Ofra is a brand that I have slowly come to love. I was exposed to them in subscription boxes and have really liked trying out things I wouldnt usually have picked as first products form a line to try out. But from highlighters and powders I can confidently say I like the brand Ofra. That for me is not only important but it inspired me to make a purchase that I might have hesitated at before.

You see I love the youtuber KathleenLights and her colourpop colabs I have jumped on in the past. With her liquid lipstick with Ofra it was pricier and a color that with my yellow undertones I couldn't be sure would look nice on me. But knowing the product would be quality weather it flattered or not I bit the bullet and made an order.

Im so so glad I did. Now while this color might not be for everyone I have seen women and men with varying skin tones rock this color to perfection. And even if the color isnt for you this brand of liquid lipstick just might be.

Color- Now this is a strange color it reminds me of those Spanish roof tiles, and I kind of love it. Now packed on to much it looks straight up orange on me and I cant wear it. But done with a light hand it a beautiful wash of color that is so gorgeous and very flattering on me. I know it might not work on everyone but it is such an original color and its Limited Edition so if you have had your eye on it id snap it up now.

Formula- Ofra is now my go to for liquid lipsticks, hands down. Im so excited to find a brand I like this much. As someone with dry skin I also can have dry lips and most liquid lipsticks dry down so matte its uncomfortable for me to wear. These start off as moussy and light and the way they dry doesn't settle into every fine line I have. I have an order in on about 5 more of these liquid lipstics including KathleenLights second Ofra colab!

All in all this lipstick is a favorite of mine this year and I hope the ones on the way are just as amazing as this one is. What are some of your guys favorite Liquid lipsticks? Leave any suggestions down below!

My First Publisher Sent Book! {Live To Air}

Reading is a serious passion for me, its no secret. I was the kind of kid that being put on punishment in my room wasn't really to bad because I could open my window, lay on my bed and get lost in a story. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkeban was my go to at times like this as a child because back then it was the only book I owned in the series (The rest had been from my teachers class library.) Now a days I can still find time to do this. When hurricanes and blizzards knock out the TV or electricity im never left bored like the rest of my family because books take no batteries and only need some light, candle if necessary, to see the page. So when the lovely Magdalene from Greenleaf Book Group approached me about reading and maybe reviewing a new novel I was beyond excited. After reading the books synopsis I decided Live To Air was something I could really sink my teeth into.

Live to Air: An Ethan Benson Thriller by Jeffrey L. Diamond- Television, politics, and the Russian mob: Live to Air is a riveting crime thriller, jam-packed with intrigue and unforgettable characters.

Ethan Benson is a charming and principled-if sometimes difficult-television producer in New York City who detests doing crime stories. But that's of no significance to his high-powered boss at the network, and Benson finds himself assigned to investigating a bloody shoot-out in the Meatpacking District, whose old grime and new glitz provide a symbolic background for a sensational murder that has dominated the headlines.

As he pieces together his story, Benson literally covers New York-from Central Park and Fifth Avenue to Little Russia in Brooklyn and Rikers Island in Queens-crossing paths with a fascinating cast of characters on both sides of the law. Unknown to Benson, organized crime may be only one facet of the thrilling investigation. With his wife and son in hiding and his life in danger, Benson draws closer to a resolution that will have explosive results for the criminals-and for some members of New York City's political elite as well.

Tell me this doesnt sound like such an interesting read? I love how it will take you across the city, to these little sub worlds and give insight to a job many of us would know little about. I really love books that give you some world building though they take place in our real world. Im going to be reading and reviewing this on Goodreads and if you want to read along or check the end review my good reads is linked on this blog because again I love it so.

Any new thriller contemporaries that are worth adding to my TBR?

My Current Favorite Palette {Makeup Revolution}

Many might not know I have had a long and sometimes abusive relationship with eye shadow. I had a stage in high school where I wasn't sure why red and pinker shadows didn't work on me... I was just a couple of years before the vampire craze when looking sick would have been totally in. Its been a struggle for me to find this happy place between shadows that look good on my complexion and those that flatter my very dark brown eyes. But ive been working on it and in Those struggles I have found some amazing shadows, this palette is one of my favorites.

Now this beauty is from Makeup Revolution, a new very affordable and high quality brand in the UK. It was gifted to me by my lovely friend Eleanor and I knew instantly id love it. It has shadows in the pink family, it reminded me of the Naked 3. But they were warmer and shimmery and everything the shadows I used in high school were't. Makeup Revolution is a very affordable brand and this sites constantly had offers and sales. I have an ever growing collection between international orders (Which they do with amazing shipping) and gifts. And now they are selling some of their original products here in the states at Ulta!

