Favorite Music Friday: Baz Luhrmann

With only two weeks remaining in my academic career, I am feeling a roller coaster of emotions. I go from stressed to scared to happy to nervous all within a span of an hour. I don't think I'll be able to truly realize my accomplishment until I turn in my last final. I'm getting closer and closer, but I've still got a TON of work to do. Therefore, this week's post will be sweet and short...

This speech was originally written by Mary Schmich as a newspaper column in the Chicago Tribune in 1997. She described the essay as the commencement speech she would give if she was asked to give one. Baz Luhrmann, the director of Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, and the upcoming The Great Gatsby, used the essay in its entirety for his album Something for Everybody. The spoken word essay, narrated by Lee Perry, is remixed with a song sang by Quindon Tarver from the movie Romeo + Juliet (it's the song during the amazing wedding scene!).

I can't even explain how inspirational this speech is to me. It reminds me of what is important in life, to stop stressing over the silly things, and to take a step back and realize my life is my own. Listen to the entire thing. You will feel your spirit pick up and feel an inner calmness and level headedness come upon you. Trust me.

Take care and happy friday!

Bloglovin'

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I've joined Bloglovin'.
One more way that you can stay up-to-date with the petites joies that are finding their way to me.

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Birchbox: April 2012

This month my box came an entire week and half later than it had been since Birchbox switched to UPS-MI! Even my tracking code would not work until a few days ago. I was getting a little impatient since I vowed not to peak at the website before my box came. I loved having my box be a complete surprise (okay, okay, I sort of half peaked, but I only saw two products before I closed the window). From now on I'm going to promise to myself to not peak. It makes it so much more fun and rewarding.

Don't know what Birchbox is?
Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that delivers a little, heavenly box of premium beauty samples to your doorstep. Each month you will receive 4-5 samples (sometimes even full-sized products) and generally a goodie (energy booster, granola bar, etc). The samples range from make-up, polishes, skincare, body, hair, and fragrances. All from luxury, quality brands. Every month is a surprise, but the samples picked for you are based on a survey you fill out letting the gals know your style and skin-type. Birchbox costs just $10 a month, and your box will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Birchbox.

April 2012, Box #20
Birchbox was inspired by the upcoming Earth Day (4/22) for April's box. The box is filled with fresh products that take inspiration from the world around. They state in the card that the products will get us excited to take on everything from garden parties to spring cleaning. I'm not entirely impressed with their interpretation of the theme. I wouldn't consider an alcohol based fragrance anywhere near being wholesome or environmentally friendly. But the other brands I received are committed to using natural products, environmentally friendly practices, and are cruelty-free. So they got it mostly right.

Information Cards:

Products:
Willa: Clear Face Moisturizer
This healing cream is made with aloe, mango extract, and eucalyptus to balance moisture levels without clogging your pores.
Full Size: 1.0oz ($11.50)
Size Received: 0.5oz ($5.75)
It was interesting to read that this small startup company had to deal with big bully, Procter & Gamble, suing them. PG sued Willa because their name is too similar to PG's own Wella line. Willa skincare was started by Christy Prunier when she and her daughter (Willa) realized there wasn't any natural skincare options for preteen girls. It seems only natural to call the skincare line Willa, luckily in October the two companies settled and they won the rights to keep the name! Apparently it cost Willa almost a million dollars in legal fees to keep the name. I applaud them for taking on the powerhouse and beating them at their own game!
Now to the sample!  All Willa products are free of all nasty chemicals and are cruelty-free. As already mentioned, the line was developed by girls for girls. But moms keep stealing the products for themselves, which is why Birchbox picked these products up! The first thing that I noticed about this moisturizer is that it has a serum-like, runny consistency. It truly does absorb on contact and doesn't make my face feel greasy at all. Aloe soothes irritated skin and reduces redness, eucalyptus balances out skin tone, and mango gives skin a shot of Vitamin C to help brighten and reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes. I absolutely loved this moisturizer. I used 3 pumps of it for my entire face and it really did dry in seconds. After a long day my skin is still hydrated and I noticed that my redness has stayed away all day. The fact that this moisturizer is only $11.50 makes it an amazing contender for a summer moisturizer. Adore!

