Birchbox

Monday, April 30, 2012

Shoes: My Joy Patent Ferragamo flats

Yesterday, I purchased probably the best pair of flats ever! They are the patent My Joy Ferragamo flats. My old Tory Revas are ready to be thrown out, so I needed a replacement ASAP! I definitely did not want to go with Tory flats again, simply because the quality is very poor. In addition, everyone and their grandmother has a pair. It was time for something new! After trying on the Ferragamos, right away I was impressed with the quality of the shoes. The flats have a thick rubber sole, suede cushioning on the inside, and an elasticized band. I haven't worn them out yet, but I can tell they will last a long time. Plus they look super cute and dainty on! Retail $295





Thursday, April 26, 2012

Bargain Hunting: Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV

Today, I came across a very good deal! On the Urban Decay website, the Book of Shadows IV is on sale for only $29. Originally it retails for $64, so this is a great deal! Aside from all the amazing eyeshadow colors you get, it also includes a liquid eyeliner, mascara, and primer potion.


(Image: Urbandecay.com)


*Update
It just arrived today in the mail. The set is amazing! Definitely worth the $29!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Earth Day: Freebies (Origins, Kiehls, Mac)

Earth day is coming up this Sunday. Several brands are offering deals. I plan on taking advantage of the Origins offer. I spoke with an Origins rep, she said, "Bring your current skincare (any brand, full or empty) to an Origins retail or department store on 4/22 to choose from either a free A Perfect World(tm) SPF25 Age-defense moisturizer with White Tea 1.7 fl. oz./50 ml OR Starting Over(tm) Age-erasing moisturizer with Mimosa 1.7 fl. oz./50 ml. There is no purchase necessary. This offer is valid while supplies last." Origins does a similar promotion every year, I am happy to finally take part in it. 


Kiehls also has a recycling program that is avaliable all year long. You can bring in your empty containers to a Kiehls store. In return you get a card, and it gets stamped for every empty container you bring in. Three stamps will get you a lip balm, five stamps gets you a travel size product, and 10 stamps gets you a full-size free product.


As most people know, Mac also has a recylcing program, called Back 2 Mac. Every six finished products you bring in, gets you a free lipstick at a Mac counter. If you bring it to a Mac store, you get to pick out an eyeshadow or lipgloss.


Recycle your products! You are helping out your planet, and in return you get a free product.
Happy Earth day!





(Image: Origins.com)
(Image: Kiehls.com)


Saturday, April 14, 2012

Perfume: Jo Malone English Paer & Freesia Cologne

This is my first fragrance from Jo Malone. I have wanted to pick one up for a while, but their are always so many choices. I have never had the patience to stand and smell each one. Finally, after a few visits, I discovered that I really enjoy the English Paer & Freescia one. It's odd, that's the one I chose, because I don't really like paers. Jo Malone scents last a long time and are very strong, but smell fresh. I also like the fact that their scents are not recognizable like for example D&G Light Blue, which everyone and their b/f's can recognize immediately. In addition, I believe that Jo Malone Colognes can be layered with other fragrances. On the Jo Malone website the scent is described as, "The sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber, patchouli and woods. A luscious and golden scent." Retail for 30 ml. is $55, and for 100 ml. is $110.


Which is your favorite Jo Malone scent?



Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Bargain Hunting: Le Metier de Beaute Sale

I have heard of this makeup line for a while now. I specifically always wanted to try out their kaleidoscope eye kit. The eyeshadows retails for $95 at Barneys, Neiman Marcus etc. When I was in Paris, shopping at Printemps, I came across a makeup sale section. This is not common to see at a department store in the states. I searched around and only found single eyeshadows in bright greens, and blues. Then I discovered their lip glosses. I grabbed a few, not knowing how much they were going to be, because there was no price on them. All I knew, was that Le Metier de Beaute products do not go on sale in the states. I also decided to pick up a black eyeliner. When I was done being rung up at the register my grand total in American dollars was $32. When I got back to my hotel room, I went on the Ipad and saw that at Neiman Marcus, a lip gloss retails for $32. I managed to get over $138 of products for the price of one lip gloss. Obviously, I was thrilled with my findings, and began kicking myself for not having stocked up on more. It was too late to go back, because my flight was the next morning. Lesson learned, if you see a good deal, stock up! Also, I discovered that I am obsessed with their lip glosses, they are not sticky at all, and have fine glitter in them. They also last for a long time, which is not typical of a lipgloss. The eyeliner is the stand out product. In America it retails for $42. It's one of the best eyeliners I have ever used.

  • Lipgloss in Dubai
  • Lip Creme in Peche
  • Lip Creme in Sweet Creme
  • Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Noir



Sweet Creme, Dubai, Peche 

Friday, April 6, 2012

Clutch: YSL Belle Du Jour Black Patent

I have had an obsession with clutches for many years. I love to collect them. The great thing about clutches is that you can find nice ones for $40, $400, and $4000. My latest and probably most favorite clutch of all time comes from YSL. Recently, I have been coveting everything from Yves Saint Laurent. The Belle Du Jour clutch is both classy and fun. One can wear it out to dinner or with a dress to a cocktail party. The problem is, that this clutch comes in many different colors. Now I want a red and a nude one. The Large YSL Belle Du Jour Clutch retails for $475.







*ALERT!
I just found out that YSL has increased all their prices! The belle du jour clutch was orginally $475 and is now $595. The arty ring was $250 and is now $290. Don't you just hate price increases?