Here is a product review from the first 10 hours:

LUSH BATH BOMB-

Pink and Blue inside with GLITTER!

FROM LUSH.COM:

“We believe in making effective products from fresh, organic* fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics.

We invent our own products and fragrances. We make them fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when they were made.

We believe in buying ingredients only from companies that do not commission tests on animals and in testing our products on humans.

We believe in happy people making happy soap, putting our faces on our products and making our mums proud.

We believe in long candlelit baths, sharing showers, massage, filling the world with perfume and in the right to make mistakes, lose everything and start again.

We believe our products are good value, that we should make a profit and that the customer is always right.

* We also believe words like fresh and organic have honest meaning beyond marketing.”

In My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

These are the bomb.com (I couldn’t help it).  Such a great way to end day one on vacation!

I can’t remember the name of my bath bomb, but it was pink, smelled SUPER sweet and had a blue glitter inside-it turned my bath water a wonderful purple color

I have two more to test out.  I AM OBSESSED and I smell AMAZE.

LUSH is an awesome company with incredible products and a serious manifesto.  It’s super refreshing:)  I super dig companies that live their manifesto. AND, I really enjoyed my purchase experience:)  I am a BIG LUSH FAN!

Side Note:  Looking for a good hostess gift?  LUSH is perfect for this.

SHH Sent me this from the post office:)

The box was a lot smaller than I thought it would be:(

Welcome Card! I was so excited!

Weird, it feels so empty.

Hmmmm...that's it?

Chocolate? I don't even eat sugar!

Really BirchBox? REALLY?

The Hindenburg isn’t even big enough of a disaster to describe my disappointment.  Really, .2 ounces of zit cream, and .2 ounces of face wash–both entirely not enough product to form an opinion around–perfume and peel and stick eye liner—LAME?  I spent weeks reading reviews of other HAPPY BirchBox recipients.  The Beauty Blender, Hair Oils, Violent Lips, Nail Polishes and other awesome products and I got the rejected left overs?  Talk about buyers remorse.

In My Professional Product Whore Opinion?

FAIL.  I will give you another chance next month, but it better be amaze.  Like gold plated, full sized, naked sculpture of David Beckham Amaze.

In other news, I also got my BeautyFix package.  (insert Hallelujah Chorus)

WHAT WHAT?! FULL SIZED SAMPLES???

1. Purple SpaRitual Nail Lacquer-FULL SIZE-NORMAL PRICE $10.00

2.  Color Science SunForgettable Mineral Sun Protection-NORMAL PRICE $12.00

3. Frais Hand Sanitizer

4.  2 oz. Philip B Katira Hair Masque-NORMAL PRICE $20.00

5.  7 oz. Glytone Body exfoliating body wash-NORMAL PRICE $28.00

6. Jonathan IB Revitalizer Overnight Oil Treatment Spray 100% Vegan-NORMAL PRICE $29.00

7. 4.2 oz. Jonathan Create Motion Shaping Creme Ge-NORMAL PRICE $24.00

8. Kronos Shampoo, Conditioner, Overnight Repair Masque, 7 in 1 Conditioning Spray

9. 2–YES, I said 2! Adorable floral makeup bags.

All said and done, I am guessing the grand total is $140.  I paid, $40.  This box comes quarterly and I get to pick what I want.  EAT THAT BIRCHBOX!

www.Beautyfix.com-Let me know if you’d like an invite.

My vacation makeup bag isn’t all that different from my everyday makeup right now.

Over the weekend I scored some AWESOME Sephora gift cards for my Bday!  I did some updating:)

I am a big believer in scent triggered memory.  While we were on our honeymoon in Kauai, I found this smell and fell in love it smells like chocolate, orange and HEAVEN. I like to wear it on vacation so when I smell it later I will associate it with these memories:)

On vacation, eyes are important to me.  I want to look awake, but not over done.  I picked this mascara up yesterday and am VERY impressed with the results so far.  We will see how well it holds up on vacation before it gets an official review.

