April Julep Maven "Classic with a Twist" Box

I discovered Julep Maven through my friend Kelsey from The Girl Talks. It's basically a nail polish subscription service that's a bit more Jewelmint than Birchbox in that you're not paying for random-ish samples but actually full-sized polishes and nail care products. Like Jewelmint, you initially take a Style Quiz which matches you to a certain beauty profile with a certain set of products. Profile names include "It Girl," "Boho Glam," and "American Beauty." One thing that's neat about the program is that you get to view everything in your box so you can decide whether or not you like it or prefer another set of products under another profile. You can also skip a month if you don't find anything to your liking. It's usually $20 a month, but they currently have a special promo where you can get your first box for only ONE PENNY (seriously!) if you use the code COLORS4ONE. I'm not sure how long the promo is going to last so don't miss out!

I loved how quickly I received my first box after putting in my order. I think it was literally three days! I also really like the packaging which reminds me a lot of Birchbox with how neatly arranged and nicely presented everything is. The nail polishes were wrapped in bubble wrap, tissue paper, then finished off  with a box and the products were all laid on top of paper confetti for some nice padding.

Kelly - "Blushed white creme." A really pretty pinky neutral color that was a little sheer at first, but a few thick coats did the trick.

Anne - "Ultra-saturated violet." I really loved this color and got lots of compliments the week I wore it. The polish was a little thin and took a couple of coats but once on, it stayed on - very little chipping.

Julep Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub - Really nice hand scrub. My hands felt extremely clean and soft after using.

Instagram #7

Bourjois shade 25  -  Mini Macaroons from M&S  -  Harry Potter  -  Jessica Nail Oil

Jelly Beans  -  Listening to The Warblers  -  Freckles Blog Post  -  Hot Chocolate

Models Own Nail Varnish  -  Veggie Cocktail Jelly  -  New PJ's  -  Decorating my Mirror

Origins Ginger Goodies  -  Moon Jar  -  Bourjois Nail Polish remover  -  Rare OOTD

Instagram: dollyfaces7

April Glossybox

Spring is in the air...

...Ok, so maybe not as April showers are still in full force but Glossybox have fully embraced Spring and earth day with their Natural Beauty Box this month!

I love Natural, Organic products and although everything in this months Eco friendly Box is not completely natural, it's a great idea and there are some pretty good products!

My favourite is the Inka Peacock pencil eyeliner, it's the creamiest eyeliner formula i've ever tried and I love the intensity of the colour.

The only downside for me is the fact that the box is biodegradable, I store my make up in old Glossyboxes but I'm guessing I wont be able to with this one!

What do you think of this months box? xx

Products I got:

- Caudalie Serum  

- Inka Eyeliner 

- Monu Collagen cream

- Figs & Rouge Lip Balm

- Burts Bee's Body Lotion

LOCAL: Fashion's Fight Against Cancer Fashion Show

Last Friday was Tallahassee's Third Annual Fashion's Fight Against Cancer, an event that focuses on bringing breast cancer awareness to the city through fashion and entertainment. For a $30 ticket (a portion of which went to the American Cancer Society), guests were treated to a runway show of over 90 designs from BCBG, Banana Republic, White House Black Market, Blu Heaven Boutique, FSU Alumni, Buckle, and designer L. Allen. Food and drinks were also provided by Chili's as well as entertainment by local musicians and the FSU Dance Department.

As some of you guys know, I work at BCBG (and have done previous fashion shows) and even though I had other plans that night, I couldn't say no to my wonderful boss who needed help with the event. Also, I had recruited one of my gorgeous sorority sisters, Jackie (below in the teal jumper), and I wanted to be there to support her as it was her first time modeling in a runway show.

The show started a lot later than we expected (9pm instead of 7) and our poor models - many who had been there since 4pm didn't walk until 9:30. Luckily, they kept everyone fed and the show, otherwise, ran without any glitches. Luckily, we had enough backstage help that during the actual BCBG portion of the show, I was able to take pictures of the models on the runway. Below are just a few of the pictures I took from the night. All outfits and accessories are, of course, BCBGMAXAZRIA. Makeup by M.A.C.

Model line up - everyone looks so pretty!

Dancer twins Gwen and Emily looked so ethereal - LOVE their fair skin!

Jackie and Gloria looked killer in their trendy jumpsuits.

