beauty blog – Page 4 – Hoots of a Night Al

Purpose Box

July 28, 2016 8 Comments

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” -Albert Schweitzer

This Schweitzer quote personifies the mission behind Purpose Box. Creator Jolie Gray, acted on her own desire to “do something,” and this amazing initiative is the result. Purpose Box is a bi-monthly mail subscription box filled with purchase with purpose items.

Each item is hand-selected with the constant mindset of helping others. Every product in the box has been extensively researched and has its own mission to help others in need. Also, each Purpose Box, has its own purpose. Shocking, right? 😉 Each individual box supports a different cause. So far they have supported adoptions, birth mother retreats, and NICU nesting suites, among others.

Recently, I attended a wonderful event to celebrate Purpose Box’s 2nd Anniversary, and I got to see some of the amazing items they distribute firsthand. The items pictured above are what we all received in our swag boxes, and let me say, they were such a treat!

The items ranged from beautiful stationary to adorable accessories to tasty treats and more! I couldn’t believe the wide array of products available that support so many different causes. It made me realize how easy it can be to shop with purpose every day.

Being the lucky duck that I am, I also won a previous Purpose Box shipment! I was so delighted, because it was filled with even more amazing things! The items pictured below were received by purchasers of the most recent Purpose Box. Each Purpose Box is $40, and from my calculations, the value of what you receive is well above $40.

The selected pieces are diverse, well-made, and actually useful items. Plus, I love that it has things like this Project 7 Rainbow Ice gum, which I can buy at my local HEB. Without Purpose Box, I never would have thought to pick it up because I didn’t realize it sponsors Anti-bullying Programs for kids (plus it tastes delicious!). Part of the idea behind Purpose Box is to encourage people to shop more mindfully and purchase for-purpose items whenever they can.

Possibly the most important part of each Purpose Box is a card letting the buyer know what cause is being supported that month, as well as what each item supports. This particular box said it “helped provide sustainable employment and quality of life for those in developing countries, give back to seven areas of need both in the US and abroad, fight ovarian cancer, provide business education for women, and provide gifts of gratitude for those enduring medical treatments, returning vets, and/or teachers.” Whew! Yes! ALL of that is being supported with just ONE box! Pretty amazing, right?

Also, ALL of the proceeds from that month’s Purpose Box went to OneHope27, which helps aid in the Foster care crisis. Yes, ALL of the proceeds.

It could not be more clear to me that Jolie’s mission with Purpose Box is so pure. Her idea has already supported so many remarkable organizations, and I can’t wait to see what inspiring groups she will partner with in the future. Plus, if the prospect of helping that many people doesn’t get you excited (are you crazy??), she’s a fellow Aggie, so that should be reason enough. 😉

Thank you Jolie, for starting such a remarkable business and sharing your passion with everyone! If any of my readers are interested in purchasing their own Purpose Box or any of the items I pictured above, I will include all of the links below! Purpose Box is bi-monthly, and they sell out very quickly, so make sure to sign up to find out when the next shipment is ready for purchase! Besides, what could be better than receiving a box of things you’ll love in the mail?? Oh wait, I know. Knowing that each and every item included helped someone in need. So amazing.

Purpose Box: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Hands Producing Hope: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Tribute: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Buy the Change: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Banded: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Writefully His: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Kurandza: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Auggie Apparel: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Two Sparrows Roasting Co: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Marie Mae: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

107 Market Street: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Project 7: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Beauty

Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara

July 26, 2016 12 Comments

Hey y’all! Covergirl recently released their Super Sizer Fibers Mascara, and I wanted to share my thoughts on it with you.

According to Covergirl, “Discover 400% more volume and get the look of long, dark, amplified lashes with Super Sizer Fibers Mascara. Our specialized formula contains built-in fibers for the ultimate false-lash
extension effect.”

As you can see above, this mascara definitely adds length and volume to my otherwise light, short lashes. I’m not sure if I have “400% more volume,” as they claim, but my lashes are definitely more dramatic.

The wand has short curved bristles that wrap around the wand in a twisting formation. The idea is that you’re supposed to turn the wand as your brush it through your lashes. I think this helps deposit the product more evenly while separating your lashes. Using the twisting technique definitely improves this mascara application!

This mascara is very similar to the original Covergirl Super Sizer mascara, I previously reviewed. The wand is basically identical, and the formula seems the same with the addition of fibers for length. However, comparing the two, I think my lashes may actually look longer with the original version. YMMV. (Is that abbreviation common enough to use? Your Milage May Vary…let me know. Hahah)

This mascara is flake-free all day, yet it washes off easily with makeup remover. While my lashes look mostly separated in the close-ups below, it took quite awhile to get them that way. The short wand bristles pick up a lot of product and can make it a little difficult to keep your lashes from becoming clumpy. If perfectly separated lashes are your jam, this mascara isn’t for you.

I have only tried Very Black out of their four available colors. I have to ask, does anyone out there actually use Brown mascara? As a committed Blackest Black Black Black mascara fan, I’ve never even reached for anything but that!

Here, I paired my Super Sizer Fibers Mascara with Covergirl’s Perfect Point Plus eyeliner in Espresso. I know, brown liner right after I bashed brown mascara. Hah. In all fairness, I received this eyeliner for free, and it was my first time trying it. I have to say though, I was very pleased! It glided on smoothly, stayed put all day, and created a softer, daytime look.

I love these products together for daytime because the brown liner is softer than my typical black, and this mascara gives my lashes drama without going full glam. They just create a fresh, pretty look. (And yes, those are Mickey Mouse ears peeking into the bottom of the above photo. Like I said…not going full glam over here.)

