Chick Lit Plus by Samantha March

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January Birchbox Review
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January Birchbox Review

I’m a tad late on reviewing my January Birchbox (I just received February’s last week) but that doesn’t mean I loved it any less! I couldn’t decide on my favorite product in the box, it was a tossup between the face wash and the eyeliner. Read below for my thoughts – and sign up to receive your own Birchbox!
“Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products that fit into both your day-to-day routine, and into those days when you want to turn up the drama a notch.”
1. Archipelago Pomegranate Body Soap – smells amazing! That was my first thought, but this soap is also very powerful – it boasts the ability to repair cell damage and encourage collagen production. While I’m usually a fan of shower gels over bar soap, I can’t help but love this product.
2. Juicy Couture Fragrance – I love getting fragrance samples, and I was excited to see Juicy in my Birchbox. This is a super feminine scent, which is what I love. Top notes of watermelon, passion fruit, and mandarin are combined with marigold and green apple. Undertones of rose, vanilla, and caramel provide an extra boost to the fragrance, making it one of my favorite scents.
3. LARABAR Mini Bars – I won’t lie – I’m not a fan of eating food that comes in the mail. But the BF did try out this blueberry muffin, and he said it was pretty good, so thanks to him for providing this review. It was pretty interesting to read about these healthy bars – each has a max of nine ingredients and they are made without preservatives or fillers.
4. Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash – I really enjoyed this product. My face is a combination of many things – some areas are too oily yet others are super dry. And that is where this face wash comes into play. Birchbox’s description reads: “Broad leaf kelp banishes excess oil, while wheat protein nourishes dry zones.” I have used this a handful of times and am seeing a difference. I would definitely buy the full sized product.
5. stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner – This was my other favorite product in the box. The worst part about it was I only got to use it three times before my sample was finished. I got the brown color, and while I usually wear blue or green eyeliner, I thought the brown really shimmered and made my eyes pop. It was super easy to line my eyes with it, and it really did stay on for most of the day. I would also buy the full sized product.

February 14, 2012
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Hair Care Products from Victoria Secret
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Hair Care Products from Victoria Secret

While shopping at Victoria Secret one day, I noticed a new section in the store that featured hair care products. I wandered over and saw VS was having an incredible special on the products, so naturally, I bought three. My argument was that I needed hairspray anyway, I’d been wanting to try out a dry shampoo, and my hair stylist told me a detangler might help my hair from falling out so rapidly. Thus, my three products.

So Sexy – Style Tame and Smooth Instant Detangler – $14
I use this almost every time I get out of the shower. I think it works really well, and just a few sprays helps me manage my long hair. The information says this product helps prevent breakage, and helps nourish strands by using shea butter, oat extract and provitamin B5. I would recommend!
So Sexy- Style Hold and Finish Hairspray – $14
I didn’t mind this hairspray, but the smell is pretty overwhelming. The information says it had a “light, fresh fragrance” but I completely disagree. After I finish spraying this through my hair, I have to literally step out of my bathroom for a few minutes or else I feel like I am choking. The actual hairspray itself holds up pretty well, but I probably won’t buy this again based on the smell alone.
So Sexy- Style Clean and Go Dry Shampoo- $14
I really wasn’t a fan of this product. I love the idea behind dry shampoo, but instead of making my hair look better, it just made it look and feel really gross. I tried on a couple different occasions to alter the amount I was using, thinking maybe I was using too much and that was my problem, but even using smaller amounts didn’t seem to help. I couldn’t get over the way my hair felt with this product – dirty and sticky are two descriptive words that come to mind – and I eventually just stopped using it.

So, my hair care experience with Victoria Secret wasn’t the best on Round 1. I would really only suggest their detangler, though the hairspray really wasn’t that terrible. Has anyone else tried out hair care products from VS? I would love to hear your experiences!

January 26, 2012
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My December Birchbox Review
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My December Birchbox Review

December was my second month to receive a Birchbox, and I’m having a blast with my new products. December’s box was filled with fun and practical items, and my reviews are below. If you haven’t signed up to receive your customized Birchbox yet, I suggest you do!

“Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products that fit into both your day-to-day routine, and into those days when you want to turn up the drama a notch.”

1. AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion – This lotion smells so freaking good. It smells fresh and almost powdery, but not overwhelming. This has become one of my favorite lotions and I would definitely buy a full size bottle of it!
2. Amika Obliphica Hair Treatment – I was so excited when I saw this in my Birchbox. I’m always looking for new products to use on my hair, which is often super frizzy. And I’m thrilled with the results! I used just a drop of the oil after I got done blow drying my hair, and it didn’t weigh down my strands or make my hair look greasy. The frizz was decreased and my hair looked shiner. I recommend this product 100%!
3. EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster – I’ll be honest, I was a little hesitant to try this. I’m not a big fan of drinking my vitamins, but I wanted to give it a whirl so I could write a review. The verdict? It actually wasn’t bad! It was orangey and even a little fizzy with a sweet taste. The energy booster is packed with vitamins B, C, and D and has a dose of natural caffeine. It was nice to reach for during cold season!
4. Inococo Nail Polish Appliqué – I’ve been hearing about nail polish stickers lately, and was happy to give them a try and see if they worked for me. It was interesting to learn that these strips are actually thin layers of nail polish, and are better for nails because they contain less solvent and have small pores to let nails breath. And – they stay on for two weeks and come off with nail polish remover! I thought they were pretty simple to put on, of course my right hand gave me troubles since I’m right-handed, but I was impressed overall with them.
5. Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss – Last month I received the Jouer Moisturizing Lip Enhancer, and it was my favorite product in the box. It was hard for me to really rate this item, because the color I received was way too pink for me. What I did was put on the Jouer Lip Enhancer, then lightly applied the Lip Gloss and blended them together. I actually really like the combination!
6. Showstoppers Designer Fashion Tape- I haven’t had an opportunity yet to use the double-sided tape, but I’m glad that I have it my drawer ready to go! You never know when it will come in handy. This tape comes in nude or black, and will stick to a variety of fabrics. Great to have when you need it!

January 14, 2012
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Beauty Review: Garnier Moisture Rescue Cleaning Foam
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Beauty Review: Garnier Moisture Rescue Cleaning Foam

I have been trying out Garnier products for awhile and have been having good luck, so when I needed a new cleanser, I picked up Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam. I actually have the moisturizer as well and really like it, so I figured why not the cleanser? I have to say, I have had really good luck with it. It definitely brings back moisture to my face––sometimes a little too much. I balance out this cleanser with another cleanser––Biore’s Ice Cleanser, and I have found the mix to be perfect for me. When my face is a little dry, I use Garnier, and when I look a little oily, I use the Biore. I definitely have combination skin, and with the seasons in Iowa it always varies. I think I have really found what works for me here! I would recommend the Garnier cleanser, unless you have really oily skin to begin with. If you, I would try Biore’s Ice Cleanser!
[Rating: 4]

December 20, 2011
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My November Birchbox Review
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My November Birchbox Review

Last month, I signed up with the online company Birchbox. A girlfriend introduced me to the idea, and I thought I would love it. I have received one Birchbox so far, and it looks like I will not be wrong. I have decided to do reviews each month on the products that I receive. But first, you might be wondering what exactly Birchbox is. According to their website:
“Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products that fit into both your day-to-day routine, and into those days when you want to turn up the drama a notch.”
Sounds fun right? So last month I signed up, took the beauty profile, and anxiously awaited my box. Here is what I received:
1. Alex & Isabelle Classic Hair Ties
2. Jouer Lip Enhancer
3. kate spade new york Twirl
4. Thymes Body Lotion
5. Zoya Gems & Jewels Collection
Now for the reviews:
1. Alex & Isabelle Classic Hair Ties- There are a fun spin on regular ole elastics. They won’t snag your hair either, a huge plus, and they look cute around your wrist. It’s almost like you’re wearing a bracelet, but you can use it to pull back your hair if needed. They come in an assortment of colors, so you can buy your favorite or get them all!
2. Jouer Lip Enhancer- My favorite product in the box. Not only will this help plump your lips without the ouchy tingly feeling of a regular plumper, it also moisturizes the lips- which I desperately need right now as the winter settles in. It also is just a very sheer pink color, so it looks good on. I love this stuff!
3. Kate Spade New York Twirl – My second favorite product in my box. Holy amazing smell. The first time I tried it, I ecstatically ran to my boyfriend and made him sniff my wrists. The description states that this fragrance is versatile, and I completely agree. I have worn in at work, on nights out, and when I have just been relaxing at home. And the bottle is adorable!
4. Thymes Body Lotion – I have used this on my hands mostly, but did use it on my entire body after a shower one time. The lotion has shea butter and Vitamin E packed into it, and I look for both in my body lotions. It smells great and seems to stay on my body long after I apply it.
5. Zoya Gems & Jewels Collection – This nail polish (I received Twila, the sparkly blue color) boasts that it lasts up to 50% longer than regular polish – and I think they are telling the truth! I applied the polish to my toes about three weeks ago, and I still have yet to see any cracks or peeling in the polish. I don’t wear a lot of polish because of the fact that it never seems to stay on, so I would definitely give more colors in the collection a try.
And that is my first Birchbox. My December box has already been shipped, and I can’t wait to see what I am getting. I love the element of surprise, and the low cost of only $10 (free shipping) to get these samples. What better way to try out products instead of wasting money on full size bottles and not liking them? Plus, with the reviews you write, you can earn points to redeem for full size products. Win-win for me! If you haven’t signed up yet, you can easily do so by following this link. More to come next month!

