October Essence Beauty Box Review...

Hey All!

Last month Essence debuted their Inaugural Essence Beautybox with women of color as their target audience. I received an email inviting me to join this subscription box program for $15 a month. I cancelled my Birchbox subscription over a year ago so I hopped on this. October's theme was "Finishing Touches for Fall." Take a look at the box contents.

Love the artwork on the box lid!

Pretty presentation which included a product guidebook.

The beauty products. Nice sizes. 

 Tarte Brow Architect. All in one brush, pencil and concealer for your brows. 

Calvin Klein Eternity Now perfume and L'occitane shea butter hand cream. Love them both! The perfume has grapefruit notes that I really like. The hand cream is awesome.
I highly recommend this brand. The best hand cream on the market!

Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Leave-in and Curls Creme Brule Curl Cream. Love Eden Bodyworks products. This leave-in is wonderful. Curls Creme Brule curl cream is nice too. Doesn't leave my hair dry or sticky like some curl creams. 

Overall I give this box a B. The reason is I can't figure out how to use the Tarte Brow Architect. If you received this box, let me know what you think. I'm excited to receive November's box!

Current Beauty Product Faves...

Hey All! Hope you all had a great weekend. The weather here in NC is gorgeous! Sharing some of my current beauty product faves.

Current Beauty Product Faves

For Body

Crystal Essence Deodorant: Think I finally found a natural deodorant that works. Love the smell and it holds me through a workday. 

Jason Coconut Oil: I can not longer use coconut oil on my hair. My hair has enough protein. Love it for my body. I rub this all over my body while still damp and my skin is soft and moisturizing all day.

For my Face

DIY Rosewater Moisturizer: Love spritzing rosewater on my face. I made my own using rosewater, almond oil and vegetable glycerin. 

Pixi Glow Tonic: Have you tried this? I heard rave reviews about it. Some call it liquid gold. Target now carries it but it sold out fast. I grabbed the last bottle on the shelf at my local Target. It smells great. I apply it to my skin after cleanses.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Lavender: NYX is a great wallet friendly cosmetic line. I love their products especially their lip and eye makeup. I use this jumbo pencil as an eyeliner or highlighter.

Botanics Organic Facial Oil: This is perfect for my dry skin. Does not leave my face oily/greasy looking. 

For Hair

African Shea Butter: I add my own oils to this and apply to my ends as a sealant or whenever my hair needs extra moisturizing. Oils I mix are extra virgin olive oil, almond oil, Castor oil, and rosemary oil. 

What are your current beauty product faves? Have an awesome week!

Ulta Spring Haul...

Hey All! I have to admit that I am a product junkie! I love hair, beauty, and bath and body products. I am a marketers dream. Over the weekend my daughter went to Ulta to buy makeup for her prom. I decided to tag along so I could pick up a few treats for myself. Take a look at some of my current favorites and some newbies that I can't wait to try.

Ulta Spring Haul

• Shea Moisture Dry Oil Mist (Tahitian Noni & Monoi) - I love Shea Moisture's Dry Oil Spray. This will be my first time trying the Tahitian Noni & Monoi. I've tried the Argan Oil & Raw Shea and it was amazing. It's not a heavy oil so it's perfect for the Spring and Summer. 
• Shea Moisture Lemongrass & Ginger Shea Butter Soap - As you can see I'm a big fan of Shea Moisture. This soap lasts a long time and the smell is wonderful. 
• C.Booth Honey Almond Body Lotion -  I have tried C. Booth's dry oil spray and it was great. This is my first time trying their lotion. It's a little runny but it keeps dry skin away. 
• Earth Therapeutics Loofah Scrub Oatmeal & Honey -  This smells so yummy! This brand is a newbie for me. It was part of a special deal. I love scrubs and body products scented with honey. 

• NYX  lipstick Chloe - I love NYX. A fantastic brand with fantastic prices! Chloe is new for me. It's an iridescent fuchsia color that will be fab for Spring and Summer. I tend to lean towards bronzey colors for Summer. This will be a switch.
• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Lavender - Another newbie. Their jumbo eye pencils were recommended to me by another blogger. 
• NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray - This is for my daughter. She wants it for prom. I prefer a dewy finish she likes matte. 

• Cover Your Gray Touch-Up Stick - pretty self explanatory. Chalk it up to genetics I have some gray hair. This touch-up stick is the best for in between dye jobs. I see my stylist every 8 weeks, but by week 3 my gray starts peeking through. I wipe out this stick and walla gray be gone! 

What are some of your favorite beauty products? Try anything new? I like a natural look with a hint of color, thus the reason I love bronzey colors. This season I'm stepping outside of my box and trying something new. Bolder colors.