March Photo Journal Challenge

Hey everyone! I thought I'd pop in and tell you that I am planning on participating in Deaf Girl Musings challenge she recently posted. You can read that post here, but basically for the entire month of March, I will take one picture a day to create a photo journal. Here's the list:

 I'm really excited because I love taking pictures, but often just forget to! Plus, I am very sentimental so I will enjoy having something to look back on.
 Feel free to join in with us, you don't even need to have a blog!

As far as how I will incorporate this into my blog, every monday I will share that previous week's pictures :) Can't wait!

February Ipsy Bag

I'm back for another round what I got in my I
psy bag this month!

1. Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in shade Starlight

What they say:
This creamy formula glides effortlessly onto the lid and locks into lower rim to beautifully define your eyes. Create a fine line or a thicker line with no pulling or tugging. Wear it as a shadow by applying to the lid and smudge. Rich and full, this liner will give a strong coverage that lasts all day. 

What I say: Overall, I was really pleased to see this in my bag. I've always wanted to try Mally products and this certainly did not disappoint. It really is waterproof and took makeup remover for me to remove it. Only thing is that I wish I received a more wearable color besides silver.

2. RituOil by Uberliss

What they say:
Quench your hair’s thirst with the Überliss RituOil! Engineered with a light blend of Orchid & Argan Oil, RituOil will preserve precious moisture within the hair fiber by sealing the cuticle & will safeguard it from thermal damage. The end result will be amazingly soft, shiny, & frizz-free hair. 

What I say: I liked this! It did a great job on my damaged ends and left my hair very soft.

3. 9 Pan Eye Shadow Compact by Jesse's Girl in shade Behind Blue Eyes

What they say:
Jesse's Girl put together four great eye shadow collections suitable for all: Brown Eyed Girl, Behind Blue Eyes, Tickled Pink, and The Eyes Have It. Each compact features nine coordinating eye shadows in a sleek, travel-friendly case 

What I say: I was kind of put-off by this because I don't normally wear blue shadows, but I was pleasantly surprised that there were some other great more neutral shades thrown in. I will definitely use an eye primer with these because some's pigmentation is better than others, but I will get some great use out of this palette!

4. Plump Pout Mini by POP Beauty in shade Peony Petal

What they say:
This plumping pout perfector combines the high-shine of a lacquered gloss with the long wear of a stain and is packed full of lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils. Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips & delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting finish! 

What I say: I am not a lip gloss person. I hate that sticky feeling, bleh. But, I did try this one out to see how the color looked. I was shocked! It did NOT feel like a gloss, but more of a balm. I don't think it did anything to plump my lips like they claim, but this may be the only gloss I will wear. I love love love the color too, it's the perfect neutral shade!

Top Mally pencil
Bottom POP gloss (for some reason it's showing more vibrant and red on screen than it is in real life)

5. Nail Polish by Zoya  in shade Odette

What they say:
This season's Zoya Nail polish are full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that are a perfect transition into Spring.

(exude my awful nails)

What I say: If you've been following these for a while now, you know that I receive this nail polish brand pretty often. While I'm not complaining, because I actually really love the formula and colors, I was a bit disappointed to see it in my bag again. I always get nervous that I'll get a shade I don't like, etc. But this time, I was so happy with my color! It's the perfect transition shade from winter to spring. I love purples so I will get lots of use out of this!


That's all for this month. Overall, I was very very pleased with my bag this time. I loved everything that came :)

Sign up for Ipsy here!

What WE Wore Wednesday

Say that title five times fast.

 WIWW is back folks! Well, sorta. I just have one (well two really) outfits to share today. 

The other weekend my family and I went to our favorite Moroccan restaurant and before we went my brother snapped a few pictures of what my sister-in-law, Holly, and I were wearing!

My outfit was rather plain but I thought Holly's was just too darn cute not to share!

Here's what she's wearing:

Sweater and dress/ Urban Outfitters

Leggings/ Target

Boots (which are adorable)/ DSW

and my dress came from a garage sale (old navy) the wedges are from target and my earrings were a souvenir from Paris. 

and now for a blooper pic:

I'm pretty sure this was us saying "What the heck!" to my brother because he took one picture of us and left. I mean we are girls!! We need options!

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

Hey, do you wanna know how I spent my entire weekend?

Well, don't you worry, I am about to tell you.

