A little bit of Simple Skincare!

For the past two weeks, I've been trying a few new products from Simple Skincare. I've used their Cleansing Facial Wipes to remove makeup in the past and really liked them, so I was very interested to see how the Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15, Soothing Eye Balm, and Eye Make-Up Remover Pads stacked up. Check out my thoughts below!

Simple Skincare: Protecting Light Moisturizer, Soothing Eye Balm,
and Eye Make-Up Remover Pads!

I have sensitive skin, so the first thing I love about Simple Skincare products is that they do not contain dyes, artificial perfumes, or harsh chemicals. While researching the Simple brand, I found out that it was created in the UK in 1960 and was the first to create a cleansing product with no perfume and no color. Love that!

Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15

The first product I've been trying is the Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15. This moisturizer is oil-free (so it doesn't feel greasy, yay!) and contains Vitamins B5 and E. I don't know about you, but it's such a letdown when you try a new moisturizer with high hopes, only to have your face feel like it's on fire moments after! Luckily, I did not have that reaction with this product lol. The medium, not to thick or thin consistency, absorbs really well into my skin. Since there are no artificial perfumes in Simple products, the only smell I notice is that of the SPF 15 (your typical sunscreen-y scent) and then it fades away.

The only concern I have with the Protecting Light Moisturizer is that it contains dimethicone. While this ingredient helps give the moisturizer a smooth application, those with sensitive skin sometimes break out from it. I haven't noticed any adverse results, but I would recommend spot testing a small area if you have concerns.

Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15 overall rating: 4/5

The next product I've been trying are the Eye Make-Up Remover Pads. Similar to the Cleansing Facial Wipes I mentioned above, these little pads are meant for removing eye makeup without stinging or burning the eyes. As a contact lens-wearer, I particularly appreciative of this! I also really like the oversized shape of the pads.

My experience with these pads is that they work really well as a pre-makeup remover before cleansing your face. I used one pad for each eyelid and found that they don't remove all eye makeup, such as mascara. They're a great start to eye makeup removal, but I feel like they need to be a bit more saturated to be more effective. As with any makeup removing wipe, be sure to seal the package after use and store them upside down to ensure the top pads stay "juicy."

Eye Makeup Remover Pads overall rating: 3.5/5

Soothing Eye Balm - love this stuff!

And now onto my most favorite Simple Skincare product, the Soothing Eye Balm! I am in love with this eye cream for a few reasons: it's not sticky, it's cooling, it doesn't irritate sensitive under-eye skin, and wears well under makeup.

The packaging says that it "soothes and relaxes tired eyes" and I think this is from the ever-so-light cooling sensation you notice after applying. It feels amazing! I've tried other eye balms that offer this cooling sensation, only to find them to be very tacky and sticky. The Simple Soothing Eye Balm, however, is a gel-cream consistency that absorbs quickly yet still blends out really easily.

Lastly, the eye balm doesn't migrate into eyes or irritate contacts, and I can layer concealer and makeup over the top without making my eye area look cakey. I am loving this product and will definitely purchase in the future.

Soothing Eye Balm overall rating: 5/5

Overall, I'm impressed with the Simple Skincare and have discovered a few more products I'd like to try from the range. I love that the line is affordable and can be easily found at drugstores and large retail stores (my local Target has a great range of Simple Skincare products). You can learn more about Simple Skincare by visiting simpleskincare.com!

Disclaimer: I was sent these Simple Skincare products to review from Birchbox. No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

I Bought the Full-Size... DevaCurl 3-Step System!

My May Birchbox introduced me to a set of hair products that I now absolutely adore: the DevaCurl 3-Step System! I've been wanting to try this trio for a while but I'll admit, I was skeptical. "There's no way DevaCurl can do what [insert expensive hair care line here] promises to do," I'd always think to myself when passing these products. Then I'd pick up all sorts of expensive hair products that didn't transform my hair the way they'd claim.