Now this palette break down into 12 shimmery satin shades and 6 mattes. Thats 18 for a price tag of about $15 here in the states. That is amazing bang for your buck and they are so worth it. True some of the lighter mattes look chalky on me but I feel like thats more to do with my complexion then the shadow and they might work better on someone with fairer skin. Still the whole right hand side of the palette I am obsessed with. Especially the shade in the very top right corner. (Excuse my not knowing the names, they were on a sheet that came inside the palette and has since gone AWOL) With this palette I can final achieve that pinky smokey eye I tried and failed at SO hard when I was 16.

But the Palette is also versatile. I smoke out almost every eye look I do, I cant help myself im a dramatic child of the 80's. But you can do a very toned down everyday look with this, as well as split the different and get something colorful but not super intense. If your building up your own personal makeup stash I think this palette is worth a look at. Its so unique for the drug store, I have nothing like it from elf or NYX. Just all in one complimentary palette for you how can it get better?

If anyone would like a Makeup Revolution swatch fest let me know I have soooo many goodies to share with you all. Also a holiday look with this beauty might be in the foreseeable future! Hope everyone is having an awesome day!

Current Reads

I have been suffering through a serious reading slump. I finished exactly no books in the month of September.... its almost embarrassing for me. I started like four but just couldnt get through anything which sucks. But these are the ones im working on, because I really do like the stories, and I want to know what happens next, but just my desire is in the dumps and I dont understand why, but I need it to stop.

The book I started with is Zombie Fallout because ive been dying for some zombies and the original The Walking Dead was still a month away. Which no fun at all. And this was a cool sit in. Sadly im struggling my way through it which doesn't reflect how amusing I think the book is. Its not scary, it makes me think of the cozy mystery version of the zombie apocalypse. But its funny, its written in diary format and so you really get this look into this guys mind as all this super crazy stuff starts going down. Not some Lit masterpiece but very entertaining and with a twist I wasn't expecting. I cant wait to see where it goes.

My starting The 5th Wave was a case of the TV made me do it. I saw a snippet of the movie trailer and it really made me want to know more. It reminded me of The Host, which was and still is one of my favorite stories. Bring on another post apocalyptic world for me. But this time instead of the living dead we have aliens. Yes im all about that life. And so far im loving it and do have the sequel waiting for me when I finish up.

Fingers crossed I can finish these and a couple more books this month because the fall is my favorite snuggle down with hot chocolate and read time and im wasting it! Any new reads I should add to my TBR pile?

Dorkface Haul

Im slowly finding I have an addiction to Etsy. Now this isnt something I have a problem with, in fact its an addiction im going to encourage. I love knowing I have something thats one of a kind or only a small batch was made and I snagged one. It could be beauty, clothes, crafts, hand made always makes it better. So when I saw one of my favorite bloggers had started her own Etsy shop needless to say I was all about that life. So I took a peek around and gathered some things I just couldnt pass up over at DorkFaceShop

Now please forgive my shop stock photos my own did this very weird fuzzy thing where it was near impossible to tell what things were. But the bits I did pick up were these adorable Lollipop earrings and a phone case with the adorable vintage tattoo looking print tagged with the word Blogging. I know take a moment to bask in the adorableness.... Now the earrings were bigger then I expected though still studs so not tangled in my hair when its down and a cute piece when my hair is up. And the phone case is so simple and cute. Its not so slick I drop my phone but not so textured that it feels awkward to hold. Its a nice medium and has been on my phone since I got the package.

The shipping was so super fast and all the way from Liverpool in the UK to me here in New Jersey. Id wanted to show the package because it was so cute with drawings and stickers but there was no way to obscure my address so ill just have to tell you about it. The envelope was a milky brown so the pink stickers were so adorable against it. Everything was nicely packaged in bubble wrap and came in one piece which can always be a toss up with the rough treatment packages are given in shipping, especially through customs.

I already have my eye on a few other bits from her shop because she has some really cute stuff and the whole experience from beginning to end was a pleasant one. Heres to more shopping!

My AudioBook Library

So everyone knows im a huge nerd right? No secret I love books, I love learning and reading is a huge part of my ever evolving mind. Its my greatest love my longest love... yes im a nerd and I love it. Because I love books I have physical copies, hard and soft covers, e-books and slowly but surly a growing audio book collection. Its not huge but considering how much they can run im proud of my little collection.

Sadly my audible app doesnt have a pretty book self setup like I had hoped. But think of this as my first #shelfie which I think is pretty cool. I know 11 isnt a massive amount but I think they are awesome and will be adding to it in time. The ones im most excited about? Yes Please, Bossy Pants and Under the Dome. Now the last is just such a big physical book I dont know if id ever get over my intimidation of it to read it in paper.

Wish you could read more but dont have alot of time? Audio books might be for you. You can listen to them when you drive, cook, are working out. Even if its just a chapter a day while you are in the shower, it adds up. I have two small kids and sometimes listening just means I can get through more books then sitting down to read.

