Beauty by Birchbox.

I've had BIRCHBOX on my radar for quite some time. For $10 a month, shipments of my own curated beauty picks was appealing yet I always got tied up doing something else to give it a fair shot. It's actually pretty easy...

Fill out a profile and get a monthly subscription box of beauty samples customized just for you. And, for every 100 points you earn, you get $10 to spend in-store or online. Easy enough, right?

I finally got to try my hand at it last week. BIRCHBOX launched a pop-up store in Chicago's Pioneer Court complete with a media breakfast and sample box curation for each guest. One for the dudes, too! In fact, the tour was really dedicated to our men as the official event title was called the Birchbox Man Road Trip and it lasted all weekend long.

Naturally, us ladies got to enjoy the perks, too. Pictured above, the items I chose for my first BIRCHBOX. I snagged a perfume as well but that is long gone! I'm super psyched to try the Stila gloss and dry shampoo. Those items were the first I gravitated towards...shocking, I know.

It was a colorful Friday morning filled with miniature donuts, tiny egg sandwiches and quiches, delicious juices and copious amounts of beautiful friends and beauty products. Not a bad way to spend a Summer Friday! (Pictured above, my lady loves Stephanie + Justine)

Check out today's link ups: Style Elixir, Jo Lynn Shane, The Fashionista Momma, Lisa ala Mode,  Mix & Match Fashion  

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The best purple shampoos for blonde hair.
The best purple shampoos for blonde hair.

Do blondes really have more fun?

Maintaining this ashe-y blonde hue is an absolutely commitment. If you’re going to pursue this shade of blonde, you have to know what you’re signing up for. It’s been several years and lotsa dollars for me but I absolutely love it.

Summer neutrals.
Summer neutrals.

My love for bronze skin and neutrals knows no boundaries. I love everything nude. <smirk, smirk> I was feeling summer and all the creative juices this weekend and from it…voíla! We have a new post of shoppable accessories and apparel that taps into my neutral-loving-addiction. And yes, leopard is a neutral in my book.

The best eyeshadow palettes.
The best eyeshadow palettes.

Quickie post today as I spent the weekend literally spending all my money on May holidays and birthdays. May is pure insanity for us every year. It’s the fastest month that usually leaves me feel like I have whiplash come June 1.

Beauty review.
Beauty review.

Let’s talk beauty. It’s been awhile hasn’t it? I’m the type of girl who opens a product and feels like she has to finish it which leads me to today’s line up of products that I am truly adoring and have been using all summer. I hate wasting product. Anyone else like that?

Lip service: all your lip injection questions answered.
Lip service: all your lip injection questions answered.

There are a lot of false assumptions when it comes to injectables and fillers. I get it. If you’ve never done it, all you can think of is guest starring in another season of Botched. None of us want to be that girl. Myself included.

My Top 5 Ride or Die Beauty Products.
My Top 5 Ride or Die Beauty Products.

I don't fall for beauty trends all that often. Perhaps it's my age but I know what I like. Fashion trends...yes, guilty as charged. Typically you will find me in a neutral lip or a bold lip. No in between but always matte. Lipgloss? Not so much, I kind of exhausted that in my late 20's but a strong lip...always!

Pop it like it's hot! #smartmeetsbeauty
Pop it like it's hot! #smartmeetsbeauty

What's new pussy cat? So MUCH! May is by far the busiest month for me personally and professionally. You could say I am savoring the quiet of April 30th because I know all hell is about to break loose. With that said, you know I am nothing if I am not a multitasking momma on the go  which is why I want to introduce to you the newest lifesaver to my beauty collection. Meet Beauty by POPSUGAR!

Beauty 411: The Best Sheet Masks
Beauty 411: The Best Sheet Masks

Okay, real talk. I never get to a spa. And that is not a complaint. I'm of the mindset that if I cannot relax at all - why spend the money? Heck, I can barely get through a no-chip manicure without tapping my toes and telling my manicurist to skip the hand massage complete with warm towel aromatherapy. Yeah, I'm that girl. 

The Best Nude Lip Products!
The Best Nude Lip Products!

I haven't converted entirely but I am damn near close. I recently fell in love with nude lips. Matte, of course, so I thought I'd spill the beans and share my recent favorites. Tried and tested by not only myself but my girls, too. Yes, I have cultivated a team of beauty addicts back at the homestead! The oooooh's and ahhhhh's are quite cute.

The Best of Instagram - February
The Best of Instagram - February

February is always such a whirlwind. In some aspects, I like that it's a short month because it signifies the end of what usually is a long winter. On the other hand, everything feels rushed. So, today, I am taking a moment to stop and smell the roses sharing my favorite moments from the month. A ton of QT with our little family and some welcome mail surprises. All in all, not a bad month…filled with color, of course. I think that's the Chicagoan in me - always seeking color on the grayest of days!

EventJohanna Grangeevents, Chicago, Beauty, Beauty 411, skincare, makeup, Birchbox, sponsored post2 Comments