Month in Review - April 2014

Hey everyone!

April has been a very stressful month for me. Between group projects, finals, and graduating my mind has been scattered! However, that has not stopped me from enjoying the month, and taking in the beauty around me.

French Lavender Candle from Bath & Body Works - This candle is fantastic! It burns well, scents the entire room, and helps me relax at the end of the day.

Spring Swap Box from Lauren - Me and Lauren have been swapping boxes for a few years now, and this Spring box came just in time for Easter! She sent me loads of amazing makeup products, and just look at the massive amount of chocolate! Yumm!

These beautiful lilies have been blooming in our flower bed. They always make me so happy to see!
 

One of the other shrubs in our flower bed has been blooming as well! Look how pretty these purple blooms are!

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: Photos are my own. I am not associated with any brand or person mentioned above.

Bath and Body Works Island White Pineapple Foaming Hand Soap Review

Hey everyone!

I love tropical scented things, so when I spotted the Island White Pineapple Foaming Hand Soap at my local Bath & Body Works store, I had to have it! And, the artwork on the bottle is very summery!

This soap leaves your hands lightly scented of juicy, ripe pineapple! I love it, and will be buying a backup soon.

Here is what Bath & Body Works has to say:

Our Gentle Foaming Hand Soap Delivers a cloud of luxurious foam that transforms into a rich, creamy lather to gently wash away dirt and germs. Now enriched with nourishing Aloe and protective Vitamin E, our best foam ever leaves hands feeling soft, smooth and lightly scented.

• A Hawaiian escape of white pineapple and sparkling melon

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not associated with any company mentioned above, nor are they paying me to feature their product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own! Product description is from the company's website!

TATCHA Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm Review

Hey everyone!

I am always looking for an amazing lip balm to condition my lips, while looking pretty in my purse. It is a lot harder to find on than you think! Recently, the lovely ladies at TATCHA sent me over their new Gold Camellia Moisturizing Lip Balm to try and review for you all!

First off, let's just take a moment to admire the intricate detailing that TATCHA puts into this product. The box itself has the appearance of a beautiful wood grain, and the product slides out in a small drawer! I cannot tell you how fancy I felt when I got to slide open the little drawer to reveal my product!
 

The lip balm itself is housed in a glass jar, with a screw top lid. The quality of the packaging is outstanding, and I know that it can be placed into my makeup bag and be able to hold its own among the other products.

Do you see that gold leaf on top of the lip balm? Yes, ladies that gold leaf gets to be applied to your lips! How fancy is that?! When you dip your finger into the pot, the gold crumbles, and blends into the lip balm as you apply it! I found that it did this easily, and I was left with a beautiful sheen on my lips afterwards. 

After using this lip balm for 5 days, I noticed the my lips were left feeling moisturized, soft, and happy!

Here is what TATCHA has to say:

What it is:

This intensely hydrating lip balm absorbs quickly and smoothly, leaving lips soft and touchable. The 24-karat gold leaf crushes upon application.

Why it's different:
 
Hand-laid 24-karat gold leaf adds a touch of sensual shimmer. 

Who it's for:
 
Ideal for all skin types.

This product retails for $36.00 and can be purchased at www.tatcha.com!

XoXo,
Whitney

Note:I received this product to try and review on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying me to review their product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Embrace Your Bust with Mio‏

Hey everyone!

Mio’s famous bust and décolleté firmer just got better and just in time for warm weather! As the sun begins to heat up and tanks and tube tops appear back in your wardrobe, be sure to use Mio’s Boob Tube+ to keep skin toned, bright and crinkle-free.

Since I am getting well into my 20's (ugh, I can't believe how quickly time flies!) I have decided to step up my skin care routine! Recently, I was sent the Mio Boob Tube +, and so far I really enjoy this product! I use this on my chest once a day, and I have noticed that my skin is more moisturized! I definitely plan to keep this product in my routine, and hopefully I will see a change soon!

> Mio Boob Tube+

• Keeps lines and crinkles at bay so thin skin stays smooth
• Visibly healthier, fitter, glowing skin within days
• Skin brightening actives take years off sun damaged skin

How to use
 
Apply once daily from neck to below boobs to keep the skin on your chest firm and sun-damage and crinkle-free. This is part of your daily skincare maintenance routine – feel free to use from age 18 to 80 on a daily basis. We promise you will thank us in years to come!

Hot Tip
 
This is facial quality skincare. If these are skincare benefits you want on your face, feel free to use it as a facial moisturizer, too.