Im thinking maybe this should be a series. Paperback library anyone? Kindle Library? Box sets? I think this could be a thing we can have some fun with. Ever Tried Audio books before? What are some of your favorites I just have to pick up?

September BoxyCharm!

If there is one subscription box that never ever lets me down, its BoxyCharm. The Value of the products is always so far above the cost of the box and they always mix it up, sometimes its makeup heavy, sometimes there's a lot of skincare. They are so good for including things for your hair and nails and not all boxes and bags that come monthly are good about that kind of thing. So let me show you all the super exciting things I got this month from the lovelies at BoxyCharm.

SCRATCH Nail Wraps- These were oddly one of the things I was soooo excited about. I love nail wraps. They keep alot of work out of doing my nails because im sloppy and really messy when I paint my nails. So these being so beautiful and LE were just so welcome. I cant wait to try them out. And taking a look at their site if I get on well with them I will be getting more designs. Retails:$12

Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES Liner- I LOVE tarte, just as a brand I get why they can run a pretty penny. The quality is never at fault with Tarte. And I love that this as a brown liner. True usually im game to get another black, I use black liner more then anything else, that smokey middle eastern look fits my face so well. But this brown is golden, and sparkly but not with chunks of glitter. Its just so beautiful! Retails:$19

Vasanti Professional Foundation Brush- This Brush is so so soft! I just had to get that out of the way. Now I dont usually use this kind of brush for foundation but I saw a suggestion online to try this style brush for your concealer... and I need to try it because I feel like the application would be amazing. Retail:$32

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel- I will admit I am a brow gel novice. When it comes to me and my brows I prefer a powder or a gel that is in a tub, something more like my dip brow. BUT I am excited to try this because I can have unruly hairs and I rarely have full face makeup days. So on no makeup days this could be a life saver. Retail:$18

Previse Skincare Hydramilk Hydrating Lotion- Now this was something I was soooooo excited to get. Im a dry girl as anyone who has been around here for a while would know. And something about the name Hydramilk makes me think of this Egyptian queen taking a milk bath and its lavish and its decadent and I love it. It could be a total gimmick, but im totally into trying it out and see if it really works. Retail:$48

BONUS ITEM- A travel/sample size of Kardashian Beauty Black Seed Dry Oil. I havent tried any of the hair products from Kardashian beauty and an oil in sample size can still give you so many uses. So I am very very excited to try this oil!

This box cost me $21 and the total price of the products inside was an astounding $129! So so so worth the cost of your box. And every month BoxyCharm delivers with this amazing quality! If you can only afford one subscription this really needs to be the one you choose because its so far beyond worth the money and you get to try so many amazing high end products. If anyone would like a more indepth review of anything mentioned above drop me a comment letting me know. And to check out more about this amazing box check out BoxyCharm.

Dream Style ft. Betsey Johnson

I think its true with every guy and gal around that we all have a style all our own. For some of us its the only thing we wear, for others its the way we decorate our home, or the style of art that draws us. For me I would love to have my wardrobe reflect my personal style. Because I have this deep love affair with designer Betsey Johnson. Sadly I don't have a bank account that can support this habit. Still the lust I have is so real. So recently when on twitter I saw this picture posted from the beauty Betsey Johnson herself and had to show this little snippet into my person style.

Now this Boho Hippie Chic is all me. I love the flow and the colors and just this vibe taking back to the 70's (not that I was alive then I was totally born in the 80's) it just works for me. I have impossibly long hair so it too can be flowy and it all just vibes for me. Add a flower crown and some natural makeup, a pouty nude lip and sun kissed face. With either some moccasins or ankle boots with a solid heel and some fringe. I love it. Now I did price check the items from the Betsey Johnson website, and for the bag I went for the tan option because it was my favorite. Though on the site they have black, tan and white!

Bell Sleve Boho Dress Retails: $138.00

Fringe Party Bucket Bag Retails: $118.00

As you can see they arent cheap but so worth it over all. Accounting for another $50 for the boots id like it would run me just over $300. Sadly not in my price range right now but ill keep wishing for them until i can swing it.

Whats your dream style? A favorite designer not enough people appreciate?

Septembers Ipsy Glam Bag!

Another beauty subscription? Why yes, because I have many and I love them all. I feel like maybe in time I can stop with them, I have a ton of makeup, skincare and hair care but im always trying to find something better. Its like pursuit of the American Dream but instead of trying to become filthy rich I want to find the perfect cream for my curls. But I digress, this is about sharing all the amazing things I got in this months Ipsy bag!

