November Boxycharm Review

Are you ready for a Par-Tea? This month Boxycharm gave us one! For those of you who don't know Boxycharm is a monthly subscription box, Boxycharm costs $21 and includes free shipping. you get 5 full sized beauty products, with a value from $80-$120+. 

1. Pur-lisse Blue Lotus 4 in 1 Eye Adore Serum: I am excited to try this produce because I have never owned a full size eye serum before. With my other subscription boxes, I have tried samples of various treatments but because I never really see a difference and they are usually pretty pricey, I skip over buying one. I have yet to start using this but am excited to see what all the fuss is about since this serum costs $65!

2. Studio Makeup Blush in Wild Flower: This blush is gorgeous! I had to try it right away after opening my box! It is very pigmented and applies like a dream! I love the shade for this type of year and really all year round. Super excited happy with this product! Thanks Boxycharm!

3. Manna Kadar Lip Locked Priming Gloss Stain: I love the color of this lip stain! I got mine is the color "Lucky" and I'm a lucky girl to have this gorgeous lippy! It pairs perfectly with the blush and is a berry/nudey color that really suits my complexion. Since it is a stain it's perfect for all those upcoming holiday events!

 

4. Luxie Rose Gold Concealer Eye Brush: Who doesn't love a bit of rose gold? AND who doesn't love getting brushes? Along with my love for beauty products, I have a love for makeup brushes! Good ones can be so expensive so getting them in my subscription boxes is amazing. I usually use my beauty blender for concealing but I plan to use this brush for packing on shimmery or glittery eyeshadows since it is quite dense and small!

 

5. Coolway Leave In Treatment: This is another product I am really excited for! I have been struggling with dull and brittle hair for about a year now (ever since I bleached it.) I have been trimming my hair for months and it still keeps breaking, which is really annoying as I am trying to grow my hair out! Hopefully this product will help bring back some shine into my hair and will help with the damage!

Pur-lisse Blue Lotus 4 in 1 Eye Adore Serum $65

Studio Makeup Blush in Wild Flower $17

Manna Kadar Lip Locked Priming Gloss Stain $24

Luxie Rose Gold Concealer Eye Brush $12

CoolWay Leave In Treatment $19.95

Overall Value: OVER $135

I am pretty satisfied with this box! It didn't blow my mind but with a value like that you can't help but love these boxes! I'd have to say my favorite are the blush and lip stain because I love makeup so much and I love adding to my collection. 

Did you like this month's box? What are you favorite products to receive in subscription boxes? If you want to join in the fun, you can subscribe to Boxycharm here.

Until next time,

Bexs

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter @RebeccaAshBall

My First Lush Haul

I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so excited! For those of you who don't know... Lush is an amazing UK Company that sells lovely handmade cosmetics, lotions, tons of bath stuff and more! Check out their website and I promise you won't be disappointed.

 Over the last 2 years, I've been reading and watching videos of Lush Hauls and have always been jealous of everyones stuff! I love a good bath so the Bath Bombs and the Bubble Bars really caught my attention. I've never been into an actual Lush store, unfortunately there aren't any near where I live, so after a lot of research, I've finally taken the plunge and ordered some lovely bath time fun! 

I decided to pick up three Bath Bombs because I've never used anything like it before... I've only ever had bubble baths so I though this would be a nice way to transition to the Lush world. I picked up Sex Bomb, Father Christmas, Cinders and one Bubble Bar called Sparkly Pumpkin I'm sure you can tell which one is which by the picture :) 

I've used Sex Bomb and Sparkly Pumpkin so far and am pretty pleased with the overall experience. Unfortunately I got a little too excited and forget that I don't need my baths full to the top with water since I am an adult and will overflow the tub when I get in if its too high. This became an issue when using the bar and bomb since I overfilled the bath the bomb didn't have the same effect it probably would have if I didn't have so much water in! To use the bath bomb you simply just drop it into your bath and it basically explodes with gorgeous colors and fragrance. When I went to let out some water from the tub Sex Bomb lost a lot of the lovely pinkyness. It did smell amazing though and I enjoyed having pink bath water! Lush's description of Sex Bomb is Brazen jasmine flirts with your senses