Benta Berry: G-1 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
Overhaul your skin with this Parisian brand's creamy exfoliator, which has finely ground apricot seeds to sweep away dead cells.
Full Size: 1.0oz ($16.00)
Size Received: 0.1oz ($1.60)
Benta Berry is a French natural and cruelty-free skincare company that also focuses on young skin (12-24 years). When I saw apricots in the description I was expecting St Ive's thick, heavy formula with giant amounts of ground up apricot. But as advertised the apricot seeds are VERY finely ground. You can still feel and see them, but just barely. The liquid is nice and liquidy rather than thick which I like in a cleanser. It has burdock, jasmine, and mandarine to help control oil and purify skin. The exfoliant supposedly has a mattifying effect which is awesome. During the humid, summers, I can't have enough products that help keep my face shine-free! I absolutely adore the fragrance too, it smells like blueberries and clean flowers. I wish I had a lotion in this scent! I'll use this tomorrow and see how it works. The sample is probably enough for just two uses.

Taylor Swift: Wonderstruck
The pop-country songstress' scent is as catchy as her lyrics. We think it's worthy of a standing gig in our vanity.
Full Size: 3.4oz ($59.50)
Size Received: 0.04oz ($0.70)
This perfume reminds me a lot of Viva la Juicy. It may be because they are both sparkling fruity-florals with base notes of amber and musk. Wonderstruck's top notes are raspberry, dewberry, green tea, freesia, and apple blossom. The raspberry makes this note special and the others make it sparking and fresh. It mellows out pretty quickly to the middle notes of vanilla, white hibiscus, and honeysuckle. And at the base is amber, musk, peach, and sandalwood. The peach is actually a really nice addition, it calms the musk and amber down a notch. It is a nice fragrance.  But I don't think it is anything special. I can see a younger girl loving this perfume. It is very youthful. But I don't see myself ever buying this for myself especially since the parent company (Elizabeth Arden) still tests on animals.

Alima Pure: Organic Nourishing Lipbalm in Rhubarb
Both wholesome and chic, this tinted balm is made with plant butters and delivers a natural flush of color. 
Full Size: 0.07oz ($7.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.07oz ($7.00)
My March Goodebox introduced me to this company and I've already purchased a full-size of their mineral bronzer. I love the philosophy of the company: they are certified safe and natural, are cruelty-free, and have many programs set up to help the environment. All of their products are vegan, except the lipbalms do have beeswax. We all know that I do use bee products when they are from companies like Alima that ensure the safety of the colonies. The size of the lipbalm head is similar to Softlips, very teeny. I need to apply it a few times over my lips to get full coverage. But the lipbalm itself is amazing. Rhubarb is a sweet, pink blush color that just adds a pop of color to my lips with a gorgeous sheen. Plus it has sweet almond oil to reduce fine lines and peppermint oil that leaves a refreshing tingle. The product reminds me of my beloved Alba's TerraTint Lipbalm in Bloom which also has SPF 8. TerraTints has better pigmentation and is cheaper, but Alima's formula has a more even application. Either way a great addition to my box!

Le Palais des Thés: Tea Bags in Thé des Alizés and Thé du Hammam
Little known fact: the French take teatime just as seriously as their coffee breaks - as evidenced by these sophisticated Parisian green tea blends.
Full Size: 20 bags ($12.50)
Size Received: 2 bags($1.25)
I love tea and currently have a sore throat, so this is the best lifestyle extra for me! The Thé des Alizés makes me want to drool. It is a green tea blend laced with white peach, watermelon, and kiwi. Does that not sound divine!? The Thé du Hammam is a Chinese green tea with rose petals, green dates, and orange flower water. I'm not sure I'll like this one as much, but it may still be delicious. The teas can be served hot or cold and have a small amount of caffeine. I've now tried both of them and let me tell you they are delicious. Although I would recommend using smaller coffee cups. I used them with my giant Amy's and they were very diluted, no matter how long I steeped. But I can imagine they would be packed full of the flavors if only an 8oz serving. The price is a bit steep for 20 bags but they may be nice to have as a luxurious treat.