On friday, I decided to start watching a web series called The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I didn't expect to go through ALL 100(!!) videos by the time sunday night rolled around, but that's just what I did. I'm surprised I just now found out about it, (it's over a year or so old) but once I started, I just could.not.stop.

To say the least, It was really really good. Basically it's a modern adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice' through a video blog online. It's funny, clever and even at times emotional and sad. Not only that, but it's just a genius way to re-tell the story. The way they take the original and adapt it to current issues is just amazing. (Not to mention that it's an Emmy award winner series!)

 I kinda was sad when I came to the end and now I wanna watch it all over again. 

Now, I've moved on to their current series, Emma Approved, an adaptation of Austen's novel 'Emma.' 

 If you love Jane Austen definitely check it out. Even if you don't, I still feel like you'll love it because it makes the story feel so much more relatable to this day and age.  

Beware, though, because once I started it, I completely lost my weekend. 

To watch the series from the beginning, click here!

{I should note my serious new crush on Bing Lee. He's gorgeous. }

Love Your Melon

I apologize for the crickets over here, this week has sorta slipped by and blogging moved down the priority list this week. 

Anyway,  as you may know, pediatric cancer is something very near and dear to my heart!

I wanted to share with you an amazing  foundation that I saw the other day on the news and fell in love with!

Love Your Melon Foundation

Because I can't explain it as well as they do, here's what they say on their about page:

"The Love Your Melon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving the lives of children battling cancer through therapeutic treatments.  Through its Buy One – Give One program, Love Your Melon provides comfy hats to give them something to wear during this difficult time. Our hats do more than keep them warm, they restore confidence. Love Your Melon’s gifts create smiles on the faces of children battling cancer and make them feel comfortable after losing their hair due to chemotherapy treatment. For every product purchased, another of equal value is given to a child battling cancer."

What's even more awesome is that Love Your Melon goes on 'Smile Tours' and travels the country visiting children's hospitals, giving children the beanies (because when you don't have hair, you get pretty cold!) They even dress up as super heroes to pass them out, just to put a smile on a child's face. 

 As soon as I saw them, I immediately purchased one. Not only are the beanies really cute, they are surprisingly affordable (especially when you know that you're buying two for the price of one), and  they are also made in the USA! But what I loved the most about them, was the story behind it. I love that whenever I wear my beanie, I'll be reminded of those kids who stuck in a hospital fighting for their lives. I love knowing that that beanie I bought went to help bring a smile to one of those children's faces. 

I literally can't wait till mine comes in the mail ( I got the cuffed coral one)! I think I'll wear it everyday since then. 

You can order one on their website Loveyourmelon.com!

A Hair Game Changer

A couple weeks ago, I booked a hair cut appointment at a salon I had never been to before. It was my first experience at an Aveda salon, and from that moment on, my hair's life has been forever changed.   Yes, I do realize how dramatic that sounds...bare with me for a second.

I fell in love with my haircut (just added a few more layers), I loved the free massage with every appointment, score! but what I loved the most was how my hair felt afterwords. I've never felt it so soft before and it just felt so much more healthy if that's even possible. I asked the hair stylist what she used on my hair to make it feel this way, and she introduced me to this product:

Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair Leave In Treatment

It's a leave in hair treatment that you apply after showering into damp hair. It's not only a great hair moisturizer/conditioner, it's also a heat protectant! Seeing that my hair is very dry and I curl it almost everyday, it was like a miracle product. 

So, for a few minutes I contemplated buying it. After all, I am cheap and spending $28 dollars on a hair product seemed crazy to me. Ultimately, I put it back and left the salon empty handed. 

A few days went by and I realized that my hair has yet to feel as good since that first initial use of the product. I finally decided that maybe it was worth it. Instead of going back to the salon, I decided to look online.  Well, it must have been my lucky day because there was a coupon code for a free 3 piece sample set and free shipping! I snatched it up and waited patiently for it to arrive. 

Ever since I got it in the mail, my hair has been amazingly soft and healthier looking, just like it was at the salon. I can't say enough great things about this product and I am not one to recommend something so expensive if I don't absolutely love it. I absolutely do. And, if you think about it, you are basically paying for two products (leave in conditioner and heat protectant) in one, so you are getting a better bang for your buck! 

