May Birchbox

I'm really happy with my Birchbox this month! I got four products that I will definitely be using, and I will probably buy the full sized version of two of them.  You'll notice that there are no pictures this month.  Unfortunately one of my samples (the sunscreen) was damaged in shipping, and leaked all over the box.  Luckily no other samples were damaged.  I have to compliment Birchbox on their customer service - I e-mailed them about the issue, and they shipped a replacement sample right away.  Well done, Birchbox!  If you're wondering what a Birchbox is, or if you want to see previous Birchbox posts, click HERE.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle:

This is one that I will probably be buying in full size.  This is a spray in detangler/conditioner.  This product smells great, and leaves my hair super soft.  After first trying it, I was planning on saving it to use when I go to the beach this summer.  However, after spending a few windy days outside this weekend, the sample is almost gone!  It detangles really well, so this is a product I won't mind spending the money on.

(Full size - $21.95)

COOLA Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face:

This was the sample that was damaged, and I am so glad that I got a replacement.  I am in love with this stuff!  I have really sensitive skin, so products that use cucumber tend to be great for me.  This was no exception.  It was very soothing, and left my face well moisturized without feeling heavy.  I haven't really tested the SPF factor, but if it keeps me from burning, I will definitely be buying the full size!

(Full Size - $32)

Joie Folle de Joie eau de parfum:

This is a nice smelling perfume, but not $98 nice!  It's not a heavy scent, which I liked, but it was a bit too flowery for my tastes.  I'll definitely use the sample, but I don't feel like I'll care when the sample runs out.

(Full Size - $98)

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner:

I'm pretty unadventurous when it comes to eyeliner - I've been using Clinique's Quickliner in black-brown ever since I was 15.  I wasn't too interested in trying out a blue eyeliner, but since the whole point of subscribing to Birchbox is to try new things, I gave it a go.  It definitely gives my eyes a softer look than my regular liner, and it applied easily.  When they say in the description that it lasts for hours, they aren't kidding.  Days, really.  Even with eye makeup remover, I had a hard time getting this off.  I'll be using this again, for sure.

(Full Size - $21 for four mini pencils)

My Birchbox extra this month was an Acroball pen from Pilot in a turquoise color.  Fun!  I've heard that you can use gel pens on your nails, so look for an attempt at that in the near future!

If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox (or giving a subscription as a gift!) you can use my referral link here: https://www.birchbox.com?raf=xdgbr

Petals and Dot Drops

Cara's Nails

Passion for Petals in a newer find from the China Glaze Avant Garden collection. This is such a great pink!!  I rarely wear enough pink polishes but I think I will need to change this for the summer because I am finding so many lately! I topped this color off with "drops" of OPI Can't Find my Czechbook, a current spring favorite. I accented with two coats of China Glaze It's a Trapeze over Passion for Petals.

Naughty Nautical

Cara's Nails

I'm showing off my newest polish buy today. Essie Naughty Nautical is a blue/green polish with a very subtle sparkle running through it. I just love the look of this color! Application was a little thick. It took two coats to smooth out the color and the brush marks. I used a striping brush and Wet n Wild Ebony Hates Chris to apply the thin tips and chevrons. I like the idea of this manicure but the top coat really screwed it up. I applied a layer of Good to Go after what I thought was a good amount of time. It streaked some of the black polish. It also caused so much shrinkage! I'm looking for a new fast dry polish if anyone has any suggestions.

Color Run Nails

Kate's Nails

As you saw in Cara's post earlier, we participated in the Color Run yesterday in Baltimore.  It was a messy, great time (as you would expect it would be, with 25,000 people covered head to toe in colorful powder).  If you get a chance to participate in a Color Run, do it!! It was such a fun experience.

I wanted to do some fun, color run-themed nails for the occasion.  I started off with a base of Milani's White on the Spot.  Then I used a coffee stirrer to splatter on Sinful Color's Dream On, Sally Hansen's Mellow Yellow, and Zoya's Yummy. 

My nails, pre-race.

My nails, post-race.

Inside the color cloud at the finish line :)

Color Run

First let me start by saying that we are still here!!

Lately life has gotten in the way of regular postings. Now things are slowing down and I can return to my love of nail art and posting more than once a month. 

Today's post is dedicated to the Baltimore Color Run! Kate and I ran for the first time this year and it was everything I wanted it to be but messier! It truly was the "Happiest 5k"! To get this look I splatter painted layers of Revlon Coastal Surf, Sally Hansen Presto Pink, China Glaze Happy Go Lucky, and Essie Mojito Madess over a base coat  of Sally Hansen White On.

Here is a pre and post run a pic of my splattered nails.