Price: $48

Where to Purchase: http://www.mioskincare.com/boob-tube.html

 XoXo,
Whitney

Note:I received this product to try and review on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying mt to review their product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own! Product information is from PR and company website! 

TATCHA Blotting Sheets Updated Review

Hey everyone!

You know how much I love blotting sheets, in fact, I have at least one pack in all my purses! A girl can never be too prepared for oily skin. The only brand I use, and have used for the past two years, is TATCHA. 

I have reviewed these sheets in the past, but I thought it would be fun to do an updated review! I have very oily skin all year round, but it gets extremely oily in the spring and summer months. In order to avoid drying my face out by washing it so much, I use TATCHA's blotting sheets throughout the day. 

I love that these sheets are all natural, and that they have little gold flakes throughout them. They look so cute whenever I take them out of my bag and use them. I always get asked questions about them too! My skin absolutely loves these sheets. They're gentle enough to use multiple times per day, and they don't irritate my skin.

Here is what TATCHA has to say:

What it is: 

All-natural leaflets which absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup for petal fresh skin anytime, anywhere.

How it's different:
 

Will not steal moisture from the skin or disturb makeup. Powder-free.  Fragrance-free.  Pulp-free. 

Who it's for: 

All skin types.

Each pack retails for $12.00 or you can purchase a 4 pack for $40.00. To find out more about this product, check out www.tatcha.com!

XoXo,

Whitney

Note: I received this product to try and review on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying me to review their product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Maybelline Baby Lips Pink'd Collection!

Hey everyone!

This past Easter, the Easter Bunny left me the entire Maybelline Baby Lips Pink'd Collection! Word must've gotten out about how much I love Baby Lips, so this present was perfect!

From Left to Right:

~Rose Rush
~Blush Burst
~Pop of Pink
~Mad for Magenta
~Very Berry

These Baby Lips are some of my favorites to date! All of the colors are very flattering and moisturizing, and the package is just adorable! Who wouldn't want to take one of these out of their bag and use it?! Each color has a fun fruity scent, and the pigmentation ranges from clear (Blush Burst) to medium (Very Berry and Rose Rush)!

Overall, I love these Baby Lips, and I wish they would make some of these shades permanent! 

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I received these products as a gift for Easter. I am not associated with any brand mentioned above!

TATCHA Haul

Hey everyone!

This past week, the lovely ladies from TATCHA sent me a beautiful box full of their products for my to try and review for you all! So, in order to get everyone excited about the upcoming reviews, I thought I would share all the products they sent me in a haul!

Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm - This lip balm is suppose to be super nourishing on your lips, and it also has a beautiful gold flake centered on top! How fancy is that?!

Luminous Deep Hydrating Lifting Mask - Smoother more luminous skin in just minutes? Yes, please!

Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream - I am always on the hunt for the perfect hand cream. Have I found it?

Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - Rehydrate your skin anytime and anywhere! Sounds like a perfect travel essential to me!

Blotting Sheets - These are still my all-time favorite blotting sheets to use, and the only ones that I purchase! 

I am very excited to try all of these products out, and review them for you! 

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: TATCHA sent me these products to try and review on my blog. I am not associated with the company, nor are they paying me to review their products. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Summer Festival Beauty Products from Soap & Glory

Hey everyone!

With the summer season soon upon us, many of us will be heading out to summer festivals! Recently, I was sent a couple Soap & Glory products to try out, and I believe that they will be perfect to add to your routine! I find that I only like to use a couple products during my summer beauty routine, because I like to keep it simple and easy!

Start off by using an exfoliating scrub like Soap & Glory’s Scrub of Your Life to smooth and remove dead skin cells. Its alluring scent of fresh bergamot, mandarin, rose, jasmine, peach, strawberry, oakmoss, amber, and woody notes will leave your skin silky smooth with an incredible scent.

Price: $18.00

Available at Sephora.com

Finish off with a splash of color! Moisturize your lips with Soap & Glory’s Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Plumping Gloss. A single swipe of this gloss will increase blood flow to make lips look instantly lush and will keep them moisturized all day. 

Price: $18.00

Cheer on Reading with Cheerios!

Hey everyone!

I love to read, I have hundreds of books stashed away in my closet, and even more on my kindle! I enjoy reading at night before bed in order to help me relax. One of my favorite memories as a child is of my mom reading me stories. It could be any story, but having time with my mom meant the world to me. Recently, I was sent a box containing two Cheerios cereals that included the book inside!  

