These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: April 2015

Stolen Dance by Milky Chance // CND Cake Pop Vinylux Nail Polish // Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment // Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum // Rich Bitch by Nicole Lapin // Holly Nichols Illustration Print // Calbee Snapea Crisps

Stolen Dance by Milky Chance: Although I've liked this song for a while, it's been on repeat this month!

CND Cake Pop Vinylux Nail Polish: This bubblegum pink polish is opaque and a perfect transition into spring shades!

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment (℅): This is one of the most hydrating lip treatments I've ever used and even though summer is approaching and I don't need so much hydration during the day, this is the perfect nighttime lip treatment after a scrub with the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish.

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum: This is one of my favorite scents from the Sephora Favorites Perfume Sample Set that I picked up during the VIB Sale and although I'm going to try and use all of these before making my decision, this one could be it.

Rich Bitch by Nicole Lapin: I recently started reading this, and even though I did feel that I'm on track financially, this book has provided me great tips and advice thus far for more long-term planning.

Holly Nichols Illustration Print: As I mentioned below, I was able to meet Holly at a blogger party earlier this month and then ended up winning a giveaway with one of her framed prints inside among other goodies. Her illustrations are absolutely darling and are also available in card form (mother's day!) and she is such a sweet girl. Check out her work!

Calbee Snapea Crisps: These are super delicious and I have been (attempting) to replace chips with these since they're mildly healthier and much more filling.

Rugg Road Paper Co Blogger Party // Fresh Blue Box Boston Pop-Up

I got to attend two great blogger-based events this month that are worth mentioning! I got to see two of my sweetest blogger friends (Katherine of Style Tab and Emily of Shell Chic'd) and meet two new faces (Celina of Trends & Tolstoy and Holly of H. Nichols Illustration) at the Rugg Road Party as well as win an amazing giveaway and snack on Tatte Bakery goodies.

Fresh invited me to attend their Boston pop-ups last week and I'm so glad I was able to attend such a fun event! All of the girls I met with were so sweet and knowledgable about the Fresh product line-up and gifted me a few goodies, so stay tuned for reviews of new products coming soon!

Review: Neutrogena Naturals Makeup Remover Wipes

Neutrogena Naturals Makeup Remover Wipes ($6.99 for 25 wipes) are the latest addition to the Neutrogena makeup remover collection and Naturals line.

What you'll most likely notice at first when using these wipes is that the texture is a bit rougher compared to your typical Neutrogena wipe, and therefore the aren't as hydrating as the typical wipe as well. While they do a decent job of removing my everyday BB cream, I don't think one could stand up to a full-face of foundation plus eye makeup because I often find myself using more eye makeup remover after using these.

Overall, while these are definitely not my favorite makeup remover wipe I've ever used, they do get the job done and remove your makeup, although you might want to just wash your face twice to be sure that all the makeup is off.

Please note: I did receive these products for free, but am not being compensated in anyway to share my opinions.

Beauty Sales Week of April 26th

Gilt:

• Spring Beauty Refresh (Sale begins 9pm ET 4/26)
• Burberry Fragrances (Sale begins Noon ET 4/28)
• Top Pro Beauty Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 4/29)
• Sisley (Sale begins Noon ET 5/1)

HauteLook:

• Argan Magic Hair, Cortex Hair Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 4/26)
• #ManiMonday: Dashing Diva Nail Art, BH Cosmetics, Suki Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 4/27)
• TARINA TARANTINO Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 4/28)
• Elite Models Beauty Tools, LORAC, Patyka Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 4/29)
• Illamasqua, Liquid Keratin, skyn ICELAND (Sales begin 8am PT 4/30)
• Red Carpet Manicure, theBalm Cosmetics, Vivant Skin Care (Sales begin 8am PT 5/1)
• D'Or Skincare, LightStim LED Light Therapy, TanTowel (Sales begin 8am PT 5/2)

MYHABIT:

