Manicure Secret: Julep Maven

1. Colbie // 2. Lucy // 3. Rebel // 4. Donna

One last nail secret - and Mani Monday will officially be done! Every month I look forward to the amazing reveal of the month's Julep Maven collection.  Julep is based in Seattle (which means it has a special place in my heart to begin with).  At $19.99/box - you get more than you pay for every month - a minimum of 2 polishes + a product.  Polishes retail at $14 each, so just the two polishes put the box cost above value!  I also love that Julep Maven sends an email every month when the showroom is open - so you can opt-out or upgrade/add-on prior to being charged.  If there is one beauty box I would have a hard time giving up it would be Julep!  This month I can't wait to get my box which includes a holographic sand color and a olive green color plus two bonus products!

This post is NOT sponsored by Julep, I just love the products so much!  If you sign-up using my link above, I will receive reward credit to my account. 

Manicure Secret: Kiss Nail Dress

I love a good quality spa manicure.  But not quite as much as I love a manicure that I can do at home in 10 minutes that doesn't require drying!  I am becoming quite obsessed with these gorgeous mani decals from Kiss!  With Kiss Nail Dress you just peel, apply and shape!  No drying and no top coat necessary.  They are super easy to apply:

 

 

 

The package comes with 28 strips, plenty for hands AND toes - yep! They even work great for pedicures!  First, size up the strips, I've found you want to go a size larger than you think fits - then peel and stick on your clean nail, smoothing upward and holding pressure to bond the adhesive.  Next, fold over the top/excess and then, using the included file, just file off the extra.  It's really that simple! I did both hands in about 10 minutes!

Check out the other great designs, which they are always updating!  You can also cut the decals to make fun designs and mix and match patterns.  Then, when you are ready to change up your nails, you just peel the decals off and rub any excess adhesive off of your nails.  No damage, no mess, its seriously one of my favorite ways to have fabulous nails!

Which Kiss Nail Dress would you like to try?

P.S. Save 50% + Free Shipping on Kiss Nail Dress thru 1/31/13 via BeautyOnlineSupply!!

I received a complimentary Kiss Nail Dress product for review purposes via Influenster's Holiday Voxbox.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Laughter is the Best Cosmetic Bonding Over Beauty with Benefit

Benefit Cosmetics has opened shop in the SOHO area of New York City - and how did I not hear of this swanky boutique for all things beauty until now!!??  Zion and I recently had a Mother-Daughter date for Benefit's Bonding Over Beauty event, where we enjoyed pampering, sweet treats and spending special quality time together.

 

We started our day with a bit of hot coffee & hot chocolate - one of my most favorite things to do with my little lady.  Then we were off to the boutique - which is stunningly put together with pink accents, floral paper and fun vintage mannequins wearing bright and bold colors.

After oohing and ahhing over the gorgeous makeup and decor, it was time for a little pampering for the princess.

     

She loved getting a touch of satiny pink blush to her cheeks and frosty purple eyeshadow lightly dusted on her eyelids.  After she was all done - she was beaming - and glowing with joy!  I knew she'd love this event, as I catch her getting into my makeup at least once a week.

After Zion was done posing for pictures, we took some time to talk about what makes us really beautiful - its not about makeup or the clothes we wear, its about the condition of our hearts.  A joyful, thankful heart - one that is kind, compassionate and loving - is a beautiful thing.

   

We spent the rest of the time checking out all of the cosmetics displays, and mingling with other ladies at the event.  I think one of the best things about Benefit is that their products really aim to enhance and play off your natural beauty - nothing seemed heavy or over the top.  I love their free-spirited attitude and their signature quote, "Laughter is the best cosmetic, so grin and wear it."

At the end of the event I went home spoiled with some goodies that I am totally in love with and this little cutie pie...

Here are my absolute favorite products from Benefit:

Benefit Cosmetics by baxtronlife featuring a benefit mascara

1. Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW

2. Big Beautiful Eyes

3. PosieTint

4. They're Real Mascara

Have you used Benefit Cosmetics?  If so, do you have a favorite product?  How would you talk to your daughter about beauty?  Would you like to win Benefit products here on BaxtronLife?  Leave me a comment to let me know!

I was invited to attend this event by MamaDramaNY, and I received complimentary items as a thank-you for attending.  All opinions and recommendations are unsolicited and my own!

Burts Bees Intense Hydration

Just finished trying out the Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Skincare line thanks to BzzAgent!  I loved trying the Cream Cleanser, Treatment Mask and the Night Cream.

My favorite was the cleanser - which smells like a sunrise - a refreshing citrus scent.

The Treatment Mask was also really interesting - you don't rinse it off, instead you wipe it off and then massage the remaining into your skin.

The Night Cream was a little heavy for my skin, but perfect for protecting dry skin in the Winter.


I received complimentary product for this review via BzzAgent, however; all opinions expressed are my own!!

Beauty Blogger #VoxBox Thanks @Influenster!

Well, I think I've finally used and abused just about everything in my Influenster Beauty Blogger Voxbox! So I'm ready to share "the good, the so-so, and the I think I'll pass" with you lovelies.

