Boxin' Out & Baggin' Up - My Glam Bag

Most of you know that I am a lover of Birchbox and have been subscribed to their sample service for over a year now. I love trying new beauty products but to be quite honest their past couple of months have been BORING! Don't get me wrong I love being exposed to new brands. Actually if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have found Zoya nail polish and Jouer moisturizing tint both of which I am absolutely in love with.  But, I would love to see some of those "big" brand names in there every once in a while.  Ok, ok, what constitutes as a "big brand name" since all of them are considered "big brand names" right?  Well, yes that is true, but I want to see MAC and Urban Decay in there among others.


Anyway, I was twittering one day last month and came across My Glam Bag. First off, I have never heard of them so when I saw the word Glam and the word Bag I was instantly curious.  I love glam and I love bags so I had to check them out.  Basically, they are the same deal as Birchbox. $10/month gets you a bag stuffed with samples.  So, I signed up to try it out and just got my first shipment last week.  OMG, this bag was AWESOME!  Check out the contents:

1. NYX Roll On Glitter - I love NYX they are inexpensive but still great quality. I use these products all the time!! The Roll On Glitter can be applied to the eyes, face, and body!  On top of the full sized sample, they gave you a coupon code for 30% off more shades at NYX's website.  The cost of these are $4.50 with the 30% off the end up being $3.15 which is awesome!


2. Freeman Facial Mask Sachets - Never heard of Freeman but this bag included a easy-to-use skin-perfecting mask.  Haven't had a chance to use it just yet, but it sounds like I will love it.  Mine came in Goji Berry!  Glammies get 16% off when you go to Freeman's website.  The full trio is just $10 for My Glam Bag girls!  WHAT?!  That is so great!


3. X Out Shine Control - If you have skin problems then X Out is suppose to be the best stuff to stay flawless and shine free.  Sounds good to me! My skin has completely changed since having a child. I went from never having acne in high school (ok, ok, the occasional stress bump would arise) to now having anxiety over my skin!  This is an oil-free moisturizer with a mattifying complex and according to X Out's website, it works just like those other home supply acne medicines where you can choose between a 30- or 60-day supply one time or continuing shipment (actually they are the makers of Proactiv).  A continuing ship for a 30-day supply is $19.95 and Glammies receive a free full-size Shine Control with their purchase of their supply!  Not sure if I am going to end up purchasing the supply. My 10% benzyl peroxide works just fine for me.

4. Premier Dead Sea Cinderella Mask - The fact that you are seeing the words "Dead Sea" is enough to already fall in love with this.  I love anything and everything that involves the salts from the Dead Sea and I always feel the most beautiful after I use them.  However, they are so expensive!  Premier's website values the Cinderella Mask at $149.99!  WOW!  I cannot find myself loving this that much that I would spend that kind of money on it at the moment.  Maybe if I fall in to major money I would buy it and use it more often!

5. NuMe $100 Gift Card - Perhaps this is my most favorite part of the glam bag this month!  $100 dollars for me to spend anyway I want at NuMe's website!  They have professional styling tools, hair extensions,  feather extensions, so many things I don't know what to choose from!  I have been wanting hair extensions so I believe that is most likely what I am going to be spending it on.  Birchbox has never given us a gift card like this!  Last month we got a free iTunes download but that is squash compared to this!  How awesome right?!?

So the question is will I continue this subscription service?  Um, Hell Yeah!  This is so freakin' awesome!  I'm not ready to give up Birchbox just yet, but they definitely need to step up their game if they want my business!

Here is My Glam Bag's website if you want to check it out too!

Baggin' in up and Boxin' it out!

Nicole

Fashion Friday

Keeping up with the themes during the week makes me continue to keep this blog afloat. Even with the small amount of followers I have. =) I love every one of you!  Enter our Friday theme!

Every Friday will be "Fashion Friday."  It will be the day during the week where I dedicate one day solely to fashion, whether it be accessories, clothes or and outfit of the day!  I may even throw in my nail decor for the week or a hair style I am wearing!

You know, it's funny the better you begin to feel about life in general the more interested you become in fashion and accessories...well, for me any way! So for this Fashion Friday I am going to show you what I wore to work.

Now, most offices are casual on Friday's but mine you can never really tell, so I try to remain business like all week long. Plus, I have no other reason to dress up other than work so I might as well enjoy it right?  Because the moment the weekend comes, I am in sweats, t-shirts, and soft and cozy bedroom socks all the way (given that I am not stepping out of the house!)

I don't have many clothes because I have gone on a Clothes Shopping Strike until I tone myself up! So, I need to get creative with my outfits to make them look better then what they are and not make it look like I wear the same freakin' thing every week!

