Favorite Music Friday: Delilah

Delilah has been on my radar for a short amount of time, but I cannot get enough of her sound.

Deliliah, aka Paloma Stoecker, is a 19 year old London native. Delilah's been around music all her life as both of her parents were involved with the UK music scene in their days. Her sound is quite unique, but she likes to incorporate soulful lyrics and beats with elements from dance music. Think Roisin Murphy meets Massive Attack meets Katy B.

Her debut album From the Roots Up is set to debut March 26th 2012. Until then, Delilah has a free mixtape available for download on her website. Click here to download her 8-track mixtape ' 2-4am' for free!

Here's a taste of Delilah. The official music video for her single 'Love You So.'

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

MyGlam: February 2012

I was  expecting my MyGlam bag this Saturday but it was already at my doorstep Thursday afternoon. A nice surprise since Im home from work feeling crummy. MyGlam listened to customer complaints and this month switched over to UPS Innovations and sent East Coast bags first. I love that they actually listen to our feedback. It gives me hope that every month will be an improvement.

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.

February 2012, Valentine's Day Bag

The February theme was loosely based on Valentine's Day and special moments. Adding extra sparkle for a big date or a girl's night and unleashing your inner bombshell. Im in love with this month's makeup bag. I know I wont be able to keep all of them, but they will make perfect bags for gift giving. Although, I wasn't as excited about what I found inside the bag. Lots of paper and a few too many small, teensy samples. Plus, chocolates I can't eat. I'm giving MyGlam one more month to see if they can knock it out of the park like the December bag.

Information Card:

This month no pricing information was printed on the info card, wonder if it was because of the goofs last month.


Products:
Freeman: Facial Hydration Mask in Goji Berry
Turn your date night prep-time into a soothing spa experience with easy-to-use skin-perfecting masks. 
Full Size:6 oz ($3.99)
Size Received:0.5 oz ($0.33)
This is my third Freeman product in two months. I received two now from MyGlam and one from Beauty Army. After using my Freeman Cucumber Peel Mask a few times I haven't been too impressed. I love the feeling of peeling it off, but barely does anything for my skin. This month I received the Goji Berry hydrating mask which helps to restore healthy skin tone and improves moisture retention. Soothes and hydrates creating supple, soft skin. This will be a good mask to try out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. My skin is beat from the constant weather changes of DC. So we shall see.

X Out: Shine Control
Stay flawless and shine free with this oil-free moisturizer with a mattifying complex.
Full Size:? oz ($?)
Size Received:0.75 oz ($~5.00)
Oh boy, another Guthy-Renker product. That makes 3 in the last two months from MyGlam. This product is made by Proactive. Shine Control keeps skin hydrated, healthy-looking, and shine-free. I'm actually intrigued by this product. It would have been great to get in a summer bag when my forehead and nose are glistening like a mirror. It has a translucent, creamy texture that really does dry matte. And it absorbed quickly, which I loved. The skin I tried it out on is silky smooth. What Im not too excited about is that this is one of those proactive free gifts you get when you sign up for a month of their acne treatment. So the only way to get this is to buy the X Out Wash-In Acne Treatment. The website doesn't specify what the full-size is or its monetary value alone. Only that the 30-day supply for both products is 19.95. Im just assuming it has a lower value than the acne treatment itself.

NYX: Roll On Shimmer in Onyx
NYX's brand new, intensely rich, shimmering powder that can be applied to the eyes, face, and body.
Full Size: 0.052 oz ($4.50)
Size Received: Full-size! 0.052 oz ($4.50)
The container has a roller ball tip that rolls out the loose powder pigment and glitter. It feels like it applies moist, but who knows. The color I received is Onyx, a charcoal black with silver colored glitter. Im not too excited about this color because I dont see how this product is versatile. Yes, maybe I can wear this on my eyes. But my face and body? Maybe halloween? But speaking generally about the product, although there is great pigmentation and sparkle, it wears off easily. No matter how long you wait for the product to 'set in' the glitter gets everywhere and I easily rubbed off the pigmentation too. I can only see it creasing terribly and getting black glitter all over my face. No bueno.
Included 30% NYX Roll on Shimmer coupon code (GLAMMENYX)