Let me tell you a bit about my hair - it's long, thick, dry, coarse, wavy, and color-treated. I prefer to use a flat iron but it becomes very time consuming, so I've been on the hunt for hair products that will actually define my waves, keep frizz at bay, not strip color (preferably sulfate-free), and add moisture without being greasy. It's a laundry list, I know. Enter DevaCurl 3-Step trial kit...

Before and after!
My hair in the "before" picture is actually wavier but I didn't think to take this picture
until I'd brushed my hair out before trying the DevaCurl system. I think you get the idea, though!

Here is a before and after close up! Can you tell why I love DevaCurl?!

Now let me tell you a little about what's in the DevaCurl 3-Step System!

1. Cleanse with DevaCurl NoPoo (odd name I know, but it's short for non-shampoo). DevaCurl No-Poo is the ORIGINAL, best-selling, non-lathering shampoo alternative. Our sulfate free, highly moisturizing cleanser stimulates, hydrates and cleans the scalp and hair to reveal the healthiest, bounciest natural curls. I love how this cleansing conditioner smells - like lavender and peppermint! It does take a bit of work and a splash or two of water to thoroughly get it through hair. It definitely doesn't lather.
2. Hydrate with DevaCurl One Condition. The DevaCurl One Condition ultra creamy conditioner is excellent for daily use and for all curl types. I found this conditioner to smell lemony and a bit fruity. It rinses really clean yet doesn't make hair "squeaky" or feel stripped. I was a little let down when I didn't feel like it made my hair slippery like most conditioners do, but I was not let down with the results!
3. Define with DevaCurl Light Defining Gel. This light hold moisturizing and defining gel dissolves instantly when applied to wet hair. As it dries, Light Defining Gel forms a moisture-protective cast to enhance curls. This thick, clear gel smells just like green apple and is super-easy to work through hair. And the best part of all - it actually does dissolve after you work it into your hair, which means no stickiness! Love it!

My waves are defined, hair feels moisturized, I barely have any frizz and DevaCurl products are sulfate-free (therefore much more gentle on color).  I can't even believe it, but my laundry list of items have been checked off by the DevaCurl 3-Step System, and as such, I picked up the full size containers of all three! You can learn more about DevaCurl at mydevacurl.com! PS thanks, Birchbox! :)

photo courtesy sephora.com

Birchbox May 2013

May is my birthday month (yay!) so I was secretly hoping for better-than-normal subscription boxes this month, and let me tell you I've not been disappointed! My May Birchbox is fabulous (as is this month's POPSUGAR Must Have box which I'll blog about shortly). This month's theme was "Beauty Diaries" - let's see what was inside!

DevaCurl 3-Step System
This ringlet-loving sampler is your chance to try DevaCurl’s innovative curl care system. Each trio includes a creamy lather-free cleanser, a hydrating conditioner, and a lightweight, curl-defining gel. All three work with your hair’s natural texture, so you’re left with soft, shiny spirals without that pesky halo of frizz.
This is by far the best thing I received in this Birchbox, or perhaps all of my Birchboxes lol. I love this 3-step system because it defines curls yet leaves hair soft and without frizz! I've tried so many hair products that claim these things, but these DevaCurl products actually work. An in-depth review will be coming up for sure!

Pilot Acroball PureWhite pen
Jot down all your brilliant ideas with these colorful hybrid ink pens. Featuring gorgeous colors, a retractable tip and a comfy contoured grip, they make writing fashionable again.
Expanding upon the "Beauty Diaries" theme, Birchbox included this pen which features turquoise ink to match the grip accent color. I like pens, so no complaints here :)

Marvis Toothpaste

Imported from Italy, this stylish toothpaste makes brushing your teeth anything but routine. 
I received this toothpaste in a GLOSSYBOX last year and loved it, so I'm happy to sample another!
Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner in Saletii (gray)
The makeup experts at Sumita have created a versatile eyeliner that exceeds all our tough standards: sensational blending abilities, bold colors, and non-irritating formulas.

I haven't opened this eyeliner yet, but I've been hearing that it wears well and doesn't smudge off. The gray shade will be fun to try.

COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face
This classic sunblock has everything we want in a daily SPF. 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.

I received a COOLA mineral sunblock from Birchbox last year and absolutely loved it because it wasn't a chemical-based sunscreen. It didn't irritate my sensitive skin, but I'm not sure if this is the same formula or not. I'll give a go and see what happens.

Definitely loving my May Birchbox! If you don't know about these little boxes of fabulous-ness for only $10 a month, check them out here!

Stila Turquoise Smudge Stick! Review + Swatches

When Stila announced their Festival of Color Collection for Summer 2013, I knew I had to have the new Turquoise Smudge Stick Waterproof eye liner. What I love best about Smudge Sticks is how creamy they are, which makes them super-easy (and pretty much foolproof) to apply. They also have amazing staying power - I swatched my arm as you'll see below, and it lasted until that night when I applied makeup remover. I even rubbed over the swatches once they set and they barely budged. Here is how it looks when applied!

Stila Smudge Stick in Turquoise

Below I compared the color payoff between the Turquoise Smudge Stick and the Turquoise Liquid Liner (liquid version is on the left). I found that the SS version was a brighter, bolder turquoise color so I went with that one. I definitely recommend the Stila Smudge Stick in Turquoise (or any other color for that matter!).

Top Left:  Turquoise swatches - Liquid Liner on left, SS on right
Top  Right - the Stila Smudge Stick
Bottom: a nice pop of Turquoise!

GLOSSYBOX April 2013

The April 2013 GLOSSYBOX featured a "Work that Beauty" theme and six lovely products to try. From the enclosed card, "This April, GLOSSYBOX has a thirst for beauty wellness and we are quenching it with feel-good products! Work your natural beauty and be your best with GLOSSYBOX this month." Read on to see what was inside!

GLOSSYBOX April 2013

Six products to try this month!

ALTERNA Haircare: 

Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist

Yay for beach spray! I love using these kinds of products for a more-defined wavy look. Alterna's product says it will give "just-back-from-the-beach waves" so I can't wait to try this deluxe sample. Full size is $22.

Wash With Joe: 

Coffemint Invigorating Body Wash

This bodywash is all about waking you up in the morning! It definitely smells like coffee and mint, but it's not too strong which is great. Full size is $28.

Le Metier de Beaute: 

Replenishing Daily Solution

This moisturizer was featured in the Man Repeller Box and I really liked it. The full-size product is $225, though, so it's definitely a splurge item and needless to say I didn't purchase it lol. GLOSSYBOX apparently received fantastic feedback about this sample and included another one in this month's box along with a coupon for $75 off. Even at $150 I don't think I'll but this, but I'm happy to have a little more.

The Honest Company:
Organic Lip Balm in Purely Simple

I'm a lip balm fanatic so I was super-happy to find this product in the April GLOSSYBOX. The one I received is unscented but is nice and moisturizing. Love it! They come in a 3-pack for $10.95.

TIGI Cosmetics:
Glow Blush in Haute

This baked blush is a bit too dark for my skin tone, so I'm not sure if I'll try it or trade it. I did read that it doubles as an eyeshadow so I may try that instead of using it as a blush. We received the full-size product, which is $22.

BVLGARI:
Tea Bag for Bath in Eau Parfumee au the Blanc

This bath soak is scented with BVLGARI signature White Tea fragrance. It smells quite nice and will be great to use for an indulgent soak. The card says that the full-size product is $9.50.

As per usual, I'm definitely happy with this month's GLOSSYBOX. If you're interested in this subscription beauty box, click here to check it out!

"All Smiles" Manicure by Sarah at Dynamite Does Nails!

I love, love, love creative nail art and have been admiring all the manicures done by Sarah over at Dynamite Does Nails for quite some time! Sarah's manicures are always impeccable and she's such a pro at nail stamping (as you'll see below), so I asked her to take over Olive + Hazel with a post all about it! Check out this fun, cheery manicure by Sarah - she's even shared some of her tips and tricks for nail stamping below if you want to try it yourself :)

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All Smiles

Hello everyone! Jessica invited me to do a guest post for her, and I was very happy to do it. Jessica is an amazing blogger and I am honored to be a part of her space. Please take a moment to browse her blog and follow her if you haven’t already!