Total value of my April 2012 box:$16.30

Not the best valued box I've received from Birchbox, but not terrible. As long as I like the products I received I'm okay with a lower value. And I have to say I am satisfied, there are a ton of great products that are AFFORDABLE! To me that beats out having a box worth a ton of money. I love that two of my products are geared toward younger skin and our troubles. Plus all of the beauty brands (aside from the fragrance) are from natural, cruelty-free brands. I don't get why the fragrance is considered earthy/natural when it comes from a company whose parent tests on animals and uses so many chemicals. It would have been nice to see a fragrance from say Pacifica or Lavanila. 

What do you think of my April Birchbox? How does my box compare to yours? Let me know in the comments below!

If you don't get Birchbox, click here to join! 

school

Friends. Im sorry to say that the next three weeks I will be posting very sparsely. I'm finishing up the last few weeks of my graduate school career. My last weeks of school...ever! They will be quite trying though. Over 66% of ALL of my assignments this semester have not been turned in. I have 10 massive assignments/papers/projects/labs to complete. Im living and breathing science!

I swear once I take my last final on May 9th I will return here with full force. I have so many new products and reviews to share with you!

Until then I'll just be posting my subscription boxes as they come and Favorite Music Friday picks.

Like my facebook page or follow me on Google Friends so that you will be the first to know when new posts are up!

Good luck to all the other students out there! We will make it through! And don't forget to breathe and enjoy the spring weather!

MyGlam: April 2012

Before I received my April bag I decided to cancel MyGlam. I found out that the MyGlam representative that assured me that the crease brush from the MyGlam March bag was synthetic. After someone mentioned I should do a flame test (burning animal hair has a distinct smell and will singe, whereas synthetic will smell like plastic and ball up), and it has the exact characteristics as animal hair. Im quite horrified as I not only used the brush, but I told everyone here that the brush was synthetic. I update the older post to reflect correctly. This month MyGlam has clearly labeled their brushes as one being synthetic and the other being from pony hair. But I am not spending my hard earned money on a company that does not value me and my concerns. Goodbye MyGlam...

Don't know what MyGlam is? MyGlam is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers premium beauty samples to your door. The creator of MyGlam, Michelle Phan, is a YouTube beauty expert that wants to share her favorite items with the world. The bags are delivered in the cutest reusable beauty bags. Once you join you will take a beauty/preference quiz that will help the girls choose the best products for you. The products range from beauty, skincare, hair, body, nails, and more. Every month you should also expect to receive full-sized products. MyGlam costs $10 a month, and your bag will always be valued above!
Click here to join MyGlam.

April 2012, Girls Night Out
This month MyGlam revealed EVERY single product in the bag the week before they shipped. Most of the previews were so obvious that even if you wanted to avoid them, you couldnt. We all sort of hoped that there would be more products in the bag than they showed but no such luck.

This month the theme was Girl's Night Out. On facebook they had said the month would be filled with glamorous products. I'm not sure if they delivered. Honestly it is one of their better bags, but they have yet to wow me like Beauty Army or Birchbox has.

Information Card:

Products:
DermStore: Lip Quench
Using a blend of nourishing oils, this treatment softens and smooths lips. 
Full Size: 0.21oz ($12.00)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.21oz ($12.00)
This lip gloss is formulated with Maxi-Lip to give thin, dry lips a fuller, smoother hydrated appearance. Looking at the ingredients I was a bit worried since there are so many ingredients that look iffy. But most of these ingredients are always synthetic or plant based. The ones that may possibly be an animal source are: Ceramide-3, Tribehenin, and Propylparaben. It does have beeswax if that concerns you. I will contact DermStore to ensure that they are plant-based. Most companies seem to use synthetic versions of these ingredients, but it is better to be safe and sound. Although in the mean time I did try this out (Im not perfect!). It really is thick but that means you only need a little. It's pink in color, but sheer on your lips. I found that it lasted for hours and hours. It wasn't overly sticky and added just a slight sheen. I have to say Im not the biggest fan of the fragrance, it smells chemically and the taste gets stuck in my mouth. I wasn't too excited about this product since Im receiving it as a free gift for my purchase on the DermStore website (used my $25 off coupon from MyGlam). Seems fishy that we got it the same month that it is a gift with purchase.
What I did just notice is that MyGlam is offering $15 off your purchase of $30 or more on Dermstore.com using the promo code: April15. I've purchased now twice from them and have not been happier. On top of free products: speedy, free shipping; a wide range of products; free samples in the box; and I got a free magazine subscription both times I purchased (Health for me and Better Homes and Garden for my aunt).

