Tools for Curling Hair

Have you curled your hair lately? How did you curl it? There are a few tools you can use and numerous methods of doing it. I've listed the most common hot tools below and included my thoughts on each.

Curling Iron - this is the most common tool used for curling hair. Curling irons come in many sizes. The smaller the barrel the tighter the curl and the bigger the barrel the looser the curl. I've used Revlon, Hot Tools, and Conair curling irons. I like my Conair Infiniti the most.

What I think: This is my favorite way to curl my hair. I feel like I can control the look of my curls the best with this method and the curls look really soft.

Curling Wand (clipless) - This type of curling iron does not have a clip to hold your hair in place on the iron. Instead you wrap your hair around the barrel and hold it in place yourself. Your hair comes out more wavy than curly. It's a lot easier to burn yourself with this method so wearing a glove on your hand is important.

What I think: I like using this method but it also takes a little more effort since you have to use both hands. It can be a little tiring. I love the effect it gives my hair though.

Flat iron - Many people now use their flat iron (straightener) to curl their hair. Not all flat irons will do this though, it depends on the shape of it. It's a little trickier to get the hang of curling your hair this way and the curls come out more messy looking instead of uniform.

What I think: I haven't mastered this way completely yet. I like to use this when I want lots of volume and loose curls.

Hot Rollers - These are good when you have lots of things to do and can't spend the time on your hair. You just put them in your hair, wait a while, and then take them out. You'll probably have to fix it a little afterward using whatever method you need to.

What I think: I like that I don't have to put in much effort when I use this method but my hair tends to scrunch up and I lose a lot of length. I don't use hot rollers too often.

Waver - this hot tool makes your hair wavy but if you're looking to get loose messy waves this may not be the best option. The waves come out more perfect looking. This method is most time consuming.

What I think: I don't use this method that often because it takes way too long. I think it comes out pretty but takes too much time and effort.

What's your favorite way to curl your hair? Comment below!

Eye Primer 101

If you're a makeup enthusiast you probably already know about eyeshadow primers and actively use them in your makeup routine. If you don't use them, I'm here to explain why you're missing out!
I started using primers on my eyes a few years ago and now I can't imagine my makeup routine without them.

For those of you who aren't familiar with them, eyeshadow primers act as a base for your eyeshadows. They make your eyeshadow last longer and appear more vibrant.  People use all kinds of different products as a base but here are a few of the well-known ones....

January Birchbox: Origins, Stila, Juicy Couture

Here's the contents of my January Birchbox. The theme for this month's box is Clarity. I like my box a lot minus a couple small details...

What's in my January Box
Archipelago Pomegranate Body Soap
Full Size | $12.50
This soap smells really nice and has a pretty design It has pomegranate extracts. The scent is a little on the strong side for me though. Toned down, it would be perfect. I'm not sure I'll use it - I prefer body wash.

Juicy Couture - Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum
Full Size | $69-89
I've never been a big fan of Juicy Couture fragrances. Love their bottles though. I was still excited to see it in my Birchbox.

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
Full Size | $19.50
I've been wanting to try this for a long time and I've heard good things about it! I'm so glad I get to try it now. It's supposedly a good cleanser for both dry and oily skin which is great for me because I have combination skin.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
Full Size | $20
Another product I have wanted to try for a long time. I swatched this onto my hand and I couldn't rub it off at all. It seems like it has a lot of staying power. I got the color lionfish which is a brown sparkly color.

Larabar
These types of natural bars aren't my thing. I've seen them at the store but have never been compelled to try them. The flavor I got was Cherry Pie. I had Mark try it and he did not like it at all so I don't think I'll be trying or buying them anytime soon.

Birchbox Magnet
A cute little bonus. It's on my fridge.

Overall I liked this Birchbox the most out of the ones I've received so far. I was really excited to get the Stila Smudge Stick and the Origins Face Wash. I really wish they didn't send food/drink samples though because I'm usually not interested in trying those things. I like Birchbox for the beauty samples. I will continue my Birchbox subscription for another couple of months at least so I can get a  really good feel for it but eventually I might want to switch to another subscription service.

Join Birchbox
Want more Birchbox reviews? Find them here.


Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. A referral link was used.

Makeup Organization

I ordered this spinning makeup organizer from QVC. I saw it first on Pinterest and 5 minutes later I decided it was necessary to have in my possession. It's perfect for storing my daily beauty products.


So yesterday I went to work filling it up with my everyday products. They fit really well and I even have a little room to grow - so I guess I better start buying more things!


