Beauty Army Review March 2013

Hi, everyone!  My Beauty Army box just arrived, and I am SO excited to share my March picks with you!  I know, I know, it's April, but my Beauty Army selection window opens on the 28th of the month, and I am an East Coaster- so my boxes don't arrive until the middle of the next month. If this is the price I have to pay to live at the beach, I'm totally fine with it!!

Wait, you don't know about Beauty Army?  Never fear, because I used to live under that same rock too!  Beauty Army is a beauty subscription service, that sends you a monthly box for only $12, shipping included.  Unlike most beauty box services, the company doesn't automatically bill you on the first; they run on a rotating schedule: if you sign up on the 15, then your five day window to select products begins on the 15th of every month.  Cool, right?  The biggest thing that sets BA apart, is that you get to select your own samples every month- SIX of them.  You can also choose to have a Beauty Expert select your samples for you, or to skip a month with no penalty.  If you don't like the products that you have to select from, you can retake the beauty quiz, giving different answers, and your sample options will change.  Or simply refresh the page if you are lazy like me, and the products change again.  If you would like to sign up for Beauty Army, I would LOVE for you to click my referral link HERE; for every 3 people who use my link, I will receive a free box, and this Only Average girl could really use some freebies- and you will receive my eternal gratitude!

Ok, on to the goodies:

I love these boxes!  They hold everything perfectly, and the pink camo inside is SO cute!

Since I chose my own samples (and probably always will!  Mystery is for Ipsy!), I was SO excited to open my box!

Hello, there, gorgeous!

I always love to see the cards that the beauty companies send.  Beauty Army is one of my favorites, because, hey- what girl doesn't want to be called "Gorgeous?"

First peek of my March box!

Here is a quick first look at the SIX amazing items I received!  My choices this month were so awesome, it was hard to narrow it down to only six items!  My selections were so huge, they had to put my Beauty Army packing box into a larger brown box, to accommodate for the size of my items! This month, I received a couple of different options in my window.  I could choose a box of nail care items, with a value of (I think) $26, which I declined.  I'm much more of a makeup person, than a nail polish girl.  I also had the option to select a Mystery Sample.  Hoping for something really fantastic, I chose to try a Mystery Sample.  I also did a little dance, while chanting "please no foil packs, please no foil packs: with my fingers crossed.  What? You know you dislike them too!  I AM OnlyAverage, after all.

Not Your Mother's She's A Tease Volumizing Hair Spray, 2 oz (Travel size), $3 retail value.  Available through Beauty Army, or direct from the vendor HERE.  Also available in full size (8 oz), for around $6.

The first item I selected is a Volumizing Hair Spray, from the Not Your Mother's Hair Care line.  I've never tried this line before, so I was excited to see this in my selection window.  I have very fine and thin hair, so anything that claims to "volumize" my hair is something that I definitely want to try out!  BA bills this product as "sample size", but I consider this more of a travel size product, as it is available for purchase exactly as I received it.  This spray is infused with apple blossom and bamboo; it smells really good (especially for hair spray!).  According to the package, this humidity-proof spray should be sprayed on the roots of the hair for volume and control.  I'm not much of a hair spray person, but I'll give this a good try.
GRADE: 3/5 (for now!)

Mark Hook Ups Scanda-Lash Mascara in Brownout, .12 oz (full size); $6.50 retail value.  Available through Beauty Army, or direct from the vendor HERE.

I love mascara.  I really, really do.  I also love full size products in my beauty boxes.  Ok, who DOESN'T love full size products in their beauty boxes??!!  As an ex-Avon rep, I also LOVE the Mark brand, so I was EXTRA happy to see the Scanda-Lash mascara in Brownout in my selection window!  

The perfect brown for spring! The brown is a little lighter than shown, sorry!

I have a TON of mascara tubes (I ONLY buy sample sized tubes, since they last me about three months- exactly when you are supposed to trash them.  Coincidence? I think not!), but I don't actually have ANY brown mascaras at the moment.  As spring is in full swing here, I really want a softer look to my makeup, so browns are my current go-to for eyeliner and mascara.  The Mark hook-ups have always been a win for me, and the mascara formula does very well for me- no clumping and very little running.  Love it!
GRADE: 5/5

Whip Hand Cosmetics Loose Pigment Eyeshadow in Medal of Honor, 0.02 oz, $2.80 retail value.  This shade is available exclusively through Beauty Army, $14 for .10 oz.