The Products-

Liptini Special Edition Lipstick in Scarlet Cocktail- Now this one I was so so excited about and it is even better then I expected it to be! Its not only so creamy and has that vanilla MAC smell but its such a good color! The staying power is really really good for such a creamy lipstick and with a liner I got hours out of it. Its moisturizing and such an easy application though since it has such a rounded edge id suggest those with smaller lips might prefer using a lip brush with this instead of going right form the tube. It was much easier to cleanly apply to my larger bottom lip them my lightly smaller upper lip. But by no means a deal breaker, this lipstick is amazing and will be one of my fall staples.

NYX Cosmetics ipsy Eye Shadow Trio- Now I love simple eyeshadow palettes. Small enough to keep in my bag, great color pay off and affordable? Sign me up! So when I saw this exclusive NYX shadow set was on its way to me I was so so excited. NYX shadows are always so pigmented, easy to work with and really affordable. So while this one cant be found in stores they have so many great little sets and loose shadows that are worth having a look at.

Eau Thermale Avène Soothing Moisture Mask- Now this is one I havent tried yet. The properties on it sound amazing "This rich, creamy, non-setting skincare mask provides intensive soothing care to dehydrated and over-stressed skin." Im all about that life. But considering this is such a tiny trial size (.16fl oz) and I have SUCH dry skin I dont want to waste it on a normal try on. Its being saved to try on a pamper night which should be super fun.

Bayberry Naturals Rosehip & Hibiscus Moisturizer- This smells like nothing which was so disappointing! I was expecting this amazing tropical kind of floral and it has no scent. Bummer for me but for anyone who loves a naked scent so it doesn't clash with your other products then this is right up your ally. But scent aside does this work? Yes it feels so good on the skin makes you feel soft and supple and settles into the skin nicely, no greasy feeling that makes it uncomfortable to touch things after the fact.

Formula X Nail Color in Ignite- The excitment was real when I saw this was in my glam bag! I love formula X and while its not the most expensive polish in the world its not the cheapest either. Also its from Sephora so if you are like me and without a local store its online orders or nothing. So I only have a couple of this line but they are all so amazing. Worth the price tag I assure you. And this color is not only perfect for fall but goes with the lipstick we got as well! Talk about lucky, I am one of those weirdos that love to match my nails to some aspect of my makeup, usually my lips.

Not only was all of this amazing to get but in one of the cutest glam bags that we have ever got! Seriously its in the top five and feels super sturdy. Over all this was an amazing glam bag and I cant wait to see what we get next month! If you dont yet get ipsy and want to check it out you can find more information on this epic service HERE. And if you are a suspcriber already let me know what goodies you got different from mine, and how your liking anything you got in this months bag.

Empire Season 2 Premier Review {No Spoilers}

If there is one thing I love its getting into a good TV show. And while I complain regular TV doesn't let you binge watch things, there is something to be said for the anticipation of that show day coming and sitting down with friends or family and enjoying that hour together. For the last couple of years those shows have been The Walking Dead and the now completed Sons Of Anarchy. But last year a new show came along staring my loves Taraji P Henson and Terrance Howards and before I had even seen the show Empire was something I knew I would love.

Now ive seen the show described as a Shakespearean hip-hopera and that is so on the mark its uncanny. Take equal parts love of music, the ability to hustle and having a give no f*cks attitude and this sums up Empire. But though the structure is very harsh and the backdrop is this glamorous world colored by the not so glorious life of the streets the underlying story is about family, loyalty and honor. And how people have, use and abuse these.

In the first season you meet Lucious and his estranged wife Cookie, their three sons and the music empire they as a family have all in one way or another contributed to. And it is amazing! If you have seen the first season then you know just what I mean. And if you haven't its worth the look. Its got a lot of very gritty and real aspects, things that people from the big cities in America will understand and identify with. I myself was born in Philadelphia like the shows characters and I can attest to the realness they portray, even when things go over the top the mood and that attitude is very on point.

Each character gives you something to love and hate. And the ever changing alliances you feel to them just speaks to how real they are. Real people making real good or bad decisions that you either love or hate. And its not just the main family you have to fall in love with. They have friends and people they work with, a wealth of side characters that are so real and often times funny or the voice of reason to be heeded or ignored.

They have started season 2 off with a bang! You see all of our old favorites, some new people sprinkled in and even more drama! The music is already off to such an amazing start too! And since last season every week the music on the show was then available on Itunes I cant wait to update my Empire collection! There wasnt one dull moment in the premiere and if last season is any indication thats going to stay true for the rest of the season.

Is anyone else as obsessed with Empire as I am? Any other returning shows or new additions to the fall lineup that everyone just needs to check out?

Hair Care Wish List! Inspired by Elsa Pataky

Its no secret to everyone that knows me that just about ever celebrity I see I have an immediate love for if I like some body of work they have done. For actors that list is vast but i don't skimp on loving the women who influence Hollywood and style either. Im all about the love. But one of the ladies I love the most is Elsa Pataky, the Spanish beauty who has been in countless movies, in Spanish and English, married Thor (yes she gets to go home to Chris Hemsworth people) and has three of the cutest kids ive ever seen. Shes an advocate for womans rights, ocean conservation and being a healthy all around good person. If you can have role models in your late twenties she is mine without question.