Eyes: DiorShow New Look

Eye shadow on a beach vacation seems unlikely to me.  This was also part of my birthday gift card purchases.  The packaging is small enough to fit in my makeup case so it made the cut.  We will see if this gets used at all.

Eyes: Two Faced Natural Eye

I am in LOVE LOVE LOVE with this cream blush.  CACTUS FLOWER by Nars is amazing.  It has the nicest golden/coral color and I love the consistency.   Its perfect for vacation!

I have mentioned in other posts that I really love highlighter.  Highlighter is perfect for vacation for me because it allows for a barely there shimmer.  It also helps me look nice and awake.

Highlighter: Tarina Taranitino Dream Hyperlight

I LOVE LIPS!  AND I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS STUFF!  I wear it every single day.

Dior Lip Glow

It’s in the high to mid 80s in Cabo this week.  It will be perfectly humid, but not uncomfortable.  Just in case, Boscia Blotting Linens…No one wants to look shiny.  I also like to use these before I deplane…it helps me feel refreshed.

Boscia Blotting Linens

SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN!

PTR SPF 30

AND

SUPER FLUID UV DEFENSE SPF 50--TURNS TO POWDER

I am super duper serious about preventing any more sun damage.  When I get back I am going to start the treatment of my HIDEOUS sun spots.  So in the mean time I am planning to protect them as much as possible.  That said:

It won't fit in my makeup bag, but this is ESSENTIAL to my skin care.

WOO HOO VACATION!

]]> http://selfprofessedproductobsessed.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/whats-in-my-vacation-makeup-bag/feed/ 28 maliamarcell P269405_hero P231417_hero P304808_hero P241303_hero cactus_flower_1 P303312_hero P236816_hero P61217_hero P6563_hero 3605975084757_SuperFluid_4_2oz E605310E http://selfprofessedproductobsessed.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/birthday-haul/ http://selfprofessedproductobsessed.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/birthday-haul/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:53:47 +0000 Malia M http://selfprofessedproductobsessed.wordpress.com/?p=492 Continue reading »

Since we will be in Cabo for my actual birthday, I had a wonderful beach picnic with my favorites:)  It was chilly but wonderful. I have GREAT friends.

Theme:

Keep Calm and Birthday On!

We filled a 3Ft Kiddie Pool with with beer, water and these cute lil’ champagnes.

Birthday Sunset

Birthday Love with my SHH

Its so flattering to receive amazing gifts that are a reflection of who you are, here is my birthday haul:

Get it...Birthday HAUL

I LOVE LOVE LOVE ORCHIDS...I even had them in my wedding bouquet.

Wine Meeep--SHH is already jacked to share this with me.

I scored 2 of these...I was obviously GIDDY with joy:)

One of my very good girl friends told me that she had found the new Paper Source Store that opened in town.  I nearly popped when she told me she found my bday gift there:)  POPPED.  Here is a sampling:

I LOVE THAT MY GF SAW THIS AND THOUGHT OF ME.

Measuring Cups

SHH was GREEN with envy.

Love Bird Salad Tongs...this is actually something we NEEDED.

We honestly do celebrate the ENTIRE month in our house:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEP from SHH

Bear Deterrent--We will use this to protect Willie Nelson from Mnt. Lions (Willie doesn't have any canines...he needs all the assistance he can get)

Any Purse I wanted...I picked this Kate Spade--YUMMO

SHH upgraded me from the Pro to the Air:) WOO HOO

2 more sleeps till Cabo---this is obviously my favorite birthday gift from SHH.

Birthday Toes-Watermelon Style

THESE ARE MY FAVORITE EVER...EVA EVA

In other news:

Someone stole my credit card info online on Sat. AM.  Fortunately for me, I am a smart phone ninja and discovered the criminal activity before my credit card could be processed…..NINJA.  We did have to cancel that card though.  LAME.

In My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

CELEBRATE THE ENTIRE MONTH.  Seriously.

