Sneak Peek: Birthday in a Box

My mom’s birthday is tomorrow, but she lives more than 2,000 miles away. Sending her a present is standard, but what if I could send her a whole birthday party in one box?

Well, it is now possible to send anyone, anywhere their own Birthday, Party or Celebration in a Box!

This idea comes from my sister, who is also the creator of Cherry Blossom Tree Designs (CBTD). CBTD specializes in handmade paper goods to celebrate every occasion~from personalized invitations, greeting cards, banners to cake toppers, treat bags and so much more.

My sister couldn’t come to NY for my birthday last month, so she created my very own Birthday in a Box. I was beyond thrilled to find this miniature box of joy and wanted to share this with you!

Starting next week she will be adding this one-of-a-kind box service so you can spread the joy as well (pricing and shipping details will be available soon).

Website: http://www.cherryblossomtreedesigns.com/

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherryblossomtrees

Each box can be personalized with a theme and you can select different kinds of treats based on the occasion and person for whom you are curating a box. The boxes are small enough to decorate someone’s office, cubicle, locker, car, coffee table, vanity–basically anywhere a mini party can be displayed!

Here’s what my first Birthday in a Box included (prepared to have a cute-attack!):

♡Keepsake Box

♡Personalized Card

♡Mini Cupcake Magnet

♡Pink Polka Dot Balloons

♡Mini ‘Happy Birthday’ Banner

♡Gold Glitter Clothespin Magnets (to hang your banner high!)

♡On-the-Go Confetti Pack

{She also gave my a beautiful Ted Baker watch and a mustachioed Hello Kitty tin!}

You can’t deny how cute and clever this idea is and there is a box for any reason and special person (congratulations, best wishes, get well soon, I miss you, care package, farewell, good luck, thank you, thinking of you, happy anniversary, will you marry me, will you be my bridesmaid, baby shower, bachelorette party, party favors, employee or teacher appreciation, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Happy New Year, and etc.).

Just one week until you can celebrate and commemorate one box at a time…here’s how:

Hester Street Fair + Michelle Phan & Em Cosmetics

Her vision is limitless. She shines so bright that she lights up the dream in my heart, and I know she does the same for everyone she reaches.

Today was a fulfilling day because I got to check out some spectacular treasures at the Hester Street Fair in NYC (LES) and above all, I got to meet my inspiration, Michelle Phan!

If you have ever been on the Internet, you have probably seen something about Michelle and her work.  Michelle has evolved into a superstar in the beauty industry and has pioneered in the world of DIY and social media success.

In a nutshell, Michelle has worked her heart out and it is safe to say she has “made it.” I have susbcribed to Michelle’s YouTube channel Michelle Phan since 2006 and she has been a source of inspiration to me ever since.

To name a few of her accomplishments:

A photo from Michelle’s feature in October’s Glamour Magazine:

Michelle recently launched Em Cosmetics,  her very own cosmetics line in collaboration with L’Oréal cosmetics:

And of course, she also spearheaded the YouTube beauty guru-inspired subscription service called Ipsy:

These are just a few reasons why Michelle Phan is someone to admire.

Her vision is limitless. She shines so bright that she lights up the dream in my heart, and I know she does the same for everyone she reaches.

At the Hester Street Fair, you have a chance to meet local artisans, chefs and jewelers. The first thing I did was head straight to Michelle’s Em Cosmetics tent to check out the goods and meet the ultimate beauty guru:

Original Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich from Melt Bakery:

Original Artwork from Tamara Garvey:

Midi Rings from Wink and Flip:

Mix It Up Pinks Lip Palette from Em Cosmetics (she signed ”Good Luck“!):

I’m wearing the NYX eyeshadow color in Morocco from this month’s Ipsy bag!

A brilliant touch is the empty bubble, where you can mix the colors to make your own shade!

I had such a great time–another magical NYC moment. Thanks to Michelle for her kindness and grace.

Ladies, never give up on your dreams and always reach for the brightest star!

Too Faced Beauty Blogger Darlings Collection

Too Faced Cosmetics has teamed up with four beauty bloggers to create a mini collection of must-have products. All four products are deluxe size samples and for $20.00 you can try them out to see if you love them enough to buy the full size.

Deluxe sample sizes are just right for your travel makeup bag–might be worth it to treat yourself!

Here’s what beauty bloggers have to say about these makeup staples {from TooFaced.com}:

Deluxe Better Than Sex Mascara

“Two coats take my fringe from stubby, shy violet to long, luscious vixen, and what a super cute pink tube! If you’re gonna bat your lashes all day long, this is the mascara you want,” says Karen of makeupandbeautyblog.com

 

Deluxe Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

“I love the Chocolate Soleil bronzer because it smells SO good and gives my face a natural deep tan,” says Jen of mybeautybunny.com

 

Deluxe Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer

“My holy grail primer for an airbrushed finish,” says vlogger Weylie of youtube.com/ilikeweylie

 

Deluxe Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer

“I love Shadow Insurance because it lasts all day with zero creasing on my oil-prone lids, it prevents shadows from fading and just a dab does the trick,” says Kelly of vampyvarnish.com

Have you tried any of these products? Which Too Faced products would you include in your collection?

