials" in it (fun fact). I don't know why but I love feeling like I NEED something.




When I saw that this month's pre curated Birchbox was called "Winter Essentials", I knew I had to have it. I figured knowing what I was getting in my Birchbox was better than having it be a surprise because lately, when it is a surprise it's less than satisfying.

I've tried most of the things in the box and I'm pleasantly surprised with them.

//Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Duo: I was supposed to get the formaleyes duo which was a rose gold & pink shade but instead got the styleeyes, which is gold and blue. I originally didn't want this one when I saw it online but in person the shadows are so pretty and so outside my comfort zone. I could've emailed Birchbox for the correct one (everyone got the wrong shadows) but I'm too lazy and have enough pink shadows. These shadows are pigmented but not too much and are perfect for the holidays. I'll definitely get some use out of them.

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $12



//eSalon Perfect Ending Leave in Conditioner: I've been hoping to get a leave in conditioner in a Birchbox so when I saw this bad boy in the sample choice box, I had to get it. I used it over the weekend and it was great. At first, when my hair was wet, it felt a little stringy and tangled but that could've just been me. After blow drying and straightening, my hair was soft and silky. This conditioner you put in after you're out of the shower and your hair is towel dried. It feels just like a regular conditioner and I'm pretty happy with the results.

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: $25

//dermae Microdermabrasion Scrub: Another thing I love? Scrubs! DermaE is a great brand that's easily available in CVS and that's a plus for me. This is a thicker consistency, it almost feels like a balm and has a lot of little beads in it but that's what I like about it. It's slightly harsher than you would expect but sometimes that's what I prefer in my scrubs. My face feels so clean and fresh afterwards--this is my new favorite

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $32.50 (OMG)

//Juara Coconut Illipe Hand & Nail Balm: My cuticles have been a disaster lately and on Sunday while I was home, I realized I had this handy dandy item. I was expecting it to feel like petroleum jelly but it was definitely not that. It is a very lotion like consistency and I just spread it on my nails and cuticles. Within minutes, my nails felt smooth and soft. This is something I'll for sure keep in my handbag and at work because my nails are always dry. I may even buy the full size!

Sample size: 3/5
Full size: $20

//Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain: I didn't realize what this was until I just read the description of what it does. It adjusts to your skin's temperature and PH to make your own customized shade. I have the It Cosmetics lip stain that does this and it's pretty cool. I'm excited to use this one!

//Chuao Chocolatier Cinnamon Cereal Smooch: This was a little extra in the box and I'll take any kind of food extra! I didn't taste any cinnamon in it but it tasted just like a fancy crunch bar!




This month I also added a Birchbox Plus kit to my monthly subscrtion. I won't do a whole post on that but I got the Completion Perfection Sampler which came with a full size beauty blender, Marcelle BB Cream, Benefit Porefessional Primer, The Beauty Crop Lightning Cream, and a W3LL PEOPLE Brightening Powder. I didn't need it but I really wanted a new beauty blender and the kit was $20 which is the prize of a new beauty blender so mind as well!

Dam you Birchbox, just when I want to give up you pull me back in!

Did you like your last Birchbox of 2015 this month?

This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own

I have extremely dry, thick, unruly, and frizzy hair. It's always been an issue for me and I've tried every product under the sun. I've had my hair relaxed, had two Keratin treatments, and learned how to manage my hair, but when I was younger--it was the bane of my existence.

Growing up, and even now, I was never too focused on my shampoo and conditioner. I thought any old duo would work. I was heavily focused on the treatments I put in my hair; hair oils, hair masks, frizz creams, etc. I thought that these were more important than the shampoo & conditioner but as I became more well versed in the beauty world, I found out that that is quite the opposite.

Shampoo, conditioner, and treatments are all important.

In recent months I've definitely tried my fair share of shampoo & conditioners and they all worked great, but these products from a brand I've tried before & loved.

When I was presented with the chance to try out some products from Hask's Macadamia Oil line, which caters to hydrating hair, leaving it nourished, shiny, and glossy, I was excited. My hair is dry, especially during the winter and it needs all the help it can get. Also, with the all the heat I apply to my hair on a weekly basis, it's very damaged so I needed help in that department as well.

The Macadamia Oil Moisturizing products, of course, have macadamia oil in them to help hydrate and restore damaged hair. Those special antioxidants that are infused into the products leave your hair soft, silky, and no longer dry.