What’s in a name? When it comes to the Sex Bomb we take the moniker seriously. A must for any romantic bath, our world famous sphere of sex appeal contains all of Nature’s most potent and seductive ingredients to get you in the mood for a good… bath. Scintillating jasmine, clary sage and ylang ylang are powerful aphrodisiacs that are known to relax you as they warm your heart, and other body parts too. Soya milk makes the water milky, softening your entire body as you enjoy a luxurious soak with our best-selling Bath Bomb. Consider yourself warned.

I do have to admit I enjoyed the Sparkly Pumpkin bubble bar a bit more, something about laying in a tube with bubble makes me really happy! To use the bubble bar all you need to do is run the bar under your tab to create a fantastic amount of bubbles. I don't think I got the full effect of my Sparkly Pumpkin either because I started adding the bubbles way before I got it and then had to drain some of the water out when I got it. Usually people say you don't have to use an entire bubble bar but since this one was pretty small and since I had to add more water and bubble once I actually got in the bath I did use my entire pumpkin. It smelled great and left my bath water orange (a color I usually HATE) and very sparkly obviously! This is  Lush's description: Perfect for long, lingering soaks

At the end of a long day, pop this Sparkly Pumpkin into the bath. As you crumble its golden shimmeryness under running water, you’ll feel instantly re-energized. An uplifting blend of juniperberry, grapefruit and lime oils will fill the room with an enticing, cocktail-like punch. And as you sink deep under the glittering gold water, you won’t be able to keep from smiling – probably because this little pumpkin is made to make every day bright.

The Father Christmas is so cute I can't wait to use him but I also don't want to because he's so adorable! I suppose once it gets close to Christmas it will only be fair to give the little guy a go so I can fully get into the Holiday Spirit. Lush's description of Father Christmas: "A festive bomb to bring Santa's presence into the bath. Once you pop this jolly bomb in your bath, you’ll be able to soak away the hours in sweet, mouthwatering waters as the blushing red of Santa's cheeks fizz away to reveal a vivid, holly green center. All we want for Christmas is this Santa, baby!"

Finally I picked up Cinders, this scent is usually not what I would go for because I often enjoy the sweeter smell but since it is getting close to Christmas, I couldn't resist. I actually really like the spicy scent. It also has some kind of popping crystals in it which really excited the little kid in me. Here's the description: For fireside-like comfort, heat up your holidays with this sweet and spicy bomb inspired by fireside gatherings with family and friends. We combine crackling vegan popping candy with stimulating cinnamon leaf oil to recreate the warmth of the hearth. With a bath so inviting, you can skip the open fire and curl up with this fizzer instead.

I'm really looking forward to my next purchase because I for sure am getting more bubble bars over bath bombs and I won't fill up may bath too high before getting in and using the bubble bar!

I am looking for recommendations for different Lush products since I can't get to a Lush myself to smell and see everything. Please leave me your recommendations in the comments and tell me which are your favorites! 

Until next time,

Bexs

Follow me on Twitter @RebeccaAshBall

and Instagram @rebeccaaball

Bath & BodyWorks Haul: Winter Edition

Do you ever find yourself watching haul videos on YouTube? Well if you don't, I don't recommend that you start because it's dangerous and addicting! I was watching a Zoella Bath & BodyWorks candle haul recently and it sent me down the rabbit hole of tons of other candle haul videos and I couldn't resist the urge to get a few for myself. Most of my candles are running out, I've been rationing them recently because I hate the thought of not having candles burning in the evening. AND I haven't had a Bath & BodyWorks candle in AGES so it was time to end that patch of darkness.

I couldn't tell you which video inspired me to buy which candle because like I said I watched a lot of hauls. I figured I would get some nice winter/ holiday candles and these ones multiple YouTubers gushed about.