Esteffania and Alex (a BCBG customer I also recruited that same day) showed us how to do striped blazers right.

Khadija (what gorgeous hair!) and Chanel (someone give this girl a modeling contract STAT!) seemed like they were born to model.

Jackie provided a strong opening for the show, while Nathalie rocked this awesome sequin/leopard print combo

Ashley, who seemed like she'd been doing this for years, looked super fierce in both her looks.

Khadija and Emily working the runway in their second looks.

Jackie and Gloria striking poses with their matching envelope clutches like pros.

Punam and I wearing matching power skirts.

Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures! 

What was your favorite BCBG runway look?

TAG: Get to Know Me

Almost a month ago, my friend, the seriously AH-MAZING Kelsey at The Girl Talks tagged me to do this, and I'm finally getting around to doing it now that I actually know other people to tag back! I really enjoyed doing this tag, and I hope you all will too!

THE RULES:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus eleven questions for the people you have tagged to answer.
3. Choose eleven people and link them in your tag.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs.
6. You legitimately have to tag.

11 FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. I'm obsessed with maxi skirts and dresses.
2. I have the entire China Glaze Colours From the Capitol nail polish collection.
3. I have never seen a Transformers movie.
4. My family has moved four times all within the same county - the name of which is my street address in college.
5. I've only cosplayed once, but I want to do it again.
6. I'm in an Asian sorority and a co-ed fraternity.
7. I've tried to dye my naturally dark brown hair blonde twice.
8. I had a Harry Potter party for my 22nd birthday.
9. I like to read and write fan fiction.
10. I have 70 floors on Tiny Tower.
11. I'm planning on starting a Youtube channel soon ^_^

MY ANSWERS TO KELSEY'S QUESTIONS:

1. What is the last book you read? The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
2. Is your hair curly, wavy, or straight? Naturally wavy
3. Mac or PC? Mac
4. Have you ever purchased and used a Groupon? Yes, several. I love them!
5. Do you enjoy cooking? I honestly wish I had more time to do it because when I do, I love it (even if I'm not the best cook)!
6. Do you have any pets? I have two cats with me in college and another seven back home.
7. Wordpress or Blogger? Blogger. I'ved used Wordpress before and had to deal with soooo much spam. 
8. If you had to give up either Facebook or makeup for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Facebook! I use Twitter more anyway, and I'd be such a hot mess without my makeup.
9. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be everything from a farmer, politician, Egyptologist, and actress.
10. Do you have any scars? How did you get them? I have one on my forehead from a burn I got as a child and one on my right arm where one of our cats bit me. It looks like a vampire or snake bite which is kind of cool.
11. Dream job? Publicist for a fashion/beauty/entertainment company <3

MY QUESTIONS FOR YOU:

1. Do you have a nickname? Yes, Manda/y, Manda Panda (self-explanatory) and Banana (inside joke with my line sisters)
2. Have you ever subscribed to a beauty box and if so which one/s? As of right now, I am subscribed to Birchbox, MyGlam, Eco-Emi, and Julep Maven.
3. Favorite YouTuber? Obsessed with missglamorazzi and jennamarbles
4. Which song is currently stuck in your head? Fun.'s "We Are Young" and Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know"
5. Morning or night person? Definitely night.
6. Celebrity crush? Ian Somerhalder <3
7. If you could visit any country, where would you go? Tokyo, Japan
8. What was your first job? Worked concession at the movie theater
9. Favorite childhood tv shows? The Power Rangers and Sailor Moon were my life.
10. What food could you eat everyday and not get tired of? Pho! (a Vietnamese noodle soup) sooo good!!
11. Last movie you saw? Cabin in the Woods - simply amazing. Joss doesn't disappoint.

TAGGING:

1. Becca - Back for Tea
2. Taylor - Girl Meets Beauty
3. Nicola - Nikscritsx
4. Holly - Blog of a Cosmetics Junkie
5. Sashka - My Beauty Memoirs
6. Nadine - College Girl
7. Sophie - Duck and Egg
8. Joy - A Vintage Joy
9. Kayley - Lavender Blush Beauty
10. Lucy - Lucinda Baby Doll
11. JoJo - Forever in Pink

Can't wait to see the responses!! ^_^

Blog Awards! :D

I am so excited for all the new followers I've gained through the Blog Hop! I've had this blog for over a year and all that time I never had as much traffic as I got from sharing what was in my makeup bag lol. I truly am so thankful to everyone who has visited, commented, and/or followed me. I never expected so much to come from participating in one post, and I was especially surprised/shocked when I found out I had been given not one but TWO blog awards! Not only were people coming to my blog, but they actually liked it enough to want to give me an award! ^_^

My very first award was given to me by the lovely Becca from Back For Tea, an incredibly darling blog that I've fallen in love with. The Liebster Blog Award is given to blogs with under 200 followers but who you think have potential.