I'd definitely recommend checking this product out if you struggle with dry (even normal!) hair or use a lot of heat styling like I do.

Happy Valentine's Day, Mon Petit Chou

Have I ever told you that Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday?

 Well, it's true. Even when I was a little girl, I would spend hours obsessing over my handmade mailbox and perfecting all the Valentine's I'd give to my classmates. In middle school, I remember buying those 'Love grams' to send to all my friends and I remember smiling so big when I'd receive some back. In fact, I still have them after all this time! I never really had a Valentine in high school or in my adult life (or ever for that matter), but that doesn't stop me from loving this day. Of course I agree with the critics that we should tell our loved ones every single day that we love them, not just on a certain day. But there is something so special and magical about this day that just makes me giddy. It's like for one day we can make complete fools out of ourselves and just be gushy and romantic and actually get away with it.

Side note: Did you know that a popular french term of endearment is "Mon petit chou" (ma petite chou if said to a girl) {pronounced mohn puh-tee shoe / mah puh-teet shoe}.  Well what that actually means "My little Cabbage."
 So yes, the french, who are known for being the language of love, call their loved ones little cabbages. Let that one sink in for a bit. They also use "Ma puce" which translates to "my flea". They are natural born romantics let me tell ya.


Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I wish you all the romance, cabbages (& fleas), hearts and of course chocolate your heart can handle! Tonight, I'll be getting chocolate wasted with a good friend, laughing over dumb inside jokes and getting in all sorts of shenanigans together as single ladies. It couldn't get any better than that! (I'm going to pretend that last sentence was true ;) )

Plus, you know where I'll be tomorrow....

Anxiety Cat just gets me!

You know why I love Pinterest so much?

Because it makes me realize that I am not the only freak on this planet. There are a lot of people out there who do the same dumb things I do. 

For example, the internet meme 'Anxiety Cat'. 

Never in my life have I found something where I say "OMG I SO DO THAT!" so often. 

Let me just give you a taste of what I'm talking about:

^This one I do all.the.time.

Oh. My. Word. I swear to you I've done or thought everything I just posted above. 

Oh, and I read these to my mom this morning and once again, she looked at me with a concerned face and and said

 "Amber, You have problems."

Anxiety Cat. You understand me. 

   

Valentine's Day Cookies

 My brothers, cousins, aunts.... OK basically everyone in my family always begs me to make my famous buttercream icing, whether it's for cookies, cakes or just eating off the spoon! Anyway, my brothers have a love for soft sugar cookies with that buttercream icing and they always beg me to make it for them. Since I never had the chance over the holiday season to make our family's favorite dessert, I figured I would just make valentines cookies!

{I apologize for the sucky pictures. The lighting was terrible due to this winter storm madness!}

My brothers are picky. They have to be soft, chewy and not too sweet (my frosting makes up for that!) So, I've been searching to find the perfect sugar cookie recipe. Today I tried this recipe and it met their expectations. Only next time, I'd add more vanilla. 

Classic Sugar Cookies

 Cream together: 1 Cup Sugar, 2 Sticks Softened Butter.

Add: 2 Eggs, 4 Tablespoons half & half,and a splash of Vanilla.

Mix Together.

Then Add: 3 Cups Flour, 2 Tsp Baking Powder, 1 Tsp Baking Soda and mix together. 

Refrigerate dough at least two hours. 

Roll, cut & bake at 350 degrees for about 6-7 min

 For the buttercream frosting, it's hard to say because I never measure the ingredients. Here's the basics though:

Buttercream Frosting/Icing

Cream 1 stick of softened butter with 1/2 cup of Crisco in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment  Add in about 2 teaspoons of vanilla (I normally add way more but I really like vanilla). Slowly mix in about 6 cups of powdered sugar, or until the frosting starts to look lumpy and dry. Add in about a tablespoon (or more if needed) of cream/half&half/milk until you get desired consistency. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or more. 

  I added food coloring and used a piping bag to pipe the frosting onto the cookies!

 For some, I wanted a glaze to coat the cookies in addition to the buttercream (the ones above). For that, I just melted a bit of butter, added vanilla and powdered sugar. Then mixed in cream until I got the right consistency.

 As you can see, I had way too much fun with these. They turned out so yummy and now my brothers owe me big time. I'm pretty sure there will be none left tomorrow!

