Angelspit - - Meeting Amelia Arsenic

I went and saw Angelspit at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, CA last night. 

Happily, I got to meet Amelia Arsenic after the show and spent a few minutes chatting with her.  She was very warm and and friendly, it was wonderful to meet her.  I couldn't stop staring at her makeup, so expertly applied and blended - she does great work!

For those curious, she's wearing Illamasqua nail polish in Radium.  I also got to show her that I was wearing my shirt from her A is for Arsenic line, something that I was excited about since it's not everyday you get to meet the designer of the clothes you wear.  Thanks to Amelia for being inspiring, down to earth and unique!

September 2011 Birchbox

So, I am currently testing out the products that came in my Birchbox for September.  Can't wait to share my review of each product with all of you!

Included in my Birchbox this month:
Blinc Mascara
Harvey Prince fragrance Eau Flirt - Lavender Pumpkin
Incoco Nail Polish Applique
Jouer Lip Enhancer
Lash Card
Birchbox Friendship Bracelet (a cute little extra!)

Up first will be my review of the Blinc mascara, stay tuned!

Trader Joe's Honey Mango Moisturizing Cream Shave [review]

[image source]

I just tried this shave cream at the recommendation of a coworker.  Shaving cream isn't one of those things that I love to buy and I often will just use hair conditioner as an aid when shaving.  Nonetheless, when I was at Trader Joe's the other day, the fact that this shave cream was honey mango scented caught my attention.  The price will vary most likely from store to store, but you can get this shave cream for pretty cheap!  I think I picked mine up from my local store for $3.99.  I was sold!

Pros:

• reasonably priced, probably varies from store to store
• lightly scented, not overpowering
• moisturizing
• allowed for a smooth/close shave, my razor moved along easily
• contains aloe vera and vitamin E (great for the skin!)
• vegetarian, cruelty free and paraben free

Cons:

• I don't like bottles that are designed like this in the shower.  Water collects in the cap and it gets all gross after awhile.  If this was an upright container, that would be awesome.
• Hard to acquire for people that don't live near a Trader Joe's, expensive if you have to order it online.

Overall, I am glad that I purchased this.  I can see myself purchasing it again and I definitely would if they redesigned the bottle so that water can't collect in the cap if you keep it in the shower.  I love that it has aloe vera and vitamin E in it, these are wonderful for the skin.  Definitely give this a try if your skin is upset with you after all of the Summer-time shaving you have put it through!

Tiny Victorian Cottage

How cool is this!?

A lady named Sandra Foster, turned a Catskills hunting lodge into: A Tiny Victorian Cottage.

I want to do something like that someday!  I'm in love with this idea and think everyone should have some sort of chance to create their own quiet space like this!

Clinique [skin supplies for men] age defense for eyes

After trying Benefit's EyeCon Eye Cream and not being that impressed, I decided to give Clinique's 'age defense for eyes' a chance.  Clinique states that this:

Multifunction treatment instantly hydrates the vulnerable eye area. Works to repair the look of lines, wrinkles. Reduces dark circles, puffs, and brightens dull skin for a younger look. Strengthens the moisture barrier for skin that’s smooth, firm. 

 As of right now, I don't have a problem with fine lines or wrinkles but I do feel that my fair skin show dark circles rather easily.  After applying this cream, I find that is soaks in easily and absorbs quickly without leaving behind any greasy feeling.  A little goes along way and I know that the $24 tube (which I received as a Christmas present from my sister!) will go a long way.  This makes the rather steep price tag a lot easier to handle.

I don't notice a brightening effect like it claims but that wasn't what I was going for anyways.  As for dark circles, they don't dissappear but the extra moisturization really helps me to be able to layer concealer on top without it caking throughout the day.

Pros - sinks into skin easily, moisturizes and hydrates well, my dark circles don't disappear but the moisturization seems to help camouflage them (and makes it easier to apply concealer).  A little goes a long way - the tube will last a long time.

Cons - expensive, not easily accessible for everyone (can find online, at department stores or Ulta)

I don't care if this is from a men's skincare line.  It's more affordable than the women's line and does the job that I need an eye cream to do.  I'd definitely recommend this eye cream to someone who is looking to really increase the hydration under their eyes in order to allow concealer to apply more evenly.

What eye creams have worked the best for you and your skincare needs?

Maybelline 'The Falsies Volum'Express Waterproof Mascara - Blackest Black

Honestly, I am not that hard to please when it comes to mascara.  If it coats my lashes well, lengthens a fair amount and stays put - I'll generally like it.  I saw mixed reviews about the Falsies online when it first came out, but I still wanted to try it.  Two words: big mistake.

This is the worst mascara that I have ever tried.  It doesn't allow you to layer it and put on multiple coats, it creates spider lashes and it refuses to come off - even with a good oil-based makeup remover.  I can use a makeup remover, wash my face and take a shower and this is still clumped onto my lashes.  It feel dry and untouchable while wearing it and I don't think it makes me look like I am wearing false lashes in the slightest.

I think there are definitely other mascaras out there that are much more worth the money -  Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara comes to mind (love it still!)  Don't waste your money on the Falsies and don't accidentally damage your lashes trying your hardest to remove it at the end of the night.  I might have had a different experience if I was using the kind that wasn't waterproof but I like a waterproof mascara most of the time (in case I cry or my eyes water, I don't want it all over my face and hands!)

Have you tried this mascara?  I have seen such mixed reviews over the months and am curious to know if you have had the same experience?

Yes to Carrots Repairing Night Cream [Review]

When Winter comes, I feel the need to reach for a stronger cream or lotion.  Since I enjoyed the Yes to Carrots Shampoo and Conditioner so much, I thought I would try out there night cream.  This night cream claims to:

promote moisture retention, it softens, smoothes and firms your face, leaving you emanating a gorgeous, soft, healthy glow .

Overall, I am pretty impressed with this night cream.  It is very moisturizing, I feel like it plumps up my skin and the scent is great as well.  I haven't had any problems with my skin breaking out or anything along those lines.  I can tell that this differs from a regular lotion that I would use and falls into the cream category because of the thickness of it.  It has a fluffy, whipped texture to it and this feels nice on my skin.

Pros - moisturizing, absorbs well, wonderful scent, non-greasy.  Yes to Carrots does not test on animals, which is great as well.

Cons - somewhat odd package design, contains a lot more plastic than it needs to.  Therefore, the 1.7 fl oz. that this contains seems like it will last for about a month or so.  I was kind of surprised when I opened the lid and I realized the amount that I actually got.

Do you have a favorite night cream?  What do you suggest for me to try?