I've been having so much fun playing with my Whip Hand loose pigment samples, honestly.  I am very sad that I didn't find Beauty Army in time to pick up the first color in the set, called Locked and Loaded (an iridescent brown).  I love these pigments, and the little glass vials that they come in!  If I could set my makeup up on my dresser without little hands helping my things find new homes, I would totally have these cute little jars out.  

beautiful, shimmery gold/copper

I absolutely LOVE this color- I use gold colors on the center of my lids for a little "pop", and this shade is absolutely perfect for that! These little glass vials are super cute, and very full.  I love a great sample, and Whip Hand does not disappoint!
GRADE: 5/5

New York Streets Dry Shampoo, 5.35 fl oz (full size); $17.00 retail value.  Available through Beauty Army ($17.99), or direct from the vendor HERE ($17).

I've tried dry shampoos in the past, and have had fairly good luck with them.  I have dry hair, but my oldest daughter has very oily hair, and we both love using dry shampoos for a quick "pick me up" when our hair needs one.  When I saw this dry shampoo from New York Streets in my selection box, I just knew I had to try it.  I was even happier when I found out it was a full size product!  Dry shampoo is very easy to use, just spray towards your roots, fluff your hair, wait a bit, brush and go, and POOF! Your hair looks fresh and ready to go!  I've never tried the New York Streets brand before, and I have to say, I was a little disappointed.  This didn't work as well for me as Got 2 B's dry shampoo did, but my hair does smell better after using it.  I'll try it on my daughter and see how her results are.
GRADE: 3/5

Grand Central Beauty Skin Perfecting Polisher, 0.17 fl oz, retail value $6.46.  Available through Beauty Army or direct from the vendor HERE.  The full size (1 fl oz) is $38.

This sample is one that was in my selection window that piqued my interest.  I've never tried anything like it before, and it was NOT a foil pack sample, so I thought I would give it a try.  The Grand Central Beauty Skin Perfecting Polisher will "exfoliate, peels and tone, all in one easy step".  Sounds good to me!  For this product, you are to use a dime sized portion, and massage it into your face for 30 seconds, until the micro sponges appear, and then buff off with your fingertips.  I tried this out, and never had the micro-sponge beads appear on my skin, so I rinsed it off.  Although this didn't work exactly how it was advertised, my skin is MUCH softer now, and feel very clean and exfoliated. 
GRADE: 4/5 (didn't work quite as expected, but worked very well!)

mystery sample

I've saved my "mystery sample until last", and was pleasantly surprised to see Sun-tegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen in Light:

Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen in Light, .25 oz, retail value $6.62. Available through Beauty Army or on Amazon HERE.  The full size (1.7 oz) retails for $45.00

This product is essentially a BB cream, goes on smooth and blends well with my skin tone.  Suntegrity is certified organic, vegan and cruelty free.  Gotta love that!  I love that this product is SPF 30- now that it's getting nicer out, I will be spending my free time sitting on the beach, and a sunburn doesn't exactly sound like a good time.

Swatch of Suntegrity in Light; the top of the swatch is fresh out of the tube, the bottom is where I blended it in a bit.

I'm seriously loving this BB creme, but the price point is really sticking for me.  I'm on a quest for a reasonably price (to me!), excellent BB creme, and I will let you all know when I've found it!  For a mystery sample, this is pretty awesome: BA could have just tossed a foil pack into my box and be done; instead I received a sample that I will actually use, in a color that suits my skin.  Awesome!
GRADE: 4/5 (awesome! but expensive)

March 2013 Beauty Army box

That's about it for my March Beauty Army box!  
Financial recap:
Money spent out of pocket: $12 (shipping included in subscription)
Value of this box: $42.38--  Holy cow!  I am SO happy with this box, and Beauty Army is FAST becoming my favorite subscription service!  The only thing that sucks, is how long it takes to get here, since I am on the East Coast. I made my selections on 3/28, the box shipped 4/1, and arrived 4/10.

So tell me, do you subscribe to Beauty Army?  What did you select this month?  Do you think I made good choices, and have you tried these products?  Leave a comment, and let me know what you think!




Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for out of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 3 people. Here is a link that just goes to Beauty Army, without my referral code. Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)

My First ULTA Haul!

**I meant to post this earlier today, but totally forgot because I was packing for the beach!  I'm sorry!  I hope you all like the changes I've made to my little blog; and enjoy this post :) **

Hi, everyone!  I have exciting news.  Ok, it's exciting to me, but maybe not for you. Unless you live locally.  The closest city just got an Ulta!  I LOVE shopping for high end products, and having a store within an hour's drive is probably very bad for my budget, but it's great for me!  
I haven't ACTUALLY made it to the store yet, but I DID place my first Ulta order online, and had a FANTASTIC experience.  Not to mention, I got several items FREE!

Oh, you want to know what I purchased?  Do you?

Well, you are IN LUCK, because I am THRILLED to share it with you!

All the products below are available at Ulta's website, and I have also listed the manufacturer's site when available.  I think it's always good to go to the source, just to check out what the company has to say about their products, and to see what they stand for.

