YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

 Every once in awhile, a freebie so great comes along, that I cannot contain my excitement. I am a mascara junkie, and when I found out I would be receiving the new YSL Mascara, I was overjoyed. Add to that, the fact that it came the week of my birthday, what more could I ask for? The question is, does it work? Yes!!!

I have long eye lashes, but I still struggle with finding a mascara that I like. Sometimes the formula is crunchy, or sticky, or flaky. I like my lashes to be fluffy and big, like fluttery falsies. This mascara does that. I couldn't be happier.

Frosty VoxBox

It has been awhile since I last received a promotional box from Influenster. This Frosty box is slightly confusing, though I believe the theme could be things you need in winter? Maybe? It certainly is eclectic.

Here is what I'm excited about:

1) Rimmel kohl eyeliner in black. Heck yes! I love eyeliner, I love Rimmel, I love free Rimmel eyeliner!

2) Rimmel eye makeup remover. I wear a lot of eye makeup, and this stuff WORKS to remove it. Yay!

3) An Ecotools hairbrush. I didn't really need a brush, but this one is decent.

4) Tea! I love tea, but one bag...hmmm. Oh, and a coupon.

Here is what I am less excited about:

1) Thyme...thanks?

2) Ugly colored lipstick. I'm picky, and this color is gross looking, but we'll see.

3) Fruit Vines. These are winter? Also, gross, I'm not a fan of putting fake food into my body.

4) No7 serum. It may end up being a great product, but I hate these little pouch style samples.

I'm excited though. Sample boxes are always fun to explore. So thank you Influenster.

Dove Advanced Care

I received a full size sample of the new Dove Advanced Care deodorant, complimentary from Influenster. I wanted to try it for awhile before reviewing, so here are the basics. The idea is that this formula is supposed to be moisturizing. I have very sensitive skin, and am always leery about trying new skin products. The smell is pretty pleasant, and it does moisturize. I didn't notice any significant change in my underarms texturally, or visually, but it works like a good deodorant should and I didn't break out from it. So....I guess I'd give it a three out of five stars. Nothing revolutionary, but also nothing unpleasant about it. Thanks Influenster and Dove!

"Depreciated Paper" By Kelly Visel

I'm publishing a book! You can purchase said book here:

Depreciated Paper by Kelly Visel | Make Your Own Book

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

I received my complimentary sample of Rimmel London's latest foundation from Influenster right before Halloween this year. Just in time for fun makeup looks! Well, sort of, I went as Velma Dinkley this year so the makeup was an understated, girl next door, style. This foundation was still perfect! Aside from the ridiculously long name for a foundation, Rimmel has come up with a pretty fantastic new foundation; I am wearing it in both of the photos above.It is not yet available in stores, but when it becomes available, you may want to consider it for yourself. Here's why:

PROS
* Lightweight, so it just feels like my skin, only smoother!
* Not greasy at all.
* Staying power; I wore this for an entire Halloween party and it never budged.
* Non-irritating.
* Inexpensive.
* A good color match for this pale girl.

CONS
* Dries REALLY quickly, so it requires quick blending.
* The cap screws on, so to keep the package clean, you have to wash your hands before closing the lid.

Honestly, the pros outweigh the cons, and I am such a fan of Rimmel products in general that I have to recommend this foundation.

Come with me, into a 'Vaginal Fantasy'

I just finished reading "Succubus Blues" by Richelle Mead. It is a fantastic, often smutty, but oh so fun to read book about a reluctant succubus. I probably would have never known this book even existed if it hadn't been for one of my favorite little youtube hangouts, Vaginal Fantasy, featuring Kila Kazebee, Bonnie Burton, Felicia Day & Veronica Belmont. I don't read every book that they discuss, but I have read a few of them, and this is one of the best. It had plenty of sultry scenes, but it also had a plot that kept me turning those pages. Not to mention some substance. For example, my favorite quote from the book:

"Love is rarely flawless, humans delude themselves by thinking it has to be. It is the imperfection that makes love perfect."

If you're interested in seeing the episode that drew me into this little gem, you can watch it now.

Birchbox, July 2013

I know it's August, so I'm a tad behind on this one, but I have to say that July's Birchbox was spectacular! There were fancy bobby pins, French face lotion, and leave in hair conditioner that smells amazing. The "Girl Meets Pearl" by Benefit is my favorite sample of the bunch though; I "squeed" in delight. Pretty glowing skin!?! Yes please. Even the little lotion samples smell wonderful, I just wish the packaging was a little more fancy. The ten dollars each month is well worth it when I get fun boxes like this; keep it coming Birchbox, I like where you're headed.