July Julep Maven It Girl Unboxing/Review

Hi guys! Long time no blog! I'm a little late on this post since getting my July box was delayed due to a couple of issues. But it finally arrived and I was so excited for this months colors! It a got an email a week before the boxes were to be released saying they were including a special gift. Julep Maven was including special edition nail polishes for Canada Day and Independence Day, were you lived decided which one you received! I thought this was such a cute idea and made the box just a little extra special. When I got my email showcasing the nail polishes for the It Girl Box I was in love! I couldn't wait to get my box and start using these colors.


My July box was smaller this month than normal, it was thinner. Which actually was perfect because it was the perfect size to go in my mail box, meaning I didn't have to go pick it up from the post office! This months theme was "It's your time to sparkle" and it came with the quote "We need less posturing and more genuine charisma. It's about a sparkle in people that money can't buy." - Marianne Williamson. I do really enjoy reading the quotes they include, you can tell Julep Maven puts time and thought into designing each box. I loved that they kept with the Canada Day theme as well with red and white paper confetti packaging and star wrapping paper!

So now onto the nail polishes! In total I had four this month, including the free O Canada nail polish. Which is a sheer glittery polish, with red sparkles and smaller multi color sparkles as well! So pretty and I will definitely be wearing this, not only for future Canada celebrations!


Then I received Kate, which is a soft white pearl. I actually don't have a white nail polish in my collection so I was looking forward to this one for sure! It's always nice to have a good white nail polish, as it can look so classic!


I also received Daphne, which is a fresh seafoam green creme. I was looking forward to this one as well! The picture makes this look like more of a minty green, but in real life it is more of a teal color. I will be wearing this a lot, it's the perfect green that is totally wearable!


And last but certainly not least is Mila, which is a charcoal multi colored glitter. To be honest this is my favorite of the bunch! It's so pretty and I adore it!

Mila - Kate - Daphne - O Canada

All in all, I was very happy with July's Box, it being my favorite one so far! I'm looking forward to seeing what Julep Maven is going to come up with for August's Box!


- Currently I am wearing two coats Kate as a base with one coat of Mila on top! I've gotten so many compliments it's so fun and pretty!!

Happy Living!

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse Review

I am seriously in love! I will never ever let myself be without the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse, honestly it's my holy grail at the moment.

Before we moved to London, back home I started getting mystic tans at the salon, it gave such quick and good results! But in London mystic tans were much more expensive than at home, so I couldn't quite justify it. Especially since it really only lasted about 3 days. I'd been eyeing the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse for a couple of months and I finally convinced myself I had to try it! I bought it on Saturday, but since we ended up going out that night for drinks I decided to apply it Sunday night after our workout. I was so excited, that I almost forgot to take a before shot haha but I remembered right at the last moment! It's not the best quality picture, but you can tell I was pretty pale before to say the least! My boyfriend even asked me to even out his golf tan, which was perfect so I could test it out and see how it applied! It was super simple and easy, I used the St. Tropez Tanning Mitt which made the world of difference. I do recommend still wearing some gloves under the mitt, since it can seep through the mitt. It blended so well and because of the color guard you could see where you were applying and what spots you missed. It took me about 20 minutes to apply it all over my body and face. I used the latex gloves and some triangle makeup sponges to apply it to my face, I put it on just as if I was applying foundation. I let it dry for about 15 minutes and then put my pajamas on and went to sleep. Easy peasy! When I woke up I could definitely see the tan had developed but I knew that the color guard would wash off in the shower. The color turned out so nicely and it definitely looks really natural, it gives you more of a brown look rather than orange, as some self tanners can. The flash distracts from the color in the after shot but I think you can still see the difference!

Before

After

There's still tons of product left as well! In order to preserve the color I've been applying the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer as an everyday lotion, after my shower and before I go to bed. Just to keep my skin moisturized, too prolong my tan and to add a little glow as well! I'm so impressed with St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse and my only regret is not purchasing it sooner! It's a bit pricey as it was $49.50 and the Tanning Mitt was $7.50, but comparing it to most spray tans that run for about $30. It's a pretty good deal, since you'll get many applications from the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse, not to mention the ability to do it whenever you want, in the privacy of your own home! I definitely give St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse a 10/10! I would never go back to getting spray tans now that I have St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse, and I will continue to repurchase this for sure! If you want me to do another post going in more detail exactly how I applied it, especially to my face, feet and hands just let me know in the comments! 

Happy Living!

AG Color Care Sterling Silver Toning Shampoo Review

Two years ago I had a bad experience getting blonde highlights in my dark blonde hair. My hair had a brassy-orangey tinge to it, which I absolutely hated. Every time I looked in the mirror I would cringe, it was horrible! I ended up switching hair stylists, to a friend of mine I told her my problem and she said it was most likely the hair color that my previous stylist had used. However she recommended I add a new product in my routine to prevent that from ever happening again. She recommended AG Color Care Sterling Silver Toning Shampoo, it's a purple shampoo for blonde hair!