 

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**I just checked urban dictionary for the meaning of said tattoo on thug face–I am terrified**

2.  On the topic of public transit.  Here is a tale of “The Hollywood Crow” as interpreted by me…FORGIVE ME FOR THIS M.

A few years ago, I lived in the ATL.  I have mixed feelings about my time here, but some really redic memories of this time that are PRICELESS.

One day hot day in the MARTA station, my best friend and I were waiting on the platform all dressed up for a night on the town when suddenly….OUT OF NOWHERE a bird swoops in and ATTACKS/LANDS on my besties shoulder.  We obviously panicked.  While we are both animal lovers, I FREAKIN HATE BIRDS (I think its creepy how they move their necks and their eyes are weird too…I also don’t like all the flapping around–DRAMA QUEENS.)  She was under attack–on more than one occasion I tried to Ninja chop the bird, but I couldn’t seem to get the right angle.  This whole attack lasted at least 10 mins…or like a min.  All the while she was trying to escape it was flapping and pecking.  During the last half of the attack my BFF responsibilities took over and I stopped trying to Ninja chop the bird and started to dig thru my purse searching for the one thing I knew could fix this.  When the attack was over my bestie was SO MAD AT ME for not helping more and for laughing.  I thought I was being the best WING MAN-pun intended-EVER.  While she managed to get the bird away, I had found my hand sanitizer and was ready to commence emergency sterilization procedures.  Moral of the story?  DON’T EVER LAUGH AT SOMEONE BEING ATTACKED BY A CROW.  EVER–even months later–it will always be “too soon.”

3.  Since we are talking about Ninjas:

Tragic

3.  Other Tragic Images:

4.  This is who I used to be:

5.  This is who I am now:

6.  Yesterday I wrote about the importance of a CONFIDENT smile.  Today I was inspired by my own blog and bleached my pearly whites:

In My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

DO IT.  I love these.  I get more compliments on my teeth than any other part of my body.

Whitening will make your teeth sensitive.  No one said pretty was easy.

7.  My new FAVORITE BLOG–This girl would be my best friend.  I think her accent is SEXY!!

Tanya Burr

This is where I originally fell in love with her-AND I ran out and purchased the Nars Catus Flower–Stand by for details

8.  I am always talking about not having kids.  I like kids.  I really do.  I understand the fulfillment in raising children.  I get that.  I’m just not sure its for us.  We thoroughly enjoy being DINK (Double Income No Kids) right now:)  THAT SAID, these two make my clock tick:

9.  My BirchBox has been shipped!  GET YOURSELF ON THE LIST:  BIRCHBOX

10.  Last day of the Shellac Experiment:

In My Professional Product Whore Experience:

Its been 12 days-Aside from obvious grow out, I LOVE THESE

Not a single chip!  Going back tomorrow for new BIRTHDAY WEEK/VACATION COLORS.  I plan to do my toes with Shellac too!!  I love it.  LOVE IT.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

A pretty girl can be BUTT ugly with the wrong attitude…we all know the type…and we kinda hate her.

I spend FAR too much money on makeup and skin care.

Especially considering, so many  songs are written about the girl next door who looks good with no makeup on and a pony tail.  It’s the truth, a REAL smile is ABSOLUTELY your best feature.  It’s free and so simple.

Yesterday, a blogger messaged me asking about wearing red lipstick to an interview.  I was flattered to be asked…but I wish I could take back my answer.  While yes, I am far too conservative to wear bright red lipstick to an interview, I think the most important thing in an interview is a CONFIDENT smile (and good posture).

Click to view slideshow.

IN OTHER NEWS:

I am so sore from yesterday’s booty workout.  SO SORE.  I could barely make it down the stairs.  DO IT!

Shellac Experiment Day 10:

The grow out is getting obvious, and I am bored with the colors. These earrings help

Still, no chips, no peeling, no smudges.  They are perfect.  AND STILL SUPER SHINY!

I love birthday month for LOADS of reasons.  SHH and I had our very first intoxicating kiss on my birthday 3 years ago.  Every year since then, SHH plan’s some Fab Beach Getaway. First it was some islands south of Costa Rica, then it was Santa Barbara, this year it is CABO!

