Tag Archives: makeup

Need a Pick-Me-Up? Gift Ideas to Treat Yourself

*This post may contain affiliate links.

We all get down sometimes, and one of the things that I find helps is to buy yourself a little pick-me-up. Everyone loves to receive gifts, who cares if the gift is from yourself!? At least you know what you like, and it’s going to be exactly what you wanted! In this post, I’m going to be looking at some of the awesome gifts that you can buy for yourself if you’re feeling down. So, if you want to know more, keep reading down below.

Something For Your Skin

The first thing that I am going to suggest is something for your skin. Whether this is some face wipes, toner or moisturizer, it doesn’t matter. Just think about something that you don’t have right now that would be a nice treat for your skin, and head to the store to buy it. Or, if you can only purchase them online, get on the internet and put it in your cart straight away. It’s always nice to feel your face all soft and smooth or to look at yourself in the mirror and notice a change in how your skin looks.

Make sure that you read the ingredients and reviews before you make a purchase. This is just to ensure that you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients and that people can vouch for the fact that it works the way it says it does. While all skin-types are unique, customer reviews of skincare products can still be your best friend.

Jewelry Always Works

Or, if you want something a little different, gift yourself some jewelry. This always works when it comes to cheering yourself up. Look at earrings, necklaces, bracelets, maybe even an opal belly ring! More ideas can be found over at Urban Body Jewelry if this is something that interests you. It’s always a great feeling to see something shiny and new on your body, even if nobody else can see it!

Choose something that you think is awesome, and it will cheer you up massively when it comes. You might even find that when you put it on for the first time, it gives you a confidence boost, and this will help you with the blues that you have been experiencing. 

Makeup!

Finally, makeup is always a great way to make yourself feel better if you’ve been feeling a little down in the dumps. Those beautiful colors have a way of bringing a smile to your face, as it gives you the opportunity to try out something new! Enjoying your time creating new looks in the mirror is as fun as it gets for someone who loves makeup. With makeup, it’s more than just the product, it’s creative expression! 

I hope that you have found this post helpful, and now have a few ideas about awesome gifts that you can buy yourself if you’re in need of a pick-me-up. Feel better soon! xoxo

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July Unboxed: Beauty Box 5

Hi friends! I recently received another box from Beauty Box 5 and would love to share the contents, if you’re game. In case you missed previous postsBeauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends 5 new beauty products straight to your doorstep each month. And I know, I know. Today is the last day of August and this is my box from July but I actually didn’t receive it until this month (there were some shipping issues).

The boxes are $12/month ($10 if you order quarterly and $9 if you pay for the whole year!) and are guaranteed to include at least $35 of product. The brands are a mix of drugstore tried & trues, innovative indie, and deluxe…and so far the majority of products included are full size. Oh, and did I mention FREE SHIPPING on U.S. subscriptions? Ka-ching!

Here’s everything that was included in the July box! 3 out of 5 of the products were full size (+ they sent me a free makeup brush because of the shipment snafu!). Let’s take a look…

luseta beauty argan oil hair masqueArgan Oil Hair Masque from Luseta Beauty (Retail: $29 for full size)

This is the perfect product to restore hair after a summer full of sun, salt, and chlorine. It also protects against future heat damage and smells amazing!

 

Line & Seal Eyeliner in PLUM from Styli-Style (Retail: $6.50)

I’m not usually an eyeliner girl but something about this pretty plum color makes the whole thing feel a bit more approachable. It has a gel-like formula and glides on smooth.

 

manna kadar illuminatorGlo Illuminator from Manna Kadar Cosmetics (Retail: $29 for full size)

I don’t think I’ll be mixing this with my base (too much dewiness for me) but I love it dabbed on cheekbones for a subtle shimmer. Gotta hold on to that summery glow!

 

seraphine botanicals lip crayonQuince + Crimson Crayon from Seraphine Botanicals (Retail: $24)

This is a one stop shop product perfect for travel because it can be used as lip AND cheek color. They’re not lying about the long-lasting part either. This stuff is made to STAY.

 

Nail polish in COPACABANA CORAL from Nanacoco (Retail: $3.95)

I definitely have time for one last round of BRIGHT polish before I start pretending Miami actually has seasons and opt for more autumnal hues. My toes will be pool ready in no time!