Premier: Dead Sea Cinderella Mask
Luxury skincare rich in life-enhancing minerals from the Dead Sea waters.
Full Size: 2.04 oz ($149)($20.73 on amazon)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($5.11)($0.71)
The mask which is also called the Instant Stretching & Revitalizing (Lifting) Mask is packed full of essential oils and other natural ingredients, plus mud from the Dead Sea. It has a lifting or reviving effect within the 5-10 minutes you wear it. The mask stimulates the metabolism of skin refreshing tired skin and reducing wrinkles. It says it will last 3 days. It is called the Cinderella Mask because it works miracles. Use on clean skin and massage mask into face and neck, wait 5-10 minutes and rinse off. I'm actually excited about this. Especially since it is a reasonable price on amazon. My life is hectic and generally sleep and relaxation are the last thing on my list of things to do. This may be my miracle worker!

Premier: Concentrated Facial Serum w/vitamin E and C
Luxury skincare rich in life-enhancing minerals from the Dead Sea waters
Full Size: 1.7 oz ($149)($28.18 on amazon)
Size Received: 0.07 oz ($6.14)($1.16)
I also received a second sample from Premier not listed on the information card. The serum is suposed to provide an invisible veil of support for skin. It lifts, tightens, and nourishes skin improving texture and appearance of fine lines. It promises a lot. But Im intrigued to try it. It says to apply to a clean face, and massage into skin with upward strokes, and moisturizer should be applied after the serum has been absorbed. The product has many positive reviews on amazon. Who knows maybe this will help with the few fine lines I have.
Included is a information card letting you know if you like Premier on facebook you can enter to win $100 shopping spree.  And a coupon code for 50% your entire purchase on their website (MYGLAM).
WORD OF CAUTION! I found both Premier products on amazon for less than $25. That is a huge difference from what the website is charging. If you like this product buy from amazon!

NuMe: $100 Gift Card
Enjoy $100 towards NuMe's products. Hair tools that will revolutionize your everyday look.
Although a generous coupon code, Im not rushing to order. NuMe products are extremely expensive, think a straightener for $300. And the coupon is only for styling tools not hair care or accessories. I dont straighten my hair often and am happy with my Conair blow dryer. Plus, there is currently (as of 2/16/12) a NuMe Haute Look event where some straighteners and blow dryers are under $100. But I have until August 31st, 2012 to decide if I do want to use it or give it to a friend. Who knows, maybe I'll want a mini straightener for travel? Either way it is generous.

Ghiradelli: 2 Chocolate SQUARES
Dear Glammies, Here's a sweet surprise with love from San Francisco! Enjoy these decadent delights!
Full Size: 12 squares ($3.75)
Size Received: 2 squares ($0.63)
Two Ghiradelli squares, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate. A cute extra, although I can't eat either. It always sucks getting dark chocolate that has milk fat in it. I swear it would taste just as good if you didn't add the milk fat. What about vanilla? I gave the chocolate's to my roommate who could enjoy them.

Total Value of my February 2012 MyGlam bag: ~$12.33 (without including $100 coupon code)
Not entirely impressed. Again little samples. Skin care and masks galore. Liked last month's better.

What did you think of my bag? What was your favorite product this month? If you dont get Myglam, click here to join! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Another subscription service! (Beauty Box 5) + BOGO Promo Code

Although Im trying to save money, I couldn't help myself. Beauty Box 5 is a new subscription service that I just signed up for. They ship to both the US and Canada. The boxes are $12 a month and promise a mixture of 4-5 packet samples, deluxe samples, and a full-sized product. Brands are expected to vary from luxury high-end, department store brands, and anything in-between. The samples chosen are based off of a short profile, but it looks like the first few months all products will be the same.

I used code: BOGO5 and got one month free! I figured if Im only paying $6 for the first two months, doesnt hurt to try it out. Plus, they already have a referral system set up. For every 5 friends, you get 1 month free! Use my referral link to sign up for your first box. (Reported as of 3/1 the BOGO5 no longer is valid)

Sign up by Tuesday February 14th and you'll get the February box which ships out on the 15th!

Im excited to review this new company, I love their website, and they have a very active facebook page, so we shall see!

