My October EcoEmi box!

My second EcoEmi box is here! It arrived about two days ago and was excited to get this again! It was perfectly themed for Halloween- with cute pumpkin confetti- and lots of great Fall items for me to use into November. They all came in this reusable PLUSH velvet bag which I will be using to carry my beauty items in my bag. It's super soft and great for organizing my knickknacks.

As you can see there's a combination of beauty & food items which is why EcoEmi is such a treat to get. Once I took pictures for this posting, all the foodie items were placed into my bag to bring to work (all except for the mulling spice which I placed in my kitchen.) Beauty items include another lip balm from Crazy Rumors in a Peppermint Lemongrass flavor, soap sample in Almond Spice (not pictured) from Herbaria, and shampoo/conditioner and hair styling cream samples from a brand called Neuma. I already used the shampoo/conditioner and it smells peppermint-y!! There's also a mini candle in a Sweet Orange/Clove Bud from Big Dipper WaxWorks. The candle must've froze because I can easily remove it from the jar.

Food Samples include...
- A tea packet in Peach Blossom
- Vegan Organic Bar (can't wait to taste this!)
- Vegan organic Mulling Spice- blend of cloves, cinnamond and other yummy spices to make a cider
- Gin Gin Ginger candy- pack of 6 individually wrapped candies inside.

SO there you have it, another delicious and homey October box. Although it came pretty late in the month, I am eager to use this into November. Excited for my upcoming boxes later this year as they are appropriately Holiday themed!! :)

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Meet Diane von Furstenberg in NYC's Sephora in Soho on October 27

Fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg is launching her new fragrance, named Diane, and will be at NYC's Sephora Soho Thursday, October 27th from 6-8 PM. Here's your chance to meet the legend herself when you purchase her scent, as well as get her autograph! This floral scented fragrance contains notes from Frangipani, Violet, Patchouli, Musks and Myrrh. I haven't tried this but Sephora is still having their Friends & Family discount, so now's a great time to snatch a bottle here! :)

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Pretty City's Beauty Sample Sale - Event Recap

Every year I go to the Beauty Sample Sale hosted by PrettyCity.com and SHAPE magazine in the Fall. The first time I attended the event, I was super excited to see the vendors and learn more about their products. They also have this really fun Spin the Wheel booth sponsored by SHAPE magazine so you can win a cool prize. That is always fun! Of course there's always yummy snacks and drinks to enjoy. It's a great event to go with your girlfriends and even meet new friends. As a VIP, I got to attend the event an hour earlier than general admission. This was perfect to mingle and see everything without the crowds.

First step, was to grab a glass of the Naked Grape- delicious vino for the evening. After checking out the Cosmedicine, getting shampoo & conditioner bottles (NOT samples!) from ARROJO, spinning the SHAPE magazine Spin 'n Win wheel and got the Rescue Balm, and getting a relaxing massage to ease tension on my shoulders. The extra full goody bag contained lots of goodies as well to take home!

Want to see picures??






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Anti-aging Advice for Your Age from Total Beauty

Anti-Aging Advice for Your 20s, 30s, and Beyond

See what your skin needs when you reach each milestone birthday

This is a TotalBeauty.com anti-aging skin care article Love the idea or loathe it, getting older is a fact of life. And just as your metabolism can't handle the late-night food binges or lack of sleep anymore, your skin care regimen also needs to be tweaked with every big birthday. Find out how to address your specific issues and meet your skin's needs now. Get advice

Holiday Gift Guide #1: Real Techniques Brush Sets Review

Move over diamonds because tools are a girl's best friend! I'm talking about beauty tools here, specifically beauty brushes! My personal brush collection started with ELF eyeshadow brushes when I started this blog and eventually grew with other brushes from various companies. The key to great brushes are it's super soft quality so every stroke is soft when it's touching your face. Who wants scratchy brushes right?

This summer, I have been obsessively using my Real Technique brushes from their Core Collection for my face and their Starter Set for my eyes. I've been using them non-stop which is why this is the first of my 2011 Holiday gift guide. Gift these great sets for your makeup besties!

Here's a little more about the sets..First the Core Collection:

It contains these 4 brushes: (according to the website here.)

