January ipsy!

My ipsy glambag showed up on January 15th. About 12 hours later, ipsy emailed me a tracking code. Hah. Here's what I got (in ordering of most exciting to least exciting):

1. Briogeo "Don't Despair, Repair" deep conditioning mask. 

I am a little put off by the term "mask" being applied to a conditioner (how many ways can they say, "it is a conditioner" after all?). That said, I have been using more heat on my hair lately. It doesn't say how often to use it. It is a decent sized sample; it will probably last a month if I use it 2-3 times a week. 

2 Elizabeth Mott "Smooth Shadow" stick in "Pearl."

There are no instructions, but this looks like a mini eyeliner/lip liner. It's clearly a shadow since 1. The name, 2. It's transparent. I am not sure if you're supposed to rub it directly onto your eye or if you're supposed to rub it on your finger and then your eye? I'll have to look it up online. The color looks like a nude shimmer on the back of my hand. 

3. Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion.

I'm a little skeptical of all face lotions because I have an old faithful: LUSH's "Skin Drink." It smells sweet and not at all perfume-y, so I'll try it. The ingredients don't impress me. All of the tube is screaming about how organic it is, but it looks like it's mostly Shea Butter. The jury is out. 

4. Mica Beauty Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm in "Fiesta."

This color is definitely a fiesta and the US Workplace is not invited. This balm is waaaay too bright to wear during the day time. Absolutely apply it with a brush. When I thin balm, I think dipping your finger in it. If you do that with this color, you will make a mess. It really should come in a tube or stick. 

5. proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads

This sounds like a miracle product, but a quick scan of the ingredients is sure to disappoint. The only active ingredient (read: medicine) is 2% Salicylic Acid. Really? Every acne wash, Neutrogenia soap, Clean & Clear mask, you name it... Salicylic Acid. The inactive ingredients include a ton of alcohols and witch hazel, which is all sure to dry out the skin and make you feel like your face is clean and tight. You're supposed to "cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying this product." Hmmm... 

This month's case is really cute. It's teal and has a print of beauty supplies on the bottom. Maybe I'll use it to organize my purse. 

Cheers,

Christine

Nail Rock: Matte Fuzzy Nails

It took two focused efforts, but I finally got half decent nails from my "Velvet" Nail Rock kit. 

The problem is that the fuzz you dip your nails in is compacted in its little tub. If you try dipping your nail in, you come out with big chunks of fuzz while half of your nail dries barren. So you have to pinch out clumps of fluff to rub on your nails. That works, especially if your goal is to get covered in blue, staticy fuzz. 

I think a matte coat of polish might be a better bet. Not a bad look, just way yo obnoxious to do regularly. 

Birchbox: January 2014

My Birchbox arrived mega early this month- 1/8/14. I hadn't even gotten a shipping tracking code yet. Without further ado, here's what I got (in order of "How Excited Christine Is):

1. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

Although I've never heard of this brand before, I've been dying to try a dry shampoo. I have very fine, very fair tresses that require daily shampooing. Also, the full-size product is $18, which is awesome. 

2. Nail Rock in "Velvet"

The nail polish bottle and little black jar are part of the same 2-part manicure set. Basically, you put on two coats on nail polish, then dip your nail in the jar (still wet). Velvet appears to be a velvety matte coat. It will be awesome if it works, though I can see many possible pitfalls (clumping, cleaning off excess, peeling in high humidity). It takes 20 minutes to dry, so it's def not for a quick look. 

3. Coastal Scents "Revealed" Eye Shadow Palette

This sample is kinda tiny. Honesty, I would have rather gotten just 1 color in a decent size. It's really hard to use these tiny palettes with decent make up brushes. Still, the shades are nice metallics. I tried them out on my wrist and they blend well. 

4. Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion with Clary Sage

I like lotions and I like Burt's Bees. This item is a "Birchbox Find," which is supposed to be a mass-market bonus on top of the 4-5 high end products your box contains. I am way more interested in this than one of my high end products. 

5. Juicy Couture "Couture La La"

This perfume is not for me. This perfume is not for winter or even spring. It's very citrusy and very potent. A little bit goes a long way. I would say that this perfume is a good daytime summer scent for someone who like to smell like a teenage girl. Blah. 

Overall, a good box. In addition to the products, there's a $3 coupon off of Burt's Bees face hydration products and some postcard-looking cards explaining some new gimmicks to win things on the Birchbox website. 

We'll see how January ipsy compares in 1-2 weeks!

Later,

Christine

Recipe: Breaded Tofu

Ingredients:

-extra firm tofu

-flour

-egg

-Progressi Italian Style Breadcrumbs

-extra virgin olive oil

Garnishes:

-Instant lentils (I got the pouch kind but lentil soup works too)

-romaine

Directions:

1. Cut tofu into desired shape. I chose strips for easy flipping. 

2. Lay out the tofu on top of paper towels in a single layer and cover with more paper towels, pressing out the moisture.

3. Dip tofu in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. 

4. Heat enough oil in a skillet to cover just the bottom of the pan. 

5. Sear each side of the tofu. Flipping times will vary based on tofu thickness.

6. When lightly browned, transfer to paper towels to remove excess oil.

7. Garnish with lentils and lettuce and serve.