I always LOVE it when I get a package in the mail!

This box is absolutely HUGE- and I was really surprised by the size of it.  It BARELY fit in my extra-large mailbox!

First peek inside my awesome order

After clearing away the plastic bags filled with air (that my kid promptly went nuts popping on the floor!), I began pulling the little bags out of my box.  The first thing I pulled out was a bag of three free samples.

DERMAdoctor Photodynamic therapy; Exuviance Targeted Filler T5; dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30 Foil pack samples

Ulta advertises that they always include 3 free samples with every order, and they definitely did!  I don't particularly care for foil pack samples, but hey, they were free, and maybe I'll find something that I like in them!

DERMAdoctor Photodynamic therapy liquid red light anti-aging lotion with broad spectrum SPF 30; 2 mL foil pack sample

I've never heard of DERMAdoctor before, but then again, I don't really do a WHOLE lot of skin care, so my research is kind of nil.  The Photodynamic therapy is said to lift and firm skin around the eyes.  Kind of like the Mary Kay timewise volu-firm eye cream that I have become very fond of?  If you would like to try this product out, it's available for purchase HERE; 15 mL, $65.  My little foil pack has a retail value of $8.67.

Exuviance Targeted Filler T5; .03 oz foil pack sample

Another new company to me, Exuviance Targeted Filler is meant to help fill in deep lines in your face, like forehead creases or other expression lines.   The full-sized product comes in a syringe-type tube (without a needle!), and retails for $75 for .35 oz.; available HERE.  This cute foil packet is valued at $6.43.

dermalogica skin perfect primer SPF 30, foil pack sample, no size indicated

I regularly use dermalogica products, switching out with Clinique from time to time, during my skin care regimen.  I've had pretty good luck with this brand, and I am excited to give this primer a chance.  According to the packing, it should help even skin tone, fight the signs of aging, and bring world peace.  Ok, I made that last one up; but even still, this looks to be a nice primer.  If you would like to give this one a try, it's available HERE; $48 a tube.  I'm not sure how big the tube is, I couldn't find a weight listed on dermalogica's site.

Benefit Big Time Prime set: The POREfessional and "That Gal"

The next thing I found in my box of awesomess, is the Benefit Big Time Prime set.  I knew that these were going to be a smaller size, but I was surprised at just HOW small these were!  Cost: $12.  Retail value: $16

Benefit The POREfessional tube, .25 oz

The POREfessional, aside from being a super cute name, can be used under or over makeup to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines.  I have rather large pores on some parts of my face, and have yet to find something that works well to cover them.  The Porefessional is lightly tinted, and blends very well.  I'm excited to try this out!  If you want to give this a try too, a full size tube is $30 (.75 oz), and available HERE; they also carry my little tube too, for $8.

Benefit's "That Gal", .25 oz tube

What better to pare with pore reducing makeup, than an awesome primer?!  Benefit's "That Gal" is a brightening face primer- and who doesn't want a brighter face?!  According to Benefit's website, That Gal "contains light-reflecting pigments to help brighten all skin tones and raspberry & chamomile to soothe skin." The product has a pale pink color, that blends easily.
I'm excited to give this a try!  If you would like to try this too, head on over HERE, a full size twist-up tube (.37 oz) is $29; my small sample is also for sale, for $8.  But seriously, people- get the sample size.  Do the math- you get more product for your buck with the small tubes (if I were sizing it down from the large size, my tiny sample would be $19.59, instead of the $8 they are selling it for). 

Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW brightening makeup liquid foundation, in Petal. .17 fl oz

Ulta was running a special when I placed my order, if you purchase any Benefit item, you receive a free 10 day supply of Benefit's foundation, Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW brightening makeup.  Although they did not have the shade I wanted, I did receive this sample in Petal "I'm plush and precious. " I love the color names!  This foundation comes is a super cute mini pump applicator, and goes on super smooth.

This shade is NOT a perfect match for me, but it's close enough that when I start to get my tan on, it should work nicely.  A little goes a long way, and I love that too!  If you would like to give this a try, Benefit has the full size bottles (1 fl oz) at $36, and the smaller sample size that I received (.17 fl oz) for $10. 

Benefit's The "Ulta"mate Sexy Six: Posietint Cheek & Lipstain, High Beam Liquid Highlighter, "That Gal" primer, BADgal Lash mascara, Stay Don't Stray Primer, and Hoola bronzer

Benefit Cosmetics is known for some really fantastic products, and the smart people that they have working in their marketing department decided to sell some of their best-sellers in a gift pack, called The "Ulta" Mate Sexy Six!