 

BONUS: Cut the Crease brush from BB5

I was super excited to receive this extra treat as I’ve been wanting to get a new brush for eye makeup. SCORE!

 

 

For sneak peeks and monthly product info, follow Beauty Box 5 on Instagram.

Overall, I love that Beauty Box 5 includes self-care treats – like the hair mask and nail polish – alongside makeup I’d never think to try and end up loving (I’m looking at you purple eyeliner). Which product would you be most excited to try out? Do you have a favorite makeup subscription service? I would totally recommend Beauty Box 5 (even if you’re product clueless like me!). 

*Note – This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Finding Delight.

May Unboxed: Beauty Box 5

Beauty Box 5 May 2017

Hi friends! I recently received my fourth box from Beauty Box 5 and would love to share the contents, if you’re game. In case you missed previous posts, Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends 5 new beauty products straight to your doorstep each month.

The boxes are $12/month ($10 if you order quarterly and $9 if you pay for the whole year!) and are guaranteed to include at least $35 of product. The brands are a mix of drugstore tried & trues, innovative indie, and deluxe…and so far the majority of products included are full size. Oh, and did I mention FREE SHIPPING on U.S. subscriptions? Ka-ching!

Here’s everything that was included in the May box! 5 out of 5 of the products were full size (+ a mini bonus item!) for a total retail value of about  fifty buckaroos. Let’s take a look…

24 Hour Liquid Lipstick in RIOJA from Cougar Beauty (Retail: $12.99)

This is the perfect color to dress up a little black dress or a crisp white shirt tucked into jeans. The formula is long lasting and it smells amazing! The perfect addition to any date-night look.

 

 

Exfoliating Body Scrubber from Daily Concepts (Retail: $5.00)

This scrubber is a great addition to my once-a-week skin exfoliating routine. It buffs away roughness and cleanses deeply with dual textures. And I love that there’s a label that fades when it’s time to replace.

 

Jumbo Eye & Lip Pencil in GOLD from Nanacoco (Retail: $5.50)

Not sure I’m brave enough to incorporate a gold top-coat on my lips, but I love using metallics on my eyes (especially in summer)! This gold hue can be used as a shadow or on the waterline as a liner.

 

 

Bare Necessities Highlighting Pencil from Jelly Pong Pong (Retail: $17.95)

I’m excited to use this product on the inner and outer corners of my eye to make myself look a little more awake (<- sleepy morning hack FTW!).

 

 

Mongongo Lip Conditioner from Jersey Shore Cosmetics (Retail: $10.00)

Chapstick is a beach bag ESSENTIAL. And this one smells like coconuts! Perfect. I love the all natural ingredients in this lip conditioner, but I would love it a bit more with the addition of some SPF.

 

 

BONUS: Arnica Salve from De La Cruz

I wasn’t expecting a sixth item at all! Arnica Salve can be used for relief of bruises, minor burns, chapped skin and simple scratches. I wonder how it would do on mosquito bite scars? I’ll give it a go!

 

For sneak peeks and monthly product info, follow Beauty Box 5 on Instagram.

Overall, I love that Beauty Box 5 includes everyday essentials – like the exfoliating body scrubber and lip conditioner – alongside special occasion makeup. Which product would you be most excited to try out? Do you have a favorite makeup subscription service? I would totally recommend Beauty Box 5 (even if you’re product clueless like me!). 

*Note – This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Finding Delight.

April Unboxed: Beauty Box 5

Beauty Box 5 April 2017

You guys! I recently got my third box from Beauty Box 5 and would love to share the contents, if you’re game. In case you missed previous posts, Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends 5 new beauty products straight to your doorstep each month.

The boxes are $12/month ($10 if you order quarterly and $9 if you pay for the whole year!) and are guaranteed to include at least $35 of product. The brands are a mix of drugstore tried & trues, innovative indie, and deluxe…and so far the majority of products included are full size. Oh, and did I mention FREE SHIPPING on U.S. subscriptions? Ka-ching!

Here’s everything that was included in the April box! 4 out of 5 of the products were full size for a total retail value of about  45 buckaroos. Let’s take a look…

Highlight Fan Brush from BB5 (Retail: $12)

This brush is super soft and the perfect shape for applying all sorts of products (I found this video to be a helpful tutorial). This versatility allows me to apply the accompanying blush as a highlighter, too!

