Birchbox Review: August

August Birchbox

1. CAILYN Cosmetics Dizzolv'it Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm - 100ml -- This product does just what it implies in the name; it truly dissolves makeup and it does so quickly.  It's a unique silky texture that feels nice on the skin. BUT, and this is a big but (hence the all caps), it got in my eyes and made my vision blurry for several minutes. That just wasn't going to work for me. I used it a few times and actually threw out the rest, which I rarely do.

2. theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac -- This is handy for those days you don't want to wear makeup but want a little color. But I think it's a little too much color if you're in gym clothes...if that makes sense. I like that it's a stain instead of a balm, because some days I just don't want to feel like I'm wearing anything on my face. This is not something I would purchase, but I'll definitely use the rest of the sample.

3. amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo -- Another spray dry shampoo that isn't sticky, hallelujah! It smells great, doesn't leave a residue and boosts volume-- all things I love in a dry shampoo. And bonus, how fun is the packaging? My only complaint is, like with most spray dry shampoos, it runs out quickly. With powders, you're not spraying any excess into the air and you can really target it where needed most. But if you really love a spray, I think psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo works better, and it's much cheaper. 

4. Harvey Prince Ageless Body Cream -- Since I'm completely devoted to Jergens Natural Glow as my daily body lotion, I only use other lotions on my hands. This was a little greasy for me and the scent was not my favorite; the best way I can describe it is an overpowering watermelon scent.

5. Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow -- I saved the best for last! Love this! I'm not sure I noticed all that much of a golden tint, but that didn't bother me in the least. This gave nice, light coverage without thickness or greasy-ness. My number one requirement in a BB cream is that doesn't become oily throughout the day, and this definitely excelled in that area. And going a step further, if I can't feel it on my face (the case with this product), that's a home run! I will definitely consider purchasing the full-size product.

September Birchbox review coming soon- excited about several of these products!

Wednesday Whatnots

I've been a blogging slacker as of late; life, events and this thing called work, where I get paid to write, have gotten in the way. But I have been stockpiling neat stuff, so I thought I would get back into it with this sort of catch-all post.

If you're a compulsive magazine reader like I am, you may be in the habit of dog-earing pages or ripping them out when you find something you like, but you forget to go back and look at what you marked. I've found this is when Pinterest comes in handy. Once I'm done reading a magazine, I go back through and pin whatever items I've marked, so I'll have an easy (and paper-free) place to keep them.  Here are some of my recent favorite finds from Pinterest and the pages of O, Glamour and Shape magazines.

1. Shop for a Cause: September is Ovarian Cancer and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

A selection of Laura Mercier products - 100 percent of profits go to Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund.

I just found out about this organization and, wow, is it impressive! Yes, it involves cookies, which is great, but also so much more. The organization has a number of partners including Asics:

A portion of this Asics special collection goes to pediatric cancer research supported by Cookies for Kids' Cancer.

Even this Tequila Sunrise Villa in Anguilla is a partner. Check it out; it is a-mazing! If you mention Cookies for Kids' Cancer, you get a 5 percent discount on your stay and the villa owners donate 10 percent. 

2. Smithsonian Museum Day Live!

Get free admission to museums all across the country on September 27th.

3. lillybee Collegiate Flats

Now that college football is back, these will complete your gameday gear! (available for many schools) They also have a sorority collection. 

4. Takeya Iced Tea Beverage System

Why I haven't bought this yet is beyond me. It's only $30 and looks like it must be an essential for iced tea lovers.

5. Evelyn's Kitchen Banana Pudding Pudgies 

Deliciousness straight from this NYC bakery to your door!

6. Swarovski Stardust Bracelet

These shades are my favorite, but they're available in 14 colors...maybe even one that would match your lillybee gameday flats!

7. Monique Lhuillier Waterford Champagne Coupes

Now, wouldn't you just look lovely sipping champagne with that champagne-colored Swarovski bracelet on your wrist?

8. Neiman Marcus Personalized Coasters

And of course you need something classy on which to rest that champagne coupe!

9. Coconut Margarita

 But if you prefer tequila over bubbly, this tropical twist on the classic frozen cocktail sounds delicious! 

10. Casa Dragones Sipping Tequila

Make those coconut margs with this top-of-the-line tequila and you're almost guaranteed to have visions of relaxing on a secluded Caribbean island. (See above).