A closer view of the Sexy Six from Benefit

This set retails for $24, which I thought was a no-brainer.  There are so many "must haves" in this set!  The retail value of this set is: $49.09.  WOW!

Benefit Hoola Bronzer, .1 oz

I love bronzers, as I have very fair skin.  Bronzers give me a bit of a sun-kissed look all year round, and as I live in a beach community, that look is pretty popular in these parts.  The Hoola bronzer is an awesome shade, and works well with my skin tone.  The picture above is NOT color perfect- I couldn't get a great one; it's darker than this but not too terribly dark.  

Swatch of Hoola.  It's above the packaging, I swear.

I will say one thing about this item- I HATE the packaging.  Seriously, a plastic foldy- pack?  I would have been happier with paperboard, honestly.  The packaging feels very cheap, but the product is of high quality.  If you want to try this awesome bronzer out yourself, hopefully with better packaging, you can find it HERE: a .28 oz package is $28. My sample (.1 oz)  has a value of $10.

BADGal Lash Mascara from Benefit, .14 oz tube

You all know I LOVE mascara, and I just can't WAIT to try out Benefit's BADgal Lash!  Just look at that amazing wand!  I have serious high hopes for this mascara, but I have 2 open tubes already, so I'm hanging on to this one for later. What I love about Benefit is that they sell the smaller sizes of their products, and mascara is one thing I try to ONLY buy in Trial/Travel size- this works very well for me.  If you would like to try out this amazing mascara, you can find it HERE: this travel size (.14 oz) is $8; the full size (.3 oz) is $19.

Benefit's Stay Don't Stray under eye concealer and eyelid primer, .08 fl oz tube

I'm a HUGE believe in eye makeup primers.  I have always had serious problems with creasing and transfer; primers make this NOT happen for me.  I'm excited to try the Stay Don't Stray primer from Benefit.  This one works a bit differently than my Urban Decay Primer Potion- you put three tiny dots under your eyes, and then blend; then do the same to your lids.  My sample is in the color light/medium, but Benefit has now added a medium/deep shade.  If you would like to try this out for yourself, a .33 oz tube with applicator is available HERE for $26; this makes my little sample size worth $6.30.

Benefit's "That Gal" face primer, .25 oz tube

In my Sexy Six, I also received a tube of "That Gal" brightening face primer.  I sure hope I like this product, otherwise I'll be passing this on to a friend!  This tube is $8 added to this set's value.

Benefit's Posie Tint Lip and Cheek Stain; .13 fl oz bottle

I'm kind of on a blush kick right now, and I've never tried cheek stain before.  I am super excited that Benefit's Posie Tint lip and cheek stain is in this set!  To use this product, simple brush three strokes on each cheek and blend, or dot on your lips and blend.  

swatch of Posie Tint from Benefit

This shade is such a pretty pink, I'm excited to use it!  If you would like to give this your own stamp of approval, it's available HERE; a slightly smaller sample (.09 fl oz) is $8; the full size (.42 fl oz) is $30.  My "medium" sized container has a retail value of $9.29.

Benefit High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer, .13 fl oz bottle

The final item in this Sexy Six set is the High Beam highlighter.  I have never really had good luck with highlighters, so I am excited to give this one a try.  I think will have better luck with a liquid product I can dab on, rather than a powder to brush on.  Add to that that this is a very light color; which I think will compliment my fair skin.  

Swatch of High Beam from Benefit

The product has a little shimmer in it and it's absolutely perfect for my coloring!  I'm super excited to add this to my spring makeup lineup!  If you would like to try this one out too, it's available HERE; a full size (.45 oz) bottle will cost you $26.  My little bottle has a retail value of $7.50

Benefit Cosmetics bag- free with $30 Benefit purchase from Ulta

Because I spent over $30 on Benefit cosmetics, I qualified for a free cosmetic bag.  I was all, "oh, cool", and figured it would be a smallish bag, that would hold just a couple little things.  This bag is an amazing size, and holds all my little samples.

The front of the bag has a really cool pop-art-style graphic, and the rest of the bag is black.  I'm not sure what exactly I'm going to store in here, but I definitely will be using it!  I checked out Benefit's site, and while I couldn't find the exact bag I received, I DID find this awesome mermaid bag, and now I totally want it.  Sigh. First world problems.  I'll assign the retail value of the mermaid bag to this one, as they appear to be the same size; $26.

Tarte Prime, Shine & Define To Go Kit: Clean Slate Poreless, Amazonian Clay BB illuminating moisturizer (.3 fl oz) and Gifted Amazonian Clay smart mascara (.16 fl oz)

I'm also seriously in love with Tarte cosmetics.  Tarte's products are cruelty free, and many of them are "green".  I love this little High-performance naturals set, and at $12, it was a steal!  The retail value of this set is $16.48, and you can pick it up at Ulta or direct from Tarte.