Now Elsa (I keep having to stop myself from calling her Queen Elsa... understand my love for her) has a blog over on Glamour Spain and I follow it religiously. I do not speak anything close to good Spanish and can read even less then that. And since shes from Spain the Spanish I learned from a family hailing from the Caribbean isn't as proper. Still I use google translate when I need and guesstimate the rest. Its nice, the little snippets of her life she shares and better when she talks about beauty and health and just lifestyle things. She had one such post last week about caring for your hair, and now I have an entire wishlist of things I'm working on getting for my own hair care needs.

Elsa being this famed actress has some expensive tastes on some thing and some cheaper tricks that I now want to try. Once such budget tricks I already have ordered and cant wait to try. But these are the others that will take more time to get, either from a high price tag or seriously needing to find a European Vendor that ships to the US.

Now this GHD straightener is one of those high ticket items. They run alot but after checking for youtube videos to see it in action on coarse hair I'm sold. Right now I use a Chi and its good, it knocks out my kink and leaves my usually frizzy hair very soft and straight. The problem is it takes multiple passes to do so and the more time heating the hair the more damage you do to it. So I'm anxious for this one which I've seen so far work miracles.

According to Elsa this leave in condition she discovered while in Spain leaves hair feeling soft and smelling amazing. As Elsa and her family are known for days out and lots of swimming in the ocean her word here is gold. I live near the ocean and even our air is salty, it corrodes paint jobs on cars and can make your hair and skin extra dry. So im really excited for this. INTERCOSMO ILMAGNIFICO is from Italy and so I need to get it through ebay but I will get my hands on it.

"I love ORIBE Because of Their quality products and Because They leave your hair smelling great, Especially the conditioner." Elsa Pataky. As someone with very curly fine hair im always in need for a good conditioner and this one has some pretty good reviews. For me a cheaper shampoo is fine but having a solid conditioner is key so I can justify the higher price tag.

I know my love for this womans opinion comes with a high price tag. But skin like hair is important and there might just be a skincare wishlist coming very soon. But really even with a bare face and wet hair she is stunning and doing something right.

So those will hopefully someday soon be the new regiment to making my hair silky soft and smooth! Anything else I need to add to the wishlist for perfect hair? What are some celebrities that inspire your beauty regiments?

Barnes & Noble Haul!

Ok, more books, I know I'm in a reading slump and I've got a ton of books being delivered to the house. But in my defense I can have books on my shelves for years before I read them and then I binge the whole series... and when a sale is on you must take advantage!

Now I'm am always a bargain shopper. Im a sucker for a sale and while it always means I spend more in the short term to make sure I get free shipping or meet a price tier for a percentage off it ensures im not paying full price for things I want in a couple weeks time. So win win in the long run.

Now for this little shopping spree B&N was having a sale two for three on select paper backs on sale for $10 already. Then one of the books was $4, and the last I got to use a 10% coupon on good for a single book... so over all it was an amazing sale. What should have run me $73 retail cost me about $34 so I got everything for more then 50% off!

The Books-
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Golden Son by Pierce Brown
Ready Player One by Earnest Cline
Sempre by J.M. Darhower
Sempre: Redemption by J.M. Darhower

I am so so excited by these buys! All of them had been books I had looked at before, most on BookOutlet and sold out before I could get my hands on them. So to find the sales here and now were just amazing. If you aren't signed up for email notifications with your favorite book vendors I suggest you try it out. You get updates on sales and sometimes coupons just for being awesome and you. And the savings stack up!

Any books I simply need to add to my TBR? Any sites that are great for fellow bargain shoppers we all need to know about?

I Covet Thee! Fashion To Try ~ LYDC London Bag!

Now anyone who has known me for five whole minites knows I am a bag girl. Even considering I give older ones to my mother, cousin or daughter I still have upwards of twenty bags. Two coach bags that are my pride and joy, two Steve Maddens I couldn't leave behind and the woman who owns my fashion heart, Betsey Johnson, of whos bags I have six! (Plus two wallets some jewelry and sunnies but whos counting?) But it is plain to see I have a varying fashion sense, moods and styles to match each and love just a little bit of everything. Like my iPod my closet is also eclectic and I love it like that. Those who know me will also be able to tell you just how impulsive I can be with shopping, but also completely cheap! Its true I know how to pinch a penny and my need to own it all is constantly warring with my need to keep a single dollar bill in my wallet.

So heres my problem. I have been eyeing this bag for roughly a year... maybe a little bit longer. And its beautiful and funky and amazing. Its different which I like, and many probably would say its tacky... another tell tale sign of my fashion sense. But I want it so!

