Beauty Blogger VoxBox Reviews: Part 1

As I mentioned in my last post, I received an Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox. So far I have tried out 3 items with mixed results. As promised, here are my thoughts:

  

NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compact in Dark Shadows - This NYC makeup palette came with four eyeshadows, a primer, and an illuminator. There was a diagram on the back to show you where to apply each color.  This palette was not the best selection color-wise for my complexion. I tend to avoid white and silver eyeshadows and I did not like the way the lighter colors in this palette looked on me.  I did like the darker colors, however I wish the darkest shade would have had a more intense color.  The primer applied really smooth, but after a couple of hours of wear, it didn't stand up to my oily eyelids and the shadow I applied disappeared from my creases. I have used the illuminator along my browbone, the inner corner of my eye, and a little on my cheekbone for a nice glow.

Top: without flash. Bottom: with flash

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin - I remember a couple of years ago the blogosphere went crazy with the introduction of the Spin Pin. I never tried it until now, and I think I really missed out! It is so easy to use (spin it in clockwise to put in, spin counterclockwise to take out) and it so comfortable. It doesn't feel like I have anything in my hair, but at the same time it feels very secure. I just twisted my hair up into a messy bun, put in the Spin Pin, and just whipped my hair back and forth (#NoWillow) to test it out and the spin pin did not move one bit! I noticed the Spin Pin comes in different colors to match your light or dark hair, but once I put the pin was in place (I received the Spin Pin for light hair) I couldn't see it so I don't think blending is a big deal. I can't wait to try this tool with a curly hairstyle!

White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood Scent - I love the smell of this candle! It's very masculine and smells like men's cologne which in my opinion is a good thing. I think it is a great scent for Fall and Winter as it gives a sense of warmth and comfort. 

Look out for my next set of VoxBox reviews coming soon! 

Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012

About 6 months ago I signed up to become a member of the Influenster community but I wasn't really active on the site. 

If you are not familiar with Influenster, it is a community where members share their opinions of products and brands using social media outlets and doing tasks on the Influenster site. Several times a year they offer VoxBoxes that are basically themed sample packages and members are selected for boxes that best match their profile and interests. 

Imagine my surprise when I received an email a couple of weeks ago informing me that I had been pre-selected for a Beauty Blogger VoxBox! As I anxiously awaited my VoxBox, I started visiting the site more often and have actually had fun writing reviews, answering questions, and finding new products to try.  Needless to say, I will definitely stay active on the site from now on! 

My VoxBox finally arrived this past Friday. I haven't had the chance to try out everything in the box, but I am really impressed with the variety and the number of items in the box. Here is a peek at what I got in my box: 

My Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012 Contents:

• NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compact in Dark Shadows
• Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin
• Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream
• Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit
• Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm and Night Creme
• EBOOST Daily Health Booster packet in Orange Flavor
• White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood Scent

As I start trying out products, I will post reviews and more pictures!

Are you a member of Influenster? (If not, request an invite here) What VoxBoxes have you received? 

OOTD: I Voted!

This weekend I did something extremely important- I placed my vote for the 2012 Presidential election! I don't have to preach to you about how critical it is for everyone to register and vote, but please make your way to the polls and let your voice be heard! After voting, I made sure to show off my best accessory--my voting sticker! 

What did you do this weekend? 

Sweater: JCPenney / Jeans: Old Navy Rockstar/ Earrings: Asos / Bag: Steve Madden / Boots: NYLA (Currently on sale at Hautelook until Tuesday)

My First Youtube Video! High Bun Tutorial

When I  got a new camera last month I started playing around with it snapping pics everywhere and making little videos to test it out. Well, today I'm taking the big (and I mean BIG) step of sharing one of my videos with someone other than my fiance. I just posted my very first video on YouTube  It is a short tutorial showing how I create a high bun hairstyle. Check it out on YouTube, or view it here after the jump. Hope you enjoy!