• Delarom Skincare, Scents of Spring feat. Bois 1920 (Sales begin 9am PT 4/26)
• $99 & Under: Fragrance & Gift Sets for Mom (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/26)
• Fragrance Gifts for Mom feat. Hanae Mori, Pamper Your Locks: Styling Tools & Products (Sales begin 9am PT 4/27)
• Beauty Steals: Makeup, Skincare & More (Sale begins 9am PT 4/28)
• Soft & Smooth: Moisturizers feat. Marula Oil (Sale begins 9am PT 4/29)
• Fragrances for Mom feat. Bulgari, Soft Spring Eyes: Shadows Liners & More (Sales begin 9am PT 4/30)
• Fine Designer Fragrances feat. Gucci, Turn Back the Clock: Guerlain Skincare & More (Sales begin 9am PT 5/1)
• $29 & Under: Laura Mercier & More, Panier des Sens: Red Thyme & More (Sales begin 9am PT 5/2)

Rue La La:

• Men's Cologne, Skincare, & More: Clean Up Nice (Sale begins 11am ET 4/27)
• The Beauty Bar: Essentials for Prettifying & More (Sale begins 11am ET 4/29)

Link Love: April 19-25

A WEEK IN MY LIFE: House Touring, Bikini Wax REACTION, & Coachella Prep [livinlikelindsey]


Behind the Scenes: How I Take My Instagram Photos [The Everyday Elegance]

Blogging for Business: Mastering Social Media [corals + cognacs]

Cookies + Cream Baked Donuts [A Beautiful Mess]

Dana Thomas Went From Fashion Model to Hard-Hitting Luxury Reporter [Fashionista]

What It's (Really) Like To Be A Fashion Blogger [The Untouchables]

Gift Guide: Mother's Day 2015

Bauble Bar Initial Bar Pendant Necklace // Jonathan Adler Pop Champagne Candle // J. Crew Nightshirt // Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Perfume // L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream // Kendra Scott 'Alex' Drop Earrings // UGG Australia 'Margaret' Slipper

Your mom deserves the absolute best, and Mother's Day is in just two short weeks. Show her you care with a present that's perfect for her!

Event Announcement: Fresh Blue Box in Boston

Fresh Blue Box is shipping up to Boston and back to New York! Fresh Blue Box is a mobile pop-up shop celebrating Fresh's beloved Sugar collection. You can try out Sugar Lip Treatments in a variety of shades, after exfoliating of course with the Sugar lip polish. Plus, with a $45 purchase, customize your own makeup pouch with your lip print and any design you'd like. And, you'll get a goodie bag after you stop in their #FreshFirstKiss booth!

Yesterday, I stopped by the pop-up at Boston University, and today from 10am-6pm it will be in the Prudential Center! Plus, if you're in New York you can check them out next weekend on April 30th in Madison Square Park and May 1st at Bleecker & Perry. Can't make it to any of their stops? Visit FreshBlueBox.com and share your #FreshFirstKiss and enter for your chance to win a year supply of Sugar Lip Treatments!

Rugg Road Paper Party

On Sunday evening, I crossed the Commons and headed into Beacon Hill to attend a blogger party at Rugg Road Paper Co! Rugg Road Paper Co moved from Allston to Beacon Hill in 1994, where it had previously operated as a gallery and workshop space, and has since served as a shop for unique and handmade papers, stationary, cards, custom invitations and other gifts.

At the event, there were prints to see and prosecco to sip on, as well as treats from Tatte Bakery, several giveaways, and more. The ladies of Rugg Road were kind enough to create a custom stationary card for each of us as well as a mock calling card based on our blog which we were given upon arrival. Emily Gallardo, an amazing calligraphy artist was there and wrote my name prettier than I've ever seen it before on my envelope!

Peonies & Vogue Print by Holly Nichols Illustration // Beach Wine Charms by Peachy Pendants // Custom 'Wild & Free Banner by Wild Humm

There were also several giveaways at the event and I was lucky enough to win one of them! My giveaway bag theme was 'Boston x Etsy' and contained three beautiful treats from Boston-area Etsy sellers. I can't wait to put these pretty home pieces to good use in my first apartment come fall time! I met Holly, the illustrator of the beautiful print at the event (another print by her was also in the goodie bag!) and she was so sweet, definitely check out her work!