Well, I can attest to all of those things. I used the shampoo & conditioner (as did my mom and sister) and I have seen a significant change in my hair. It's a lot softer and smoother-- it looks healthier, and it stays clean longer (that could just be in my head but I don't feel like my hair gets as greasy).

I haven't used the Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment yet but I have never met a deep conditioning treatment that I DIDN'T like! I tried a little bit of the Revitalizing Shine Treatment and it's not too oily but still adds the perfect amount of shine to your hair, helping smooth down the baby hairs and frizz that pops up.

Another really important aspect, to me, of this line of haircare? It's sulfate, paraben, gluten, and drying alcohol free. I'm more focused on the sulfate aspect because when you have keratin, you're supposed to use a sulfate free shampoo & conditioner. My keratin isn't that active anymore but I know it's still lingering my hair and the longer you use sulfate free products, the better the keratin stays.



After doing some research, I saw that Hask has a lot of styling products, like a blow dry spray and a curl controller and I'm really eager to try those!

I'll definitely be picking up this shampoo & conditioner again, since it's available in local drugstores, and I have a feeling I finally found a duo that works for me and I'll probably continue to use for weeks and months to come.

What do you look for in a shampoo and conditioner?

This was definitely not a winning month for Birchbox and I am getting very close to canceling it. Birchbox has always had its ups and downs over the years, but for the past year or so, it's really been on it's A game. It was pretty much September-November that I haven't been a huge fan of the boxes I've been getting.

I will say a lot of it has to do with the fact that I have so many beauty products now that I'm just not as impressed with the products in the boxes as of late. Also, I've been getting a ton of perfume samples and since I'm allergic, it's a total waste for me.

I may stick it out one more month and see what happens in December but if that box is a bust, I'll probably cancel for a few months.

This month had to be one of my least favorite Birchboxes in over 3 years, which is funny because this had to be my favorite design on a box ever. It is gorgeous! I have it displayed on my desk with the LE Everyday Glamour Box and I'm obsessed with both designs.



Even though I really am not a fan of everything in the box, I do like all the products, I just wasn't impressed with the selection.




//Harvey Prince Yoigini Perfume: Yep, another perfume that I can't wear. Well, that's a lie. I've been experimenting with wearing perfume the past week and so far, so good. I haven't had an allergic reaction yet so we'll see how the it pans out. I wore this to work on Friday and it's a very subtle, feminine scent. It has notes of grapefruit and star jasmine which is really pleasant and pretty.

Full size: $57
Sample size: 3/5




//LOC Vibrant Matte Lipstick in Glam Life: I was probably most excited for this product, not going to lie. Earlier this month, Birchbox released their FIRST MAKEUP LINE and they partnered with one of my favorite Beauty Guru's,  Tati from GlamLifeGuru. They released eyeshadow sticks and matte lipsticks and every Birchbox subscriber got to sample one of the products in this months' box. I was happy I got the berry shade of lipstick and wore this last Friday. It's smooth, gorgeous, long wearing, and extremely easy to apply. This is definitely going to be a staple in my winter beauty routine.

Full size: $8
Sample size: 5/5




//Moroccanoil Hand Cream Fleur d' Oranger: I was less than thrilled to see another hand lotion in my Birchbox. Usually I don't mind these products but I have so many hand creams in rotation, I don't know what to do with them all. However, it was a nice surprise to see a full size product in a box. I also love the Moroccanoil brand so I enjoyed that as well. This would be a total win if it wasn't for the scent. I know it says it's an orange scent and I usually like citrus scents but this is just plain gross. It's so faint and subtle, but at the same time it's just not inviting. I've been using it because it's very moisturizing but the scent is horrible.

Full size: $24
Sample size: 5/5

//Number 4 Elixer Restore & Repair Oil: I have enough hair oil to last me 100 years. I definitely didn't need another one. I like the Number 4 brand and it's nice to have a tiny sample size to travel with but I wish I would've gotten something else instead of this. I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure it's great.

Full size: $26
Sample size: 2/5



//theBalm FratBoy Eyeshadow/blush: I don't have nearly as much theBalm products as I would like so whenever they pop up in my Birchbox, I am very happy. I've seen this product around before and have been curious to try it out. The sample is expectionally tiny and I don't know how I would ever get a blush brush into the little compact, nor would I use this color as an eyeshadow but I'll try it out and see what happens. theBalm is super high quality and I've never been disappointed with their products.

Full size: $21
Sample size: 1/5

We'll see what happens with Birchbox next month, otherwise I'll say bye-bye to it for a little while.

What did you get in your Birchbox this month?