Do you have an addiction to subscription services? I do! One of my favorites so far is Play! by Sephora. You get five sample products and a perfume. The best part about this box is that it’s only $10 and each box has a theme. January’s theme was Beauty, Set, Go.  All of the products included are meant to detox and refuel your beauty routine. Here’s what I received in my box.

Tarte FRXXXTION Stick Exfoliating Cleanser (Full size $22//$4.84 Value) // I have only used this cleanser once to try it out (I am very picky on what I use on my face). I will say that my face felt very smooth after using it. The cleanser is in gel form but lathers up once you put it under water. Along with this being a cleanser it’s also a face mask and exfoliator. It helps draw out surface oil, reduces shine and purify’s your pores. It is safe for all skin types. Another great thing about this is that it is perfect for traveling.

FARMACY Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask (Full size $56// $3.38 value) // This mask made my face so hydrated and soft. While wearing it, it did get warm and had a slight tingle but nothing that was uncomfortable. It felt really nice on my skin almost like I was getting a facial at a spa. It helps with dryness, fine lines/wrinkles and dullness while being save to use on all skin tones. It is pricey for a face mask but considering it contains honey I would not expect it to be cheap.

OUAI Treatment Masque (Full Size $32// Value $6.67 )// I have not used this masque yet. I have heard that it is amazing though. It can be used on all hair types. This masque helps restore damaged hair and strengthens hair to prevent future damage. It contains artichoke leaf extract that helps seal the hair cuticles and protects hair color from oxidative degradation. I look forward to using this masque soon.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (Full Size $17// Value $9.71)//  I really like this lipstick. When I applied it, it was very glossy with a red tint of color (still very natural). It is one of their best sellers.

AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ (Full Size $60//Value $11.43)//  Another product in the box that I have not used. I feel that the shades that were sent to me are not fit for my skin tone. That may change if I were to actually use it. When I went to see what range of shades they had on Sephora’s website they offer five shades. So not really a huge range to fit the different skin tones. This is a CC cream that hydrates, protects skin, and delivers buildable coverage. I do love the idea of a cushion formula; however with very little shades available and it being $60…I will pass on this.

Tory Burch Love Relentlessly (Full Size $68-$115// Value $1.69)// This is the first perfume that I have received in my box that I actually like! It smells so good and very light!! It has a hint of floral combined with pink pepper, orris root and patchouli. I would purchase this perfume for myself.

Total Value of box: $37.72

I really enjoyed the products in this months box. I had not used any of these products until receiving this box. The only con is the actual bag that the products came in. I felt that it wasn’t as great as the rest of the bags I have received.

Have you tried any of these products? What subscription services do you subscribe to?

Yesterday was National Lash Day, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite go to mascara’s with y’all. When it comes to choosing  a mascara,  I like one’s that give my lashes a lot of volume. I have short lashes so anything that can lengthen my lashes and make my eyes look more awake is a winner in my book. Another thing I look for in a mascara are one’s that do not flake or get overly clumpy. These five mascara’s have everything I am looking for when it comes to the perfect mascara.

Tarte Maneater Voluptuous Mascara $23 // If you read my favorites post from last month you would know this mascara is amazing! It gives my lashes so much volume and I love that I only have to apply one to two coats to achieve that volume. It’s also has ingredients that help strengthen your lashes while wearing it. That’s pretty awesome if I say so myself.

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Angel Mascara $9.49 // This is by far one of my favorite drug store mascaras. If you’re looking for an affordable mascara that will lengthen your lashes this one has you covered. Your lashes will look winged out and have crazy volume. It takes a few coats to achieve volume but it does not look clumpy what so ever.

Urban Decay Better Than Sex Mascara $23 // Urban Decay is by far one of my favorite high end brands. I use several of their products when it comes to my daily makeup routine. This mascara is my favorite when it comes to being completely smudge proof. It lifts my lashes with little to no effort. It contains acacia senegal tree extract that nourishes, thickens and keeps your lashes in place.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara $8.99 // The is my second go to drug store mascara. As you can see I am a fan of Maybelline mascaras. I love that my lashes look fanned out when applying this mascara. It’s also extremely easy to apply and does not clump up.