My 10 Favorite Romance Movies

One of my biggest hobbies (if you can call it that) is watching movies. I have a ton of favorites but I especially enjoy the sappy, romantic ones; they get me every time. While I love indulging in holiday movies around Christmas, I also love watching gushy love stories around Valentine's Day. Call it silly or cheesy, but I love it.

So, I thought that today I'd round up some of my favorite romantic films just in time for the day of love!

10.  PS. I love you. 

This is one of few movies that actually made me cry. It's a beautifully sad tale of loss with a remarkably tear-worthy final act of love. Plus, I just love all the breathtakingly beautiful scenes in Ireland!

9. Where the Heart is

The movie was based on one of my favorite books with the same title.  It's actually a pretty good adaptation of the novel so I always enjoy watching it. It's sad, it's funny and although it's not completely a love story, it still makes for a great girly film. 

8. The Lucky One

Also another great movie adaptation of a favorite novel. Plus, I mean it's Zac Efron. How could you go wrong? I could just watch this movie on mute and be happy.

 ;)

7. Pride and Prejudice

A classic. I know that a lot of people prefer the BBC series, but I really like this movie better. Mr. Darcy is everything I pictured him to be and I think Kiera is perfectly stubborn just like Elizabeth. This is a movie (even if you haven't read the book) that just leaves you feeling endlessly hopeful that love really does conquer all.  

6. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

I've seen this movie far too many times because I can seriously quote almost all the lines. It's hilarious and the epitome of a girly chick flick but of course still has that fairy tale ending. 

*Krull, Krull the warrior king*

5. Sixteen Candles. 

Okay, admit it. At one point or another we ALL wanted to date Jake Ryan. Am I right!?!?

This is a cleverly romantic tale that most of us can relate to our own high school experiences at one time or another. 

4. Sweet Home Alabama

This has to be an all time favorite for me. It's heartwarming and funny but also isn't raunchy like most romance movies seem to be nowadays. It's cute and quirky and it just makes your heart....happy for lack of a better word!

{ Plus, over the summer my grandpa and I visited the place where the majority of it was filmed! It was cool to see and made me connect to the movie even more. }

3. Pretty in Pink

My mom and I are in deep debate on this movie. I side with Duckie (he was there for her through it all!), her with Blane. Nevertheless, John Hughes did it again with this classic love story. This movie couldn't be more relevant for most teens, whether it be now or the 1980's. 

 2. When Harry Met Sally

Another classic. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have just amazing chemistry in this movie. It's a tale of the remarkable progression and development of friendship to love. I always enjoy the cynical view of love that this movie portrays because it makes it seem that much more real. I'll watch this movie over and over again and will never tire of it. 

 and drumroll please.....

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1. The Notebook

You had to know it was coming, right? I have to say, I think this is the best romantic movie ever made. Add on the fact that I adore the novel (yes, more than the film) and this movie couldn't get any better. 

Plus, Ryan Gosling + a beard+ soaking wet... I mean.......

 This is another fantastic story of long lost love being reunited in such an extraordinary way. I don't know, maybe I'm crazy, but one day I hope to find a love like Noah and Alli's.

 (I know, I know. Me and the entire female species)

What are your favorite romance movies? Did any you love make my list?

The Semicolon

I found this pin the other day and it really rang true for me:

"The semi-colon appears where a sentence could end, but instead it goes on."

I just love that. For me, it goes along the same lines of my favorite quote on this planet... "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." (aka. the butterfly effect)

Product Love: It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush

I am the kind of girl who loves to spend time doing my makeup in the morning. It's a hobby for me so I enjoy being able to spend time doing it. With that being said, I am not the kind of girl who carries 40 billion (hyperbole) makeup products in my purse and I will almost never touch up my makeup throughout the day. Ain't no body got time fo' that.

So I have been on a hunt for a lip stain that will last all day so I don't have to reapply it. I've tried the Benefit and Revlon stains and they work just fine, but I didn't really find a color option that worked for me as an everyday shade.

After doing some research, I decided that I wanted to try the It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush and when Ulta sent out a 20% off coupon, I went and snagged it up. I picked out the shade "Je ne sais quoi".

image via

  I absolutely fell in love with this lipstick the second I applied it. At first, I was turned off by the shade because it looked almost clear. Not to worry though, once applied it turns to a gorgeous pale pink shade. It goes with any look and really does feel like a moisturizing lip balm on your lips. The color lasted me all day long, through three meals and lots of talking, without having to reapply once. I can honestly agree with it's claims of being a 4-in-1 product (your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and your lip stain)  and I completely think that it is worth the investment, as I've been using it everyday since I got it!