Bikini’s have arrived, super fab beach floppy hat purchased (now I have to figure out how to pack it-PLS LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS) and everything else has been packed for 3 days…we don’t leave till next Wednesday

Since we are just a few days away from 5 days of bikinis, I am in full on MISSION BEACH BODY mode.  Check out this video I found on one of my fav blogs www.ezliving.com:

I did this workout after my cardio last night and it kicked my booty (pun totally intended)   Seriously, LEGIT.  There is nothing better than post workout soreness.

The most important beach essential?  SUNSCREEN.  SUNSCREEN.  SUNSCREEN.  I spend WAY too much money on skin care to skimp on SUNSCREEN.  Not to mention I married a quasi Ginger (nothing but love for all the Gingers in the house!)

Right now I am using Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense with SPF 30.  (my SHH will clearly need something stronger than an SPF 30–stay tuned)

PTR from Sephora

“Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion – SPF 30
What it is:
An ultra-light, two-in-one antioxidant sunblock and hydrator.

What it is formulated to do:
This user-friendly daytime essential provides extra-sheer protection against UVA/UVB rays as it soothes and hydrates skin. Rich in antioxidants to protect skin from free radical damage, this oil-free formula keeps your complexion safe and healthy.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan”

-Sephora.com

In My Professional Product Whore Opinion?

I love it.  I had been struggling with sample after sample of sunscreens.  I had tried Tinted Moisturizers with SPF, Shiseido SPF, BB Cream with SPF….its exhausting and hard on my face.  As you all know, I hate all the layering of makeup and my new Muard Renewal Complex makes my skin so pretty and radiant that I don’t need to wear any coverage.  I LOVE that this DOESN’T feel like sunscreen…NOT EVEN A LITTLE.  It is easily my favorite thing about this product.  AND better yet, it is also rich in antioxidants and SHEER and PERFECTLY moisturizing for my skin.

Shellac Experiment Day 9:

Grow out is getting more obvious–but its likely that the untrained eye wouldn’t notice.  No chips, or peeling and still WICKED shiny!

I dig it.  SHH is awesome everyday, so Valentines day isn’t a big deal in our house.  I have to face the facts, there are no upgrades to that upgrade–he is as good as they come TIMES a gagillion

Here are some Valentines Inspirations:

I HATE BALLOONS--Seriously, they make me blink incessantly. I feel like they are gonna pop at any second. Its exhausting. But this ethereal quality of this picture is intoxicating to me.

No need for words...

There is nothing more that I love then old people in LOVE. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE TWO.

Dear Singleton Scrooge, your heart will go on. xoxo, M

LOVE.

Images from Pinterest:)

On the topic of LOVE:

I have been over the moon excited about this review for days.  I have been holding out just to be sure I love it.  And I do!  SO MUCH!

MURAD.com

“Essential-C Daily Renewal Complex
What it is:
An antiaging treatment featuring pure vitamin C along with Murad’s patented Skin Repair System with Co3.

What it is formulated to do:
Improves skin elasticity, helps stimulate collagen synthesis, improves skin clarity, and provides powerful antioxidant protection as it reverses damage and restores environmentally-aging skin.

Research Results:
Clinical testing has shwon that using this product reverses damage and restores environmentally-aging skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 17% in one application and reduces photo damage by up to 47% in four weeks.

-Vitamin C: Helps to decrease fine lines and prevent free radical damage.
-Retinol and Vitamin A: Work to restore maximum clarity.
-Orange and Ranunculus Ficaria Extracts: Soothe and protect.”-Sephora.com

MY PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT WHORE OPINION:

I am very recently obsessed with Vitamin C.  You might remember HERE when I posted about the Murad Vitamin C serum–I LOVE IT.

This Renewal Complex is the ODDEST consistency.  Its like a lotion/serum combo–but it almost feels exfoliating when it goes on.  And when it hits your skin it almost turns to…nothing.  Its hard to explain.  Its so sheer and SILKY smooth going on and a little tingly.