Let's get to it, shall we?  Today I am wearing a scarfed red dress (a couple of years old that I bought from Dressbarn when I was so obsessed with them).  I cinched it above the waist with a large black belt, and added a red, black, and white (w/some sparkles!) scarf. I threw on some black tights that have a ribbed design on them with my favorite knee high black stiletto boots. I accessorized further with my large black flower ring and my gold Mickey Mouse watch (I have a collection of Disney/Mickey watches), and lastly my gold L.O.V.E. earrings!  For my hair I straightened it and bumped it at the crown and gave myself a braided head band.

Of course I am wearing red because today we are recognizing heart disease for women which kills more women then all cancers combined according to GoRedForWomen.org.  Go to their website to learn more about it.  We need to all stick together and fight this horrible disease!

I love figuring out new ways to wear old clothes!  Share with me what you like to do with your old clothes too!

St. Patricks Day

St. Patty's day is suppose to be a religious holiday, and to some it still is, for others it is a time to relax party and find cute ideas to dress yourself up.  Heck, even in Chicago the river is dyed green to celebrate this festive occasion.  For me, whelp, it is another day to get creative with makeup colors I probably wouldn't wear any other time.  I love green and think it is a beautiful color, but it is hard to wear on a daily basis.

So, I decided to do a simple look that is easy for this occasion.  The video is below! 
Eyes

Kush - Urban Decay
Meteor Shower - Sephora
Money - Urban Decay
Uzi - Urban Decay
Algae - Hard Candy

Black Liquid eyeliner from Revlon
Smoulder Pencil Kohl liner from MAC
Benefit BadGal Lash in Black

I dusted a light peach to my cheeks and gave my lips a touch of nude.

Green Beers & Gold Coins!

Sephora Series I - Boho Bombshell!

So here is the final makeup look in my very first series! Boho Bombshell! These colors are so highly pigmented and beautiful!  Perfect for those who have more olive or deeper skin tones too!  I hope you all enjoyed the series and I look forward to creating more!

Here is the video!

Natural Victoria's Secret Inspired Makeup



This week for my Collab Channel my video was all about getting a natural look. The VS models are all naturally beautiful and their makeup only brightens and enhances that beauty. So for me this is what I do to, I guess you could say, enhance my beauty!

For My face I primed it with Jouer's Bronzed tinted moisturizer and then used Maybelline FitMe foundation (I'm 120). Then I contoured my face with NARS multiple in South Beach and Highlighted with NARS illuminator in Orgasm. I set both with a bronzer and a bronze cheek blush.

My new love is this MARK. Cosmetic line that I got through my Avon Rep. Stay tuned to my channel and blot for a review on the products. Here is the video! 

Trendy Tangerine w/a Splash of Lime

Runways this spring were filled with bright vibrant colors, including orange.  Orange is said to be the bold color of the season and we are seeing it on more and more celebs and models in each month of our fashion and beauty mags.  For me, the color scares me quite frankly and I am not sure I am ready to "wear" it just yet.  However, working with a little inspiration from a watch band I had, I found a way that can ease my way into the color.  This might help some of you, who prefer to stray from bold colors, try a little something new.

You can totally tone down this look too just by changing the lip color to more of a clear gloss and let your natural pink lips shine through. 

Optional Step is to prime your eyes with NYX’s Jumbo Eye Pencils in Lime and Milk


Shadows Used

Shimmery Soft Brown - Last row on the “warm side” of the Sephora Anniversary Palette, 3rd from the bottom
Tangerine - #48 form the A Nod to Mod Palette on the Sephora Color Play II
Lime Green – First row on the “cool side” of the Sephora Anniversary Palette, last color
Shimmery White

Finishing off the Eyes
Lime Eyeliner from CoverGirl Liquid Line Blast
Smoulder by MAC for lining the lower lash lines
Black cream liner – I used Sephora’s cream liners
Benefit BadGal Lash mascara

The rest of the Face!
Hot Pink blush – The one I used was from my A Nod to Mod Palette (Sephora Color Play II)
Pink Lipstick – Temptress from CoverGirl’s LipPerfection Line.

Here is the video! Enjoy & let me know if there is anything else you all want to see!

Sephora Series I - Classics Never Die

As the title of this second to last palette states, classics never die.  Classic colors have been used for numerous decades and it seems to be the same colors over and over again.  The only difference is the application.  This time I forgot to take pictures to add for more views so sorry about that, but here is the video!

Enjoy!

Hail to the Redskins!

Hail Victory!! Okay Okay, so we all know that football season is over, and that the Redskins totally blew this season.  Clinton Portis was let go and there is a chance for a lockout in the coming days.  But, they are still my team and it gave me a chance to explore with some colors that I probably wouldn't ever use.  For my cheeks I justed used a burgendy with gold undertones and on my lips is my new favorite lipstick CoverGirls, LipPerfection in Temptress!

Here is how to do the eyes!

