{BirchBox} Ladies First

Posted on March 20, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

“As a company founded by women, for women, this month has extra significance, We’re marking both International Woman’s Day and Women’s History Month- two great reminders to celebrate all the strong ladies in our lives, from friends and colleagues to heroes and inspirations. There’s nothing we can’t do, and everything we can.”

Strong and inspiring women….. Many women have shaped my life and have molded my character. I am partial and a little biased when it comes to my Mama. My Mama was one of the first women to hold a class C heavy equipment license. She was the first female dump truck driver for Conwed Industries now known as USG. Even when pregnant with me, she drove the dump truck until she could no longer fit behind the wheel. Having a first as a mother meant she instilled that nothing is impossible and that women do and will always belong in a man’s world. She broke down the doors so that my sister and I could be anything we wanted in life and for that I am forever grateful.

Beauty is just another tool in our take on the world tool kit. Makeup should enhance our inner beauty and compliment our world domination plans. I am a do it and run kind of girl, if it takes more than 10 minutes AJ ain’t doing it, cause she ain’t got time for that. This is why I love Birchbox, they send me samples to try and I can decide if it is something that will fit into my get er done beauty routine.

“Lady! Lets unbox this thing!!!”

March 2016 – Ladies First

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance AM Skin Illuminating Cleanser: this impurity-blasting cleanser brightens dark spots, evens tone, and transforms skin for a more radiant complexion.

Milk Makeup Lip Color – C.R.E.A.M: for intense demi-matte color, try this 30% pigmented formula made with shea butter, coconut oil, and grapefruit peel.

PARLOR by Jeffy Chastain Volumizing & texturizing shampoo: this multitasker uses marshmallow root to boost body and texture, while sweet almond oil protects and adds softness.

PARLOR by Jeffy Chastain Volumizing & texturizing conditioner: this lightweight conditioner nourishes, enhances body, and boosts texture,

treStiQue Color & smudge shadow crayon in aspen pine: this shadow crayon has a creamy formula that stays put for 12 hours, creating a smooth, crease free look every time.

William Schumann Skincare Hydrating Collagen eye pads: these 100% pure collagen pads hydrate and plump the skin around your eyes for a bright, youthful look.

My Birchbox was so so this month. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great, I will only use some of these samples, the others will go in my donate box. I hope you got a better more enjoyable Birchbox than I did.

Birch Box is a beauty and lifestyle subscription box program that costs $10.00 per month. For every dollar you spend in the shop you can earn 1 point. 100 points will get you a free birch box or $10 towards a purchase in the shop at birchbox.com. I know you’ve got friends so why not refer those friends to Birch box and earn a few points for doing so. If you would like to learn more and get a Birch Box of your very own go to http://www.birchbox.com for more information.

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***

{Target Beauty Box} vacay VIBES

Posted on March 20, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

Must-haves. Can’t-live withouts. Obsessions. As purveyors of all-things beauty, we at Target Style like to keep a lookout for what’s new and now. In this box, you’ll find a few of our favorites-just in time for spring break. Test ’em out and tell us what you think. And if you love them as much as we do, find the full-sized versions at Target.

Spring Break? Man I AJ have not been on or had a spring break in hell over ten years. I just dated myself, yes I have been out of college for almost 10 years now. It will be 10 years in May since I collected my B.S. degree and rode off into the sunset like the lone ranger. A lot of life has happened in those 10 magical years. I have worked many jobs and now I am happy to say I have landed my career, who knew a girl with a B.S. in legal studies would end up as a Quality Assurance Analyst?! I don’t have time for vacations, instead I settle for weekend getaways, in which my goal for 2016 is to take more of them. I need more weekend road trips in my life!

Enough about me and my career, lets get back to this here box. I personally stalk target.com and constantly plop “beauty box” into the search bar and I get way to excited when I see that a new one is forming. They will list the products as a hint or spoiler before the actual box goes live. I stalk the shit out of the site and when it goes live I buy one and then run to facebook and tell all of my girlfriends to go get one. I literally have a list in my phone of people that I need to alert when a new box comes out, a girl looks out for her girlfriends. The list is constantly growing and I am glad that it is, because who doesn’t love to get a little box of pampering in the mail.

March 2016- vacay VIBES

Hair Food Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner: Uniquely infused with honey and apricot fragrance, this paraben and mineral oil-free duo gives hair a moisture-rich treat.

