Birchbox Man: September 2012

Another month, another men's Birchbox. It's kind of nice that not only Richard looks forward to getting these, but I do as well. I'm still really in love with the idea of a beauty box for men considering that there are many guys out there who do spend time on themselves.

The MeUndies that was in this box couldn't have been anymore hilarious/awesome/perfect. Who would have thought to put a pair of boxer-briefs in this box? Richard has this love for undergarments (socks included) so he was pretty excited about these. They're ridiculously soft, thin, and there's no annoying tag. Win!

The Bálla Powder was something I found interesting. It's a manly-scented talcum powder that you can put anywhere to stop odor and perspiration; "feet, underarms, nether regions — for dryness and comfort" as the card says. Use as you wish, I suppose!

Oribe isn't a new brand within the men's Birchbox — we saw their stuff in the August box as well. This Créme can work with dry or wet hair, giving texture, definition, and a flexible hold. Richard usually uses clays and waxes, but I'll see if I can get him to try this baby out. Next up is the ZIRH Clean Face Wash which is right up his alley as we've spent a liiiiittle too much at Kiehl's this month on skincare (oops!). You're supposed to massage it on damp skin and it'll help clear out dead skin and dirt — gross, but awesome.

Last but definitely not least is the BVLGARI MAN Eau De Toilette. It's definitely a bit musky for my taste, but I still think it's a really gorgeous scent. It's got vetiver and bergamot which gives a manly but sweet scent all at the same time. It smells a bit rich, like old money type men, but I definitely think this would be a nice addition to the sweeter scents Richard usually goes for.

So that's that! Another amazing Birchbox for the men in our lives. What do you guys think of this months box?

Dreaming of Ice Cream

Ice Cream Slit Back Shirt · Topshop

Jersey Skater Skirt · Topshop

Wedges · H&M

The fact that there isn't a Topshop here in the Bay Area makes my heart cry a little bit. It's my favorite store in the entire world and I feel a little jealous of anyone who can go whenever they want. Yes, I know I can shop online, but what's the fun in that? Their clothes seem to fit like a dream and everything I found there was as if it was made for me. Plus, trying on clothes is half the fun of shopping!

I found this top which I was a bit iffy about (until I tried it on) and absolutely loved it paired with this skirt. I'm a sucker for any kind of collar so I kind of couldn't say no. Also, hello?! How cute are the ice cream cones?! 

The Jersey Skater Skirt is probably the best skirt I own because it's soooo comfortable and goes with everything. Blouses, t-shirts, sweaters, you name it and it will probably look super cute with the skirt. The wedges I've had for-ev-er — they were super cheap, probably $25 or so and have lasted me 6+ months which is pretty long considering how much I've worn them. I'm pretty sure H&M is still carrying them so I may have to go in and grab a new pair because these are starting to fall apart :(

It's still taking me forever to shoot, edit, and upload outfit posts, but they're the most fun and totally worth the time and effort. I hope you guys enjoy this little number as much as I do!

Glossybox USA: August 2012

Glossybox · $21/month

I'm going to be honest here, I am absolutely amazed/enamored/infatuated with this months Glossybox. The best part about it? It's the first one I've gotten and they've really made an incredible first impression. The theme of this month is Pure Luxury, so this box is chocked full of serums and luxurious cosmetics to leave you feeling fresh and pampered. 

Illamasqua is one of those brands that seems to be doing everything right. Their foundations, blushes and lipsticks are all amazing, so when I saw that I'd received a nail polish by them I was super stoked. The color I got is called "Load" and it's this really gorgeous creamy white color with a hint of yellow. Perfect for F/W, non? 

The Ole Hendriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster is actually something I nearly bought this weekend, so I'm glad I didn't! It's packed full of Vitamin C and helps to firm and smooth leaving you with more radiant skin. It's got a light and lovely citrus smell and rave reviews so I can't wait to try this out for myself. 

Touch in Sol is a Korean brand I've never heard of before (their stuff isn't carried at Sephora or Ulta) but it seems like they make some awesome products. The Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base is a primer that you're supposed to use after your skincare routine and before makeup application. It's got honey in it which is great for tightening the skin and it's also supposed to "allow for a better makeup routine". I'm so down with that! It's really light and feels like silk once you apply, pat, and allow it to sink into your skin.

The Ellis Faas Creamy Lips is overall a gorgeous product, though the color I received (L107 - Chocolate Caramel) doesn't suit me that well. Maybe I'm just not used to brown/darker lip shades but I'm still up for giving it a try. I do want to check out some other colors in the line because it seems like a really awesome lip product.

Biolage is a company that I think we all know — their stuff is used in most salons and you can find their products mostly anywhere. The ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment is something I'm definitely looking forward to trying as my hair can get verrrry dull, especially in summer. It's supposed to add instant shine without weighing your hair down. 

All in all this box is most definitely a 10/10 — introducing me to companies and products I haven't heard of before as well as including some I know and love. What do you all think of the products above? What colors did you get in your boxes?!

MAC Cut a Caper Lipstick

MAC Cut a Caper Lipstick · $15

I've actually had this lipstick for quite a while now (probably about a month or so) and in that time it's most definitely become my #1. This is one of those MAC colors that everyone lusts over and once I saw it I fell in love.

I was walking through Bloomingdales and spotted it right after I bought Angel — I'd never seen it in person before but it was just so recognizable. I tried it on, thought "this is my color", Richard said he loved it, and basically at that moment I knew I had to have it. It (obviously) wasn't in stock at the MAC counter so I immediately ordered it from my phone. That was the first purchase I ever made with my iPhone, and a justified one at that! Shipping only took a few days and then I had the most gorgeous coral lipstick in my possession ♥. I've been wearing it paired with NARS Orgasm quite a lot as I love the two of them together, it's kind of as if they were made to be worn together. I really feel as though this is one of those lipsticks I can throw it on day or night and it will look always amazing (especially with my skin tone).

I'm already thinking about ordering a backup as I'm not sure I could be without this color once I run out. What do you all think?

Men's Shaving: Merkur Safety Razor & Kiehl's Shave Cream

Merkur Solingen Double Edge Razor · $43

Merkur Super Razors (10) · $6

Kiehl's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - White Eagle · $16

After receiving a mini of the Kiehl's shaving cream in the his August Birchbox,  Richard knew he wanted to buy the full size which ultimately sent him on a journey to (also) find a better razor. 

The Brushless Shave Cream is pretty awesome — it's packed full of menthol leaving your freshly shaved face nice and cool. Before applying, Richard usually puts a warm cloth over his face to make the hair softer and easier to shave off. Afterwards he applies a small amount of the cream to his face — it's quite thick and there is no lather so it's pretty different if you're used to shaving foams. The thing he likes most about this is that the menthol "makes the hair stand up on end" which obviously is going to make it easier to get a closer shave.

The next step was upgrading from a Gillette razor to a Merkur Double Edge safety razor. He grabbed one at the Art of Shaving store for more $$ than he could have spent on Amazon, but oh well. Razor wise, it's heavy, really well made and not to mention elegant. It takes him longer to shave because unlike the Gillette which follows the shape of your face, you actually have to work and turn to get a proper shave with the Merkur. That said, as you get more used to using this kind of razor you do get faster/better over time. The razors themselves cost basically nothing which is a total plus; $6 for 10 vs $22 for 8 Gillette refills. They also last longer because you can easily dry them after each use — something you can't really use with a disposable razor. Most of all, he says shaving now is "fun".

All in all, switching to a great product and using better tools leads to a better experience. It also leads to a cleaner and smoother face *swoon*.