My second award came from Nadine at College Girl, a really cute blog where she shares how to stay "pretty and healthy" during college. Love it.

The Laine Blogger Award:
- Link Back to the blogger who awarded you.
- Blog about your award.
- Give the award to 5 bloggers and let them know.

I'm still deciding on my 5 bloggers to award this too (there are so many good ones!), I'm not good with coming up with this stuff off the top of my head. I'll update this post once I decide >_<

Freckles

Fake eyelashes, Fake tan, Fake hair extensions...Fake Freckles?! 

Fake Freckles are something I've seen a lot of recently in magazines, they can give a really pretty/cutesy look. I've got a few tiny real freckles, but most of these don't show through my foundation. I'd love to have freckles and so I thought I'd have a giggle and see what they looked like on me!

To achieve this look, I used No7 amazing eyes pencil in brown and warmed the pencil up on the back of my hand. To try and make the freckles look as natural as possible, I varied between using light hand and firmer touch to dot big and small freckles over my nose and cheeks.

This was a really fun look to do, although I'm not sure whether I'd ever wear it out incase I smudged them!

What do you think of the fake freckled look?

Instagram #6

Sigma Mrs Bunny Brushes - Philosophy goodies

Barry M blue eyeliner - M&S strawberries

Stocked up on facewipes - Finally got my hands on some Revlon Lip butters!

Veggie Percy Pigs - Breaking dawn DVD

Sorry I've been MIA the past couple of weeks, I've had such a palava with my Internet provider, its still not completely sorted but at least I have internet again now!

I've got so much to catch up on - blogs and youtube videos, along with MIC, Gossip girl and The Vampire diaries! 

I'm so greatful I've got the internet back, now I can spend the rest of my day eating Macaroons and catching up!

How is everyone? Is there anything I've missed?!

xx

FSU PINK Sweats Drive (Ends 4/13)

Classes will be over soon and summer is just around the corner! What better time to clean out your closets to make way for cute new summer clothes (like the new VSPINK campus pant!)? Florida State is one of 55 colleges who are competing in the PINK Sweats Drive, a nation-wide clothing drive to see who can donate the most items! Any type of clothing - not just sweats - may be donated and all donations go to the Salvation Army. The clothing drive lasts until April 13th so hurry cause you don't want to miss out on this chance to show your school spirit while supporting a great cause!

Drop off locations:
- Dunlap Center (ask the front desk)
- Strozier (right before the card swipe against the window)
- Victoria's Secret at Governor's Square Mall
- Plato's Closet
- Each Sorority House (you can even earn service hours for donating clothes!)

Click HERE for more info and to RSVP for the event. 

2012 ACM Awards: Best Dressed

I'm not a big country music fan (although I do love me some Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood), but from what I've seen at the American Country Music Awards this year, I am a fan of their red carpet fashion choices. Here are my favorite looks from the event.

#1 - Taylor Swift - J. Mendel

Taylor makes the top of the list looking flawless in a white J. Mendel column gown with small cut outs on the sides of the waist, Christian Louboutin heels, and jewelry by Lorrain Schwartz. I absolutely love everything about this look. 

#2 - Carrie Underwood - Abed Mahfouz Couture

Carrie looks ethereal in this sheer asymmetrically cut Abed Mahfouz Couture gown, accessorized with Oscar de la Renta peep-toes, and Johnathon Amdt jewels.

#3 - Miranda Lambert 

Miranda's gold arrival gown by Randi Rahm got a lot of attention, but I adored the fabulous beaded minidress she wore after the show.

#4 - Jennifer Nettles - Max Azria

Jennifer added a welcome burst of color in her pink/coral Max Azria gown. Love how she paired it with the contrasting and equally bright colored yellow belt!