It claims to polish out brassy tones and bring out the brilliance in blonde! It can be used for silver, blonde or highlighted hair. This stuff is the best! I still regularly get blonde highlights, and I use the shampoo about twice a week; the same day I use my hydrating treatment. Since the toning shampoo can be a little drying on your hair, I like to use a super conditioning treatment to counteract it! I've been using this for about a year and a half and it has become one of my staple hair products! The days I use this I notice my blonde definitely looks brighter! I would recommend this to any blondes, especially if you dye or highlight your hair! Another thing I love about AG Hair Cosmetics is that they are cruelty free as well! I rate this product a 10/10!! I picked mine up at my hair salon, and they also can be found at Trade Secrets! Check out their website www.aghaircosmetics.com to see where you can pick yours up! 

Happy Living! 

June Julep Maven It Girl Unboxing/Review

I finally received my June Julep Maven Box and I was beyond excited! Never thought I would get so excited over nail polish, but it's like getting a gift every month! Granted it's from myself, but lets not dwell on that! This is only my second box from Julep Maven, but to say i'm impressed is an understatement. I got the standard email saying what would be coming in the June It girl box and I got the option to either change my box, gift it or skip the month. I liked the colors it advertised so I decided to keep it. I was under the impression I would be getting three nail polishes and I was happy! However when I opened up my box I was so surprised! 

First I saw the card that tells you a little about the nail polishes and give a little idea/tip. Then there was a smaller card with a quote "I you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun" - Katharine Hepburn. I thought this was fitting for the theme of the It Girl box this month which is "It's time to be bold." Next I saw a gift voucher for one free nail polish from the Maven Boutique! I was so surprised to see this and can't wait to pick out another nail polish for next month! I loved this little addition to becoming a new member! 

Then I spotted the lip balm, which I also didn't expect to receive! This smells amazing, it's Vanilla Mint daylight defense with SPF 15, which is perfect for summer! Along with this I also received two pixie sticks, which I haven't had since I was younger! My boyfriend and I had one each, such a cool surprise! This was all before I even opened the nail polishes! 

They come wrapped so nicely in wrapping paper with a bow, and also in bubble wrap inside that. The colors I received this month were Morgan which is a "frosty grape purple", Sasha which is a "fresh cantaloupe creme", and Sandra which is a "friendly, frosty magenta." 

Morgan - Sasha - Sandra

To be honest, I was most looking forward to Sasha, as I've never had a color quite like this! This is definitely what I will be wearing first! And like I said in my first Julep Maven post, the nail polish quality is excellent, I'm very impressed! I do find even without a top coat it lasts at least 3 days! Julep Maven went beyond my expectations and I couldn't be more satisfied! I can't wait to try out these new colors and add them to my collection. And I'm already excited for July's box!! If you're interested in trying out Julep Maven's subscription they are offering it for quite the steal at the moment, only a penny for the intro box! All you have to do is follow this link  http://www.julep.com?r=21045268  and enter the code "penny" at time of purchase and you're on your way! 

Happy Living!

I.C.O.N Transformational Infusion Review

Last year I never gave much thought to the health of my hair. I would torture it daily! Washing, blow drying, straightening or curling it every single day. I never did any kind of deep conditioning treatment to at least try to counter act my damage. On top of all this I do put blonde highlights in my hair as well. My hair and I weren't on especially good terms! A friend of mine was my hair stylist and she regularly scolded me on damaging my hair, and it would take me forever to grow it out if I was always trimming the dead ends! That is when she suggested I try out I.C.O.N Transformational Infusion! 

This product is a hydration treatment that claims to reverse damage, renew health and add body. All things my hair would benefit from! I use this about twice a week in place of my everyday conditioner in the shower. It's a thick cream and it smells amazing! It smells almost a bit like a cologne or aftershave, but it is oh so good! The days I use this in the shower I'm constantly smelling my hair all day! I put it on the bottom half of my hair and leave it to soak in for about 3 to 5 minutes, and then rinse it out. I find if I put it on my roots, it can weigh my hair down a bit as my hair is fine, but thick. It makes my hair so soft and I can definitely see results since I've been using it, which has been for about 5 months. It was a bit pricey, it was around $30 but one container will last me a while, I'm only about half way through so far. I would rate this product a 9/10, just because I need to be conscious to avoid my roots, but everything else about the product I love! I definitely recommend this to anyone who's hair needs a bit of extra care! 

Happy Living!

OPI RapiDry Top Coat Review

About a year ago, I was on the hunt for a product that would make my nail polish last longer than two days without chipping. However, working as a waitress I was always constantly washing my hands and my nail polish never survived more than one shift! So I decided to try out the OPI RapiDry Top Coat. 

It was a bit pricey for my taste at around $16, so I hoped I wouldn't be disappointed. It claims to offer quick drying protection for your nails. All I can say for this product is that I noticed the quick drying, but I didn't feel like it provided all that much protection. It did create a nice shine and glossy look to my nail polish, but that's about it. I won't be repurchasing this product again, basically in my opinion it is simply an overpriced clear nail polish! I still have tons of product left, however I don't use it every time I paint my nails. I would rate this product a 2/10, I'm hesitant to give it a 2, however I did like the way it made my nail polish look right after applying it. If you have a favorite top coat that you love, let me know, as I'm on the hunt for something that works! 

Happy Living!