 

Rose Gold Lash Curler from Sweep (Retail: $15.99)

While I may not be game for falsies (see: last month), an eyelash curler I can handle. Since I didn’t currently own any, I was happy to receive one (and in such a pretty rose gold no less!).

 

Gold Bobby Pins from Did Hair (Retail: $8.50)

As someone who pretty much lives in a ballerina bun, I can always use bobby pins! The true shade of gold isn’t picking up in the pic but trust me–these will elevate my fave everyday hairstyle.

 

Blush in SPOILED from Be a Bombshell (Retail: $6)

The color of this blush looks lovely on the apples of the cheeks but also makes a pretty highlighter when dusted on the high points of the face. I love any product that can play double duty!

 

Vitamin-C Sheet Mask from Jean Pierre (Retail: $12.99 for set of 5)

This sheet mask contains Vitamin C extracts which help to brighten, regenerate, and hydrate skin. I can’t wait to #treatmyself to this at-home spa treatment.

 

Overall, I love that Beauty Box 5 includes hair and skin-care products along with new-to-me makeup. Which product would you be most excited to try out? Do you have a favorite makeup subscription service? I would totally recommend Beauty Box 5 (even if you’re product clueless like me!). 

*Note – This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Finding Delight.

March Unboxed: Beauty Box 5

You guys! I recently got my second box from Beauty Box 5 and would love to share the contents, if you’re game. In case you missed my last post, Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends 5 new beauty products straight to your doorstep each month.

The boxes are $12/month ($10 if you order quarterly and $9 if you pay for the whole year!) and are guaranteed to include at least $35 of product. The brands are a mix of drugstore tried & trues, innovative indie, and deluxe…and from what I’ve seen of past boxes (yes, I’m low-key obsessed with unboxing videos on YouTube, lol) the majority of products included are full size. Oh, and did I mention FREE SHIPPING on U.S. subscriptions? Ka-ching!

Here’s everything that was included in the March box! 4 out of 5 of the products were full size for a total retail value of about 50 buckaroos. Let’s take a look…

sweep lash helperLash Helper from Sweep (Retail: $9.99)

This innovative tool helps to perfectly place false eyelashes. Since getting those suckers on seems to require surgical precision, it’s no wonder such an instrument would prove beneficial. (I’d still probably stab myself in the eye.)

 

sweep lashes

Lashes from Sweep (Retail: $15.00 for set of 5)

These false lashes, in the “ELISA” style, are natural-looking and beautiful. Since falsies aren’t really my thing, I’m tucking these (and the accompanying tool) away for a future giveaway. #KeepYourEyeOut

 

Lash Primer from Manna Kadar (Retail: $24 for full-size)

I’d never tried a lash primer before receiving this product but it totally works! The creamy formula provides a nice base to increase volume. Very helpful for cheap mascara users. *raises hand*

 

bellapierre cosmetics glitterCosmetic Glitter in SPECTRA from Bellapierre (Retail: $15)

This would be really fun to add on top of eyeshadow for a night out. Extra glam! The accompanying card also recommends adding a little to a bubblebath for additional, all-over sparkle.

 

prestige cosmetics eyeshadowTrue Metals Eyeshadow in PEWTER from Prestige Cosmetics (Retail: $9.75)

I’ve been highly devoted to a bronze-y eyeshadow the last few months and I’m excited to switch it up with this new metal tint. This product is my stand-out fave of the whole box!

 

Which product would you be most excited to try out? Do you have a favorite makeup subscription service? I would totally recommend Beauty Box 5 (even if you’re product clueless like me!). 

*Note – This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Finding Delight. 

February Unboxed: Beauty Box 5

bb5-february-box

As you may remember from this post, receiving something exciting or unexpected in my mailbox brings me so much joy. And if you follow me on Instagram, you know my mailbox has been straight up killing it. I was especially excited to receive this box of goodies from Beauty Box 5 — a subscription service that sends 5 new beauty products straight to your doorstep each month.