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless, .25 oz tube

In my quest to find a product that will reduce the appearance of my pores, I found the Tarte Clean Slate Poreless, a 12 hour pore-perfecting primer. This awesome product is clear, and goes on very smoothly.  It is a nice primer and holds your makeup on longer, with the added bonus of reducing the appearance of pores for a flawless face.  If you want to give this one a try yourself, it's available HERE, a 1 oz tube for $30; making the retail value of my little tube of $7.50.

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Illuminating Moisturizer, .3 fl oz tube

Tarte cosmetics introduced this line of Amazonian Clay products a while back, but this is the first chance I've had to try them out for myself.  This BB Illuminating Moisturizer uses the amazing aspects of Amazonian Clay to it's advantage: it absorbs oil and moisturizes dry skin, at the same time!  What's really neat about this particular BB cream is that it is also an Illuminator-  it gives your skin a soft glow!  This seems to only come in one shade (which blended very well for me), called Champagne.  I'm excited to give this a try!  If you want to check this one out for yourself, it's available HERE; a 1.7 fl oz tube is $32; my tiny tube has a value of $5.64.

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara, .16 fl oz tube

I absolutely LOVE the packaging of this mascara!  Tarte's Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara has an adorable tube, with the feel and appearance of being made of wood.  Except it's actually plastic, and therefore easier to keep clean.  Nifty!  The wand is wonderful, and did a fantastic job applying the product to my eyes.  The formula works very well for me too- I had NO raccoon eyes, and only very minimal clumping.  The formula is also supposed to help make my lashes healthier, and who doesn't want that, right?  If you want to pick this up for your very own, you can get it HERE; $19 for a full-sized tube (1.1 oz); my sample has a value of $3.34

Tarte High-Performance Naturals BB Tinted Treatment 12 Hour Primer; 4 .016 fl oz pots

Because I made a purchase with Tarte Cosmetics, Ulta was running a special, where I could receive a sample of Tarte's new BB tinted treatment 12 hour primer, with broad spectrum SPF 30.  This sample is really cool, because it gives me 4 color choices in one packet; and could mix and match if there isn't a shade perfect for me.  Or, I could share the other shades with a friend with a different complexion.  Love that!  I didn't swatch this one, because I haven't tried it yet, but I will keep you posted as to whether or not I love it.  I absolutely LOVE BB creams, so I am really looking forward to giving this a try! If you would like to try this out, it's available HERE; $34 a tube (1 oz), in the shades fair, light, medium or tan.  Each pot on this sample has a value of $0.54; making the whole card $2.16.

Bare Minerals Try. Believe. Love kit, in Light.  Contains matte foundation, original foundation, concealer, mineral veil, and two brushes.

I've also been looking for a new foundation routine.  I've been breaking out a lot more, and I think it's from my current foundation, so I wanted to try something new.  I saw this kit from Bare Minerals, and really wanted to try it.  When I saw the price of it was only $20, I seriously jumped for joy.  Plus, I'm a brush whore.  I absolutely LOVE makeup brushes, and HATE sponge applicators.  With a serious vengeance.  This complete kit comes with a 30 day supply of Bare Minerals matte and original foundation, a mini pot of concealer, and a pot of their mineral veil; plus a flawless face brush and a concealer brush.  This kit really is an awesome value: if I add up the retail prices of everything in it, it comes to $35.03.  You know I LOVE a deal!  This is SUCH a great idea, and I wish other high-end products would make smaller kits for customers to try.  Not all of us want to commit $100 for a new foundation routine and brushes; what if they don't work for you skin type, or you have an allergy to them? $20 for two brushes and a month's worth of products is a great deal, and a great way to try out mineral makeup.

The full set of Try. Believe. Love ftrom Bare Minerals.  Retail: $20

All of the products in this kit were sealed up tight, including the brushes (but I didn't photograph them in the plastics; sorry!).  I love knowing everything is sanitary and brand new, just for me!

Bare Minerals Concealer brush, travel size, retail value $10

Because I love brushes so much, I'm beginning to notice a HUGE difference between them.  The Bare Minerals Concealer brush is a great brush, and according to AMAZON, sells for $10.  I've seen a few reviews that hate on this brush because it's so small, but that actually works very well for me, I have a LOT of brushes now, and it's hard to store them all!  This brush has very soft, yet firm bristles, and they pick up the product with ease.  Love it!

Bare Minerals Mini Flawless Application Face Brush, $12 retail

The real star of the brushes in this set, is the Mini Flawless Application Face Brush.  This brush fits perfectly in the lids of the Bare Minerals product pots, and do a great job of applying product to the face.  If you would like to try this brush out, you can purchase it separately at AMAZON for $12, but honestly, just pick up this kit; it's only a few dollars more!