Lucky FABB NY 2013 – See You There!

Today is a good day because I just got my ticket to the 2013 Lucky FABB in NY!!

What is Lucky FABB, you say? Well this is the biannual Fashion and Beauty Blog Conference hosted by Lucky Magazine, which unites bloggers from around the globe to attend a one or two-day event filled with priceless discussion from industry professionals and idols alike, workshops, networking opportunities and killer giveaways (aka SWAG BAGS)!

Back in April the FABB conference took place on the West Coast and featured celebs and style influencers such as Drew Barrymore, Kelly Osbourne and Betsey Johnson.

The NY conference will take place October 24th & October 25th and the keynote speaker is Lucky’s October cover girl, Eva Mendes!

{Photo Courtesy of Tarsha’s Glossy Newsstand}

Eva has also teamed up with NY&CO and you can expect to see her new collection launch September 19th — just in time to find something fabulous to showcase at FABB.

{Photo Courtesy of Babblings of a Mommy}

{Photo Courtesy of Babblings of a Mommy}

This will be my first time attending FABB and I am beyond excited to share what I will learn from this conference!

Are you attending Lucky FABB in October? If so, let me know and we can meet up at the event!

To learn more about registration, check this out: Apply to Lucky FABB 2013

 

Beauty Quickie: How to Revive Your Dry Mascara

If you have noticed the fall makeup trends you’ve probably seen bold eye colors, particularly tinted mascaras.  I love using a tinted mascara to add dimension and a unique pop of color to any look. If you’re interested, your local drugstore/Target should be carrying this limited edition Great Lash line by Maybelline (approximatley $7.00 USD per tube):

{Photo Courtesy of Beauty High}

I actually purchased the Teal shade and will most likely purchase the Purple as well. I knew I already had a tinted mascara hiding out somewhere and after some digging I found a cobalt blue shade called Baby Rocker, which is a Punk Lash Mascara from Tokidoki that I purchased a little while ago at Sephora (this line is currently discontinued).

Needless to say, this poor guy was being neglected and when I tried to use it the formula was dry, dry, dry.

Instead of chucking it (it cost $17.00), I experimented to see if there was any chance to revive this. Even if only for a few more uses.

My first thought was to try baby oil. However, you may know baby oil works great to REMOVE makeup, so I didn’t want to risk separating the formula and ruining its properties.

I thought a little harder about what would be both a great lubricant and safe for the eyes…well, eye drops, of course!

 

So, my tip to you is if your mascara has started to show signs of dryness you might want to try adding a few drops of Visine directly into the tube.

Note: If your mascara is older than 6 months or if it has developed an odor–sorry, but you might be better off tossing the item to avoid risking an eye infection. No mascara can make a red, swollen eye look better!

I started with two drops and noticed an immediate difference. I added two more and thought that was enough. You can add more if you feel it will work better.

Below you can see what a difference the Visine has made:

 

 

Have you tried this or have your own tip for saving dry mascaras–let me know!

 

J’Adore: Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

{Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil}

I’ve been a big fan of Clarins skin care products for a while now. I believe it is necessary to start with the best canvas (aka healthy skin) for your makeup to be radiant and enhance your features and I have not been let down by this product line.

When I was in college I worked briefly at Sephora and one brand clients often asked about was Clarins. I would explain my philosophy that putting effort into a solid skin care routine will ensure the best possible face. After all, makeup on blemished or tired skin tends to become a mask, rather than enhancement.

Many clients were hesitant to try it because of the price tag but after trying samples and seeing the results, they understood the quality of the products make it a worthwhile investment.

I’ve been experimenting in facial oils and surprisingly, I love them (main staple is Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil). The facial oils help balance natural face oils by sort of tricking the pores into thinking they have produced enough oil so your face won’t keep producing them,  which too much oil can clog pores and cause breakouts. I used oils during the summer and thought they would make me super greasy in the humidity, but they actually kept inflamation down and brightened my skin.

So I decided to try the Clarins version and I am loving the Lotus Face Treatment Oil. Ive been using this for about two weeks and I have noticed better retention of hydration and softening of dry patches (mainly around my nose and mouth).

Oils in general feel so luxurious and elegant, dahhhling. The Lotus oil is infused with rosemary, geranium, camomile and of course lotus extracts (100% pure plant extracts) and has a rich, earthy fragrance.  The description claims the rosemary and geranium combo helps reduce sebum production, which should mean fewer breakouts. The lotus extract is supposed to refine the skin.

I generally prefer my skin care and cosmetic products to be fragrance free; however, I rather like this fragrance. The only downside is it is strong and if you happen to dislike the fragrance in general, you might be disappointed when you apply it.

I use this as a nightly ritual after taking off makeup and washing my face I apply about three drops on my fingers. I lightly rub my fingers together to heat up the oil and apply on my face. I gently massage the oil onto my skin and allow it to absorb fully before making contact with my pillow.

I wake up with a slight glow, educed dryness and a more supple feeling (victory!). I expect this will be a savior during cold weather, which temperatures are already starting to drop!

Available: Sephora

Retail: $50.00 USD for full size (30 mL or 1 Fl. Oz.)

Have you tried this or a similar product? What are your thoughts or questions–Let me know!