Angelic Boudoir!-Spring is in the Air

Okay so A Nod to Mod might have been a little crazy for some people so....try on this Angeic Boudoir spring look...the colors look crazy at first but, I think this gives you a little color to play with without going too crazy! Check it out!

Here's the vid!

February Birchbox & January Review

So, I have been under the weather lately and haven't felt up to videos and blogging.  But I am starting to feel better.  Birchbox's were still a little later than usual again this month, but there was plenty of awesome stuff this month.  Watch below!

February's Contents



• Bare Escentuals, Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
• Befine, Exfoliating Brown Sugar Cleanser
• Nars, Orgasm Illuminator
• Pomega5, Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
• Sweetriot, Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs

January's Content Review

• Ahava, Dermud Intesive Nourishing Hand Cream - Full-size: 4.2 fl oz. $28
• Not worth it in my opinion, really didn't make a difference in my hands

• Dr. Dennis Gross, Alpha Beta Peel - Full-size: 10 applications $35
• LOVED!!! My Skin felt soooo awesome after this!

• myfaceworks, Sheet Mask - Full-size: 6 masks - $55
• AGAIN, I LOVED! Only pet peave...it was super cold! Totally worth it!
• Oscar Blandi, Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum - Full-size: 34 ml - $24
• Perfect for color treated hair that needs a boost! Leaves my hair feeling soft and shiny!

• Zhena's Gyspy Tea, Full-size 22 sachets - $7.99
• Co-workers absolutly fell in love with this tea.  They said it was the best they ever had!  If you like tea I say give it a try!

All of these prices and items listed above are based from birchbox.com.  Visit them to start getting your BB's every month!  & Again....I am not being paid by anyone for these reviews! xoxo, QN!

Series-Black is the new....BLACK!

Going out tonight? Need a look for a black tie affair. This look is so easy to tone down or up with the Black is the new Black palette from Sephora's Color Play Palette II. I love this night time look that is easy to achieve and accomplish!  Here is the look up close:

& here is where you can learn how to get it!

Check It!

OMG! I am totally in love with this manicure - & pedicure if you are lucky - all thanks to Sally Hansen's newest product, Salon Effects Nail Strips! If you haven't seen these then you need to RUN to your local Walmart or Drug store and get them!  They have all different styles!!!

They cost about $8.50 @ Walmart and are suppose to last for at least 10 days.  Mine leopard print ones lasted for over two weeks.  I also saved the extra's to do my toes!

The only negatives to this is 1) it is possible to get a bad batch.  My BF did and they didn't work when she tried to put them on!  BOO! Click Here to Check out her Blog! && 2) They are hard as HECK to get off.  Be prepared to be scrubbing a lot longer than usual!

Okay so here is the nitty gritty.  Check it!

Need A New Look?!?!

Here is a fun look to spice up your everyday eye routine! Instead of the boring, every day smokes try this awesome Yellow & Purple look that isn’t too heavy!

EYES
Gorgeous Gold by MAC
Moxie by Stila
Crème de Violet by MAC
Kitten by Stila
Sugar Plum Walk the line eyeliner by Hard Candy
Smolder Eye Kohl Pencil by MAC

FACE
Peach blush by Maybelline
Spice lip pencil by MAC
Viva Glam V lip luster by MAC
Viva Glam V lip glass by MAC

Hope you love it!!

Make-Up for Beginners Part I-How to Use your Essentials!

Here is your video on how to apply the essentials I told you, you would need in a previous post. CLICK HERE to see the post.
The green concealer I am using for covering my redness & blemishes is the Physicians Formula Concealer Duo; you can get this at any drug store.

The yellow concealer I am using to fix my under eye circles is Cover Girl concealer stick.

The foundation I am using for all over my face is Almay Smart Shade in light/medium.

The concealer for touch ups is my Boi-ing by Benefit.- The powder I used is Maybelline Mineral Powder.

Blush was Maybelline Mineral Powder in Peach.

Mascara was my Benefit Bad Gal Lash.

Birchbox Haul & Review-January

Birchbox's were sent extremely late this month....BOOO! But they have finally arrived so here is the video. Below the video is the details (size & price of the products) and the review of Decembers products!