Beauty Sales Week of April 19th

Gilt:

• RéVive Skincare (Sale begins 9pm ET 4/19)
• Kate Somerville (Sale begins Noon ET 4/23)

HauteLook:

• BeingTrue Cosmetics, Eva NYC (Sales begin 8am PT 4/19)
• Beauty Blowout (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/19)
• #ManiMonday: Londontown, Embryolisse Skincare, POP Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 4/20)
• Clean Fragrance, Nature's Shea Butter (Sales begin 8am PT 4/21)
• Grand Central Beauty, Lotus Cosmetics, VIOlife (Sales begin 8am PT 4/22)
• Crown Brush, Menaji Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 4/23)
• Aesthetica Cosmetics, Hairdo Hair Extensions, NuFACE Facial Toning Device (Sales begin 8am PT 4/24)
• Lucy B's Apothecary, Vivo Per Lei Diamond & Dead Sea Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 4/25)

MYHABIT:

• Best Sellers: Lancôme Skincare & Cosmetics (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/19)
• $25 & Up: Anti-Aging Skincare, Spring Makeover feat. Christian Dior (Sales begin 9am PT 4/20)
• Skip the Salon: Haircare feat. Fekkai & CHI, Sunny Days: Skincare & More feat. Coola, The Perfect Pout feat. Lipstick Queen (Sales begin 9am PT 4/21)
• $15 & Up: Anti-Aging Superstars (Sale begins 9am PT 4/23)
• Styling Tools: Hair Rage & Fahrenheit (Sale begins 9am PT 4/24)

Sweet Sale: Sephora VIB Sale

NUDESTIX #gobronze // Chloé Eau de Parfum // FRESH 'Nude' Sugar Lip Treatment // Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer // Hourglass 'Radiant Bronze Light' Ambient Bronzer // NARS 'Himalia' Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow // NAILS INC. 'Bamboo White' Victoria Beckham Polish

It's that time of year again, and just in time for spring cleaning out your beauty stash! Sephora VIB members can shop with 15% off from 4/16-4/21 with code VIBLOVE. I have my eye on a few things, what are you going to pick up?

Happy shopping!

Review: Rocksbox

I recently placed my first order for a Rocksbox subscription service after seeing several of my blogger friends post about it. One of my friends from the Her Campus Blogger Network provided me with a code to get my first box free (search #rocksbox on instagram to find a code!) and a few days later it arrived.

I really love the Perry Street earrings and necklace because they're perfectly my style, but I'm not a huge fan of the collar because I'm not a huge chain/collar wearer. I ended up wearing the Perry Street earrings and necklace together to my friend's birthday dinner and a blogger event since they're a bit too dramatic for my day-to-day wear.

Overall, I think this is a fun service and while I don't think I'll continue with it after this box, it's a great service for more fashion-oriented bloggers who need to play around with jewelry more often than I do.

Beauty Sales Week of April 12th

Gilt:

• Party Prep: Beauty Must-Haves (Sale begins 9pm ET 4/12)
• Skincare Saviors (Sale begins Noon ET 4/14)

HauteLook:

• Mother's Day Ready: Penhaligon's (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/12)
• Le Savonnier Marseillais Soap, PMD Personal Microderm (Sales begin 8am PT 4/13)
• Conair Personal Electronics, I Coloniali Bath & Body (Sales begin 8am PT 4/14)
• Baby Quasar, Mother's Day Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 4/15)
• Gifts for Mom: L'Artisan Perfume (Sale begins 1pm PT 4/15)
• Camille Beckman Bath & Body, X-Ray Profumo (Sales begin 8am PT 4/16)
• Necessity Skincare, Travalo Atomizers & Rollerballs (Sales begin 8am PT 4/17)
• SpaLife Skincare, Tova Beverly Hills (Sales begin 8am PT 4/18)

MYHABIT:

• Your Best Complexion: Skincare feat. SKII (Sale begins 9am PT 4/12)
• $35 & Under: Beauty (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/12)
• Get Great Hair: Deva, Davines & More, Style on the Go: Hair Tools feat. Bellezza (Sales begin 9am PT 4/13)
• Kérastase Haircare (Sale begins 9am PT 4/15)
• Lovely Locks: Wen, Pureology & More (Sale begins 9am PT 4/16)
• New Markdowns: Bond No. 9 (Sale begins 9am PT 4/18)

Rue La La:

• RapidBrow: Eyebrow Enhancing Serum (Sale begins 11am ET 4/15)

Link Love: April 5-11

How I Maintain a Clutter-Free + Organized Home #SpringCleaning Week [Allison Anderson]


According to Google, Barbie is the Most Famous Female CEO - & That's Disturbing [Refinery 29]

Bourbon Brown Sugar Brownies [Tutti-Dulci]

How SoulCycle's instructors spin a smart social strategy [Digiday]

Make Your Blog a Business, Part 1 [Corals + Cognacs]

The Comparison Curse [The College Prepster]

Review: Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer

The Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer ($32 for 1.35 oz.) is the latest primer offering from the  brand, marketed as being hydrating, brightening and smoothing. Formulated coconut water and skin-reviving agents, this primer works to promote elasticity, boost radiance and keep your skin hydrating while priming your makeup to give you a better finish. Too Faced recommends either wearing it own its own if you just need a skin pick-me-up or under makeup as a primer.

I tried this out per the recommendation of a few YouTubers and too be honest, I'm not super impressed.   When wearing it on its own, I don't see a huge difference in the brightness of my skin, and when using it under makeup, I need to wait at least 10-15 minutes before applying BB Cream because it applies very tacky, almost glue-like feeling to my skin and doesn't allow easy blending on top.

Sweet Sale: SHOPBOP Friends & Family Sale

Shopbop is without a doubt one of my favorite sites to shop on. They have just about every brand and item of clothing or accessory I could want and while a few brands are excluded during this short-term sale, you can get 25% off with code SPRING25 now through April 9 at 11:59pm EST.

Enjoy!

Products I've Used Up #9

Redken Diamond Oil Conditioner: This smells amazing and was a super hydrating conditioner. I definitely saw a difference before applying any product in the sheen and texture of my hair.

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo: This removes any kind of scalp build-up or scalp psoriasis and keeps your hair super clean.

Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste: This is my all-time favorite toothpaste. It keeps my mouth feeling fresh and my teeth feeling clean. It certainly does a good job at keeping yellowness or stains at bay in between whitening strips.

Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter: This is my absolute favorite dry skin remedy and a must-have in my winter skincare. As we're entering spring it's a little too heavy for everyday use but I may pick up a tub for when my feet need to relax.

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Lotion: I've talked about this plenty of times in the past, but in case you're a new reader or new to this series, you absolutely need to give this lotion a try!

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel: I've been using this moisturizer for years, and have already picked myself up a new bottle.

Proactiv+ Complexion Perfecting Highlighter: I began using this moisturizer in November as part of my Proactiv+ partnership. This prevented any dry or flaky skin that was caused by steps 1 and 2 of the system.

Maybelline Clean Express Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover: I was never crazy about using eye makeup remover, but I'm not crazy about waking up with racoon eyes despite removing my makeup and washing my face in the shower before bed. This removes waterproof mascara easily and doesn't irritate my eyes.

Just the Basics Facial Towelettes: I'm not brand loyal to any particular makeup remover wipe, but I am adaiment about removing my makeup and washing my face every night. These get the job done and don't leave a ton of makeup behind.

Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes: Just as I said above, I'm not brand-loyal to any particular brand of makeup wipe, I typically buy in bulk or whatever is cheap at the drugstore.

Bath & Body Works Coral Reef PocketBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel: As I've said numerous times before, I like keeping one of these in my purse at all times, especially with taking the T and walking a lot, I need to stay germ-free.

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Chai Candle: I'm trying to stray away from using big-brand name candles to opt for higher quality one's that are made better, but I did like this vanilla chai scent for the cold winter months!