This year, Cheerios™ is celebrating the 12th Anniversary of their commitment to literacy through such programs as Cheerios Cheer On Reading and Spoonfuls of Stories™. Cheerios created the program in 2003 to help get books into kids’ hands and encourage parents and kids to read together.
Look for specially-marked packages of original Cheerios, Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter, Chocolate Cheerios, and Apple Cinnamon Cheerios for in-pack storybooks for children ages 2 to 8 years-old, specially printed in both English and Spanish. This year’s book offerings from Cheerios – all by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing – are:

• “That’s What I’d Do” by Jewel
• “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson
• “1-2-3 Peas” by Keith Baker
• “Chicks Run Wild” by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
• “Please, Baby Please” by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee
• …and returning favorite “Jump!” by Scott M. Fischer

Check out the link below for more information:

~Cheer on Reading webpage: www.cheerios.com/cheer-on-reading

And for the second year in a row, Cheerios will also feature a chapter book for older readers inside specially-marked boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios. This year’s book, “Phineas L. MacGuire…Gets Cooking,” was written for exclusive release in Cheerios boxes by Frances O'Roark Dowell, author of the “Phineas” series. The book is written in three parts so there are three to collect. 

XoXo,
Whitney

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

Finger-Licking Friday #10

Hey everyone!

My town has a delicious pizza place, and every month, we like to treat ourselves to one! This month, we picked out their deluxe meat one to try, and it was incredible! I was one happy, pizza eating girl!

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I purchased this item with my own money! 

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose Kiss

Hey everyone!

I love trying out new lip products, and with all the rave about the Nivea Lip Butters, I had to get one! The one I picked to try out is the Raspberry Rose Kiss. Now, this lip butter smells just like delicious raspberry candies! 

Does a girl truly need more in life besides delicious smelling lip products? I don't think so!

Besides smelling incredible, this lip butter leaves my lips with a very slight pink sheen. I think it looks lovely for those of us who like a more natural lip look during the day. My lips are left feeling moisturized and nourished whenever I use this product, I just wish I didn't have to stick my finger in the pot!

Have you tried out the Nivea Lip Butters yet?

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not associated with any brand mentioned above, nor are they paying me to review their product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

Celebrate Earth Day with Korres and Lavanila‏

Hey everyone!

It’s just as important to know what we are putting on our bodies as what we put in them. In honor of Earth Day, we give you two amazing natural products you can feel good about using!

Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer

About: This clinically proven, universally nude Pomegranate Mattifying Primer blends to an invisible matte finish while minimizing the appearance of pores, balancing skintone and texture, and preparing skin for smooth makeup application and long-lasting wear. The 94% natural, non-comedogenic formula is water-based so it allows skin to breathe and never clogs pores. The formula is loaded with antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract to help tighten pores, willow bark extract to balance skin, witch hazel water to mattify and tighten while removing excess oil and dirt, and rice starch to absorb excess surface oil and soften skin. No Parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, Petrochemicals, GMOs or Tricosan.

Price: $33

 
Where to Purchase: Sephora.com

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Deodorant

About: This award winning, all-natural, freshly scented deodorant provides superior, long-lasting odor protection. Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense and nourishment. Clinically Tested. Dermatologist Recommended. No Aluminum. No Paraben. No Propylene Glycol. No Harsh Chemicals. Available in Vanilla Lavender, Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut and Fresh Vanilla Lemon

Price: $14 

Where to Purchase:  http://www.lavanila.com

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: Photos and information provided by PR! I am not associated with any brand mentioned above, nor are they paying me to feature these products.

What's Inside my Spring 2014 Swap Box from Lauren!

Hey everyone!

Just this past week, I received my swap box all the way from Lauren in England! Lauren is a wonderful friend of mine, and fantastic makeup artist as well, so be sure you go check out her website!

We have been doing swaps three years now, and I don't see us stopping anytime soon! So, keep reading below to see everything she sent me for Spring! 

The perfect box with everything wrapped so nice and neat! It didn't stay this way for long!

Everything out of the box and unwrapped! Add a ton of happy squealing, and you can picture me opening everything!
 

~Mac Prep & Prime - Lauren know I have oily skin, so I can't wait to give this a try! Hopefully, it will keep my makeup lasting way longer this summer! 

 ~Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream - I am all about easy and natural makeup, so I can't wait to give this a try for the spring and summer months!

~Bourjois CC Eye Cream - With my last class coming down to a slow end, I have been under massive amounts of stress, and my eyes look horrible! This CC Cream helps with my under eye darkness, and is fun to apply!

~Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - How Lauren knew my perfect shade is beyond me! This little concealer works wonders on small imperfections and under eye!