• detailer brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition
• pointed foundation brush: Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage
• buffing brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation
• contour brush: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish

My favorite is the contour brush- it's a rounded- not too thick or thin-brush that I can use for contouring with a highlighter or even bronzer. The pointed foundation brush is also great for applying a quick sweep of powder under my eyes when I'm in a hurry!

The Starter Set collection is also great if you're really starting out. Creating nice eyelooks are essential and you have to have the right tools when layering on different shades. I already had a few eyeshadow brushes but this quickly became my go-to set. These 5 brushes can help you achieve any eye look you want! According to the website, these brushes will do the following:

• base shadow brush: applies a smooth, flawless foundation of color
• deluxe crease brush: soft, oversized design for effortless contouring
• accent brush: designed for precision detailing, spotlighting, highlighting, and smudging
• pixel-point eyeliner brush: tapered cut is ideal for dense or fine eyeliner application
• brow brush: distinctive shape easily defines eyebrows

I can easily use at least 4 out of these 5 brushes to achieve my fave smokey eye look. The eyeliner brush has become an instant favorite for applying eyeliner from my dark eyeshadows or gels. I usually skip the brow brush since I already have another brush for that.

As you can see here, these sets come in a cute case you can use for travel or you can use this as a stand! If you're using these at home, I would recommend doing away with the stand b/c I found it difficult to get the brush out. The elastic kept tugging on the rubbery end of the brushes. Instead, I just place all 9 brushes in a cupholder. :)


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Jason Naturals hand soap review

Looking for an all-natural, moisturizing and nourishing soap? If you're still searching for a soap that covers all three- then it means you haven't tried the Jason Natural hand soap in Soothing Aloe Vera. In my Green VoxBox provided by Influenster, I got to try this soap from Jason Naturals. I've heard of their products before and seen them at health food stores too. This liquid hand soap is great for the cool months b/c it leaves your skin moisturizing even after your wash. With lots of germs spreading, I wash my hands constantly with this. One pump is a generous amount to keep your hands clean! Can't wait to check out other Jason Natural products. :)

(Disclaimer: I received this product from Influenster to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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NYC New York Color Cosmetics: In the Spotlight Fall Collection

Welcome Autumn with NYC New York Color's In the Spotlight collection!

NYC New York Color has another limited edition this Fall with some amazing colors for the crisp Autumn air. Their Smooch 'n Proof Lipstain (which is said to last 16 hours) and their three new nail polishes are probably my favorite. The lipstains remind me of pointy felt-tip markers- the way you apply on your lips for a berry stain. It's also pointy enough for a precise lipline as well. The three new nailpolish colors are also quite amazing and on trend for Fall- a bit metallicy in three beautiful rich colors- a deep magenta, a gorgeous golden hue and a pretty silver.

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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My October Birchbox

I received my October Birchbox fairly quickly this month.. It seems like they expedited their shipment because after a day I received my notification, I received it in about 2 days. :) Lots of buzz was going around pre-shipment in terms of speculating what products would be in their bag. Also saw in forums people were actually noting the weight of their box! I got an average sized box- as you can see, it looks quasi-empty. Since I shelled out $10 for this, I have made it my mission to use all my samples. I haven't used any of these products before so why not? :)

My favorite item in the box is the Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask. It's made of kaolin so absorbs oil and it's extremely moisturizing at the same time. It smells amazing and I'm wearing it as I type! In 10 minutes, I will have a fresh clean face, will hopefully less gunk in my pores.

Have you tried Birchbox yet?
Another favorite.. is the Laura Gellar Spackle- tinted primer in bronze. It's Fall and I'm trying to keep as much of my summer color as possible, so why not? I'm also loving my NEW Caudalie Tinted Moisturizer.. which complements this spackle well.


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Get Blissful with BlissMoBox.com

Monthly subscription boxes are the next big thing! A good number of them have started to surface appealing to consumers who want to try new & different products in a surprise box of goodies. (This explains the success of several out there already and its popularity of many copycats.) I recently came across a few and I figured I would join to see what the buzz is all about- especially the new ecofriendly ones. It's a monthly subscription so you can opt out if you're not happy. (But there's always the hope that next month may be a better box!)