Tarte Tarteist Lash Pant Mascara $23 // This was the first mascara from Tarte that I fell in love with. I absolutely love the mascara wand because it catches every bit of my lashes. I love how my lashes look like I used a lash curler while still being able to separate my lashes as needed. This mascara also gives your lashes some intense volume.

I hope this post gave you some future ideas for some great mascara’s to try out! What are some of your favorite mascaras to wear?

I can not get enough of this subscription service! Each month I anxiously wait to get my email stating that my Play! box has been shipped. The best part about this box is that it’s only $10. You can’t really beat that because you get to try out all the brands Sephora has. Every month the box has a theme in which the products are based on. December’s theme was “The Partygoers”. I love that December’s bag was black and gold (other months bags are white).

What I received this month:

Lancôme Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Mascara (Full size $27.50//)// I have never used any products from Lancôme. I have heard really good things about this mascara. When I tried it out I was not disappointed. The mascara gave my lashes a lot of volume and it was easily buildable to help you achieve as much volume as you want.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray (Full size $31// $3.38 value) // I loved receiving this in my box because it is a product I use all the time. Seeing that I live in the south, it doesn’t take much to make my makeup melt off at times. This spray keeps my makeup in place and prevents any smudging/fading. Just a few sprays and you are good to go! This spray is said to lock in your makeup for 16 hours.

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red (Full Size $14// Value $3.31 )// I was really impressed with the Sephora lipgloss that I received in one of my previous Play! boxes. This lip stain impressed me as well. I’m not one to typically wear red lipsticks but this one is not an overly bold red.  It dries matte but was very moisturizing. I love that it’s made with avocado and vitamin E.

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo (Full Size $23// Value $5.26)//  One of my favorite brands for dry shampoo. I love that this shampoo is not heavy on my hair. It does a great job on absorbing any oil that I have in my hair without make it look flat. If you’re a girl who doesn’t always have time to wash her hair this dry shampoo will be perfect for you.

Make Up Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer (Full Size $37//Value $5.92)//  If you read my December Beauty favorites, you will know that this is one of my go to primers. I love that this keeps my makeup in place all day long and keeps my oiliness to a minimum. It also makes my face look flawless and so smooth. I will say though that in the winter time I do not use this primer as much because my skin is a little drier than normal.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose Perfume (Full Size $65// Value $3.50)// I personally do not like this perfume. It’s a bit too much for me. The perfume has a mixture of earthy notes of geranium and vetiver. Interesting fact is that this perfume is from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Total Value of box: $27.37+ 

I really loved this months box. A lot of great products, some I have used before and some I have not. What subscription services do you subscribe to?

2016 was a great year when it came to discovering new products for myself. I probably spent way more money on beauty products last year than I probably should have. Beauty products make me happy, so I have no regrets. Here are my favorite makeup products for 2016.

Benefit POREfessional Face Primer: I really love this primer for the winter time (I have not used it in the summer time yet). My skin tends to get a little bit drier when the weather gets colder, so this primer is perfect for the harsh weather. It is silky and lightweight and does not dry out my skin during the winter time. It’s oil-free and contains vitamin E to help protect your skin from free radicals. I find that this primer does help reduce the appearance of my pores and helps my makeup go on flawlessly/keeps it in place.

Make Up Forever Skin Equalizer Primer: This primer I love for the summer time. It helps my face stay matte and keeps me from looking like a greasy hot mess. I do find that it is not as hydrating as the Benefit Primer (that is to be expected because it’s more of a mattifying primer). When applying it does dry quickly but you are still able to apply your makeup as you normally would. This primer keeps my makeup in place all day long even when the temperatures here are over 100+ degrees.

Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation: I first purchased this foundation over the summer time and fell in love with it instantly. It is a medium to full coverage foundation. It is very buildable and a little bit goes a long way with this foundation. It covers up any redness, blemishes and imperfections I have without looking cakey. This foundation also oxidizes, so I highly suggest if you want to purchase it, to get matched first. I thought I would be a much darker shade but I wear 2.0.