December 13, 2011
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Beauty Review: Maybelline Superstay Concealer
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Beauty Review: Maybelline Superstay Concealer

I don’t use concealer often, but let’s face it––sometimes it is just necessary. I recently picked up Maybelline’s Superstay Concealer for only seven dollars, and I think it works great! It boasts that it lasts up to twenty-four hours, and while I haven’t worn it for that long, it still lasts me throughout the day! I was impressed by how flawlessly it covered my, er, flaws, and that I didn’t have to retouch it once during the day. This has definitely made it on my list of beauty favorites!

[Rating: 5]

December 6, 2011
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Beauty Review: CHI Straightener
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Beauty Review: CHI Straightener

I think we all know by now that I have frizzy hair. Okay. One thing my hairdresser mentioned to me is maybe I need to upgrade my styling tools, such as my hair straightener. When she asked me how old my straightener was, I flashed back to my shopping trip the week before I started college. In 2005. Hmmm. Upgrade? Necessary. About ten different brands were thrown out at me, but I went with the CHI. It’s reputable, and wouldn’t break my bank. I went to my local Beauty Brands and picked up the original CHI for about $90. I was told that it helps prevent frizz by sealing the hair cuticle. Perfect! Sign me up.
I raced home, showered, did a quick blow dry, and got to work. Another tip I learned from hair my stylist¬––when straightening your hair, always use a comb. So I took my time, diligently combing through each strand and then running my new CHI over my locks. The end results? Not bad. Sure, my hair still does have some frizz, but I can definitely notice a difference between my old straightener and my new one. Of course, you don’t want to use heating tools on your hair every day––and be sure to you use a heat protector spray when you do––but usually on the weekends I will take the time to carefully straighten my hair. I’m glad I went with the CHI, and I would definitely recommend this brand to others!
[Rating: 4]

November 22, 2011
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Hair Review: Garnier Fructis Style Smoothing Creme
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Hair Review: Garnier Fructis Style Smoothing Creme

Another day of frizz, another product fail. Darn. This time it is Garnier Fructis Style Smoothing Crème. This is a new line from Garnier, a “pure clean product” that boasted “24-hour frizz control” and “zero heaviness.” My number one complaint is that my hair is still frizzy. My second complaint is that it is heavy and weights down my hair. Double fail. I’ve stopped using this and wouldn’t recommend it if you are looking for something light to help keep your hair smooth. I wonder what I should be doing with all my failed products….any suggestions?
[Rating: 1]

November 12, 2011
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Hair Review: John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight
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Hair Review: John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight

I have taken to my blog to complain about my frizzy hair many times and all the products that I have tried to tame it. From different shampoos, top of the line straighteners, gels, mousse, hair spray, etc, I have tried many, many products. My latest shot was given to John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Styling Spray. I had started to see the commercials on TV with the models with the gorgeous straight and shiny locks flouncing about, and then I saw the product for only $10 at my local Walgreens. Why not, right? So I bought it, eagerly went home and showered, then sprayed the product throughout my hair 15 times. The directions say to apply to damp or wet hair, with 7-15 sprays. My hair is always super frizzy, so I thought the 15 would really help. I also have long hair (halfway down my back) and it is very fine and thin, and the wavy kind of curly. Back to the spraying. Got the 15 sprays in, then blow-dried my hair, also according to the directions. After a thorough blow-dry came the straightening. I have an expensive Chi straightener, one that gets super hot super fast. When I got done straightening my hair looked….worse than it usually does! It was hard and clumpy and even though I had just showered, it looked oily and dirty. And was on frizz-overload. Fail.
Take two. I assumed that using 15 sprays was too much. I tried again the following week. Shampoo, condition, rinse, spray (10 sprays this time), blow-dry, straighten. Results…same. Gross looking hair, even frizzier than when I did my normal routine of just using a straightening gel. Fail.
Take three. This was going to be my final attempts with the spray. Tried only 7 sprays this time, thinking it was simply my fault for using too much product and that was causing my hair to look icky. But the results were once again the same. My hair looked even more frizzy (which I truly thought was impossible with the amount of frizz my hair showcases), it looked dirty, and it felt gross to touch.
My results were not at all pleasant. This spray has been chucked to the back of my linen closet in disgust. I won’t lie- I have heard some good things about John Frieda, and really held out hope that this was going to work for me. I have read the other reviews on Amazon saying it worked like a charm and I am dumbfounded. Not sure if you need a certain hair type to achieve the results. I know this spray is supposed to turn your curls to straight, but also reduce the amount of frizz. While it may have helped straighten the kinks a little bit, they straightness didn’t last for three days, and there is no way I could keep me hair unwashed for that amount of time looking as dirty as it did. I will not be recommending this product, and my quest to tame the frizz continues.
[Rating: 1.5]

October 6, 2011
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