Not Your Mother’s Texturizing Sea salt Spray: infused with natural Dead Sea salt & sea kelp this salon formula it adds sexy, windswept & tousled waves and a light matte finish to any hair type

Sinful Colors Professional Nail Color: the long-wear, chip-resistant formula gives nails a professional finish and comes in endless vibrant colors.
—————————> I received Lie-lac, a vibrant lilac hue perfect for spring.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask: lightweight ionized mineral water hydrates and restores skin overnight and has a subtle, calming scent.

Banana Boat Sun Comfort SPF 30 Lotion: broad-spectrum UVA- and UVB-protection stays on through sun, water, wind, sweat, sand, and more.

Nugg Deep Hydrating Facial Mask Treatment: 94% natural face mask features a blend of extracts and oils that intensely hydrates and softens dry skin.
——————————-> I received the Nugg Deep Cleansing Face Mask with cucumber extract & jojoba oil. Key ingredients include Witch Hazel extract and Cucumber extract which act as astringents to reduce the appearance of pore size, Jojoba Lite Oil to help dissolve sebum in a gentle, healthy way and Aloe Juice and Glycerin to hydrate and soothe skin. This mask left my skin feeling soft smooth, and a little tighter. I will definitely be picking up more of these from my local Target store.

you are AMAZING Juicy Grapefruit Body Lotion: moisturizing body lotion keeps skin hydrated all day long with a bright, citrusy scent.
———————>This lotion screams SUMMER!!!! Only thing is its March and mother nature has been known to drop a load or two on us in March/April. Sometimes Mother Nature will drop an extra load in May, ya know just to remind us that she is in control and that nothing we do will appease her. Minnesotans have a long road ahead of us before we see the lovely signs of summer.

Caress Adore Forever Body Wash: fragrance-release pearls give a burst of purfume each time you touch your skin.
—————–>I have received this body wash in a few other boxes and I am perplexed. The scent it wears off as soon as my ass is toweled off and when I touch my skin I don’t smell anything. Maybe you become immune to it or something, all I know is those magical pearls are not doing there jobs.

As always the folks over at Target put together an amazing box for an amazing price. It has become apparent that the box is now monthly, they just need to go ahead and start a subscription service and put the free-for all fight to bed. Then again stalking the site and pouncing as soon as that bad boy goes live is part of the thrill. I take my thrills where I can get them!

The Target Beauty Box is not a subscription service, they are first come first served, if they are sold out then you my friends are out of luck. I just checked target.com and the March box is OUT OF STOCK. For $7 this box is a great deal, that is if you can get your hands on one, they always sellout like hotcakes. So don’t sit on the beauty fence when you see them, just throw it in your virtual cart and call it a day!

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

{BirchBox} From the Vault – Mystery Box

Posted on March 20, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

Call us sentimental, but we can’t let go of the past—literally. We’ve got a Birchbox Vault where we store amazing Birchboxxes from the past. And this month, we’re giving you the keys.

I’ve always wondered what the BirchBox beauty vault looks like, I bet its perfectly organized by product and color. Kind of like a candy store for adult ladies, but prettier and more useful. The mystery box is $10 and if you can part with 100 Birchbox points it will be free. I had some points to burn so I thought why the heck not, I confirmed my order and waited for my mystery box to arrive.

I didn’t have to wait long my box arrived before my March box. Fast shipping is one way to my heart and Birchbox found its way in with free 2 day shipping for Aces.

“Let’s unbox the mystery!!”

From the Vault Mystery Box: I got a box from November 2015.

AYERS Body Polish – Pampering Sunrise: this body polish goes on smoothly and rinses off cleanly, leaving behind only soft, fantastic-smelling skin.

Davines This is a relaxing moisturizing fluid: this formula adds shine, sublimates frizz, moisturizes, humidity-proofs, and preps hair if you’re using heat tools.
————————-> I am a huge Davines fan girl, I love love their shampoo and conditioner, however this is one product that is not in my wheel house. I will be handing this off to my coworker who regularly straightens her locks, I feel she will put this lovely product to good use. It does smell amazing, however its not for me, I let me curls hang free and never straighten them.

Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Mask: this refreshing cotton sheet mask is loaded with hydrating serum great for nourishing dry, parched skin.
————————————–> They had me at dry, winter temperature wise hasn’t been rough, the wind however has done a number on my skin and I cannot wait to give this a whirl.

