Product Reviews: Performance Colors Colorpots

If you haven't heard of Etsy, it's a little online marketplace with shops run by individuals filled with the most adorable handmade and vintage products. They sell everything from jewelry to cosmetics to furniture and clothing. 

I've checked out so many shops, but have never bought anything... mostly because I wanted everything, and couldn't decide. 

Until I found Performance Colors. 

(You can check them out here.)

Recently, I've been a little obsessed with creams cosmetics, and I stumbled across swatches of Performance Color's Colorpots on The Daily Swatch. (P.s. She has fantastic swatches of just about everything!). 

I decided I had to have them. 

Tiffany, the owner of the shop, sells her Colorpots in sample sizes (5 for $5!) 

 I looked at each shade in the shop for forever, and finally decided on:

 The order also came with two concealers. (I chose light and medium light). 

Tiffany, quite obviously being a very sweet and generous person, also sent along a lip repair, a restorative lipstick, a lid primer, a foundation, and two brushes. 

How cool is that? Especially since I was also going to order the lid primer, and at the last minute changed my mind. 

I was so excited to receive these products, and couldn't wait to try them! I did manage to get some photo's before I tested everything. 

The shades are just gorgeous! 

(L to R: Spanks, Babycakes, Sweet Dreams, Smog, Morocco)

These Colorpots are a little less creamy than Maybelline Color Tattoo, which I love. They seem to crease less, and stay on a little longer- with the lid primer, I can apply these at seven before class and they stay put until I remove them at the end of my day, around ten. The colors were easy to apply (with brushes or fingers), blended easily, and are buildable. 

(Direct Sunlight)

(This photo is the most true to color.)

Spanks and Babycakes look great together, (Spanks in the outer corner, Babycakes on the inner) especially with a chocolate brown shade smudged in the crease and a cream highlight on your brow bone. The cream is so easy to apply and is amazingly forgiving. 

(Flash)

Sweet Dreams and Smog also go great together. Just smudge Sweet Dreams over the lid and Smog in the crease. 

 (Florescent Light)

Morocco has by far gotten the most use out of all of these colors. I can already tell it will be my go to summer shade. 

Just smudge the color on your lids, for the perfect "I'm not wearing anything, I'm just naturally radiant" look. 

I will be doing a second post reviewing all the "extras" that were sent, but I can tell you already that I have been using the lid primer and lip repair nearly every day since I've received them. 

I can't wait to order a couple of these colors full size (Morocco first!), and a full size lid primer. If you're looking for something easy to swipe on for the summer, or anytime really I would recommend you check these out! 

Have you tried any cream shadows? Which are your favorite?

Motivation Monday: Moving on

Good morning lovelies! 

I know I missed last monday, life got in the way.

This monday seems to be even more chaotic. 

I know it's a little early to be talking about washing this day away... 

But I am. 

Everyone has those days... 

You know the one's? 

You wake up, and from that moment everything goes wrong. 

By noon you've already rethought the direction of life is going... twice. 

You've broke down on a stranger's shoulder, 

and decided this day might actually kill you. 

Well days end. Even these. 

The thing is, one comes around tomorrow. 

After one of these days, you have an opportunity. 

It floats in the moment before you open your eyes. It flutters on your lashes, quietly offering a question. 

What will you do today?

It's not asking your for your grocery list, or mundane errands you forgot yesterday. 

It's asking if you will let yesterday change you today. 

Today will end, don't let it hold you back. 

Tomorrow will begin, embrace the day. 

Choose to be amazing. 

Have a happy Monday!

Product Review: Badger Sleep Balm

College means a lot of things. 

Meeting new people, early classes, setting out on your own, parties, roommates, sleep. 

Ok. So that last one was a joke. 

Sleep has become a little bit of a foreign concept for me. 

Between work, class, the social life, and other activities, my sleep schedule isn't what you would call consistent. 

As you may know, going to bed and waking up at the same time every night is considered healthy. It helps your body fall asleep easier and sleep more soundly. While this is a great concept, it's not something that's easy for me- some nights this isn't even possible. 

So what do I turn to?
Badger Sleep Balm
Badger is a great company. They sell healthy body care products including aromatherapy, soaps, sun care, lip care, among others. I've been loving their balms, and couldn't wait to share one with you!
Badger's balms are USDA certified organic, and come in cute little tins with different aromatherapy (and other) purposes. 

The next best thing to having a consistent bedtime is having a consistent bedtime routine. This too, can signal your mind that its time to quite down and fall asleep. 

Ok. So a consistent routine isn't always possible either. 

This sleep balm has saved the day, er... night?

Badger Sleep Balm is an aromatherapy balm you apply on your temples before bed. It is lavender and bergamot scented, and has a very smooth consistency. At first I was a little hesitant about rubbing oil on my face, but I haven't had any problems with it.

This is the small size, but i've used this every night for a few months now, and it still looks brand new- I'm not anticipating running out any time soon. 

I'm a sucker for aromatherapy. I have lotions, sprays, balms, oils, candles, you name it. This is the one item I use the most, by far. It's so simple, I can throw it in my bag, and it works. The light scent is calming, and the act of using it every night does help remind me it's bed time. 

I can't wait to try some of Badger's other products, especially other balms- I'm thinking the cheerful mind! 

Do you have any must have nighttime products?

March Birchbox!

Ok... So I know I'm a little late, but here it is. 

My March Birchbox! 

If you haven't jumped on the birchbox train yet, you can read up on it here.

Here's the box. 

And what it says: 

-Color Club-

Nail Laquer in Age of Aquarius

Brighten blah nails with this on-trend, 60s inspired green nailpolish

-Harvey Prince- 

Yogini

Take a deep breath and relax with this calming scent. Notes of sandalwood, egyptian myrrh, and grapefruit will help you feel as good as you smell

-Juice Beauty-

Blemish Clearing Cleanser

The name says it all: This eco-friendly cleanser uses botanical ingredients to purify your pores.

-Lulu Organics-

Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder

Revive flat locks by sprinkling this lavender-scented organic dry shampoo onto your roots.

-Stila-

Smoky Eye Card

Take the guesswork out of matching eye makeup with this mini-palette

*Monthly Gift*

-Tea Forte-

Skin-smart teas

An antioxidant tea that tastes amazing and helps your skin look more radiant? Yes, Please. 

My Thoughts So Far:

I haven't tried all the products yet, but I was so excited when I opened this box, I just love it! 

I have been using the Juice Cleanser religiously, and loving every minute of it. I have never said "a little goes a long way" and meant it more so than with this cleanser, this little bottle will last me awhile!

The nail polish is the perfect summer toenail color! It is a bright turquoise (not green as described on the card). 

If you'd like to see a full review on any of the products mentioned here, or would just like a quick opinion on one, let me know!!

What was your favorite birchbox item of the month?