Today I have a bright, sun-shiney, happy nail art to share, I hope you enjoy it! I’ve started with two coats of Color Club Daisy Does It, plus one coat of Seche Vite top coat.

Then, I stamped these adorable smileys using Bundle Monster stamping plate BM-304, and Konad Special black stamping polish. I've sealed the manicure with another layer of Seche Vite.

Products used:

• One coat Beauty Secrets Moisturizing Base Coat
• Two coats Color Club Daisy Does It
• One coat Seche Vite Top Coat
• Bundle Monster Stamping Plate BM-304
• Konad Special Black Stamping Polish
• One coat Seche Vite Top Coat

Jessica has asked me to share a few stamping tips that I've found can help with the process.

1. I always stamp over a nice dry layer of top coat. This will allow you to wipe away any stamping mistakes once or twice without messing up the polish underneath.
2. Use an opaque polish for stamping. Special stamping polishes are not required, but they do take the guess work out of choosing a good polish to stamp with. Polish that covers well in one coat is ideal. Cremes and opaque metallics work best, glitters or shimmers do not.
3. Always start with a clean stamping plate, stamper, and scraper. I keep a lint-free cotton pad with remover on it next to me to wipe off the stamper, scraper, and plate after each stamp. Some designs can be stamped several times without compromising the result, some more intricate designs may need to be wiped off between stamps.
4. Use a straight down/straight up motion with the stamper to pick up the design rather than rolling it over the plate. The rolling motion works better for laying the design onto the nail rather than picking the design up. Be careful not to press the stamper too hard onto the design, as the polish could be squeezed from the lines.
5. After picking up the design, check the stamper to be sure you have the correct result before stamping. If needed, wipe off on your polish remover/cotton pad and try again. Work quickly to transfer the design to the nail, as the polish begins to dry as soon as it's laid on the plate.
6. Wait several minutes before gently applying a top coat to seal the design. Some top coats can smear your stamping, so try not to go over it too much or too hard with the top coat brush. The more time you give your design to dry, the less chance you will have of smearage.
7. Practice makes perfect! Experiment with different types of plates and polishes until you find what works the best for you. YouTube is filled with great stamping tutorials/tips/tricks/and ideas if you need help. Good luck!

A little about Sarah!

Hello everyone, my name is Sarah and I love nail polish and nail art! I recently discovered the 'nail world' in the summer of 2011, and I've been addicted (and polished) ever since! I live in Austin TX with my Fiancee, my 11 year old son, and my 6 ferrets. I am new to the TX area, originally from Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN. I also love reading, cooking, blogging, and reality TV. I hope you enjoyed my post, and that you'll come visit me any time over in my little part of the internet world. Thanks for having me!

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Hope you all enjoyed Sarah's fabulous post here at Olive + Hazel, and be sure to check out Dynamite Does Nails to see even more of her unique and creative manicures!

Total Beauty Collection: Revlon Edition!

How did I not know about Total Beauty Collections before now? These little beauty sample boxes do not require a subscription (no monthly fee), come in different themes, and ship for free - love it! Each themed box generally ranges in price from $15 to $30.

I picked up the Total Beauty Collection for REVLON edition which contains four full-size products for only $15. Inspired by sculptural sea glass with a touch of Beach glamour, the kit features two ColorBurst Lip Butters in Sorbet and Pink Lemonade, ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel in Trade Winds, and ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow quad in Sea Mist.

If you want to pick one up, you can use the code TAKE10 for 10% off!

The Total Beauty Collection: Revlon Edition!

Trade Winds nail polish, Pink Lemonade lip butter,
Sea Mist eyeshadow quad, and Sorbet lip butter!