Now take a second and just look at it! I know holographic stuff was way on trend last year and that's probably why it was made. Now a year later I feel like its less of a fad which I like more. The golden color with the gold hardware just screams me. Isn't it amazing? Now the bag is called the Argill Holographic Shoulder Bag by LYDC in Gold and it retails for £29.00 which I feel like in the UK would be a legit bag price. Plus is beautiful I mean so worth the money. Even with conversions it would be about $50 which I've done for a Betsey bag.

The shipping is whats been holding me off, to the states its about £15 which brings the price of the bag up to about $70 total and I just keep balking at the after conversions numbers. Still im going to get it. Im not sure when but it will happen. This pretty will be mine! Luckily if you are in the UK or Ireland the shipping is about £5 unless you spend X amount on the site and then its free! Which is an amazing deal. I also believe its less for the rest of Europe and I feel like these bags are so worth it to check and see what the price runs for you.

This particular bag comes in 5 colors including Black so really anyone else who thinks its as gorgeous as I do id go and take a look at them. And Then we can be bag twinsies! Is anyone else totally in love with this bag? Have another unique find I need to see? As ever drop a comment to dish with us ^_^

September Halal Beauty Box!

I love a good beauty box. Ive gotten Glossy Box, Boxy Charm, Birchbox and Ipsy. So when I got a follow on Twitter from Halal Beauty box with the offer of your first box free with signing onto their first months box I looked more into them. And I was so eager to check this company out! So today i'm going to tell you about the company and show you what goodies I got in this months box!

Now if you are like me, Halal was not a term id used in everyday conversation but with some google and a glance around their site I came across a post that explained it all.

In Islam, "Halal" means acceptable, permissible, and good. Halal is to Islam as Kosher is to Judaism. Most people know about Kosher Beef or Halal Chicken, but those same people aren't aware of the fact that the vast majority of cosmetics are not Halal (or Kosher). Many products feature pork fat, gelatin, tallow and other animal byproducts.The one thing that sets us apart from any other major beauty company or subscription box is our brand standards. We only feature and stock Halal beauty products. This means...
1. Our products have no animal ingredients or byproducts.
2. Our products are cruelty-free.
3. Our products do not contain alcohol.
4. Our products are ethically sourced.

So not only is this box a sound investment if you are a beauty lover who is religious but anyone who is vegetarian or vegan would really benefit from products like these. I am none of the above but knowing how natural and in some cases organic the beauty products are really intrigues me.

Now can I gush about how amazing a box they curated? Everything arrived in this little black box which made me think of this beauty box being like a little black dress, perfect. It had alot of those little white wormie papers which in my haste to get to my goodies ended up in the trash before I could take proper pictures.

The Products-
Wabi-Sabi Botanicals Clay Mask- The only thing in the box I havent tried yet so I don't have first impression of. But the concept of this is amazing. With a mask thats already moist it has the potential to dry out in a couple months. This has a self life of a year, you simply add water to make the paste in your desired consistency per use. How amazing is that? Im really really excited about using this, I love giving myself at home facials. And this runs for $24.00, almost the entire cost of the box itself.
Lippie Girl Vegocentric Organic Vegan Lipsticks- Now im unsure but assuming that these came in different shades, mine was in Ski-Bunny. In a word this lipstick is amazing. It had cooked in our northern heat here but i fixed the lipstick in the tube and it still went on smoothly. It is a nice color, a little light but since its a more pink nude I warmed it up with the liner from this box and it looked so good on the lips. If you are darker then my medium light complexion I think my shade would come off kind of concealer lip on you. So id use it as a mid lip brighter. Make your lips look fuller by using the in the center, gives that pout effect. This retails for $23.00
Lippie Girl Extra Virgin Lip Gloss- This is the perfect old school simple clear gloss. It smells like lemons tinged with coconut and it feels so super smooth and glossy without being super greasy or worse extra sticky. And because its yellow and has zero color payoff on the lips its perfect to top any matte lip you want to shine up without altering your lipstick shade underneath. Alone or over something else I think this one is going to become a purse staple. This retails for $15.00
FX Cosmetics UK Lip Pencil - My shade in this was Mauve, again im not sure if everyone got the same one. BUT IT IS PERFECT! Im in love and this is my new favorite lip liner. It warmed up my lipstick so much and gave me this ombre effect on my lips. But alone I could line my whole mouth with this, top it with the clear gloss and have the most pouty 90's lips around. Its AMAZING! My favorite thing in this months box. This retails for $11.50
FX Cosmetics UK Duo Pencil Eyeliner- My liner came in Aqua/Blue and can i say how soft and buttery they are??? Like seriously like butter gliding over the skin. They dont pull or tug on application and I had to rub a bit harder to clean it off on the first try. Its promising and I cant wait to do mermaid eyes with this pencil! And finally this retails for $11.50

The total retail value for my box comes to $85! And that cost of a monthly subscription is only $27.95 in the US! Can you tell i'm excited? I know its not the cheapest box around, but its really worth having a look at. And if its something that religiously or culturally is significant, or morally your an all vegan type this is the box for you! You can find out more about them here.

