No More Dirty Looks Quarterly #NDL02 Haul

The ladies from No More Dirty Looks started their own sample box program through Quarterly Co. I subscribed before the first box was sent out, but apparently not in time to receive that initial box. So, a long couple of months after I plunked down my $25, their second box (#NDL02) arrived recently. This program is currently closed to new subscriptions. One can sign up for a waitlist if so inclined. The No More Dirty Looks Quarterly is more expensive than monthly boxes, but given that it’s sent out four times per year and includes full sized/deluxe samples, the price works out in the end.  […]

#NDL02 was themed around the ideas of stress reduction and relaxation. Let’s take a look. 

Click to read more ...

Review: Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Crimson & Clover and Shell Shock

I previously reviewed the Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioners in Arabian Knights and Bang Bang. Last month, Ilia Beauty released new shades of their Tinted Lip Conditioners as well as a bunch of additional product types. The product photos of the new lipstick range underwhelmed me, and, without having seen swatches, I didn’t want to order them outright. I did order two additional Tinted Lip Conditioners — the brand new Crimson & Clover and Shell Shock, which was part of the original lineup. […]

Click to read more ...

Review: Yes to Carrots Color Balm in Soft Plum

Tinted lip balms have become my go-to lip product. Though I love a full lip, I have to confess that I’ve worn one of the Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balms to work most days for the past few months. I like the ease of use and the sheer wash of color. As much as I love my Burt’s Bees, I’ve often lamented that they don’t sell a plummy, purplish berry tone.

I try really hard to organize my life so that I barely ever need to go to a drugstore. [Our drugstores here in Los Angeles always look like hurricanes just blew through the aisles. They are not delightful places.] Through really bad planning on my part, I found myself in a drugstore over the weekend. I took a look at the “natural” beauty endcap and was pleased to discover a product I hadn’t seen previously: Yes to Carrots Color Balm.  […]

Click to read more ...

Goodebox March Haul & First Impressions

The first ever Goodebox arrived last night. Let’s get this out of the way up front: Goodebox makes a killer first impression.

For those of you just joining us, I am a disenchanted former Birchbox subscriber who a) thought their samples were incredibly boring and really unsuited to me and b) switched to healthier products. I currently subscribe to Green Grab Bag. While the first two months of my Green Grab Bag were a little disappointing, the March bag did well by me. I have also subscribed to the No More Dirty Looks Quarterly, but I have yet to receive a shipment.

So I was pleased with Green Grab Bag’s version of March, but Goodebox’s March came in like a lion.  […]

Click to read more ...

The Spring Slowdown

Today I just have a quick housekeeping note. I work in television, and I’m in the thick of pilot season. This lasts until late May, so my availability to blog is considerably less than it was just a month ago. After the work crunch, I’ll be moving house in June.

When I started this blog, I was posting daily. Then I slowed to three times a week, and now I’m just erratic. What I’m getting at is that my necessary because of work slowdown coincides with my running out of stuff to review slowdown. I purchased everything I reviewed on this site, and I’ve burned through a lot (though not all!) of my possible content. I have converted every aspect of my makeup, haircare and skincare regimes to cleaner products. Amazingly, I’m happy with the vast majority of the products I’ve purchased. There’ll always be newer and better and grass is greener out there, but my buying has definitely slowed the hell down. 

I’m still on quests for the perfect mascara and my holy grail shampoo/conditioner combo, so fret not, I’ll ramble on and on about products another day. When next you hear from me, I’ll tell you about the first ever Goodebox shipment. In the meantime, you’re welcome to shout out to me in the comments or catch me on Twitter. Let’s KIT. BFF 4-evs.