The kits comes with a 'Color Story booklet' to help you
achieve your perfect spring look. So fun!

theBalm InStain Blushes: Argyle + Houndstooth

I've been loving theBalm Cosmetics lately and was really excited when they announced six new InStain blushes. These long-wearing blushes are described as 'staining powder blush that will give your cheeks color that won’t quit.' I love the idea of a non-liquid-yet-staining blush, so I happily picked up the colors Argyle (Petal Pink) and Houndstooth (Mauve). I also picked up Sexy Mama anti-shine translucent powder to set my foundation. Check out the swatches below!

Top to bottom: Houndstooth blush, Sexy Mama powder, Argyle blush

Such cute packaging!

L-R: Houndstooth (mauve) and Argyle (petal pink) in natural light

Houndstooth and Argyle swatched in natural light

Sexy Mama translucent anti-shine powder

I've been wearing all three products for a few days - you definitely do not want to use a heavy hand with these highly-pigmented blushes. The color lasts for a majority of the day which is great, and the Sexy Mama powder works wonderfully to set liquid foundations and BB creams without being cakey. You can check out these products (and another favorite - Put A Lid On It eyelid primer) at www.thebalm.com!

Birchbox April 2013

Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health magazine for the month of April and featured a "Tiny Tweaks, Big Results" theme. From the enclosed card: "We all know that the little things - weekly face masks, nightly eye cream, or five minutes in the sunshine - can make all the difference." Here's what I received this month!

April 2013 Birchbox

First look!

Mirenesse : Glossy Kiss Lipstick

Launching exclusively in the Birchbox Shop, this user-friendly lip pencil is a goof-proof way 
to score a high-impact pout. Full-size, $26.55

I'm definitely not a fan of this bright orange color, which is unfortunate because I really wanted to try this product. I'll be trading it or gifting it instead. I'm happy to have received a full-size product, though!

SKIN&Co Roma : Cleansing Body Gel with Olive & Sicilian Orange Extracts

You won't be able to go back to regular soap after trying this freshly scented, 

antioxidant-packed shower gel from Rome. Full-size:$17.50

This is a nice deluxe-size sample that will be fun to try. I like the smell and love that it contains Vitamin C to help condition skin.

Oribe : Shampoo & Conditioner for Beautiful Color

Give your color-treated locks some well-deserved attention with this protective 

honey-infused formula. Full-size: $17.50 

I'm really happy to sample these products (and am also happy that Birchbox included to sets of foils because I have a lot of hair lol). The reviews I've read about this shampoo and conditioner are above average, so I can't wait to see how they perform on my color-treated, dry hair.

Lifestyle Extra - Kusmi Tea Paris in Sweet Love and Euphoria

Get in touch with your inner Zen master with these mood-enhancing whole-leaf brews.
$23.95 for a set of Wellness Teas

I've been wanting to try Kusmi Tea for a long time! Sweet Love is described as an "exquisite, spicy blend that will bring your senses to life" and Euphoria is described as an "exhilarating blend of roasted mate with scents of chocolate and orange." Yum!

Supergoop! : Advanced SPF 40 Anti-Aging Eye Cream

At last: an eye cream with serious sun protection. Plus, the innovative formula has 

oat peptide complex to firm skin. Full-size: $45.

Alright, now I love eye creams. I can't complete my beauty routine without them, but I don't think I'll be trying this one from Supergoop! Unfortunately, my sensitive skin has an awful reaction with the Supergoop! face products, so I'll either trade or gift this sample.

Wow, this month marks one-year anniversary with Birchbox! I'm really happy to have found this service - I've been introduced to some fantastic products that have become staples in my makeup and beauty routines. I'll be sticking with Birchbox for a while, I think :)

Dove 'Real Beauty Sketches' Ad Campaign

This video from Dove is making it's way around Facebook today and I love it. You can also read about via the Huffington Post here. What are your thoughts?

From the Huffington Post article:
Do women see themselves less accurately than strangers do? A new Dove campaign says yes -- and offers proof, in the form of forensic sketches. Dove recruited seven women of different ages and backgrounds and had FBI-trained forensic artist Gil Zamora create composite sketches of them based on descriptions of their own facial features.