I can't say enough good things about this lipstick. If you're looking for a go-to shade that will never fail you, this is it. I can't wait to try some other shades!

Hey, you know those things you've always wanted to do? You should go do them.

I always thought a lifetime dream of mine was way too unattainable. It would never be the right time. I would never have enough money, I won't ever have the time... blah blah blah. But you know what I realized? It will never be the right time. I will never have enough money and I will always find a reason why I couldn't live my dream. So you know what? I decided to change that.
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My entire life, I've been in love with traveling. My mom always instilled in us that the value of memories always outweigh the value of material possessions. I could brag to you and tell you all the neat places I've been to in my short 20 years and I am very blessed to say that. But there's always been a voice in the back of my head nagging me that I want more. I want to see the world. I want to see MORE of the world.
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My best friend and I had always talked about going backpacking through Europe together. It was always something we discussed in future tense, never really saying when we would do it. I don't lie when I say that it was a clear sign from the heavens when I was scrolling through Facebook and an ad  from the same company that sent my school group to France & London in 2011. Turns out, they  also send college students around the world... Do you see where I am going with this?

All those times when I would close my eyes and dream of walking the River Seine again, or the times where I dream of riding a gondola through Venice, or baking in the sun on the French Rivera. All those dreams could be REALITY.

I could do it. I could live my dream. So you know what? I decided to make it happen.

After a bit of research, I found that it would actually be possible to us to go and we wouldn't be 'backpacking'. We'd be traveling the world in 4 star hotels.  Of course it would require a strict savings plan (which we already have in place) and wouldn't be possible to go till a year and a half from now (in order to save up enough to go.) But it was possible and I decided that it will happen.

So you've heard it here first. My best friend and I will be going for 35 days to over 7 countries traveling the world. When else in my life will I be able to drop everything for 35 days to travel to Italy, France, Greece, Ireland, Spain and many more with my best friend? The answer is never. Soon, I will have a 'real' job or even a husband and a family and I will never be given an opportunity like this again. (Not too soon, don't worry).

I won't let this slip through my hands and I couldn't be more excited about it.

I've turned my dream into a plan.

My Thoughts on the Divergent Trilogy

Ok, so I am sure that by now you have all heard of a little series called "Divergent." It's soon to be a movie so I decided to read it. Well I've finally finished the series and now I am going tell you my thoughts on it!

Let's start with the first book Divergent. When I started this book, I really struggled with the beginning. I thought it was a rip-off of the Hunger Games (which I never read) and was not really into the plot line. Also, the writing seemed way to young for me. I do realize that this is a young adult book, but I feel like it was written for 13-15 year olds. I say that because the attention to detail wasn't very vivid and the writing seemed very stale. I got about 3 chapters in and stopped reading it. About a week and a half later, I picked it back up one day during nap time when I was babysitting. That day, I didn't put it down until I finished it. The plot picked up and I really wanted to know how it ended. I recant my precious complaint about it being too similar to The Hunger Games. They are not similar at all (well, from what I've seen in the HG movie.) I got past the writing style and actually really enjoyed the book. It was a great suspense towards the end and it was really entertaining. The ending left me wanting to start the next one immediately.

Which brings us to Insurgent (the second book in the trilogy).

I couldn't be more disappointed with this book. I expected a great follow up to Divergent, but all that I was left was a dull, boring sequel. It was confusing and seemed to repeat the same scene with different details over and over again. The characters were under-developed and I really struggled getting through it. I felt like a lot of the 'drama' in it was unnecessary and really just left me angry. I felt like a lot of the characters demises unneeded and not thought out thoroughly.
I finally finished it and decided that since I had already purchased the last book, I might as well finish the final novel to see where it ends.