Beauty Army: February 2012

The second month for the new beauty subscription service Beauty Army. I got notified on Feb 1st that I was able to make my next sample selection, exactly one month from the date I signed up. I rushed and looked at what was chosen for me. At first I was a little disappointed, there were so many skin products and a few repeat brands from the month before. I remembered that I could retake the quiz to get a different selection. I ended up taking it a good number of times until I was happier with my selection. I hope in the future months there will be more varied product types and companies. (hint, hint!) Plus, I saw other kits from later in january that had many of the 'new' products that I picked for february. So I guess I feel like I got leftovers instead of new and exciting things.

Don't know what Beauty Army is? Beauty Army is a once a month beauty subscription service that delivers a GORGEOUS kit of premium beauty samples to your door. So how is it different from any of the other services out there? Well you get to CHOOSE your samples. Each month based on your preferences (long, thoughtful style quiz that can be changed at any time) you will receive 9 products to choose from. From those you get to pick 6. The products this month ranged from beauty, skincare, hair, body, and more. Some of the products you can choose from are full-size items. Beauty Army costs $12 a month, and your kit will always be valued way above!
Click here to join Beauty Army.

February 2012
Last month I had commented that many of my products were unwrapped and rolling around the box when I got it. Well, this mont they were all neatly and tightly package, so it looks like they do listen! I was also concerned about the boxes, but they are such good quality and so easy to flip open that I've already repurposed both of mine. Yes, even the one I just got. One holds my favorite nail polishes and the new box will be for my growing eyeshadow collection. 

Information Card:

Products:
LIFTLAB: Lift & Firm Eye Cream
This intensive eye cream is designed to specifically target crow's feet, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, and sagginess of the delicate skin around your eyes. With active ingredients proven to fight aging, this serum will protect and drastically improve skin.

Full Size: .50 oz ($95)

Size Received: 0.17 oz ($32.30)

A teensy bit of this product leaked out of the packaging. The container is oily and left a stain on my white paper when I was taking it's photo. But it was so neatly wrapped that it didn't get on anything else in the box. I'm familiar with the LIFTLAB brand, I received a sample from a Bircbox months ago. It was a wrinkle serum, but I'm not sure if it worked or not. I have so few wrinkles since Im so young. The only wrinkles I have are scowl wrinkles from concentrating. And it didn't really work on those. But what I do have is dark circles like nobody's business. I cannot wait to try this product! The LIFTLAB website says to apply morning and at night after moisturizing by gently patting the product. We shall see. I've been using this pretty regularly for the past few weeks and not sure if I like this. The sample is very generous, but the formula does not absorb on my skin. Just sits there and then balls up when I touch my skin. It does cool my skin down, but Im not sure if I see any improvement on my dark circles or wrinkles. Ill keep using it though and hope that it just takes awhile to see results.

myface cosmetics: Blingtone Eyeshadow in purple haze
Create a wicked wash of colour and dramatic, wet-looking shine. Blingtone eyeshadows glide on smoothly and wont drop or flake.

Full Size: 0.09 oz ($20.00)

Size Received: Full-size! 0.09 oz ($20.00)

Recognize this product? This is an exact repeat from last month, just a different color. I liked my Sp'ice'y brown eyeshadow, so I figured why not a purple. It has a lot of pink undertones that I really like. The glitter/sparkle is again out of control. With this shade, a little too much. I currently am rocking sparkles on my cardigan, jeans, camera case, keyboard, mouse pad, anything I've touched in the last hour! Im going to only ever apply this one wet with thick primer to hopes to avoid the sparkle attack. But either way the color is gorgeous and once I get it on my eyes I'll love how the sparkle lights up my eyes. I get so many compliments when I wear the brown shade.

Control Corrective: Botanical Soothing Cream
This soothing, calming, and hydrating moisturizer really does it all! With vitamin E, A, and aloe vera hard at work to control redness and SPF to protect from the sun, your skin will look redness free today and tomorrow.

Full Size: 2.5 oz ($48)

Size Received: 0.1 oz ($1.92)

Well this is a very small sample. Probably only enough for a use or two. Im actually really excited about this cream. Normally Im all oh Cetaphil moisturizing cream lovey dovey but I have a major issue with spot redness on my face that make-up never fully covers up. I blame it all on accutane, my skin never fully recovered from the intense medication. I hope that this cream does what it says and I see a miracle happen with the little bit of sample I have. If it works I'm buying the full size. Again, I'll let you all know.
eta: no luck with the two day sample I had. But even if it did I hated the smell! It smelled like candy cigarettes...