Nature's Bounty Fish Oil: I've been taking this for years, and this is my fish oil of choice!

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara: This just got to the point where it was too dry, but when it wasn't dried out, it was pretty good! It definitely did a good job on volume but not so much on separating or lengthening. I preferred to use this as a second layer over a separating formula.

L'Oreal Magic BB Cream: Aside from under-eye concealer and occasionally primer, this is the only product foundation-style product I use on my face on a daily basis. It blends effortlessly into my skin and smooths over any imperfections.

Beauty Sales Week of April 5th

Gilt:

• Beauty S.O.S: Renew & Recharge (Sale begins 9pm ET 4/5)
• StriVectin (Sale begins Noon ET 4/9)
• Beauty Best Sellers (Sale begins Noon ET 4/10)

HauteLook:

• #ManiMonday: Gellaka Gel Nails, Fusion Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 4/6)
• DFI Anti-Aging Skincare, Measurable Difference, Mirenesse Australia (Sales begin 8am PT 4/7)
• Luminess Air Airbrush Makeup, Swissco Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 4/8)
• Eyeko London, GHD (Sales begin 8am PT 4/9)
• Algenist Skin Care, Brush On Block Sunscreen, Josie Maran (Sales begin 8am PT 4/10)
• Donna Bella 24K & Caviar Skincare, Topganic Professional Hair Care (Sales begin 8am PT 4/11)

MYHABIT:

• CK One Color (Sale begins 9am PT 4/6)
• Bronzed Glow feat. Fake Bake (Sale begins 9am PT 4/7)
• Designer Fragrance feat. Marc Jacobs, Orlane Beauty (Sales begin 9am PT 4/8)
• New Markdowns: Kevyn Aucoin (Sale begins 9am PT 4/10)

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: March 2015

Baby Blue by Action Bronson ft. Chance the Rapper // Essie 'Fiesta' Nail Polish // Chanel 'Volupte' Glossimer Lip Gloss // COVERGIRL Bombshell Curvaceous Mascara // MAC Retrospeck Eyeshadow // 302 Skincare Lip Balm // Angie's BOOM CHICKA POP Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn

Baby Blue by Action Bronson ft. Chance the Rapper: I had heard this a few times on the radio but never listened to it fully, but it's super catchy!

Essie 'Fiesta' Nail Polish: In prep for the months to come, I've worn this a few times on my nails. It's a super bright and punchy pink and will look even better in the summer!

Chanel 'Volupte' Glossimer Lip Gloss: This super-smooth gloss is the prettiest light coral-pink shade and is so spring ready.

COVERGIRL Bombshell Curvaceous Mascara: I've had this for a while so it's almost empty, but I really like this double-ended mascara. Layer side 1 first to separate and lengthen and follow up with side 2 for added volume.

MAC Retrospeck Eyeshadow: I love this super brightening shadow. It perks up the inner corners on early morning but also works great all over the lid.

302 Skincare Lip Balm: This is super hydrating and moisturizing. It's all the hype at the spa where I work and I finally tried it out this month and I'm so glad I did.

Angie's BOOM CHICKA POP Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn: This is seriously some of the best popcorn I've ever had. For someone who can't eat butter popcorn without feeling nauseous, this is the perfect sweet and salty combo I crave.

I was recently accepted to be a Blogger Network management summer intern with Her Campus! I have wanted to intern with Her Campus since the first Her Campus Emerson meeting I attended in September 2013 and now it's finally coming true. I'm so excited to work with Katherine Tabinowski,a fellow Boston-based blogger at Style Tab, who recently joined Her Campus' National Team as the Blogger Network Community Manager. This position is the perfect fit for me as a member of the HCBN for over a year and a blogger for nearly 5.5 years. I can't wait to start!

What to Wear Where: Easter Brunch or Passover Seder

Happy almost Easter and Passover! Springtime is in the air in Boston (somewhat) and I can't wait to put my down coats and leather boots away for colorful flats and white jeans. These spring-inspired outfits transition easily from the workplace to your brunch or seder with ease.

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6