The latest I have joined is BlissMoBox- a box full of eco-friendly products! They also have BlissMo.com to buy eco-friendly deals!!

Want to join for only $11 (half price for your first month!) Go blissmobox.com/member-referral/. Enter my email as referral: beautyandallthat @ gmail.com :)

There are three subscription options:
- Monthly: $19/month + $3 shipping
- 3 Month: $19/month + free shipping!
- 6 Months: $19/month + free shipping + free Tshirt!

I just joined so I haven't gotten my box yet but two very good things about them is really why I signed up. It also may differentiate BlissMoBox from the rest of the other companies which I think is beneficial to consumers.

Two things:
1) they offer you OPTIONS I assume each month may be different but they seem to have a limited edition box having a guest curate one.

Want to see October's themes??
Themes:
* Cleaner Cleaning - Conventional cleaning products generally contain lots of scary toxins. Ditch the dirt AND the chemicals...
* Bath & Body Bliss - Besides the water, do you know what else you’re bathing with? Bypass dirty toxins and nourish your skin with nature’s finest...
* Pure & Simple Snacks -The colors, the smells, and the flavors all make for a delicious season.
* Fresh-Faced & Fabulous - This box is packed with organic and natural goodies that will leave you feeling beautiful inside and out.
* GOOD 'Essentials' - Here's your chance to get a super-limited edition GOOD Magazine curated blissmobox (only 50 available)!

With all these wonderful choices.. I really cannot decide which one to get! :( (A downfall if you're new to BlissMoBox.com)

2) You can choose to skip a month if you don't like any of the options. The option to skip is great especially if you're not feeling like any of those are great so you can extend your subscription and check out next month's themes. The option of choosing is giving us the flexibility to decide on what we're looking for in our surprise monthly gift boxes. Rather than an absolute blind box, BlissMoBox gives us some consumer choice which I like!


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TotalBeauty.com - Anti-Aging Ingredients

7 Anti-Aging Ingredients You Need to Know About

See the most potent ingredients that will save you from spending a load of cash on more invasive procedures

This is a TotalBeauty.com anti-aging skin care article If we all had thousands of dollars to spend on non-essentials, everyone would look like Demi Moore when they hit their 40s. The reality? Most of us can't fork over those kind of bucks for botox, which is why we uncovered these 7 potent anti-aging ingredients you can find in drugstore skin care products. Are they comparable to the results you'd expect from invasive needles? See for yourself. Check them out

How-to: Contour your Face

How to Contour Your Face Like a Pro

Want a slimmer nose, defined cheekbones, and a more youthful look in general? You simply need the right makeup brush and tips on how to use it

This is a TotalBeauty.com face makeup article With just a few tricks of the trade, makeup can give you what the big man upstairs forgot to endow: Angles, cheekbones, and defined bone structure. So put down that diet book that reads more like a starvation manual. These makeup tips and how-tos will get you looking like a long, lean, svelte model -- instantly. See how

September EcoEmi Box!

My first EcoEmi box arrived in September! After being on the wait list for a few months, I finally joined and then had to wait another two months to start my EcoEmi subscription. Of course now, EcoEmi is open to everyone w/o a waiting list andeven ships internationally too. But the wait was worth it!! Look at my goodie box :)

The whole concept of monthly subscription boxes is relatively new and quickly expanding. There's lots of new companies who are hopping onto this trend and I can't blame them... Ship out a box with a few samples from sponsors and you're getting paid by the sponsors AND the subscribers? Win/Win! As for me, it's the the surprise element that intrigues me and with the themed boxes- natural, beauty, foods, etc, it's always fun to try something new!

EcoEmi boxes include natural goodies - things you can eat, drink & be beautiful!

Here's what I got:
- MightyLeaf tea samples (3 packets)
- Honey Pax - 100% RAW Pure honey- two packet samples
- Lauren Brooke cosmetiques- sample eyeshadow and perfume oil
- Bubble & Bee Lip Balm in Peppermint Cocoa
- Juice Beauty mini lip gloss (not shown above b/c it was in my purse)
- MinTeas -mints!
- Eden Organic shell pasta
- Aura Cacia Milk & Oat bath salts packet

For my first box, I'm quite pleased and love the varying goodies. So far, I've already used the Juice Beauty lip gloss, which pairs nicely with my Juice Beauty lip colour from Influenster, drank my MightyLeaf tea, used the Honey packets for my tea, have my MinTeas in my purse, and tried my Lauren Brooke samples.