Twisted Peppermint: This candle smells like what you would think it would and maybe even better if you like sweet peppermint. It's like a lovely mix of vanilla and candy cane and honestly makes me smile when I smell it. It reminds me of holiday baking and the chill of cold winter air! Their description: Merry and bright peppermint celebrates the season with notes of vanilla and sugary musk in this cheer-filled scent.




Sweater Weather: Who doesn't love a bit of sweater weather? I know I do, so I had to get this holiday candle! It's a gorgeous mix of sweet and fresh that reminds me of when I was a little kid playing in my yard in update New York during the winter because of the fresh pine smell. We don't have those kinds of trees in South Carolina, oddly enough our christmas trees here aren't the same kinds! Bath & BodyWorks' description is "Cuddle up with an aromatic blend of eucalyptus, juniper berry and fresh sage that celebrates the coziness of sweater weather." I give this candle 2 thumbs up! I can't wait to start burning it!

Mahogany Teakwood: Can I just say this candle smells like a sexy man in a cabin on a winter holiday! I've been loving candles that smell manly during the colder months. While I love a good sweet candle but something about dark musky candles calms me and gets me all cozy for bed time. The description: Warm up the season with an expertly crafted blend of mahogany, oak and frosted lavender that is a luxurious classic.

Black Tie: This candle also smells like a sexy man but this one is like a yummy fancy date night man. I got this candle in the normal packaging instead of the holiday edition because I think I'm going to use the Mahogany Teakwood in my room for the rest of the year (after my current candle is finished) and I figured by the time it runs out it will be almost new years and this packaging reminded me of New Years! Bath & Body Works description: Your perfect date to any holiday party- Green sage, sandalwood and Tonka beam. Now I'm not sure I'd take this candle on a date but if my boyfriend smelled like this candle I'd be glad to go on a date with him!

Bath & BodyWorks always has GREAT deals for these candles so while they are each $22.50 before the "sale" they actually were only $9.50 each! And Bath and BodyWorks gives you coupons when you buy stuff, so I guess I'll be buying some more goodies soon! Leave me a comment with some recommendations! ALSO what's your favorite scent in the soap and body range? I think I'll be asking for some for Christmas!

Until next time,
Bexs

Follow me on Twitter @RebeccaAshBall
and on Instagram @rebeccaaball

November Birchbox Review

Each month Birchbox has a little theme, sending products that will help get you through the month. This month, the theme was pampering and polishing, just in time for the holiday mayhem. I am going to say this right now, I was less than thrilled about this month's box with the exception of Tati's new LOC range and I'm always down for a face mask. The other products are okay but this is for sure one of my least favorite boxes.

Here's what I got:

BioRepublic Skincare Aloe Rescue Revitalizing Fiber Sheet Mask: I love a good mask and with the weather getting cooler and dryer my face is in need of some hydration so I'm excited to try this during a pamper session soon!

LOC Vibrant Matte Lipstick in Wildest Dreams: The lipstick is a beautiful red, and though I have plenty of red lipsticks, I love getting lipsticks in my subscription boxes because honestly you can never have too many lipsticks!

MAKE Skin Illuminator: This product is nothing great and the sample size is so stinking small! They say its supposed to be part skin corrector and part highlighter but when I tried it, it was nothing but shimmery glitter... sure that highlights but it also makes you look like a preteen girl! And at $34 for a full size, I can honestly say I'll never purchase this product.

Number 4 Lumiere driver Fluoro5 Elixer Restore & Repair Oil: I enjoy a good sample of hair oil! I never buy them for myself but since Birchbox loves sending samples I have plenty! This oil smells nice, brings shine to your hair and helps keep frizz at bay. If you're looking for a hair oil I'd say give this one a try!

Soap & Paper Factory Shea Butter Hand Cream in Green Tea: I don't really like green tea scented lotions at all, I'm more of a sugary scent girl so this lotion isn't my favorite. The Shea Butter does feel amazing on my hands, so I will be tossing it in my handbag for use when I'm on the go.

Have you gotten your Birchbox yet this month? What’d you think?

Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that sends a specially curated box of luxe beauty samples to your doorstep for only $10/month. You can join here and you will receive $5 off your first box!