January's contents

• Ahava, Dermud Intensive Nourishing Hand Cream, Full Size: 4.2 fl oz - $28
• Dr. Dennis Gross, Alpha Beta Peel, Full Size: 10 applications - $35
• myfaceworks, Sheet Mask, Full Size: 6 masks - $55
• Oscar Blandi, Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum, Full Size: 34ml - $24
• Zhena's Gypsy Tea, Coconut Chai Black Tea, Full Size: 22 sachets - $7.99

December Review

• Blow, Heat is On Protective Styling Mist, Full Size: 8.5 fl oz - $18
• I LOVE THIS!  This has proctected my hair for heat and damage and keeps it shiny and healthy!
• Jouer, Luminizing Moisture Tint, Full Size: 1.7 oz - $38
• I LOVE THIS!  This product I was weary of at first but quickly fell in love with it.  It gives my face a natural glow which is nice during the winter!  It comes in 5 shades to match your skin tone!
• Stila, Lip Glaze in Kitten, Full Size: .08 oz - $22
• This is Okay.  For the price I am not sure if it is even worth it.  I don't like the color, although Kitten is my all time fav shade for eyeshadows by Stila.  I don't really like it as a lip shade.  Also, the gloss is super sticky and doesn't last.
• Serge Luetens, L'Eau Fragrance, Full Size: 50 ml - $105
• This is also Okay.  Yes the scent is fresh and lovely <--even though I don't care for perfumes but I will never spend that amount on a perfume.  This is just my opinion. 

Here is Birchbox's website where you can sign up if you are interested.
P.S. I am not being paid by Birchbox or any of the companies mentioned in this post for the reviews of these products. I am simply just running my mouth! ;o)

How to: Winged Eyeliner

Hi Everyone!  So, I received a request on how to do winged eyeliner.  Here is a quick and easy to follow tutorial on how to achieve it.  Remember - IT TAKES PRACTICE! Lots & Lots of PRACTICE.

It maybe helpful to use liquid eyeliner first to practice the "winged" shape you want.  Then using the right kind of tools you will be able to use gel liner for a smoother winged eye!

Hope you all enjoy! Flying Off!

Ruby Pumps!

Hi All!  I wanted to shout out to my BFF TinaMarie1884 who gave me this awesome nail polish for Christmas!

I don't think this picture does the color justice however, it is China Glaze's Ruby Pumps.  I looks like the took the color straight from Dorothy's shoes and bottled it up in to this AHHHMAZING nail polish for me to enjoy. 

I don't like the way the nail polish looks all by itself so I try to make up my own little nail art to jazz it up a bit.  Here is the tutorial on how to get this extremely easy look!

What you will need:

• Any nail polish color of your choice (I chose my Ruby Pumps!)
• Q-Tips for corrections
• Black & White Nail Art Colors (or actually any color your want) I used Kiss Nail Art --These have the perfect brushes to make thin lines
• Top Coat- I used Sally Hansen Acrylic Top Coat

 Happy Painting!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

Hi Everyone!  If you are still in need of a hot look for the evening, that I have one that is just for you! 

O.K. O.K so this is a goofy picture of me.  But I took so many and they all kind of stunk!!!!  And I had the fam constantly interrupting me during the make of this video.

Anywho, here is the information on all the colors I used to achieve this bright fun look!

• Hard Candy Eye Def in Sprinkles
• Stila's Moxie
• A Pinkle Color for my Sephora Color Play I Palette<---I am totally coining the phrase (you need to watch the video to understand!
• MAC's Creme de violet
• Hard Candy Walk the Line eyeliner in Suger Plum
• Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliner in Ransom
• A Posy Pink blush
• MAC's Viva Glam LipGlass

This was super fun to do enjoy the video!

Make-Up for Beginners Part I

Okay so if you are a newbie or someone who hasn't worn make up in a good long while (mom!) here is what you will need:

Green Correction Stick (they don't always come in sticks but they are always green)-This will cover all your redness

Yellow Correction Stick (again, not always in the form of a stick but are always yellow)-This will cover your dark under eye circles

Concealer-This will cover any flaws your foundation and your corrector sticks couldn't cover that well.  Make sure you either get your skin tone or a shade lighter.  If you get a shade lighter this would be for the purpose of putting in on prior to your foundation.  If you get your exact skin tone you can use this after your foundation.

The green and yellow sticks and the concealers are not something you may need to use everyday, but it is good to keep on hand when you do need it.

Liquid foundation-This will go all over your face to give you skin an even finish

Powder foundation-This is to set your liquid foundation (plus it is a good backup for extra coverage over your concealer)

Blush-Start with natural colors to play with this will give you a natural look and make you not look so flushed with foundation only

Mascara-Use this to give your lashes a little taste of make up!  The best drug store brand is the L'Oreal double extend!!  Love this stuff!

Check out the video!

Dirty Smoky Sexy Look

Here is a great look to where for any occasion, whether it be work, school, or out to the store. Here is all of the information on the products used:

EYES:

UD <3 NYC Palette (Urban Decay):

• Midnight Cowboy Rides Again
• Maui Wowie
• Snatch
• Suspect
• Smog

Maybelline New York Stylish Smokes

• Emerald Smokes

L'Oreal Paris Bright Eyes Duo

• Brazen

Benefit Bad Gal Mascara

Cheeks:

Nars Multiple in South Beach

Lips:

• Prestige in Cameo
• Maybelline in Sweet Ginger
• Hard Candy Visibly Wet in Beauty

Here's the video! ENJOY!