Wednesday, May 29, 2013

May Glossybox - First Impressions

Ahh...Glossybox. I had such high hopes for you! I wanted to try a new (to me) sub, and I had heard such good things. I watched reviews and chose what I thought would be the best box for me. I bought the three month plan, just to be on the safe side. I'm glad I did. I've been pretty underwhelmed for the price. Here is my May box.


Etre Belle – Collagen & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask
This product looks pretty promising. I am a bit concerned about using it because I have very sensitive and acne-prone skin, but I may give it a try. The biggest issue I have with it is that it doesn’t tell you how long to leave it on. Any suggestions?


European Wax Center – Voucher and Body Wash/Body Lotion foil packets
Hmm. First, I was not excited about the foil packets, but I thought, “Ok, I’ll give them a try”. Then I checked the website for the Wax Center locations, and the closest location is almost 300 miles away. Yep, this one was a total fail for me.


Nicka K - Absolute! Solid Perfume Stick in Lux 369
I was kind of excited to get this product. I love solid perfumes, especially when they come in stick form. They are so easy to take with you and simple to apply. I opened it to take a whiff, and the first thing that came to my mind was “Grandma!!” The website describes it as:
Vibrant and radiant, yet soft and feminine. A graceful scent that evokes white floral notes with an underlying refreshing hint of sweet citrus, Lux 369 is flirty, airy and delicate.
Well. I could sense the white floral notes…but no citrus. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe after I wear it I will like it more. I WISH they would have sent me Rhythm 125 – now that one sounds nice!


Sebastian - Volupt Spray spray-gel
Another Sebastian product, yippee. I don’t usually use spray gel, but I might be able to use it during the summer on the days I don’t feel like doing my hair. At least it smells better than the hairspray, which STINKS!


My Prime – Multi Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer
Although most people were under whelmed by the possibility of getting this product, I am actually kind of excited to try it. If you know me, you KNOW I have some oil issues. BLECH, but it’s life. I’m always looking for products to help cut down/tame the oily mess that happens on my face. I did swatch it on my hand, and it feels nice once it dries. It does take a few minutes to dry though. I plan on giving it a try tomorrow!



Amore Pacific – Color Control Cushion Compact
I believe that this was supposed to be the “big ticket item” in this months box. I got number 106 "Almond Blush". Sadly, it’s awfully dark for my skin. It’s also too orange. I read the insert and it sounds like a great product in theory! I just wish that I could try it out.


Overall…it was an ok box. I’m kind of glad it’s my last month of 3. I know that they are hyping up next month’s box and it’s supposed to be “amazing”, but I just don’t want to waste any more money with them. I’m going to take my $21 and get a different sub! Thanks for an ok 3 months GB. I may be back!

What did you guys think of May?
 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Favorite Nail Polish

As you will come to find, I am a HUGE nail polish fan. I love painting my nails and practicing my nail art skills. I am in no way a professional, but I AM getting better!  I still don't know how people get those perfect lines around their cuticles, but I guess with practice mine will improve. Here is a list of some of my FAVORITE polishes that I own.

 Maybelline Color Show - Pink Shock
This one was a very pleasant surprise for me. I love some drugstore polishes, but I didn't think this would end up being one of my favorites. I love how it's almost a jelly, but has good coverage. It's one of the only polishes that I own more than one bottle of. It retails for $2.99 most places. Sometimes you can get them 2 for $5 if you watch for sales. (Meijer is having one right now!)

 China Glaze - Flip Flop Fantasy
Flip Flop Fantasy is such a fun summer color! I added some nail art over mine, but it's gorgeous on its own. If you have a Sally Card, you can get it for around $5.50 there. Not a bad deal at all!

 Lush Lacquer - Minty Chip
I am beyond OBSESSED with this indie brand of nail polish! Lush Lacquer has THE BEST polishes, in my opinion. If you are looking for something unique with lots of "glitter", you need to check them out! (I say "glitter" because it's not always sparkly. The "glitter" in Minty Chip is matte and doesn't sparkle. You can see the effect, though.) Their polish retails for $9 for a full size bottle. If you are like me and can't decide on just one, you can purchase mini bottles in any combination of colors you choose! I love that option, and often opt for it. It looks like they are a tad bit backed up at the moment, so if you are impatient and want your bottle NOW, you can find some of their polish on Llarowe.

 KBShimmer - Where My Peeps At?
KBShimmer is another one of my favorite indie brands. Christy's polishes are beyond amazing, and the quality is always phenomenal. They go on smooth and last as long as any polish you would buy at the store. KBShimmer polish retails for $8.75 a bottle.

Forever Polished is a new indie brand for me. I only own two of Ashley's polishes, but I am absolutely floored by the quality of "Cherry". I wore it for four days and it had no chips at all! It also took on this glazed look, and I was asked more than once if I was wearing shellac. I have never had a polish like this one before. I am looking forward to ordering more polish from her! Forever Polished retails for $5-$8 a bottle.

What are your favorite brands of nail polish? Why do you like them?
Comment below and let me know if you have any favorites for me to check out!


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Leave your debit card at home!

Welcome to Cents to Fab! My name is Lo.
I've been tossing around the idea of starting a beauty blog for quite some time now. Months. Thoughts that ran through my crazy brain tended to be:
  • Will anyone actually read this? Do I even WANT anyone to read this?
  • What on earth do I know about beauty?! *insert self-doubt HERE*
  • Can I commit to this? 
  • What if I run out of things to say?
  • Am I good enough at writing?
  • Who let the dogs out?
Quite honestly, that's how my brain works. If you put a shiny thing in front of my face, I will have no recollection of the conversation we were just having. But I digress.

The reason I REALLY wanted to start a beauty blog is because I am pretty good at finding great deals.  I love me some shopping! Sadly, I do not have an infinite pile of money. If I did, I'd be swimming in it, sipping piƱa coladas all day. But I work hard for my money. (So hard for it, honey!) Which is why I like good deals!

What will you be able to find on this blog? My ideas include:
  • Deals on clothes, makeup, and jewelry
  • Beauty and product reviews
  • Subscription service reviews (what up, Ipsy!)
  • Nail art
  • Elvis convention photos (erm...that's a whole different blog)  
At the end of the day, I hope this is a place you can come to for ideas on how to look and feel great without spending every cent you've ever made. I also hope that you can find and score some of the same deals I get! 

I'm no expert, but if I can help you save money and be fabulous, then I've done what I've set out to do.