The boxes are $12/month ($10 if you order quarterly and $9 if you pay for the whole year!) and are guaranteed to include at least $35 of product. The brands are a mix of drugstore tried & trues, innovative indie, and deluxe…and from what I’ve seen of past boxes (yes, I’m low-key obsessed with unboxing videos on YouTube, lol) the majority of products included are full size. Oh, and did I mention FREE SHIPPING on U.S. subscriptions? Ka-ching!

Now, I don’t know much about makeup, you guys. I tend to stick with the few products I love and just call it a day. But I’m eager to branch out! That’s why I figured Beauty Box 5 would be something fun to try out. Instead of standing clueless in the drug-store, wondering what products to nab, they can do the thinking for me. Then, I can add their finds to my current collection and VOILA! I have a “capsule wardrobe” of makeup for the month. Genius, right?

Here’s everything that was included in the February box! 4 out of 5 of the products were full size for a total retail value of $38.50. Let’s take a look…

pink moisturizing lip mask from Jean Pierre CosmeticsPink Moisturizing Lip Mask from Jean Pierre Cosmetics (Retail: $5.00 for set of 5)

A mask for your lips? I’ve never heard of such things! But what a fun way to prep your pout — and take bathroom mirror selfies while you do. (Just me?) #treatyoself

 

Lip Glow from Style Essentials

Lip Glow in NUDE from Style Essentials (Retail: $4.00)

This lip glow is moisturizing and comfortable to wear with just the right tint of nude for everyday wear. Bonus: It smells like strawberries! I can already tell it’s going to be a new fave.

 

Unicorn Lippie from Tint Beauty

Unicorn Lippie in MAKE BELIEVE from Tint Beauty (Retail: $9.00)

The color of this lipstick is STUNNING. Luckily the ultra-pigmented, matte finish is long-lasting for extended fancy-times wear. Application is a bit messy for not-so-savvy makeup wearers like yours truly.

 

img_2504Unicorn Liner in MAKE BELIEVE from Tint Beauty (Retail: $7.00)

I’ve never really dappled in liners. But I gotta say, this little guy keeps your lipstick where it belongs and since the color is a perfect match it doesn’t look like you’re channeling a 90210 character.

 

Colour Hybrid from So SusanColour Hybrid in MARSALA from So Susan (Retail: $17.50)

The little card accompanying this month’s box boasts that this color looks great on every skin tone but I was hesitant. Could my skin pull off a bright berry, flushed look? Survey says: I love it!

 

P.S. I just watched Titanic last night (RIP Bill Paxton) and the Unicorn Lippie/Liner duo in Make Believe is SPOT ON the lip color Kate Winslet wears through most of the movie. Do with that information what you will. 🙂

Swatches from the Feb. '17 Beauty Box 5

*Note – I received this box free for review but I loved it so much I signed up for a subscription. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Finding Delight. 

mid-week round-up

hedgehog

What are you up to this week? Last night, Chet and I were on a walk and got caught in a wild rainstorm. Those dark clouds can go from 0 to 100 down here in South Florida. Geeze Louise. Hoping for better weather this weekend so we can go on a Pokemon capturing adventure on FIU’s campus! Oh, I’ve also started a Finding Delight newsletter. (The first one went out last Friday!) They’re so much fun to create. I’d love if you’d SUBSCRIBE. You’ll receive an email on Fridays with links, videos, quotes, and MORE! Until then, enjoy the rest of your week, and here are a few fun internet goodies to tide you over…

How to build an entire makeup collection for under $100.

Team USA suits up for competition.

An appreciation of Michelle Obama’s DNC address.

American soccer’s gender wage gap is bananas.

An incredible tale of glamour, sex, betrayal, death and prison in the dizzying world of high fashion.

Dance mashup of the last thirty years of Disney.

The Strand Bookstore has included a literary matching quiz in its job application form since the 1970s. How would you do?

Why Van Gogh’s “mad genius” is a myth.

Loving the new Ghostbusters? Here are 11 other things in need of an all-lady reboot.

Hotline Bling poster.

Ten outstanding books to read this summer and beyond.

A must-read for young women!!! #ballonabudget

Review: Jingle VoxBox

Jingle VoxBox

Every once in a while the mail-box gods shine upon me and I find myself tearing into a new treat from Influenster. When we returned from Louisiana after Christmas the Jingle VoxBox was waiting for me. Look at all the goodies!