So Allegiant. First and foremost, I initially liked the idea of hearing Tobias' point of view. But again, this was ill developed and just left me confused. I had to go back and re-read his POV chapters because I hardly understood what 'he' was trying to say or portray. I realize that first person is an extremely hard POV to write and despite everything, I think that it worked in the first two novels. But I feel like it was a mistake to add the chapters with Tobias' point of view in this book. Now, without giving any spoilers, I do understand the necessity for it later in the novel and I liked hearing his voice later. Which brings me to my next point... I got to 'that point' in the novel (if you've read it, you KNOW what I am talking about. Again, no spoilers) and just threw the book at the wall. I feel like 'that' was completely unnecessary and pointless, not mention it REALLY pissed me off. I didn't even finish the book because I was so mad. (Yes, I do get worked up with what I am reading... I can't help it.)

All in all, I would recommend this book but only to more of a middle school crowd. It's catchy and intriguing and no doubt will encourage our youth to enjoy reading.  I did connect with the characters and was intrigued to see where their story lines would lead to. But as an adult reader, I believe it failed in many ways. Like I said, I thought a lot of the plot was unnecessary, irrelevant and ill planned. The second and third books were a major disappointment for me.

With that being said, I will most definitely see the movie as I really did enjoy the first book. I just wish that the series was more of a continuation of the first novel rather than a focus on 'the revolution.' Honestly, I kinda wish I never read the other two and just let my imagination finish the series.

I know that this trilogy is very popular and I might get a lot of backlash over my opinion. But that's all this is, just my opinion. Anyway, have you read the series yet? What were your thoughts on it?

January Ipsy Bag

Ah, I am a bit late with this, but nevertheless, here it is! Here's what I got in my Ipsy bag last month:

*Excuse the terrible photos, I had to use my phone.*

1. Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow in Penny

What they say:
The ultimate gel pencil that’s smooth like butter and packed with deliciously creamy colors. These velvety pencils glide on with ease, and contain just enough shimmer. They’re also waterproof and perfect to wear all day and night, a must have for all color lovers! Use a cosmetics sharpener for best results.

What I say: I can definitely attest that this is waterproof. I swatched it on my hand early in the day, and after several hand washes later, it was did not budge by 11pm that night. In fact, when I went to use a makeup remover, there was still a faint line! I love the color I received and will use it both as a shadow base and as an eyeliner!

2. Soothing and Smoothing Eye Cream by skin

What they say:
The skiin Soothing and Smoothing Eye Cream is a full spectrum eye cream that instantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while working hard to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, stimulates collagen production and whitens for a uniform complexion. 

What I say:
I don't really use eye creams as often as I should, but I threw this one in my drawer to remind myself to use it. It's nice and smooth, but I can't really say that it depuffed and helped my dark circles. Either way, it's a great moisturizer for under the eye.

3. Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner by Sexy Hair

What they say:
The Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner is a powerful combination of Soy and Cocoa work synergistically to perfectly care for your hair! A conditioner that is both a nourishing moisturizer and mild protein reconstructor and safe to use on color-treated hair. This truly amazing conditioner reconstructs, moisturizes and combats environmental stress on all types of hair. 

What I say:I like this product! I've been spraying it in my hair after showering before combing and it really makes my hair soft and smooth. It smells great and leaves my hair feeling even better.

4. Proactive + Mark Fading Pads

What they say:
The Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads are a convenient, single-use, no-rinse peel pad that can instantly boost your skin’s glow and radiance. The pads help remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and remove dull layers to reveal newer, smoother, more even toned skin. With just a few quick swipes you can help fade away post acne dark marks, reduce the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.

What I say:
I've never been a "proactiv girl" so I just kinda turned my nose up to these and hadn't used them. But as I was reading the claims above, I think I will give them a chance. I don't really suffer from discoloration or dark spots, but I do have enormous pores, so I'd be intrigued to see if these really help that!

5. Mojito Lip Balm by MALIN+GOETZ

What they say:
The (MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm is as soothing to the lips as it is to the senses. Flavored with (MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito, this lip balm is scientifically blended to restore and replenish. The hydrating lip gel easily integrates for daily maintenance, prevention and treatment of dry, irritated lips. Color and Paraben free.

What I say:
This has become a product that I use in my routine daily! I would hardly call this a lip balm, as it's more of a clear gel like a gloss but I love it because it doesn't feel like a lip gloss (There's nothing I hate more than putting sticky gel on one's lips) It gives me great shine and also helps my dry cracked lips. I only wished it smelled like mint like the name implies!

That's all I got this month... overall I am really impressed with everything I got.
Sign up for Ipsy here!