LOC one & done shadow stick – On Point: from Birchbox’s new brand: a creaseless, waterproof shadow with shades curated by YouTube beauty star Tati Westbrook

theBalm Cosmetics – Fratboy: this talc-free, finely ground blush and shadow formula gives skin a fresh radiance that makes you look, and feel, young.

My mystery box was a pleasant surprise I will use all of the products except for the Davines. I had received a LOC shadow stick in a different shade and I am glad to have another one in my stash. I checked the site and there are still mystery boxes for sale, so go on now and go get yourself a little mystery.

Get a FREE Mystery Birchbox from 2015 with any $50+ purchase in the Birchbox Shop. Boxes vary, but each features one of our exclusive Birchbox designs and five or more beauty samples from across categories. Also available as a stand-alone purchase for $10!

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***

{BirchBox} What’s The Occasion

Posted on March 3, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

February is a month that I wish we could skip. It’s not because of Valentine’s Day, I’m not single and I have a valentine. February is a quiet reminder that another year has passed without Charlie. Not to mention February is usually cold as fuck in Minnesota. Lots of snow and cold tempatures leave this girl dreaming of spring. Ahh spring, hurry your ass up and get here! I am tired of freezing my pretty little ass off.

I know, I know I should quit bitching about the cold because hey winter is only temporary! Yay! It’s only temporary and soon the sun will shine and it will be all sorts of hot again!

Anyways back to this month’s Birchbox! “What’s the occasion,” fits the month of February perfectly! “This month, we’re helping you create your own not-quite-everyday looks, from easy hairstyles to versatile makeup techniques.” All of us wether you are coupled or single have a reason to dress up and hit the town! Or if you’re like me, you get dressed up and hit the champaign brunch buffet. Hey now, no judging a girls gotta take advantage of brunch when she can! So wether you are brunching it up or hitting the town with your best girls, I hope you do it in style and have a blast!

Birchbox February 2016: “what’s the occasion!?”

ARROW BOOST Color Enhancing Lip Balm: a high-tech, moisturizing lip balm from Birchbox brand ARROW. Formulated to adjust to your unique pH, it enhances each wearer’s natural lip color to create the perfect, just-for-you hue.

———-> woohoo a lip balm that customizes itself to me! This balm is really nourishing and has a lovely light mint scent.

COOLA® Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: The eco-friendly formula is made with 70 percent certified organic ingredients and protects from both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause painful burns.

(MALIN+GOETZ) clarifying clay mask: Made for acne-prone skin but safe for sensitive complexions, it taps refined kaolin clay to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities, plus pumice to polish away dead skin.

——-> Sunday night is usually mask night in uptown! Nothing like chilling on the couch, watching the real house wives and waiting for my mask to dry. This mask worked really well, it was a little to drying on my skin, but it did clear up those pesky black heads on my nose. I’m trying to be like the cool kids and posing with my best duck face! Yea I know, I won’t attempt this face again, I look like a crazy pants!

L’Artisan Parfumeur: This light, sun-kissed scent from the iconic Parisian fragrance house L’Artisan is perfect for warm weather—or for spritzing on a carefree, summer vibe any time of year. Inspired by the image of children chasing butterflies, the fresh notes of orange blossom, jasmine, lime, and tuberose evoke a feeling of simple summer days. Slip this petite rollerball in your purse for a touch of fresh scent wherever you go.

Ouidad VitaCurl® Define & Shine Styling Gel-Creme: Infused with smoothing soybean extract, volumizing vitamin A and unique curl-forming polymers for long-lasting definition, this ultra-hydrating, non-sticky formula enhances the texture of curls and waves while leaving a luminous finish.

As far as Birchboxes go this was a pretty great box! My sample choice this month was the Birchbox brand “Arrow” lip balm and I am in love with it. I hope you enjoyed your samples as much as I enjoyed mine!

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***

{Target} Renewal Beauty Box

Posted on January 26, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

“Say hello to a new year with a Target Beauty Box. In this box, you’ll find a few of our favorite new products—each inspired by our 2016 beauty resolutions. A $30 value for just $7, this handpicked collection lets you revive your skin, face and hair for a healthy post-holiday glow. Who doesn’t love a fresh start? Test them out and tell us what you think. If you love them as much as we do, find the full-size versions at Target.com/beautybox.”