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream – While my skin isn’t as dry as past winters (Thanks Miami humidity!), this little jar has been perfect to pack along on trips. I’d never used Cetaphil before but I’m a total convert. The Beauty Uniforms series on A Cup of Jo has totally convinced me of the power of a good drug-store moisturizer and this one doesn’t disappoint.

http://www.facebook.com/Cetaphil

Biscoff Cookies – This little treat is totally my jam and I was so stoked to see THREE packages in my VoxBox. Yum! If you’ve ever heard (or eaten spoonfuls of) Trader Joe’s cookie butter than you know Speculoos biscuits are a taste sensation. I love these as an afternoon pick-me-up with a hot cup of tea or coffee. But if I’m being honest, I also ate a package crumbled up on top of a smoothie bowl for my lunch today. So…really there’s no right way to eat a Biscoff. Isn’t there an airline that gives these little packages out during in-flight drink service? *does research and resolves to only fly whoever it is from here on out*

http://www.facebook.com/biscoff

http://www.instagram.com/biscoffcookies

http://www.twitter.com/biscoffcookies

Ore-Ida Tater Tots – I have a bit of a soft spot for tots. Especially ones from Sonic. WHOOPS! The cat is out of the bag! I was excited to give this alternative a try and headed to the frozen section of my grocery, coupon in hand, right after my VoxBox showed up. Crispy on the outside and floofy on the inside. That’s pretty much all I need in a tot and Ore-Ida’s ticked both those boxes. These are great alongside home-made burgers (or veggie burgers) for when you’re craving Sonic but are resolved to eat at home instead. Or am I the only one out there who craves Sonic? That seems possible. Either way…these were good.

http://www.facebook.com/oreidapotatoes

http://www.instagram.com/oreida

http://www.pinterest.com/oreidapotatoes

Hallmark itty bittys – How cute is that little baby Spiderman? Pretty dang cute, IMHO. Not sure what I will actually DO with him but he looked cute amongst some Christmas decorations on my side table. I can see how these guys would make cute stocking stuffers or gift toppers. I packed Spidey up with the tree ornaments so I can try turning him into a bauble of some sort next year. Any other ideas? (I don’t have a child. Or a dog. And my cat is wildly uninterested in such things.)

http://www.facebook.com/hallmark

http://www.instagram.com/hallmark

http://www.pinterest.com/hallmark

NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner – I’ve never been one for eyeliner. My makeup must-haves rotate but right now my go-to’s are tinted moisturizer, blush, and 2 coats of mascara. Done and done. However, if I’m in need of a fancier look, this liner’s got me covered. It is super fierce and glides on smoothly and easily. You could even blend it out for a smoky eye.

http://www.facebook.com/newyorkcolorcosmetics

http://www.twitter.com/nycnewyorkcolor

KISS True Volume Lashes and Strip Lash Adhesive – I’m saving these for a rainy day and/or when I need my eyes to be like, “YAAAS! We are open!” They look pretty fierce. Oh, and a cool feature? The adhesive is black so it will blend in with my lashes instead of leaving white globs that never totally dry and just make you look like you’re rocking a bunch of eye boogers in your peepers. Not a good look.

http://www.facebook.com/KissNails

http://www.instagram.com/kissproducts

http://www.twitter.com/KissProducts

Pure Ice Nail Polish – I received the shade Silver Star. It’s a really fun and festive sparkly color so it was perfect for a little New Year’s Eve finger bling. The color was really easy to apply and lasted on my nails for about a week without touch ups. I think this shade would look really neat as an accent nail paired with navy blue (my favorite nail color). You can snag Pure Ice Nail Polish at Wal-Mart for under two bucks which is a really good value for the quality. Go grab some if you’re a home-manicure junkie!

http://www.facebook.com/OfficialPureIce

http://www.instagram.com/officialpureice

http://www.twitter.com/OfficialPureIce

Overall this was a very fun box and I truly enjoyed all the contents! If you love trying new products and posting reviews, check out Influenster. It’s totally FREE to sign up! And who knows…the mail-box gods may choose to shine down on YOU next!

NOTE: I received all of these products complimentary for testing purposes. All opinions are my own.