StriVectin: StriVectin-SD Concentrate
This leading wrinkle and stretch mark fighter has a new and improved formula to reduce those pesky skin imperfections while improving the look and feel of skin overall. Try it out to see clinically-proven results quickly.

Full Size: 5 oz ($135)

Size Received: 0.75 oz ($20.25)

This product was apparently discovered in skin cancer prevention research to help rebuild skin layers. It is also backed with clinical research, ooh ahh. The sample is a 3 week sample, pretty awesome. Im glad they gave you so much, because sometimes it does take a few weeks to see improvements. It says to apply twice a day, AM and PM on clean skin. I've heard some amazing things about this product. Every girl has a few stretch marks or wrinkles. I'm going to take this for a spin.
eta: I kind of think it is working making my stretch marks less noticeable. But after a few weeks they are still there, just semi-faded. I'm almost out, but I wouldn't rebuy this unless I found it massively marked down. I have seen the full-size at Marshalls and TJ Maxx for ~$40-50, but still don't think I would buy it for that price.

CellCeuticals: CellGenesis Regenerative Skin Treatment

With a new breakthrough formula, CellGenesis encourages the regeneration of new skin, encouraging a more visibly youthful and glowing complexion. This treatment reduces wrinkles, firms AND tones, showing off more radiant skin.

Full Size: 1 oz ($85)

Size Received: 0.33 oz ($28.05)

See a trend? Wrinkle and firming products were all the rage this month. At least this one also makes your skin glow. I've heard some people buzzing about this product. Apparently it was created by the doctor that fixed Bruce Jenner's hack job. Apparently they guarantee results within two weeks. Im always so skeptical of these types of products. I'll let you know what I think.

Freeman Beauty: Pssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo
The original dry shampoo to refresh and rejuvinate hair by soaking up excess oil, removing product build-up and boosting volume. Hair looks, feels and smells freshly shampooed. Cleans, deodorizes and conditions hair-without water!

Full Size: 5.3 oz ($6.99)

Size Received: 1.76 oz ($2.32)

Is it silly that this is the product I am most excited about? I love when products are cheap enough that I can afford to buy if I love it. As a graduate student, I have many late nights or days where taking a shower eats too much time. I used to use baby powder on my hair in undergraduate, but my hair was much lighter than it is now. You shake it up real good, spray at the roots and scalp (shake every so often between sprays), wait a few minutes, and brush through. I think it works really well. My hair feels lighter and softer than before and it looks brighter and lighter. Plus, I do think it volumized my roots a bit. It has a nice smell to it, a little like Baby's Soft Perfume if I remember correctly.

Total Value of my February 2012 kit:$104.84

Another insanely valued box!

What did you think of my kit? What did you choose in your own? If you dont get Beauty Army, click here to join! Let me know in the comments below!

Favorite Music Friday: Jenny Owen Youngs

This week I want to introduce you all to one of my favorite artists ever. Miss Jenny Owen Youngs. Jenny is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey. As she states she write songs, play guitar, and sing. 

Last year Jenny decided to make her next album without the support of a label meaning she would have free-range over the creative process, but no funding. She turned to Kickstarter, a website that allows users to help fund projects, and received the funding she needed in a few days! It was pretty cool getting updates all year long from the making of the album. Plus, for funding the project, I got early access to the CD, a signed physical copy, buttons, and a hand-written note of thanks! 3 lucky fans who donated $1k will be having dinner with her and the band, those who donated $400 got personalized mix CDs, etc, etc.

Jenny's new fully-fan funded album 'An Unwavering Band of Light' was officially release 2/7/2012. She will be on tour all over the country this Feb/March. I've already bought my tickets and cannot wait to fill my ears with her JOY (hurr, get it? get it? her initials...)! Information on buying show tickets and the new cd can be found at: http://www.jennyowenyoungs.com/news/.

Without further ado. Jenny's first single from the new album, Your Apartment.

Not to brag or anything...well yes I will. I've gotten to meet this talented lady a few times and every time has been a thrill. One of her friend's/band mate/solo artist Bess Roger even agreed to talk on the phone to a good friend of mine who has a major hard on for her. AND Jenny asked me a few years ago to use a photo I took of her during her show. How honored was I!? I was just using a mini digital camera. I still get stage fright and all nervous talking to her, but in my mind we are best friends.

Have a good weekend everyone!