MAC’s Plum Foolery Blush: I have been using this blush for almost ten years now. It is my ride or die blush. Though it is a plum color it’s not a dark plum. I find that it would be very pretty on several sign tones. It has a little shimmer but won’t make you look like you stepped into a pile of glitter.

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer: If you’re looking for a natural bronzer look no further! This bronzer blends out so easily and gives you a nice glow (without looking muddy). It’s completely matte, so you do not have to worry about any shimmer. I also use this product to do my contouring with.

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter: If you are looking for a beautiful highlighter this is the one!!! It’s a vanilla shade that gives you a subtle glow.

Becca Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter: This highlighter was created by Jaclyn Hill, my favorite beauty youtuber. Of course I had to purchase it and I’m so glad I did. It does not disappoint! It is very cream and gives you that beautiful natural looking shine.

Anastasia Cream Contour Kit:I love how easy it is to contour with this kit. Before I use it, I put one drop of Tarte’s Maracuja Oil on top of the one I want to use to make it even creamier. The formula is very smooth and blends out effortlessly. I also use their powder contour kit as well and love it just as much.

Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer: This concealer is hands down amazing!!! I love that it covers my dark circles, blemishes, etc without looking cakey. It also blends out perfectly and does not crease. A little bit of this product goes a long ways because it is very thick. Along with using this to conceal my blemishes I use it as a highlight. I went two shades lighter then what I typically wear. Another great plus to this concealer is that it is not drying.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer: This concealer is my second favorite concealer to use. It is so lightweight but covers all my problems while being extremely hydrating. The formula is not as thick as the Shape Tape Concealer.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: I love how much this helps set my concealer. It is very light weight and gives you a matte finish. It does not set in your fine lines or larger pores.

Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara: This mascara right here gives my eye lashes so much volume! I love that I can put on one to two coats of this and my lashes go from blah to bam. It is very long-lasting and does not have any fall out. It is Vegan and has ingredients to help nourish your lashes.

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Angel Mascara: This is probably my favorite drug store mascara that I have used in years. When I first purchased it I was a little skeptical because of the wand. It gives my lashes that extra volume that I need.

Benefit Ka-Brow! Cream-Gel Eyebrow Color: I was introduced to this product at the beginning of December when I went to get my eyebrows done at Ulta. I love that this gel comes with a brush making it very easy to apply.  I also love that the gel is not clumpy.

Benefit Ready, Set, Brow! 24-Hour Setting Gel: This setting gel goes hand in hand with the Ka-Brow cream gel. When I first used this gel I used way too much which made my eye brows a little crispy. So if you do purchase this product, I suggest using just a little bit to set your eye brows.

Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion: When it comes to keeping my eyeshadow on this is my go to primer. My eyeshadow does not budge or crease.

Urban Decay Naked Palette: This is an oldie but goodie. I have so many eye shadow palettes but over 2016 I started going back to the Naked Palette. It’s just an amazing palette because it’s so pigmented and you can create so many looks with it.

ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip in Molly: This is my favorite lip formula from ColourPop. It’s really moisturizing and long wearing. Molly is a dusty lilac shade. I wore this shade a lot during the summer time.

ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip in Hutch: I can not begin to tell you how beautiful this shade is. I have worn it non-stop during the Fall. It is a blackened violet shade but when I wear it, it was more violet than black.

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray: Seeing that most of the time I have oil in my t-zone I have to use a setting spray. If I don’t, my makeup tends to come off a little bit. This spray helps reduce the amount of oil I have on my face while keeping my makeup in place. Another great thing about this spray is that it features temperature control technology.

That wraps up my best of beauty for 2016. I know there were so many more products that I probably forgot to list. As you can see I had so many favorites last year. I’m sure 2017 will be the same.

What were your favorite beauty products from 2016? Let me know in the comments below.