This organizer works out great for me right now because I have my daily makeup items in my office/spare room and I need everything to be organized in there so the room doesn't overflow with all of our extra stuff. What I really need is a room designated just for my things. I could have a vanity, some storage for extra makeup, and an area for crafting.  For now I share the room with the computer/desk, my pet rabbit, and my boyfriend's stuff. Not so ideal but you have to work with you got....for now.

How do you store your beauty products? Comment below!

Brand Review: MAC Cosmetics

MAC Cosmetics | Rating: ♥♥♥ (3/3) Love It

MAC (Make-up Art Cosmetics) seems to be one of the most popular brands among beauty lovers.  Its known for its great quality, wide range of colorful products, and affordability compared to other high-end brands. You hear many people talk about it and you've seen me mention it throughout many posts. Now it's time for my formal review. I'm a huge fan of the MAC brand. I've been hooked on it for about 5 years now. While I use a variety of makeup brands, MAC is the one I stick to the most.

Products I've used:
Foundation
-Studio Fix Fluid: This liquid foundation is my favorite. Some consider it to be too thick; I like the consistency.

Concealer
-Studio Finish Concealer: This concealer has good coverage and is long-wearing.
-Studio Sculpt Concealer: This concealer is more creamy. Great coverage but didn't last as long on me.

Powder
-Mineralize Skinfinish Natural: This is the powder I currently use. It gives a smooth appearance to my complexion
-Select Sheer Pressed Powder: A good basic powder.

Blush
-Mineralize Blush: Great blush. It doesn't take much product to build up a good amount of color on your cheeks.

Eye Products
-Fluidline:The best gel eyeliner ever!! I like it better than liquid liner and it lasts all day and night.
-Eyeshadow:  They have such fun colors and they last forever! Deep Truth, Carbon, Sable, and All That Glitters are among my favorite shades.

Lip Products
-Lipglass: I'm not a big fan of lip gloss products to begin with and these are pretty sticky. I'm very drawn to them though.
-Lipstick: I love their lipsticks. There are so many to choose from!

Primer/Skin Products
-Fix +: A makeup setting spray. Not a necessity, however, I love using it in the summer. It feels refreshing and it gives me that dewy look.
-Prep + Prime Skin: A makeup primer. I don't use it all the time. I like it but don't love it.


As you can see, I've used a few products from MAC but have barely scratched the surface of all that they offer! I tend to stick to the products I know work well for me but I'd love to branch out to new things. I find their products very affordable considering the quality and the lifespan of the products. I also love their simple modern-looking packaging. I know I'll be using this brand for a long time.

Giveaway! (CLOSED)

The holiday giveaway is back on! I've updated it and made some changes. I apologize to those of you who have been wondering about it! I'm using Rafflecopter which is an application to help create and organize giveaways. I combined all prizes into one big prize and even added some things.

For this giveaway there will be a few ways to enter but only one is mandatory. You must answer the question for one entry into the giveaway (look for a hint below). You can then earn additional entries by either following me on twitter or tweeting about the giveaway but these are completely optional. All entries will be counted and  handled through the widget I have posted below. It will end January 13th.

 If you entered the holiday giveaway before I postponed it I ask that you reenter this way to make things go more smoothly. Thanks for being so patient and good luck!
This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canada

Prizes

Hint: The answer to the question can be found on the My Reviews page

Open the full blog post to enter.

New Years Resolutions: 2012

You may have noticed that my blog looks a little different. As part of my 2012 resolutions I'm hoping to make a lot of improvements on my blog. As you can see I have started with the layout. I'll be playing with different things for awhile to see what I like best but I also want your feedback! Let me know if you like it.



My other goals for the year:
-Write more blog posts!
-Have more giveaways!!!
-Interact with my readers more
-Improve my posts



Aside from my blog, I have some personal resolutions too.
One of them is to organize! Makeup, clothes, shoes, etc. It accumulates fast and things start to clutter.When I was a kid my parents taught me to separate things I grew out of into piles: keep (store in the garage), give away/donate, and throw away. Even though it wasn't my favorite task I knew it was necessary to make room for new things and I also knew I was doing a good deed by giving away things that I didn't need anymore.
I have to admit I don't exactly use the same system now but I think it's a good idea for me to start up again.
I already have a pile of things to donate!

Overall I think 2012 will be a great year and I hope good things are in store for you as well!
Happy new year!

♥Ashley