Overall, I’m pretty pleased with Covergirl’s The Super Sizer Fibers Mascara. I would probably rate it 7 out of 10. It’s not the best mascara I’ve ever used, but the price, availability, and formula give it plenty of pros.

Have you tried it? What did you think?

*FACE MAKEUP: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation & Concealer

*LIPSTICK: Lighter: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, Darker: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Kisses

*EYELINER: Black: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner, Brown: Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Espresso

*BRONZER: NYX Matte Bronzer

*HIGHLIGHTER: e.l.f. Illuminating Palette

I received this mascara & eyeliner for review from Influenster, but all opinions are my own.

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

Beauty

e.l.f. Illuminating Palette

July 8, 2016 10 Comments

Hey friends! Are you a fan of highlighters? I AM. I’m also a fan of not spending tons of money on them. That is where the $6 e.l.f. Illuminating Palette comes in.

In the picture above, I have my full face of makeup on, except for a highlighter. I think it’s still a great look, but highlighter definitely adds that extra pop. Below, I applied highlighter on one half of my face…can you tell which side?

Here…I’ll give you some help!

It’s not a huge difference, but I think on the right my under-eye area definitely looks brighter, and my cheeks have a nice pop of sheen.

This e.l.f. Illuminating Palette is a pretty good bang for your buck…er…six bucks. I often see highlighters referred to as “bright enough to be seen from space.” I don’t know if this highlighter is quite that impressive. If we’re keeping with the atmosphere theme, I bet it could be seen from the stratosphere, though? Not bad for the price!

I typically apply the highlighter on my cheekbones, center of my nose, cupid’s bow, upper chin, and center forehead. I also use the lightest shade to brighten my under-eye area.

This palette definitely adds a subtle, but pretty sheen where applied. It lasts throughout the day very well on me, also.

According to e.l.f., “This beautiful illuminating palette holds 4 gorgeous complementary shades to mix and match for a custom blended radiance that captures, diffuses, and softens the way light reflects on the skin. The soft-focus powders are great for highlighting around the eyes and on cheekbones to enhance the skin with a luminous effect.”

You can see the four shades included below. I typically use a combination of the top two.

e.l.f also says these colors can be used as shadows, which I think could create a beautiful, natural makeup look. I mean, as natural as shimmering eyelids can look, you know.

Like I said, I don’t think these highlighters will be blinding any astronauts, but they’re a great purchase. If you’re wanting to test out highlighting without spending tons of money, give this palette a try!

Have you had luck with any other drugstore highlighters I should check out?

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me

Bronzer: NYX Matte Bronzer

Blush: Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher Pearlescent Pink

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

Mascara: Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions LashBlast Mascara

Lipstick: Le Marc Lipstick by Marc Jacobs in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Beauty

Wet n Wild Color Icon Metallic Liquid Lipstick

June 28, 2016 4 Comments

Wet n Wild’s Limited Edition Summer Line has been flying off the shelves lately, so I figured I would grab some of the products to try myself. The first product I sampled is the Wet n Wild Color Icon Metallic Liquid Lipstick in Chrysanthemum’s the Word.

image source Wet n Wild

It is one of 6 colors in their new Metallic Liquid Lipstick collection and is a true pink hue. The applicator is a classic doe foot style, and it picks up a great amount of product. I was able to cover most of my lips with one pass.

I was happily surprised with the pigmentation of this lipstick! With lighter colors I always worry about them looking streaky, but this was so smooth of covered my lips very well.

They definitely aren’t kidding about the metallic finish either! It catches the light so well, and it stayed super shiny the entire time I had it on.

For some reason, I expected these to dry down matte, but they aren’t advertised that way. They definitely stay wet the entire wear time, which means they will transfer.

I didn’t eat or drink while wearing this liquid lipstick, so I can’t say how well they would stay on through that. However, it did stay perfect the entire time I had it on, with no bleeding, which was a big plus.

The formula claims to be non-drying, and I think that’s a fair statement. It’s not moisturizing by any means, but at no point while wearing it my lips feel dry.

I’m usually not a glossy, shiny lip person, so this was definitely step outside the box for me, but I think I’m a fan! It’s a fun look for summertime, when I feel like everyone is drying to achieve that “summer glow.”

Plus, at $2.99, it’s totally worth the risk, if you don’t like it! Have you tried any of Wet n Wild’s summer collection? I’m trying to get my hands on the highlighting powder next! All about that summer glow, right!?! (And by that I mean the kind of glow I can achieve by applying it with a makeup brush and never seeing the sun…)

Beauty

Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick by Marc Jacobs in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

June 20, 2016 5 Comments

Love this lipcolor? Me too! I love the shade, the formula, the name…everything! Well…everything except the price. Let me back up a bit, though! This is the Le Marc Lipstick by Marc Jacobs in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is referred to as “dusty rose” or “baked rose.” I think that’s the perfect description! It’s a warm rose tone, that is perfect for everyday wear.

I have been wearing it in a few recent posts and out in public, and I get complimented on it more than any other lipstick I own! I think that’s a testament to what a pretty color it is.

It is also super pigmented, so I think the beautiful color will translate regardless of your natural lip color.

The formula is very moisturizing and extremely long-wearing. I wore this to a blogging event last week, and long after eating lunch and drinking water, it was still going strong.

The price is a little steep for my drugstore taste at around $30 a tube. However, I will say this lipstick lives up to the price. If you want a similar look for less, I would recommend Revlon’s Matte Balm in Sultry. It’s another favorite of mine, and it is also a dusty rose color (albeit slightly darker).

What are your favorite lipsticks for everyday?

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