#5 - Hillary Scott - Emilio Pucci

Great accessorizing saved this look from seeming too plain. Hillary looks super sleek in this flattering long wrap dress by Emilio Pucci with David Webb jewelry and a Bulgari clutch.

What looks were your favorite?

Blog Hop: What's In My Makeup Bag?

Doing my first "Blog Hop" and the theme is "What's In My Makeup Bag?" Luckily, I just modeled in a fashion show where I did my own makeup this past weekend so I already had a makeup bag filled and ready for this post. The only addition is the NARS Laguna Bronzer I bought today, but I'm sure it'll become a makeup bag staple.

I have a couple of makeup bags, but this is my most recent and current favorite. It's a Forever 21 bag that I got at Dechoes, a secondhand store in Orlando. At about 12" long, I love how roomy it is inside so there's always room to add in extra items like brushes, nail polish, and moisturizer if I want.

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage - Not my favorite face primer, but I'm trying to use it up so I can get something better.

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara - Just an all-around good drugstore mascara.

Tweezerman Tweezers - The best tweezers I've ever come across. It's incredible how precise and painless they are.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation - Best foundation ever! I definitely use this more for special occasions (like a fashion show) rather than every day though.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Blonde - LOVE this product. It's overtaken NARS Orgasm as my favorite blush.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - The perfect setting powder.

Revlon Lip Butters in Gumdrop and Cupcake - Obsessed with these. I probably have 15 or so, these two are probably my favorite shades.

Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner - I love how quick and easy this stuff is to apply.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Bad bottle, but great primer.

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque - Life. Saver. This stuff is AH-MAZING. Seriously. I have crazy dark circles and this makes them disappear. An everyday must have.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Porcelain - Works perfectly with the Corrector to brighten my face and hide any blemishes. Best concealer I've come across. And I've tried plenty.

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in Tough as Taupe - Awesome product. I will often use these as a primer.

MAC Tendertone in Hush Hush - So in love with this lip balm. It smells great and keeps my lips oh-so moisturized.

Maybelline Gel Liner in Eggplant Aubergine - The purple color looks amazing with pretty much anything from the Naked2 palette.

Sonia Kashuk Eyeliner Palette - I use these to line my waterline since I prefer to do that with a shadow than a gel or pencil.

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette - Wished there were more matte shadows and less shimmery ones, but still an amazing palette of eyeshadows.

NARS Laguna Bronzer - I already love this new purchase! My previous bronzer was matched to me when I was a lot tanner and doesn't work with the skin tone I have now.

Now that you've seen what's in my makeup bag, what's in yours? The Blog Hop runs until the end of the week so you still have time to jump in at Blog Love Therapy HERE! If you do it, be sure to let me know in the comments so I can check it out! 

Also, I'm really enjoying this "Blog Hop" idea so if you know of any others going, feel free to post that in a comment too! =]

2012 Kids' Choice Awards: Best Dressed

I am so pleased with the fashion choices at this year's Kids' Choice Awards! It can be a tricky event to dress for because you don't want to look too formal or too casual and if you're young you don't want to dress too old and if you're old you don't want to dress too young. Really, the key to this event is looking age-appropriate and fun - you want to appear effortlessly stylish and not like you're trying too hard. I'm happy to say that most stars pulled this off and looked great. Here were my top 5 favorite looks:

#1 - Selena Gomez - Dolce & Gabbana
On anyone else, this look probably would not have worked and instead have looked trashy. Selena, however, has always managed to find the perfect balance and combination of cute and sexy and, once again, looks amazing as usual in this D&G two-piece which consists of a floral bustier top and a gorgeous crystal-embellished skirt. She completed the look with a pair of drool-worthy two-tone pink and orange Cesare Paciotti studded heels.

#2 - Taylor Swift – Maria Lucia Hohan
Taylor was honored with the “Big Help” award by Michelle Obama for her ongoing charity work. She accepted her award in a very sweet and girly ballerina-inspired gown and accessorized with gold Nicholas Kirkwood sandals and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. Love her blue nails and braided up-do.

#3 - Emma Stone - Antonio Berardi
Emma is back to her natural blonde and looking super chic in this feminine nude/blush dress (which I adored on the runway for its simple but unique construction). She paired the dress with great nude Alejandro Ingelmo ‘Gilda’ wedges and Irene Neuwirth jewels, but we all know her best accessory was her adorable boyfriend and future Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield.