Hair This Week: Two-Strand Twists

Sunday night I spent a couple of hours twisting my hair while catching up on my DVR recordings. I have not twisted my hair in about a year mainly because I don't like spending hours on my hair and because I really like wearing my hair in loose styles, but I really needed a styling break (and a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning before getting ready for work!). Plus I need more time for my scalp to rest from that Jamaican Black Castor Oil reaction before I get another sew-in (I think I may have gotten addicted to long hair!). The good thing about the twists is that my hair retains so much moisture that I could go all week without adding any product my hair and it will still feel moisturized when I take the twists apart. Also, the shrinkage (see pics) makes my hair so short that it doesn't rub against my clothes as much, limiting that friction and possible breakage. I'll probably keep the twists in until Friday night and then wash and flat twist my hair to wear in a twist out for the weekend.

What are your hair plans for the week?

OOTD: Mama's Got A Brand New Bag

Blazer: Target / Tank & Jeans: Old Navy / Belt: Target / Wedge Sneakers: Steve Madden / Earrings: Amrita Singh  (purchased from Hautelook) / Bag:  Mon Santino (purchased from Hautelook)

Have you ever ordered something online and forgot all about it until you come home to the package on your doorstep?  Just Me? #Shrugs 

I ordered this bag from the daily flash sale site HauteLook  back in September and it took about three weeks from the date that I ordered it for the bag to end up on my doorstep.   When it comes to online shopping, 3 weeks can feel like 3 years but instead of me anxiously checking the status of my order, tracking shipping, and all that jazz, I got caught up in the hoopla of my birthday, life in general, and just forgot about this little beauty...until it came in the mail! I swear it felt like Christmas when I tore open the box! 

As for my outfit, I'm rocking my wedge sneakers again! Love! 

LaD.I.Y: Wrap Bracelet

While trying to organize the at-home beauty supply store that I've somehow built over the years, I found some old Conair hair ties that I had never used.  Looking at the pretty metal hardware and size of the hair elastics, a lightbulb went off in my head. I could make a bracelet!  I pulled out some colored thread that I had bought from the craft section at Walmart and started wrapping the thread around the elastic part of the hair ties. I decided to use pink and blue thread because I love those colors together and threw in some brown thread just for fun. When I finished wrapping, I used a dab of super glue to hold the end of the thread in place. This project was super simple and only took me about 15-20min! 

Act Like A Ladi..Dress Like A Diva: Oxblood

For my birthday, my fiance' bought tickets to a comedy show last night starring Bill Bellamy. Before the show, we also had a romantic belated birthday dinner because we went out to eat with family on my actual birthday. I had a BALL at the show, I'm talkin' sunglasses and Advil this morning (#YeezyTaughtMe). Oh, and Bill Bellamy and I were both wearing oxblood pants! I wish I could have gotten a photo with my style twin for the night but nevertheless, I had a great time. And as a perfect ending to my night, I ended my night by watching the live stream of his final performance at the Barclay Center!

Top and pants: JC Penney / Clutch: Asos / Shoes: Michael Antonio (Heels.com) / Earrings: Body Shop 

Giving Me Life: Tracee Ellis Ross, ABC's Scandal

Tracee Ellis Ross has a new Website

The unofficial patron saint of natural hair with style for days has launched a new website that is EVERYTHING! Tracee dishes on how she styles her hair, her fashion inspirations (she doesn't use a stylist!), and even touches on inspiration and body image. I can already see that this is going to be one of my favorite places on the 'net!

Season 2 of Scandal

The second season of ABC's Scandal starring the ever fabulous Kerry Washington premiered September 27th and this season is everything I expected it to be--fast paced, smart, and full of style.  Olivia Pope (Washington) is slaying in perfectly tailored suits, killer pumps, and powerful yet feminine details! Check out this video of Kerry Washington with show costume designer Lyn Paolo discussing how she crafts Olivia Pope's style:

Rainy Days

Rainy days = boots, oversized shirts, and hair pulled up into a big ol' bun.

Top: TJ Maxx  (denim), Old Navy (white) / Jeans: Old Navy Rockstar  / Boots: Steve Madden  / Earrings: Target / Bag: Steve Madden