Bare Minerals SPF 20 Concealer in Summer Bisque; .02 oz

 I love the idea of mineral makeup- it's much more natural, and hopefully will provide a medium to full coverage.  The Bare Mineral Concealer, medium size (0.07) retails for $18, is available HERE. My little container retails for 5.14.  This shade is Summer Bisque.

Bare Minerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Light; 0.03 oz

The Try. Believe. Love Kit contains two different foundations; the original and the matte.  The original foundation is a great place to start, I think, in my quest for the perfect foundation.  This is available in the large size (.28 oz) for $27,  HERE. This size (0.03 oz) has a retail value of $2.89.

Bare Minerals Matte SPF 15 foundation in Light; .03 oz

Bare Minerals Matte foundation has a lovely flawless finish, and goes on very smooth.  It's available HERE; the large size is $27 for .21 oz ,  For the pot that is in the set, it's retail value is $3.

Bare Minerals Original Mineral Veil; .03 oz

Bare Minerals Original Mineral Veil is a very fine finishing powder, to give your skin a flawless finish.  This powder absorbs oil, and gives your face a nice, luminescent finish.  If you want to try the mineral veil, the medium size pot (0.3oz) is $20, available HERE. The pot in this kit has a retail value of $2.

My first Ulta haul!

So, that's my awesome haul from Ulta!  Not too shabby for my first time, right? 
Total Cost: $68,  free shipping
Total Retail Value:  $169.86

I tried to keep this short and sweet; I will do dedicated posts on the products I tried and liked (and those I didn't like!), especially if you let me know what you want to hear about first!

So, tell me, did I miss anything awesome at Ulta?  Have you tried any of these products?  Love them? Hate them?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Until next time, my beautiful friends, stay gorgeous...and OnlyAverage!

Disclaimer: I purchased these items with my own money, and any gifts with purchase were because I met the purchase requirements to receive them.  I was neither requested nor required to review these items, and all links in this post are NOT referral links.

PS- Did you know I have a facebook page now??!!  Go HERE to like Only Average Mom on the 'book, and I'll let you know all about everything that is going on here, plus other little updates, things too small to post.  Thank you!  

Liebster Blogger Award Nomination

Hello all of my OnlyAverage friends!

Most of you know that I almost never post on the weekends; my family life is absolutely crazy from Friday evening until Monday morning most weeks. When I popped online Sunday to check my messages, and look over my blog, I saw something that was (to me) unexpected- I had been tagged  for the Liebster Blogger Award!

The Liebster Award was created to honor bloggers with under 200 followers, to help them expand their readership and blogosphere.  I did a little research, and "Liebster" is German for "favorite", so the nominees are for the favorite blogs of those who were last nominated.  I was nominated by The Drunken Beauty, and this is my first nomination, like ever. 

As with any of the fun tags going around, there are some rules for the Liebster Award:
1. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.
2. Each blogger should answer the questions the tagger has set for you.
3. Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award to and link them in your post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the chosen bloggers.
5. Go to that bloggers page and tell them about the award.
6. No tag-backs.

My 11 random and OnlyAverage facts about myself:

1. I once wore Winona Ryder's underpants.  Ok, I'm not sure that she ever actually wore them, but I was working on a movie set, and they had been tagged with her name, but they needed me to use that particular wardrobe selection for a scene, so I wore them.  I think this still counts, don't you? :)
2. I'm a Stay At Home Mom, and it really really irks me when people say to me (my husband included), "What do you DO all day?"  Quick rant: Um, why do you think day care cost SO much?  Raising children is hard, and some days all I do is follow one of them around and clean up the mess.
3.  I am obsessed with television, and I blame it on Netflix.  The ability to watch 8 seasons of a show, with no commercials is just too tempting for this OnlyAverage girl.
4. My family exceeded our data usage, of 249 GB this month, with over a week to go.  I don't know whether to be embarrassed of this fact, or proud of it.  (and yes, we did up our contract to the next plan up, for $15 more, double the speed and 100 more GB)
5. I'm the kind of girl that will break all the rules, just to go down the inflatable slide at the kid's bouncy house play place.  And I'm also the kind of girl who has the luck, where while doing, so, I'll skin my arm while doing so.  Instant karma, gotta love it.
6. Most of the time, while hanging out with my BFF, people aboslutely believe that we are drunk, or high.  99.9% of the time, we are stone cold sober.
7. I once got in a line for the ladies room at Sunfest, and wound up getting the country group Lonestar's autograph.  Guess I was in the wrong line.
8. My dream car is a new-style Volkswagen Beetle, light green, with a tan convertible top.  I'm not entirely sure why, but I really, really want one.  However, I NEVER want a car payment EVER again.  Our vehicles might be pieces of crap, but they RUN WELL, and are PAID FOR.
9. I have a fairly high IQ.  I'm not bragging or anything, because I don't think it's something to brag about.  It gets me in trouble ALL the time; my friends have told me that I've upset others by saying something "smart" and offended someone.  Most of the time, I have NO idea what I even said that was horrible, and have to have it explained to me.
10. I HATE HATE HATE hearing the question, "how tall ARE you?" Yes, I'm a tall person.  I'm 5'10".  No, I don't particularly think I am lucky that I'm tall.  You can shorten pants really quickly; lengthen them- not so much.
11. I've been to both Canada and Mexico, and have never had a passport.  I guess I totally just dated myself there.  Smart move, chicky.  See number 9. 
12. Yes, I know, I was only supposed to list 11 random things, but I'm an over achiever.  My last random fact is that I am probably the MOST socially awkward person that you will ever meet.  I don't understand small talk; and I panic really quickly at a social gathering, and am alone.  I enjoy my own company- don't get me wrong- but in a social setting, I NEED to have someone with me, just so I don't feel like I stand out.  