All-Belle: False Lashes in Red Wedding A2822

Accentuate your eyes for any occassion with these gorgeous faux lashes.

Full Size: 1 pair of lashes ($8.50)

Size Received: Full-size! 1 pair of lashes ($8.50)

Having never, ever worn false lashes Im curious about these. The pair that I received are the most natural looking of the pairs that MyGlam has posted on their website. I'm happy about that. I already have pretty full lashes, but who knows maybe these will make me look extra special. I plan on trying these out a few days before graduation and if I like how they look I'll wear them to my ceremony. It is odd to me that the lashes vary in length, but I won't know what that looks like until I try them on. These did come with a bottle of lash glue, which is great since Id be less inclined to try them if I had to buy glue. My only issue is that the entire box is written in what I think is Chinese! That is real helpful... MyGlam should have included a translation card. What if the box tells me important allergen information!? I'd have no idea. I'll have to look up a tutorial to help me apply these. 

Urban Decay: 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Junkie
Create your unique eye look with these creamy glide on pencils in the latest colors. Built to last 24/7.
Full Size: 0.04oz ($19.00)
Size Received:0.03oz ($14.25)
We all know I love me some Urban Decay!! I haven't tried their eye pencils yet, but based on how much I love the shadow pencil I knew this was going to be love at first sight. I was pleasantly surprised that I received Junkie. Actually, beyond ecstatic, it was the color I wanted to receive! Junkie is not available for full-size purchase, but is available in a trave-size set of 5 colors (Electric). Junkie is a blue/green with tons of sparkle. The sparkles are pinkish and silver. The color is perfect for my eyes that range from blue to grey to green depending on what I am wearing. It definitely brings out the green in my eyes. Plus, just like the shadow pencil this glides on so easily and lasts all day long without a smudge! I adore this pencil already! I like that I can wear it any old day and with any shadow color. Definitely the best product I've received ever from MyGlam.

MyGlam: All-Over Eyeshadow Brush and Eyeliner Brush

Handpicked by Michelle, enjoy two additional signature pink brushes to ad to your exclusive myglam collection. 

The brushes that caused me to cancel. On the MyGlam website there is more information about the brushes and it clearly states that the all-over eyeshadow brush is made from pony hair. The angled eyeliner brush is synthetic and made from nylon. Someone had posted on makeuptalk that they thought the crease brush was made of animal hair as well and I informed them what the MyGlam rep told me. That's when someone mentioned to me about the flame test, which the crease brush failed. The crease brush is from an animal source. I was so upset that the representative misinformed me. I've been using it all month thinking it was cruelty-free. At this point I feel guilty throwing out a brush that an animal may have died for. So instead I hope one of my close friends will take both the crease and all-over eyeshadow brush off my hands. 

That being said before I use the nylon brush, Im going to take it to the lab to look at it under a microscope. The fibers are too well packed in to pluck one out for a flame test. I'll be at the lab all day tomorrow working on a ton of schoolwork, so this will be a fun break from looking at fibers. I'll report back with the results. And maybe Ill get a chance to take a photo of what I see :) The brush it self is nice and soft, it is sturdy, and seems like it will be a great brush. Let's just hope it doesn't have scales!

Total Value of my April MyGlam bag: $34.75 + (brushes)
I'm fine with the value, but I think it is cheap of MyGlam to have 2 brushes in one bag. Whole-sale brushes are obviously easily to obtain than an actual brand name sample. It would have been nice to get at least one more sample. Although to be fair, the products we did get this month were good sized. MyGlam may have gotten better (this is my favorite bag), I don't think they deserve my money. I plan on writing to MyGlam to inform them of their mistake and hope that in the future they will properly educate their staff on the ingredients and source of their products. If MyGlam continues to move in a better direction I may decide to resubscribe, but for the time being I do not regret my decision at all.

What do you think of the April MyGlam? Have you canceled? Let me know in the comments below! If you dont get MyGlam and are interested, click here to join!