For those of you who love makeup like myself, you are probably familiar with the brand ColourPop. If you haven’t heard of them, today is your lucky day. ColourPop is a cruelty free brand that is based in California. The best thing about their products is that they are extremely affordable. All of their products are under $10. Over the years I have become a ColourPop addict. I have tried all of the products they carry and have yet to be disappointed with anything I have purchased. Today I am bringing you my recent haul of their Holiday 2016 collection “Now Playing”. I love how the did the packaging of these collections. So cute!!!

***These kits were just restocked. I hope that when I post this, they are still available.***

Never Not Chillin Eyeshadow Kit $30  (If you do not like all the shades in this kit, they can be purchased separately).

Eyeshadows in the collection are: 

Peekaboo: Metallic ivory with silver glitter

Desert: Satin warm brown

Thirsty Girl: Metallic bronze with multi-dimensional glitter

Fairfax: Matte black brown

Babykins: Metallic burgundy with pink glitter.

Patchwork: Ultra-glitter turquoise with duo chrome glitters.

All swatches were taken in natural lighting with no flash. 

I absolutely love the formula of ColourPop’s eyeshadows. It’s a sponge like texture that is smooth and dries as a powder. It is best applied with your fingers or a flat synthetic brush. All of these shades are perfect for the upcoming holidays. My favorites in this collection are Thirsty Girl and Babykins.

To and From Lippie Kit $30

Lippies in the collection are:

Parker: Matte mid-tone warm nude

Cami: Matte X mid-tone mauve

Baewatch: Matte dusty rose

Pack Pack: Matte X deepened dirty plum

Weekender: Matte X warm true red

Tutu: Matte blackened violet

All of these lippies are matte but they do not dry your lips out. I was extremely impressed with the formula when I tried them out. If you are not sure about wearing a matte formula you can easily put on some chapstick and you will be good to go. My favorites from this collection are Tutu and Baewatch.

Hope you enjoyed my swatches! What are your favorites from the collections? Have you ever tried ColourPop before?

I am a huge lover when it comes to beauty products. Actually I would say more obsessed. Today I am bringing you a gift guide of my tried-and-true favorite beauty and hair products. These are products that I am always reaching for, so they have my stamp of approval. I know that these would make great gifts for the beauty guru in your life (or even for yourself).

Let’s start with makeup! When it comes to applying my foundation, I can’t live without my Beauty Blender. It applies my makeup effortlessly and the application looks flawless. Any beauty lover also knows that when it comes to applying makeup having a great brush set is key.  This brush set from Sephora is amazing (I don’t have it yet but I have one very similar to it). It contains all of the basic brushes that you would need to apply your makeup. It’s on sale right now, which is even better.  Palettes are another great option for any beauty guru. One of my favorite palettes is the Urban Decay Naked Palette. It has a beautiful mixture of neutral shades, perfect for creating several looks. One beauty product I can not live without is mascara. When I don’t wear mascara I look like I haven’t slept in days. Tarte’s Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara is amazing! It gives your lashes that extra boost of volume and length.

When it comes to haircare, It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-in Product has done wonders for my hair. It keeps my hair looking shiny, smooth and frizz free. It’s also great for preventing split ends! When I curl my hair, I love using the T3 Whirl Trio. It contains three wands to help you create that perfect curl and it’s so easy to use! Another haircare favorite of mine is my Drybar Buttercup blow dryer. It cuts the amount of time it takes to dry my hair in half and it helps reduce frizz, increases shine and traps moisture.

Now let’s talk skincare. I am constantly trying out new skincare products. You could call me a skincare snob. I purchased some products from First Aid Beauty at the end of October and fell in love with everything. Their products have kept my skin looking refreshed, smooth and hydrated. One of my favorite devices to clean my face with is my Mia 2 by Clarisonic. It helps remove my makeup beyond the surface and does it in a gentle way. It also makes me face feel so smooth. Sephora has combined the Mia 2 and First Aid Beauty products here. This is an amazing deal! Along with both of these products I love using face masks. What girl doesn’t? This set from Sephora is awesome (it includes more than face masks).

I hope you enjoyed my gift guide! I’d love to know, what are your favorite beauty products that you’d recommend as gifts. Let me know in the comments below!