The 11 questions Drunken Beauty has set for me:

1. If you could only use/purchase one makeup brand for the rest of your life, what would it be? Urban Decay.  Hands down, no contest.
2. What is your go to shade of nail polish for spring? I'm not MUCH of a nail girl, but I really am into Teal right now.  I just purchased a cool new-ish polish, that has magnetic bits in it, that react to a magnet with a pattern in the lid of the bottle.  Super cool.
3. Does cruelty free status impact your decision to buy a product? Absolutely.  I try really really hard to only buy cruelty-free products.  Sometimes I forget to check out a label, but I do make every effort to purchase cruelty-free items whenever I can.
4. Are you a cat or dog person? Why? I used to be a cat person, but then I got a Siamese.  Honestly, it's the only cat in the world who HATES me.  Now I have a fantastic dog, my Jack Russell, and a Chihuahua. My dog (the Jack, named Freckles), loves me, and I am his entire world.  He comforts me when I am upset, he is my protector, and helps round up the kids when it's time to go.  Who wouldn't love that?!
5. What is the last great movie you watched? I think maybe The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  I think that those movies were epic, and I am a total Sci-fi/fantasy nerd; these movies are fantastic, and I can't wait to see The Hobbit when it comes to Netflix next week (or so I hear).
6. Do you prefer red or black licorice? Red, hands down.  I really don't like black licorice.
7. Tell me about your favorite makeup brushes. I have a set of five brushes that was given to me by my best Sister friend, T.  They aren't high end, and I have other brushes that I really like, but the fact that she KNOWS me enough to give me this set for Christmas, means the world to me.  They are awesome brushes, and a pretty blue color (my favorite!), and every time I pick one up, I think of her, and how she "gets" me.  She is an awesome person, and a great friend.
8.  Can you recommend a good eye makeup remover? Yes, I can, but you probably have heard about it.  I use olive oil.  Works great.
9. If you could spend a day with one historical person who would it be and why? Hmmm, this is a hard one.  I might choose Laura Ingalls Wilder because she lived in a changing time, much like this one.  I have always loved her spunk, and how she kept on keeping on when she needed to.  She did anything for her family, and was brave when circumstances called for it. I have a lot of respect for her.  I'm talking about the REAL Laura Ingalls, and NOT the one from TV.  Just sayin'.
10. What is your favorite summer activity? Beach.  That's an easy one.  I could beach every day, for the rest of my life (provided it was warm enough and not raining more than a mist), and be completely and utterly happy.
11. Do you wear the same makeup everyday? Actually, no, I don't.  Depending on my mood, I do lots of different things.  I do have a few "go to" looks, but I change it up ALL the time.  THIS is why I'm a beauty box subscription addict.  I always want to try something new, and it helps keep my shopping addiction at bay.  Sometimes.

 My 11 Questions:

1. If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only bring five things, what would they be?
2. Are you more of a hair, nails, or makeup person?
3. What is your favorite tv show or movie?
4. What is your greatest achievement, and why? (Your kids, if you have them, don't count for this one!)
5. Do you tend to listen, or wait to speak?
6. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose, and why?
7. Why did you decide to start writing a blog?
8. What is the best food you have ever eaten?
9. What is your favorite subscription box, or beauty product if you don't currently subscribe to any boxes?
10.  Are you an "Elvis person" or a "Beatles person"
11.  Who is your role model?