I cant wait to see what this company comes with next month, it a subscription I think is so worth the money. Is anyone else going to check out this brand? In the market for the new it beauty box?

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Honey Bath Review

We all have certain products that we use when we are feeling special. It could be a fancy dinner and you break out your special perfume, or a bag you only use for a black tie event. I have a couple such products, a Marc Jacobs eyeshadow palette that I use for nights out, a NARS lipstick that has the same special place. But theres one thing I have and only use when I'm feeling extra fancy. The Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Honey Bath gets broken out when I have had a very bad day and need to seriously relax.

Now this product runs about $45 so its a serious splurge for a bubble bath. Before I dished out the money I read around, blog reviews and youtube posts. I believe the first time I saw this it was on Zoellas youtube channel, possibly in a monthly favorites? I could be wrong about that as it was a long time ago. But eventually I thought it might be worth a try. Nothing you use for everyday, at that price point you'd have to have a serious bank account to afford nightly baths with this kind of bubble bath.

I tried it for the first time (after a good couple months of refusing to touch it because it cost so much and was so pretty I didn't want to ruing it) and I was a little underwhelmed. Let me explain. As a bath milk, a soak where you leave the water feeling soft and supple and smelling amazing its really nice. It didnt change my life of my skin which naturally is very very dry but nice all the same. But its not a bubble bath as some like to claim. It does foam, and give you some bubbles but the amount you would need to use to make a bath full of bubbles would be entirely to much, especially at how much it would run you per oz.

The scent does linger and its clean yet sweet and so so nice. You leave the water feeling soft and well I felt a little fancy. I got into bed after the bath and the scent was very calming, I slept hard and I think the way I fell asleep so soundly and so quickly was because of that. So is it worth the hype? I cant say that. It didnt change the way I bathe, or how I care for my skin. I cant say you need this at $45.... BUT, if you want a treat, something nice for special times and you can take the hit to your wallet it is totally worth the try. Its really nice if you take it as just a nice bath soak instead of a bubble bath.

Have any of you tried this? Have any tricks to get the bubbles a bit more bubbly? Leave any suggestions for me and each other down below!

Colourpop Haul!

HAUL TIME! No but the best kind of haul ever.... COLOURPOP! For those of you who haven't heard of this baby brand they are a super drugstore priced makeup line with the BEST quality around. They just celebrated their first birthday and since day one have had amazing products. Ive been using them since just about the beginning and they just keep getting better! I'm planning a full swatch fest and review of all of my Colourpop collection but that's for later days. Now to see the goodies I got!

Now for an Overview of what everything is. I got 2 shadows, 2 lippie stix, 2 lippie pencils and 2 of their new liquid lipsticks. They have blushes, bronzers and highlights on the site as well but in this order I didn't nab any of those. Also there was more to this order but it was presents for a swap i'm doing with a friend so those have to be secret! Everything I purchased retails for $5 except the liquid lipsticks which go for $6.

The Haul-
Eyeshadow In Sequin
Eyeshadow In Envy
Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick In Bumble
Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick In Clueless
Lippie Pencil In Poison
Lippie Stix In Poison
Lippie Pencil In Grunge
Lippie Stix In Grunge

Now I have used in the past the pencils, lipsticks and shadows. The only thing I haven't tried yet from this brand is actually the liquid lipsticks. But knowing Colourpop I think they will be epic, though I will keep you posted. Their price point is just so amazing, even if you only wanted to try one thing from every section, its so worth the price. Do bear in mind their cheek products run about $8 but they are significantly bigger then the shadows and soooo nice. I really cant say one bad thing about this brand. To be totally candid I already have more things in my cart. The lippie pencils and stix are both from their 90's collection, and they had a shadow in that collection I wanted so badly. Unfortunatly it is sold out. But when its back in stock Stereo is so worth a gander, its so beautiful in swatches on the site.

Have you guys given into the Colourpop craze yet? Any colors I absolutely need in my life? Leave recommendations for me and each other down below!

Mean Girls Book Tag!

Yes, you are not mistaken, this is possibly the BEST tag I have ever come across! Of course I wasnt tagged, I know shocking right? But no really I saw this on youtube and was so anxious to do this sucker for myself. This tag was created by Sarah over at The Book Life and shes just a genius, im putting that out there. So lets get to whats gonna be some gif heavy questions!

1) "It’s pronounced like Cady” - Which fictional character’s names did you get completely wrong? For me this is hands down Hermione Granger. As a kid I said her name like Her-moan, and im not sure why that seemed so right. I grew up with the books as they came out and there was no movies to correct me and no google to check it on so yea... I was way way off.