I'll save my bath salts packet for later and try my shell pasta for lunch later. :)

Cannot wait for my OCTOBER EcoEmi box!! Trick or Treat!


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Sally Hansen: Fall Nail Polish Collection

This Fall, pretty your nails with some of Sally Hansen's gorgeous Autumn colors. As with any collection, there's a mix of gorgeous neutrals, red/pink hues and the more trendier colors. This rainbow of polishes includes the collection from Tracy Reese and Prabal Gurung. I'm digging the grey shade on the left as well as the neutrals.

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I'm a huge fan of the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polishes. The formula has been consistent- smooth application and the brushes are wide, rounded tip so it's easy to get the color on w/o too much or too little polish. Of course the colors in the collections are simply gorgeous and on trend. It's been a real treat trying these on. Which shades will you be wearing this season?

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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TotalBeauty.com's Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Aging

Consider this your one stop shop for all you need to know about anti-aging skin care

This is a TotalBeauty.com anti-aging skin care article Every day there seems to be another wrinkle or fine line that pops up in the mirror. And while you spend your time agonizing over them and trying to cover them up, have you ever paused to wonder what really causes your wrinkles? Or how to prevent them from cropping up in the first place? We fill you in on all these answers here. Be informed

WEN by Chaz Dean Review

In my recent Influenster Green Naturals VoxBox, I received the new WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner. This product is part of a 30-day hair care system that includes Cleansing Conditioner, Styling Creme, Hair Treatment, Texture Balm & Comb for $29.95. At first I thought it was just a conditioner, but after carefully looking at the bottle, I realized it's much more! It's a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler and leave-in conditioner, which is pretty amazing. I've used this a few times already and has left my hair feeling soft, manageable, and silky every time. It contains natural ingredients such as Cherry Bark, Rosemary Extract & Sweet almond oil. My hair definitely feels a lot better, and I can't wait to keep using this! :)

Get your kit or learn more about the WEN hair care products here .
(Disclaimer: I received this product from Influenster's Natural Voxbox to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

How-to: Prevent Nail Polish from Chipping

How to Keep Your Fall Nail Polish from Chipping

Love the new fall nail colors but hate how they chip in a matter of days? Find out how to get your mani to last

This is a TotalBeauty.com manicure article We're big believers in the mood-boosting power of a weekly manicure, but if you don't want to shell out the big bucks for that many salon visits, follow this step-by-step guide to doing your own mani at home. We guarantee that with these tips, your polish will last a full seven days. See tips

Clinique Bonus Time - Fall 2011

Happy October! Not only is it Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's also Clinique's Bonus Time month. I usually hear about the Bonus by mid-September, but it was only until I received a Macy's catalog that I actually saw the gift. Again, another 7 piece gift with your Clinique purchase of $21.50 or more at Macy's. You can choose between the Pinks or Nudes for the Chubby Stick and Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad. All bonuses will receive a cosmetics bag set (the orange floral pattern looks a bit retro I think), mascara, dramatically different moisturizing lotion and 7 day scrub cream.

I missed out on the Spring Bonus Time so I will most likely be getting this one. It's really the Chubby Stick that's making me get this :) Should I get the Pinks or the Nudes (upper right hand corner?)


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Green Influenster VoxBox feauring: Derma E Very Clear Cleansing Scrub

A few weeks ago, I got my Influenster Green Naturals VoxBox filled with green products for me to try out. In addition to the Juice Beauty lip color, I also received the Derma E Very Clear Cleansing Scrub. I was intrigued in trying this exfoliating scrub that was more "green" than others, which contains tea tree, willow bark, lavender, chamomile and more. The scrub is extremely gentle on my skin, while working its magic. I like that it sloughs away my dead skin cells leaving my skin noticeably smoother and clearer. I don't have a lot of acne, but just blackheads which this helps clear out. :D

Have you tried the Derma E Very Clear Cleansing Scrub yet?

(Disclaimer: I received this product from Influenster's Naturals Voxbox to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)
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