 11 Blogs that I nominate/tag (in no particular order)

1. Whimsical Adventures of a Magical Mom
2. Technicolor Stardust
3. Dahnie Coco
4. Love My Randomness
5. CHUBBYLAM
6. Biggest Little Review Blog
7. The Secret Life of a Pharmacy Student
8. Beauty in the Breakdown
9. Makeup Junkie Life
10. Rebel Damsel
11. This Bliss Life 

I am very honored to be tagged for this award, and this has been really fun! 

Well, what are you waiting for?  Head on out there and check out some amazing blogs!

Until next time, my Average friends, stay lovely!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes Review: Influenster Sugar & Spice VoxBox

I *think* this is my last post featuring the Influenster Sugar and Spice VoxBox.  If you are sick of hearing so much about this box, then this is the last one you will have to endure.  if you are SORRY to see them go, never fear- I'm hoping that since I completed all of the manditory and optional tasks, as well as unlocked and completed all of the brand challenges, that I am active enough to get April's box.  Time will tell. Thanks for sticking with me through my first VoxBox :)

I will be the first to admit that my skin is weird.  It's dry in the winter, and oily in the summer.  Spring and autumn are really anyone's guess: my skin goes all weird combination on me!  When I opened my VoxBox and saw these towelettes in it, I was absolutely interested and intrigued.  I've heard of Witch Hazel before, but have never really used it for anything.  Except that one time when I was camping near Hershey Park and my foot got stuck in a tree root hole and while I was getting my foot out, almost the whole nail of my big toe ripped off and I was a bloody mess; the lady at the next tent over put Witch Hazel on it.  But that was a long time ago.

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel oil-controlling towelettes, box of 20

This huge box holds 20 individually wrapped wipes, and each wipe is 5"x7": the perfect size!  These wipes work to remove dirt, oil and other nastiness from your skin.  The wipes also claim that they eliminate shine.  I have a naturally shiny face, I guess: even after I wash my face, and it is dry as all get out, my nose and chin are STILL shiny.  I tried these wipes out, and my face is still a bit shiny, but not nearly as bad as if I had put nothing on it.  

One of the individual packets with the box

I absolutely LOVE that these come individually packaged: it is SO easy just to toss one into my makeup bag, pocket or (hopefully soon!) my beach bag!  My family is pretty active, and a quick wipe-down with one of these goes a LONG way to keeping my face fresh and clean when we are on the go!

According to the packets, witch hazel "refines pores, removes & controls oil, soothes irritation, and locks in moisture".  I honestly can't think of anyone who wouldn't want all of these things in a towelette!  The only down side is, the smell.  These wipes smell just like Witch Hazel.  Although the scent does NOT trigger my allergies, and i am grateful that Dickinson's hasn't added artificial scents to the wipes, It would be nice if they smelled, well, good.  I am NOT complaining, though- and I will definitely repurchase these when my box is empty.

Coupons!

Another awesome bonus with this product, is that Influenster sent me FIVE $2 off coupons to share with my friends!  You're my friend, right?  Would you like a coupon?  Email me with your address, and I would be happy to send you one, until they are all gone!

Well, all that is left is my final grade for the wipes, and I have to say, that I am very pleased to give them a 4.5/5.  Love these wipes, and I am SURE that I will love them even more, once my oily skin season starts!

Would you like to try these for yourself?  Walmart has them for $5.74 for the same box of 20 that I have.  With one of these $2 off coupons, how can you go wrong?  20 wipes for $3.74. SCORE!

Here is a video review of these towelettes, enjoy!

God, I'm SUCH a spaz!



Have you tried this awesome product?  Love it? Hate it?  Have something better that you recommend?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Until next time, my lovelies- stay beautiful!


What's this, you say?  You've never heard of Influenster?  Well, let me tell you, if you aren't a member of Influenster, you are missing out!  Influenster is a community that has members that review pretty much any product, company and service under the sun!  It's a great place to check out if you are contemplating a new purchase, and to leave a review to let others know if you love, or hate something that you have tried.  Once in a while, members are selected to receive VoxBoxes: boxes full of samples to try and review.  I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Sugar & Spice February VoxBox, and have an awesome time trying out lots of new products!  Oh, did I mention that it's all FREE??!!  Even better!  So, now you know about Influenster, and you want to join?  There is one catch; it's invitation only, but I would be happy to invite you: just shoot me an email (or leave a comment) with your e-mail address, and I'll send you a invitation to join this awesome community!


Disclaimer: "I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."  Although I have received these products at NO charge to me, my thoughts and opinions (as always) are my own, and a true and honest review of the products.  No amount of freebies or money would ever change that!  None of the links in this post are referral links.
  

PS- Did you know I have a facebook page now??!!  Go HERE to like Only Average Mom on the 'book, and I'll let you know all about everything that is going on here, plus other little updates, things too small to post.  Thank you!