Until next time,
Bexs

Follow me on Twitter @RebeccaAshBall
and on Instagram @rebeccaaball

Autumn/Winter Essentials 2015

As the weather starts to get more crisp and the days are shorter, my daily MUST- HAVES seem to change. I don't know about you but I love all things cozy all year long so for me autumn/ winter is the best time for a warm drink, snuggling and lighting candles! 

I live in the South, where we have basically 2 seasons HOT and kind of cold.. it doesn't get below freezing very much here and sometimes you can wear shorts in December. Regardless, I change my wardrobe to match the season, so my clothes and make-up choices get darker (even though I really like black all year long.) This time of year is the best time to rock a red or berry lip, golden eyes, a deeper colored blush. 

I've been thinking about what my must haves for this time of year are and this is the list I've come up with:

• A big cozy blanket
• A mug for yummy warm/hot drinks
• Seasonal candles
• Rimmel Kate Lipstick in 111
• It Cosmetics Pretty Women Lipstick
• Becca Mineral Blush in Sweetpea
• Costal Scents Revealed 2 Palette for all my golden/ dark eye looks
• St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion
• Previse face moisturizer

I'm looking for new things to add to my list! Send me your Autumn/ Winter must have in the comments!

Until next time,

Bexs

Follow me on Twitter @RebeccaAshBall

and on Instagram @rebeccaaball

Answering 50 Random Questions About Me

1. Full name? Rebecca Ashley Ball

1. Zodiac sign? Capricorn

1. How tall are you? 5'2.5 (the .5 makes all the difference!)

1. 3 Fears? Dying, Failure, Cockroaches

1. 3 things you love? My Boyfriend, My Family, My Dog

1. Who is your best friend? MY MOM :D

1. Last song you listened to? Soldier by Gavin Degraw

1. 4 Turn ons? Pretty eyes, confidence, shoulder muscles, nice hair

1. 4 Turn offs?  Facial hair, smelling bad, being too clingy, judgmentalness (I know its not a real word)

1. What color is your underwear right now? Black

1. How many tattoos/ piercing do you have? 1 Tattoo and 4 ear piercings

1. How do you feel right now? Cozy 

1. Something you really, really want? LONG HAIR

1. Current relationship status? Taken

1. Meaning behind your URL? It's the name of my blog

1. Favorite TV show? One Tree Hill

1. Favorite movie? Breakfast at Tiffany's

1. Favorite flavor? Anything Blue Raspberry

1. 3 Things that upset you? Fighting, too many people around, new things

1. 3 Things that make you happy? Shopping, cozy things, cuddling

1. What do you find attractive in other people? Smiles

1. Someone you miss? Pauchie

1. Someone you love? Jacob

1. How many siblings do you have? 3, 1 brother and 2 sisters

1. What does your last text message say?YESSS

1. Favorite holiday? Christmas of course!

1. A confession- My sister and I created our own secret language when we were kids

1. Favorite animal? Puppies

1. Favorite store? Target

1. Favorite food? Italian

1. Number of kids I want? 4

1. Do you need to do laundry? Nope did it on Sunday :D

1. Your dream vacation? Santorini, Greece

1. Last food that you ate? Olive Garden with Brit

1. Last time you took a shower? Monday morning

1. What were you doing at 12AM last night? Sleeping, haha I'm an old lady!

1. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?Marc Jacobs, Mod Noir

1. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? Let the car wash do it

1. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? Nope I've been behaving :)

1. When was the last time you went out of town? Over the weekend

1. Do you have a tan? A fake tan

1. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? Yes, a candle 

1. Do you collect anything? Make up

1.  What is your favorite alcoholic drink? Basically anything with coconut rum in it

1.  What is your favorite sport? Football

1. PC or Mac? Mac

1. What’s your favorite social media platform? Twitter

1. When’s your birthday? January 11th

1. Favorite ice cream flavor? Coffee

1. Favorite quote? One day you’re 17 and planning for someday and then quietly and without you ever really noticing, someday is today and then someday is yesterday and this is your life.