1.  Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit ($5.99) - This was my FAVORITE product that came in the box.  Not only are the lashes lightweight and easy to apply, they are made from human hair so they look and feel natural.  The adhesive is latex-free and holds for 24 hours!  Falsies were never easier to wear!

2. Bath & Body Works Mini Candles ($3.50) - The candle I received came in the Nutmeg & Spice scent and I seriously wanted to eat it.  I mean, totally delicious smelling.  I've used the candle 5-6 times for several hours and its still not used up.  The scent is perfect for a small space like the bathroom.  I've seen a few sales on the web for these mini candles - but even better you can get a big version of the same scent!

3. Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream ($6.00) - This product I would pass on. I tried it both on my hair which is naturally wavy but fine, as well as my daughter's spiral curls - it didn't really control frizz or define curls for either of us.

4.  Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion ($8.49) & Night Cream ($13.49) - I thought the lightness of the product was a welcome change compared to most night creams.  It was interesting using the cleanser which is a lotion that you wipe off without ever using water.  I think I'm still on the fence but would likely try more of their product.

5.  NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact ($4.99) - I love the portability of having all that you need for a single look in one compact, but I didn't necessarily love the color scheme of mine.  I think the best part of this is the included eyeshadow primer and highlighter.

6.  Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin ($7.29) - These pins are really neat, I just don't have enough hair to really play around with them.  I did use them in Zion's hair but found it to be difficult to get them to hold her hair - she has so much of it.  I think if you have a lot of hair, and reasonably long you might love these!

Overall, I really enjoyed the Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox.  I received the products totally free to try but all of these opinions are my own.

Tria Hair Removal Laser Update Slow Hair Regrowth Already!

Hey friends! I'm back with an update on my quest to be armpit hair free!  Yep, time to let you know how my first experience with the Tria Hair Removal Laser has gone and any results.  Since I'm resting my hands and wrists as much as possible, I'm sharing via vlog today.  

Next update in two weeks will show you progress pictures after two treatments!  I am excited to see the change in hair growth and hear what you guys think.

I received a complimentary Tria Hair Removal Laser to review as a part of the Tria Beauty Blogger program, all opinions expressed are my own.

I ♥ Julep Maven #Pinning!!

"Pinning!" is a Weekly Pinterest Link-Up

(Share pins, meet others who love "Pinning", get inspired!)

First Time?  It's simple just follow these rules:

 Please follow your hosts' blogs & Pinterest boards: 

Courtney // Baxtron{Life} //

Kimberly // A Night Owl //

And your Co-Hosts:

Jen and Rachel // Just Us Three Design //

Heidi // Mustache Mama //

then

 Link up your Pinterest Inspired Post & Profile below

and

Make sure you link back to the party!

<center> <a href="http://www.baxtronlife.com/search/label/Pinning" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bagleykim/Pinning200x200PP.jpg" height="150" width="150" /></a></center>

Share the link-up:

Tweet

***

i <3 Julep Maven

I've become quite a fan of Julep Nail Colors and Beauty products over the last several months.  First thing I should mention is that Julep is based out of Seattle and that makes their company instantly on my radar.  Second, they offer the best beauty box I've found.  Each month I get a box containing at least two nail colors plus a surprise product.  The value of the box is always over $40, and the product is always full size!  My cost per month?  $20, including shipping.  So this week on Pinning - I want to pay hommage to this great brand and company by showing some of my previous boxes and some of the best nail art I've seen.

My first Julep Maven Box // Classic with a Twist

Featuring 2 Polishes, Shaper & Hand Treatment

My July Maven Box // Classic with a Twist

Featuring 2 Polishes + Bonus 4th of July Inspired Polish & Lip Creme

My August Maven Box // Classic with a Twist

Featuring 2 Polishes (not shown) and the best Polish Remover ever!

My September Julep Maven Box // Entire Trina Turk Collection ($30 Upgrade)

Featuring 10 Polishes & 2 Mascaras!

What I'm expecting in my October Box! (I added 2 Polishes)

One of the things I love about the Julep Maven program is the ability to make changes up front.  You get emails letting you know when the new boxes are up - and you have a four day window to make changes (upgrade, switch boxes, add-on product or skip the box) before billing occurs.

I also love the Julep blog - where I can find great ways to dress up my nails specific to the colors/trends of the season and specific to my Julep style and box.  Here are a few of my favorite designs using Julep Nail Polish.

via

via

via

P.S.  This post is not sponsored by Julep, I just really enjoy their beauty box program - and think you'll love it too!! <3

THANK YOU to all who linked up last week!

Each week a winner is chosen to flaunt the title of "Winning at Pinning" for successfully wowing us with the best Pinterest find.  The winner will be featured/announced in the following week's post!

WANT TO BE A GUEST JUDGE or HOST? 

Email us!

Are you "Pinning"?  

Come on, everyone is doing it.  

Join us MONDAYS for weekly sharing of Pinterest finds.  

***

Link up your PINTEREST INSPIRED POST below:

***

Link up your PINTEREST PROFILE below:

Top Baby Blogs Reset their votes again!  

Please VOTE so we stay at the top!!

Click this link here, then the Owl on the left!