~Sleek Blush By 3 Palette in Lace - This is such a beautiful blush palette, that it will get a blog post dedicated to it!

~Bourjois Cream Blush in 02 - Bourjois is quickly becoming one of my favorite UK brands! This cream blush is perfect for applying on the go for a touch of color!
 

~Collection Work the Color Neutral Shadow Palette - I am all about neutrals (occasionally I like to add color), and this palette is fantastic for that! Plus, the highlighter is actually cream, and works great on your cheek bones as well!

~Barry M Glow Palette - Another little gem that will get its own blog post soon! It has a wider variety of neutral shades and a beautiful soft pink blush! I'm thinking of summer travels with this guy!
 

~MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Lofty Brown - It is almost impossible to find brown mascaras over here, so I was super excited to see that Lauren found one for me! As I said, natural makeup is my thing, and this little beauty will be a perfect addition!

~Ojon Restorative Treatment and Mascara - How did I not even know this existed?! This mascara has treatment for your lashes at one end, and mascara at the other. Great two-in-one product!
 

~No. 7 Ballerina Makeup and Set - Let's just take a moment to admire this makeup bag! I think it's simply gorgeous, and it has already been tucked inside my purse with my essentials in it. Inside this makeup bag was a selection of No. 7 products such as an eye shadow, lipstick, mascara, and moisturizer! All of the products are very me colors, and I can't wait to try them out!
 

~I love Strawberries & Cream Body Spray - Ok, this might be the best smelling body spray I've come across in a very long time! It's fruity, sweet, and smells like strawberries & cream! Need I say more? 
 

Lipstick Heaven!

~MAC Dreaming Dahlia Lustre Lipstick - This lipstick is perfect for spring! It is a beautiful reddish coral color that works wonders to brighten up your look!

~MAC Morning Rose Cremesheen Lipstick - A new favorite of mine! This lipstick gives your lips a soft rose shade that works day or night!

~Illamasqua Immodest Matte Lipstick - A fun, bright matte pink lipstick that goes on with ease? Yes, thank you! This lipstick will be a staple for me this spring and summer!

~MAC Flair for Finery Cremesheen Gloss - This lip gloss matches the lipstick Lauren sent me for Christmas, and I am so glad to have it in gloss form! Another must-have for the warmer months!

Candy Overload! The UK Easter Bunny has been here for sure! By the way, all of this chocolate is incredible! Those Creme Eggs... drool!
 

Buttons and chocolates oh my! And, that Mint Truffle Bar you see at the top was the best piece of mint chocolate I've ever tasted!
 

Crunchy chocolate mini eggs! Delicious!
 

Mr. Bean! This little bunny is still sitting on my desk looking all cute! Almost too cute to eat... almost!

There you have it, all of the wonderful goodies Lauren sent me for Spring! I believe that I have been properly spoiled this season, and I can't thank her enough for such a sweet package! 

Thank you Lauren!!!

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: All of these items above were gifts from my friend Lauren!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Review

Hey everyone!

I have been out in the sun more this year than I have in the past 10 or so! Recently, I went by my local Wal-Mart, and decided to check out their sunscreen isle, and I discovered this little gem sitting there on the shelf, just waiting for me.

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheery Dry Touch Suncreen in in SPF 100+ comes in a convenient, travel friendly tube, that fits easily into your beach bag or purse. The formula glides on easily, and with just a bit of rubbing, it absorbs into your skin within moments. This sunscreen is not completely dry to the touch, but it does feel less greasy than most other ones I've tried! I really enjoy this product, and I love that it's SPF 100+, talk about a great way to keep from getting sunburned!

Just remember to read the directions and reapply as often as they suggest! 

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not associated with any company mentioned above, nor are they paying me to review this product. As always, my reviews and opinions are 100% my own!

What I Got for Easter 2014!

Hey everyone!

The Easter Bunny was very good to me this year, and she left me some fantastic presents! Keep reading below to see what I received!

~Spongebob Bubble Whistle - Yes, I am a total kid at heart, so this was super exciting to upwrap and play with!

~All of the new Maybelline Baby Lips from the Pink'd Collection! I can't wait to try these out!!

~Blistex Fruit Smoothies Lip Balms! This set has a limited edition Peaches n' Cream flavor! Yumm!

~Benefit Show Stoppin' Steal, which included a full size lipstick, eye shadow, and lipgloss! Fancy!

And, I've been eating my way through the mountain of Easter candy so far! I'll need a diet very soon!

What did the Easter Bunny bring you?

XoXo,
Whitney

Note: All of the items shown above were gifts from the Easter Bunny aka Momma!