What are some random facts about you? Answer 3 questions in the comments and tag me in your posts if you decide to answer all these questions! 

Until next time, 
Bexs 

Follow me on Twitter @RebeccaAshBall
Instagram @rebeccaaball

October Favorites 2015

The spooky month of Halloween has come and gone. Can you believe that there are only like 50 days until Christmas? In the month of October, I have been trying out a whole lot of products and as the weather started changing, my product choices did too! Darker colors and bolder lips are what I have been grabbing for all month!

This Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation was a rediscovery for me in October! It's so lightweight but has amazing coverage and staying power. I know that if I do my make up in the morning I don't have to worry. With this foundation and a little powder, my face will look flawless all day.

A few weeks ago, my boyfriend wanted to go on a little impromptu shopping trip for some fall clothes and because I was feeling a bit frugal, he kindly bought me a new a little gift. This Smashbox ON THE ROCKS palette is gorgeous! The nudes and grays are my favorite and the packaging is super cute too! I have a feeling it will be my most grabbed for palette this holiday season!

In my October Boxycharm, I received the best pencil eyeliner ever! Lord & Berry #221 Dark Black eyeliner is my amazing! It glides with ease and has awesome staying power, my waterline usually goes bare quite quickly but with this liner I can go without a touch up for hours!

Now that the colder months are upon us, (or so I've been told, I live in SC and it's like 70+ here) darker lips are finally in season again! And I can't get enough of my Rimmel London Kate 107 Lipstick. It's a beautiful matte dark red shade. Though it can be a pain to apply for beginners, its worth the effort. If you're looking for a dark red I really rate this one.

Birchbox knows me too well... in October they sent me the R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo. Now I'm not dirty but I hate washing my hair. Because after a wash comes hours of drying and straightening and no one has the time or energy to put up with that everyday! So on the days in between hair washing, this dry shampoo has been my everything. It smells so lovely and neutralizes the oils in my hair leaving it feeling as good a clean!

I feel like these favorites will follow me into November and some will probably be staples in my every day look but I will do my best to find new things to rave about in a few weeks :)

What are some things you've been loving recently? Let me a comment with suggestions.

Until next time,

Bexs

Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @RebeccaAshBall

My Path to Clear Skin!

Acne... it's something that most of us have struggled with at one point or another. For me, it's a daily battle. When I was a teenager, I thought I would have these nasty bumps and blemishes for a few years and then at some point my skin would figure itself out and I would be able to have clear skin like I thought the rest of the adult population had.

As the years past, I realized I would be battling acne for the majority of my life. I've tried almost everything; drug store acne medicine, prescription medicine, pills, proactiv, the list goes on and on.

Now, I'm usually someone who likes to buy one brand and use everything in the range... So I've made my way through quite a few products. But finally after years of struggling I've found a regiment that seems to help!

I use the Boots Expert Anti-Blemish Cleansing Foam, its a UK brand that I have feel in love with, you can find it at your local Target. Boots has a range of products that I am sure are amazing but I haven't explored any of their other products quite yet. The cleanser leaves my skin feeling soft and clean! After cleansing my face, I use the Neutogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads and Stubborn Acne Spot Gel. The tube says it reduces size & redness in just 2 hours and the pads are supposed to keep working for 8 hours... now I've never timed them but they definitely works! Finally I finish up my regiment with a moisturizer, what I use varies on how my skin is feeling that day/night. When my skin is feeling extra dry, I reach for my Previse Hydromilk Skin Type 1-6. It's rich and very hydrating When my skin is extra oily I like to reach for my Clean & Clear dual action moisturizer, while it is still hydrating it is light weight so it doesn't feel heavy on my skin and really soaks in well.

Now I won't say I never get it a nasty blemish, but instead of it lasting weeks and weeks and my skin having a full on freak out with this routine, I feel a lot more confident not wearing make up everyday. 

If you're struggling to find a regiment that will help blast acne away, I highly recommend the products above.

If you know of any awesome products I should be trying let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

Bexs

Follow me on Twitter @RebeccaAshBall
Instagram @rebeccaaball