I missed out on the Holiday Target Beauty Box in December, I was very sad and stalked the site daily to see if more would be come available. It didn’t happen, when Target says “sold out,” they stinking mean it, they truly are gone and you are left on the outside looking in. Target has been pushing out a monthly box, I am not sure why they just don’t come out and create a monthly subscription, that would make life easier. Until that happens just stalk the Target website, you will get your hands on a box if you pounce as soon as the links are liv

Target Renewal Beauty Box

Caress Love Forever Body Wash: It’s the first body wash ever to use fragrance-release pearls with touch-activated technology. Release a burst of perfume every time you touch your skin—all day long.

ATTITUDE 2-in-1 Shampoo: This shampoo and body wash is vegetable based and biodegradable. Plus, it’s formulated to be carcinogen free and hypoallergenic. Vegan, not tested on animals.

Laneige BB Cushion: Get 5-in-1 cushion technology that works to brighten, protect, cool and cover your skin while fending off shine.

Scunci No-Slip Grip Braided Headwrap: A comfortable, stretchy band with a braided design for stylish, no-slip grip.

Degree Women Fresh Energy Dry Spray: This dry spray uses a 48-hour MOTIONSENSE formula that goes on instantly dry for a cleaner feel and better protection.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer: Get 24 hours of soft skin with this instant-absorbing formula that gives you twice the moisturizing power in half the time.

ATTITUDE Volume & Shine Shampoo: Get healthy, beautiful hair with this volumizing shampoo. It is vegetable based, biodegradable, carcinogen free and hypoallergenic. Vegan, not tested on animals.

Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara: This high-impact formula delivers 5 benefits in 1 product: volume, length, definition, lift and rich, intense color.

Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Facial Mask: A lightweight, deeply hydrating mask that drenches skin with serum to boost hydration, smooth fine lines and restore firmness and bounce to your skin.

Target has once again out done themselves, the value of this box is huge and not to mention the wide range of products, products that will fit every budget. I love that all of the products are available at my local Target and I pick them up when I fill my prescriptions. If you ask me that is multitasking and a win win. This box will definitely help me start 2016 off on the right beauty foot.

The Target Beauty Box is not a subscription service, they are first come first served, if they are sold out then you my friends are out of luck. I just checked target.com and the October box is out of stock. For $7 this box is a great deal, that is if you can get your hands on one, they always sellout like hotcakes. So don’t sit on the beauty fence when you see them, just throw it in your virtual cart and call it a day!

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

{Target} Refresh Beauty Box

Posted on January 26, 2016 by NinjaInTheCity

“Refresh your look for the new year with a Target Beauty Box. In this box, you’ll find a few of our favorite new products—each inspired by our 2016 beauty resolutions. A $30 value for just $7, this handpicked collection lets you revive your skin, face and hair for a healthy post-holiday glow. Who doesn’t love a fresh start? Test them out and tell us what you think. If you love them as much as we do, find the full-size versions at Target.com/beautybox.”

Refresh Beauty Box

ACURE Day Cream: This must-have day cream contains gotu kola stem cells and chlorella growth factor to help your skin retain hyaluronic acid and fight environmental damage and free radicals.

John Frieda Keraflex Hair Spray: This versatile formula can be used while styling hair or to lock in a finished look. Its micro-fine mist delivers a soft, brushable hold.

NIVEA In-Shower Body Lotion: This skin-pampering, in-shower lotion is enriched with almond oil to give your skin instant moisture that lasts up to 24 hours.

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Pads: These radiance-boosting pads are soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid to help retexture and resurface to unveil younger-looking skin.

ScunciBraided Elastic Bands: Say goodbye to snags with these hair ties made without metal.

Simple Micellar Wipes: Gently remove makeup and impurities, leaving your skin cleansed and instantly hydrated, with these makeup remover wipes. No artificial perfumes, dyes or harsh chemicals.

Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Lotion: An intense moisturizer with a combination of revitalizing antioxidants and extracts to help soften and smooth dry skin.

Clear Total Care Shampoo & Conditioner: Make your hair more resilient to breakage with Clear’s Active Damage Resist system. Infused with Omega 3-6-9, this specially designed complex of vitamins hydrates the scalp and hair, and helps restore shine, smoothness and strength from root to tip.

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

Have Bear Will Travel

She had to break, so I could shine

Tag Archives: Winter 2016

{BirchBox} Ladies First

{Target Beauty Box} vacay VIBES

{BirchBox} From the Vault – Mystery Box

{BirchBox} What’s The Occasion

{Target} Renewal Beauty Box

{Target} Refresh Beauty Box