#4 - Sarah Hyland – Myne
Sarah stood out in this great red wraparound maxi dress which featured a thigh high split which she paired with a Kotur gold clutch and strappy Cesare Paciotti sandals. I think she looks great - my only complaint is that her center-parted straight hair is a bit boring.

#5 - Ashley Tisdale - Kymerah
I might be in the minority here, but I do like this dress even if I'm not the biggest fan of it on Ashely (I think a dark-haired celeb like Selena or Sarah could've really rocked this). I'm a sucker for high-low dresses and I like the sheer coral over the black and white pattern, but I'm not feeling the black Brian Atwood fringed heels or the random red stripe in her hair.

What were your favorite looks from the Kids' Choice Awards?

February & March Birchbox

I have been SUPER happy with the two Birchboxes I've received so far. Both have been filled with a good variety of high-end and interesting beauty products (including some I would normally never even think of trying): two things I really look for in a good beauty box subscription. They also have killer customer service and their shipping is on point.

I love the Birchbox packaging! The pink outer mail packaging is an eye-catching pink color. The actual "Birchbox" inside is made of a nice quality cardboard material. I'm very impressed with how everything is always neatly arranged and packaged within the box using tissue paper and ribbons. It really does make each box feel like you're unwrapping a gift. Note: The photo below, unfortunately, do not show this impeccable packaging as these pictures were taken almost a month or two after I received and unpackaged all my products.

• Benta Berry G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream - A French all-natural moisturizer new to the U.S. that's supposed to moisturize, regulate your skin's oil levels, and reduce breakouts. It's a fairly thick cream that absorbs rather quickly and has a light scent to it. Nothing all that special or different from your regular old moisturizer though.
• dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - I'm absolutely obsessed with this product! I was really excited to try it since it's such a unique product being a powder that turns into a paste when you add water which you can then use to exfoliate your face. Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing! My skin feels so clean and smooth after using it. I'll be so sad when it runs out, but fortunately they give you a decent amount. This is definitely a product I'll be saving up my Birchbox points for (the full size costs $50). 
• Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint - I love tinted moisturizers as an alternative to foundation and I've heard great things about this product. Wish the tube was a little larger though.
• Violent Lips Temporary Lip Tattoos - This is certainly a product I would normally never dish out the money to try. Not sure when I'm going to need gold glittery lips, unless I was going to dress up as a Hunger Games Capitol citizen, speaking of which, I realized these were used in Whitney Lee Milam's "Girl on Fire" makeup video.
• Lifestyle Extra: Supersmile Powdered Mouthrinse - Another unique powdered product - is that a trend in the beauty world right now? Haven't used them yet, but I like the idea.
• Birchbox Digital Download: 6 free song from indie rock band Green River Ordinance - Interesting bonus, but I haven't downloaded any of the songs yet. I will eventually.

 

• Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien - A citrus-scented perfume inspired by Tuscan groves. I'm not a big citrus fragrance person, but if I were, I'd love this. It reminds me of the grapefruit tree my family had when I was going up.
• Color Club Nail Lacquer in He Loves Me - I was so excited to see this little trial-sized nail polish in my box! And in such a pretty pink shade! Unfortunately, it's a bit thin and takes several coats but I really liked the end result. 
• Eve Lom TLC Radiance Cream - A hydrating moisturizer that brightens your complexion with vitamins A and C. This stuff definitely feels like quality and I love how it makes my skin feel cool and refreshed.
• Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water Cloth - Loved these! These travel-friendly cotton cloths are soaked in "botanical-infused thermal spring water to enrich and purify your skin." My favorite thing about them is how they're able to remove makeup, including waterproof mascara, so easily and quickly.
• Traditions by Nick Chavez Yucca Root Shampooing Cream - Made with wild yam and yucca root - interesting. Haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Plus, look how much they give you! Big samples make me happy!
• Lifestyle Extra: Tea Forte skin-smart Teas - Have not tried these yet, but I love the idea of a tea that helps your skin. Can't wait to try since if I end up liking them, they're only $6 for 16 tea bags.

In a nutshell, I'm really, really obsessed with Birchbox and the products they've sent me, and I can't wait to see what they bring me in April.

What do you guys think of Birchbox?