2)“She doesn’t even go here!” - Which character would you like to place in a fictional world from another book or series? I was torn on if torturing a bad character was best served here or rewarding a good one? But im going to go with Elias from An Ember In The Ashes... I loved him so and his world sucked so hard and he would have just been great as like one or Robin Hoods men. So id like to send him to Sherwood Forest and let him be a merry bandit.... Yes I like that one.

3)“On Wednesdays we wear pink!” - Repetition. Repetition. Which book gave you dejavu of another book whilst reading it? I feel like any dystopian at this point gives me similar vibes. Lots of the same feels, but then thats why I seek those types of books out so there is that?

4)"You all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it okay for guys to call you sluts and whores." - Which book gave you the complete opposite of girl power feels? I dont really have one for this. I kinda only seek out books with strong female leads. Even when I hate them as a character (*coughs* Katniss) I still can see their strength and how they carry these stories and their worlds. So I am totally out of this answer.

5)“You go Glen Coco!” - Name a character you felt like you wanted to cheer on whilst reading. RUFUS MERLE!!! From The Sons Of Thestian. He was my baby from like page three and I needed him to be ok, and overcome all the crap he had to deal with... im his flippin champion and he just needs to win at all of life.

6)“Get in loser, we’re going shopping!” How long do you typically spend at a book shop? Now this is a tough one! Do you remember when borders closed down? Yea thats the last time I have lived close enough to a book store to go in and really shop. So I do most of time shopping online... and I wont lie I can spend hours doing just that. But given the chance I can browse a bookstore for hours and not feel bad about it. I love it, there no better feeling them rooting around through thousands of books for something special just for you.

7)“It’s not my fault you’re like in love with me or something!” - Which character would have to get out a restraining order on you, if they were real? Shane Baxter AKA Bax, from Better When Hes Bad..... just give me a minute. I have a thing for the bad boy. Theres only two nice guys in my life I love the rest are those assholes you cant help but love. Its my type and im so aware of it. And Bax grew up rough, hes had a hard life and he doesnt say sorry for doing what he has to and being who he is. Now hes also not the type to call the cops so I wouldnt get a record from this but yes, just all the yes.

8)“I can’t help it that I’m popular.” - Which overhyped book were you cautious about reading? Throne of Glass... and im still kinda hesitant to start. I also think the covers are just ugly so if I did read the I think it would be on the kindle. But the hype is so strong I dont know that I could go there just yet.

9)“She’s a life ruiner. She ruins peoples lives.” - We all love Regina George. Name a villian you just love to hate. ARLEN ZACHARY! Again from The Sons Of Thestian. Hes showcased as the guy doing some not so cool things right off in this book and im just like not cool. But also im like I love you, and want to protect you, your snarky and precious.... see my type is showing again.

10)“I’m not like a regular Mom, I’m a cool Mom.” - Your favourite fictional parents. The Weasleys.... and I need to know in all seriousness has anyone said any different to this question?? Though honorable mention to Torin and Nora Merle for making the amazing Rufus Merle all he was... thank you for that you awesome fictional parents you.

11)“That is so Fetch!” - Which book or series would you love to catch on? The Sons of Thestian! Seriously people its a must read. I have every intention of preordering the second book the second I can... like I need it in my life. I have an unspoilery review up of it here and it is just so worth the read! Im in love if you couldn't tell.

12)“How do I even begin to explain Regina George?” - Describe your ideal character to read about. I love the smart girl who knows shes smart and is not afraid to show it! Yes kick some ass, take all the names. Save the world with your bad self. Be flawed and vulnerable and epic, be it all and I love you so much for being an amazing hot mess with a brain and smart mouth to match.

13)“I just have a lot of feelings.” - What do you do when a book gives you a bad case of ‘the feels’? List time! The Sons Of Thestian, Harry Potter but especially Order Of The Phoenix, An Ember In The Ashes, Clipped Wings, Clockwork Princess, The Vampire Academy (I dont remember which book but the one where the thing happens to Demetri... ugh, cried people I cried)

14)“Nice wig Janice, what’s it made of?” "Your Mom’s chest hair!” - Which characters one liners would you love to claim for your own? Will Herondale.... One of the many reasons hes one of my book boyfriends... hes just that good.

15)“Boo, you whore.” - Name a time a characters decision has made you roll your eyes Tris mother-effin Prior.... OH MY GOD never has a person in a book made me more mad with their poor life decisions.... just no Tris, no.

That is it for the means girls book tag! I enjoyed that i think way more then I should have. I tag anyoe who fancies doing this tag, on tumblr, youtube or your own blogs, I think its an epic tag and soooo much fun! If anyone does their own please leave the links below so I can check out your answers as well!