This is one of the only products I have ever purchased that has an IMMEDIATE result. SERIOUSLY, in the first few days I could tell that my skin was more radiant and A LOT smoother.  NOTICEABLY SO!  Currently, I am using the serum at night and the Renewal Complex for day-topped with SPF 30 from PTB.

It’s an expensive product, but I really love it.  When I was in Sephora I was lucky enough to connect with the Murad rep in store.  She helped me understand the importance of a treatment like this or the serum, she also reiterated the importance of sunscreen.

This product is 100% worth stopping in for a sample.  Let me know your thoughts on it if you do.

-Side note:  Toner-the Murad rep convinced me to get a toner.  YEARS AND YEARS of failed toner results and this one I actually like.  I am currently using nearly $500 in skincare and if toner actually improves effectiveness it seems like a no brainer.  I feel like I can actually feel a difference with the toner–stand by for more on toners, I want to give it a little more time.

Here are some pics I am in love with, these images all come from Pinterest and are in my  “She is just so cool” board:

In other news, today is Shellac experiment Day 8:

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

As suspected, I am bored with the colors

The grow out is starting to be more obvious to me…but overall, not noticeable.

It’s day 8, and I would have normally already done a DIY manicure 3 times, so I’d say these babies are 100% worth it:)

There is a STAGE 5 creeper-organizing-DIVA inside me that LOVES all Sparkly things and needs this like I NEED air.  I am convinced it will add value to my life   Since I am always on the run and like to travel, I would love to have all of my beauty needs in ONE place, I would like this place to be attractive and I would like it to fit nicely in my purse:)  This fits these criteria perfectly!

I like to think of myself as a woman of action.  Not only did I already try to pre order this…I also called my BEAUTY Consultant Vicky at Macy’s to get the inside scoop on the situation.  A lil’ detective work never hurt anyone.  Turns out, its not available until March or April and NO ONE knows who will be carrying it.  This is just plain IRRESPONSIBLE and poor planning.  Laura, heed my warning…I’ll come find you.

2.  My travel bug is OUT OF CONTROL…I actually considered naming said travel bug something like “SASHA FIERCE 2.0″  OUR OF CONTROL.  I can barely think straight.  I thought living in one of the most beautiful zip codes in the US would keep “Sasha Fierce 2.0″ at bay.  I was wrong.  The 13 days that separate me from this vacation are TORTUOUS. This coupled with killing time by reading Travel Blogs was a TERRIBLE idea.  I blame you;)

Image taken by Jennifer Figge

3.  I won’t lie, I am kind of excited to not be talking about Nails, or Nail Polish or Nail Art!

4.  With birthday month in full swing, I might have accidentally bought myself a few lil presents:)

Exhibit A:

Stella Dot

Exhibit B:

Pls pass the Buddha

5. I am in LOVE with Ellen.  Seriously.  Here are my 2 ABSOLUTELY FAV Videos (click the picture to continue to viewing)  I have watched both of these videos at least 10 times.  If this doesn’t make you laugh, you are barely human.

Image from Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.

Image from BuddyTV.com

6.  IT FINALLY HAPPENED!  I got my BirchBox invite!  Skittles (green skittles) popping out of my ears excited!!!!!  I honest to goodness CAN NOT WAIT to get it.  If you don’t know about it, check it out.  Like Christmas EVERY SINGLE MONTH!  Click here to sign up for your own: BIRCHBOX

From BirchBox.com

7.  FOOD PORN

I haven’t had sugar or a lot of carbs since October–Food Porn used to be this:

Macaroons

Now it is this…

Paleo Pad Thai

8.  If we had a kid:

Truth

GOSPEL TRUTH

9.  I LOVE sweet LOVE

Get it Granny!

I wish I knew who to credit this to…Whoever you are, I like you.

10.  A lil piece of my life:

Willie Nelson-The 2nd love of my life....

11.  This is just extra credit:

FAB